Newsletter Term 2 Week 8, 20.6.2025
Principal's News
Retirement
After giving 25 years of her life to serve the community at St Anthony's Primary School, Mrs Anthea McMahon has announced her intention to retire at the end of 2025.
It is hard to put into words just how much Anthea means to our school community over the years and the lives that she have touched during her time. Anthea has been the face that welcomed every child and family with warmth and a smile, the calming presence in moments of worry or hurt, and the helping hand always ready to care for those who needed it the most.
Anthea's love for our children has been felt in every bandaid placed, every ice pack applied, every comforting word, and doing whatever it takes to make sure our children were safe, loved, and cared for. Whether helping organise events, assisting teachers or simply being the friendly face that brightened the front office, she has given her heart to our school.
Anthea, you will be deeply missed, but we look forward to celebrating your incredible contribution to Catholic Education with a proper farewell later in the year.
NAIDOC Week
Today, our school came together to celebrate the rich culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of NAIDOC Week.
A huge thank you to Shannon and Jason for coming today and sharing your knowledge with us. We learnt so much and truly appreciate your time and teachings. We participated in educational talks, explored Indigenous languages and discovered the incredible craftsmanship behind traditional weapon-making.
The day was also filled with fun and creativity, from face painting and beading to decorating our school mural and enjoying Indigenous games with our friends.
A huge thank you to Mrs Field for organising this meaningful and joyful day of learning, connecting and celebrating together.
Maternity Leave
Today we celebrated Mrs Alexandra Field's last day before she commences Maternity Leave. As our Aboriginal Education Worker, Alex does an incredible job and what a wonderful day to finish on as we celebrated NAIDOC Week.
We wish Alexandra and her beautiful family all the best during this very special time and we can't wait to meet the newest addition to the family over the coming months.
Acts of Kindness
So many times in life we have the opportunity to help other people. This can be in small ways like giving someone a smile, speaking nicely to people, inviting and including people in our games or group, helping someone when they are hurt or even as simple as listening to someone when they need to tell you something.
Helping other people makes you feel good and God wants us to help others just like Jesus did. When we work together and help each other we are showing the face of Jesus and we can do amazing things. Take some time this week to think about all the little things people are doing to help each other and what you could do at school and at home to help others.
Report Cards
Report Cards are important to keep parents informed about the learning that is taking place at school and how each child is progressing through the curriculum.
Reports cover a lot of what we do at school, however, it is not possible to report on all learning that takes place. Children learn so much during a semester that it would take more time to report on the learning than it would to plan the learning experience itself.
Therefore we report in the main subject areas and the main strands in each subject. Literacy and numeracy are reported on in more detail as these are the subjects to which we devote the most school time.
We have a culture here at St Anthony's where we view all learning as important whether we report on it or not. Indeed, not all learning can even be assessed and therefore reporting on that makes it even more difficult.
Students are encouraged to develop a love of learning where the experience of discovery is a greater reward than reading a good mark or grade. Of course, good marks and grades are important but all learning is important whether it is assessed and reported on or not.
Semester One reports will go live in Compass on Monday Week 10. You will be able to access your child's report by clicking on your child’s name/profile and then clicking the reports tab.
The Semester One report outlines your child’s achievement and growth in relation to what they have been taught across all Key Learning Areas up until this point of the year. Students' knowledge and understanding is graded against a common grade scale.
Students in Kindergarten will be graded against a three point scale:
- working towards
- working at
- working beyond.
Students in Years 1-6 will be graded against a five point scale:
- Elementary
- Basic
- Sound
- Thorough
- Extensive
The purpose of the Learner Profile is to provide parents with a holistic picture of their child. This includes their learning behaviours and social skills at school.
If you would like to discuss your child's report with their teacher, please contact them via email to book an appointment.
From the Calendar
Week 9, Term 2, 2025
- Monday 23 June - School Photo Day (MSP Photography)
- Monday 23rd June - 2:15pm School Assembly
- Tuesday 24th June - Athletics Carnival
- Wednesday 25th June - Year 5 Planetarium Excursion
- Thursday 26th June - 3-6 Mass 9am
Week 10, Term 2, 2025
- Monday 30th June - Stage 2 and 3 Choirs
- Wednesday 2nd July - Stage 1 Choirs
- Wednesday 2nd July - 5:30pm Narrators Night
- Thursday 3rd July - K-2 Mass 9am
- Friday 4th July - Rewards Day- Last day of Term 2
Week 1, Term 3, 2025
- Monday 21st July - Pupil Free Day
- Tuesday 22nd July - Pupil free Day
- Wednesday 23rd July - First Day of Term 3 for all students
LEARNING AND TEACHING
Young Authors Shine in the WriteOn Competition
At St Anthony’s, we love to nurture creativity and celebrate the power of student voice. This term, a group of high-potential writers from Stage 2 and Stage 3 have been working closely with Mrs Naylor to refine their writing skills in preparation for the prestigious WriteOn writing competition.
Using the stimulus of “Could They Be Changing”, students explored ideas through rich language, imaginative structure, and thoughtful reflection. The quality of the writing produced was nothing short of incredible, making the selection process very competitive. With only one entry permitted per stage, the stakes were high.
Stage teachers and the school leadership team carefully reviewed each piece, discussing the merits and craft of the writing before making the final decision. A huge congratulations to all students who took part and demonstrated such passion and talent in their writing.
We are thrilled to announce that Francine Wiseman (Year 6) and Audrey McMahon (Year 4) have been selected to represent St Anthony’s in the competition. Their pieces stood out for their originality, emotion, and technical skill.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy reading some snippets from their writing below, and we look forward to sharing the results of the competition as soon as they’re announced.
Well done to all our young authors—we are incredibly proud of your achievements!
Year 6:
Moons of Change- Francine W
Terrified yowls split the air as multiple wolves fled for the safety of the trees. Moonlight blanketed the forest in an eerie silver glow. Sky felt blood rushing in her ears as her heart thundered in her chest. Every hair on her pelt stood on end while they sprinted through the dense forest. She could smell the salty water of the ocean- they weren’t far from the edge of the cliff. “Halt!” Moon, the leader of the pack, had also recognised the salty sting of the waves and called for the pack to stop. Root, a young wolf, hadn't stopped for Moon’s command. Sky watched in horror as he slipped over the edge and plummeted towards the cold water below. Pebbles showered down from where he fell. “Root!” Moon lunged forward to catch his scruff in her jaws and heave him up to safety.
Daisy- Rylen B
She loved to roll in the green grass, her laughter echoing throughout the backyard as she watched Elmo and Strawberry Shortcake while eating her favourite cookies and cream flavoured ice cream. But nothing brought her more happiness than to swim in the heated pool. Every weekend she would jump into the crystal clear water and a massive grin would be painted on her face as she popped her head out of the bright blue water.
Then, one day…
Brain Wash -Claudia P
David slams his computer lid shut with frustration. He is tired of the constant complaints about children spending excessive time on screens instead of engaging in outside activities. But he has a solution. In a small town called Amalfi, a mother of two children reads over the letter in disbelief. The Electronic Experiment Committee, EEC has asked her to sacrifice her sons last year of primary school for an experiment. She hates the idea but they need the money being offered. She picks up the device and slowly walks down the corridor. She pushes open the door and drops the device on the bed. Her son looks up at her, tears in his eyes. Her daughter hugs her tightly. They know what this means.
Into the Internet- Alex M
Lightning struck outside as the young lad laid lazily on the couch, drowned in boredom. Tim turned to his mum's phone and let the blue light engulf his face, moulding him into a masterpiece, slowly stealing his face and drawing him in.
Yesterday, Tim was a regular boy. He was playing outside kicking a ball when some of his friends came up to him asking why he didn’t use a phone in a pointy jabby way. Crushed by the words of his friends he wept silently, trudging his way back into the safety of his home stung by the words of his so-called friends.
Dragon Skin- Rose M
Pip was once a vibrant girl, embracing all she had -until everything changed.
She has now grown quiet and withdrawn. Ever since they left town, an unspoken weight has settled over her. She remembers the feeling of heart pounding, head spinning and all the questions no one had the answers to. They left without regret and without looking back. “Look for the good, look for the silver lining” her mum would say, but Pip couldn't find any. Pip's grandparent’s house is a small cottage on the side of Mount Barker: South Australia. Pip didn't immediately change. Things take time. It started with sleeping in, followed by silence, then wardrobe changes to shades. Now she has become someone she doesn't want to be.
Planning On Changing Planets- Floyd M
At the age of twenty, Tom was doom-scrolling on his iPhone wanting to point his vision to a one of a kind video of entertainment. At the breaking point of the phone moulding him into addiction, he stopped, cleared his mind envisioning a staggering website of how anyone can visit the space crew to make an achievement of a dream to be real. Forcefully, Tom wasted no time as he yanked the cupboard door to reveal his fathers unique, one of a kind NASA suit.
Cars- Finn C
Tom leapt into his Tesla 2.0 and drove off. It was the year 2045, and the roads were filled with the hums of Electric vehicles zooming past. Twenty years earlier the production of electric vehicles had risen, leaving behind the era of gasoline and diesel cars.
Growing Up- Evelyn S
As children grow, they evolve into a whole new character each year. Every day we turn into something a bit more complicated and insecure. People undergo constant transformation- physically, mentally and emotionally throughout growing up. How else could they change?
Isolated- Eddie K
Tom and Joe slowly stood up with aching heads and trembling hands. Looking around- all they could see was a dark forest and the cold sea.
As they stood, Joe’s vision blurred and his head shook. He blinked again and again but he couldn’t shake the feeling. Tom’s memory was fragmented as the only thing he could remember was that he was on a cruise alone.
Embodied- Banjo B
The sea wails in an eerie tone sending chills to the core of the body. Rob rests his numb hands against the crisp rail of the cargo ship as he stares out at the boundless blue ocean. A towering wave strikes the ship, catapulting cargo. Rob feels pressure rub against him as he’s struck in the back by a container.
He’s knocked seaward…
Year 5:
A Nightmare’s Dream - Caoimhe
Beep, beep, beeeeeeeep. Manic laughter echoed through the halls, this was a normal Tuesday to ‘her’. Or Wednesday or Thursday or whatever day it was. She had no conception of time whatsoever, that is apart from day or night. CRACK!!! Rocks flew through the already partially broken glass window.
“Hey! I just fixed that!” An angry man appeared down the long, gloomy hall.
Alex’s Shadow -Georgina
The alarming noise of the school bell rang as Daisy and Rose sprinted out the school gates to the bus stop where Alex was usually waiting… but he wasn't there! “Where is he?” asked Daisy anxiously. Rose had no idea. Daisy was a gentle soul with a fondness for all things pink, her world soft and full of charm. Rose, in contrast, was a whirlwind of energy and fearless spirit, always chasing thrills and diving headfirst into daring adventures. Rose took out her phone and called Alex hoping he would pick up but he didn't. She wonders what's happening? Could he be changing?
From Enemies to Frenemies - Mia B
It was a normal day for Greg- Greg was an 11-year-old alien from Saturn. Until… suddenly something weird happened and not just weird it was the most astonishing thing! By now the whole street was looking up in wonder at the cold looking sun. But then just when everyone thought the sun was going to stay grey, it suddenly regained its colour back except it wasn't the normal yellow it was a flaming blue and a clean white.
Nightwatch- Neve L
Amy has the worst idea valedictorians can have. She calls her friends and minutes later they meet at the park. She brings walkie-talkies, flashlights, then she tells the plan. First they disagree because they don't understand but after some persuasion, they cave in.
Perfect Town - Nixie P
Alani presses her hands against her bedroom window, admiring the perfect town she lived in. She looked up at the sky, something seemed different, unusual. The clear blue skies were dim nothing but shades of grey clouds. Alani ignores it. It's probably just smoke.
Earth to Mars- Rachel W
That summer had been hotter than ever. People spent all their time inside, or in the pool. While nights were sweltering, April, the most energetic girl in town, would spend all day in the pool only moving to grab her coconut resting on the pavement. The villagers were hounding her mum and the other scientists with questions like “why is it so hot?”, and “is the science lab behind this?”…… That was the first sign.
The Attack of the Robots- Scout M
“Good night mum!” Rusty leaped onto her bed and smothered herself in blankets. She heard her door slowly close, followed by a soft silence. Unfortunately, that silence only lasted a couple seconds.
BANG! Rusty jumped in fear and glared at her window. It was the lab doing experiments again. No one in the village could get any sleep ever since they released their ‘new project.’ Rusty had enough, As she opened her window, poluted air filled the room, she knew something was wrong.
Pangea- Once Again- Zara R
Long before we existed the Earth's continents were one, after time they slowly made their way apart forming our world today. Now scientists believe our countries are growing apart, but that's nothing to say that the scientists of tomorrow believed the exact opposite.
Would everything change?
Year 4
Rekindling- Audrey
Swoosh, swoosh, the trees blew softly from the gentle breeze, the soft, long green grass brushed against my toes and the warm, bright sun shone against my cheek. Until… it started to change.
Strong gusts of wind began to whip through the town, trees collapsed and everyone took shelter. I started to panic as mum turned on the TV and we got the horrible, breathtaking warning - a cyclone heading right for us!
A New World - Aria W
It is a peaceful early morning and the air is crisp. I arise from my slumber quietly tiptoeing avoiding stirring my sister’s sleep and make myself breakfast. I look outside and see shimmering snowflakes fall gracefully. My moment of peace is broken.“What are you looking at?” The familiar annoying voice of my sister asks. “ Nothing,” I replied angrily.
Old School Blues - Evie W
The old school bell rang for the final time as the carefree students bolted around the school heading towards the river like sleek cheetahs. Once Olive, my BFF, reached the river she told me something gobsmacking. “Hey Ruby, you know we're going to different high schools, right?”
Endless War- Frankie
The world was peaceful, I had a family, and a lovely, American home. But that all stopped on the 28th of July 1914, that was when we were plunged into endless war.
Papa and my older brother, Tony had volunteered to commit to the army, heavens know why. Of course I wasn't interested at first, but on the day before Papa and Tony left, I knew I had to join, or go down trying…
The Last Of Us- Harry C
“SCRAAAPE” I roll away the titanium (yeah materials have seriously changed) blast door and enter the abandoned shopping centre. The year is 2071 and the population has rapidly dropped down to 28 people. I live in the smoking ruins of Tianjin alone. I quickly pace home along the overgrown sidewalk with food packs in my hand. My dog Ruff is chewing on a dead rat. Well, I thought it was a rat…
It is Me! - Koa M
It is me they want. Why do they want me? Why me?
My breath is cold as I wait anxiously at the police station. I hear my watch ticking. It is midnight, the officer calls me in. I need to hide, I tell him. He gives me a piece of paper with a location on it. I go to my car. I feel a shiver down my spine. A dark figure looms in my mirror. I slam down the pedal.
The Cure
I crouch down anxiously behind a bush looking at the herd of unicorns. Rain was pelting my back. I could hear the thunder rolling in the distance. I have to help them, their majestic coat dampening with every drop. The sky is darkening to a charcoal grey.
SPORT NEWS
The 2025 Athletics Carnival will be held on Tuesday 24th June at Walter Peate Reserve, Kingscliff.
- The Carnival will commence at 9am and conclude at approx. 2pm
- The students will travel by bus to and from the Athletics oval.
Those students that have signed up for competitive 800m, this will begin at 8:30am (starting with 12/13 Year Age group) at Walter Peate Oval, Murphy’s Road Kingscliff. If your child nominates for this event they will be required to arrive no later than 8:15am at the Athletics complex. Transport to the oval for this event will be the responsibility of parents. More information will be provided for those competitive runners who sign up.
All students will need HATS and labelled drink bottles. Students may wear either their house colours (no singlets) or sports uniform. Sunblock will be supplied and students will be reminded to re-apply.
Whilst all events (except 800m) are run at our carnival in age groups from 8-13 years, many events at zone are junior, 11’s and senior. This means 8, 9 and 10 year olds compete against each other so your child may win their age division at the school carnival but NOT make Zone.
Infants students will participate in non-competitive fun events. All Year 2 students who are 7 and do not turn 8 this year will be with the Yr 1 group.
Students who are 8 Years and older are asked to remain at the carnival until AFTER THE RELAYS ARE COMPLETED.
If you are collecting your child from the carnival, please see one of your child’s class teachers. Parents MAY NOT collect other people’s children without prior written permission.
STUDENTS CANNOT ORDER THEIR LUNCH ONLINE AS THIS SERVICE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. A CANTEEN WILL BE OPERATING ON THE DAY.
Parents are welcome to attend the carnival. Please do not approach Teachers or Zing Activ instructors while an event is being run. It is asked that all parents keep an appropriate spectating distance from officials and students AND THE RUNNING TRACK while events are carried out.
Thank you in advance for all your support!
Successful students will be notified by note to attend the Tweed Zone Carnival at Walter Peate Reserve, Kingscliff on Friday 1st August, Term 3.
The Diocesan carnival is in Coffs Harbour, Tuesday 26th August, Term 3.
CANTEEN - Athletics Carnival - June 24th
Dear Families
We are requesting your help with baked cakes and slices for the athletics carnival next Tuesday 24th June 2023. Cakes and Slices can be delivered either to the school Tuesday morning or directly to the Walter Peate Oval where the athletics carnival will be held.
Also, if you are able to help in the Canteen at the Carnival, please see Bec on the day or contact the school with the time you are able to help.
Thank you
Bec Twomey
Flying Start
Week 7 and 8 at Flying Start Preschool has been another busy time for us. We have been focussing on recycling and investigating further with what items go into what bins. This has allowed us to then walk on country and collect items to put into the correct bins. We have also looked into composting and placing different items into soil to document which ones break down to then use for planting in our garden. We have watched the life cycle of a butterfly right before our eyes the past couple of weeks, with eggs, caterpillars and cocoons all on show in our very own lemon tree. This has proven to be very popular with the pre-schoolers and we have really enjoyed following this interest and learning as much as we can about these animals. Last Friday we welcomed the kindergarten children over to Flying Start. We always love our Fridays with them and we really enjoyed sharing our playground having a great time on the ezyrollers, building obstacle courses and playing on our equipment. 2 more weeks of term two and lots more play and learning to be had!!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Parish Information and News
Parish Priest: Fr Paul McDonald
Finance Manager: Paul Crouch
Parish Secretary: Marty Darragh
Pastoral Assistant: Catherine Holliday
Phone: 0266741368
Email: parkings@bigpond.com
Website: http://stanthonysparishkingslciff.org
WEEKEND MASS TIMES
VIGIL: KINGSCLIFF 6:00pm
SUNDAY:POTTSVILLE 7:30am
KINGSCLIFF 9:00am
WEEKDAY MASS TIMES
TUESDAY: POTTSVILLE 9:15am
WEDNESDAY: KINGSCLIFF 8:00am
THURSDAY: KINGSCLIFF 9:00am
FRIDAY: KINGSCLIFF 8:00am
RECONCILIATION TIMES
SATURDAY: KINGSCLIFF4:00-5:30pm
SUNDAY: POTTSVILLE 7:00—7:25am
Current Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9am-3pm
PARISH NEWSLETTER LINK: http://stanthonysparishkingscliff.org/news-events/
St Anthony's Parish - Care Group
Many parents may have noticed from the Parish Bulletin, that the Parish has a Care Group which, among other things seeks to provide meals to any parishoners in need.
This could include times of family sickness, new mums struggling to provide for the family in the early days of returning home, and many other circumstances of genuine need.
Please be aware that the Care Group is very willing to help out if any families find themselves in need of this service.
Contact: Parish Office: 0266 741 284 or Maree Moore 0439 174 116
