Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students, 

In a learning organisation like St Anthony’s the opportunity to seek, both positive feedback and feedback that is constructive in improving the organisation is crucial. Feedback provides a sense of engagement and interactivity, and allows all stakeholders to strive to be better. Over the last week, in partnership with our Parents & Friend’s Committee, the school sought the opportunity to engage with the parent community, via our Parent Consultation Forums, on how we are best supporting the families during this term of remote learning. From an outcome-based perspective we achieved what we set out to do, “To build on the connections with our parents in order to support those who matter most 'the children that we teach!".

I would like to personally thank all the parents who participated in the forums. The feedback we received was insightful, positively reaffirming and honest in the constructive areas that parents would like to see growth and improvement. The school leadership was able to concisely collate the feedback and engage with the staff on some key recommendations that will allow  the school to evolve as we seek to improve. From all four sessions, three  key themes were identified:

• Parents seeking greater support in the instructional learning of new concepts.
• The importance for students receiving feedback that is both affirming and constructive.
• The opportunity for students to be guided further in their learning via the Zoom portal.

To support this whole process a supporting document will be sent home to all parents, via COMPASS, summarising the key points and also highlighting the key actions that will be put in place, as we enter the final weeks of Term Three and look to continue to support families in Term Four.

The school was encouraged by the positive feedback provided by parents on the opportunity to engage in the forums. As one parent stated … “If anything, this whole situation has brought us all closer together as a school community - there's always a silver lining.”

Finally, this Sunday is Fathers Day. I would like to wish all the Fathers, and significant male role carers who belong to the community of St Anthony’s. Please take the opportunity to reflect on the scripture reading of The Prodigal Son. The father in this story highlights the wonderful qualities of the significant male who waits, watches over us with a sense of unconditional love. Have a great day!

Continue to look after yourselves and each other. Thank you again for working with us in the ongoing safety, growth and development of the students in our collective care.

Stay safe and connected.

Justin Devlin

Principal