Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students, 

During this week of Sabbath I took the opportunity to reflect on the term by reading the Gospel Reading for this Sunday, Mark Chapter 9 Verses 30-37.  In this reading Jesus asks us to see ourselves through the eyes of our children and reminds us that we are here to serve  those who are at the heart of all that we do, and that is the students of St Anthony’s. He stated that “whoever welcomed one like a child welcomed Christ himself”. This reading challenges us to see the face of Christ through the eyes of a child. I am reminded that our children are many things to many people. They encourage us when the world wears us down. They freshen us when our aching joints tell us our true age. They challenge us to the Godlike virtues of patience, self-discipline, and charity. In spite of our mature "wisdom," children even help us to see the world in new and wonderful ways. They inspire us to be better. They truly are to be commended for the way in which they have faced the challenges of this world with a sense of hope and a sense of optimism for the future where we once again can  be together.

In terms of planning for term four we will continue to communicate with you, as we become more aware of the expectations for the return of Kinder and Year One students on-site from the beginning of Week Four, Monday 26 October. For the first three weeks of next term we'll continue to remain in Phase Four Remote Learning protocols and as a school leadership team, and in consultation with our staff, parents and with the support of Wollongong Catholic Education Office, we are working on providing clear directions on how we will support and manage the return of our students to school.

As the term draws to a close I would also like to acknowledge the incredible support that has come from you, as parents and carers of our school community throughout this term of remote learning. We have certainly not taken for granted the sacrifices families have made during this current lockdown. This term has highlighted the importance of collaboration, communication and cooperation between home and school. As parents and carers you have done an amazing job and deserve some time for rest and relaxation over the holiday break.

The staff at St Anthony's have been simply outstanding in their efforts in developing, implementing and maintaining quality learning opportunities for their classes, checking-in on the well being of students and their families, collaboratively working with and supporting each other, whilst balancing both their own professional and personal lives. On behalf of the St Anthony’s community I would like to highly commend our staff on their exceptional work.

Continue to look after yourselves and each other. Stay safe and connected.

Mr Justin Devlin

Principal