Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,

In recent weeks we have been able to celebrate some significant school community events that have brought joy and happiness to the parents, the staff and most importantly the students. Our Year Six School Leaders Liturgy, the celebration  of Harmony Day and a return to Friday afternoon assemblies have provided the school with the opportunity to focus on the importance of gathering to give thanks, to spend time in prayer and to appreciate the gifts and talents that we all bring to the community we call St Anthony’s. On each of these occasions we have been mindful to adhere to particular Covid Safe measures by limiting the amount of parent engagement to particular cohorts. Can I express my gratitude, on behalf of the staff, for the supportive way in which our parent community have continued to adhere to our Covid protocols. Whilst Covid continues to reach out and effect this engagement with parents can I say it was fantastic to enjoy the company of parents at some of our recent events. Your presence was very much appreciated!

Parent Information Zoom Session - The Teaching of Reading in the Early Years

The topic of how children learn to read and write in the early years of their formation has, and always will continue to be a topic of interest and debate. One of our key strategic initiatives this year is to work with our wider school community to enhance parent engagement. Our goal is to: 

• actively seek ways to enhance student learning and wellbeing by partnering with parents and families. 

Tomorrow night we look forward to a high percentage of parents joining our zoom session that will be presented by our infants teachers. Can I emphasise that this session is not just for infants parents but the content of this presentation would benefit all parents across our school community. In anticipation I would like to extend my gratitude to the professional teaching staff who will present the documented evidence-based research information that supports the key elements of how our students learn to read. 

As we draw towards the end of the term may we continue to focus on the importance of prayer during this season of Lent. I have reminded our students that the power of prayer is the opportunity to enter into a conversation with God that provides us with peace and guidance. Over the coming weeks and leading into the holidays, may the sky be blue, our feet dry, our hearts full of love and peace.

Take Care

Justin Devlin

Principal