Yesterday, our school had the pleasure of hosting the Western Region - Picton Soccer Gala. While supporting the day's running, I reflected on the opportunities we provide our students through extra-curricular activities. The other key element to these activities is the opportunity to ‘be community’. To allow all members of the school community, students, staff and our wider community of parents and carers to come together and support the very essence of who we strive to be … A Catholic community that values the opportunity to celebrate and participate together in various activities and experiences.

Book Week

Students and staff were excited to celebrate Book Week on Tuesday, 20 August. Students and staff were involved in several fabulous learning experiences, including an amazing Book Week Parade and the opportunity for parents to attend the book fair. I would like to thank all the staff, especially Mrs Batty and Mrs Fiumara, for their excellent planning and organisation of the day. We had a wonderful day seeing our students and staff dressed up in fantastic costumes and celebrating with Year 6 students as they experienced their last book week celebration at St Anthony's.

Soccer gala day

The Picton Soccer Gala was not only a success but also a meaningful reminder of the value of community in our school. As stated, the dedicated staff of St. Anthony’s coordinated the organisation of the day on behalf of the Catholic Education Office. With over 450 students from five different Catholic primary schools, including eleven teams from St Anthony’s, the day was an outstanding success. I would like to acknowledge the work of Miss Paroz, Mrs Mumberson, Mrs Godden, Mr Phillips, Miss Napier and Mrs Fiatarone, Kelly from the canteen and the amazing parents who volunteered to support each team. It was a wonderful day for everyone involved!

Fathers Day

Father’s Day reminds us of the broader idea of care and responsibility that fathers represent. In a Catholic school community, this celebration can extend to acknowledging God’s paternal care and the values of love, sacrifice, and guidance that fathers embody. It’s a chance to gather as a community, celebrating not just the biological fathers but all those who offer support, mentorship, and love—fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the community. As a school community, we also would like to acknowledge all the special volunteers, including one Dad who helped support the Father's Day Stall. A special mention goes to our coordinator, Mrs Carolyn Moody, who, like St. Anthony, has provided the service of organising our Mother's Day and Father's Day stalls for 11 years. With her daughter, Grace, being in Year Six, this is Carolyn’s final year and we are truly indebted for all her work within our community.

To all the Dads, we hope that you can enjoy your day with your family and your children on Sunday, 1 September, as we celebrate you and the very important role you play. Thank you for all you bring to our school community's life.

Take Care

Justin Devlin

Principal