Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students, 

This Sunday is the Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. As a school founded in the traditions and charism of the Sisters of St Joseph, we always value the qualities of service and connection with the community. The question was asked if St Mary of the Cross was alive today how would she cope with the world we presently live in. I am sure that her greatest advice would be to stay connected. This is why she sent Sisters Veronica, Stephanie and Columba to Picton back in 1880. She saw the need for the Picton community to have a connection to their faith and to witness the face of God in action.

As a Catholic community, we are so blessed today to have Sr Julie Simpson, our Pastoral Care Coordinator, who is present for staff, parents and our students. Sr Julie's greatest gift is her presence and her connection with our St Anthony’s community. This Friday we will provide a Liturgy that celebrates the feast of St Mary of The Cross. I encourage all families to click on the link that will be sent out via compass and spend time in prayer, giving thanks for the wonderful people like Sr Julie. I would also like to acknowledge the work of our REC, Mrs Julie Smith, who  has worked with our Religious Education committee and Mrs Anita Burgess-Gorrie, to coordinate the on-line Liturgy.

In the knowledge that remote learning will continue until at least the end of Week 7, Friday 27 August, we will continue to build this strong connection between home and school. Last week our Stage Three students participated in a live Zoom session with their grade. This week, along with Stage Three, our Stage Two students will also participate in a live zoom session and then from next week, our plan will be for all grades to have a zoom session. The purpose of these sessions is to continue to support the wellbeing of our students and their families, by providing the opportunity to connect, see each other and engage in positive conversations about their experiences during this remote learning period. I would like to acknowledge the work of our staff, who continue to upskill themselves in the world of technology so as to support the many diverse needs of our students.

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. I thank you and highly commend our staff on their exceptional work throughout the first part of term three.

Please let us know if there is anything that we can help and support you with as we journey through the world we live in. 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.

Take Care

Justin Devlin

Principal