St Anthony's Catholic Parish Primary School Picton
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69 Menangle Street
Picton NSW 2571
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Email: info@sapdow.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4677 1689

Newsletter Term Two Week Four

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Newsletter Term Two Week Four

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,

This Sunday marks the commencement of Reconciliation Week. The events of Reconciliation Week are very significant for our nation. This year the theme of Reconciliation Week is “Now More than Ever”. 

This is a challenge to all Australians—individuals, families, communities, organisations, and government—to recognise the many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect. In truth-telling, understanding our history, education, and tackling racism, we need connection, respect, action, and change. 

Throughout the next week, as a school community, we come together in prayer to acknowledge this important event.

"God of love and justice, we pray for those who still suffer sadness 

because of the government policies of the past, 

may they be healed by us walking the talk of your Gospel command to love. 

Help us all to learn the message of justice taught by Pope Francis 

who has instructed us to go out and 

interact with all our sisters and brothers."

Over the past week, it has been a pleasure to watch the students participate in the K-1 Athletics Carnival and the Y2-6 Carnival, that occurred yesterday at Tahmoor Sports Centre. Both carnivals highlighted the positivity of our school community: wonderful parent support, dedicated teachers coordinating highly well organised carnivals, and students challenging themselves to try their best. I would like to especially acknowledge, Mrs Spiteri, Miss Gaviglia and Mrs Collum, who all worked so tirelessly to allow the carnivals to run as well as they did. 

As one parent stated, “It is great to see the sun shining and the children smiling”. How True!

Justin Devlin

Principal



In the coming weeks we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing
at St Anthony's.

Please complete by Friday 24 May


The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:

Listed below are some important dates.

2024

June

Tuesday 4

Class Mass Year 6W at 9:30 am

Tuesday 4 

'Celebration of Learning' Open Classrooms 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Wednesday 5 

World Environment Day

Friday 7

Assembly Year 1Blue presenting at 2:20 pm

Monday 10

King's Birthday Public Holiday

Thursday 13

St Anthony's Feast Day - Liturgy 10:00 am in school hall

We are excited to announce a special event that invites you to step into your child's classroom and experience firsthand the dynamic learning environment of 2024.

On Tuesday 4 June between 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm we invite you to join us for a unique opportunity to participate in a lesson alongside your child. This event aims to celebrate learning by providing parents with insights into modern teaching methods and giving you a glimpse into the educational experiences your child encounters daily.

During this interactive session, our dedicated teachers will guide you through the various steps of a lesson, showcasing the innovative approaches we employ to engage and inspire young minds. From personalised learning techniques to the integration of technology, you'll witness how we tailor our instruction to meet the diverse needs and interests of each student. By opening our doors to parents, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of our teaching methodologies and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

As part of the experience, you'll have the chance to actively engage with your child in the learning process. Whether it's solving a math problem together, exploring a science experiment, or diving into a literary discussion, this event offers a hands-on opportunity for you to connect with your child's education in a meaningful way.

This event serves as a platform for you to witness the growth and progress your child is making academically and socially. We are looking forward to celebrating the joy of learning with you.

Year 1 Blue will be presenting at assembly on Friday 7 June at 2:20pm. We would like to invite parents/families from Year 1 Blue to join us in the hall for the presentation. 

To mark Laudato Si' Week each student at St Anthony's received a ‘Seed of Hope’ to sow in our school garden. Students are invited this week to say a little prayer and offer their ‘hope’ to God. 

Photos feature 1Blue offering their 'hopes' to God as they plant their seeds.

As we celebrate Laudato Si' Week we pray together:

May the seeds of hope planted within us grow into actions that nurture and protect our planet. Grant us the wisdom to be stewards of your creation, tending to it with love and reverence.

Bless our efforts to live in harmony with nature, so that future generations may inherit a world abundant with life and beauty. Through our actions, may we honour your divine presence in all living things.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, 

Amen.

Supporting our Diverse Learners and families at home offering some strategies on how to help foster engagement in learning and promote success both at school and at home.  If you need any support for your child please reach out and make contact as we highly value positive partnerships with our parent community. 

Miss Karyn Wescombe

Diverse Learning Support Leader

Wildflower Holistic Services - Principal Psychologist Alexandra McCarthy

    You know those “labels” that we often shy away from because we’re worried about what they might mean for our kids? Worried they’ll put them in a box? Well, the thing is, a diagnosis isn’t there to label someone. Diagnosis forms part of a person's identity. When it comes to Autism and ADHD, It can be thought of like a description of how an individual's brain works. It’s there to provide understanding and support. It is very often the missing link. But why is there so much stigma associated with diagnosis? 

    I’ve worked with many clients in their adolescent and adult years who have grappled with feeling like something was “off” or “wrong” with them. They didn’t understand why they struggled to fit into society. Why they had all of these challenges, or why they couldn’t find their place in the world. When they’d broach the subject to their parents, they would receive responses like “Oh yeah, the teacher did mentioned ADHD when you were younger, but we thought you’d outgrow it” or “ Yeah, it was brought up, but we thought you were doing fine, and we didn’t want to label you”. It’s understandable - these concerns are valid. 

    However, the truth is, many of the individuals we work with express a deep wish to have known sooner - to have received a diagnosis or understanding earlier in life. They’ve had to piece together this understanding as adults or teenagers, often through channels like social media or therapy. When they do receive a diagnosis later in life, it’s like a light bulb moment - a mix of relief and frustration. Relief because the inner turmoil begins to make sense. They finally understand why their life has been the way it has, why they felt different, and why they struggled with certain aspects. Finding out that there is a description for their experience, that they aren’t alone and they are understood - and frustration because they wish they had this clarity sooner.

    Think about it - during those adolescent years, teens are forming their identity. They are trying to answer the question, “Who Am I?”. For autistic teenagers, for instance, self-identity can be challenging. They might feel that they don’t “fit in” or feel the need to mask their autistic traits. Without a diagnosis, they’re left confused, feeling different, but not understanding why. With a diagnosis, this process can still be challenging, but there is an understanding of the “why”. Our young people are trying to establish a sense of who they are and where they fit in the world. Now, imagine having a significant piece of your identity missing. How can we expect our teens to form their identity if a crucial aspect remains misunderstood or ignored? It's no wonder that as adults, these individuals still grapple with their identity. Ultimately, a diagnosis puts the pieces of the puzzle together, and helps answer the question “Who Am I?”. 

    Embracing and acknowledging a diagnosis, whether it’s Autism, ADHD, or something else - isn’t about adding a label. It's about recognising and celebrating a fundamental aspect of their identity. It’s about empowering them to navigate the world with confidence, with a deep understanding of who they are. 

     

    The uniform shop is now open for face to face purchases every Friday from 9 am. Otherwise orders can be emailed to the school via info@sapdow.catholic.edu.au

    Orders must be at the office by 9am Fridays.

    St Anthony's Church Tahmoor
    Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Tahmoor
    Sunday 8:30 am Tahmoor

    Reconciliation

    Saturday 4:00 - 4:30 pm Tahmoor

    Weekday Mass Times - This Week

    Tuesday

    5:00 pm

    Adoration

    5:30 pm

    Tahmoor

    Wednesday 8:30 am Tahmoor
    Thursday 8:30 am Tahmoor
    Friday

    Sacramental Programs

    Religious Education is a priority in Catholic schools. It provides the knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and outlines what is needed to live a Catholic life. Sacramental programs are Parish based, Parish coordinated, family focused and school supported.

    Each year the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation are celebrated in the Parish.

    A Parish based program caters to the needs of all participants. In this way children from all schools receive the same preparation for each sacrament.

    The Parish based, family focused approach to Sacramental programs is widely used throughout Australia as the preferred approach. This approach acknowledges the important role of parents and families in the whole preparation process. Parents are the first educators of children in the faith and traditions of the Catholic Church. Parents involvement in Sacramental preparation is crucial in shaping the values and attitudes of each child. So it is vital, for the continual spiritual growth of the child, that the families involve themselves in the Sacramental life of Parish.

    Our before and after school care service is operational in the school hall. The hours of operation are Before School Care: 7 am - 9 am and After School Care: 3 pm - 6:30 pm. Permanent and casual places are available.
    Please contact Picton OOSH on 0439496831 for all enquires and bookings. 
    pictonoosh@catholiccare.dow.org.au