Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- Date Claimers
- P & F Fun Day - Friday 29 November
- P & F Fun Day - Friday 29 November
- Year 6 Reminders - PARENTS PLEASE READ
- Year 6 Parents & Families Leaving St Anthony's in 2024
- Year 5 Science Experiment - Volcanoes
- Congratulations - Jayden Greene
- Let's Support Bella Cooney
- Wishing Tree - 2024 Vinnies Christmas Appeal
- Christmas Story Art by Ivy Nguyen
- Thank you to our Kindergarten Parents
- Christmas in the Gardens 2024
- CSNSW Sport Aquathlon
- Diverse Learning Information
- Offertory Procession
- Reconciliation & Eucharist Program 2024
- Strengthening Relationships - Parenting Courses
- Catholic Life
- Parish Mass Times
- Uniform Shop
- Canteen Menu 2024
- OOSH - Before and After School Care
Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,
First Holy Communion and the Advent Season
This weekend marks a special time in the life of our parish as we come together in the Eucharist to celebrate the First Holy Communion. It is truly a privilege to witness students from our school and parish receive this sacred sacrament, a significant milestone in their spiritual journey.
The success of this celebration is made possible through the pastoral guidance of Fr Peter, our parish priest, the work of the parish sacramental team and the remarkable dedication of Mrs. Julie Smith, our Religious Education Coordinator (REC), along with the invaluable support of our Year Three teachers and staff. Their collaborative efforts, including weekend group sessions, ensured that our students and parish children were well-prepared and spiritually ready to receive the sacrament.
As we enter the season of Advent, marked by the first Sunday of Advent on December 1st, we are reminded of the profound significance of Christ in our lives. This season not only heralds the birth of Christ but also marks the beginning of a new liturgical year for the Church.
The four candles of Advent—symbolising hope, peace, joy, and love—invite us to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth. May this time of waiting and reflection inspire us to draw closer to God and to one another as a community of faith.
Let us continue to pray for our First Holy Communion recipients, their families, and our entire parish as we journey together through this sacred season of anticipation and renewal.
Kindergarten 2025 Orientation Morning
Today marked a special occasion at St Anthony’s as we welcomed the newest members of our school community during the Kindergarten 2025 Orientation morning. It was a joy to greet our new Kindergarten students and their families as they embark on this exciting chapter with us.
We are thrilled to announce a vibrant Kindergarten cohort of 59 students for the upcoming academic year, including 36 siblings and 23 new families. This growth in our school family is truly heartening and reflective of the trust placed in our school community.
The morning began with a gathering in the hall, where our new Kindergarten students, their parents, and our dedicated staff came together for prayer. This shared moment of reflection and unity set the tone for the day. Following this, our teachers guided the students to their classrooms, providing a gentle introduction to their new learning environment.
While the children settled into their classrooms, parents remained in the hall to enjoy a light morning tea and participate in an informative presentation. The session provided valuable insights into our shared vision for the student’s educational journey over the next seven years, culminating in their graduation as the Class of 2033.
During our discussions, I emphasised the importance of partnership—a collaborative effort between the school, parents, and students. Together, we can create a nurturing and enriching environment that supports every child in reaching their full potential. Parents also engaged in meaningful conversations about the aspirations and dreams they hold for their children, reaffirming the shared commitment to their growth and success.
This orientation morning was a testament to the strength of our community and the collective dedication to ensuring the best possible start for our Kindergarten students. As we look ahead, let us continue to foster this partnership, walking alongside one another to support the learning and development of every child.
The years ahead are filled with promise, and I am excited to witness the achievements and milestones our students will reach as they grow together at St Anthony’s.
Take Care
Mr Justin Devlin
Principal
Listed below are some important dates.
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2024 Term 4 |
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November |
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Friday 22 |
Assembly - Year 2 Blue at 2:20 pm |
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Friday 29 |
St Anthony's Fun Day -Students wear sports uniform with a Christmas shirt & hat |
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December |
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Wednesday 4 |
Year 6 Boot Camp |
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Friday 6 |
Year 6 Trivia/Fun Night at 6:30 pm |
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Wednesday 11 |
Year 6 Farewell Liturgy & Presentation at 6:30 pm |
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Friday 13 |
End of Year Mass & Awards |
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Wednesday 18 |
Year 6 Clap Out at 2:30 pm |
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Wednesday 18 |
Last day of Term 4 for students |
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Friday 20 |
Last day of Term 4 for staff |
On Friday 29 November, students can wear their sports uniform with a Christmas shirt and hat.
YEAR 6 END OF YEAR EVENTS - EVENT ON COMPASS
An event has been posted in your Compass Parent Portal for consent and payment. The $60 fee per student is a one off fee to cover all end of year costs for Year 6 graduation. Costs include Yearbook, Cake/Cupcake, Disco, catering on graduation night and school/teachers gift. Please log into the portal and give consent and payment by Friday 6 December.
PLEASE ORDER MEAL FOR YEAR 6 FAREWELL/GRADUATION NIGHT – WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER
Please see the push notification that was sent out to Year 6 parents on Wednesday 13 November asking families to click on the link provided and order your meal for the Year 6 Graduation Night on Wednesday 11 December. All orders need to be completed by Friday 22 November.
This is important information for families with Year 6 students and students in other grades who will be leaving St. Anthony's at the end of 2024. Please take note of the following:
1. **Access to Compass Parent Portal:** When your child leaves St. Anthony's at the end of 2024, parents will lose access to the Compass Parent portal. This change will occur unless your child is transitioning to a Wollongong Diocesan High School/Primary School. If you child is attending one of our Diocese of Wollongong High Schools all records will remain on your Compass Parent Portal.
2. **Access to School Reports:** After your child leaves the school, you will not be able to access your child's school reports through the Compass Parent portal.
3. **Action Required:** If you wish to retain copies of your child's school reports for future reference, it is important to download and print them before Friday, 13 December, 2024. This will ensure you have access to this valuable information after your child's departure from the school.
It's crucial to make the necessary arrangements to secure these reports if you want to maintain records of your child's academic progress. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and if you have any questions or need assistance with this process, please reach out to the school for support.
Get ready for a fiery explosion of learning as Year 5 students have been diving into the world of Natural Disasters in their science lessons! They've been working hard to build and replicate their very own volcanoes, exploring the science behind these awe-inspiring natural events.
The students have been busy crafting their volcano models and testing out what happens when a volcano erupts – from the initial rumble to the spectacular flow of lava! With plenty of excitement and creativity, the Year 5 scientists are bringing the power of nature to life right in the classroom.
Congratulations to Jayden Greene (Yr 5R) who has successfully made it to the Mackillop Selection Trials for basketball. We wish Jayden all the very best.
Bella has been selected to represent NSW at the School Sport Australia Track & Field Championships between 28 November and 2 December. Bella is 1 of 3 NSW Girls who will compete in the 12 Girls Combined Event which includes 100m, 800m, Shot Put and Long Jump.
We are excited to offer our school community the opportunity to support Bella as she prepares for the upcoming athletics championships. By purchasing a raffle ticket for just $5.00, you'll help cover the cost of Bella’s athletics uniform.
In addition, your ticket enters you into a draw for the chance to win some fantastic prizes!
Tickets are available for purchase at the school office.
This Christmas season, we are excited to launch a special fundraiser to help brighten the holidays for children in our local area who may not receive gifts this year.
Students are asked to donate some money to go towards the purchase of toys for children in need. The amount donated will be entirely at the discretion of each family—please give whatever amount feels comfortable for you.
How it works:
- Donation Collection: Each class will collect the money raised, and the classroom teacher will purchase a toy or gift for a child.
- Gift Presentation: At the End of the year Mass, Father Peter will receive the gifts on behalf of our school community. The gifts will then be delivered to the Tahmoor Church and placed under the Christmas Tree.
- Distribution: Thanks to Vinnies Christmas Appeal, every gift will be given to a child in our local community who may otherwise go without during the Christmas season.
We hope that, through this small act of generosity, we can make this Christmas brighter for those who need it most.
Thank you for your continued support and kindness.
Vision Of Hope
Ivy Nguyen
St. Anthony’s Catholic Primary School Picton
Year Six
My artwork is based on the Journey to Bethlehem, Luke 2:4-7. My title the Vision of Hope refers to how everyone sees God in everyday actions such as helping the unfortunate. This vision is drawn looking through my eyes and how I learn about God and Jesus. This story makes me think of my parent’s journey of raising me – their first daughter. I can only imagine how hard this has been for them at times, from birth to now as an almost teenager.
In the pupil of the eye, you will see the Star of Bethlehem guiding Mary and Joseph on their way. The star represents the desire to share their love and role of caring for a child. I chose to draw in coloured pencils to enable me to add contrast in different parts of the artwork.
The puzzle piece in different skin tones depicts God's love for everyone no matter where they are from or what they look like and how each person on this planet sees God although they might not realise it. I wanted to show God’s love for everyone and everyone’s love for God.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful Kindergarten parents. The delicious slices, scones, cakes and array of sweets you baked were truly delightful. It's these gestures of warmth and generosity that makes St Anthony's a welcoming and supportive community.
Thank you once again for your kindness.
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
Navigating Parenting Expectations: Setting Limits and Embracing Your Role Parenting approaches have been a hot topic lately, with more awareness than ever about how
different strategies impact children’s social and emotional development. There’s plenty of debate, too—are firm limits beneficial, or should we take a more relaxed approach? What’s the right balance between discipline and empathy?
This can leave parents feeling uncertain. Some may reflect on their own upbringing with strict rules and decide they want something different for their kids. Others might worry that a lack of boundaries could be leading to poor behaviour. Everywhere you turn on social media, there are discussions about “gentle parenting,” hailed either as the perfect solution or criticised for contributing to unruly behaviour.
Cutting Through the Noise: Balancing Warmth and Demand
Research shows that two elements make the most difference in effective parenting, and the best outcomes occur when both are present - warmth and demand. These two key parental roles involve:
1. Warmth: The support, love, affection, belief and joy parents express and
2. The expectations and requirements they set
It's not just about setting rules - it’s also about creating an environment of support, affection, and love. When kids experience both high warmth and clear expectations, they tend to thrive socially, academically, and emotionally.
So, why are limits important? Imagine driving in a city with no traffic rules. It feels chaotic, unpredictable, and stressful. Children feel the same when they don’t know what to expect from their environment. Clear, consistent limits help them feel secure. They reassure kids that someone is in charge, so they don’t have to be.
Being the Leader: Why Kids Need You to Take Charge
Children don’t want to be in charge, (even if they insist otherwise!). Like passengers on a plane, they rely on you, the pilot, to navigate them safely. If the pilot suddenly started asking passengers how to fly the plane, panic would set in. It’s the same with kids - when limits aren’t clear when an adult isn’t decisively in charge - kids feel anxious. However, when they see you confidently taking the lead, they feel safe.
The Importance of Setting Expectations
Children’s behaviour often reflects the expectations we set. High, clear expectations usually lead to better outcomes. For example, if you expect your child to be polite, responsible, and kind, they are more likely to behave that way. The key is ensuring these expectations are appropriate for their developmental stage—a two-year-old won’t have the same self-control as a seven-year-old, and that’s okay.
Children will not always meet these expectations, and that’s normal. It’s important to understand the difference between common behaviours (like a toddler throwing a tantrum) and appropriate behaviours. Our job is to guide them to the latter.
Kids' Jobs vs. Adult Jobs
Children’s jobs are to learn, play, and explore. Adults’ jobs are to ensure their safety, health, and development. That means setting limits around things like diet, screen time, safety measures, and social interactions.
It can be tricky to figure out how much decision-making a child is ready for, but until they’re adults, the final call rests with us. A two-year-old might get to choose between snacks, while a teenager might help decide what’s for dinner, but it’s up to the parent to ensure that choice aligns with their needs (like including vegetables).
The Power of “No” and Why It’s Necessary
Saying “no” is a regular part of parenting. It means protecting children’s well-being, even if it makes them temporarily unhappy. While it’s nice to imagine a child calmly accepting your reasoning, most children will test boundaries—and that’s perfectly normal. Resistance (tantrums, arguments, sulking) is part of learning. Kids are figuring out their world, and our consistent responses teach them what’s safe, expected, and manageable.
Sticking to Limits: Connect, Correct, Be Direct
Setting a limit is only the first step; enforcing it is where many parents find challenges. Here are a few tips to help:
1. Connect: Recognise that boundary-pushing is a sign of healthy development. Try to keep your calm, avoid taking it personally, and remember that kids are just doing their job.
2. Correct: Address the behaviour, not the child. “Hitting hurts” is different from “you’re mean to your brother.” Focus on guiding behaviour instead of assigning blame.
3. Be Direct: Use “I” statements to set clear expectations, like “I need you to...” or “I expect...”. This affirms your role as the leader, without seeking their approval for
decisions that keep them safe.
Logical Consequences: Teaching Through Actions
Consequences are an essential part of enforcing limits. They shouldn’t be punitive but should be related to the behaviour. For example, if a child throws toys, the toys might be put away for a while. If screen time leads to constant arguments, it might be temporarily reduced until they can handle it without a meltdown. The key is consistency—kids learn quickly if limits change depending on how much they protest.
Staying Open Emotionally
Even when setting limits, it’s important to remain emotionally available. Kids need to know they’re still loved, even if they’re upset with you. This openness helps them learn to regulate their emotions and builds trust.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Role
Parenting is tough, but embracing your role as the guide and leader in your child’s life helps them grow into well-adjusted, confident individuals. Setting boundaries, offering warmth, and teaching them to navigate life’s challenges with your support create a stable foundation for their future.
An invitation is extended to any families/couples/friends interested in taking part in the offertory at the weekend Masses. If you would like to be an active participant in this important task, please arrive 15 minutes before Mass and make yourself known to the greeters who will introduce you to the offertory organiser for that Mass. If you are unsure and would like further information, please call the Parish Office on 46 832 230.
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.
| St Anthony's Church Tahmoor | ||
| Saturday Vigil | 6:00 pm | Tahmoor |
| Sunday | 8:30 am | Tahmoor |
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Reconciliation |
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| Saturday | 4:00 - 4:30 pm | Tahmoor |
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Weekday Mass Times - This Week |
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| Tuesday |
5:00 pm |
Adoration |
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5:30 pm |
Tahmoor |
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| Wednesday | 8:30 am | Tahmoor |
| Thursday | 8:30 am | Tahmoor |
| Friday | ||
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.