Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,

Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is for the Church, the beginning of a new liturgical year. In the gospel passage for last Sunday’s readings, Luke reminds us to take a moment to prepare for the coming of Jesus. At this time of the year, when everything is moving at a rapid rate and there doesn’t appear to be enough hours in the day, life can be somewhat overwhelming. More so than ever, we need to take a moment and reflect on the joy of what this year has provided. For me, my joy is provided by having the opportunity to be a part of the St Anthony’s community, a vibrant, Catholic community.

Semester Two Reports

The Semester Two Student Reports are an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and growth students have made in the second Semester of the 2024 school year. I would like to express my gratitude to the teachers and Stage Leaders who have spent much of their time finalising the student reports that will be shared with parents and carers on Thursday 12 December, Week 9. In Week 10, there is an opportunity to make contact with your child's teacher to discuss the student reports for Semester Two. I am very proud of our students and the growth they have made in their learning, faith and well-being during Semester Two.

Student Leadership

I would like to congratulate the Year Five students who presented a Captains Speech as part of the selection process for School Captains for 2025. I had the privilege of reading their application and listening to students who have nominated themselves for School Captain and Student Representative Council for 2025. I was very impressed with our Year 5 students' understanding of leadership qualities, the importance of Christian values, being approachable and a role model for other students.

We expect our school leaders to model responsible, respectful and safe behaviours. They are a student leadership team that supports our Principal, staff and greater school community in delivering the school’s mission and vision. Voting will be finalised in the coming week, and the School Captains and Senior Leadership Team will be acknowledged on Friday 13 December, at our whole school end-of-year Mass.

Take Care

Mr Justin Devlin

Principal

Listed below are some important dates.

2024 Term 4
December
Friday 6	Assembly - Year 1 White presenting at 2:20 pm
Friday 6	Picton Community Carols 5:45 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday 6	Year 6 Trivia/Fun Night at 6:30 pm
Wednesday 11	Year 6 Farewell Liturgy & Presentation at 6:30 pm
Friday 13	End of Year Christmas Carols, Mass & Awards 9:45 am
Tuesday 17	Transition Afternoon – Students new classes at 1:30 pm
Wednesday 18	Year 6 Clap Out at 2:30 pm
Wednesday 18	Last day of Term 4 for students
Friday 20	Last day of Term 4 for staff

Year 1 White will be presenting at assembly on Friday 6 December at 2:20pm. We would like to invite parents/families from Year 1 White to join us in the hall for the presentation.

END OF YEAR MASS & AWARDS - FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER

Please join us to celebrate the end of the year in communion with each other on Friday 13 December. All are welcome and please bring a picnic chair.

The day will go as follows:

Christmas Carols: 9:45 am under the shelter

Outdoor Mass: 10:00 am under the shelter

Student lunch break: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Award presentation: 12:15 pm in the school hall

NOTIFICATION OF AWARD RECIPIENTS – PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAILS

Parents have been notified through email on our Compass Parent Portal to inform them that their child will be receiving an award. This streamlined approach aims to ensure timely and comprehensive communication while allowing for easier access to this celebratory information.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in your child's educational journey.

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.

YEAR 6 FUN/TRIVIA NIGHT – FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER

Year 6 students have chosen their table groups and themes for the Fun Night!

A friendly reminder that this is a "Fun Night" to celebrate their journey at St. Anthony's. There’s no need to spend a lot on outfits—simple accessories or items the children already have are perfect.

For one of our challenges, students will need a pair of long socks—any socks will do, so feel free to raid the sock drawer!

Details:
Date: Friday, 6 December
Arrival: 6:15pm for a 6:30pm sharp start
Pick-Up: 8:30pm
Entry/Exit via Mackillop Lane

Important:
All students must be signed in and out. If your child is going home with someone else, please provide a note or speak directly with the Year 6 teachers.

YEAR 6 FAREWELL LITURGY & PRESENTATION – WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER

On Wednesday 11 December, Year 6 students and parents will gather in the school chapel for a Farewell Liturgy. We ask that families arrive by 6:15 pm to assemble in the chapel so the Liturgy can start at 6:30 pm sharp.

Students are to wear their FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM

PLEASE NOTE that due to the small size of our church here at St Anthony's we have to limit the number of people. Therefore, each student can bring ONLY 2 parents/guests on the night. Unfortunately, no siblings or grandparents will be able to be accommodated on the night.

SIGNING OF YEAR 6 SPORTS SHIRTS – MONDAY 16 & TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER

Year 6 students will be allowed to bring their sports shirt to school to get signed by teachers and peers on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 December. We ask that students please bring their own black ‘Sharpie’ permanent marker.

YEAR 6 CLAP OUT – WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER

On Wednesday 18 December, Year 6 students will have their final clap out from primary school at 2:30 pm. Parents, grandparents and family members are welcome to come and join the celebration.

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.

The Messenger

Charlotte Stirton

St. Anthony’s Catholic Primary School Picton

Year 5

This scripture Luke 2:9 -14 recounts the announcement of a much longed for event. My original artwork reveals God’s messenger the Archangel Gabriel holding the star of Bethlehem. Gold depicts the colour of kingship and glory. This bright, shining star directs the shepherds to where they can visit and rejoice in the arrival of our saviour Jesus.

Gabriel is faceless as I strongly believe that everyone has the courage to bring good news to others just like the Angel did. Gabriel’s glory beams in white. The divine light reflects the purity of Christ and the background of blue the heavens that openly display Gods wisdom and truth.

Gabriel’s wings are like those of a magnificent butterfly representing Mary. Life begins as a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly just like Mary has transformed from a girl into a mother, celebrating her obedience to God.

This scripture reminds me of my responsibility within my own family as the eldest child. I also identify with the shepherds following the sign with courage just like I did when our house was destroyed in a storm while we were inside. My courage rose up and enabled me to keep my three siblings safe, getting them out before myself.

Wow, what a fantastic day was had by all who attended the P&F Fun Day last Friday! The kids had an absolute blast, with a disco, inflatable castles, an ice cream van, showbags for lunch, and plenty of laughs all around.

A huge thank you to our P&F Committee for their incredible effort in organizing and coordinating such a fun-filled event. We would also like to extend a special thank you to all our parent volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly.

It was truly wonderful to see the children so happy, laughing, and having a great time.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Smith (Yr 5R) and Emma Mackrill (Yr 4W) who has successfully made it to the Wollongong Diocesan Tennis Team that will compete at the Mackillop Selection Trials in term one 2025. We wish Elizabeth and Emma all the very best.

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.

Students are invited to dress up as angels and shepherds and to be part of the Christmas story re-enactment. Mrs Smith will be there to support the children.

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

Don’t Wait and See - CHECK and See (when it comes to your child's development)

When it comes to children’s development, two truths stand side by side:

Every child learns and grows at their own pace, and

Early identification of challenges makes intervention easier and more effective.

It’s common for parents who express concern about their child’s development in the early years to hear well-meaning advice like, “Just wait and see.” This reassurance often comes from a place of kindness, hoping to ease a parent’s worry. When people say “wait and see”, they mean “wait and see, it’s probably fine”.

And yes, many children do catch up on their own. But what happens if they don’t? The truth is, waiting can mean valuable time is lost - time that could have been spent supporting your child in building essential skills and reaching milestones.

Children’s brains are incredibly adaptable and responsive to intervention in the early years. Key areas like language, motor skills, and social interaction begin developing from birth, shaped by experiences and connections. By identifying and addressing any concerns early, we can help children thrive before gaps in development widen, which can otherwise impact confidence, self-esteem, and their sense of belonging as they grow.

Instead of “wait and see,” we encourage parents to embrace a proactive approach: “Check and See.”

So, how can you monitor your child’s development?

Utilise developmental health checks:

Attend the 8 health and development checks listed in the ‘Blue Book’ given to every baby born in NSW. Read through the different milestones listed for each age and think about how consistently your child demonstrates them. E.g. by 6 months, babies should be rolling tummy to back. If yours has technically rolled but only a couple of times, that’s something to chat to the GP about.

*A note about GP advice: Some GPs might still suggest waiting. If you feel your concerns are being brushed aside, seek out professionals who specialise in the area of concern. For instance, a speech pathologist can provide a thorough assessment of your child’s language development.

Seek professional assessment if concerns arise:

Whether it’s your own observation, someone close to you or feedback from a teacher, don’t hesitate to seek professional input.

For language concerns, visit a speech pathologist.
For motor skills, self-care tasks, or sensory challenges, consult an occupational therapist.
For emotional development, learning, or behaviour, connect with a psychologist.

Assessments are designed to be engaging and fun for kids. If everything is on track, you’ll gain reassurance. If extra support is needed, you’ll have a clear path forward.

Addressing common worries:

“Am I overreacting?”

Trusting your instincts is never an overreaction. Professionals are there to help and will guide you based on your child’s unique needs.

“Is it my fault?”

Absolutely not. Parenting is complex, and every family faces challenges. Seeking help shows that you’re attentive and care deeply about your child’s growth—this is what good parenting looks like.

“What if my child is diagnosed with something?”

Firstly, a huge number of kids who receive early intervention have a delay, not a disorder. This means that for any number of reasons, they’re a bit behind on some things but with some focused help they can catch up. Other times it may be that there is an underlying issue – some of the most common are things like learning disorders (like dyslexia or dyscalculia) or neurodevelopmental disorders (like ADHD or Autism).

It’s natural to feel fear around labels, but these don’t define your child or their potential. With the right support, children with challenges can learn, grow, and thrive in ways that empower them to meet their full potential.

Trust your instincts.

If something doesn’t feel right—if your child isn’t hitting milestones consistently, or if learning and development feel harder than they should—don’t hesitate to CHECK and SEE. Early action is a powerful way to nurture their growth and give them the best possible start.

For more information on the Assessments click here - Our staff are highly knowledgeable in this space and are happy to answer any questions you have. You can contact us directly on (02) 4684 1080 or email us at info@wildflowerholisticservices.com

Christmas_Crafts_2024.pdf

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Christmas_Gardens_A4_Posters_2024.pdf

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Final_SH_Food_Other_Assistance_Nov_2024 _pdf 261.45 KB

2024_Aquathlon_1_.pdf

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St Anthony's Church Tahmoor

Saturday Vigil	6:00 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.

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.

Uniform_Shop.pdf

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Canteen_Menu_2024.pdf

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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