Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,

In the first few weeks of this term I have had the pleasure to interview new and existing families who are seeking to enrol their child in Kindergarten for 2020. This enrolment process always provides the school with the wonderful opportunity to gain feedback, both positive and constructive, about the school. It has been very affirming to hear how St Anthony’s has such positive standing within the wider Picton community. I believe this stems from the beautiful and caring students who attend our school, the supportive parent body and the dedicated staff who give so generously of their time.

In the midst of these enrolment meetings it provides me with the opportunity to discuss the important partnership we need to develop between the school and parents. This relationship is, and always should be, centered around our school motto, “To grow in respect and honesty”, especially when concerns or issues arise. The reality of a school community consisting of 380 students, 245 families and over 30 staff members is that problems or conflicts do and will arise. The key for me as the Principal of St Anthony’s, is how we respond to these issues.

Firstly, our response needs to be in line with our Process for Resolution of a Complaint or Issue Policy (a document I will be sending out again through COMPASS). The procedures for this policy always begin with asking the student/parent/staff member/community member to address the issue with the child’s teacher. If there is not a satisfactory outcome follow the appropriate process. The policy also states that you have the right to speak with me directly regarding private and confidential matters. Please be aware that when seeking to make an appointment, the office staff will enquire if the issue or concern has been firstly directed towards an appropriate member of the school community.

Secondly, as a parent or carer, it is your right to be the advocate for your child when an issue arises. However it is also your responsibility to be open to the fact that there are always two sides to a story. When dealing with an area of concern, the staff of St Anthony’s, who have the best interests of all students at heart, need to be treated with a high level of respect and dignity.

Take Care

Mr Justin Devlin

Principal

Listed below are some important dates for Term 2.

SCHOOL FEES

Please ensure that your commitment to payments as per your school fee agreement, is being met. 

Grade Mass 

NO Grade Mass on Friday 24 May due to Athletics Carnival. 

Assembly

Our next school assembly will be led by Year 2 on Friday 31 May at 2.15 pm

AWARDS

Congratulations to the following students who will receive an award at assembly on Friday 31 May for being a great learner and wonderful community member.

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Charli Pisani (Yr3) and her faimily to St Anthony's. We hope Charli enjoyed her first day and wish her all the best for her time here. 

Our Carnival Book Fair is open to Parents, Friends and Students.  

Thursday 30 May   3.15pm-4pm

Only Students with parents or carers - Friday 31 May    8.30-4pm

We have set these times as the library is not in use. Please feel free to come anytime in the time allocated.

Our Book Fair will give you the opportunity to buy books for your children and the school. Students will have an opportunity to visit the fair early next week with their class teacher to see the books and make a Wish List to take home. This may assist you if you are unable to attend and is simply a wish list, not a confirmed order.

Payment by cash or credit card

(EFTPOS is available.)

Students who have money or wish list authorisations will be called to the library on Friday to buy, following the approximate timetable:

9.30: Year 5, Year 6 10.00: Year 3, Year 4

10.30: Year 2, Year 1, Kinder

Donations- The school would be extremely grateful for any donations you wish to purchase for the school. There will be a table in the library with our WISH LIST. Please choose a book and pay for it. Please tell the ladies helping, they will put a post-it note inside. The book will be accessioned to the library with a donation sticker inside with your family name. Your child will also have the first option to borrow this item.

I will be able to back order any books we run out of. After you have paid for these books they will be delivered to the school very early the following week.

If you have any further queries please ask at the school library.

Anne Cordingley

Teacher-Librarian

St Anthony's is pleased to announce that from the collection of the Caritas money boxes sent home and money raised from our Colour Run we have donated $4237.25 to Caritas for Project Compassion. Thank you for all your support.