Listed below are some important dates for Term 3.

Grade Mass 

Grade Mass has been postponed for the students until further notice. 

Assembly

Assemblies will be postponed until further notice. 

Awards

Silver and Gold Awards will not be handed out until we resume face to face learning.

Gold Pennant -

Gold Awards -

RE: Phase Four Learning From Home Guidelines - Reasons for Children 

       to attend School

Dear Parents & Carers

I would like to continue to express our gratitude for the generous support you have shown our teachers and school staff over the first half of Term Three and for your ongoing patience as we continue to live, work and learn under these restrictions. 

For the next two weeks we will continue to follow our Phase Four guidelines whilst we await directions from NSW Health and the Diocese of Wollongong regarding what will be expected of us for the last three weeks of Term Three. As the term has progressed one of the challenges we are facing is the number of children who are attending school each day. Can I remind all parents that under Phase Four Guidelines:

• NSW Health continues to strongly encourage parents and carers to keep children home unless it is absolutely necessary for them to attend school. The number of COVID-19 cases continues to present a serious risk to the community, with the Delta strain impacting young people and children more significantly than previous strains of COVID-19.
• As a school community we will continue to support parents who need to send their child(ren) to school because they:

• Are an essential worker and need to attend to work commitments.
• Have expressed a specific need for their child to attend school and have discussed this need with a member of the school’s leadership team.

Can I also ask that for parents who are sending their child to school, that they are strongly aware that for any student who is unwell, even with very mild symptoms, they must stay home.

As we have always stated, one of our fundamental priorities is the safety and wellbeing of our families, the students and our dedicated staff who continue to manage the students working from home, the students attending school and their own family commitments.

Thank you again for working with us in the ongoing safety, growth and development of the students in our collective care.

During these next few weeks of home learning there are three key messages that all parents and carers need to be mindful of:

1. For students who are staying at home, it is mandatory for parents to ensure that our attendance google form is completed each day. If the form is not completed then a child will be marked absent from school
2. From a wellbeing perspective please note that our weekly home learning grids are our guide for key learning that needs to be completed. Please be reassured that if all tasks are not completed, this is Ok! As teachers we acknowledge that some days, in some moments, due a range of factors the reality of having a break, enjoying the sunshine in the backyard is far more beneficial than the task at hand.
3. We are only a phone call away, a see saw message, a google post, an email, post on our feedback form on the home learning. Please continue to utilise the support of the school. Our role is to continue to engage with the community in order to provide as much support as possible.

In the challenges of the weeks ahead let us continue to pray for each other. 

To my brothers and sisters of the parish – St. Anthony’s.

It has been 6 Sundays since the lockdown (27/6) our parish Church could not open its door for Holy Mass.

I understand the emotional upset that the lockdown has caused and hindered us from coming together to worship on the weekends. Let us remember this, that the lockdown can close our Church; but it cannot close our hearts to the Lord and to one another. Although the church building is shut down, the Church the people of God, being the living body of Christ sharing Christ’s life cannot be shut down.

At this time, let us renew our faith and conviction that when we get hurt, Christ gets hurt too; when we suffer, he suffers with us too. His love for us is stronger than ever, and this new challenge is sent to test our faith in the Lord, and our love and concern for one another.

Due to strict lockdown, we cannot come together as parish community on the weekend basis to sing praises to God, to hear the Gospel, to receive Holy Communion, to say hellos to one another before or after Mass, but we still can be in touch with the Lord and with one another through personal prayers at home or hear Mass online, and through phone call.

Last Sunday, the Church celebrated the feast of the Assumption of Mary. Mary, after life on earth was over, was assumed into heaven. The Assumption of Mary reminds us of where we will end up in the end. She is the icon and our hope of heaven! We will follow her into heaven to be with God and with one another!

At this difficult time, we need to stay tuned to the voice of Jesus and his Church, stay connected to one another, being thoughtful and kind to one another wherever it may be.

Until we meet, stay safe and take great care.

With love!

Fr. Peter Tien.

Her Excellency the Governor of New South Wales has prepared a video message to thank and encourage our school community.

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.

• Year 2 Sacrament of Penance 
• Year 3 Sacrament of the Eucharist
• Year 6 Sacrament of Confirmation 

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.

Below are the dates for our 2021 Confirmation Program

Life presents us with many joys and challenges, it may be the birth of a child, the loss of employment or the death of a family member. We are privileged to, and benefit from, living in a community that cares for us, no matter what our circumstances. At times, we may find ourselves in a position where some extra care and support would be welcomed to help us through a period of hardship or need. If you are in need of support, please contact Sister Julie on 0418 674 452 who will respond to you confidentially.

Every year, by law, we have to receive consent from parents to photograph and use images of your child. The photos taken will be displayed in newsletters and/or Facebook to celebrate the fun times and achievements of students. Consent forms have been sent home today with your child, if you consent or do not consent to your child's photo being taken please tick the appropriate box and return the form to school.

If we do not receive a form for your child we will not include your child in photos.