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Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,
During this week of Sabbath I took the opportunity to reflect on the term by reading the Gospel Reading for this Sunday, Mark Chapter 9 Verses 30-37. In this reading Jesus asks us to see ourselves through the eyes of our children and reminds us that we are here to serve those who are at the heart of all that we do, and that is the students of St Anthony’s. He stated that “whoever welcomed one like a child welcomed Christ himself”. This reading challenges us to see the face of Christ through the eyes of a child. I am reminded that our children are many things to many people. They encourage us when the world wears us down. They freshen us when our aching joints tell us our true age. They challenge us to the Godlike virtues of patience, self-discipline, and charity. In spite of our mature "wisdom," children even help us to see the world in new and wonderful ways. They inspire us to be better. They truly are to be commended for the way in which they have faced the challenges of this world with a sense of hope and a sense of optimism for the future where we once again can be together.
In terms of planning for term four we will continue to communicate with you, as we become more aware of the expectations for the return of Kinder and Year One students on-site from the beginning of Week Four, Monday 26 October. For the first three weeks of next term we'll continue to remain in Phase Four Remote Learning protocols and as a school leadership team, and in consultation with our staff, parents and with the support of Wollongong Catholic Education Office, we are working on providing clear directions on how we will support and manage the return of our students to school.
As the term draws to a close I would also like to acknowledge the incredible support that has come from you, as parents and carers of our school community throughout this term of remote learning. We have certainly not taken for granted the sacrifices families have made during this current lockdown. This term has highlighted the importance of collaboration, communication and cooperation between home and school. As parents and carers you have done an amazing job and deserve some time for rest and relaxation over the holiday break.
The staff at St Anthony's have been simply outstanding in their efforts in developing, implementing and maintaining quality learning opportunities for their classes, checking-in on the well being of students and their families, collaboratively working with and supporting each other, whilst balancing both their own professional and personal lives. On behalf of the St Anthony’s community I would like to highly commend our staff on their exceptional work.
Continue to look after yourselves and each other. Stay safe and connected.
Mr Justin Devlin
Principal
Listed below are some important dates for Term 3 & 4
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September |
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Friday 17 |
Care for Creation Liturgy |
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Friday 17 |
Last day of Term 3 for Students and Staff. |
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October |
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Monday 4 |
Queen's Birthday Public Holiday. |
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Tuesday 5 |
First day of Term 4 (Remote Learning) for Students and Staff. |
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Monday 18 |
P & F Meeting at 6:30 pm via zoom. |
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Monday 25 |
Kindergarten and Year 1 return to face to face learning. |
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November |
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Monday 1 |
Year 2 and 6 return to face to face learning. |
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Monday 8 |
Years 3, 4, & 5 return to face to face learning. |
Please find listed below the announcement from the NSW Government regarding plans for Term Four. As you would appreciate, the plan raises many questions and implications for how we will manage this at a school level. Please be reassured that we will continue to keep you informed as soon as we become more informed.
The NSW Premier has revealed the state’s return to school roadmap, which outlines when students will be able to safely return to school for face-to-face learning in a COVID-safe way.
The most important details of the roadmap are:
- All schools in NSW will follow the same roadmap.
- The return to face-to-face learning will be staggered, with different years returning at different times from 25 October 2021 (see timeline below). The start of the staggered return to face-to-face learning depends upon at least 70% of the state’s eligible adult population being fully vaccinated.
- If stay-at-home orders are lifted in an LGA or region before 25 October 2021, all students living or learning in that area will return to face-to-face learning at that time with a level of COVID-safe restrictions in place.
Timeline for the COVID-safe return to face-to-face learning
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Present |
All schools in NSW at Level 4 restrictions (remote learning). |
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25 October 2021 |
Kindergarten and Year 1 will return to face-to-face learning with Level 3 COVID restrictions on school sites. |
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1 November 2021 |
Years 2, 6 and 11 will return to face-to-face learning with Level 3 COVID restrictions on school sites. |
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8 November 2021 |
Years 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 will return to face-to-face learning with Level 3 COVID restrictions on school sites. |
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 -
Before and After School Care
| St Anthony's Church Tahmoor | ||
| Saturday Vigil | No Mass | Tahmoor |
| Sunday | No Mass | Tahmoor |
| No Mass | Tahmoor | |
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Reconciliation |
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| Saturday | Not currently available | Tahmoor |
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Weekday Mass Times - This Week |
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| Tuesday |
No Mass |
Adoration |
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No Mass |
Tahmoor |
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| Wednesday | No Mass | Tahmoor |
| Thursday | No Mass | Tahmoor |
| Friday |
No Mass |
Tahmoor |
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.
When students return to school in Term Four on their designated start date, they will wear their full summer uniforms.
Parents will NOT be allowed to enter the hall for any face to face purchases, as advised by the Catholic Education Office. Orders can be emailed to the school via info@sapdow.catholic.edu.au
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
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.