St Anthony's School Term 1 Week 4 2023

Principal's Report

Welcome to our Week 4 newsletter!

As with most things nowadays, time is a precious commodity. We understand that school events such as Parent Info Sessions, Assemblies, Masses and Liturgies etc., add further pressure to the weekly family timetable.

However, generally being not common occurrences, we hope that priority is given to attending school events. Being involved in school activities sends a positive message to your children. Children will soon realise that school is important if they feel and see their parents taking a real interest in what is happening in their class and the wider school community.

“The involvement of parents helps break down the mystique about school that can exist for some children. Their chances of success are better when the school is an extension of home rather than merely an institution for learning.”

“Positive parent participation demonstrates to children that you value learning as well as their school. Children copy many of their parents’ views so your positive attitude to school and learning is catching.”

[Michael Grose]

There are many ways that parents can be positively involved in school life. Researcher and founder of ‘Parenting Ideas’ Michael Grose shares some ideas….

• Support the culture and what your school is trying to achieve;
• Support your child’s teacher;
• Become an advocate for the school throughout the wider community;
• Attend school activities such as sports events, concerts, Masses etc.;
• Consult regularly with your child’s teacher about practical ways in which you can assist both at home and at school.

For those who attended our new school Year Mass and Leadership induction today, I’m sure you’d agree that the behaviour and singing of the students was outstanding and our Year 6 Leaders of 2023 led the Mass with maturity and reverence.  St Anthony’s is in good hands with these aspiring leaders!  I have been very impressed with the way they are taking on various goals and initiatives around the school to take St Anthony’s from great to outstanding!

Thank-you to Mrs Kingsford and Mrs Hauser for preparing this mass.

Primary School Individual Chess Championship

If there are any students interested in participating in the 2023 Toowoomba District Primary School INDIVIDUAL chess championship please give your name to Mrs Pfingst by Tuesday 2nd March. This event will be held on Tuesday, 9^th March 2018 at Highlands Christian College, Toowoomba. The cost is $20 per student and transportation to and from the event is by parents. A staff member will be in attendance on the day.

Attendance Matters

One of my passions is school attendance.  My own children often joke that they could be missing a limb and still have to go to school. While that’s a slight exaggeration, in our household regular school attendance is highly valued and we believe that an education is a ticket to a future full of endless opportunities.

We offer such an amazing education here at St Anthony’s each and every day and yet in 2023 we still have a number of students who are already at 50 – 70% attendance for this time of the year, which is very concerning.

Did you know? Research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.

Why is regular attendance at school important? Regular school attendance will mean that your child gets a better chance at life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day: they learn better, they make friends, they are happier and they have a brighter future.

Why must I send my child to school? Under Queensland law, you must make sure your child of school age is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have a reasonable excuse. Illness, doing work experience, competing in a school sporting event or going on a school excursion are reasonable excuses for being absent from school. Principals decide if the excuse given for your child’s absence is reasonable.

Avoid keeping your child away from school for:

 Birthdays, shopping, visiting family and friends, if they sleep in, looking after other children, minor check-ups or care such as haircuts.

 Routine medical or other health appointments should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays where possible

 While it is a last resort, it is important to understand that you may be prosecuted if your child is not attending school regularly.

Our curriculum is delivered face to face and is spiralled from one day to the next.  Regular absence does leave gaps in a child’s learning and has a negative impact on social relationships. 

Healthy Lunches

St Anthony’s is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting parents with their efforts to encourage healthy eating habits in children. Consequently, lollies, chocolates and soft drinks are not considered appropriate lunch box items.

We also have a number of students in our school community who have severe allergies to nuts.  Nuts or foods that contain nuts are a risk to other students and are not to be brought to school.  This includes Nutella or hazelnut spread.

School Drop and Pick Up

Just a reminder that students are supervised in the mornings from 8.15 and our school day concludes at 3.00pm.  Students are to be picked up at 3.00pm.  We often have students who are still waiting up until 3.30pm We do have before and after school care run by the TCKC in our sports hall for families that require this service. The mornings and afternoons are very busy times for teachers who often have meetings and are preparing for the following school day and also have commitments with their own families.

Media Consent

We have a number of students at St Anthony’s without media clearance.  Therefore at school events, parents must refrain from filming or photographing children other than their own.  Such events include church services, assemblies, sporting carnivals and excursions. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Family Fun Bingo Night – Save the Date

Our Year 5 and 6 parents are currently fundraising to subsidise the cost of the school trip for each family.  These students embark on a trip of a lifetime in July to Sydney and Canberra.

We currently have a thermomix raffle.  The tickets are $25 each and can be purchased via the link on our school facebook page.

Our BIG fundraiser for the term is a family Bingo Night on Thursday, 30^th March, the eve of our Toowoomba Show Holiday and Easter break.  It will be $10 per player for 9 games of bingo.  Great prizes up for grabs!!  There’s a BBQ dinner and snacks and drinks available for purchase. This will be a great night out and lots of fun! Who doesn’t love bingo??

Next week, I am attending the Term 1 Diocesan Principal’s Leadership Forum in Toowoomba from Tuesday – Thursday and Katie Hauser will be deputising in my absence.

Until next newsletter…….God Bless!

Louise

The newsletter will be an e newsletter emailed to parents on a Thursday every fortnight. Community and parent notices can still be included in the newsletter by emailing the item to the school stanthonys@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Middle Leader/APRE

Welcome

Today we officially celebrated the 2023 school year with an Opening Mass, led by our Parish Priest Father Jamie. We reflected on our theme of the year; ‘Journeying the St Anthony’s Way.’  We all have an important role to play in contributing to our community and the St Anthony’s Way.  If we all strive to be kind, be fair, be honest, be respectful, be inclusive, be engaged, be persistent, be curious, be a communicator, and be proud we will be laying the foundation for a successful and rewarding journey.  We were reminded that as we travel the two pathways of the St Anthony’s Way there will be times throughout the year when we will take the lead and shine our light for others, and other times when we will need to have the path lit for us to follow.  What remains constant however, is that we will all make this journey together as a community. The symbol of Nano Nagle’s lantern was ever present in our celebration as it reminds us that we all have a responsibility to be a community that shines a light of love to all.

During the celebration the Year 6 students were presented with their Leadership Badges.  Last Friday, the students spent the day reflecting upon how to be ‘everyday leaders’ in our school community at their leadership retreat.  They thought about all the little things they can do to make a difference to those around them, shining their light and being everyday examples of Jesus’ love and care.  We look forward to seeing them leading our community in learning and loving this year.

Sacramental Program

Just a reminder that if any families of Year 4 students ( or older) would like their child to make the sacraments of initiation into the Catholic faith this year please contact the Parish Office to register your interest.  Please ensure you have done this prior to the end of February. The program will be focused on Reconciliation this term and will continue into Term 2, culminating with the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion in June.

Middle Leader

By week 4 of Term 1 students and teachers have ‘settled in’ and classroom communities are generally settled.  In other words, the honeymoon is over and the reality of school five days a week has set in for both students and teachers! This year as a school we have, and are continuing to invest heavily in evidence-based practices that support the social and emotional well-being of all students.  These measures are a proactive step in setting students up for success with their academic learning.  Research consistently shows that students need to feel connected and safe before they are capable of turning their mind to learning. 

We have invested in creating predictable, consistent routines within the school day to assist students to regulate their behaviour and be able to navigate a days learning, even when things may be against them ( such as extreme heat, playground dramas, a sadness at home.) We are teaching explicitly with the Zones of Regulation program, how to identify emotions linked to behaviours and a student’s ability to then follow the St Anthony’s Way Love of Learning Pathway.  Teachers are using the phrase ‘Are you ready to learn?’ and unpacking what that means for students.  You might hear your children speak about the ‘Welcome Circle’ they participate in at the beginning of each day, the brain breaks they have throughout the day and the lessons they participate in regarding identifying and labelling their emotions.  All these measures are a proactive step in setting students up for success with their academic learning. 

NAPLAN

NAPLAN (The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy)  is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, and is the only nationwide assessment that all Australian children undertake.

It’s a measure to see whether or not young Australians are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning, and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community. Previously it has been scheduled Nationally to occur in Term 2, however for 2023 it has been brought forward to Term 1.  Naplan assessments for Year 3 and 5 students will be in Week 8 from Wed the 15^th of March. 

A little info about Katie Hauser

It is my fourth year being a member of the St Anthony’s community.  They say it doesn’t feel like work when you are enjoying what you do! I can’t say it doesn’t feel like work ( my step count is certainly up by the end of the day!)  but I can say that I absolutely relish every experience that comes my way in my role as APRE/Middle Leader.  The St Anthony’s community holds a special place in my heart as I attended the school when I was a child.  I loved being a member then, and that has not changed.  St Anthony’s still has the same inclusive, community vibe that was present way back in the 80s.

I began my teaching career in 1998.  Most of my classroom teaching experience occurred in the lower years, having graduated with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.  I have taught in many schools, from country settings to urban schools across the state and I spent two years in the Toowoomba Catholic School’s Office as an Education Officer for the Reading Improvement Strategy. During this time, I was privileged to be able to support teachers in their teaching of reading and visited all the schools in the Diocese!

When I am not at school I am just like all the other parents out there doing their best to support their children ( I have three),  spend time with their partner ( my husband ) and find some personal time to do the things that bring them joy ( visiting family, exercising in the great outdoors, watching Netflix!)  This year my eldest child flies the coop and my other two are rapidly approaching the end of their schooling life as well.  It is an interesting stage of life!

School Photos - Monday 27 February, 2023

*Please Note: Formal Summer Uniform with plain black shoes are to be worn*

Photo Day is nearly here! Monday 27th February 2023

Online Orders—visit ww.qldschoolphotography.com.au to order. Please note: if ordering online, we have a record of payment and do not require an envelope to be handed in.

Paying by cash—photo envelopes are available at the school office if you would like to pay by cash—please fill in one envelope for each student. Please enclose the correct payment (change will not be given).

Sibling Photos— Sibling photo envelopes are available at the school office. (Sibling photos commence at 8am in the Hall).

Prep White & Prep Blue

In Prep this fortnight, we have continued to settle into our learning. Learning letters s, a, t, p, their sounds, as well as numbers up to 5. 

We also began our science study of weather, where we sat outside and used our senses to describe what we are feeling, seeing and hearing. We also had the opportunity to experience a variety of changes in the weather during one of our lunchtimes.

We are so glad to hear that many of our preps are enjoying their days at school and we look forward to many more enjoyable days throughout the term. 

Katelyn & Siobhan

Yr 1 White

Hello Year 1 White Families… Well, we are moving through the weeks quickly, with us currently  making our way through Week 4. Over the past few weeks, the students and myself have been getting to know each other. We've discussed what interests we have within the classroom, talked about our families and friends, as well as reviewing the school expectations and St Anthony’s Way.

To start the year out, we have been doing some revision for Mathematics as well as English. We have been working together, practicing our counting and number recognition and writing. We have been practicing our letter writing as well.

Please remember to return the library books on a Thursday as this will assist us with the borrowing of books on a Friday. Please also remember a hat and water bottleas the days have been very warm lately.

Till next time

Jacque Houghton

Jacque.houghton@twb.catholic.edu.au

Yr 1 Blue

My name is Angela Brackstone, also known as Mrs Ange.  After working the last seven years as a Teacher Aide in Prep, this year I have moved on up to Year One, with some time also supporting Year 6.  I love my role assisting our students to become the best learners they can be.  Watching them grow and learn from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is truly rewarding.  I feel very blessed to be a part of the St Anthony's community.  I have also been a parent of St Anthony's, with my two daughters having completed their primary schooling at this wonderful little school and now in Year's 8 and 10.  As my husband also works in education, my family and I are very lucky to be able to do what we love the most and that is camping and touring around the amazing country we live in.  I wish everyone a year of happiness and success for 2023! 



Yr 2 White

In Year 2 White we have been working very hard to follow classroom rules and expectations and are doing a fantastic job! Our units of work are well underway, and we are focusing on demonstrating our knowledge. We have enjoyed learning about 3-digit numbers and the structure of informative texts. Students are very excited to begin writing their own informative text about an animal of their choosing.

Quick reminders: Wednesday is PE for us. I have spoken to the girls about wearing their skorts on this day, to make it a bit easier to move around! Thursday is our library borrowing day so please ensure your child comes to school with their library bag (no book, no bag, no borrowing).

Nicole Collis

Nicole.Collis@twb.catholic.edu.au

Yr 2/3 Blue

Hello from 2/3 Blue!

We have been working hard over the last two weeks with reading and numberwork as well as revising our vowel sounds … because they are always tricky!  We have been working on Hass and discussing how we “belong” and have connections with people and places that are important to us.  We have been looking at the books Back on Country, Ceremony and Our Dreaming to get a sense of how indigenous Australians experience belonging to country. 

We hope you like the Valentine Hearts the children made for you – just a little reminder of how much they love you and how important you are to them!  Have a great week.

Kathy Spencer

Kathleen.Spencer@twb.catholic.edu.au

Yr 3 Gold

In English we have been learning how to create detailed descriptions of settings and characters. In Maths we have been working with place value, including how to represent the same number in many different ways. In Religion, we are investigating how Jesus challenges us as a community and how we can use the stories of Jesus to help us live together.

Rebecca More

rebecca.more@twb.catholic.edu.au

Yr 4/5 Blue

It is safe to say that we are really into our term and working hard. We have been working on developing our routines and setting up good habits for the rest of the year.

Over the past fortnight we have been exploring place value and beginning to work with tenths, hundredths and thousandths. We have been discussing the structural elements of narratives and learning about the importance of a correct paragraph structure.

Mrs Nolan’s Key Learning Area: I have really been enjoying working with all three 4/5 classes for Religion this term. So far, the students have been exploring two Gospel writers, Matthew and Luke. Through exploring parallel passages, we have been comparing the contrasting the two authors. I have been very impressed with the level of conversations and questions that have been posed during these lessons.

Until next time, keep safe.

Mrs Terri-An Nolan

Terri-An.Nolan@twb.catholic.edu.au

Yr 4/5 Gold

What a productive and awesome time the past 3 weeks have been! There is so much learning happening every day in our classroom and everybody seems to have settled into the routines well. As part of our science unit, we’ve begun examining life cycles and we can easily explain the difference between a complete and an incomplete metamorphosis! We have learnt about odd and even numbers in maths and have spent some time learning about Indonesia as an introduction to LOTE.  Writing a great narrative is our current focus in English. 

We sadly said goodbye to Miss Fatseas earlier this week. She spent the past 3 weeks in our classroom, completing the practical component of her teaching degree. Thank you for all your help with routines, teaching us and your friendliness, Miss Fatseas! 

 Mrs Winters

Yr 4/5 White

Yr 6 Blue

Last week, Year 6 experienced their Leadership Retreat.  This was a fantastic way to immerse students in all things leadership and be in the presence of God.  The theme for the occasion was ‘Little By Little’.  We spent the day exploring the fact that all the little things we can do as leaders will all add up to be something big and wonderful.   Thank you to Mrs Hauser for running such a wonderful and meaningful experience for us.

Take a look at our experience:

Learning Support Team

Gaming

Gaming has become a problem for many students, not only autistic children.

The parents of autistic teenagers and young adults are increasingly worried about how much time their son or daughter spends on Internet gaming, whilst the autistic person is worried that their time could be reduced by their parents. Clinicians and parents may be concerned that a young autistic person’s interest in Internet gaming could evolve into addiction.  

Gaming disorder or video game addiction is recognised worldwide. It has increased with the advent of broadband technology, games allowing for the creation of avatars, ‘second life’ games and MMORPGs (massive multiplayer online role-playing games). World of Warcraft has the largest MMORPG community online, and there have been studies confirming the addictive qualities of the game. Indeed, modern computer games have adopted aspects of the gambling industry, for example, purchasing Loot Boxes within the game.  The content of a Loot Box is unknown and purchased directly or available during play, with the gamer subsequently buying “keys” to redeem them.  Game developers see loot boxes as a way of generating ongoing revenue and keeping player interest in gaming through loot-box reward systems. This can contribute to the addictive nature of Internet gaming. 

Consequences of Internet gaming 

The consequences of engaging in too much Internet gaming can include a deterioration in mental and physical health, lost opportunities for learning important life skills, and reduced achievements. Research with participants in the general population has indicated that excessive Internet gaming can increase depressive and anxiety symptoms and increase the risk of substance abuse. Physical symptoms include a weakened immune system due to lack of sleep and daylight, exercise loss and effects on physical fitness, obesity, increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye and back strain. There can also be a reduction in academic performance, real-life social relationships and increased family disharmony and conflict. 

The diagnosis of internet gaming disorder 

Consequences of Internet gaming 

The consequences of engaging in too much Internet gaming can include a deterioration in mental and physical health, lost opportunities for learning important life skills, and reduced achievements. Research with participants in the general population has indicated that excessive Internet gaming can increase depressive and anxiety symptoms and increase the risk of substance abuse. Physical symptoms include a weakened immune system due to lack of sleep and daylight, exercise loss and effects on physical fitness, obesity, increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye and back strain. There can also be a reduction in academic performance, real-life social relationships and increased family disharmony and conflict. 

Reducing the time engaged in Internet gaming 

To reduce the amount of Internet gaming time, it is essential to understand why an individual player engages in Internet gaming. Each of the reasons described above needs to be explored and evaluated and to find other ways to meet those needs.  

There are programmes designed for non-autistic gamers, such as the Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA), founded in 2017. It is a 12-step programme supporting compulsive Internet users. Media Addicts Anonymous (MAA) is another 12-step programme for media addiction. 

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Internet Addicts (CBT-IA) has been designed and developed to help the gamer recognise the potential harms of Internet gaming, manage impulse control, identify triggers of Internet binge behaviour and use cognitive restructuring to challenge and modify cognitive distortions and rationalisations to justify excessive Internet use. The programme also helps develop self-identity, interpersonal communication skills and alternative emotion management strategies. 

There are support communities for Internet gamers such as StopGaming-Reddit as well as www.gamequitters.com, and in Australia, www.GameAware.com.au developed by Andrew Kinch. 

From our clinical experience, we would suggest adding components to conventional game-quitting programmes, such as expanding the person’s social network to include autistic friends and psychological treatment of anxiety and depression that accommodates the characteristics and experiences of autistic teenagers and young adults.   

Parents must consider removing gaming devices from the person’s bedroom, not gaming first thing in the morning, and having a game-free day each week for all family members. We recommend a gradual reduction in the total amount of gaming each day, first establishing the accurate real-time spent engaged in gaming and reducing that time by perhaps 15 minutes each day for a week or more, then another 15-minute reduction to reach a goal of a total of two hours a day. 

There will need to be careful consideration of activities to replace gaming, such as reading, watching movies and artistic activities, time with friends and new social activities such as Dungeons and Dragons, an autism support group, being with pets, adventure sports and geocaching, martial arts and online and college courses which may include game design. 

By Professor Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett

HPE

Hello St A's,

What a start to 2023. 

Our Prep-2 students have been busy developing their skills in soccer, I think we have a few little soccer stars on our hands! Students in years 3-5 have started to put their cricket skills into modified games - some sensational sixes going on! .... and speaking of 6ers, our leaders are early into their OZ Tag unit. OZTag is a non-tackling version of rugby league. Lots to learn but they are progressing well.  

Students are invited to run club every morning from 8:00am-8:20am. This is a good opportunity to get them ready for cross country! 

Last Friday Alex, Lauren & Vann competed in the Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival. I was beyond proud of the three of them, some tough competition but we walked away with a ribbon of every colour. 

I'd like to wish Vann good luck as he trials for Darling Downs Golf, and Phoebe who is trialling for Darling Downs Touch. Go get em' kids! Can't wait to see where your sport takes you both.

Until next time, 

Mr Tattam

Ory.Tattum@twb.catholic.edu.au

Performing Arts

We are off to a great start for 2023 and the Arts at St Anthony’s

• CHOIR for students in Year 3 to 6 started on Thursday 9^th February. Rehearsals are each Thursday morning commencing at 8am sharp!!! There are no costs associated with being in choir. Any student from Year 3 to 6 is welcome – and all you have to do is turn up at 8am each Thursday morning. We will sing at the Eisteddfod in Term Two, and members of the choir will be eligible to take part in the TCS Arts Fest at the end of Term Two. Please encourage your child to join. We need more senior choristers – especially boys!

• SOLO EISTEDDFOD OPPORTUNITIES – Thank you to the students who have already brought back their notes indicating that they would like to sing in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod this year. These should be returned to Mrs Hess or Mrs Vogler at the school office. There are spare information notes available there too. The students need to be committed to rehearsing at home with their families. Parents need to be available to take the students to the Eisteddfod venues on competition days. I am happy to help children choose songs that suit them, to make a rehearsal track for them to practise with, and to accompany them at the competition. We should be choosing our songs over the next two weeks and music will be sent home with your child!

• SENIOR MUSICAL – We are planning for this to happen in Week One of Term Four. That seems a LONG way away – but we only have an hour a week to prepare – that’s about 5 days of rehearsals spread out over the year. This year I am allowing our Year Six students to decide if they wish to audition for a MAJOR or MINOR role. Students who take on MAJOR roles are encouraged to attend rehearsals on Wednesday afternoon after school in Terms Two and Three. More details will be sent out directly to our Year Six students – but try to keep Wednesday afternoons free!!! I am working out the logistics of offering Year Five students the chance to be in the ‘optional after school chorus. I will see what we can do!

• CHILDREN’S MASS CHOIR – Thank you to the beautiful children from St Anthony’s who sang for us on Sunday 5^th February month at the St Anthony’s Parish. Our next mass will be on Sunday the 5^th March. All students from Prep to Year 6 are invited to come along by 8.15am to check out the microphones and to be ready to sing at 8.30am. We practice the songs in lesson time so most children will know most of the songs. It is a highlight for many of our elderly parishioners and I hope we continue to have great support for our Children’s Mass Choir.

• TOOWOOMBA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ARTS FEST: BELIEF IN THE ARTS 19^th to 22^nd June – this festival will involve students from right across the Toowoomba Diocese – from Cunnamulla to Quilpie, from Stanthorpe to Dalby and everywhere inbetween! Children will get the opportunity to meet students from other schools and to work together to create exciting arts opportunities – singing, dancing, painting and acting. More information soon!

Thank you for all you do to support The Arts at St Anthony’s

Anne-Maree Spalding

Free Online Parenting Support

Triple P Online has some exciting new features, such as more personalised tips and tools, more downloadable resources, and new videos.

Support your children to get the most out of school in 2023, with fewer arguments over screen time, homework, and morning routines. Tailored, personalised, easier-to-use online modules allow you to select what you want help with to bring out the best in your kids.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® is a FREE program available to all parents, 24/7. For more information and to get started visit Happier, healthier, less stressed kids & families | Triple P (triplep-parenting.net.au)

St Anthony's Outside School Hours Care

Our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services provide the opportunity for children to grow and develop their social skills in a leisure based environment nurtured by our Catholic ethos.  

The services offer a combination of before school, after school, Pupil Free days and vacation care led by a team of qualified educators.   Our educators work with all children to create fun and recreational experiences so that a child’s wellbeing, learning and personal development are a priority. The services provide a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to support the diverse interests of all children.  

St Anthony's OSHC Toowoomba

Phone: 0458 937 154 or 0458 897 293

Email: ANTcare@tckc.qld.edu.au