St Anthony's School Term 1 Week 8 2023

Principal's Report

Welcome to our Week 8 newsletter! Can you believe it is almost time for Easter holidays? We will certainly be ready for a break in a few weeks!

Internet Safety

Our children’s safety is always of paramount importance and as parents we often feel ill-equipped to adequately manage our children’s access to the internet, especially when they are so much more adept at using the internet and navigating a myriad of devices than we are.  

 We need to be aware of what sites our children are accessing and who they are talking to and content they are uploading.  We also need to monitor platforms our children are accessing.  From time to time, we are made aware at school that children are using mobile phones or internet sites and online games to send nasty messages to each other or share inappropriate content.  This type of behaviour is unacceptable and constitutes a form of bullying.  Children feel anonymous when using this form of communication and need to be made aware that their actions are inappropriate and once posted electronically, information is still retrievable and easily traceable. Recently, I attended a Student Protection Inservice where local Toowoomba lawyer, Adair Donaldson shared some very concerning data around young people and social media and how when sharing information and photos to a ‘private’ group of friends, this information often ends up shared much wider and the implication of this can be life altering to individuals. He also talked about how content on any device once deleted is actually never deleted.  He said police can extract everything, including deleted data off a device in a very short time frame.

We constantly reiterate a message to our students about their digital footprint but it is up to parents to monitor use more closely at home.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Families are now able to book a preferred interview time via the parent portal. Interviews will take place on Tuesday, 21^st March from 1.00pm. These interviews are most important and are designed to provide parents with the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of your child’s progress and wellbeing at school. They are also a great avenue for dialogue around achievements, areas which require some further improvement and ways parents can assist. Each teacher is required to have an interview sheet which parents are required to sign as record of the discussion. I thank you in advance for your presence at these interviews.

Prep 2024

It is that time of year again where we urgently request for any existing families who may have a child eligible for Prep in 2024 to ensure an enrolment application has been submitted. Children who are born between 1/07/2018 to 30/06/2019 are eligible to enter next year’s Prep program. It is vitally important that we have secured a place for children of existing families prior to offering places to new families.

Formal enrolment interviews will be conducted for existing families in Term 2.

I would highly recommend that you regularly discuss your child’s progress with your Kindy teacher. Delayed entry for children who are not developmentally ready for formal schooling is the best strategy by far in ensuring your child is given every opportunity to experience a positive and enjoyable start to formal schooling. Children of existing families are guaranteed a prep position for the following year if delayed entry is recommended by Kindergarten teachers or other specialists.

School Fees

Families should have received their first school fee invoices for the year about two weeks ago. Please double check your emails and if you have not received one, contact the office asap. We have several options for families to pay these fees. Please do not hesitate to contact the office to arrange internet banking, direct debit, repayment plans etc. It is vital that all families meet their financial commitment to the school. Not only is regular payment of fees a condition of enrolment, but school fees are also a major source of income. Consequently, our ability to continue to provide the best possible staffing levels and student resources relies heavily on your timely payment of school fees and levies.

 Share your thoughts on Catholic Education

The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) is conducting an important survey with parents and carers about the Catholic education system in Queensland. QCEC would appreciate your feedback via a short online survey to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence families in choosing a Catholic school. QCEC are working with Market & Communications Research and the Online Research Unit to compile feedback. You can complete the survey online by clicking on the link below. All responses are anonymous.

SURVEY LINK

Thank you for your contribution.

The survey will be open for two weeks, closing COB Monday 20 March 2023, unless our target number is reached before then. We therefore encourage participation at the earliest convenience.

School Trip Fundraising.

Fundraising is well and truly underway for our school trip to Sydney and Canberra in July.

We still have 144 Thermomix Raffle tickets to sell.  The sale of these gives us a $2500 profit for very little work but if we don’t sell the tickets, we don’t reap the reward.  Tickets are $25.00 each with the lucky winner, winning a brand new Thermomix delivered to your front door anywhere in Australia!

http://stanthonysschoolthermomixraffle.floktu.com

Feel free to share this link with family, friends and work colleagues!

We have several hampers of Easter Eggs to be raffled, with the draws taking place on the last day of term.  Each family should have a book of 10 tickets to sell.  Tickets are $1.00 each. We can arrange more tickets if needed!

Don’t forget our Family Fun Bingo Night on Thursday, 30^th March.  We already have 76 people attending this event and we will have to cap numbers at 200.

There will be a BBQ dinner with steakette burgers and sausages on bread at 5.30, with eyes down for Bingo at 6.30pm.  The bingo prizes are all donations of prizes or services and we have a $200 jackpot which will go off! There will be soft drinks, poppers and chips and lollies available for purchase also!

If any St Anthony’s families would like to donate a prize or service, this would be greatly appreciated.

All bookings need to be made via the Microsoft Form on the Sentral Portal. 

Winter Uniform

With the cooler weather not too far away, just a uniform reminder.

We are in a transition period where girls can wear the Winter formal uniform:

The blue pinafore with long sleeved blue shirt underneath or blue slacks with logo and long sleeved blue shirt, grey tights and plain black shoes, woollen formal pullover, St Anthony’s scarf and beanie

OR

Summer formal uniform with grey tights or long grey socks and plain black shoes, woollen formal pullover.

BOYS can wear:

Long grey pants or grey shorts with either long sleeved blue shirt or short sleeved blue shirt, long grey socks, plain black shoes, woollen formal pullover, St Anthony’s scarf and beanie.

Sports uniform for both boys and girls is:  blue shorts or skorts, blue long or short sleeved polo, St Anthony’s tracksuit, or fleecy lined pull over for students in Prep – Year 3, rain jacket for wet weather, blue and white socks, sports bucket hat and plain black shoes.

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

Harmony Day

On Friday Year 6 Blue will lead the school in a prayer assembly with the theme of ‘Harmony’.  It is a fitting reflection as the school will celebrate ‘Harmony Day’ on Tuesday the 21^st of March. The message of Harmony Day is that everyone belongs. In schools we celebrate inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians, from the traditional custodians of the land to those who have come from many countries around the world. This year’s theme is ‘Living in Harmony’ which is what we strive to do at St Anthony’s as we follow the St Anthony’s Way.  One of our touchstones on the St Anthony’s pathway is to ‘be inclusive’. Our school has had a long history of being an inclusive community. Joining our community whenever and from wherever means that you automatically ‘belong’ to and with the people and in our space.  Each of us as members of St Anthony’s have an obligation to ensure that we uphold that sense of belonging by our actions and our words. We choose to be respectful, kind and fair to all members of our community.  Students are encouraged to wear orange next Tuesday the 21^st of March to show their support of  diversity and inclusivity.

Project Compassion

Mini Vinnies will be organising a ‘Water Walk’ on Tuesday the 21^st of March.  All students will have an opportunity to experience ‘carrying water’ over a short distance in simple containers.  It is a very foreign concept for most Australians that access to water is not just done by turning on a tap in many parts of the world.  This water walk is to raise student’s awareness of how lucky they are to live in Australia where there is running water, but also some appreciation as to how hard it is for others.  Students are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation on this day to place in their classroom Project Compassion Box.  All money raised during this Lenten season will assist Caritas Australia in supporting communities that need their help to assist in endeavours such as access to clean, running water.

Sacramental Program

We keep in our prayers the students who are making their sacrament of Reconciliation next Wednesday at 5.30pm;  Campbell, Noah, Archie, Penny and Elouise.

Chess Club

On March 7th, the Toowoomba Chess Club hosted a tournament that over 300 students from various primary schools in the region attended. St Anthony's was fortunate enough to have 7 students represent. The Novice division (under 8s) played 7 rounds and the Open division played 8- it was a big day!

Each student played to win and regardless of the outcome, showed wonderful sportsmanship and humour. Brains and bodies wearied but the standard of play and attitude remained high. The families of each student can be proud of their achievements. 

Congratulations on your efforts!

Prep White & Prep Blue

Welcome to week 8! The children have been working hard in Math to find patterns in our school grounds, and with materials to continuing and creating patterns.

In English we are continuing to develop our knowledge of letter sounds and sight words. We have listened and practiced retelling stories through dramatic performances that we have re-enacted to our classmates. It is wonderful to see the children building their confidence and working as a team to create their performances.

Thank you for the photos of your children they have enjoyed showing their friends their baby photos and discussing their families as part of our history unit.

Next Tuesday we will be having Parent teacher interviews in the hall from 1pm until 5:30pm this can be booked via the portal. If you require a time outside of the hours available, please see your classroom teacher to organise.

Enjoy your weekend!

Siobhan and Katelyn

Yr 1 White and Yr 1 Blue

Last week grade one participated in fire safety lessons.  This will continue this week with another visit and a chance to follow up on the important safety message we were given and also to see the truck!

The children were taught the importance of knowing to call 000 in an emergency, precautions they can take and to stop, drop and roll if an accident happens.  They were also given homework to go home and discuss the families exit plan in an emergency. Which exit to use, how to get out, where to meet and their address if they need to give that information in an emergency.

If you could follow up these discussions at home that would be very helpful. 

We would love to see everyone at parent teacher interviews. These are being held on Tuesday 21st of March and bookings can be made through the portal.  Please contact the office if you would like a booking  but having trouble.

Cannot believe we are almost at the end of term one!

Thanks Emma and Jacque

Yr 2 White

Over the past two weeks, Year 2 White have explored calendars and began to measure using informal units. We have used interesting measuring units such as dinosaur feet, bees and even caterpillars! A class favourite was definitely measuring Mrs Collis and finding out she was 11 caterpillars long.

The class has worked incredibly hard to create a poster about the 7 continents and really enjoyed singing songs to remind us of all the tricky names. Keep an eye out for this amazing poster to make its way home! In science, we are investigating how living things grow, and everyone is really looking forward to seeing the photos of each other as babies. I’m looking forward to the last few weeks of Term 1, it has flown but been an absolute pleasure so far!

Nicole Collis

Yr 2/3 Blue

Hello from 2/3 Blue!

The last two weeks have flown by so quickly!  I’m looking forward to seeing many parents next week at the Parent Teacher Interviews.  The children have been working very well and I am looking forward to sharing information about their learning with you!

This week we will be looking at silent letters as well as subtraction, time and measurement.  They also made slime this week in STEM with Mrs Slatter!  A very busy time indeed! 

We have been focussing on how we can become better people during Lent – and how the small efforts we make help to make the world around us a better place to be!  Hopefully they are making an effort at home to do the “good deeds” they are telling me about at school!!

Don’t forget Library Day is Monday.  Sports uniforms are Monday and Tuesday! 

Have a wonderful week! 

Kathy Spencer

Yr 3 Gold

This fortnight in Maths we have continued to explore place value and we have learnt the FISH strategy to solve problems.

In English we have learnt the structure and language used in persuasive texts.

This week, the children have sat their very first NAPLAN tests and we are so proud of them for the efforts they have put in.

Yr 4/5 Gold

School according to 4/5 Gold 

Anaiah: I like school because I like learning. 

Brooklyn: I like school because it has physical activities you can do 

Charlotte: My favourite subject is Indonesian because I like learning and speaking a different language 

Ayuel: I like learning Indonesian and factors 

Elia: I like school because we can be active and my favourite subject is sport 

Noah: The reason I like school is because of all the great teachers. My favourite subject is Indonesian because when I’m older I might end up going there and be able to speak the language 

Lily: I like school because each day we can learn something new and my favourite subject is art 

Prisia: I like doing the Brain Kiss 

Jaxson: I like maths because I like doing subtraction 

Jermaine: I like Indonesian because it’s fun 

Callum: My favourite thing at school is PE and Indonesian 

Mira: I like school because its fun and my favourite subject is music and Indonesian 

Elouise: I like school because it has Indonesian and I’ve never learnt it before 

Ashli: I like school because there’s a lot of extra-curricular things and my favourite subject is Science 

Hayley: My favourite subject is Music and I like History 

Alex: I like Maths and PE 

Arul: My favourite subject is maths because it’s fun 

Christine: My favourite subject is Indonesian because it’s a really good language to learn and the country is really good 

Emily: All the subjects are my favourite because I like to learn 

Tim: I like school because I love learning and making friends 

Thais: I like school because there’s lots of subjects that you can learn and I like learning new things. My favourite subject is Science  

Sophia: I like school because it’s making me closer to my achievements in life. My favourite subject is Indonesian because its culture is really fascinating.  

MJ: my favourite subject is maths because I like adding numbers 

Eric: My favourites are PE because its active and Indonesian so I can annoy my brother at home.  

Betty: I like school because of my friends that understand me and Indonesian because its similar to my language that I speak at home. 

Julius: I like school because it prepares us for the future 

Kai: I like school because its helping me learn Indonesian and I also like seeing my friends 

Henry: At school I can go with my friends and talk to them 

Jemma: I like school because it prepares me, so when anything comes up I know what to do 

Yr 4/5 White

Yr 6 Blue

Year 6 have been exploring the Elements of Art in detail this term.  We have spent some time in the art room creating art pieces that we are proud of – Take a look at some pictures of us at work creating!

We are well underway with writing our informative writing assessment task.  We are scribing a general information report on a natural disaster and then, we are taking it a step further and writing a newspaper report around a natural disaster that has occurred somewhere around the world.  I have seen some fantastic work so far! I’m very keen to look at the final writing pieces very soon. 

We are getting closer to the end of the term and are completing assessment tasks on a regular basis.  Therefore, attendance each day is extremely important.   There isn’t long to go!

Until next time,

Mrs Kingsford & Year 6.

Learning Support Team

Learning Differences, Learning Disorders and Learning Disabilities     

The video below highlights the differences in the three categories listed above.

https://www.nccd.edu.au/tools/what-difference-between-learning-differences-learning-difficulties-and-learning-disabilities

HPE

G'day St A's,

I cannot believe we only have 2 weeks to go! 

CONGRATULATIONS ARCHIE 

I'd like to start with a big congratulations to Archie for his selection in the Under 11's Toowoomba team for Rugby League. This is a great achievement for Archie as he trialled against boys a year older than him - so very proud of you buddy. 

T-BALL

Our Grade 4 T-Ball teams are getting ready for our Gala day. I will be sending information home with students tomorrow who have been selected to play. 

CROSS COUNTRY

All information regarding the cross country will go out on the portal this week. It will outline the order of races & important information needed for parents. Please read this if you are planning to attend. 

RUN CLUB 

The numbers for run club this week was extraordinary. We are averaging a collective 30km each morning, which is truly outstanding! Remember, one student will win a ZOOPERDOOPER a day for the next 9 days - all they have to do is RUN! 

Until next time,

Mr Tattum ✌️

Performing Arts

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.

• Arts Fest VISUAL ARTS DISPLAY – Thank you to Ms Terri-An Nolan who has take on the task of co-ordinating St Anthony’s submission for the Art Show at the Arts Fest. We will be taking on the task of creating an art work that shares our vision of ‘Lighting Pathways for Life’.  I know that Ms Nolan is keen to use artists from right across our school years. It’s going to be very exciting!
• Arts Fest DANCE WORKSHOPS – Thank you to the parents who have contacted me letting me know about some of the great dancers we have at St Anthony’s. The students will have more information about this THIS WEEK!! There is still time to contact me if you feel your child has dancing skills that they feel could be used at the Arts Fest. We are only able to send five students from each school to the dance workshops so these positions will be hotly contested. Please email me if you would like more information about DANCING and the Arts Fest. anne-maree.spalding@twb.catholic.edu.au
• Arts Fest VERSE SPEAKING CHOIR – I am teaching all of the Year 4/5 classes a poem that will be presented at the Arts Fest. When we get closer to the date we will select one choir of 30 students who will represent our school. We made a great start on ‘The Longest Journey in the World’  by Michael Rosen. Ask your Year 4/5 student about this poem and see if they can tell you how it starts!
• Arts Fest CHOIR – Our Eisteddfod choir will also represent St Anthony’s at the Arts Fest at the Sing for Joy: Sacred Choral Concert – at the end of next term. This is a great year to be in choir! AND eight lucky choir members will also be chosen to represent our school in the Music Theatre item that will be the highlight of the Celebratory Concert at the Empire Theatre on the evening of Wed 21 June. DANCE students will need to attend choir once the eisteddfod is over in order to learn the songs for their dance item.
• Arts Fest DRAMA IMPROV – Six of our Year Six students will be invited to represent St Anthony’s at a Drama Improvisation Workshop and performance on Wed 21 June at the Arts Fest. These students will be selected based on their audition for the musical and invitations will be sent home this term.

FREE TICKETS TO SEE ‘A MIDSUMMER’S NIGHT DREAM’ AT THE EMPIRE THEATRE

A Midsummer Night's Dream has captured the hearts of many, young and old, in the centuries since it was written. Brimming with mischief and mayhem, Shakespeare's fantastical masterpiece interweaves the magical realm of fairies and woodland creatures with the mortal world of unrequited lovers. This enchanting Shakespearean comedy is beautifully enhanced by Tracy Grant Lord’s shimmering sets and Kendall Smith’s ambient lighting designs. Liam Scarlett’s witty choreography brings the woodlands and vivid characters to life, to the sublime score by Felix Mendelssohn. Don’t miss one of Scarlett’s most exceptional productions as Queensland Ballet tours to Toowoomba.

I have been given 10 FREE tickets to ‘A Midsummer’s Night Dream’. I am offering these first to the Year Six class as a reward for the effort and energy they gave to their auditions for the musical. The show is at the Empire Theatre on Friday 31^st March, and it commences at 7.30pm. It should go for about 2 hours. Please look at your calendars carefully as this is the TOOWOOMBA SHOW HOLIDAY and also the start of the Easter holidays. I think that’s why we’ve been lucky enough to get the tickets. I know some schools won’t be able to get their students organised. However, I would love to spend the evening at the Ballet with some of our Year Six Students. The first 9 students who reply by email will receive a ticket to the show.

My email address is anne-maree.spalding@twb.catholic.edu.au

EISTEDDFOD CHOIR for students in Year 3 to 6 started on Thursday 9^th February. It is vital that students attend every week as we have SO MUCH TO DO this year. It’s an exciting time! 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 – All Eisteddfod soloists should have received their sheet music (start learning those lyrics!) and a copy of a sound file to rehearse at home with. Please let me know if your file isn’t working. Year 6 – Puondak; Year 5 – Abut, Emily, Florence, Hayley, Nessy, Sophia; Year 4 – Caiden, Ivy,  Juliette; Year 3 and Under – Adut, Flynn, Martin, Georgia, Lara, Josie, Shelby. Ivy and Juliette also have entered the Duet section. I am very proud of these children!

SENIOR MUSICAL – We are on our way! Thank you to everyone for the mature way you handled auditions. Parts have been allocated. Let’s go!

CHILDREN’S MASS CHOIR – We will be singing again Sunday the 2^nd April. I know this is in the school holidays, but I will be there and would love some support! 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 – try to join us.

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

Free Webinar for Parents- Vaping

Online Parenting Support

Parenting can be tough. But you don’t have to do it alone. When things
become challenging, it’s important to know that you can always talk to
someone about what’s going on.

If you’re a parent, carer or family member living in Queensland or the Northern
Territory, you can call Parentline from 8am – 10pm seven days a week, for the
cost of a local phone call.

Parenting Support Program

At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.

Learning Objectives of the Program:

• Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read the emotional needs
• Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
• Enhance the development of your child's self esteem
• Honor your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure

Sponsored by: Lifeline Darling Downs and South West QLD Ltd

Location: Lifeline Darling Downs, 33 Russell Street Toowoomba

Dates: Starts Tuesday 2^nd  May 2023

Times: 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm      Cost: FREE

Who should attend: Parents\Caregivers wanting to create stronger relationships with their children

How to register: Phone Lifeline Darling Downs 1300 991 443

Week 1 – Tuesday 2^nd May 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Week 2 - Tuesday 9^th May 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Week 3 – Tuesday 16^th May 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Week 4 – Tuesday 23^rd May 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Week 5 – Tuesday 30^th May 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Week 6 – Tuesday 6^th June 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Week 7 – Tuesday 13^th June 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Week 8 – Tuesday 20^th June 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

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