St Anthony's School Term 4 Week 2 2023

Principal's Report

Welcome back! I trust you all enjoyed the holiday break and a reprieve from the routines of getting up for school each day! The children appear to have returned to school rested and energetic for the term ahead.

Term 4 is traditionally ‘fast moving’ with a variety of events that are part and parcel of the end of the school year. Whilst these are all very important in the life of the school, we must not lose sight of the need to continue to work towards academic improvement. This is a timely opportunity to remember the importance of being at school every day and to resist the temptation to take a day off ‘here and there’.  Our curriculum is delivered daily ‘face to face’ and unnecessary absences lead to academic and social gaps.

As the weather will be heating up quickly it is also important that school hats are worn each day and that children apply sunscreen prior to coming to school.

Please ensure that your child has a hat and is only wearing his/her own hat.  We have had a recurring issue with students helping themselves to others’ hats in order to be able to play.  Please ensure hats are clearly named also.

We are currently making staffing and class arrangements for 2024, so if you definitely know that you will not be returning to St Anthony’s in 2024 it would be appreciated if you could let me know, as the number of class teachers is directly linked to the number of students in the school.  Your ongoing support of our school is greatly appreciated and should you know of friends, relatives or work colleagues who are considering schooling options for 2024, I ask you to encourage them to consider St Anthony’s as a preferred option. Should you or they require any further information regarding enrolment at St Anthony’s, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to meet with people to talk about what St Anthony’s has to offer and for people to see first hand the great learning that takes place in our calm classroom environments.  Word of mouth is the single most effective marketing strategy (and cheap too) so let’s get out and spread the word!!  We currently have vacancies in all year levels.

2024 Class Lists

The construction of class groupings each year is a collaborative process that involves input from students, parents, class teachers, specialist staff and the St Anthony’s Leadership Team. We seek to ensure the process is fair and just and it is our intention to develop class groupings in a way that best meets the educational needs and interests of all students. If you have a sound educational reason for a particular placement that you feel should be considered during the class placements process, I invite you to forward this consideration to myself  via email  (Please forward to louise.pfingst@twb.catholic.edu.au) and mark the email Attention Principal – Class Lists 2024). Please note that we will not accept any requests for a particular teacher as all teachers in our community are proficient at differentiating the curriculum, recognising a variety of learning styles and building strong relationships with students and as a professional learning community we work together to ensure teachers receive the necessary support to ensure this happens. All requests must be made by Monday, 23^rd October.

Farewell Mrs Hauser!

It is with mixed emotions we can announce that Mrs Hauser is leaving us at the end of the year to take up the position of Acting Principal Administration at St Saviour’s Primary School.  Katie has been a very valued member of our St Anthony’s community since 2020 and while we are all very excited for her to take on this new role, she will leave some very big shoes to fill at St Anthony’s. Her passion for driving change in our school and supporting teachers and students at St Anthony’s has been inspirational.

We have begun the recruitment process for the role of Assistant Principal – Religious  Education and Middle Leader (Curriculum Co-ordinator) and we will announce once the most suitable applicant has been appointed.

Term 4 Behaviour Rewards System

This term, we will continue with the behaviour points system which has been very well received and embraced by the students this year.

Each student has commenced the term with 100 points and the points are added to with SAW (St Anthony’s Way) tickets and points are deducted for RTC’s and suspensions. 

This term we are introducing the ‘SAW Shop’ where students can choose a prize at 150, 200 and 250 points and those who reach 300 by Week 8 of this term are able to participate in a water play day, where we will have a giant water slide and other activities involving water play. The ‘SAW Shop’ is open on Fridays at Second Break.

Points are tallied by the classroom teachers and points check ins are done each Friday in classrooms.

We have found that the points system is very positively received by students and teachers and it is our way of recognising and acknowledging the students who consistently follow the behaviour expectations  of the school and this is by far the majority of our student body.

School Musical

I would like to offer my congratulations and thanks to Mrs Anee-Maree Spalding and our very talented Year 6 and 5 students who entertained us last Thursday evening with their musical production, ‘The Pirates of the Curry Bean’.

We are so fortunate to have Anne-Maree so capably in this role to ensure these students have this amazing opportunity to develop and show case their talents and overcome nerves. 

For me, to hear students say at the conclusion of the musical such things as ‘I can’t believe I learnt all of those lines’ or ‘I can’t believe I just did that’.  Makes it all worthwhile. 

The Arts is a valuable part of the curriculum and one that we celebrate at St Anthony’s.

Well done everyone!!

Family details Update

A reminder to families to keep your contact details up to date. It is very important that these details are correct as we need to be able to contact families for many reasons, including medical emergencies. Please contact the office either by phone, email or in person if you have any changes to make.

Prep Transition

There is much excitement in anticipation of our first prep transition morning commencing next Friday, 20^th October.  This will be the first of 4 sessions on Fridays from 8.30 – 10.30, concluding on 10th November. The purpose of the program is for the children and their families to become familiar with the school surroundings and with their teachers for 2024.  

Thank-you to everyone who came to our working bee on Sunday.  It was wonderful to have so many helpers and I think it’s safe to say the kids had a ball!!

Just a reminder that our next PPF gathering is on Tuesday, 24^th October at 6.00pm in the staffroom.  We will also send out a TEAMS invite to link into this gathering as an option also.  This gathering will focus on our upcoming Christmas Concert and Fair and where we’re at with our planning for our 2024 school year and our strategic priorities.  We welcome everyone’s input and maybe an online option, will encourage greater participation.  Many of our current members finish at the school at the conclusion of this year and we need new attendees. 

Until next newsletter…..God Bless!

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 Back!

I hope all families were able to have a refreshing holiday in September.  I heard Term 4 referred to as ‘fast and furious’ by a teacher last week, and I think it feels pretty fitting!  There is a lot of teaching and learning to be done in a short window as well as a number of significant community events that we will celebrate. There can be a danger in the business of ticking off our ‘to do list’ that we lose sight of the wonder and awe of the here and now.  My wish for this term is for the community to spend as much time enjoying the everyday glimmers that light up their lives as they do ticking of their lists in the countdown to the end of the year.

Sacramental Journey

Commonly, parents begin to consider their child may be ready to begin the Sacramental journey from Grade 3 onwards.  The journey includes making three sacraments that confirm a commitment to the catholic faith; Reconciliation, Confirmation and Communion. Father Jamie visited the Year 3 children at the end of last term giving the children some information to take home as well as speaking to them about the sacraments.  Parents of Year 4, 5 and 6 students are also very welcome to attend.

October is Mission Month

The theme  of  this year’s World Mission Month is “Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move”. In his World Mission Sunday message, Pope Francis encourages us to share the good news of Jesus with others, calling us not just to have hearts burning with love, but to show this in word and action. This year Catholic Mission is asking communities to raise awareness and funds for the Salesian Sisters of Timor Leste to provide resources for their Clinic that provides life-giving services to their local community.

Next week the Mini Vinnies group will be running the Socktober penalty shoot outs to raise money for Catholic Mission and the Salesian Sisters.  Hopefully many children can bring along a donation for Catholic mission and practice their penalty shoot outs using a  home made ‘sock ball.’

Be Honest

The touchstone of our St Anthony’s Way ‘love of others’ pathway that we are focusing on this term is to be honest.  When unpacking honesty with students last week, many of them could explain the importance of telling the truth when they are asked a question or recalling a situation. One aspect of honesty that the older children have been exploring is the idea that they should choose to be honest or choose to make an honest choice even when no one is looking. Living honestly involves striving to uphold the values of our community which are found in the school’s Catholic faith.  Being kind, inclusive, respectful, and fair even when there is no one around to see is truly following in Jesus’ footsteps.

Resources for Parents

Increasingly we are finding issues that were normally considered to be a ‘teenage’ problem creeping steadily down into the primary school age group.   One such issue of prominence is vaping.  This is a very new, but also very pervasive problem.  Consistently across Toowoomba educational settings the issue of children bringing vapes to school is a very real problem.  Below is a link you may like to follow that can provide some good factual information relating to this issue that suggests tips for parents when engaging with their children on this topic. As a school we are also looking at ways to best educate children around health and safety choices that promote good health and wellbeing.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-vaping

Prep White & Prep Blue

Welcome to Term 4!! We hope you have had a fun and restful school holidays.  

Thank you to all the families that attended the working bee on Sunday! 

We have a fun and busy term ahead of us for our last term in Prep. With some special events coming up this term including our school Christmas Concert (Thursday 23^rd November 5:00-8:00pm), and our Prep Nativity Play (Dates and information to come). Next Thursday the 19^th of October we will be celebrating Grandparents Day. Children’s grandparents are invited to attend our school for a liturgy, class visit and morning tea. You can register for this event on the Portal.  

This term as part of our English unit we will be examining narrative structure, and letter writing. In Maths we will be collecting, organising, and analysing data, and exploring addition and subtraction concepts. In Science we are investigating how things move. In HASS we are exploring special places and in Religion we are discovering the story of the birth of Jesus in the lead up to our Nativity play as part of our arts lessons.  

This term our library day will be Friday’s so please return children’s library books Thursday to ensure they are ready to borrow Friday mornings.  

Siobhan and Katelyn 

Yr 1 Blue and White

In year one this term we are looking forward to some new routines.  One of these is small maths groups. This will give the students a chance to consolidate lots of "routine" learning and help to build confidence with number sense.  During this time there will also be the opportunity for them to help peer teach and share their knowledge with their peers. 

This is a great learning opportunity for everyone as the children with the knowledge can experience passing it on and explaining their thinking to help someone else.  This time will also allow the students access to their teacher in a small group or even one-on-one if they need help with some skills we have already taught but they may not of yet mastered. 

Please keep an eye out in the newsletter, email and portal as Term 4 is very busy and things tend to creep up quickly.

Thanks Emma and Jacque

Yr 2 White

Welcome to the final term of Year 2. Term 4 is notoriously fast and we will all enjoy a well deserved Christmas holiday break before we know it. This term Year 2 will be working very hard across several different curriculum areas.

In English, we will be looking at procedure and using our knowledge of methods to create a variety of things. Maths sees us looking at division and cementing our knowledge in number facts. For history, we will be exploring significant people and places and finally in science we are learning all about combining materials, which links nicely into some of our procedures.  

A few reminders for this term – Library is on Thursdays, so please make sure books are put in school bags on Wednesday evening to avoid forgetting. Please check the portal for sport uniform days and finally a reminder about hair – if hair is touching the collar it needs to be tied up or a haircut organised. I am looking forward to a wonderful, joy filled term 4 before I say goodbye to my amazing class as they head off into year 3.

Yr 2/3 Blue

Welcome back to Term 4  

As we look at wrapping up our year of work 2/3 Blue have lots of interesting activities to complete before the end of year.  It is hard to believe that the year is almost over, but I am very proud of the effort put into learning this year and am looking forward to the next 7 weeks of learning.

The main focus of the term will be learning about living and non-living things and categorizing animals according to their characteristics and their adaptations to deal with the changing weather.  We will be investigating the resources that they use and how living things impact the earth.  We will then move on to how we celebrate special occasions and celebrations around the world – especially Christmas celebrations. 

2/3 Blue have:

PE on Monday

Library on Tuesday

Music on Wednesday and Thursday

Technology on Wednesdays Weeks 1 – 5.

Homework booklets have been sent home to those who have requested the booklet and a weekly worksheet is being sent home weekly with all other children.

 Students will be preparing a show and tell topics during the next 4 weeks.

Many thanks for your continued support

Take care and God Bless

Kathy Spencer

Yr 3 Gold

In English this week we have been learning about poetic devices, including alliteration and onomatopoiea. We have examined rhyme patterns and analysed poems.

In Maths we have started work with probability and revised addition and subtraction with regrouping.  In Religion we discussed whether we believe Nano Nagle lived an honest life and why. We have also started to investigate who Jesus is, based on the Bible.

Yr 4/5 White

Yr 4/5 Blue

Welcome back to Term 4!

Christmas Fair Staff:

I’m delighted to announce that our class will be running a food stall at the upcoming Christmas Fair. To make this event a success, I’ve sent out requests for support, and I encourage you to get involved. Please complete the form online or drop me a line so that I can formally arrange a roster for the night.

Mathematics Focus: Fractions

In the world of mathematics, our primary focus this term is fractions. We’ll delve into the fascinating realm of fractions, learning to work with them, understand their properties, and apply them to various mathematical problems.

HASS Focus: Economics and Business

In Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), we’ll explore the exciting world of Economics and Business. Students will learn about Needs and Wants, the three resources (Natural, Human and Capital) and the importance of advertising and promotions.

English Focus: Poetry

Our English curriculum takes a creative twist this term with a focus of poetry. Poetry is an incredible way for students to express themselves and explore the power of language. Throughout the term, students will explore different poetry forms.

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. This term promises to be an exciting journey of learning and creativity.

Until next time.

Mrs Terri-An Nolan

4/5 Gold

Term 4! Warmer weather and longer days! Only 7 weeks til the December holidays!

We are looking at poetry in English, while still spending time on reading, spelling and grammar. The Science unit this term explores how forces can be exerted in different ways on objects, as well as how light can be absorbed, reflected or refracted.

Maths will cover several concepts, from converting decimals to percentages, exploring length, mass, volume and capacity, to working with symmetry.  We will complete a Civics and Citizenship HASS unit from last term, and cover the Economics and Business strand.    

Yr 6 Blue

As we embark on the final term of the year, we are excited to welcome you all back to a short but highly impactful Term 4.

Emphasis on Attendance:

This term, attendance is of utmost importance. With a condensed schedule and a wealth of crucial learning opportunities ahead, every moment counts. Please ensure your child is present and punctual to make the most out of these valuable weeks.

Graduation Liturgy Preparations:

Just before the start of Term 4, I sent out two emails outlining important requests in preparation for our upcoming graduation liturgy. If you happened to miss these emails, kindly reach out to me at your earliest convenience.

Congratulations on the Outstanding Musical:

A big congratulations is in order for the phenomenal performance of "Pirates of the Curry Bean." The dedication, talent, and hard work of our Year 6 students truly shone through, making it a resounding success.

Mathematical Adventures:

In our math classes, we delved into the world of three-dimensional objects by exploring and constructing various skeletal models of prisms. This hands-on approach not only made learning engaging but also provided a deeper understanding of geometric concepts.

English Focus:

This term, students will be honing their writing skills through the art of review writing. They will have the opportunity to critically evaluate topics, items and literature, expressing their opinions and insights in a structured and articulate manner.

Exciting Friday Afternoon Activities:

We are thrilled to announce that we have selected an exciting Friday afternoon activity for Term 4. This promises to be a fun and enriching way to wrap up the school week, and we are eagerly looking forward to kicking it off this Friday.

Once again, a warm welcome back to all our Year 6 families. Let's make the most of this term together, cherishing every moment of learning and growth.

Until next time, Mrs Kingsford & Year 6

Performing Arts

Pirates of the Curry Bean

Congratulations to the Year Six and Five students who presented their senior musical to an enthusiastic audience last Thursday. You were quite fabulous! I am very proud of you all.

I am also grateful to our groundsman Mr Mark, the Schick family, the Rub family, the Kropp family, the Birch family, the Salmon Family and the Greaves family who helped out with building props, painting backdrops and sorting out many of the behind the scenes dilemmas.

For many of these students, this will be the last time they put on a costume and take on a character and work as part of a group to entertain an audience. For others it may lead to other opportunities to sing, act and dance in high school productions and choirs or even to take this into their adult life. I am glad that they have had this experience of being inside a play, instead of simply observing it as an audience member. I hope that they will always remember this time, and look back with pride on all that they have accomplished as they worked together to present ‘’The Pirates of the Curry Bean.’ WELL DONE!                                                   

St Anthony’s Senior Choir – Rehearsals continue on Thursday mornings at 8am

Our choir still has a busy term ahead of them! Some of our performances include:

• 17^th October - we will be singing for the St Anthony’s Parish Friendship Group during First Break on Tuesday next week
• 19^th October – Grandparent’s Day
• 30^th October – we have been invited to sing for the Pink Ribbon Walk held early Monday morning in the Town Square
• A detailed note will be sent out regarding this performance
• St Vincent’s Hospital is looking at their calendar to see if there is a spot where we can go up and sing carols throughout the wards
• More details to come!

Christmas Concert and Fair – Thursday 23^rd November

The classes have selected their song and dance routines to work on for this term. We have a great range of classic Christmas Songs to present. We will be ready to sing and dance for you on the evening of Thursday the 23^rd November for our annual Christmas Concert and Fair.

Prep Nativity Play – Wednesday 29^th November

The highlight of the school year for me is the Prep nativity play. We plan to present this for you on Wednesday the 29^th November at 9am. Mark your calendars parents and friends! You don’t want to miss this beautiful performance.

Learning Support

Hi Everyone,

Even though the NCCD data has been sent into the Government we continue to provide the adjustments to support students with disabilities.

The below fact sheet provides general information for the parents and carers.

Have a great week,

The Learning Support Team

Mini Vinnies

 On behalf of Mini Vinnies, we would like to congratulate the students and staff that contributed to the Pyjama Day and the Crazy Sock Day in Term 3. It was amazing and delightful to see our school community in colourful sock’s  and warm, cozy pjs! 

As we close Term 3, we are now officially introducing Socktober! 

In Socktober, Catholic Organizations come together and donate socks to those who cannot afford it. 

Did you know that socks are one of the most wanted donations? 

As part of Socktober, Mrs Hauser has collected socks and has created sock soccer balls that every class will have the opportunity to kick at 1st break. It will start next week and will finish with a final penalty shoot-out that will contain the best of the best from each class.  

Monday- Preps and Year 1’s  

Tuesday- Year 2’s and 3’s  

Wednesday- 4/5 blue- 4/5 white  

Thursday-  4/5 gold- Year 6 blue  

Friday- finals from each class  

To participate, you can donate any sort of coin from 5 cents up to $2.00.  Our Mini Vinnies members will remind students on Friday the 13th and collect the money on Monday and Tuesday of the following week.   

All of the money will go to Catholic Mission and be distributed to countries and people who would appreciate this donation. 

Last week, our, Mini Vinnies committee held its last elections for the year. 

I would wish luck for the new President, Secretary, Treasurer and the Spiritual Advisor: 

President- Vann Jones 

Secretary- Puondak Mawien 

Treasurer- Jamil Moujab 

Spiritual Advisor- Lauren Kropp 

 Best Wishes for this Term, 

Retiring President, 

Puondak Mawien. 

St Anthony's Uniform Shop

The uniform shop is located at St Anthony's, near the school office. 

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 12:30pm

Wednesday 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Friday 11:30am - 3:30pm

Parenting Support and Information

Parentline

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.

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