St Anthony's School Term 4 Week 4 2023

Principal's Report

Here we are at about the halfway mark of the final term of our 2023 school year.  It is at this time of the year we are in the thick of finalizing one school year but at the forefront of our minds is planning for the next!!

We are in the process of finalising our 2024 teaching staff and will hopefully be able to announce this information in our next newsletter. I can confirm that our class structure for next year will be:  11 classes across the school comprising of 2 x prep, Year 1, Year 1/2, Year 2, Year 3, Year ¾, Year 4, Year 5, Year 5/6 and Year 6.

Composite classes for us at St Anthony’s are inevitable and where children thrive and learn in the same way as those in a straight class. There is no classroom that exists where all students are at the same level and require the same things, delivered in the same way. Our teachers are experienced and supported in adjusting the curriculum to cater to many diverse learning needs. Regardless of classroom structure, a child’s education comes down to the quality and effectiveness of the teacher and whether the classroom environment is conducive to learning.  We take great pride at St Anthony’s in our classrooms being calm, conducive places of learning, where behaviour expectations are clear and consistent. We are committed to having expert teachers who are invested in developing learners who are engaged, communicators, curious, persistent and proud.  Our school wide data also shows that students are not at all disadvantaged by learning in a composite class.

Tomorrow is………World Teacher’s Day!!!

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually, a day that we acknowledge the professionalism, dedication and expertise of those responsible for educating our students at St Anthony’s. 

As many parents know, the impact individual teachers have on a child’s education can be great. Teachers are central to learning and, while there are other important factors, including the quality of the curriculum, school environment and student ability and commitment, it is teachers who breathe life into what is being taught and who engage and motivate students. As a Catholic school we recognise that parents are their children’s first teachers, during the course of primary and secondary school it is often individual teachers that enliven education and cause students to identify what is most exciting and rewarding.

Each one of us, if asked, could most likely name one or two special teachers that made what was being learnt engaging, lively and relevant and who sparked an interest and passion for learning that was life changing.

Teachers in Catholic schools, given their faith-based nature and commitment to the Church’s teachings, are especially important. Teaching is a vocation, a calling from God, not just a ‘job’.  I encourage you to take the time to personally thank your child’s teacher on World Teacher’s Day!

Day for Daniel

Tomorrow (Friday 27th October), we are supporting a very worthwhile cause and raising money to support the valuable work in the area of child safety by the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.  Students are able to wear red and bring a gold coin!

Christmas Concert and Fair

Just a reminder that our upcoming Christmas Fair and Concert, commencing at 5.30pm is on Thursday, 23^rd November.  All students will be performing under the big tree on the back oval and the stalls will be around the oval.  Everyone is invited to wear Christmas attire!

The food available on the night will be hot chips, dagwood dogs, chicken and gravy rolls, and sausages on bread.

The following stalls will be coordinated by these year levels:

Prep – gourmet donuts

Year 1 – toy raffles

Year 2 and 2/3 – show bags and glow sticks

Year 3 – lolly bags

Year 4/5  – chicken and gravy rolls and sausages on bread, drinks,

                   slot cars

Year 6 – Fairy floss and Christmas raffle

There will also be 5 half Christmas ham raffles and a petting zoo, pony rides, jumping castle and face painting for the kids.

The food and drinks will have eftpos available but the stalls will be cash only and smaller denominations of cash are preferable.

Please keep an eye out for rosters on the portal for stalls that require helpers, where parents are asked to assist on a stall for 20 minutes.  We ask that each family contribute some time on the night and donate items for the stalls. Many hands make light work and all donations are greatly appreciated!

This is always a highlight on our annual St Anthony’s calendar.

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

World Teachers Day

This Friday communities across Qld will celebrate World Teacher’s Day.  There are not many professions that have an impact on individuals and the community like teachers do.  With that privilege comes great responsibility! We are blessed at St Anthony’s to have a committed and compassionate group of teachers who consistently strive to be a positive influence on the lives of children. As teachers within the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese we value human dignity, unlimited potential, and fullness of life and stive to offer an education that brings these values to life.  This year’s theme is Hats off to teachers. On Friday we will be raising a hat to our teachers and showing gratitude for all that they do for the children in our school.

Sacramental Journey

Home preparation lessons begin this week for students making their sacrament of reconciliation this term. 

The first Sacramental Preparation lesson will be on the weekend of the 4^th and 5^th of November.  You can choose either to come on Saturday afternoon on the 4^th at 5pm before 6pm Mass or Sunday the 5^th at approx. 10.00m after 8.30 Mass and community morning tea.  Candidates and families will be working through lessons 1-3 of the Reconciliation book. There is still time for students to join the program.  Please speak with Chinwe or Noela at the Parish Office, 46361737, or you can email me, and I can help. We will keep the students and their families in our prayers as they begin their journey.

Teaching and Learning

Term 4 is well on the way and over the next couple of weeks teachers will be finishing off teaching and beginning to assess where students are at in their learning journey.  It is crucial that students are at school on time and present for the whole school day to maximize their learning and enable them to access assessment that determines their progress. 

As the weather heats up and the busyness of the year catches up with everyone, children (and often adults!) can become overwhelmed with their emotions as their resilience is down.  Children need relationships and environments that are predictable to them as it makes them feel safe.  Keeping routines around school attendance are essential for children. As I often say to students who I interact with during the day, often because something has not gone well for them, being a learner is their job! 

Building resilience to be able to cope when you are tired, when things are challenging, when you are easily frustrated or when your friends don’t act the way you would like them to is not always easy.  However, it is our job as adults to help children build resilience around how to deal with situations such as these.  Sometimes a ‘break’ is an appropriate strategy to rest and recoup, however it is not the only strategy children need to have in their backpack.  Consciously building in children the skills of mindful breathing, taking a movement break, using positive self-talk, looking for things they enjoy to make the most of that moment or having something to look forward to after challenging work is completed are just some ways teachers use to work with children around building stamina as a learner.  At this time of year a whole lot of patience is thrown in as well, mindful that young children are exactly that and are still learning how to navigate and manage their emotions, behaviour and attitude as they build their resilience.

Prep White & Prep Blue

We have been busy in Prep putting our best effort forward for our last term. Thank you to all the Grandparents that attended our schools Grandparents Day. It was lovely to meet our children’s grandparents and complete some fun activities with them. Once again thank you for your help in transitioning children to the library on Friday mornings while we have our Pre-Prep transition mornings, these will continue until week 6. 

This week we started practicing writing letters to characters in the stories we are reading in class. We have examined that all letters begin with the date, and a greeting, have a body where we answer a question and can ask our own questions and sign off with our names. In maths we are exploring addition, and subtraction. This Friday 27^th of October children are invited to wear red for Day for Daniel.  

Rehearsals are well underway for our Prep Nativity Play. Mrs Spalding has been working hard with both Prep classes who now have their parts and are having lots of fun learning their songs and speeches. The costumes for the performance are provided by the school so all parents, grandparents and friends have to do is come along on the day and enjoy the play. It is a highlight of the term.  

On Thursday the 23^rd of November we will be having our school Christmas Concert. Prep will be running a donut stall if you would like to volunteer at the stall, please let your child’s classroom teacher know and we will create a roster. Last year they sold out quickly. All students will be performing with their class, with the concert commencing at 5:00pm. 

Enjoy the rest of your week. 

Siobhan and Katelyn 

Yr 1 White

Year 1 White Newsletter

Welcome to the end of Week 4. Time is passing by quickly. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Lately in the classroom for Mathematics, we have continued to explore mathematical problems through small group situations and whole class discussions. The students definitely show an interest in having a game of cards with each other.

In English, we have been looking at our emotions as we explore the story “The Day the Crayons Quit’ and how the crayons all have different feelings about how much they have been used by their owner, Duncan. We have related this to our Zones of Regulation which the students explore and discuss daily.

In Science, which is possibly the favourite at the moment, we have been looking at different materials that can change their appearance, texture, shape, etc. This includes ice/water which is reversible. But when we looked at corn kernals/popcorn, we said it was irreversible. The popcorn was not able to be returned to a corn kernal.

Thank you to those parents who have donated some wonderful toys for our raffles at the School’s End of Year Christmas Fair. The raffles this year already look to be amazing.

Till next time

Jacque Houghton

Year 1 Blue

We are leading prayer assembly during parade tomorrow. If you are free you are welcome to join us.  Our theme is honesty, 12.45p.m, in the assembly hall.

Tomorrow is also "Day for Daniel" don't forget to wear red and bring and gold coin donation for the cause. 

Thank you to everyone who has donated toys to our toy raffle.  It is shaping up to be great.  If you have not yet donated, we would appreciate your donation and your child will receive their free tickets into the draw.

Yr 2 White

Welcome to our week 4 newsletter. Year 2 has been working very hard mixing ingredients to make fairy bread and playdough. It is has been very exciting to watch the ingredients form something new. Over the next few weeks, we will be continuing to make use of our science brains to make all sorts of different things.

In maths, we will continue to work on our division facts and recall our number facts. We are doing so well at this and I am so proud of how well the students in year 2 white have been working. As always, quick reminder – library is Thursday. We have been getting better at remembering this!

Take care, Mrs Collis.

Yr 2/3 Blue

Hello again from 2/3 Blue. 

We have been busily learning how to write a narrative with Mrs Foster in English.  In Maths we are continuing our study of numbers and operations especially multiplication and division and seeing how they relate.  In science we are beginning to see how animals and plants can be classified into different groups. 

Reminder that PE is on Monday.

Library books are due to be returned.

Technology is on Wednesday afternoons and the children will be dismissed from the library for the remaining 2 weeks of Technology with Mrs Slatter.

Homework is sent home weekly this term for those who are continuing to return it.  Some have opted for the term booklet which can be returned in Week 9!  Reading should continue every night!  Thank  you for supporting this!

Take care

Kathy Spencer

Yr 3 Gold

Over the past 2 weeks we have been developing our skills in poetry analysis. We have identified rhyme patterns and poetic devices,  while using our retell skills to write a summary of the poem.

In Maths we have been conducting lots of chance experiments, identifying possible outcomes and using the language of chance to predict the results.

Thank you to the families who have already sent their lolly donations in. 

Yr 4/5 White

Yr 4/5 Blue

I hope that you are enjoying the term so far!

Volunteers Needed:

To make the Christmas Fair a huge success, we’re still in need of volunteers for our stall. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. If you can spare some time to help out, please get in touch with myself or complete the online form which was sent home via the Portal earlier this term, as soon as possible. We can’t do it without your support!

Times Tables Practice:

This term the students are being given the option to practice their times tables each night. Each day the students will be given the opportunity to bring home some fast facts to complete. These will then be marked each morning to ensure no bad habits are being formed. Please encourage your child to participate and make the most of this valuable opportunity.

Exploring Poetry:

In our English unit this term, we are diving into the world of Poetry. Over the past fortnight, the students and I have been exploring elements of poetry with a significant focus on imagery. It has been incredibly exciting to witness our students experimenting with vocabulary choices that appeal to the senses. Poetry allows us to express our creativity and emotions in a unique way.

I encourage you to ask your child about their experiences with poetry and perhaps even explore some poems together at home. This is a fantastic opportunity to foster a love for literature and language.

Until next time,

Mrs Terri-An Nolan

4/5 Gold

Week 5 is going to be a busy and unusual one in Year 4/5. Firstly, Ms Nauschutz will be covering for me while I attend my son’s wedding in Perth. Secondly, Year 4 students from 4/5 Gold will be participating in Bike Safety. Our Year 5's will be in 4/5 Blue during this time.

For Bike Safety, students will need to wear sports uniform both days and have with them their hat, lunch and water bottle in their school bag. If your child owns a helmet could they please bring it with them, so that they are wearing their own throughout the program. 

Tomorrow is also "Day for Daniel", don't forget to wear red and bring and gold coin donation for the cause.   

Yr 6 Blue

The past fortnight has been filled with exciting activities and learning experiences for our students, and we're thrilled to share some highlights with you.

Shark Tank Takes the Classroom by Storm!

During the week, our classroom transformed into a hub of innovation and creativity as we had our very own Shark Tank game. A big thank you goes out to our guest "sharks": Mrs. Pfingst, Mrs. Katie, Mrs. Rigby, and Mr. Tattam. Their valuable insights and encouraging feedback truly made this experience memorable for our young entrepreneurs. We were blown away by the brilliant ideas and passion displayed by our students. Watch out world, we have some future business moguls in the making!

Fridays: A Day of Exploration and Collaboration

Friday is a day when we step out of our regular routines and dive into a world of sports and creativity. Whether it's a fierce game of netball or soccer, or a hands-on art project, our students eagerly embrace the opportunity to work with different peers and teachers. These experiences not only foster teamwork but also encourage a love for physical activity and artistic expression. We are loving our Friday choice activities.

Grandparents' Day: A Heartwarming Occasion

Last week, we were delighted to welcome our students' beloved grandparents into our classroom. The energy was palpable, and our room was buzzing with excitement. It was heartwarming to witness the special connections between generations and to see the pride in our students' eyes as they shared their achievements and experiences with their cherished family members. A heartfelt thank you to all the grandparents who took the time to join us.

Until Next Time,

Mrs Kingsford & Year 6 

Learning Support

Building Resilience in Children: the 7 C's of Resilience

As parents, we want nothing more than to protect our children from pain and unhappiness. We often go to great lengths to try and shield them from anything that might cause them suffering or emotional pain, whether that’s a scraped knee or the death of loved ones.

However, as much as we might want to, we can't always keep our kids from experiencing tough times. That’s why building resilience is so essential. When young people develop resilience, they can bounce back from setbacks, keep following a healthy developmental path even when life gets hard, and grow into stable adults.

What is resilience?

Resilience is a fundamental aspect of mental health and refers to a person’s ability to adapt and bounce back from negative experiences, such as stress, adversity, or trauma.

Resilience does not mean ignoring problems or suppressing emotions—rather, it enables us to face challenges head-on and find ways to persevere. Unlike many innate characteristics, such as introversion or extroversion, resilience is a learned skill that children can develop as they grow and mature.

By teaching resilience skills from an early age, parents can help their children build a foundation for happiness and well-being later in life. Resilient children are more likely to take healthy risks–the kinds that help them learn–because they can bounce back from setbacks and aren’t afraid of failure.

The challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic have only highlighted the necessity of resilience in young people. Children faced their own series of hardships and difficulties during this time, from the stress of virtual school to the sadness of separation from friends and regular activities. Even children too young to understand the pandemic absorbed stress from the adults in their lives and had fewer opportunities to interact with the world and build social connections. Resilience can prepare children to deal with these emotions and thrive even during hard times.

If you would like to read more follow the link below-

https://www.pathfinder.health/post/helping-your-child-develop-resilience-using-the-7cs-model#:~:text=Pediatrician%20Dr.,contribution%2C%20coping%2C%20and%20control

Yamma Group

Before the holidays the Yamma Group students from Years 1 to 3 spent the day at the Cob & Co Museum. Here we completed the workshop “Fairy Stones to Gumminguru”. During this session the students had the opportunity to explore artefacts and stories in the The Binagar Centre to learn about the Traditional Owners of the Toowoomba region. The students loved the story telling and getting to be hands-on with the artefacts.

Another highlight of this visit was the “Walking through a Songlines: Tacking the Seven Sisters” pop-up digital experience. This groundbreaking show follows in the tracks of the Seven Sisters Tjukurrpa (Dreaming), across the Western and Central desert of Australia. The projections that show are a songline in an artistic and striking way. It was an immersive experience that was to teach us that all Ancestral journeys create songlines, which can be seen as pathways or corridors of knowledge.

The rest of our day was spent exploring the rest of the museum with the Science Centre being a big hit with all the children.

Until next time,

Mrs Terri-An Nolan

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

As a part of the fundraising efforts for the 2024 – Year 6 Camp, we are holding an O’Donnell’s Christmas Pie Drive.

O’Donnell’s is an amazing local bakery here in Toowoomba and their selection is amazing!

Last week the eldest of each family brought home the order forms.  These need to be completed and returned to the school office with the money by Thursday 2 November.

Delivery of all the treats will be made to the school on Thursday 23 November. Thank you in advance for your support and sharing this fundraiser with those around you. If you require additional order forms, please let me know.

Mrs Terri-An Nolan

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