Board News
Kaupapa Whakawhetai (Gratitude)
As our 2024 school year comes to a close, we reflect on another incredible year filled with achievements, events, and the wonderful support of our wonderful school community.
We are already looking forward to our 2025 Bazaar – a highlight of our school calendar and an amazing opportunity to bring together whānau, friends, and the wider community. Put 22 February 2025 in your diary and stay tuned for more details in the new year!
A huge congratulations to our tamariki for their outstanding achievements this year, both in and out of the classroom, across academic, sports and the arts. Our academic results continue to track well against national averages, reflecting the hard work and dedication of students, staff, and whānau. Here are the end of year highlights summarised across all year levels:
Academic Achievement Highlights
- Reading: 88% of students are working at or above their expected curriculum level.
- Writing: 82% of students are achieving at or above expected levels, reflecting steady growth since mid-year.
- Mathematics: 89% of students are at or above their curriculum level, maintaining 2023 results.
It's particularly pleasing to note our Year 8 students' achievements against national averages, and we celebrate their hard work as they prepare to transition to college (see chart below):
Ngā mihi nui, thank you to our teachers and staff
To our incredible Principal, Denise Johnson, Acting Deputy-Principal Sam Cripps, and our teachers and staff – Sophie Smyth, Lesley Mitrakas, Eibhlin McAteer, Francesca van Lanthem (on leave), Ariana Tritsarolis, Kirsten Bouras (to November) and Deb O'Neale – we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your unwavering commitment, passion, and dedication have been the foundation of our students' success. You foster a love of learning, nurture each child’s unique gifts, and inspire them to achieve their personal best every day.
Beyond the classroom, you bring heart and energy to every event, sports day, and special milestone, always going above and beyond to make St Anthony’s a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment. Thank you for the time, care, and extra hours you pour into our tamariki and our school community – we are so fortunate to have you.
Ngā mihi nui, thank you to our wonderful Friends of St Anthony’s (FOSA)
A special thank you to our unseen heroes — the dedicated individuals who invest so much time and effort into organizing our fundraisers. Your hard work and commitment help raise the much-needed funds that enable our school to provide essential support and extra opportunities, ensuring our tamariki have everything they need to thrive. We are truly grateful for all you do behind the scenes to make a positive impact on our school community.
In 2024 these funds covered:
- Adding to our digital kete of resources - sphero components such as terrain parks and carriages, extra blu bot robots, and equipment for our students to explore and learn with
- Sensory tools to help learning about our emotions
- Funding the Speaker Events with the significant one being John Parsons - our cyber safety expert
- Funding 50% of the cost of our new basketball hoops and boards
- 9 tonne of bark to ensure that our senior playground is a safe space
- Funds contributed to the cost of a teacher aide to support the teaching and learning in He Atawhai
- More library books to continue to build the range of books for our tamariki
Huge thanks to our small FOSA team -
We look forward to more of you helping the team in 2025 so think as to how we can make it work for you so everyone leans a hand. Of course, for the first half of 2025 our focus is on helping make the Bazaar a roaring success. Thanks to all who have already contacted Silke to let her know how you can help.
Ngā mihi nui, thank you to our parents and school community
We thank all the parents, caregivers, and volunteers who supported the school and our tamariki this year. Those working bees, school lunches, sports days, celebration days such as grandparents’ day and other events couldn’t happen without your support (and wonderful baking!). Your time and efforts are deeply appreciated.
Ngā mihi nui, thank you to our 2024 student council
Thank you to the student council for a great year of school activities including book character day, the mission fair, the school disco and the house awards.
Farewell to our Year 8 students and families
As we farewell our Year 8 students and their families, we celebrate your time at St Anthony’s. You have left your mark on our school, and we wish you every success as you begin your college years. Remember, you will always be part of our St Anthony’s whānau. Keep in touch with each other and with us – we look forward to hearing about your next adventures.
Ngā mihi mahana ki a koe me manaaki te Atua – Warm greetings and God’s blessings.
Wishing you and your whānau a Meri Kirihimete and a joyful, restful summer holiday. We look forward to seeing you all in 2025.