Kia ora everyone

It was my privilege over the centenary celebrations to speak a number of times as the principal of our wonderful school.  As I outlined to the guests, in 1922 the vision began to create a school and in 1923 St Anthony’s was established with the Mercy sisters being asked to staff it. And for the next 100 years, we have continued to offer quality education for all those who walk through the doors. This was very evident on Friday when our tamariki showcased their learning about events and schooling over the past 100 years and then on Saturday showed the many guests what 21st-century learning looks like. To say our alumni and community members were impressed would be an understatement so ka pai to our tamariki for a job well done! Our children have shared their thoughts about the celebrations in the newsletter so I hope you enjoy these. 

For 100 years, St Anthony’s has provided a strong start for students on their education journey and importantly, created powerful connections that last a lifetime across the community. The feeling of whakawhanaungatanga | relationship is strong and poignant and it remained so as many of the alumni and past community joined with our current community to plan, organise and execute the various functions. There are many to thank, especially the Centenary team of Julie O’Brien, Richard Renouf, Erin, Paul, Maddie and Sarah Smith, Antoinette Hastings, and Jasmin Johnson. From this core group subteams that formed around the committee and should be acknowledged are:-

• FOSA and our current staff for developing the merchandise that we have on sale
• Ange Henderson for coordinating the team for the luncheon and all the wonderful parents who provided food and support
• Jenny O’Brien for leading the music team and school band so that our mass was vibrant with song
• Father Bill and Doug for leading us in liturgy 
• Our awesome staff, who worked tirelessly so you could see our tamariki showing their learning in such a creative way
• Mia Henderson and Desley Watkins worked endlessly behind the scenes to create the photo displays, along with the help of some parents to put the photos into albums
• Hannah Johnson, whose expertise has been invaluable in helping us produce the centenary magazine
• Our amazing team of photographers - Clare Warren and Liam Frampton have worked tirelessly to ensure that this amazing celebration is recorded digitally. Do check out all the photos on https://framptonproduction.pixieset.com/stanthonys100thcentenary/ Password: St.Ants100

Special thanks to Julie O’Brien who led the centenary team and who was simply amazing- from shoulder-tapping people, writing articles, planning and organising every step of the way, and even writing a song. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm were outstanding and we extend our grateful thanks to Julie for the enormous time and effort she has put into everything. 

Ngā mihi nui to you all!

Please see below the outline of all the memorabilia that is on sale in support of the centenary - we would love you to support FOSA by purchasing these - samples of the magazine, cards, and teatowel are in the office to view - these feature your child/ren's effort so will make great Christmas presents. 

We were delighted to welcome two new pupils at the start of the term - Tim and Avery as well as their families. Please make an effort to introduce yourselves when you get a chance so they can gradually get to know all of us.

Now it is time to focus on the rest of the events for what is a very busy term - please make sure you read the class newsletter so that you are aware of all the dates. Three key ones coming up are:-

• Rosary Evening, Wednesday, October 25, 5:30 p.m. Our tamariki are leading this so are needed by 5:20 p.m. This is a 20-minute time of prayer for us all. 
• Grandparents Mass and Morning - our new date is November 15, 9:30 mass followed by the grandchildren sharing their learning with their grandparents, ending with a morning tea. Please extend the new date to our community as we love seeing everyone here for this special time.
• Teacher Only Day is scheduled for Monday, November 6 so you will be able to enjoy another long weekend

Have a wonderful long weekend, if you are traveling, go safely otherwise I hope it is a time of rest for you all. And on Sunday morning - Go the All Blacks!

Ngā manaakitanga

Denise

The Rosary is a tradition in the Catholic Church, which is given significance and importance within the church calendar, especially in the month of October. 

Our school is an example of how the faith community partakes in the Rosary to reflect upon the life of Jesus Christ and Mary and we hold an evening annually where the school and church community join together in a group to meditate and recite the Rosary. We link this to one of our school’s focus on mindfulness as mindfulness is a powerful tool for wellbeing. 

The Rosary allows us to take time to peacefully reflect on our faith and be with others when we pray to God through the collection of prayers within the Rosary. St Anthony’s uses the Rosary and has adapted this to make it relatable and inclusive for all our students and the wider school community. A number of our tamariki will recite one of the prayers in their first language. 

We look forward to seeing you all for this short time of prayer at 5:30 p.m. next Wednesday, October 25. Please could the children be there at 5:20 pm please. 

He Atawhai (Te Awa and Te Ākau) showcased our learning from our Decade Learning by rotating through different games and activities from our chosen decades. Te Awa chose the 1920s and kicked off our showcase with a play that they worked very hard on!

Te Awa

On an extremely windy Friday afternoon we did our play. We were old people who transformed into our 5-year-old selves. For the older people who used to go to our school, this would have been heartwarming to watch. After that we went into our classroom and our amazing parents trotted in. When we were playing great games like marbles, mancala and other activities like sewing, drawing with crayons and old fashioned handwriting on black paper, like slates they would have used in the 1920s. Before the play we all sat by a (pretend) fire and drank our luxurious cups of (pretend) tea and coffee. 

Alexander Meech

It was a freezing cold Friday and the wind was so strong it felt like a punch! But, I was fearless! I thought that I would not be able to do the play because I was so nervous. When the play was about to start, Miss Smyth reminded us to not be shy. Paige started the play by saying “what a lovely day it is today”, then Thenmooli agreed with her and then randomly music started to play! We were so confused and our feet were moving. We all suddenly remembered how to dance but we realised that we were getting shorter and younger! We all screamed that we were 5 again! Then the bell rang so we marched inside. Everyone clapped as we went inside. 

Pippa Caudal

On the windiest day of the week the whole school was singing in the afternoon. Then Te Awa performed a play and we were old men and old women and we had made mugs out of paper and the handles were pipe cleaners.  

Benedict Koepl

On Friday the 13th of October 2023 we did our play. The play was great! We dressed up as old people. It was really fun. After we did our play we went into our classroom as 5 year olds and played some old fashioned games like marbles. There weren't just games, there were also activities like handwriting. My favourite activity was checkers because I won the first round and I did really well. I felt really good after the play and was proud of myself for doing it! I liked seeing people come into Te Awa and join in with us. 

Sam Tye

Te Ākau

Te Akau’s loved celebrating our Centenary. We wrote some stories about what we enjoyed.

Our school turned 100! - Hugo

 

There were lots of people and nice food.- Avery

 

We sang songs at the centenary. We played pick up sticks from the olden days. - Cadyn

 

Our school turned 100. I liked learning about Joan Wiffen. - Leo

 

At the centenary I acted out with Cadyn, I was Jean Batten and I also liked coming because I got a gummy plane lolly as I came around. - Margaret

 

I liked playing hopscotch. It was in the olden days. - Lourde

 

In the centenary I played pick up sticks. We showed the grown ups because it was a game from the olden games. - Nora

 

At the centenary Hugo and me played pick up sticks, it was fun. 

We learnt about the old games. - Patrick

Te Aroha (Te Maunga and Te Moana) dedicated a lot of time to preparing a fantastic interactive exhibition of their learning around the decades since St Anthony’s opened. They were all fully engaged and worked together in groups to share their learning in an engaging way. We had such a wonderful mix - from the Vietnam War, to the Wahine Disaster, to the Spice Girls, to Aerobics, to Football, to Lynley Dodd, and more. We had a lovely time talking to parents and alumni who came through the school on Friday afternoon. Here is a snapshot of us in action.

It was really fun, I liked how all the parents came in and asked a lot of questions at mine and Olive’s station. Lots of people didn’t know who Joan Wiffen was and we were able to tell them. They were shocked that she was the first person to find dinosaur fossils in New Zealand.

Charlie 

 

When people came to the Vietnam war station they were surprised because they didn’t know much stuff about it. William’s Grandma shared lots of knowledge and we added that in. The food on Saturday was delicious, I demolished it, my tummy was full that day.

Tamiregnaw

 

I liked that there were lots of different stations on Friday. They were all different and I liked that I could bring my dog to my station. I brought my dog because I wanted to show people how to train a dog. My group’s theme was Hairy MaClary for the 1980s and there is a book where Hairy MaClary is trained and is a bit naughty.

Luna

 

The Centenary was really fun. It was awesome to see old friends and past teachers and students. I had great conversations with people. I was particularly interested in the one I had about the 60s. It felt really special to be part of ‘100 years at this school’.

Harry

Our public health nurses are coming to your school in the week starting 24 October to provide immunisation for Y7 and Y8 tamariki, including catch-ups for any tamariki who have previously missed their vaccine. If you

•  have changed your mind or your situation has changed please contact us at res-immunisation@huttvalleydhb.org.nz, or call us on 04 587 2949
•  have not yet consented, but want to, please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us on 04 587 2949
•  have any questions or concerns please contact us at res-immunisation@huttvalleydhb.org.nz, or call us on 04 587 2949

Lunches

Thanks to Suzy Tye and our Year 6 helpers for sorting the Friday lunch option for the students this week.

2024 FOSA Team

Our wonderful treasurer Claire will be stepping down at the end of term 4 so we need to start looking for a replacement for 2024.  This doesn't involve much of your time and is a great way to help the school and meet new people.  There will be a handover so you will know what to do.  Please let us know if you think you might be able to take over this role next year.

The annual Hospice Strawberry Festival is taking place on Wednesday 15th November at Midland Park, Lambton Quay. All funds raised will help ensure that the Hospice can continue to care for those who are terminally ill, free of charge, when and where required.

As part of their fundraiser, they are offering strawberry sundaes to be purchased for $7 each and delivered to those who can't make it to the park on the day. As a school, we would like to support the work of the Mary Potter Hospice so we are going to take orders on their behalf to be delivered and eaten at school.

The cut-off date for orders and payment is 9 am Tuesday 14th November to allow them time to sort and deliver the order to us. Please fill in the order form below and pay by cash to the school office or deposit the total amount into the school bank account 12 3140 0322099 00 before the cut-off date. We will not be able to take any late orders for this fundraiser.

Sundae Order Form

As per our calendar, Motu Kairangi Netball will be holding its annual general meeting on Tuesday 24 October at 7:00pm. This year we would like to hold the meeting in person at the EBIS library, being new to the role it will be a good opportunity to meet you all and for you to meet the committee.  

Any parents or guardians of children playing in the competition are also welcome to attend and contribute to the discussion. 

TAKE YOUR CHILD TROUT FISHING

CAPITAL TROUT CENTRE (Landfill Road, Owhiro Bay)

Sunday 15th October 2023

A fishing experience for children aged 2 to 11 years.

You must have a Capital Trout Center licence/registration form.

Get your licence/registration  from:-

Capital Fishing, 49 Ghuznee Street (off Cuba Mall)

or

Hutt Valley Hunting & Fishing, 8 Te Puni Street, Petone

The Centre is manned by volunteers from the Wellington Flyfishers Club and is funded by your donations. Your donation is appreciated

 For further information, contact Strato Cotsilinis  386 3740 or email   strato.cotsilinis@gmail.com

Strato Cotsilinis

CAPITAL TROUT CENTRE

ph +64 4 3877878

email: strato.cotsilinis@gmail.com

Bigair Gym

If your child loves doing cartwheels, handstands, trampolining, flips, dancing, or parkour, then they will thrive at Bigair Gym! Bigair Gym classes are excellent for fun, focus and fitness! Children learn new skills and develop personal confidence and self-achievement! Strong focus is given to safety and technique, ranging from fundamentals to advanced skills. The structured classes follow a Bigair Badge Programme, which creates focused learning, and allows children to achieve and feel personal progression! Bigair classes include GYMNASTICS, TRAMPOLINING, TUMBLING, FREE RUNNING(thats parkour with flips) & CHEERLEADING! Inquire about Bigair BIRTHDAY PARTIES too!

GET IN QUICK FOR TERM 4 GYM CLASSES! Book NOW. Book online at www.bigairgym.co.nz or contact your local Bigair Gym office today.

Bigair Gymsports Kapiti ph. 297 0400 e. kapiti@bigairgym.co.nz

Bigair Gym Owhiro Bay ph. 383 8779 e. wgtn@bigairgym.co.nz

Bigair Gym Tawa ph. 232 3508 e. office@bigairgym.co.nz

Wellington Harrier Athletic Club

Want to learn new skills, get outdoors, and have fun? The skills you learn in athletics are the perfect foundation for almost any sport.

Every student can give athletics a go. Our local athletics club Wellington Harrier Athletic Club is welcoming new members now and we encourage students to get involved and get active.

Contact details for all athletics clubs nationwide are available here athletics.org.nz/FindaClub and become a member.

Art Exhibition at St. Patrick's College

Worser Bay Life Saving Club Open Day

New coaching opportunities for kids at Miramar Tennis Club