At the End of Year Assembly, I began my speech with Wow What a Year! 

And indeed it has been one. Beginning with a highly successful Bazaar and then celebrating our 100 years of existence with our Centenary Celebrations and that is not to mention all the learning and opportunities such as Beach Safety, Island Bay Marine Reserve, Matariki, Aquabots, Epro8, and many many sports opportunities. The children would say that the decade learning was also a huge highlight so we are pleased we journeyed through the years!

So now it is time to pause and acknowledge the groups of people who make our school the great place it is:-

To our wonderfully supportive parents who partner with us to ensure the best outcomes for all our tamariki. We are grateful for the many who front up to transport and supervise all the education outside the classroom activities and those who work behind the scenes in the library and on the property.  You are awesome!

Thank you to our kaiako | teachers who thrive on change, diversity, and progress. The team has focused on accelerated learning and assess to learn which has given greater agency to our students.. And then of course we have our wonderful Kirsten who tirelessly completes a myriad of work ensuring that we all benefit from her endless patience and kindness - ka pai Kirsten.

Our dedicated school board works to ensure the governance of our school and we thank them for their time and commitment to this. Thank you Mark, Ollie, Miriama, David, Janine and until recently George, who guided us so effectively. Thanks too to Kath Henderson who gives of her time as our board secretary.  

To our outside providers:-

 - Dynamite Music - Danielle, Owen, and Alexi who help our children create music - thank you

- Kat who works her magic with Drama each week for a group of children 

- Susan Fogarty who as part of the specialised senior program holds drama lessons where our seniors learn to memorise /perform and deliver a speech with dramatic     eloquence

- to Capital Football especially Curtis and Stu for the fabulous coaching sessions

- To Capital Basketball especially Renee  for the awesome Kiwi Hoops sessions

Te Ākau enjoyed a fun Christmas week at school. A special week to celebrate our learning at St Anthony's throughout the year with our final school assembly and Mass for the year. I am very proud of all these wonderful tamariki. We have had such a fun year. It's been amazing to see their achievements in all areas of school life and it has been an absolute pleasure to teach in Te Ākau. I wish them all the very best for the next year and your exciting future ahead! x 

 
I made a Santa hat with red paint and left some white. Then, I sprinkled green glitter and I put on the pom pom. I liked making the Santa hat.  -  Nikodimos 

We were mixing shaving cream and green water and sprinkled dirt on top and made a pretend Christmas hot chocolate  - Nora 

Some of the dirt floated and some of it sunk.   - Avery

We were building a Christmas present nerf gun, water gun and paint gun. - Cadyn    

Our nerf gun, water gun and paint gun would be good for Christmas because we could have fun together. - Patrick   

It was fun making it with Patrick and Cadyn. - Leo

I made a zigzag chimney for Santa's presents. - Justin   

A windy chimney for Santa's  presents. - Margaret   

I made a twisty chimney for Santa's presents to go down. - Ralph 

I wiggly siggly chimney for Santa. - Hugo 

• I am very sad to be leaving this extraordinary place - Issy who also reminded us of the challenging times with … One sad memory I still have was when I came back to school after lockdown, I was so excited to see my friends in person but was not able to come close within the social distancing range. No hugs, or seeing their faces, as we all had masks.
• I’m Jamie, your student leader. I've spent 8 years at this school and I’ve made lots of lifelong friends. I had lots of fun experiences, especially in years 7 and 8 such as camp, tech, and many more as well. 
• I was really shy and nervous when I first joined, but now I have improved my confidence and social skills. And I have to thank all the teachers for motivating me to try new things that will help me become more confident.  I have to thank all my friends for always being there for me, and supporting me. I will definitely miss you guys next year. Thank you to all the teachers for creating such a wonderful environment for us all to learn in. I will really miss St Anthony's and thank you to the teachers and students for making my last year here exciting. - Parvati
• I have really loved how St Anthony’s has embraced me and made me feel welcome. I have made a great bunch of new friends who I cherish every day. - Freddie
• I’ve been at St Anthony’s for 3 and ¼ years. I have really enjoyed coming to this school and have made many friendships here. - William
• I've had the most amazing eight years. I loved camp. I made so many bonds with people that I never really thought I’d talk to much. We had so many laughs We did many fun activities.- Charlotte
• One piece of advice I would like to leave the Year 7s is never be scared to ask for help from anyone. Remember there's always someone there even if you don't think so
• And we all enjoyed Alina’s humour - Even after 100 years St Anthony’s never goes out of style. I want to say thank you to the teachers, for providing me with all of your wisdom and making me the genius I am today. Also thank you to Kirsten for always being so positive and funny and finding all of my polar fleeces. Thank you to my classmates, for all the fun and laughs, I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you. For everyone else here, remember to get your diary signed, bring your hat and do your homework. And one last thing I'd like to leave you with is this… Never be so kind you forget to be clever, never be so clever you forget to be kind. 

And of course huge thanks to the team of Year 7 parents who cooked and served the meal - Ka pai team you were amazing.

And a tribute for our Year 8s written by Mrs Sam Cripps

Goodbye

In this school, where memories reside

We’ve laughed, we’ve learned, side-by-side

But now the time has come to part

Here’s a farewell from deep in my heart.

2023 was a big year indeed

And we all worked our hardest to succeed.

I will miss the banter and friendly smiles, 

The fun and games, and even the trials!

Tamariki, you have grown and learned, so much to your name

But now a new chapter, a whole different game.

College awaits, it’s ready for you

More friends to make, a whole new crew

New things, new faces, diversity’s grace

In this vibrant place, you’ll find your own space

Explore your passions, let your dreams take flight

In this college adventure, reach new heights.

It’s a world of knowledge, so vast and grand,

Where learning is key, take it hand in hand

Accept the challenges, both big and small

For in these years, you’ll grow and stand tall

Embrace every lesson, both inside and out

For learning’s a journey, there’s no doubt.

Your teachers will guide you, your peers will inspire

With dedication and effort, you’ll climb higher and higher.

Year 8s, you’re ready, the future is bright

With all your potential, shine with your might

Through trials and triumphs, you’ll gain the key

To unlock your potential, and set your heart free.

So take this step forward, Year 8s, without fear

In this college journey, let success be clear

For you’ve got what it takes, and so much more

Year 8s, to college, spread your wings and soar!

Kaupapa Whakawhetai (Gratitude)

It’s been an epic year with memorable highlights including the bazaar in February, school camp in September, and the centenary celebrations in October.   

Thank you to our amazing and dedicated Principal, Denise Johnson, Deputy-Principal Francesca van Lanthem, and our teachers and staff Sam Cripps, Sophie Smyth, Penny Duncan, Lesley Mitrakas, and Kirsten Bouras, and to everyone in our school community who supported our tamariki and St Anthony’s School this year.  We value you and your contribution to making St Anthony’s such a wonderful school.

We farewell our year 8 students and their families.   We are both sad to say goodbye and excited for you to be starting your college years.  You and your whanau’s enthusiasm, contributions, and support for St Anthony’s have been amazing over all the years you’ve been part of our school community.  Thank you so very much.  Please keep in touch with each other and with us.  We always love to hear from you and to know how everything is going.

Nga mihi mahana ki a koe me manaaki te Atua - Warm greetings and God’s blessing

Wishing our St Anthony’s School community, Meri Kirihimete and we look forward to seeing you in 2024.

ARISE Awards

Over two years our Year 7 & 8s are challenged to complete tasks from each category at 3 levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) and in this have the choice of learning and community contribution. They achieve this as part of the home/ school partnership of learning. The categories are:-

Attitude – be the best you can be

Risk – manage and take calculated risks

I am loved by God – make him my alpha and omega

Strive – have a strong work ethic

Empathy – have the capacity to understand those I encounter – walk a mile in another’s shoes

The following have completed their Bronze award

• Cobie Smith
• Issy St Just 
• Alice Mulhern

Silver Recipients are 

• Isobel Mulhern
• Charlotte Kempton

Gold Recipient was

• William Tye

ka tuku mihi ahau ki te tangata whenua o tenei whenu
Congratulations to you all

Thanks to all those families who have paid any outstanding invoices this last week.  Statements for any outstanding amounts were emailed out this week so if you could check your spam in case these went there that would be great or contact the office if you would like this resent. For auditing purposes we would really appreciate it if any outstanding amounts could be paid by 31 December.

The 2024 stationery lists have now been published and are available via this link.

St Anthony's Class Stationery Lists 2024

On behalf of St Vincent de Paul Wellington I’d like to say a MASSIVE thank you for your work in collecting toys for our appeal this year. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community.

We’ve been open for 2 days now and have already had some really grateful parents come through, who have been able to find things for every child, and have a good laugh with our volunteer team while they wrap and get everything ready for Christmas.

We have so many more toys than we expected, so we’d like to extend our gratitude back to your community.