Dear Whānau,

As we draw the curtains on another school year and prepare to welcome the joyful season of Christmas, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the blessings, challenges, and growth we’ve shared as a school community in 2024.

This year has been one of incredible learning, connection, and achievement. Together, we have celebrated academic successes, sporting triumphs, artistic brilliance, and moments of personal growth for our ākonga. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our whānau, the dedication of our kaiako, and the efforts of our tamariki who inspire us every day.

As we enter the season of Advent and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded of Te Atua's enduring love, grace, and the hope that Jesus brings into the world. This is a time for faith, reflection, and gratitude—a time to cherish the gift of family, friends, and the special bond we share as a school community.

Let us carry with us the message of Christmas: to walk humbly, love generously, and serve others with kindness. As St. Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” I pray that each of you continues to sow seeds of love, joy, and faith wherever you go.

To our tamariki, I hope you take time this summer to rest, recharge, and reflect on your incredible growth this year. To our Year 8 graduates, we are so proud of you. You leave here with our prayers, knowing you are ready to shine brightly in the next chapter of your journey.

Thank you to our parents and caregivers for walking alongside us in nurturing your child’s education and faith formation. Your partnership means the world to us.

I wish you all a joyful Christmas filled with laughter, love, and the peace of Christ. May your summer be one of rest, adventure, and cherished memories. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025, ready for another year of learning and growing together.

May God bless you and your families.

Last but not least, I want to express my gratitude to our amazing FOSA team ( led by Wendy Desiles, Julia Caudal, April Obay, Sian Kelly, Anna Dunne, and Silke Koepl), whom I missed mentioning last night. We are indeed appreciative of everything you do for our tamariki and school as the Board has further expanded on below. 

With gratitude and warm wishes,
Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou | Seasons Greetings for Christmas and the New Year

Denise

Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

A trip down memory lane with the Thurston Family playing lead roles in our school's Nativity Play many years ago - Cleo (the big sister) as Mary, William (the big brother) as Joseph, and our young Cedric as baby Jesus.

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.

Taraika Swim Club are proud to once again offer a Water Safety Holiday Programme in January. This year we are also running a learn-and-try paddling program within the same camp to provide kids the opportunity to give their hand at kayaking.