Naumai e te whānau o te kura St Anthony's Tēnā Koutou Katoa 

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Lunchtime playtimes

You may have heard that the lunchtime playing times have been adjusted for the remainder of this term. This is due to ongoing teacher reflection and discussion as many students were finding the lunchtime too long (i.e. 12.30pm eating for 10mins then 12.40-1.23pm playing) and a good number simply want to play rather than sit first to eat. We are hopeful that by breaking the lunchtime up in the way that we have, it will ensure that students have the opportunity to burn off energy straight after the Maths block, have plenty of time to eat, followed by another session of playing.

New times

This change and initiative is a further response to enhancing the wellbeing of our students. As I discussed with students last week, St Anthony's is always looking to improve our systems and practices to best meet the needs of our students and as a staff, we are committed to doing this. Things can't stay the same if they are not working for everyone and I thank the Staff for always putting students first and being responsive to their needs.

We have also recently purchased new P.E. and sports gear including badminton racquets, rugby balls and footballs as well as football/floorball goals which the students love using!


Matariki 2019

Matariki is the Māori name for a group of stars known as the Pleiades star cluster. The Māori New Year is marked by the rise of this star cluster and the sighting of the next new moon. This year, the Matariki cluster set on 27 May and will return from 25–28 June. The Matariki period is 25 June–3 July.

Described as ‘an indigenous event of national identity’, Matariki will soon be upon us. This auspicious time of the year has been celebrated by Māori over the ages. Traditionally a time of reflection and renewal, for whānau and friends to come together, to remember ancestors, share the fruits of their labour, give thanks and set intentions for the future, it begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster in the night sky.   

2019 Matariki Ritual at Te Papa   
To celebrate Matariki, the St Anthony’s staff invite you and your family to join us for the Matariki Ritual at Te Papa on Friday 14 June 7-8.30pm. We will congregate at the Red gates to the left of the main entrance at 6.45pm. Please see the link for further information and bring along recommended items.

https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/visit/whats-on/events/matariki-ritual

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ngā manaakitanga

Jennifer Ioannou

PRINCIPAL

It’s been great to see our students and families embracing the new 2019 school uniform. The skorts and red polo shirt combo seem to be a particular hit with many of our students and others have been looking snug and warm in their trouser and fleece combos out in the playground as winter kicks in. Thank you for all your support in rolling out this new uniform, change is often challenging and we really do appreciate all our families making sure their children are in the correct uniform.  You can check the current uniform requirements here http://www.stants.school.nz/school-life

Sacrament of Confirmation

Congratulations to our students who were confirmed last Sunday: Isobel Mulhern, Isabelle St Just, Alina Meech, Abby Johnson, Anneke Handscomb, Tommy Smith, Charlotte Kempton and James Quirke-Killen joined other students from Holy Cross and St Patrick's with a mass led by Cardinal John Dew. It was a very special mass and we were so proud of you. A huge thank you to Deirdre and Maureen for preparing them so well; we appreciate all the time you have dedicated to this. 

Today is St Anthony's Feast Day!

Saint Anthony of Padua, born Fernando Martins de Bulhões - also known as Saint Anthony of Lisbon - was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. He was born and raised by a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, and died in Padua, Italy. St Anthony is also known as the Patron Saint of lost and stolen articles and was proclaimed as a teacher and Doctor of the Church.

On Monday 24 June, we will be hosting San Antonio School from Eastbourne who shares our patron Saint with us. Students will be involved in a range of activities centering around our patron saint. We look forward to this celebration in a couple of weeks, and sharing our learning and highlights with you!

St Anthony's SVDP's Young Vinnies Gift Hamper Collection

Parish Mass - 23 June 10am - St Patrick's College Hall

Led by the children, we will be celebrating Mass together at St Patrick’s College Hall. Please mark this day in your diary as we would like as many of our families as possible to attend. There will be a cup of tea at the back of the hall following Mass. Please bring a plate of food to share. For those who are unable to be at this Mass, there will be the 5.30pm Vigil Mass at St Patrick’s Church.

Please note: These will be the only 2 Masses in the Parish on the 23^rd June

Parish Newsletter

Kindness/Mākoha is the R.E.A.L focus for the next two weeks as part of our PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning) programme. Each class we will be engaging in discussions and learning activities that explore the value of kindness. This learning will be followed with a whole school Random Acts of Kindness day on Friday 21 June. We appreciate whānau engaging and continuing these learning conversations at home as this reinforces what is being emphasised at school.

Lucy Williams, PB4L leader

Year 4-8 EZ Cross Country

On Monday 10 June, Years 4-8 students took part in Eastern Zone Cross Country which was held at Scots College. The weather was beautiful and most of the students walked from school to the venue. Once we arrived at Scots, there were lots of other schools there and there was an atmosphere of expectation.

Name: Jeannine Winton

Position: Hoiho Class Teacher, Kahui Ako In-school Leader, Literacy Leader

Tell us a little about your teaching journey

My teaching journey has been one of two parts. I spent my early years as a teacher, first at Titahi Bay North, then Linden and Kilbirnie Schools. On return from travel overseas, I chose to embark on a number of different career pathways where teaching was a component. Following the completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree in History some years later, I found myself drawn back to education and accepted a position at Queen Margaret College in the Junior School. Present from the time the IBO Primary Years programme was introduced, I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to develop pedagogical knowledge, understanding and experience of the PYP curriculum. My subsequent role as Junior School Lead Teacher provided opportunities for me to contribute to the school in a broader context. Now at St Anthony’s School, I am eager to engage in a more collaborative practice alongside my colleagues when the new Junior innovative learning environment is completed this year.

What do you like most about your job?

Teaching is a creative endeavour. I enjoy the rigour, challenge and creative demands of teaching as well as the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our young students. In particular, I take pleasure in creating a learning environment where, over time all students learn to empower themselves, where they take an active role in shaping the learning. I also enjoy the intimacy of a small school, the opportunity to develop meaningful connections with students and whanau and the collegiality of the staff at St Anthony’s.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

One of the most memorable comments made to me was ”We are all part in the matter”. We all contribute to the creation of our reality through our thoughts, words and actions. “So, what are you creating today?”

If you weren’t a teacher, what other career would interest you?

I have always been fascinated by design and architecture and have contemplated a return to study at design school. I’m interested in sustainable architecture, future problem-solving, innovative processes and beautiful natural materials.

What part of your job do you find the most challenging?

Daily challenges can be positive experiences; they stimulate thinking and problem-solving and add to the richness of each day. In my opinion, the key challenge for any classroom teacher is to know each child and to grow each child in all areas of their learning. This demands time, skill, commitment, compassion and reflection.

Our Staff Spotlight, which is shared in the newsletter twice a term, has been very successful and we are extending this news item to our Year 8 students for every newsletter. This is another opportunity where our students are given 'voice' as well as helping our community to get to know them better.

This week we hear from William Thurston.

Introduction 

Hello everyone! My name is William Thurston and most of the St Anthony’s community know me because I am not only in Tui Class but am also Cedric’s brother. Cedric is in Hoiho and I know lots of the children in that class. I have an older sister called Cleo that used to come to this school; she was a former House leader. My brother Joseph also used to attend to this school and he is now at E.B.I.S.

Favourite subject

My favourite subject is definitely P.E because I love playing as a team and helping others learn different games as often as I can.

When I’m not at school I like…

In my own time I love to get out and about playing sports like cricket and rugby. I play rugby for St Pats Town under 55 kgs and really enjoy playing against other colleges and experiencing college rugby. My other favourite hobby has to be mountain biking and I ride the trails all over Wellington.

I like coming to St Anthony’s because…

I love St Anthony's so much because of the wonderful atmosphere that there is all around the school. The teachers are a great influence to all. The learning is great and easy to understand even if you are struggling there will be hope for you and your learning. I am also the eldest student in the school and I will be a teenager at the end of June! Watch out teachers!!!

Next year I will be moving on to St Pats Silverstream as a weekly boarder so I am looking forward to that adventure.

On Friday 28 June 2pm-2.55pm, we would like to invite our whānau to share in the learning that has occurred during the term in relation to our Inquiry theme of how we stand tall with our indigenous partners in the Pacific.

2.00pm - whānau are welcome to walk around our classrooms.
2.35pm - we will start gathering in the Senior classrooms for a whole school sasa followed by Principal's Awards, House Leader Awards, R.E.A.L Announcement and our final prayer.

As part of our Kahui Ako (Catholic Schools - Community of Learning), we have been invited to share in an evening being organised by Friends of St Teresa’s School Karori (FOST). 

The main driver behind this event is that we know that the one thing most parents want for their children is happiness. Research is clear – a happy young person is much more likely to be confident, connected, engaged and able to contribute positively to their own and others’ learning.

Dr Denise Quinlan is a leading education from the NZ Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience. She will deliver The Talk - Kicking for the Surface: Practical Strategies to Protect and Support Wellbeing - which promises to be a practical session with tips and strategies that parents can use to support their wellbeing and their children’s wellbeing in a busy year.

Wellbeing is our best protection against the stresses and challenges of everyday life. Learn more about what wellbeing is made up of and simple ways to support it; why focusing on what’s right and knowing your strengths can help wellbeing and achievement; how to combat the ‘fragile thoroughbred’ syndrome that sees many teenagers afraid to try or giving up after failure; and why we can all benefit from more self-compassion. Last but not least, this session will remind parents that love, acceptance and belonging are the most important wellbeing supports you give your child.

The talk is being held at Samuel Marsden auditorium, Karori, August 28 at 7.30pm, and we have 2 tickets still available.

Tickets are $10.00 and have been subsidised by our school as we want to make this evening accessible for our community.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Yvonne in the school office.

We have Jessie's amazing, locally made ROTI for sale as a fundraiser for Tui’s camp at Teapot Valley next term.

Jessie’s Roti come in packs of 10. They are soft and delicious they freeze really well too!

Tui students will be fundraising individually, all other families to pay directly online.

Price: $18 per pack. 
Orders need to be placed by Wednesday 26 June
Payment can be made into the FOSA account (12 - 3140 - 0317046 - 00) with your name and “Roti” as reference.

Delivery will be to school on Wednesday 3 July.

Thanks so much for your support!

Golden Opportunity

The school has received storage-lunch boxes which we will be selling for a gold coin donation. 

Please bring your coins to the Office and see Yvonne if you would like to make a purchase.

Step Out Dance Company Open Day!

On Saturday 22 June we are opening our doors from 1-4pm for a fun-filled afternoon. Come along and check out our facilities, watch dance performances, take classes, play games and more! Dance performances are at 1.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm so you can see some of our dancers in action. Dance classes are at 1.30-2pm, 2,30-3pm and 3.30-4pm so you can try out a fun lesson. We are located at 4 Bay Road, Kilbirnie and we offer dance classes for children from age 2+ years.  We offer classes in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, acrobatics, tap and pre-school. We would love to see you there and term 3 is the perfect time to join our dance whanau! 

Miramar Rangers Football School Holiday Programmes

Girls Only - 3 day programme, 16-18 July

Boys & Girls - 4 day programme, 9-12 July 

For more information or bookings, see www.miramarrangers.con.nz/holidayprogramme

Hoop Kids Winter Camp

Wellington Basketball runs a pretty cool basketball camp for girls and boys during the holidays.The Hoop Kids Winter Camp focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the game in a safe and fun environment. Our big brothers from the Wellington Saints will swing by to make sure the kids are having a good time. The camp is open to girls and boys from Year 3 - 8.
Date: Mon 8 - Wed 10 July 2019
Time: 9am - 3pm
Venue: ASB Sports Centre
Cost: $150 per child

http://www.123formbuilder.com/form-4737494/hoop-kids-winter-camp

Artrageous Kids Programme: 8–19 July 2019

Venue: Poneke Dojo, Prince of Wales Park, Salisbury Tce, Mt Cook, Wellington 8.30am–3:00pm $69 and after care 3:00pm-5.15pm $15
Aimed at children aged 5-12 years. Our classes provide a space for all children to explore at their own pace; chaotic or careful, gingerly or with gusto, tiptoeing or tromping. Our aim is to draw out their creativity, not stuff things in! Bookings essential.  

Big Kids (Olderageous) Programme: 8–19 July 2019 

Venue: Pavillion at Wellington High School, Taranaki St, Mt Cook, Wellington 
8.30am–3:00pm $69 and after care 3:00pm-5.15pm $15
Our BIG KIDS programme is aimed at children aged 10-14 years. Providing them with a space, focused adult attention and loads of resources. This programme is tailored to draw out older children’s interest in creating and using their imagination and creativity in a hilariously fun atmosphere.