T4 W10 Newsletter 2024

From The Principal

As the academic year draws to a close, I take this opportunity to reflect on the many blessings and challenges that we have faced together as a Catholic school community. I am filled with immense gratitude for the dedication and commitment of our teaching staff, staff, parents, and students, who have worked tirelessly to create a vibrant and nurturing learning environment.

The past year has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. We have navigated the ever-changing landscape of education, adapting to new technologies and pedagogical approaches while remaining steadfast in our commitment to providing a holistic education rooted in Catholic values. Throughout it all, we have faced challenges with resilience and determination, emerging stronger as a united community of faith and learning.

One of the most significant triumphs of this year has been the unwavering commitment of our teaching staff (teachers and TAs) to strive to provide quality instruction, even in the face of unprecedented challenges. They have embraced new technologies, adapted their teaching methods, and gone the extra mile to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

Our students, too, have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. They have embraced new learning opportunities and have shown unwavering dedication to their studies. Their perseverance and growth have been a source of inspiration to us all.

I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our parents and guardians, who have partnered with us in creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment for our students. They have volunteered their time, provided valuable feedback, and advocated for their children's success. Their involvement has been instrumental in our ability to navigate the challenges of the past year and emerge stronger.

As we look ahead to the new academic year, I am filled with optimism and excitement. We have a strong foundation in place, built on the dedication of our teachers, the resilience of our students, and the unwavering support of our parents. Together, we will continue to nurture the growth and development of our students, preparing them to become compassionate, responsible, and global citizens who are guided by the teachings of the Catholic faith.

Students will be challenged to reach their full potential, while also encouraged to thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.

As we leave this year and embark on a new chapter, I am reminded of the words of St. Augustine, who said, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." Let us continue to journey together, exploring the vast expanse of knowledge and understanding, and inspiring our students to become lifelong learners and compassionate citizens of the world.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon our school community.  We are especially grateful for the unwavering support that each member of our community has shown throughout the past year.  We ask that you bless our students with wisdom, creativity, and a strong moral compass. May they grow into leaders who make a positive impact on the world.  Amen.

Principal's Messages

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am pleased to announce the St Anne's Classroom Staff for 2024:

TEACHING STAFF FOR 2024

• Prep B             Mrs Nicky Buglass
• Year 1R            Mrs Emma Rutland  
• Year 2C            Mrs Jill Cotter
• Year 2 G         Mrs Nicola Gill
• Year 3              POSITION VACANT AT THE MOMENT
• Year 4L           Mrs Lizzi Larkin
• Year 5R         Miss Siobhan Rice     
• Year 6W           Mrs Elyse Walsh (Monday to Thursday) and Friday still to be filled

More information about staffing and Year 2 classes will be released in the coming weeks.

SCHOOL CONCLUSION & RESUMPTION  |  As you know the school year concludes this Friday. After the Farewell Assembly and Nativity Play, which starts at  at 11:30am, you are welcome to sign your child out at the office to start your Christmas break. Any students remaining at school will of course be supervised until the 2:55pm bell. 

The 2025 school year resumes on Tuesday 28th January, for a 10 week term. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS  |  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, one and all, for the vital parts you each played in making 2024 a successful school year and wish you a very Blessed and Holy Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I look forward to welcoming back our returning families in 2025 and wish all the best for your future endeavours to those families not returning.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF FORMER STUDENTS  |  What a wonderful time of year this is when the achievements of our former students are celebrated through various Speech Night Ceremonies of the High Schools into which our school feeds.  I am again proud to share with you the outstanding results of some of our former students.

Academic Merit  | Sophie Cameron, Clayton Grech, Sharkira, Libby Arnold, Lily Axiak, Shelby Campbell, William Dickens, Chloe Malcolm, Kayla Muddle, Jack Renehan, Katelyn Vassallo, Georgia Bannister, Ahlara Keating, Makinley Musson, Lillian Giddings, Tahliea Henderson, Lauren Timmins, Stacey Gill, Neena Payne, Luke Bannan, Jett Davis, Sammy-Jo Walsh, Kiara Bannister, Kaiden Wallis, , Toby Montgomery, Nicholas Grimmond, Romana Bisseker, Ashley Bannan, Lawson McFadzen, Timothy Gaw, Belle Alford, Abbie Boulton, Mason Cooper, Fletcher McFadzen, Tyler Roelofs, Olivia Bradford, Jason Grimmond, Damien Van Blerk, Will Sammut

Academic Excellence  |  Demi Andersen, Ella Kerr, Olivia Neale, Kobie Cook, Owen Franettovich, Reagan Tame, Ella Walz, Madelyn Borg, Skylynn Crichton; Odessa Marshman, Elita McDonald, Lilly Hazel, Anna Hooper, Chelsea Borg, Renae Galea, Tobias Baillie, Aidan Carey, Jai Cooper, Sarah Bradford; Morgan Marshman, Renelle Hooper, Jacob Adams, Zali Hooper, Chloe Montogomery,

Academic Honours  | Madelyn Borg (Humanities, Science), Lilly Hazel (Visual Arts), Anna Hooper (English, Humanities), Chelsea Borg (Drama, Food & Fibre, HPE- Netball, Humanities), Shayli Wallis (Food & Fibre), Kaiden Wallis (Food & Fibre); Shaylee Wildman (Cert iii Health Support Services), Thomas Arthur (Literacy, Numeracy), Renelle Hooper (Cert III in Aviation), Jacob Adams (Chemistry, Mathematics Methods, Physics, Specialist Mathematics); Brenice’sha Blanco (Furnishing); Xephaniah Blanco (Cert iii in Health Support Services); Jason Grimmond (Physical Education), Damien Van Blerk (Physics), Zali Hooper (Modern History, Sport & Rec), Will Sammut (Building & Construction, Cert ii in Agriculture), Chloe Montogomery (English, Legal Studies, Specialist Mathematics)

Academic Effort  |   Demi Andersen, Olivia Neale, Libby Arnold, Owen Franettovich, Chloe Malcolm, Reagan Tame, Katelyn Vassallo, Ella Walz, Ayla Galletly, Tatum Welling, Georgia Bannister, Ahlara Keating, Makinley Musson, Madelyn Borg, Stacey Gill, Neena Payne, Odessa Marshman, Elita McDonald, Lilly Hazel, Anna Hooper, Chelsea Borg, Kiara Bannister, Thomas Arthur, Timothy Gaw, Renelle Hooper, Jacob Adams, Tyler Roelofs, Damien Van Blerk, Will Sammut, Chloe Montogomery

Service Awards  |  Certificate III in Business & Certificate 11 in Tourism – Demi Andersen; Certificate III in Health Services Assistance – Olivia Neale; Essential Mathematics – Olivia Neale; Certificate III in Fitness – Ella Walz; Early Childhood Studies - Katelyn Vassallo; Sarah Bradford; Morgan Marshman, Renelle Hooper

Special Awards  |  Agriculture – Will Sammut; Citizenship Award – Anna Hooper, Sarah Bradford; Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Anna Hooper; Senior Sportsperson of the Year – Jacob Adams; The Remembrance Trophy – Thomas Arthur; ADF Future Innovators Award – Chloe Montgomery; Adversity Award – Damien Van Blerk; Outstanding Scholar Chelsea Borg and Jacob Adams, Olivia Bradford

Captains 2025 |  Jacob Adams; Zali Hooper; Lawson McFadzen; Abbie Boulton; Renelle Hooper

FAREWELL  |  This year we bid farewell to the following staff members Miss Montannah Browne, Mrs Sue Holmes, Mrs Donna Brebner, Miss Lydia Mezzen, Miss Nikita Allen, Ms Sheree Cox, Mr Troy Day, Mrs Bianca Morris and Mrs Debbie Neilsen as they journey towards other life-goals.

Again, I take this opportunity to publicly thank you all for your professionalism and dedication whilst you have been members of this community.  I wish you the very best for your future journeying, and I know that you will make the most of anything you undertake.  We will miss you all very much, words can never express the depth of gratitude we have for you.  The amount of work you have put into our students to assist their shaping has been noteworthy.  You are part of the fabric of St Anne’s and will always be so.  We will miss you, please stay in touch.

We also bid goodbye to our Year 6 students for 2024:  Brendan B, Lucas B, Savanah B, Scarlett B, Mason C, Dustan G, Allira H, Wyatt H, Lucy J, Ellani K, Zane L, Samson M, Joseph M, Indee M, Zoe P, Marcus S, Elizabeth S, Hudson V, Harry vB, Matilda W, Montana W, Charli W

These Year 6 families also leave us, with some having spent many years as a part of our St Anne’s Family – we wish you all the best and sincerely hope that you do stay in contact too!  Words will never fully express the gratitude we have for you whilst you have been a member of our school community.  Your care and concern, your involvement and your dedication to making St Anne’s a better place was noticed by many.  These two simple words mean so much and yet seem so simple, THANK YOU!



Families from year 6 Finishing at St Anne’s 2024

This is 104 years in total in terms of wisdom and association with our school.  Thank you so very much for this, you will be remembered always.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

2025 Student Leaders  |  Last week we announced the 2025 School, Mission & Sports Captains and our First Nations Representative for 2025.  Congratulations to the following:

School Captains 2025

Chris B & Memphis Belle D

Mission Captains

Ben B & Khloe S

McAuley Captains

Bella R, Brooklyn K & Jed P

Coolock Captains

Addison W, Taylah R & Axl J

First Nations Representative

Zan'eisha M

Important Dates and Information for 2025

Date Saver - St Anne's Centenary Week 2025

Student Protection News

Across The Curriculum

REPORT CARDS

At the end of the school year, report cards will be uploaded to the Orbit App/Parent Lounge.

‘The fundamental purpose of formally reporting to parents and carers on student achievement is to improve student learning. Such improvement is fostered by partnering with parents and carers to provide accurate, timely feedback on student learning progress and holistic development, ensuring shared knowledge and understanding of each child’s learning journey.

Across Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR), feedback is provided daily to students through teacher comments, peer collaboration and self-evaluation to support learning gain. Learning progress is also identified, celebrated, and communicated to parents and carers throughout the school year in a variety of ways. In addition, formal reports are written each semester to provide a professional, on-balance, evidence-based judgement about student progress and achievement against clearly articulated standards. Reports are based on information that has been gathered across a period of time.’ (Catholic Education - Reporting to parents and carers on student achievement in Prep - Year 6 Guidelines)

When you receive your child's report card, it is important to take the time to read the comments the teacher has written and discuss these comments together. Praise your child for the effort and achievements they have made throughout the past two terms and discuss successes they have had over the course of the year.

If you have any questions about your child's report card, please don't hesitate to contact their teacher.

The Good News

From the Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Ms Georgia Moloney

End of Year Prayer Celebration

Please join us in the Hall on Friday at 11.30am for the final Prayer Celebration of the year. Year 1 will be performing the Nativity, Year 5 students will be taking the reins to lead the assembly- their first as school leaders and Year 6 students will have their final farewell.

Following the Assembly, parents are welcomed to take their children home- after signing them out at the Office.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Thank you for all the donations for Vinnies. These were presented to representatives of St Vincent de Paul at the Giving Mass on Thursday.

Finance News

Important Information regarding how School fee payments show on the Parent Orbit App  |  With the introduction of the new Parent Orbit App, parents are now able to easily see where they are up to with their school fee payments. However, an important thing to note is that any payments that have been made in the past 2 weeks may not show in the App, as they need to be processed to your account after the repayment is received and this is done in bulk every week or two. If it is longer than 2 weeks since you have made a payment and it is still not showing on the Orbit App, please contact the Finance Officer, Sandra Adams for it to be looked into. Sorry for any confusion this has caused.  

School Fees |  Term 4 School Fees are now overdue date. If you have not paid these in full, and do not already have a payment plan in place, please contact our Finance Officer Sandra Adams to discuss options. 

Sports News

Swimming Carnival - A Splashing Success!

On Monday 25 November, St Anne's hosted a fantastic Swimming Carnival at the Sarina Pool. The day was filled with excitement, friendly competition, and plenty of splashes.

We were impressed by the enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by all our students. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone gave their best effort.

A Huge Thank You to our volunteers, water safety, our dedicated staff, and of course, the amazing students for making this event such a success. 

Congratulations to our age champions:

5 Years - Jaxon D & Freya S

6 Years - Hamish M & Aylah B

7 Years - Max S & Millie T

8 Years - Jordan L & Grace H

9 Years - Hadley W & Charlotte L

10 Years - Rylan B & Khloe S

11 Years - Jed P & Bella R

12 Years - Wyatt H & Lucy J

WELL DONE to Bella R for breaking the St Anne's 11 Years 50 m Breaststroke record!!

Congratulations to Lucas B for being the recipient of the Swimming Making Jesus Real Award. Your consistent embodiment of the Spirit of Jesus in all your interactions is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your light with us all.

If you have any feedback regarding the day, please email me: shona_gibson@rok.catholic.edu.au 

We look forward to another fantastic Swimming Carnival in 2025!

Student Leadership

Newsletter Report By  Lucy  |   Firstly, I would like to congratulate all of the students that participated in the swimming carnival last week. It doesn’t matter whether you came first or last. The most important thing is that you tried your best and had fun. Thank you to Mrs Gibson and all of the teachers and parents that helped to organise a great swimming carnival. Congratulations McAuley, the winning house for the swim carnival!

Last Thursday night the year six students celebrated completing primary school with a Rite of Passage mass and dinner. It was a very special celebration! On behalf of all of the year six students, thank you to Mrs Rutland, Ms Moloney, Mr Oches, Mrs Mortimer, Mrs Samuelson, Miss Honess and all of the other parents involved in making the night so memorable.

Lastly, this week is our final week for the school year. It is important to continue to follow school rules and try your best.

As this week is the final week of primary school for year 6 students, I would like to thank Mr Oches, Ms Moloney, Mrs Rutland and all of the teachers and staff that have taught and supported us over the years. You have helped make our primary school years very special, with many happy memories.

Mercy Awards

Congratulations To Our Mercy Award Recipients for Week 8 |  Jaxon D, Matilda J, Aaliyah K, Evelyn M, Hunter C, Phoebe W, Isla M, Scarlett J, Deejay P, Chelsea B, Hannah C, Charlotte D, Summer W, Darci K, Zan'eisha M, Charli W, Samson M, Wyatt H, Scarlett B, Thomas B

Congratulations To Our Mercy Award Recipients for Week 9 | Lleighton R, Zoe W, 1A, Max S, Taj K, Mackenzie S, Beau P, Isabelle B, Molly M, Nevaeh W, Axl BJ, Bella R, Lillie P, Marcus S, Harry vB, Joseph M, Charli W, Mackintyre W, Rylan B.

General Information

Parent Orbit App Setup Guide

Community News