A place to belong
As part of a system of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, our students are treated with dignity and respect. Their safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. The wellbeing and safety of all students is central to the purpose of Catholic education and we acknowledge that healthy relationships and exceptional pastoral care are core to each child’s positive experience at school.
Schools in the Diocese of Parramatta have a strong focus on pastoral care, and in addition the support of our school counsellor, additional resourcing is provided for wellbeing initiatives overseen by the Wellbeing Coordinator. The Wellbeing Coordinator is supported by staff on the Wellbeing and Behaviour Team, Leading Counsellors as well as K-12 System Counsellors in the implementation of these wellbeing initiatives.
St Anthony's is committed to providing a learning environment where students can thrive, feel safe and supported, and are nurtured to grow, belong and be confident.
St Anthony's equips students with the knowledge and skills to cultivate their wellbeing through Religious Education, health, and wellbeing classes. We believe this sense of wellbeing and connectedness promotes healthy personal development in students and contributes to their academic success.
We support the social and emotional welfare of students and their families through effective strategies, recommendations, policies and procedures, guidelines and tools. Our strong focus on pastoral care includes school counsellors and wellbeing initiatives to support students.
Our school celebrates the inclusion of all students, supporting the learning needs of every individual and providing learning opportunities to build their social skills.
Our Wellbeing Initiatives
Positive Behaviour Support
Positive Behaviour Support for Learning (PBS4L)
At St Anthony’s, we believe that social behaviour is learnt. That’s why we teach positive behaviour through a framework of Positive Behaviour Support for Learning (PBS4L). Our wellbeing mascot, Antonio the ant, helps deliver the messages of this initiative.
At the centre of PBS4L at St Anthony’s are our three expectations for all members of our school community: Act Respectfully, Live Responsibly, Learn Together.
House System
House System
At St Anthony’s, community and relationships are built and strengthened through involvement in our house system.
Every student at St Anthony’s belongs to one of our four houses. As a house, they compete in sporting competitions, build relationships through our peer support program, engage in social justice activities and more.
Each house is named after a person who reflects part of our school’s story and has a motto that reflects a quality they displayed and that we would strive for - St Enda, St Mary MacKillop, Catherine McAuley and St Anthony of Padua.
Peer Support Program
Peer Support Program
Our Peer Support program is an integrated, authentic program that is aligned with our beliefs at St Anthony’s and encourages community spirit, belonging, relationships and wellbeing across the school.
Kindergarten students are partnered with a buddy in Year 5 to supported in their transition to primary school. This has the added benefit of helping our Year 5 students to develop leadership skills.
There is also a formal school-wide Peer Support program each year. In small groups guided by teachers and led by a Year 6 Peer Support leader, students develop the skills necessary for forming positive relationships.
Our House System
Enda House
St Enda was the first patron saint of our school.
St Enda was an Irish warrior who left behind his old life to become a monk. Others joined him and followed his example, living a simple life of prayer.
St Enda was someone who displayed courage.
MacKillop House
St Mary MacKillop is Australia’s first saint.
St Mary opened Catholic schools throughout Australia so that children could have an education. She started the Sisters of St Joseph.
St Mary MacKillop was someone who displayed perseverance.
McAuley House
Catherine McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy.
Catherine McAuley wanted the best for people in need. The Sisters of Mercy opened and led St Anthony’s Primary School for thirty years.
Catherine McAuley was someone who strived for excellence.
Padua House
St Anthony of Padua is our school and parish’s patron saint.
St Anthony is famous for his preaching and the miracles worked through him. He followed St Francis of Assisi’s example to care for the poor.
St Anthony of Padua was someone who displayed fairness.
Building child safe communities
We are committed to providing children and young people with school environments where they are safe, informed and able to participate, and where the adult community works together with them towards making this happen.
We care about every student!
Contact St Anthony's today to find out how we can help your child.