Principal's News
Our theme for this year
Together with God we can grow in
COURAGE, KINDNESS, CREATIVITY & COMPASSION
27/02/23
Dear Parents and Carers.
We are developing our understanding of courage this term! How do we show courage? A blog post that discusses what courage is and why we need it in our lives! Courage in the everyday At an adult level but I found there are some good pointers to discuss with students.
We are at Week 6 mark nd that means we are halfway through the term! There are some important safety matters I would like to bring to your attention. I really do require your support to ensure the continued safety of our students is paramount throughout the day especially at drop off and pick up times.
MORNING DROP OFF
- Drop off - Please do not park in the Pedestrian Crossing in the morning. Either park before or after the pedestrian crossing. Wait till the cars move along and then park.
- Do not drive into the playground or Parish parking in the morning. Parish staff and parishioners require that space.
- All the students and parents are doing a magical job by dropping off at the gate! Thank you!
- You need to drop off on the school side NOT the opposite side. This is dangerous.
- School commences at 8:50am so students need to be at school between 8:40am and 8:50am. It is very unsettling for students to miss the morning routine and this does affect their learning, mindset and routine. Please think about how to get to school on time and let me know if you need some advice or support.
AFTERNOON PICK UP
- All students are dismissed from the decking. NO students are to use the stairs after school.
- All students are to walk down the ramp in an orderly manner.
- Parents who need to buckle up students, need to park and pick up their child/children.
- Parents who park their car need to walk to the deck to pick up their children.
- Valet parking pick up - NO PARENTS or CARERS to get out of the car.
- Teacher opens the door and assists the student to get in the car.
- Parents please drive right down to the water taps.
- Teachers have students ready waiting on the deck.
Staff Car Park
It has been brought to my attention that students are walking through the staff car park to get to their learning spaces. This is dangerous and high risk. The students need to walk along Herlihys Road to the main gates near the church in order to access the premises.
Parents please do not use the staff car park area as a daily drop off point. We have had an increase in staff and we need to ensure there are enough spots for all staff at the beginning to the end of the day. ONLY If you are running late you may use this space for temporary parking and to walk your child/children into the administration office.
Assembly Week 7 Wednesday 8th March in the Learning Pit 2:40pm
School Uniform
Reminder that all students are required to wear black school shoes with their school uniform. Black runners can be worn with their sports uniform on days when they are participating in Physical Education Lessons. Please let your class teacher know if there is a reason that your child is unable to wear the correct uniform.
School Closure Day Friday 3rd March (no school for students)
Staff are working with Jo-Ann Patrick from MACS on the introduction of PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning). Fiona George and I had a meeting with Jo-Ann last week and she has planned a full day of learning that involves review of current practices and future planning to ensure consistency in language and strategies to positively and effectively address behaviour. This is the beginning of a three year journey. We will be surveying students and parents to gather information in this area in the next few weeks.
School Advisory Council
We require two new SAC members for 2023. I have approached two Prep parents but I still need two more parent/carer representatives. There are only nine meetings to go! Please let Laura M at sacchair@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au and me know by writing an email gleone@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au or giving me a call 9273 9999.
Google Calendar connected to Compass Calendar
The Calendar on Compass is a St Kevin’s Parent Community Google Calendar. This can be accessed via Google or downloaded. We are in the process of also sending you a PDF of Term and Annual dates. This will be shared via Compass.
Attendance and First Aid is all completed on Compass and this week First Aid Reports will arrive in your inbox. You will not receive these reports until you have subscribed to Compass.
Parents who have not yet subscribed to Compass wil be receiving an automatic reminder daily.
Captains 2023
School Captains (Wellbeing Captains) Focus on Student Wellbeing, Student Engagement and Participation. Assist with promotion of student voice and choice. | Bridget B Poppy K |
Vice School Captain Support School Captains and Assist with promotion of student voice and choice. |
Renee W Susie T |
Languages Captain Supporting Language Assistant, staff and students to promote and model Italian language. |
Stefano C |
Religious Dimension Captain Organise and promote social justice campaigns in the school and community. Assist with planning and implementation of meditation and prayer liturgies. Be faith leaders for the students and encourage inclusivity and cultural awareness. |
Arianna T Mira M Diaz C |
Digital Captain - e Smart members that support ICT Leader and promote cybersafety as well as hands on support with ICT equipment and applications. |
Ava N Felix T Evelyn M |
Sports Captains Lead sport events such as Twilight sports and encourage healthy play and sportsmanship in the learning spaces and on the playground. Facilitate team sports and promote positive mindset through health and play. |
Sam D Kiara D |
Sustainability Captains Search for best sustainable processes for St Kevin’s and encourage students to keep St Kevin’s and the community clean. Be actively involved in school and community initiatives to look after our school and our world. |
Charlotte G Michael C |
Performing Arts Captains Organise activities for students to participate in the Arts during breaks. Promote creative play and encourage all to have a go at the different areas of the Arts. Review different activities that take place at St Kevin’s and in the community. |
Sophie Z Romina S |
Library Captain Support and evaluate the systems used in the Library. Formulate ideas for a student friendly Library. Assist the Library technician and staff with organising and purchasing material for the Library. Promote the use of our Library and reading in our school and wider community. |
Sarah S
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All captains will be working collaboratively and communicate using the captains page on our school website. In Term One the school captains will be updating this document and then it will be rotated and the responsibility will be shared.
Badges have not arrived yet and I will let parents know once they arrive so that they can be distributed publicly.
Information clip by all teachers (TRIAL)
In the next week or so, each parent will receive a short clip from the teachers (classroom, specialist and leaders). This will outline classroom practise and routines, as well as expectations, academic and social. I sincerely hope that each of you watch this clip and give us some feedback. The clips are going to be on a private YouTube channel (links will be shared) for about two weeks then taken down. Please be cyber safe. You can watch them in your spare time and send us an email or phone us to chat.
Meeting with leaders and teachers
We believe that building parent partnership is vital to support students with their learning and emotional wellbeing. So we encourage all parents to make time to speak to us, and we will definitely ensure support and answer any questions or concerns. Please ring or email to make an appointment to speak to us. This will mean we are prepared and we will give you our utmost attention. On the occasion that we need to speak to you, we will ring or email you to try and chat. If we leave a message please endeavour to respond to us in a timely manner. Together we are stronger and we will move in the right direction!
Existing Families with Preps for 2024
If you have a kinder child (4 year old) who will be at school next year can you please come and collect an enrolment form and let the office know. I am in the process of making an online enrolment form and I will let you know as soon as it is ready.
Welcome Evening 2023 - RSVP Link
All are very welcome to attend this great event. Thank you to all those families who have already responded (35 families). Please bring chairs and picnic blankets. Burgers and sausages will be distributed to all, and there will be soft drinks for sale so bring gold coins. Weather should be good according to BOM! I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday afternoon 5pm - 7pm!
Parent Helper
This week a parent helper notice will be distributed to all parents. Hopefully many of you will be able to support our learners by assisting in the classroom.
Student News!
Welcome Mark Scarfo, a new student in Year Three. We are all so happy to have you join our St Kevin’s Community.
Staff News
Welcome to Francesca Pizzo, our Italian Language Assistant. Benvenuta! Francesca is from Italy and she has been working at Villa Bambini and a Local restaurant. We all look forward to working and learning with you in 2023.
Farewell to Robyn James! It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that Robyn has accepted a position as assistant in Community, Engagement and Enrollment at Marymede Catholic College in South Morang. Her last day at St Kevin’s will be Friday 24th March. We will let you know about her special thank you and farewell in the next few days.
Robyn has been at St Kevin's for eight years and she has done an outstanding job managing the office, being our Bursar and welcoming all students, parents and families. She answers questions all day long and supports parents when they need help. Robyn does so much more, she has guided me in my new role and helps everyone with everything.
Robyn has shown perseverance and impeccable service in her work. She implemented a new administration system and she has shown great resilience, perseverance and flexibility in making all things work for staff and parents. Robyn does a top job at keeping everything in order. She works so many extra hours and has been so generous with her time and sharing her talents!
I am sad but also happy for Robyn, as she will work closer to home and I wish her the very best in this new adventure! Every blessing & take care, Gabee Leone