Principal's News
Find Your Light! SHINE
Thank you to the staff for presenting the school so beautifully. St Kevin’s truly shone at Saturday’s Open Day! Prospective parents were very complimentary about the facilities and the school.
- Thank you to Leaders for attending Open Day on Saturday.
- Congratulations to Allera CM (3CA) for ‘Shining her light’ in Italian sessions with Miss Chiara.
- Congratulations to Sonny T (5/6B) for reviewing Kidview's Excursion and completing his reflection.
- Congratulations to Bowie for her amazing article on 'Behind the Lens for St Kevin’s'
- Congratulations to all the students involved in the 'Cross Country'. Thank you to Gianni Montalto for the training and administration of the event. Thank you to all the helpers. Thank you to Office Staff for assisting families and students.
Thank you to the staff who attended Confirmation on Sunday. It was a beautiful ceremony.
- Thank you to Lil, Ana, Pam, Fr. Charles & Year 5/6 Teachers for your efforts preparing our students for Confirmation. The musicians were amazing.
Our Pentecost Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be our helper.
Fill our hearts with your love, joy, and peace.
We pray especially for our students receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend.
Guide them with your wisdom and give them the courage to follow you.
Amen.
The Fire of the Holy Spirit
Last Sunday, we celebrated Pentecost, the birthday of the Church!
We remember when the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles like tongues of fire, changing their fear into courage and joy.
The Holy Spirit gave them the strength to share God's love with the world.
That same Spirit lives in us today, helping our students choose kindness, show courage, and bring peace to our school community every day.
Dear Families,
Last weekend, some of our Year 6 students Lacey, Kate, Adele, Cleo and Mackenzie celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. This was a special and meaningful occasion for the students and their families as they celebrated this important milestone in their faith journey.
We congratulate the students on receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit and thank Fr Charles, Bishop Les, staff, families, and parish volunteers who supported and prepared the students for this sacred celebration.
Yesterday was ‘National Sorry Day’, a time to acknowledge the strength and resilience of Stolen Generations Survivors and to reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing journey for our people and nation. While this day holds deep significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians across the country as an opportunity for understanding, respect and reconciliation.
Unknown Visitors
Thank you to the parents, especially the dads in our community, who have called, emailed, and taken the time to speak with us regarding the incident where junior students spoke to unknown people who were outside our school grounds.
We are very concerned about this incident and greatly appreciate the respectful and solution-focused conversations that have taken place. It is reassuring to work alongside parents who genuinely want to support the school and contribute positively to keeping our students safe.
The partnership between families and the school is extremely important, and I thank you for your ongoing support, vigilance, and care for our community.
These are the actions that we are taking to keep our students safe:
1/ The boundary where students play has been moved away from the fence line to closer to the common areas. We are putting out witches hats immediately and painted markings (to come soon)
2/ An extra staff member will be on the oval area as an additional supervision point (this is currently being trialled).
3/ Teachers have reminded students about not speaking to unknown members of the public.
4/ Teachers in their SEL (Social Emotional Learning Lessons) will continue to talk about Student Safety and reporting to adults immediately if there are interactions with unknown people in or out of the school.
5/ Staff have had discussions about pre-teaching and supporting students in this area and resources have been shared.
6/ The students will receive messages from staff and peers about safety during assemblies and messages, over the loud speaker (PA).
7/ A community Police Officer from Forest Hill Police (Education) Station is going to be working with the school and reviewing the SEL content to align with updated Child Safety Standards.
8/ Over the coming weeks, a barrier covering over the fence will be installed to maximise privacy.
9/ Leaders liaise with the school community to inform them of changes.
We encourage families to continue these important conversations at home by reminding children:
- not to speak with unknown adults,
- not to leave supervised areas,
and to immediately seek assistance from a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable or concerned.
Student safety and wellbeing remain our highest priority, and we thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in maintaining a safe environment for all children.
If you feel you need to discuss this further please contact me to arrange a time to to meet.
Parish Contribution Reminder
Families are invited to support St Kevin’s Parish through a voluntary contribution of $160 per year, helping sustain the faith, spiritual, and community programs that enrich our school and parish community.
The parish supports students through sacramental programs, school Masses and celebrations, religious education resources, social justice initiatives, and youth programs. These experiences help children develop Catholic values, a sense of belonging, and a strong connection to faith and community.
At the moment, six families have contributed, and we sincerely thank those families for their generosity and support. Your contribution helps ensure our parish remains vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable for the future.
Contributions are due by 26th June, 2026.
If you did not receive the Parish Contribution email or have any questions, please contact David Hii on 9850 5983 or templestowe@cam.org.au.
Mother’s Day Dinner
Thank you, Suzanne, for organising such a special event! It was heartwarming to see our mothers and grandmother relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. We shared food, laughter, stories and connected in such a special way.
A big thank you to everyone who attended. It’s always one of my favourite events!
National Simultaneous Storytime
Today all of the St Kevin’s students listened to Luna Roo by Adam Jackson, Adrian Lloyd &, Jake A Minton.
The story was about a kangaroo that was a soccer player and was doubted by other players because she was too young to be the leader of the team. She showed courage and resilience to prove the others wrong.
After we listened to the story we made crowns with our buddies.
Students from all over Australia came together and read this book to show the importance of reading. The moral of the story was to never judge a book by its cover.
Thank you Mr Richard Lee!
We want to extend a massive thank you to one of our wonderful Prep parent, Mr Richard Lee (Miriam’s dad), for bringing their incredible tech expertise into our school community.
Mr Lee generously volunteered his time to solve a software updating issue with the school 3D printer, ensuring everything is calibrated and running perfectly. Beyond the technical installation, Mr Lee has offered his continued support with 3D printing at our school to share his advanced knowledge to help students understand how 3D printing works from design to production.
Our students are absolutely thrilled to learn that the printer is back on track, and are looking forward to hands-on experiences printing with our 3D printer.
Once again, we are incredibly grateful for Mr Lee's time, skill, and dedication to enriching our students' learning.
Much appreciated, Con & Gabee
Student Reports 2026
At St Kevin’s, as with all Victorian schools, we are required to formally report on each student’s progress and achievement twice a year. However, reporting goes beyond the written report. It’s an ongoing process of sharing how your child/children are progressing in their learning and what they are working on next.
How Do We Report?
● Informally – through teacher feedback in student workbooks, Seesaw Posts, phone calls and conversations with parents.
● Formally - through formal written reports, student/parent/teacher conversations, personalised learning plans and/or PSG meetings.
● Continuously – by sharing real time updates on Seesaw of learning tasks.
● Periodically – through formal updates such as the Semester 1 and Semester 2 reports.
Formal Report
Twice a year, at the end of each semester, families receive a formal written report outlining each student’s achievement and growth across the core curriculum areas. The content of these reports is guided by legislative requirements and includes progression points that show each student’s progress and achievement against age-appropriate expectations in line with the Victorian Curriculum and the Religious Education Curriculum.
Digital Semester Report
Your child’s Semester 1, 2026 report will be delivered digitally via the Compass Parent Portal at the end of this term on Monday 22nd June Term 2, Week 10.
Student, Parent & Teacher Conversations
Student, Parent & Teacher Conversations will be held on Wednesday 24th of June 12:30pm - 5:30pm. This is an opportunity for you, your child and the teacher/s to discuss student data, student’s report and goals for next semester. (Please ensure students attend the Student, Parent & Teacher Conversations)
On Wednesday 24th June all the students will be dismissed at 12.00pm. If you are requiring out of school hours care for the students after 12pm dismissal, please register through MACSEYE by contacting them via email or phone call.
The smooth running of our Student, Parent & Teacher Conversations relies on all parents keeping to the timetable. Interviews are strictly 10 minutes and they will take place onsite at St Kevin’s in your child’s classroom. The meeting will need to end on time as each meeting is back to back. If you require more time with a particular teacher, please arrange a separate meeting or phone call. School phone 9273 9999. The bookings will open on Monday 1st June.
If your child(ren) has/have had a PSG it is optional for you to attend the Parent Teacher Student conversations.
Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code bsux6 to book your preferred time.
Drop off in the Staff Car Park
For the safety of all students and staff, we kindly ask families to please refrain from dropping students off in the staff car park in the mornings. Staff have reported that the area becomes dangerous when students are walking between moving and parked cars.
We ask families to please utilise the drop-off zone at the front of the school, as this area is safer and helps reduce congestion in the staff car park.
Thank you for your support and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Wellbeing News
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) the past fortnight
Over the past few weeks, students across the school have been learning about the Zones of Regulation during their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons. It has been wonderful to hear this language beginning to be used consistently around the school.
Last week, students were introduced to the Catastrophe Scale and more importantly, how to identify the size of a problem and where it may fit on the scale. It has been pleasing to hear the thoughtful conversations taking place in classrooms as students discuss whether a problem is small, medium or truly a catastrophe. Teaching this to students also gets them thinking about what strategies they may need to implement to assist with the problem, for example is it something that they can solve themselves? Do they need to talk to an adult?
Many students agreed that if their footy team loses on the weekend, it may feel disappointing, but it is probably not a catastrophe! These conversations are helping students develop emotional awareness, perspective and strategies to manage challenges in a calm and positive way.
PBL EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR FOCUS
This fortnight, our PBL focus is on speaking appropriately. Students are encouraged to use respectful language, a calm voice, good manners and active listening when communicating with others.
Appropriate speaking helps students build positive friendships, solve problems calmly, and create a safe and supportive learning environment. Strong communication skills also help children grow in confidence and show respect and empathy towards others.
Families can support this focus at home by modelling respectful communication and encouraging polite, thoughtful conversations with their children.
CHILD SAFE STANDARD 4
As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and safety, we also continue to support and promote the Victorian Child Safe Standards. Child Safe Standard 4 focuses on ensuring that families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing. Strong partnerships between school and home help create environments where children feel safe, supported and empowered to speak up if they have concerns.
We encourage families to continue conversations at home about emotions, problem-solving, and respectful relationships. These conversations will help students build the confidence and skills to navigate everyday challenges successfully.
As always, please let me know if you need anything from me.
Dominique Abbey
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader
ITALIAN
Ciao a tutti,
I hope everyone is having an amazing week 6! I would love to congratulate our language ambassadors from the past few weeks! They have done an amazing job at leading their classmates in Italian!
A big grazie to the following students:
PrepMM: Darren S & Eva S
Grade 1R: Loukia A & Maya Y
Grade 2GS: Kai W & Ariana S
Grade 3CA: Jacob L & Ariana H
Grade 3/4G: Carina S & Olivia F
Grade 5/6B: Aysu K
Grade 5/6MM: Kate H & Fontaine A
For Weeks 6&7
Our prep students will continue practicing extending their sentences with 'Posso avere?' and adding in their colours.
Posso avere...? (Can I have...?):
Il libro - The book
La matita - The pencil
La carta - The paper
La colla - The glue stick
Le forbice - The scissors
Bianco - White
Nero - Black
Rosso - Red
Giallo - Yellow
Rosa - Pink
Viola - Purple
Marone - Brown
Grades 1, 2, 5, & 6 students will be practicing how to build sentences with 'Come stai?'.
Come stai? (How are you?):
Che succede? - What's going on?
Mi fa male.. - My ... hurts
Perché mi fa male.. - Because ... hurts
La testa - the head
La gola - the throat
Il ginocchio - the knee
Il piede - the foot
Lo stomaco - the stomach
L'orecchio - the ear
Sono caduto - I fell (masc)
Sono caduta - I fell (fem)
Sono malato - I feel sick (masc)
Sono malata - I feel sick (fem)
Our Grade 3/4 students will continue working on their Ho Fame Italian booklets for their Italian literacy program. In class, we’ve been reading together and completing activities that help build their understanding, vocabulary, and confidence in Italian.
(Here is the link to the booklet/audiobook if you wish to read/listen to it at home.)
Have a great week!
Grazie, Chiara
Cyber Safety NEWS
Our Cyber Safety Project and MACS parent and guardian webinar, Navigating the Digital World Safely, took place last Monday evening.
If you missed it or would like to rewatch the episode. The session provides practical, proactive guidance on key topics including online safety, digital wellbeing, social media, gaming, and AI.
Recording link (available for 28 days):
Cyber Safety Project; Navigating the Digital Playground Recording
To support families, there is a range of complimentary Parent Toolkits and resources. These provide practical tips and strategies to help parents and carers support their child(ren) in navigating the digital world. You can access these via the “Resources for Families” tab here: Resources - Cyber Safety Project
COMMUNITY NEWS
Estephania Rodrigues has started her fulltime position at St Kevin’s. Thank you Danni Ibbott for your work at St Kevin’s. We appreciate your professionalism and diligence.
Congratulations to Stephanie and Jordan
Stephanie (Year 2GS Teacher) and Jordan are expecting a baby due in October 2026. Congratulations on the special news!
DATES
Wednesday 3rd June - St Kevin’s Feast Day Mass and Festivities
Monday 8th June - King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th June - Review Days (normal school days)
Monday 22nd June - Reports for Semester 1 published on Compass Portal 4pm
Tuesday 23rd June - Debating Competition for Year 6 Delegates
Wednesday 24th June - Goal Setting Parent /Teacher /Student Conversations early finish at 12pm
Thursday 25th June - Last day of Term 2 for students finish 3:30pm
Friday 26th June - End of Term 2 for Staff