St Kilian's School Newsletter

Pastoral Wellbeing

Attendance

Week 3 Attendance Update – Growing Stronger Together 

 

Our whole school attendance for Week 3 was 89.59%, a slight improvement of +0.30% from last week. So far this term, attendance has moved from 92.12% in Week 1 to 89.29% in Week 2, and now to 89.59%. While the number of students with perfect attendance has gradually declined (189 in Week 1 → 179 in Week 2 → 170 in Week 3), it’s encouraging to see more students in the 90–98% range, rising from 54 last week to 65 students this week. 

 

Some classes had outstanding results this week: 

  • 4CM improved by +8.00% to reach 95.60%. 
  • 6RM recorded the biggest jump, rising +13.53% to 88.82%. 
  • 5GW continued its strong performance at 96.11%, one of the highest in the school. 
  • Prep AC maintained an impressive and steady attendance rate of 93.64% over the first three weeks. 

Thank you to all families for your ongoing efforts to support consistent attendance - every day counts for learning, building friendships, and staying connected at school. 

 

📚 Why Attendance Matters 

Being at school every day helps students: 

  • Build and strengthen friendships 
  • Develop confidence and emotional regulation 
  • Stay connected to classroom learning and routines 
  • Experience consistency that promotes growth and wellbeing 

Our Week 1 data shows that students who attended every day were more settled and confident in their learning and relationships. Even short absences can make it harder to reconnect and feel part of the class. 

 

🤝 Let’s Work Together 

We understand that getting to school every day isn’t always easy—and we’re here to help. If your child is feeling worried, tired, unmotivated, or you’re finding mornings challenging, please reach out. 

You can speak with: 

  • Your child’s classroom teacher, or 
  • A member of our Wellbeing Team for tailored support and strategies. 

Together, we can make Term 3 a strong and successful one—for every student. 

Seeking Assistance? 

If your family is finding it difficult to get to school regularly, please know that we are here to help. You’re encouraged to speak with your child’s classroom teacher or reach out to our Wellbeing Team – Mrs. Antonowicz, Mrs. McSweeney or Mr. Podosky – for support. 

We can assist in a variety of ways, including: 

  • Creating a positive morning routine to reduce stress before school 
  • Helping your child feel safe and connected at school 
  • Offering support for separation anxiety or school-based worries 
  • Adjusting your child’s transition into the classroom 
  • Working with families to make a plan that suits your situation 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to work with you and your child every step of the way. 

If you know that your child won’t be attending school, please contact the office and let them know that your child will be away!  

 

PBIS 

Focus This Week: Leave No Trace 

This week, our Positive Behaviour Blitz is all about “Leave No Trace”—taking pride in our school by keeping our spaces clean, safe, and ready for everyone to enjoy. Our focus is on reducing rubbish on the yard and looking after sports equipment so that everyone can play and learn in a tidy, welcoming environment. 

 

Leave No Trace means we: 

  • Put all rubbish in the right bin straight away—no litter left behind. 
  • Return sports gear to the correct tub or rack after use. 
  • Treat our playground, oval, and equipment as if it were our own backyard—leaving it in top condition for the next person. 

This connects to our school values: 

Respectful – We care for our school spaces and the things we share.  Example: Using sports gear properly and not leaving balls lying around where they could be damaged. 

Safe – We keep the yard and play areas clear so no one trips or gets hurt.  Example: Picking up any rubbish we see and putting equipment away after the bell. 

Responsible – We take ownership of our belongings and help keep shared spaces clean.  Example: Making sure all sports items are packed away, even if we didn’t use them. 

 

How You Can Support at Home: 

  • Encourage your child to always put their rubbish in the bin and recycle where possible. 
  • Talk about how returning sports gear helps everyone enjoy it longer. 
  • Praise them when they take initiative to tidy up—even if it’s not “their mess.” 
  • Practise leaving shared spaces tidy after playing or eating. 

When families and schools work together, we build consistent habits that help children take pride in themselves, their community, and their environment. Through our PBIS focus, we are teaching students that “leaving no trace” shows respect for others, responsibility for our belongings, and care for the spaces we share every day. 

 

 

 

Bullying No Way: National Week of Action 

From 11–15 August, schools and communities across Australia will take part in the National Week of Action against bullying. This year’s theme – “Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.” – reminds us that everyone has a role in creating safe, respectful environments where children feel they belong. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it’s important that parents know the signs, how to respond, and how to work with the school to support their child. 

 

Bullying is NEVER OK! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6dDBgahVis&t=3s&pp=ygUUYnVsbHlpbmcgaXMgbmV2ZXIgb2s%3D 

 

This video reminds us that bullying is never okay—no matter what the reason. It explains that bullying is when someone hurts another person on purpose, again and again. It might be with words, actions, or leaving someone out. The video also shows what you can do if you see bullying: tell a teacher, include others, and be kind. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. 

 

Reflection Questions: 

  1. What does bullying look like? (Can you think of examples where someone might feel left out or hurt?) 
  2. Have you ever seen someone being bullied? What did you do? (Would you do anything differently next time?) 
  3. How can we make sure our school is a safe and kind place for everyone? 
  4. What would you say or do if a friend was being bullied? 
  5. Why do you think God wants us to treat others with kindness and respect? 

 

  

If you Hear or See Bullying 

  • Stay Calm & Listen – Give your child space to share without interruption or judgement. 
  • Get the Facts – Ask who was involved, what happened, when, and where. 
  • Reassure Them – Let your child know it’s not their fault and they are not alone. 
  • Record & Report – Keep notes and contact the school promptly with the details. 
  • Work in Partnership – Collaborate with teachers and school leaders to create a support plan. 

Tips & Tools for Parents 

  • Talk Early & Often – Discuss respect, kindness, and empathy in everyday conversations. 
  • Model Positive Behaviour – Show your child how to handle conflict calmly and respectfully. 
  • Build Confidence – Encourage hobbies, friendships, and skills outside of school. 
  • Teach Safe Online Practices – Monitor online activity and talk about digital respect. 
  • Know the School’s Policy – Familiarise yourself with how bullying is addressed in your child’s school. 

Resources for Parents 

  • Bullying. No Way! – www.bullyingnoway.gov.au – Practical guides, fact sheets, and conversation starters. 
  • eSafety Commissioner – www.esafety.gov.au – Support for online safety, reporting, and parental controls. 
  • Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – Free, confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling for young people. 
  • Parentline – www.parentline.com.au – Support for parents navigating difficult conversations and situations.