Welcome back to the 2025 school year. It has been terrific to see the school burst back to life this week; filled with chat, laughter and learning. I trust that the Summer holiday period was filled with fun, family and relaxation for you all. A huge welcome must be extended to the 30 new students (18 Preps) and families in our school this year. We trust that you feel the warmth from the community.

The children have been very excited to be back at school with their peers, with much of the past few days being focused on connection, belonging and beginning to develop classroom routines/expectations. Well done to our Prep children and families for successfully navigating the first two days of school life.

NEWSLETTER

The St Kevin’s School newsletter is published fortnightly on a Tuesday during the school term. Our newsletter is in sections with notices from different areas.

You can open the latest edition by clicking on the Newsletter button on the school website. The newsletter is available to all families in Two formats:

1. Email through Compass and

2. Through the Compass App

3. School Website - current and previous newsletters are stored on the website

School for 2025

Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope."

The staff worked together to create a few variations that were aligned with our school vision.

Which theme do you think will promote inspiration, positive mindset, learning stamina and witness to faith? Please select one of these.

Vote for your selection

St Kevin’s School Safety

At St Kevin’s School, we go to extraordinary lengths to ensure the safety and security of all children. Your cooperation as parents is essential in maintaining a safe and efficient school environment.

How You Can Assist:

Morning Arrival:
- Children should arrive no earlier than 8:40 am, when staff commence morning duty at the front of the school.
- No cars are permitted to drive in the school playground in the morning.
Before & After School Care (YLV):
- YLV provides a great before-and-after-school care service, operating from 7:00 am each school day.
- Charges apply, and all families using the service must be enrolled.
Afternoon Pick-Up:
- Children must be collected by 3:45 pm from the decking area.
- Staff will supervise students on the deck until 3:45 pm.
- Any child not collected by this time will be taken to the office and then to YLV for their safety (charges apply, and enrolment is required).
Late Arrivals:
- If a child arrives after 8:55 am, parents must accompany them to the office and sign them in using the Passtab machine.
- School gates are locked at 9:00 am, and access is only available through the office.
Safe Driving & Parking:
- Drive slowly (5kph) and safely when entering and exiting the school.
- Be patient and courteous, as young children lack adult peripheral vision and traffic awareness.
- Respect our neighbours by parking legally and never blocking driveways.
Valet (Loop) Pick-Up:
- Parents/carers using Valet Parking must remain in their vehicle. Staff will walk children to the car.
- If you need to speak with a staff member, please park along the stone wall and walk to pick up your child from the deck.
- No reversing is allowed for the safety of all children.
- Cars are not allowed to park/drop off children in the front pedestrian crossing. There are allocated short term spaces for you to drop off your child.
- You can not leave your car if you are in the two minute zone.

Traffic Management Plan link

http://St Kevin's Traffic Management Plan

Raising concerns & Communication Protocols:

If you have a question or concern, your first point of contact should always be the classroom teacher.
As Principal, I am always happy to meet with parents but will ask that you first discuss any issues with the teacher before approaching me.

Most Important School Protocol for Parents:

Parents should never approach another child or their parents regarding a school-related matter. If you have a concern, you must speak to the classroom teacher. Your child’s safety and well-being are our top priority.

Thank you for your support in keeping St Kevin’s a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

Student Leadership 2025

All Year 6 students will be taking on leadership positions, as leadership is indeed a skill that can be learned and practiced. Providing such opportunities allows students to develop essential qualities that will benefit them throughout their lives. These will be announced at the St Kevin’s Mass on Thursday.

Leadership roles in school settings help students build confidence, enhance communication skills, and foster a sense of responsibility. These experiences can be both enjoyable and challenging, catering to different comfort levels among students. By engaging in leadership activities, students learn to collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions—skills that are invaluable in their future endeavors.

It's important to recognize that each student will approach these roles differently. Some may embrace the challenge enthusiastically, while others might find it more demanding. Regardless, providing these opportunities is crucial for personal growth and development. As noted by the blog by Ioánna Lyssiotis, every young person has the potential to be a great leader when they work on skills to lead themselves, lead others, and lead the community. (https://blog.oeg.edu.au/the-importance-of-leadership-qualities-in-students)

By offering these leadership positions, you're not only acknowledging the potential in each student but also fostering an environment where they can thrive and develop skills that will serve them well beyond their school years.

Student Absences & School Expectations

Reporting Absences

If your child will be absent from school, please log into Compass and click the “ABSENCE” button. Fill in the required information and submit the form before 9:00 am, when attendance rolls are taken in all classes.

Family holidays or long illness

Under Victorian Government legislation, parents will receive an SMS notification if their child has not arrived at school and the absence has not been reported via Compass, email, or phone.

The information submitted in Compass, forms an official record of student absences, ensuring clear communication between families and the school.

School Rules & Expectations

At St Kevin’s, we uphold values that create a happy, respectful, and productive learning environment. These values are supported by a set of school rules and expectations, which help maintain a positive school culture.

The most important expectation—“Hands Off!”—prevents 95% of school-related problems and injuries.

Values

As part of this week’s learning, students have been exploring what our school values and rules mean to them. We encourage parents to reinforce these principles at home, as they have a proven impact on student behaviour and well-being.

PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning

Weeks 2/3 : I raise my hand to speak

Week 4/5 : I move safely

Weeks 6/7: I keep my hands, feet and objects to myself

Weeks 8/9: I get permission before entering or leaving a learning space

Weeks 10: I follow the ICT agreement

Each term, we focus on one school value, helping students understand its importance and recognizing those who demonstrate it in daily school life.

Thank you for your support in fostering a safe, respectful, and values-driven school environment.

A SunSmart School – September to April

At St Kevin’s, we are committed to being a SunSmart School, ensuring our students develop healthy sun protection habits.

From September to April, all children must wear a school hat during recess, lunchtime and sports lessons. This simple habit significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer and melanoma in later years.

Our school-wide slogan is: "NO SCHOOL HAT MEANS NO PLAY.”

Students without a school hat will be required to sit in the shaded play area on the verandah rather than playing with their friends.

Thank you for supporting our SunSmart policy and helping to keep our students safe in the sun! 🌞

Medication

All medication needs to be checked in through the office and parents are asked to fill in a medical log so that medication is administered at the correct time and dosage.

Medication Policy

Kinder visits

I am really excited to visit local kinders and childcare facilities again this year! This annual event is always a highlight, especially when I get to see siblings and meet extended families.

This year, I will bring a selection of chocolate truffles and St Kevin’s hand towels for the bathrooms.

If your child attends a local kindergartens or childcare, please let me know—I’ll do my best to spot them during my visit!

Italian

Greetings:

- Buongiorno (Good morning/ good day)

- Ciao (Hi/bye)

- Arrivederci (Goodbye)

Polite expressions:

- Grazie (Thank you)

- Prego (You're welcome)

- Per favore (Please)

Useful questions:

- Come ti chiami? (What's your name?)

- Mi chiamo ... (My name is)

- Quanti anni hai? (How old are you?)

- Ho ... anni (I am ... years old)

- Come stai? (How are you?)

- Sto bene, sto male, così così (I am well, unwell, so so)

Grazie a tutti! I hope all parents and students are having an amazing start to the year!

A presto, Chiara

Policies

Over the holidays we have engaged the services of Martin Tennant. Thank you Lil for the great suggestion. He will work with leaders to ensure all MACS policies and safety procedures are up to date and assist with compliance.

It is a massive relief for me as this takes many many many hours of work and it is really never ending. It will also assist Eva with the compliance aspect of her role. You are most welcome to read updated policies here is the link from our St Kevin's Website - Policies

Second Hand Uniform

We have received an increased number of requests for second-hand uniforms, particularly in sizes 10-16. If your child has outgrown or no longer needs their St Kevin’s uniform, please consider donating it. Kindly ensure it is clean and ironed before sending it in. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by all

Swimming trials

Doncaster SSV District will be holding the annual Swimming Carnival on the 17th of February at Aquarena. If your child wishes to compete for St Kevin’s, please contact Gianni (PE teacher) by the Friday 7th of February at gmontalto@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au for further details.

This competitive event is for age groups ranging from 9 - 13 years old for the following events:

50m Freestyle
50m Backstroke
50m Butterfly
50m Breastroke

Gianni Montalto

PFA & SAC

PFA

Rationale:

The Parents’ Association exists to encourage social interaction within the school community and to raise funds to support the school.

Goals:

To provide opportunities for social interaction
To raise funds to be used to provide resources for use within the school
To provide a healthy Tuckshop for students and staff

Implementation:

The Parents’ Association meets regularly throughout each Term
Activities are planned in relation to the focus areas of the Parents’ Association
Funds raised are directed to the needs of the school’s educational programs

WHEN - Friday 2:30pm meetings once a month

SAC School Advisory Team

The purpose of the School Advisory Board is: “To act as an advisory body to the Parish Priest and School Principal on matters concerning the development of the school and the education and welfare of the students. The Board exists to provide a forum for debate, discussion, consultation, communication, cooperation and participation between parents and staff.”

The School Advisory Board provides an opportunity for parents/guardians to become involved in the wider school community and become involved in the decision making process. It comprises the Parish Priest, the School Principal, the Deputy Principal, teacher representatives and up to ten parent representatives who serve a two year term and meet up to eight times per year.

WHEN - Tuesday 7:30pm 10 times a year (approx. once a month)

Both these amazing groups require candidates so please let me know if you are interested. gleone@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au

Staff News

Mr Con has had an operation and is now recovering at home. We wish him a speedy recovery and we all miss his smiley face!

SAD NEWS

Ms. Sonia Costa's (Year 4 teacher last year) dad passed away during the holidays.

Condolences to Sonia and her beautiful family.

Mrs Chiara Gerosolimo (School Chaplain last year) beloved Nonna passed away suddenly at the end of last year. Our prayers and thoughts are with both families.

God bless, Gabee Leone

Community News