Principal Update 

ANZAC Day 

ANZAC Day invites us to pause in gratitude and remembrance, honouring the courage, service and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand men and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions. It is also a time to reflect on the enduring values they embodied — courage, mateship, resilience and service — values that continue to shape and guide our communities today. 

As a faith community, we remember with deep respect those who have served, those who continue to serve, and those who gave their lives so that future generations may live in peace and freedom. 

Lest we forget. 

Thank you to the families and staff members who were able to attend the ANZAC Day service and lay a wreath on behalf of St Kilian’s School. 

Dear Families, 

Welcome back to Term 2. We extend a warm welcome to all families and students following the Easter holiday break. We trust that this sacred season provided time for rest, renewal and connection with loved ones, and we hope the Easter message of hope continues to inspire our community. 

Term 2 will be a busy and engaging period of learning and growth. A highlight of the coming weeks will be the Grade 4 Camping Program, with students attending Sovereign Hill Camp in Ballarat during Week 3. This experience supports independence, resilience and collaborative learning beyond the classroom. 

Throughout the term, students will also participate in a range of excursions designed to enrich classroom learning and provide meaningful real‑world connections. 

We also look forward to welcoming prospective families during our upcoming enrolment period, Information Evening, and School Tours. These occasions provide a valuable opportunity to share our school’s vision, learning environments and strong sense of community grounded in Gospel values. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we remain committed to nurturing each child’s learning, wellbeing, and faith development. 

2027 Enrolment Information 

The enrolment period is now open for St Kilian’s and Catholic schools across Bendigo. School Open Week will take place from Monday 24 April to Friday 1 May, during which school tours will be available. 

Our 2027 School Information Night will be held tonight, Wednesday 29 April at 7:00pm. Families considering enrolment are encouraged to attend, and we appreciate your support in sharing this information with others in our community. 

Families with siblings are reminded to complete the online enrolment application via our school website: St Kilian’s Primary School – Enrolment Application. 

YMCA OHSC @St Kilian’s 

We have recently been notified that St Kilian’s YMCA program has recorded the largest increase in attendance of all YMCA programs across Victoria, representing an impressive 240% growth in 2026. 

This achievement reflects the strength and vitality of the program and the positive experience it provides for our students and families. We are especially grateful for the outstanding work of our lead facilitator, Felicia and her band of exceptional staff, whose dedication and leadership have been instrumental in coordinating a program that is fun, safe and highly engaging. 

White House Demolition Project 

Works across the White House site continue to progress well and have generated considerable interest among students and staff. Planned works over the coming weeks include: 

• Ongoing reinstatement of the roof and eaves 
• Completion of brickwork and rendering at the former air‑bridge 
• Review of the remaining blade wall beside the old stable to determine an appropriate long‑term safety solution 

New Playground 

We are pleased to share that the long-awaited new playground has been approved and ordered. We are currently awaiting confirmation of the completion timeline and will provide further information to families as soon as it becomes available. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work towards delivering this exciting addition to our learning and play spaces. 

McAuley Refurbishment Project 

The McAuley Refurbishment Project is progressing well, with internal demolition taking place this week. This significant project is scheduled for completion in late October and will provide upgraded office and staff spaces, new learning areas and a redesigned front entrance to the school. 

Parents & Friends Association 

The Parents & Friends Association plays a vital role in strengthening our school community through a range of social and fundraising initiatives. Through their ongoing efforts, the P&F contributes valuable funds that enhance our school environment and support improved resources for our students. 

At last night’s committee meeting, it was agreed that funds raised this year will be allocated to the following projects: 

• Significant landscaping around the new playground 
• Line marking of hard surfaces (see below) 
• Re-turfing of the oval and related improvements 
• Purchase of aluminium doors with windows for the Paderborn Building 

We are also excited to host the St Kilian’s Trivia Night this Friday in the school hall. The committee warmly welcomes family involvement and support throughout the year. 

Committee Members 

• Presidents: Alisha Bahen & Abbey Meggs 
• Secretary: Bec Reid 
• Communications Officers: Sharelle Patten, Bec Richie & Kim Fisher 

Welcome to Our New Bishop 

We warmly welcome Bishop René Ramirez RCJ, who has been appointed as the Ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Sandhurst. Bishop René brings a wealth of pastoral experience, a deep commitment to faith and service, and a strong understanding of regional communities, having previously served within our diocese. 

We give thanks for Bishop René’s leadership and hold him in our prayers as he prepares to begin this new ministry. We look forward to his guidance and presence as we continue, together, our mission of faith, learning and service. 

Peter Teggelove 

Principal