Principal's News

Parent Newsletter Term 1, Week 7  Tuesday 12/03/24  

- Thank you to Fiona Marini for all the extra hours and care she always gives in the office.  

All  much appreciated Fiona!  Thank you again.

Reconciliation

This sacrament of healing is about forgiveness and reconciliation.  God is a merciful God and showing mercy is a strength of character not a weakness.  Our world could do with forgiveness and mercy at the present time. In the next few weeks our students are preparing and receiving this sacrament. We keep the students and their families in our prayers.  I look forward to seeing you all at the Reconciliation Evening tonight!

SAC (School Advisory Council)  for 2024

Laura Mangiavillano (Chair)

Renee Constantinidis (Secretary)

Suzanne Connelly (PFA Rep)

Alex Young

Sandra Tsiotinas

Chiara Gallo

Nick Mackay

Antonio Crimi

Glenn Cannon 

Faith Warwick 

Eva Tomazos - (Staff Rep - DP) 

Gabee Leone - (Principal)

Fr Charles Balnaves - (PP)

Welcome to  SAC Renee and Faith!  

We do need one more member if you are interested please contact Laura or Gabee.

Congratulations Renee for being appointed SAC Secretary!

VISION FOR INSTRUCTION  

Last week Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) launched their new “Vision for Instruction” for all of its schools. The objective is that, “By 2030 we aim to become the benchmark for excellence in teaching and learning, through a coherently integrated, academically competitive and distinctly Catholic educational offering”. 

So what does this mean for us at St Kevin’s? It means that the work we have already commenced in teaching Italian and Heggarty in Reading using explicit, structured and planned teaching actually works and accelerates student learning and it is endorsed by MACS.

Elements such as: 

Most students need formal teaching to learn biologically secondary knowledge.  

• Reading, writing and mathematics requires instruction and must be taught. 
• Thinking occurs when we combine information from our environment and from our long term memory.
• Introduction to Daily Reviews to ensure learning is reinforced and embedded.
• We connect new learning to what the students already know and understand (prior knowledge). 
• Working memory has limits: Cognitive overload can occur when we try to connect new learning without prior instruction.  
• We need to provide new learning in sequenced, manageable steps. 
• Memory is a residue of thought: Ask questions to get students thinking in a structured way, reduce distracted thinking and support the learning that students need the most.  

The Professional learning on Friday the 8th of March was an important opportunity for all staff to hear and learn together with nine other Catholic schools and MACS Staff. The day was about  Explicit Instruction and Daily Review. It was based on the work of Barak Rosenshine.  

Brooke Wardana, the keynote speaker, discussed  the brain and moving information from short term to long term memory.          

She defined Skill Development and Cognitive overload.  As a staff we will set goals and support each other to implement ‘Daily reviews’.

There is a strong connection to the way we teach Italian through gestures and Heggarty in Reading.  The journey has already begun.

If you would like to know more here is the link - https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/Rosenshine.pdf

FULL STORY

The big change coming to the way Catholic school kids are taught (By Robyn Grace, The Age)

Thank you to Eva Tomazos and Bianca Di Giovanni for their work in the Literacy Collective.  It was a practical and engaging experience which needs to be followed through into all areas of learning.  We hope to have a parent session this year so you can better understand the direction of future instruction and learning.

Welcome BBQ Thursday 7th of March 

Research demonstrates that effective schools have high levels of parental and community involvement. This involvement is strongly related to improved student learning, attendance and behaviour.  

'Family involvement can have a major impact on student learning, regardless of the social or cultural background of the family. Family involvement in schools is therefore central to high quality education and is part of the core business of schools.'  (Family-schoolpartnershipsframework)

The Welcome BBQ is one opportunity for families to get involved and enjoy each other's company. It was a lovely way for families in the St. Kevin's community to get together over a casual setting. The food was plentiful and it was cooked well by Mr Con. The Staff generously assisted with food preparation and serving.

The positive feedback and gratitude from parents was appreciated. It was lovely to chat about our hopes for 2024. The Welcome BBQ gave parents the opportunity to socialise and meet student buddies and their families.   

Engaging in school activities and events is a valuable way for parents to actively participate in their child's learning journey. 

Look forward to seeing you at the next event - School Working Bee on Thursday 2nd of May 2:30pm - 4:30pm. 

NAPLAN YEAR 3 & 5 

All the very best to our Year 3 and Year 5 students and their teachers as they commence their 2024 NAPLAN Assessments this today.  

The time schedule for completion for these tests is quite tight and so we ask:  

• That students in Year 3 and 5 arrive at school on time so they begin the day calmly and hear all instructions
• That students have a nourishing, high energy breakfast each morning. Fuel for the thinking brain.  
• That students are well rested and have an early night on the night before an assessment.  
• That we encourage our St Kevin’s students to walk into NAPLAN days with great confidence and a positive I can do attitude. They have been adequately prepared and so NAPLAN day should be like every other day.   

Seesaw

                                                             Well done to 5/6 GS and 1GS

PBL  RESPONSIBLE

Expected Behaviour for this week: : I follow the ICT user agreement.

Languages Showcase We hosted a MACS Functional Language Day two weeks ago and I was so proud of the staff and students for demonstrating their language skills and sharing their experiences with the Leaders, teachers and LSO’s from 5 different schools.

Staff Updates 

Mr Daniel Paoli will be taking PE in Week 8 and 9.  Mr Louis Vescio will be in 2P for 10 weeks while Mr Andrew Puls is absent.  We wish Mr Puls the best for his upcoming surgery.   

I appreciate the positive attitude displayed by the students in adapting to new staff.  

Staff changes happen and my main concern is retaining stability and quality educators in our school.  Thank you also to staff and parents who show support and understanding that although it is not ideal situation, life happens and it vital to work in partnership to allow consistency in learning.

Existing Families with Preps for 2025

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.  We are nearly there!  Enrolments close on May 1st, 2024. 

Come and join us for Story, Drama and Dance Time! Book a spot! Register your interest through the link - book to attend   Story, Drama and Dance Time  next one Friday 3rd of May.

PBL  RESPONSIBILITY

Expected Behaviour for this week: : I follow the ICT user agreement

Deepest condolences to Fiona George and her family at the passing of her father Mr Alan Patterson. We hope the memories live strong in your hearts and may he rest in peace in God’s holy kingdom.

                                      Warmest regards, Gabee  Leone