Principal's News

11/10/22

Welcome back to school for Term 4! We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break. I have spoken to many students who have travelled around Victoria and beyond. It is enchanting to hear about the adventures that happen while on break. The students are looking rested, refreshed and ready to learn and take on challenges in Term 4.

New Students and New Staff

Welcome to our new students - Hayley in P/1G, Arian 1/2F, Andray in 1/2F, Rodin in 3/4C and Charlie to 3/4C.  We look forward to working and learning with you and your families. Thank you for choosing to join our vibrant St Kevin’s community!

It is a real credit to our community to hear such positive feedback from these families about our school including comments about the personalised learning, care for each student and our strong innovative vision.  Well done to everyone who posts and shares news about all that takes place at St Kevin’s especially to Miss Fitz who keeps our profile up to date on Instagram and Facebook. We are continuing to build such a positive reputation in the community and once the families have a tour they are always in awe of our facilities and eager to join this friendly and respectful Catholic school.

Last week we welcomed JR Giammario to St Kevin’s. He is working as a Learning Support Officer five days a week as Emily Yates successfully graduated and accepted a teaching position at Mernda Primary School.  JR is a past student of our school and he is thrilled to join our community.  In the next few weeks, Eva and I will be interviewing for class teachers for 2023. An additional two new classes will be added to our school next year.

Opportunity to join the Parish Office

Parish Secretary/Finance Administrator - St Kevin's Parish, Templestowe Lower.

We have an exciting opportunity for a person with a can-do attitude to work as a parish secretary/finance administrator in our parish.

St Kevin's Templestowe Parish is a Catholic community called by God and trusting in Jesus. We aspire to care for and connect with the wider world and to be hospitable and generous so that all may live life to the full. The successful applicant must be able to recognise and respect the pastoral aspect of the Parish and possess a strong commitment to its practices and values. 

Come and join our dedicated team and make a difference with us!

The position is permanent part-time one day a week, Tuesdays, 9 am to 4 pm.  Immediate start. For more information, please visit our website https://www.stkevinsparish.org.au/.

St Kevin's Parish, Templestowe, Youth Group - Volunteers Wanted

By popular demand, we are bringing back Youth Group for children in years 5 to 7! 

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to lead and to assist with the planning and running of our youth group program.  Ongoing support and training provided. Time commitment about 10 hours per month. The Youth Group is held once a month on a Saturday evening.  

Please register your interest at the Parish Office: by ringing Rebecca or Tiziana on 03 9850 5983 or email: Templestowe@cam.org.au. 

Year 5 and 6 Mass Saturday 5:30pm

Well done to the Year 5 and 6 students and their families who attended the 5:30pm mass on Saturday evening. Unfortunately, not all families were able to attend this mass and I am very interested to hear about how we can work towards 100% attendance to these beautiful community celebrations.  It is also lovely to see extended family supporting and gathering in prayer. 

Thank you to Sonia, Andrew, Fulvia and Rebecca for working together to prepare the students and ensuring that all ran smoothly at the mass.  I look forward to gathering with our Confirmation families  to develop faith at the Confirmation Evening and then to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in a few weeks.  

Hats and Uniform Policy in Term 4

A reminder that students are required to wear their school hat when outside during Term 4. Please ensure your child's name is clearly labelled on their hat. Students that do not have a hat will be required to sit outside the Tuck Shop area during recess and lunch. 

The St Kevin’s School Uniform Policy is going to be reviewed by the Year 5 and 6 students this term and we will share this policy with families after the Melbourne Cup long weekend. 

Tuck Shop

Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who have volunteered to assist with Tuck shop duties in Term 4. If you are able to help please complete the survey.  Link - Tuck Shop Roster Survey   

Every little bit helps, so take on the challenge! Just keep in mind that you are modelling to your child/ren ways of contributing and engaging in school life.  I know the students enjoy seeing their parents on duty as they often let me know!

District Athletics

District Athletics took place at the Bill Stewart Athletics Track in Burwood East on Tuesday the 4th of October. We had nine of our students qualify for this event. They competed fairly and enthusiastically displaying grit and courage. Congratulations and well done!  Please see Mr Puls’ PE Report. 

LANGUAGES AT ST KEVIN’S

Two Staff members Eva and Annie have participated in a Professional Learning Program called ‘RenewALL 2022’ (Co-learner Approach).  This course focuses on ways to teach language through gestures and frequent oral interaction. It is heavily dependent on  practising  the new language on a daily basis in the classroom.  Eva and Annie have been introduced to skills and resources available to teach languages and will share their new acquired skills with the whole staff in a PLT.

Annie will be trialling this approach in her classroom this term.

In 2023 each class teacher will teach Italian using this approach with the support of an Italian Language Assistant.

Transition 2022 to 2023

This year we will have a few transition sessions for students in November and December. There will also be a HEAD START program where children will spend 2 ½ days in their new classroom for 2023. 

Year 6 Students will also participate in a program to assist with transition to high school.

Many high schools implement this practice and over the past few years Primary schools have also taken on this practice.  It is a wonderful way for students to settle into their new class, and get to know their teacher and class members.  It helps alleviate stress and anxiety.

EARLY ARRIVALS & LATE PICK UPS

Thank you for dropping your child/children after 8:45am and promptly picking them up between 3:30pm-3:45pm Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri and 3:15pm-3:30pm on Wed.

Please be aware that you cannot stop in the middle of the pedestrian crossing as this is dangerous as students and parents walk in this area.

I have noticed that some parents do a U-turn very close to the pedestrian crossing and this is also VERY DANGEROUS.  If you need to do a U-turn please move right away from the busy traffic areas before you turn.  Thank you! We all want to remain safe and look after each other.

ATTENTION  PARENTS OF YEAR 3 STUDENTS

There will be a ICT Parent Information Evening on Wednesday the 26th of October between 7:30pm - 8:30pm in the School Library for current Year 3 Parents.  At this meeting Mr Con and I will share our vision for ICT and discuss the tools required for Year 4, 2023.   More information to follow shortly!

Who is reading the newsletter?

Thank you to all parents who do complete the survey. 

Year 5/6 parents you have done it again! Well done!

Which level will be the champions for Term 4?    

DATA COLLECTION  -  LINK I have read the newsletter 10/10/22 

CALENDAR DATES

19/10  Puberty Ed Family Forum Year 5 & 6 Students and Parents Only 6.30pm to 8pm @                  St Kevin's

20/10.  YR 6 Parents / Student ONLY Confirmation

               - Parent/Child Workshop - Guest speaker Neal Murphy in the Church

22/10  1pm and 3pm Confirmation for Year 6 Students @ St Kevin's

26/10  Information Evening for current Year 3 Parents    7:30pm - 8:30pm in the Library

31/10  Pupil Free Day - Report Writing Day 

01/11 Melbourne Cup Day - Public Holiday 

04/11 Major Fundraiser  Evening  (keep this date free. It will be a fun night!) 

28/11 Pupil Free Day Planning 2023

12/12-14/12  HEAD START Program (more details to follow) 

All God’s blessings,

Gabee Leone

Second hand School Uniforms

When purchasing second hand uniforms could you please re label with your students name. This is essential for if they end up in lost property and so the children can identify their own clothing if lost.