St Kilian's School Newsletter

Pastoral Wellbeing

Attendance

Attendance Update – Week 6 

Our whole-school attendance has remained steady this term, averaging between 87–92%. In Week 6, the whole-school figure was 87.85%. While slightly lower than earlier weeks, there are some excellent highlights worth celebrating. 

 

  • Prep HE recorded their strongest result so far this term at 92.38%. 
  • 3JS continued their consistency with 93.81%. 
  • 4GF stood out with an impressive 95.00%, the highest in the middle years. 
  • 5EM lifted by over three percentage points to 89.47%, showing a strong recovery. 

  • 6SH also improved, rising to 86.47%. 

     

Across the school, 160 students came to school for the whole week – but for a school of our size we should be aiming for north of 190-200 - and 69 students attended between 90–98% of the time in Week 6 – the highest number in this category so far this term. 

 

Tips for Families to Support Attendance: 

  • Keep a regular morning and evening routine to make school days smooth. 
  • Try to book medical appointments outside school hours where possible. 
  • If your child is unwell or facing challenges, please contact us so we can work together on support. 

Strong and regular attendance builds the best foundation for learning, friendships, and growth. 

 

📚 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. 

 

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 Blitz – Moving Safely 

This week’s PBIS Blitz focus is on Moving Safely. At school, we are teaching students how to move responsibly both inside and outside. Inside, this means walking calmly in corridors, keeping to the left, using quiet voices, and waiting patiently at doorways. Outside, it includes walking on hard surfaces, using paths, watching out for others when running or playing, and following playground rules. These routines help keep everyone safe, reduce accidents, and create a calmer learning environment. 

 

How Parents Can Support at Home  

Parents play an important role in reinforcing these habits. Here are a few simple ways you can help: 

 

  • Model safe movement: Show your child how you walk carefully in busy spaces such as shops, car parks, or at home when carrying things. 
  • Practise awareness: Remind your child to look around before moving, especially when others are nearby. 
  • Use consistent language: Reinforce the same phrases we use at school, such as “walking feet inside” or “use the path.” 

  • Praise safe choices: Notice and celebrate when your child shows safe movement, whether at home, in the yard, or in public spaces. 

     

Together, we can help students build safe, respectful, and responsible habits that they will use in all areas of their lives. 

 

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week 

This week we celebrate Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, a special time to recognise the wonderful people in our school who support students and teachers every day. 

 

At St. Kilian’s, a teacher aide (sometimes called a Learning Support Officer or LSO) is anyone who helps in our classrooms or around the school who is not a teacher. They work with individuals and small groups, assist with learning, and help make sure our school is a safe, caring, and welcoming place for all. 

 

At school, we will be celebrating our LSOs with prayer, activities in classrooms, thank you cards from staff and students, and a small celebration to show our gratitude. 

 

We encourage families to join in by celebrating at home too. You might like to: 

  • Talk with your child about how their teacher aide helps them at school. 
  • Encourage your child to say a special “thank you” during the week. 
  • Write a short note or card of thanks as a family. 

  • Share a kind word of appreciation with LSOs if you see them around the school. 

     

Together, let’s make sure our teacher aides know just how valued and appreciated they are in our community!