Principal's Report 

Principal’s Report

St Kilian’s Swimming Carnival  

We had a fantastic day last Thursday during the School Swimming Carnival, marked by both enjoyment and healthy competition. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Alana Vaughan for her efforts in organising and ensuring the success of the event. 

Congratulations to McAuley House for their outstanding performance and victory. This year, we initiated the tradition of House Spirit, emphasizing dedication to one's team through activities such as dressing up, cheering, chanting, collaboration with peers and staff, and demonstrating care and courtesy. Representatives, one male and one female, were selected from each house. 

Congratulations to McAuley: Dara Anthony and Jack Riley, Backhaus: Mabel Talbot and Amos Htoo, Paderborn: Alexander Spinelli and Zali Betts. 

Principal's Award 

Last week I had the great delight of presenting a Principal's Award to Eamon Mertens.  Mr Podosky observed Eamon seeing a need in our school and doing something about it.  Mary MacKillop, Australia’s First Saint, had a belief that “Never see a need without doing something about it” and this exactly what Eamon continues to do each day whether it is helping another or helping his school by keeping the yard tidy.  Well done Eamon. 

What is Harmony Week? 

It is an opportunity to commemorate Australian multiculturalism and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia stands as one of the most effective multicultural nations globally, and it is essential that we celebrate this achievement and work to preserve it. Harmony Week emphasizes inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. 

Harmony Week is observed during the week that includes 21 March, recognized as the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Our classrooms will be engaging in various activities to acknowledge this week, and all staff and students are encouraged to wear something orange or to don traditional attire from their country of origin. 

Caritas Ks 

On Friday March 28th, we are pleased to announce the annual Caritas K’s event, which will commence at 9:00 AM. We warmly invite all parents to join us in supporting the students as they participate in the walk/run. For the safety of all children, we kindly ask that no dogs be brought to the event.  

This event not only provides students with an enjoyable opportunity to walk and run around Lake Weeroona, but it also serves as a platform for fundraising and raising awareness about social justice within our school community and beyond. Our goal is to inspire participants to "be more" and to "be a voice" for those in need around the globe. 

Final Liturgy & End of Term 

School term finishes Friday 4th April at 2:15 pm. Preceding the end of term our students will participate in a final liturgy in the hall at 1:45 pm and draw the Easter Raffle. 

NAPLAN 

Over the next two weeks our Year 3 and Year 5 students engage in the National Assessment Program of Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).  NAPLAN assesses skills important for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. It is essential to remember that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, but about assessing learning progress. It is also important to remember that NAPLAN does not assess all the ways that your child is a learner and a contributor to life. Every day we celebrate the learning growth your child is making; during NAPLAN our Government agencies use a standardised assessment to measure growth. It gives some important information about how we are travelling as a school community and how our students perform in standardised testing scenarios.  I thank Miss Holmes for the support they have provided to teachers and students in setting up for NAPLAN. Your efforts are much appreciated. If you have any questions about NAPLAN please don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher or Miss Holmes. 

Catholic Education at St Kilian's Primary School 

Catholic Education Sandhurst have produced a beautiful video advertising Choosing Catholic Education, we are honoured to be part of such a wonderful organisation and encourage all to join us. We are delighted to see featured a few of our students and parents Catholic Education at St Kilian's. The video is on our Facebook page. We would be grateful if you shared this. 

Why are we asking you to ‘Choose Catholic Education?’ Because the decision of where to send your child to school is one of the biggest you will ever make. We asked families what was important to them and the values that families seek, are the values that Catholic schools offer. When you Choose Catholic Education, you choose a community that welcomes all families. With inclusive school fees and no hidden costs, the perfect choice is closer than you think. Contact St Kilian's Primary school to find out more. 

Pupil Free Days - Term 1 

The staff are participating in a Professional Learning with the Knowledge Society on Tuesday 1st April.  The YMCA will be offering care on this day, see information in the newsletter regarding this.  This day will focus on the Behaviour Curriculum and the way we interact with each other. 

Grade 6 Camp 

Grade 6 Camp is a valuable experience that provides students with an opportunity to further their learning and social skills development in a non-school setting. 

The Canberra camp focuses on the Civics and Citizenship curriculum area incorporating an understanding of how we’re governed and our Australian identity. Students develop independence, social skills and deeper conceptual understandings through the direct experience of appropriate camps.  Students from our school will soon be undertaking, an education tour of the national capital. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. 

To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. 

Dates: Tuesday 12th March (arrive at school at 7:00 am for a 7:15 am departure) - Friday 15th March (approx 5:30 pm). 

Week 8 

17th March: St Patrick’s Day  

21st March: Harmony Day Dress Up  

21st March: P&F Trivia Night 

Week 9 

28th March: Caritas Ks  

Week 10 

1st April: Pupil Free Day - Behaviour Curriculum Teacher’s Masterclass  

3rd April: Gr 1 Excursion - Josephine Wants to Dance  

4th April: Term 1 Ends at 2:15 pm 

God Bless 

Kimberley McSweeney 

Principal