Principal's News
Find Your Light! SHINE!
Dear Families,
School Review – A Time for Reflection and Growth
This term, St Kevin’s will participate in our School Review process. This is an important opportunity to reflect on our progress, celebrate our achievements and identify the next steps in our improvement journey.
We have been reflecting and gathering data for the external reviewer.
Our focus remains clear:
- Strengthening student learning outcomes
- Building expert teacher practice
- Nurturing a strong and authentic Catholic identity
- Creating safe, inclusive and high-expectation learning environments.
In July we will receive feedback and write our new School Improvement Plan and Annual Action Plan.
MACSEYE (before and after school care) Handover Process from 4th May 2026
Please note the following updated MACSEYE handover procedures:
- A clipboard containing the MACSEYE Weekly Attendance List will be kept in the office and updated daily/weekly by Cathy.
- One nominated staff member is required to check off student names and ensure all attending students are listed.
- If a student is not on the attendance list, the MACSEYE staff member must contact parents/carers to confirm permission for the student to attend MACSEYE. The student’s name is then to be added to the list by the St Kevin’s staff member.
- Students attending the MACSEYE program are to sit together near the railing area. Names will then be called, and students will line up with MACSEYE staff before walking together into the PA room.
This process is the official handover from school staff to MACSEYE staff. It is extremely important that the St Kevin’s staff member formally hands over students to MACSEYE staff as part of our legal Duty of Care responsibilities. St Kevin’s Staff will ensure students are counted carefully and all names are checked.
Parish Contribution
Thank you to the families who have responded promptly to the Parish Contribution request. I attended the Parish Pastoral Council meeting last week and was very proud to hear that a few St Kevin’s families had already supported the parish in this way.
Our parish community is incredibly generous and supportive, regularly allowing us to use the church for assemblies and special celebrations. Another wonderful example of this community spirit was the Mother’s Day Breakfast. We were very grateful to the parish for hosting this special event. Thank you to Fr Charles, Nadia, and Ana for their efforts in creating such a collaborative, welcoming, and spiritually enriching environment for our community.
Please let me know if you did not receive the email from David Hii [Business Manager Parishes of St Gregory the Great (Doncaster) and St Kevin (Templestowe)] regarding the Parish Contribution.
New Catholic School Parents Victoria
https://cspv.catholic.edu.au/resources/
Catholic School Parents Victoria – Supporting Families in Catholic Education Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV) has been re-established to strengthen the voice of parents and carers in Catholic education across Victoria, recognising parents as the first educators and key partners in their child’s learning, wellbeing and faith journey.
CSPV is guided by a Council of parent representatives from across the state, ensuring that the diverse perspectives of families in Catholic schools are reflected in its work and advocacy. We invite you to explore the CSPV website at www.cspv.catholic.edu.au where you will find a wealth of information and resources to support your parenting journey within Catholic education, including guidance on wellbeing, faith, learning and key issues impacting families. You can also subscribe via the website to join the CSPV community, receive the quarterly newsletter and be invited to upcoming events. You can also connect with CSPV on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook to access valuable insights, updates and practical resources. Together, we can continue to strengthen the partnership between families, schools and the wider Catholic community.
Holocaust Memorial Service Sion College
Last Tuesday evening, Chiara (Language Assistant) and I attended a Holocaust Memorial Service at Sion College. The invited community, which included principals, teachers, council representatives, and students, gathered to remember the events of the Holocaust (1933–1945), acknowledge the rise in antisemitism, and reflect on the tragic events that occurred at Bondi Beach, where members of the Jewish community were targeted during an event celebrating light and life. We also reflected on the concerning rise in Islamophobia and racism within our communities.
Guest speaker Dr George Deutsch OAM shared the story of how his family fled Nazi-occupied Vienna in 1938. He spoke movingly about how he and his parents were protected and saved by courageous French families who took enormous risks to care for total strangers. His recount was deeply moving and reflected extraordinary resilience, hope, and courage.
As a survivor speaker volunteer for Courage to Care, Dr Deutsch continues to share his story with school students, encouraging young people to stand against prejudice and discrimination.
The evening invited all present to listen, learn, respond, and work together in mutual trust and respect to help create a more compassionate, peaceful, and just world. We recognised the important role young people play in shaping this future and the hope they bring to our world.
Confirmation Retreat Day
On Thursday 7th May, St Kevin’s students joined Catechist students for a special Confirmation Retreat Day in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Bishop Les spoke to the students about Pentecost and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, explaining that Confirmation is like “unwrapping” the gifts first received at Baptism and learning to use them throughout life.
Students also practised in the church, learned about respect and church traditions, participated in games and activities, and rehearsed Mass hymns with volunteers Roger and Anne.
The students are now looking forward with excitement to their upcoming Confirmation Day.
Canberra Camp 2027
This is a reminder to Year 4 and 5 Parents for 2026 (Year 5 and 6 2027) that there is an event on Compass that requires your attention regarding interest in attending the Canberra Camp in 2027.
Thank you to parents and carers who have already completed the event.
Could you please take a moment to complete the event so that further planning and organisation can occur. Thank you for your support with this matter.
Winter Uniform Reminder
As we move further into Term 2, students are expected to be in full winter uniform.
We ask for your support in ensuring:
- Students are wearing the correct winter uniform items
- Clothing is appropriate for the weather
- All items meet school expectations
Consistency across the school helps foster a sense of belonging and pride in our community.
Navy pants are a winter option for girls.
Here is a Slideshare with all the uniform requirements - St Kevin’s School Uniform
We have many items in the second hand shop on site. Please pop into the school office if you are interested in viewing any of these items. Any questions please contact me.
Mother's Day Stall
Thank you to Suzanne for coordinating and organising the beautiful gifts for the special female figures in our students’ lives. We also extend our thanks to everyone who assisted with the Mother’s Day Stall. It was a special event on the school calendar, and the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Thank you Cathy and Fiona for assisting with supporting the students and parents to ensure everyone who needed a gift - got one!
New Financial Business Partner - Yonten Bhutia
Yonten will be supporting the school and working alongside Cathy in the finance area. Due to a significant reduction in allocated time, this support will now operate on a needs basis. Yonten will primarily assist remotely via phone and online communication, with occasional visits to the school when required.
We sincerely thank Hesti Renato for her dedication and contribution to St Kevin’s and wish her all the very best as she moves to work in the southern region.
School Advisory Council (SAC) Recruitment
We do need two more volunteers for the SAC this year as we have had a resignation. If you are interested in joining the SAC please Contact Renee Constantinidis via chairsac@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
For information about SAC - MACS School Advisory Councils
PBL Expected behaviour for Term 2 Week 4
I use strategies to regulate my emotions. RESILIENT
ITALIAN NEWS
Ciao a tutti,
I hope everyone is keeping warm during this freezing mornings! I would love to congratulate our first few language ambassadors who have done an outstanding job at fulfilling the role, a big grazie to the following students:
PrepMM: Yasmine G, Mia L & Andre P
Grade 1R: Alexia A, Wharton B & Levi A
Grade 2GS: Bianca M, Madison A & Skye Q
Grade 3CA: Nicholas S, Flynn B & Harriet H
Grade 3/4G: Helena A, Theodore S & Clarissa B
Grade 5/6B: Cleo A, Audrey B & Mackenzie A
Grade 5/6MM: Abigail H, Adele C & Hannah H
For weeks 4&5 Our prep students will be practicing how to build sentences with 'Posso avere?'.
Posso avere...? (Can I have...?):
Il libro - The book
La matita - The pencil
La carta - The paper
La colla - The glue stick
Le forbice - The scissors
Bianco - White
Nero - Black
Rosso - Red
Giallo - Yellow
Grades 1, 2, 5, & 6 students will be practicing how to build sentences with 'Come stai?'.
Come stai? (How are you?):
Che succede? - What's going on?
Mi fa male.. - My ... hurts
Perché mi fa male.. - Because ... hurts
La testa - the head
La gola - the throat
Il ginocchio - the knee
Il piede - the foot
Lo stomaco - the stomach
L'orecchio - the ear
Our Grade 3/4 students will continue working on their Ho Fame Italian booklet for their Italian literacy program. In class, we’ve been reading together and completing activities that help build their understanding, vocabulary, and confidence in Italian.
(Here is the link to the booklet/audiobook if you wish to read/listen to it at home.)
Have a fortnight!
Grazie, Chiara :)
Prep Enrolment 2027
We are excited to announce the ‘Acceptance Letters’ to all enrolled students were sent out last week.
God bless, Gabee Leone
Assembly Dates for Term 2, 2026
Term 2 Week 5 Tuesday 19th May 2.30pm - 3.10pm
Term 2 Week 7 Tuesday 2nd June 2.30pm - 3.10pm Choir Performance
Term 2 Week 10 Monday 22nd June 2.30pm - 3.10pm
Calendar dates will be in the Principal section from now on and in Google Calendar.
Thursday 14th May - Child/Parent Workshop combined with commitment mass 6:30pm
- Baker's Delight Lunch
Saturday 18th May - School Open Day 2026
Friday 22nd May - District Cross Country
Sunday 24th May - Sacrament of Confirmation 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wednesday 3rd June - St Kevin’s Feast Day Mass and Festivities
Monday 8th June - King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th June - Review Days (Normal School days for the students)
Monday 22nd June - Reports for Semester 1 published on Compass Portal 4pm
Tuesday 23rd June - Debating Competition for Year 6 Delegates
Wednesday 24th June - Goal Setting Parent /Teacher /Student Conversations early finish at 12pm
Thursday 25th June - Last day of Term 2 for students finish 3:30pm
Friday 26th June - End of Term 2 for Staff
Monday 13th July - First day of Term 3
Friday 24th July - Grandparent’s Day MASS St Joachim & St Anne 12pm followed by lunch with students
Thursday 30th July - Eucharist Child/Parent Workshop combined with commitment 6:30pm-8:00pm in Church
Wednesday 5th August - Whole School Athletics Day 9:15am - 12:30pm