Specialists' News
School Attendance – Every Day Counts!
At St Kevin's Primary School, we recognise that regular school attendance plays an important role in every child's learning, wellbeing and social development.
Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic), school attendance is compulsory for children aged 6 to 17 years, unless an exemption or exception applies.
Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring their children attend school each day and for notifying the school of any absences, including the reason for their absence.
We understand that there are times when children need to be absent due to illness, medical appointments, family circumstances or cultural and religious observances. Wherever possible, we encourage families to schedule appointments and holidays outside school hours.
Tips to Support Your Child's Attendance
Establishing positive attendance habits early and addressing concerns promptly can make a significant difference to your child's learning, confidence and connection to school.
Here are some simple ways families can help:
- Talk about school: Have regular conversations with your child about their day, friendships and learning. Listen to any concerns they may have, including difficulties with friendships, schoolwork or feeling connected at school.
- Encourage positive attendance habits: Celebrate your child's efforts to attend school regularly and arrive on time.
- Establish consistent routines: Encourage regular bedtimes, a healthy breakfast and preparing school bags the night before to make mornings less stressful.
- Build connections: Encourage your child to participate in school activities, sports and opportunities that help them develop friendships and a sense of belonging.
- Model commitment: Show your child the importance of following through with responsibilities and commitments.
- Address concerns early: If your child is reluctant to attend school or experiencing difficulties, please reach out so we can work together to support them.
Working Together
We understand that every family's circumstances are different. If your child is experiencing difficulties attending school regularly, please contact their classroom teacher or the school office. We are always happy to work in partnership with families to support each child's learning and wellbeing.
For further information and practical strategies, families can visit the Victorian Government's Attendance and Missing School resource.
Remember, every day counts! Regular attendance helps children feel connected, confident and ready to learn.
Kind Regards,
Eva Tomazos
Physical Education Update
Tennis Lessons:
Students this week will begin their tennis lessons at St Kevin’s Tennis Club. They will be supported by St Kevin’s staff and the tennis coaches at the club. Each student will have 7 lessons, running till week 5 this term.
Swimming/Water Safety Program:
This term, students from Prep to Grade 4 will be undertaking their annual swimming and water safety lessons at Genazzano College Aquatics Centre, run by Matt Walsh and qualified swim teachers. All information for this will be released shortly via Compass. The dates for the swim lessons will be: 4/11, 5/11, 6/11, 11/11, 12/11, 13/11.
Students achievements:
Congratulations to Skye who competed at the Melbourne Marathon Festival. Skye ran and successfully completed a 3km run. Well done Skye, we are very proud of you!
Congratulations to Manaia on a successful season with Eltham Rugby Union Football Club.
Manaia was awarded the team's most improved player and the coaches award. He also collected a player of the day during the season. Congratulations Manaia, we are very proud of your efforts!
Congratulations to Audrey and Abigail, who recently competed and represented Victoria at the National Taekwondo Championships in Canberra. Audrey and Abigail won gold medals in their respective decisions, crowning them both as national champions of Australia. We are very proud of both girls, and congratulate them on this incredible achievement!
