Principal's News
29/07/25
PRAYER FOR THE BEGINNING OF A NEW TERM
Almighty God We give you our school. We give you all the teachers and staff who work here. We give you all the children who learn here. We pray our school will continue to be a place of great discovery, adventure and creativity. May it be a place where we love to learn and where we learn to love. A place where everyone is respected and all are deeply valued. We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Dear Families,
Welcome to Term 3. We trust that you have had a restful school holiday break. The children have rested well and are ready for an action packed Term Three.
The Feast Day of Saints. Joachim and Anne was on Saturday 26th of July.
As the grandparents of Jesus, Saints Anne and Joachim are also considered the patron saints of grandparents. (Mary’s Mum and Dad)
As we reflect on the legacy of Saints Anne and Joachim, let us also reflect on the vital role played by all grandparents in completing the loving family unit and nurturing the faith of future generations. Grandparents can take a vital part in the training of their grandchildren, teaching them to love the ways of the Lord and honour his commandments. It was Saints Anne and Joachim who cultivated in the young Mary a love for God, preparing her for her role in the story of divine redemption.
From the Blessed Pope Francis:
Grandparents and Special Persons Day at St Kevin’s
Last Friday, we joyfully celebrated Grandparents and Special Persons Day at St Kevin’s. The day began with a beautiful Mass at 12pm, where we gave thanks to God for the gift of these wise and loving individuals in our lives.
After the Mass, our special guests visited classrooms to engage in activities with their grandchildren or special young people. This was followed by a shared lunch, where families spent quality time together.
Guests were treated to a warm beverage and a delicious slice of cake, kindly provided by the school. The attendance was outstanding, and we received wonderful feedback about the warmth and organisation of the event.
It was a heartwarming day filled with connection, gratitude, and joy, a true celebration of the important role grandparents and special people play in our community.
St Kevin’s School Uniforms
St Kevin’s School uniform supplier, A Plus Schoolwear, has been acquired by Lowes. Consequently, there are some changes to the purchase of school uniforms – particularly during the transition period.
As soon as I know more about dates and confirmation of place of purchase I will advise Parents and Carers.
ONLINE ORDERING
- During the transition period, online orders cannot be made.
- Once the online uniform shop is up and running, the link will be published.
- Online purchases will be shipped directly to the nominated address.
- Click and collect orders will also be available.
Second Hand Uniform Items
- The school sells second hand used uniform pieces at $5 per item.
Please visit the office, and Administration Staff will assist you with your second hand uniform.
Change of Date
for
BOOK WEEK Parade 9am -10am in the Stadium on
Wednesday 20th August
Bunnings BBQ – DONCASTER – Sunday 3rd August
St Kevin’s is excited to be hosting a
Bunnings BBQ at Doncaster Bunnings
THIS SUNDAY 3rd August.
Set-up begins at 8:00am, with clean-up starting from 5:30pm.
Thank you to the generous parents who will donate their time and resources.
We look forward to seeing you all there on Sunday!
Literacy Updates
Prep Literacy Links
Year 1/2 Literacy Links
Parent Teacher Student Conversations Reminder
Thank you to all parents, carers and students who made the time to meet with teachers to discuss learning and goals for Semester Two.
If you have not spoken to the teacher/s please email or call to make time. Teachers will also ensure that they have spoken to all and I am sure they will be in touch with you soon.
International Visitors
The International students from China have settled in well in Year 3-6 and it is wonderful to see students making friendships and proudly sharing the facilities while learning together. The international students will make a short presentation at the assembly next Wednesday. (05/08/25 at 2:30pm in the church)
Father’s Day Breakfast
We warmly invite all Fathers (and father figures) to join us for a Father’s Day Breakfast in the Gathering Space on Thursday 4th September, from 7:00am to 8:30am.
Menu:
- Cereals
- Muffins & Croissants
- Juice
- Tea & Coffee
Each attending father will receive a small gift as a token of our appreciation.
We look forward to celebrating this special morning with you!
Seesaw
Values
PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning
Our PBL expected behaviour
I try to do things to help myself
(connect to Topic 6: Help Seeking of RR)
Resilient
Weekly Awards - We have moved to weekly awards with daily nominations in all areas of learning including the playground and during transition times. These awards will be announced over the PA on Friday afternoons.
Athletics Day Carnival
On Wednesday the 6th of August, all St Kevin’s students will be participating in our whole school Athletics Day Carnival.
Please find the details below:
When: Wednesday the 6th of August -
What time: Welcome and acknowledgement at 9:05am sharp
First event at 9:20am - Ending at 11:50am
Where: St Kevin’s Primary School
We will be using our school grounds for our Athletics morning.
What do students wear: Students may wear their house colours with runners.
School hat and sunscreen in case of weather.
Who can attend: All are welcome to attend and support our students during their events.
A letter will go home soon.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me via email at gmontalto@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Inappropriate Language
I wanted to bring to your attention some feedback I received last week regarding the use of inappropriate language in both classrooms and the playground particularly in the middle school.
While we know that students can sometimes repeat things they have heard elsewhere, it’s important that we remain vigilant in modelling and reinforcing respectful, appropriate language at all times. This includes addressing language when it occurs and reminding students of our school expectations.
We assure you that staff:
- Address inappropriate language immediately and calmly.
- Remind students about the kind of language that is expected in our school.
- Reinforce our school values and expectations regularly, especially during Circle Time, SEL lessons, or at class meetings.
- Inform leadership if they notice any patterns or particular concerns.
- Contact families to share this information and discuss support for students.
It is wonderful that parents feel they can share their concerns with us and it is so important that as a school we take action to investigate and follow up on feedback. Thank you for taking the time to share and work with us to ensure our school remains a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all.
Italian
Ciao a tutti,
I hope all families enjoyed a nice rest over the break! It's great to be back for Term 3, in the next few weeks we will be learning about:
I mesi - months:
Gennaio - January
Febbraio - February
Marzo - March
Aprile - April
Maggio - May
Giugno - June
Luglio - July
Agosto - August
Settembre - September
Ottobre - October
Novembre - November
Dicembre - December
New questions:
Quand'e' il tuo compleanno? (When is your birthday?) Brief version informal
Quando e’ il tuo compleanno? (When is your birthday?) Longer version informal
Il mio compleanno e' in ... (My birthday is in ...)
Cosa ti piace? (What do you like?)
Mi piace ... (I like ...)
Non mi piace ... (I don't like)
Cantare in Italiano (to sing in Italian)
Parlare in Italiano (to speak in Italian)
I hope everyone has an amazing start to Term 3!
Grazie, Chiara :)
Shadowing Principal Program
On Monday, 28th July, we had the pleasure of welcoming Michelle M, Deputy Principal at a Catholic secondary school, to St Kevin’s as part of the MACS Pathways to Principalship Program. Michelle spent the day shadowing the principal to gain a deeper understanding of the unique and dynamic role of a primary school leader.
It was an honour to support Michelle on this journey, and she was able to experience first-hand what a day in the life of a primary school principal looks like. We look forward to welcoming her back in four weeks for another day of insight and learning.
Therapy Dog Murphy
We are so excited to be working with Jola and Murphy. Here is some information about Murphy the therapy dog.
Hello St Kevin's Community!
My name is Murphy and I am a therapy dog! Together with my handler Jola, I did an intensive training course. This course had me participating in high-level obedience and good behaviour shaping, to make sure that I am suitable for working in classrooms, hospitals, nursing homes etc. I also had to undergo an independent assessment in an unfamiliar environment to ensure that I could graduate as a therapy dog. I passed with flying colours and Jola didn’t do too badly either!
This means that I am qualified, well socialised and am ready and excited to come and work with the children at St Kevin’s. When I am at school there will be a sign on the door at the front office so you will all know when I’m at school…..I would love for you to come and say “Hello!”
Over the years there has been a lot of research conducted regarding the positive impact animals have with children. Due to animals, and dogs like me in particular, being non-judgemental and providing unconditional love, we are able to help with anxiety, self-esteem, school engagement and motivation.
As wonderful as this is, there can be some children or adults who may be allergic, uncomfortable or afraid around dogs so if that’s you please let Jola know (jstarkowski@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au).
When deciding if you wish for your child to interact with me please consider the following:
- My child has no known illness, allergy or phobia that would prevent them from interacting with and handling a therapy dog (speak to your doctor if you’re unsure)
- I understand that the therapy dog will undergo routine vet checks to maintain their health and will not attend school if unwell, however there are some illnesses that can pass between humans and dogs
- I understand that the therapy dog is socialised, trained and assessed to work with people, however I acknowledge the risks of working with animals, including the risk of injury
- I understand that following Jola’s (animal handler) instructions on interacting with the therapy dog at all times is crucial to enjoying a safe interaction with the animal
If after reading this you’d rather your child not interact with me please let Jola know.
MURPHY
Please come and say “Hello” when you see her…Jola will show you how she loves to be stroked. Murphy may even like you to throw a toy for her.
Please let our staff know if you are allergic or uncomfortable around dogs.
Staff News
Bianca Di Giovanni will be moving to St Martin of Tours in Rosanna, where she has accepted a new classroom teaching position. We thank Bianca for her dedication and valuable contributions to our school community, and we wish her all the very best in her new role. Bianca’s last day at St Kevin’s will be Friday, 8th August.
Daniella Polychronopoulos will be sharing the classroom teacher role with Gianni Montalto. Daniella is an experienced and passionate educator who already is familiar with the students in the class as she has been a Casual Relief Teacher at our school.
Every blessing, Gabee
