Principal Update 

It’s been another wonderful fortnight at school, with students engaged in rich learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.  

Magnify Sandhurst ensures our teachers continue to focus on building strong evidence-based literacy and numeracy foundations, while also nurturing creativity, curiosity and collaboration. 

Thank you to our families for your ongoing support. When school and home work together, our students truly thrive. We encourage you to continue reading with your child each night and talking with them about their learning. 

Lent 

As we enter the season of Lent, we are invited into a time of reflection, prayer, and renewal. Lent calls us to pause and consider how we might grow closer to God and one another through acts of compassion, generosity, and simplicity. Over the coming weeks, our school community will engage in opportunities to pray together, support those in need, and deepen our understanding of what it means to live with hope and purpose. May this season be a time of grace for all our families. 

Important Update on the White House Demolition Project 

Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL) is progressing the next stage of the White House project and has appointed Bendigo‑based Searle Brothers as the successful contractor for the demolition works. 

Planning for this phase is now being finalised. In the coming weeks, Searle Brothers will begin clearing and stripping the interior of the building in preparation for demolition. Current arrangements propose that the building will be demolished in the April school holidays with the first floor being demolished by hand.  

This timing and method have been chosen to: 

• avoid disruption to Easter worship 
• ensure safe and efficient contractor access 

• minimise any risk to parishioners, students, staff, and families 

   

Members of both the school and parish communities will continue to be involved as the final arrangements for demolition are developed. CESL will maintain close communication with all stakeholders to ensure the process remains transparent, safe, and respectful of the needs of both communities. 

We extend our sincere thanks for your patience and understanding throughout this lengthy process. Your support has been greatly appreciated as we work together toward a safer and more functional environment for all. 

Student Birthdays 

NEW! - Students celebrating a birthday may wear CASUAL CLOTHES to school in recognition of their special day. If the birthday falls on a weekend or holiday, simply choose a future date to wear casuals. (Those who have had birthdays over the Christmas holidays and February may choose a future ‘catch-up’ date). 

Digital Devices  

In our ongoing efforts to create an optimal learning environment and support the well-being of our students, Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd Schools has implemented a ban on the use of personal digital devices during school hours.  

Policy Details:  

• Students will be required to keep their mobile phones and other personal digital devices switched off in their bags, or designated location during school hours.  

• These devices should not be accessed during the day except in an emergency or when necessary to manage a medical condition.  

• A three-step response system has been implemented. If a student is found using a device without permission, the device will be confiscated, and parents or carers will be informed. 

Code of Conduct 

At St Kilian’s, we are committed to nurturing respectful, positive and collaborative relationships between home and school. Our Parent Code of Conduct outlines the expectations that help us maintain a safe, supportive and faith-filled learning environment for all members of our community. 

As the most influential role models in your child’s life, parents and carers play a vital role in upholding our Catholic values and promoting a culture of dignity, respect and cooperation. The Code highlights the importance of open and constructive communication, following appropriate processes when raising concerns, and treating all members of our community — staff, students and families — with courtesy, respect and professionalism. 

We ask that parents: 

• refrain from taking or sharing photos or videos of students other than your own child.  
• do not approach other children to resolve issues or discuss concerns. If a matter arises, please bring it directly to your child’s classroom teacher so it can be addressed appropriately and in line with school processes.  
• to respect the privacy of other school members at all times.  

All staff and parents are expected to work together in an environment grounded in respect and courtesy for one another. By supporting these shared expectations, we ensure St Kilian’s remains a safe, welcoming and supportive place for every child and family. 

2027 Foundation Enrolments:  

Enrolments open for 2027 Foundation places at the beginning of Term 2. I encourage families with siblings to complete the online enrolment application found on our school website St Kilian's Primary School - Enrolment Application 

Volunteers in Catholic Schools 

At St Kilian’s Primary School, Bendigo we value the support of volunteers. Over your child/ren’s journey through Primary School there are many opportunities to volunteer and support your child and the school. 

The safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. To uphold our commitment to child safety, ALL Volunteers are required to review and acknowledge our Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures. Additionally, Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Registration form and successfully complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction before commencing their role as a Volunteer. 

We deeply value the contributions of our Volunteers and appreciate your support in maintaining a culture of care and protection. Together, we can continue to provide a safe and nurturing space for every child to thrive. 

For more information regarding volunteering click on the link below to complete the Volunteer Registration form. 

Volunteer Registration Form 

All Volunteers will be asked to: 

• Complete the Volunteer Registration form (including providing personal details, a Working with Children Check (WWCC) and 2 personal referees) – please inform your referees they will be contacted by the school in relation to your volunteering. 
• Once you have completed the Volunteer Registration form and are approved to Volunteer at the school, you will be sent an email with a link to access the required training (please note – completing this induction replaces the previous onsite induction interview). 
• CESL School Volunteer Induction; and 
• Read and acknowledge the Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures. 

All Volunteers will be required to update details at the start of each year and inform the school of any changes to your circumstances or updates to your WWCC. All Volunteers will need to complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction and read and acknowledge all relevant safeguarding policies at the start of each school year even if an existing Volunteer. 

All information received regarding volunteering and providing referee details will be maintained in line with CESL Privacy Policy. 

Volunteers are required to view, read and complete documentation as part of the application process for volunteering at St Kilian’s School. 

Peter Teggelove 

Principal