Principal's Report 

Principal’s Report

Opening Mass 

Last night, we commemorated the start of the 2025 school year with our annual Opening Mass. During this event, we recognised our Prep students, new students, and our Grade 6 leaders. It was heartening to see such a strong turnout. I would like to extend my gratitude to Miggy Podosky for his preparation efforts and to Fr. Junray for leading us in a wonderful celebration. Special thanks are also due to the Parents and Friends Association for organizing the community BBQ that followed. 

Catholic Swimming Carnival  

Today, several of our students took part in the Catholic Swimming Carnival, and we are confident they had a rewarding experience. We would like to extend our gratitude to Mrs. Vaughan for her efforts in preparing for this event. 

Principal's Award 

Students are awarded a Principal’s Award when exemplary examples of student behaviour are observed by staff in the school.  Principal’s awards are a delightful component of the Positive Behaviours Intervention & Support (PBIS) Framework.  Students and staff within our school are very aware of the underpinning three expectations to be: Safe, Respectful and Responsible.  These expectations are what our staff are looking for when staff select their student of the week recipient.  In the instance of a Principal’s award staff nominate students for exemplary examples of being Safe, Respectful and Responsible.  The Principal’s award is then presented to the student at the next assembly with parents being invited to attend.   

On Monday I had the delight of presenting my first Principal's award for 2025 to Oliver Robinson.  Oliver's buddy injured himself on the playground on his second day of school. Oliver stopped his game to support his buddy to the office from the playground. His buddy's family greatly appreciated Oliver's support with a thank you letter.  This is an exceptional example of leadership showing small choices make a large impact.

Learning Conversations - Meet and Greet Sessions 

Thank you to all families for prioritising your child's education and participating in Learning Conversations with their teachers. I would also like to express my appreciation for the staff's dedication to student goals and their efforts in fostering relationships with families. 

Public Holiday - Labour Day 

The school will be closed on Monday 10th March as it is the Labour Day Public Holiday. 

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. 

Volunteers and Working With Children Checks 

At St Kilian's Primary School, we value the support of volunteers. Our volunteers are integral to the school experience for our students, and they provide an important link to the community. We welcome your interest in volunteering and hope you will find the experience rewarding.  Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd and St Kilian's Primary School's priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and children. For this reason, we follow all measures, advice and orders that support this. The school requires that any adult who wishes to volunteer at St Kilian’s School, in any capacity, requires a current Working with Children Check (WWCC).  Parents who are teachers do not need a check but need to provide a current VIT registration.  Parents who are Police officers are exempt from needing a WWCC.  Attaining a volunteers WWCC is free and easy. Simply click on the following link for more information: http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/home/  If you already have a WWCC please email a copy to office@skbendigo.catholic.edu.au  

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 5 

• 26th Feb PSG Meeting Day  
• 26th Feb School Advisory Meeting  
• 27th Feb PSG Meeting Day  
• 28th Feb 5/6 Open Water Program  
• 28th Feb Division Swimming 

Week 6 

• 4th March Shrove Tuesday  
• 5th March Ash Wednesday  
• 7th March St Kilian’s Swimming Carnival 

God Bless 

Kimberley McSweeney 

Principal