Principal's News

12/11/2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

I have enjoyed speaking to staff and parents about my Camino experience. Hopefully I will get an opportunity to share my experiences with students.  

Everyone has been so interested and open to sharing their pilgrimage journeys that I thought it fitting to share the second part of my adventure with you.  Feel free to read or just move on to the next sessions.   Principals' Pilgrimage - Part 1 and Part 2 

Prep 2025 Transition

We have commenced Prep 2025 Transition.  The students were excited to be fitted for the St Kevin's school uniform.  They worked with Miss Montalto and completed a colourful mosaic of Elmer the Elephant.  Then they had an opportunity to leave their mark using colourful chalk on the playground.  

We look forward to their return on Thursday the 21st of November for Day 2!

Phillip Island Camp 2024

The Year 5 and 6 students had a great time at Phillip Island Adventure Camp and so did the accompanying staff  Eva Tomazos, Fiona George, Louis Vescio, Chiara Leone and myself.  

This was the first time we attended this camp and it provided many amazing challenges and fun.  The students enjoyed the Giant Swing, The Flying Fox, canoeing, archery, team rescue (low ropes and obstacle course), beach walk, Koala Sanctuary, Penguin Parade and reflective time.  

The students need to be congratulated on their  beautiful manner, their respectful behaviour and perseverance when faced with adversity.  We enjoyed working together and  strengthening the sense of team.  Even though they totally drenched me during canoeing, Chiara was my protector and a force not to be defeated, and she had a ball splashing the students and teacher.

Massive thank you to all the staff who remained at school and those who attended camp! What a glorious team we have at St Kevin’s! 

 Year 3 Excursion -  ‘Lead to Sustain’

The Year 3 Students attended ‘Lead to Sustain’ on Friday and they explored aspects of sustainable gardening and care for Australian wildlife. This is an annual excursion for Year 3 and I hope to hear more about the learning in the coming days.

Year 6 Graduation

SAVE THE DATE YEAR 6 GRADUATION: 11/12/24

MASS at St Kevin’s: 6pm  All Welcome

DINNER: Veneto Club Bulleen

for Parents & Carers and Graduates 

New MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) Code of Conduct 

MACS Code of Conduct

Check out St Kevin's in the example of good practice

MACS Code of Conduct Booklet

MACS Code of Conduct Poster

As a staff group we will  read and discuss the content.  Then we need to ensure we align all strategies and protocols to St Kevin’s practices.

St Kevin's Parent Community Calendar (Google Calendar 2025) 

The 2025 St Kevin's Parent Community Calendar is presently being populated.  The Closure days still require confirmation by MACS -  beside each one is TBC (to be confirmed). 

After the meeting with St Charles and St Gregory on Thursday the 21st of November more Sacramental dates will be included and confirmed.

Term Dates for 2025

Testing Days 30th and 31st January

Term 1   03/02/25 to 03/04/25 

Term 2  22/04/25 to 03/07/25

Term 3   21/07/25 to 18/09/25 

Term 4   06/10/25 to 16/12/25 

Professional Learning Dates for Staff (TBC)

School Uniform

Please support us in ensuring that all students adhere to the St Kevin’s School Uniform Policy ratified last year,  which emphasises simplicity and safety.  Recently, it has been noted that students are wearing jewellery such as bangles, necklaces and bracelets, as well as items like fake nails and nail polish. While we appreciate their creativity and expression, these items pose safety risks and are not part of the approved school uniform.  

It is more appropriate to enjoy these things on the school holidays or weekends.

We kindly ask that students leave these items at home and arrive in the correct uniform each day. Your support in reinforcing this policy is greatly appreciated as we work to maintain a safe and focused learning environment.

Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.

School Fees Reminder 

School Fees need to be finalised by the end of November 2024. Any assistance please call or email Gabee gleone@sktemplestowelr.cathollic.edu.au

SunSmart: Wearing of Hats 

St Kevin’s is a SunSmart school and our policy reflects the recommendations of the SunSmart organisation. The Bureau of Meteorology provides information about the times of day UV levels are forecast to reach 3 or higher, meaning that sun protection is recommended for all skin types.

All students need to wear their school hat that protects the face, neck and ears. If students do not have their hat on, they will be asked to sit in a designated shaded area during recess and lunch time - NO HAT- NO PLAY. 

Whole School Assemblies for Term Four, 2024

Wednesday 27th of November 2.30pm - 3.15pm  - in the Church

Wednesday 11th of December 2.30pm - 3.15pm  - in the Church

Monday 9th of December, 6.30pm - 7.30pm - Carols and Year in Review - in the Church 

Please see the calendar for all the dates. We encourage you to stay connected and engaged with us throughout the term. Your involvement makes a huge difference, whether attending school events, checking in with teachers, or simply supporting your child’s learning. 

Italian News

Ciao a tutti, I hope you are all enjoying Term 4.

 For week 5 & 6 in Italian

We are reviewing gli stagioni, i giorni & i mesi:

- Gli stagioni (the seasons)

• L'estate - Summer
• l'autunno - Autumn
• L'inverno - Winter
• La primavera - Spring

- I giorni (the days) 

• lunedì - Monday
• martedì - Tuesday
• mercoledì - Wednesday
• giovedì - Thursday
• venerdì - Friday
• sabato - Saturday
• domenica - Sunday

 I mesi (the 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

We are now extending our sentences by introducing new nouns eg.

- la rana (the frog)

- il cane (the dog)

- il gatto (the cat)

- il pulcino (the chick)

We are revising previous content

- Quando è il tuo compleanno? (When is your birthday?)

- Quanti anni hai? (how old are you)

- Ho ... anni. (I am ... years old)

- Come ti chiami? (what's your name)

- Cosa fai a casa? (what do you do at home?)

- Cosa fai a scuola? (what do you do at school?)

Our goal for the next few  weeks is to memorise our animals and animal sounds, as well as continuing to practise i giorni, i mesi, e gli stagioni.

Grazie, Chiara

PBL

Term Four, Week 5 & 6

Expected Behaviour: ‘I am inclusive of all’

Wellbeing Update: Human Development

Over the last few weeks our students in Years 3-6 have been taking part in Human Development Sessions. 

Human Development is part of the Victorian Health and Physical Education curriculum for Years Prep to 6, however in Year 3 - Year 6 we have utilised the expertise of a professional to assist us with delivering the lessons to the students. Our students have been working with Kate Wilde from ‘The Workshop’, who has had many years experience in delivering information to students in an honest and age appropriate manner. Kate’s personality is infectious which made it easier for some students to feel comfortable in asking questions.

 Students in Year 3/4 were exposed to activities and information on:

• Physical, social and emotional changes that occur as individuals get older, and exploring how these changes impact on how they think and feel about themselves and different situations
• Managing and maintaining positive relationships
• What is respect? How do we show it and how does it feel?
• Developing and maintaining positive self esteem and wellbeing
• Promoting help seeking behaviours

Students in Year 5/6 were exposed to activities and information on:

• Puberty and reproduction
• Managing and maintaining positive relationships
• Setting boundaries and dealing with peer pressure
• Developing and maintaining positive self esteem and wellbeing

We had organised with Kate to have two family sessions for parents and carers and their children to attend. The aim of the sessions was for parents and carers to receive the same information as their child/ren was receiving and to most importantly have the opportunity to discuss some of the content together. Unfortunately both sessions needed to be postponed and I will share new dates for these sessions with you as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding in regards to this.

Take care, 

Fiona George

SEESAW  

Staff News

It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of Teresa, the beloved sister of Fulvia Gerosolimo. Teresa passed away on Thursday morning, and our thoughts and prayers are with Fulvia and her family during this difficult time. At this stage Fulvia will be away this week, and during this time, the Year 1 classes are combined.

We ask that you join us in extending compassion and support to Fulvia and her family. Your thoughts, prayers and words of comfort are deeply appreciated.

Staff Changes

Sonia Costa has decided that she will be retiring from formal teaching at the end of 2024.  She will be happy to assist with CRT work next year.   

Sonia is a strong experienced teacher who cares deeply about her students and her colleagues.  She has been a talented and dedicated teacher and leader. All her efforts have been appreciated.  

Over the years Sonia has left a most positive mark on St Kevin’s and all the many students and families she has worked with!  We will welcome and appreciate working with her in a different capacity in the future.   Thank you Sonia for all your hard work and commitment to Catholic Education! 

We welcome Gianni Montalto to St Kevin’s in 2025.  Gianni will be the Physical Education Teacher as well as a part time classroom teacher.   Gianni has already begun exploring grants and exciting opportunities for our students for 2025 and beyond.

We thank Mr Vescio for his work in this area and wish him well in his future endeavours.

There are a few more changes coming in 2025.  We have commenced interviewing and I am so proud to say that we have had many applications.  That is a real credit to our strong staff and beautiful community!

Much care, Gabee