Principal's News
Feast of Sacred Heart
Lord,
we come before your Sacred Heart
to ask you for protection,
and to comfort the fears
and uncertainties we may encounter.
Give us the courage to continue
and let us recognise that you are with us
guiding us, protecting us and holding us in your arms.
Our hearts await everything from you.
You keep encouraging us to look for You.
We trust in you, Sacred Heart.
Amen
Dear Parents and Carers,
Congratulations Fr Charles Balnaves – 10th Anniversary of Ordination and Happy Birthday!
We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Fr Charles Balnaves as he celebrates the 10th anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood today.
A special Mass of Thanksgiving will be held at:
- St Gregory’s on Sunday 29th June at 5:00pm
- St Kevin’s on Tuesday 1st July at 9:15am
Fr Charles, may you continue to be sustained by His grace, and may your life in God’s service always be filled with joy.
Congratulations on this wonderful milestone.
Manningham Monster Raffle Tickets
Reminder for all families that the Manningham Monster Raffle tickets need to be returned to school as soon as possible (sold or unsold).
We are currently still waiting to receive tickets from 43 families. Thank you to all the families who have returned their tickets.
The winner of the Coles Myer Voucher will be announced at the Whole School Assembly on Tuesday 1st of July 2:30pm!
Bunnings BBQ – DONCASTER – Sunday 3rd August
St Kevin’s is excited to be hosting a
Bunnings BBQ at Doncaster Bunnings on Sunday, 3rd August.
Set-up begins at 8:00am, with clean-up starting from 5:30pm.
Last year, we raised just over $800, and this year, the challenge is on to beat that total!
We would love your support in making this a fun and successful community event.
There are a few ways you can help:
Volunteer: Put your name down to help out on the day – all are welcome!
Visit: Come by, say hello, and enjoy a sausage, a drink – or both!
- Bring a friend: The more, the merrier!
We especially encourage new families to get involved; this is a fantastic way to connect and be part of our wonderful school community. It’s more than just a fundraiser, it’s a real community-building event.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Here is the Link:
Bunnings – DONCASTER – Sunday 3rd of August
PLEASE MAKE AN EFFORT. This is a once a year fundraiser!
Volunteer Induction Modules at St Kevin’s
At St Kevin’s Primary, we deeply value the contributions of our volunteers and the important role they play in supporting our school community. To ensure all volunteers feel confident and well-prepared, we are implementing new Volunteer Induction Modules.
These modules outline key expectations around conduct, communication, and child safety, and reflect our commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all students. It also aligns with our school’s mission to act justly, humbly, and tenderly, and to nurture every learner in a compassionate and collaborative environment.
All current and prospective volunteers will be required to complete these modules before assisting in the school. We thank you for your continued support and partnership in fostering a safe and welcoming learning space for our students.
Tuck Shop Volunteers
Thank you to the generous parents and carers who assisted in the Tuck Shop in Term Two. The students enjoy being able to purchase snacks and treats. It was great to be able to open the Tuck Shop three days a week this term. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers.
This is the new survey to gauge support for the Tuck Shop in Term Three - Tuck Shop Survey for Term Three, 2025.
Tuck Shop Survey for Term Three, 2025
Please complete this survey as soon as possible so that the next roster can be created and shared.
Thank you to the PFA for your ongoing work, especially Suzanne and Fiona.
Public Speaking Competition
Rotary Club Public Speaking Contest – Outstanding Achievement!
This term, our Year 6 students have been developing their public speaking skills, each crafting and delivering a persuasive piece of writing. From this rich learning experience, Keizen, Cormac, and Nathaniel were selected for consideration to represent St Kevin’s in the Rotary Club of Templestowe 2025 Primary School Speech Contest.
Due to competition rules allowing only two representatives per school, Cormac and Keizen went on to participate in the event, held on Wednesday (18th June) evening at Doncaster Secondary College.
- Cormac presented “The Superpower I Would Like to Have”
- Keizen presented “The Person Who Influenced My Life the Most”
I was incredibly proud of both students for their confident delivery, clear projection, and engaging content. Presenting in front of an unfamiliar audience and in a new environment is a significant challenge and both boys rose to the occasion with courage and poise. They truly entertained the audience and represented St Kevin’s beautifully.
All participants on the night were recognised for their efforts with a $50 Bendigo Bank voucher a generous and well-deserved reward.
A heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Lil Cesarin and Andrew Puls for their dedication in coaching and supporting all students throughout this process. Public speaking is a vital 21st-century skill, and the growth our students have shown is a credit to your leadership and guidance.
We are also thrilled that Keizen, Cormac, and Nathaniel will present their speeches at our whole-school assembly on Tuesday, 1st July. We encourage everyone to come along and be inspired!
As Marlene Sinclair from Toastmasters shared on the night:
“Outstanding work!”
Well done to all involved!
Parent Teacher Student Conversations Reminder
The Compass message went out to all parents and Carers on Friday. This will take place on Wednesday 2nd of July from 12:30pm - 5:30pm.
On Wednesday 2nd of July all the students will be dismissed at 12pm. If you require care for your child/children YLV will be available.
The smooth running of our Student, Parent & Teacher Conversations relies on all parents keeping to the timetable. Interviews are strictly 10 minutes and they will take place onsite at St Kevin’s in your child’s classroom. The meeting will need to end on time as each meeting is back to back. If you require more time with a particular teacher, please arrange a separate meeting or phone call. School phone 9273 9999. The bookings are open.
If your child/children has/have had a PSG it is optional for you to attend the Parent Teacher Student conversations.
Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code d749a to book your preferred time. Bookings will close on Monday 30th of June at 10am.
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 learn from my mistakes
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
Italian
Ciao a tutti!
I hope everyone is keeping warm and getting ready for their holiday break! For the last couple weeks of term 2, students will be completing their end of cycle assessment tasks!
I will be uploading these onto Seesaw so all parents and carers can see what amazing work these students are doing! I am so impressed with the students' progress over the term and can't wait to be back sharing more Italian in Term 3!
Vocabulary we will be revising:
Body parts:
- il piede (the foot)
- il ginocchio (the knee)
- la testa (the head)
- la gola (the throat)
- lo stomaco (the stomach)
- l'orecchio (the ear)
Phrases:
- Come stai? (How are you?)
- Che succede? (What's going on?)
- Mi fa male ... (My ... hurts)
- Come mai? ... (How come?)
- Perché sono caduto/a (because I fell)
- Perché sono ammalato/a (because I'm sick)
Grazie mille e buone vacanze,
Chiara :)
Shout outs for Term 2!
Congratulations to all who have been acknowledged, and to everyone who supports and uplifts others in our community.You may never truly know the difference you make through a smile, a kind word, or a simple gesture.
Well done, and thank you for being a light to those around you.
By Parents
- Renee C is truly amazing in her role as the SAC Chair. Her inclusivity and kindness are consistently on display, whether it's during drop-off or pick-up. Her positive presence makes a real difference in our school community.
- Mya, Alyssa & Arianna are superstar Tuckshop helpers. They’re so proactive, always keeping an eye out to see if any volunteers need assistance, and they never hesitate to help out. Their support is truly invaluable.
- Cathy is amazing. I cannot speak more highly of an amazing school asset. She goes above and beyond in every aspect of her role. It’s a pleasure to walk in and see her smiling face at reception. No request is too hard and she ensures everything is followed through.
By Staff and Leaders
Shout Out to Our Incredible Staff
I want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out to all of our amazing staff for their outstanding work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students. Every single day, you bring passion, professionalism, and a deep sense of purpose to everything you do and it does not go unnoticed.
To our incredible teachers:
Thank you for your creativity, resilience, and the countless hours you dedicate to shaping minds and nurturing potential. You go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences, build relationships, and support every child’s journey with patience and care.
To our Learning Support Officers (LSOs):
Your compassion and commitment make a world of difference. Whether you're offering one-on-one support, calming anxious hearts, or celebrating student successes, your impact is powerful and deeply appreciated.
To our wonderful admin staff:
You are the behind the scenes heroes who keep everything running smoothly. From welcoming families with a warm smile to juggling schedules and phone calls, your efficiency, kindness, and calm under pressure are vital to our daily success.
To Gabee:
Your leadership, vision, and tireless support are the glue that holds everything together. Thank you for guiding our school community with integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose. Your belief in both staff and students sets the tone for excellence.
Together, you create a school environment where students feel seen, supported, and inspired, not just academically, but as people. Thank you for everything you do.
To Eva:
You are a deep and reflective thinker whose wisdom guides us forward with clarity and purpose. Your spark is infectious, it ignites curiosity, fuels passion, and inspires each of us to be more and do more for our students and each other.
Thank you for leading with heart, intellect, and unwavering dedication this term. Your impact reaches far beyond what you see each day.
To Suzanne (PFA President)
Firstly, for her enormous effort and time Suzanne contributes towards her role as PFA president. Secondly, assisting parents with questions and doing it all with a smile.
Thirdly, embracing Cathy coming on board to St Kevin’s fulltime (in replacing Selena in the office) with great encouragement and support.
To Renee Constantinidis (SAC Chair)
Renee always greets us with a smile, and has been wonderful in giving Cathy support and showing kindness having replaced Selena, being full time at St Kevin’s now.
Baby News
Manaia and Allera welcomed a new baby boy in their family - Malachi
Congratulations parents Emelia and Tristan
Emily welcomed a baby brother - William, into their family. Congratulations parents Mandy and Dave
Every Blessing,
Gabee
