Principal's Report 

Principal’s Report

Knights of the Southern Cross  

Thank you to the Knights of the Southern Cross for your generous gift to our students who recently received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. Your thoughtfulness helps to acknowledge and celebrate this very special milestone in their faith journey.  

We also extend our gratitude for your kind sponsorship of our Annual Knights of the Southern Cross Award. This award, presented later in the year at our End of Year Mass, will be given to two graduating Grade 6 students. The recipients are chosen for their commitment to upholding our school’s values and ethos, and for continuing their secondary education in a Catholic school. 

Spirituality Day 

A day for the head and the heart. St Kilian’s staff with our friends from St Peter’s and Doxa joined staff across the diocese for a day of focus on the theme Pilgrims of Hope.  We had time to pause, reflect and consider our own spiritual journey, both personally and as part of our school communities. The Spirituality Day concluded with our very own pilgrimage. Starting at the grave of Rev Dr Henry Backhaus within the St. Kilian's Parish grounds the staff of St Kilian's Primary School, St. Peter's Primary School and Doxa School Bendigo walked united as pilgrims to Sacred Heart Cathedral.  

Beside the grave of Backhaus, we were blessed by Fr Junray as we journeyed together discussing the key themes of our day led by Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd. Once we reached the cathedral Fr Jackson welcomed us as we entered the Jubilee Door. Inside we learnt of the history of the cathedral and the links to our own parish community. In individual school groups we finished our day with a final time of reflection. 

Bendigo Writers Festival 

Our Grade 3–6 students enjoyed an inspiring day at the Bendigo Writers Festival Schools Day. A wonderful mix of fun, imagination, and learning for all! 

Book Week - Book an Adventure!  

We will be having our Book Week dress up day on Friday 22nd August. Students and staff are invited to dress up in their favourite character, based on the theme "Book an Adventure" or wear pjs for the day.  At 2 pm 'The Blurbs' will perform a concert in our school hall. 

School Engagement Survey 

We are currently undertaking our annual School Engagement Survey. Via email a randomly selected families have been invited to participate in the 2025 Family School Engagement Survey. Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd conducts an annual process for providing feedback, CESSES, the Catholic Education Sandhurst School Engagement Surveys. If you did not receive an email and wish to participate, please email Lara.  

St Kilian’s Debutante Balls 

The St Kilian’s Debutante Ball is our school’s major fundraiser for the year. These wonderful events take place on Friday 29th August and Saturday 30th August. Funds raised directly support programs and resources that benefit every student at St Kilian’s. We rely on the time, talents and generosity of our wonderful volunteers. From decorating the venue, assisting with organisation, greeting guests, helping with catering, or supporting behind the scenes, every role makes a difference. These events have been in the planning phase for over 12 months by the Deb Ball committee. I thank them for their dedication and hard work in organising the balls and wish them every success for the events.  The committee will be looking for support in the lead up to, during and after the event so please sign up as a volunteer.  Sign up here  

Father’s Day Celebration at St Kilian’s 

We are looking forward to celebrating the dads and special men in the lives of our students. 

Friday 5th September & Time: Breakfast will be served from 8:30 am. 

Menu: For dads and special men – Fresh croissants, tea, and coffee 

For children – Toast with jam or Vegemite, fresh fruit, and juice 

Following breakfast, students will have the opportunity to purchase a special gift for the important males in their lives. Each student is asked to bring $5 for the Father’s Day stall. 

We hope you can join us for this special morning of community, connection, and celebration. 

Book Fair 

The St Kilian’s Book Fair, on the following days: 

• Thursday 4th September 8:30 am - 9:00 am 

• Thursday 4th September 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm 
• Friday 5th September 8:30 am - 9:00 am 
• Friday 5th September 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm 
•  

The Book Fair is a great opportunity for students and families to purchase some great books for reading at discounted prices.  This annual event provides a commission for our school which then enables the purchase of more books for the school library. 

Sports Colours Day 

Students and staff are encouraged to wear their favourite sports colours! We invite everyone to come dressed in the colours of their favourite team or sport. This could be NRL, AFL, cricket, tennis, soccer, basketball, netball, baseball, junior footy or any other sport you love. Let’s fill the school with colour and team spirit! A Tuckshop Special will also be available. 

School Uniform 

Correct school uniform is required and the following rules should be observed: 

(a) Complete school uniform should be worn on every normal school day, right shoes, socks, jumpers and hats. 

(b) School tracksuit and sneakers are to be worn only on Phys Ed/Sports/Gym days. 

(c) If a full school uniform or tracksuit is not worn on the appropriate day, a written explanation should be given to your child's class teacher. 

(d) Hair should be neatly tied back if it is shoulder length or below. 

(e) Students remain under cover if they are not wearing a hat during terms 1&4. 

(f) Jewellery, a wristwatch may be worn. A plain neck-chain may only be worn if it includes a small cross, crucifix or Christian medallion. Earrings, sleeper or studs. Nail Polish is not to be worn. 

2026 Students 

Planning for the 2026 school year has begun. To assist with this process, if you know your child (in Grade Prep to 5) will be leaving St Kilian’s School at the end of the year, except the graduating Grade 6 class, could you please inform me via email or a letter of your intentions as soon as possible. By doing this, it will assist in organising staffing and class numbers for the 2026 school year. I thank you for your assistance, in advance, for the parents who this applies 

Upcoming Events  

Term 3   

 Week 6  

29th August: Catholic Athletics  

29th August & 30th August: St Kilian’s Debutante Ball  

Week 7  

3rd September: Indigenous Literacy Day   

5th September: World Teacher’s Aide Day   

5th September: Father’s Day Breakfast and Stall   

5th September: Division Basketball 

God Bless 

Kimberley McSweeney 

Principal