Principal's News

 05/12/23

Dear Parents and Carers,

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus,

master of both the light and the darkness,

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'

Amen.

(Henri J.M. Nouwen)

                   Dear Parents and Carers,

This is the last full newsletter for 2023! Next week there will be a short Christmas Edition!

Class structures for 2023

The class structure for 2024 is as follows -

1 class of Prep

2 classes of Year 1

1 class of Year 2

2 classes of Year 3/4 

1 Class of Year 5/6 

The whole school transition will take place on the 7th of December between 10am and 11am.  That is when the students will find out their teacher and learning space for 2024.  Then next  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the students and teachers will all be in their classes for 2024.  New students will also participate in this transition.  

 Staff News

This week Eva and I are interviewing for the Performing Arts and Language assistant role this week. 

SAC & PFA Thank you 

Last week we had a delightful dinner with members of the School Advisory Council and PFA to celebrate all the work, collaboration and achievements of 2023.  Each member of these two special groups brings knowledge, joy and passion to each meeting and I thoroughly enjoyed working together to bring improvement to our school and for our students.

A massive thank you to  Laura Mangiavillano  (Chair) and Vanessa White (Secretary) of SAC this year.  Also Suzanne Connelly and Marey Nitas for working tirelessly as president and secretary.  To Gina Zammit and Suzanne Connelly for organising Tuck Shop helpers and ordering all the goodies.  

Suzanne has been the driver for all the fund raising events including all the ‘Crazy Day’ lunches, Bunnings BBQ,  Major Fundraiser - Colour Run, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Stall, Performance Snack Bar, Referendum Sausage just to name a few.  Thank you from all of us for your hard work and countless hours given to our school community. 

It would be lovely to see new faces supporting these two major groups next year.  I am so excited to already have some new Prep Mums volunteers to assist in both SAC and PFA.  Every little bit helps and we can do it better together!  Please consider how you can support St Kevin’s and most importantly your child by getting involved in 2024!

Carols and Year in Review Night  

Congratulations to all the Staff and students Carols and Year in Review was so entertaining last night! Thank you to all for your attendance and participation.

FIRE Carrier Immersion Day Funds went to ‘Open the Door Foundation’ Led by FIRE Carriers)   Wednesday 29th of November, 2023

The students organised and ran three different activities in the Stadium and under the verandah.  Led by the FIRE Carriers all the students participated in the fun sport activities within their levels. Some activities were Barambah, Brambahl (skipping) and Diyari koolchee These activities were all Aboriginal games.  The FIRE Carriers gave a brief description of each game and spoke about its origin and background.

It was an enjoyable event and we raised $116.60.   

 Fun Day on 5th of December

Congratulations Year 5/6 and Mrs C! We all had a fun sports day today and it was wonderful watching all the cheering! Well done McCann! You are the overall  winners this year!

School Assembly in Term 4 

6th December, 2023 Whole School Assembly -  in the Church 2:30pm – 3:15pm

15th December, 2023   Last Day - Whole School Assembly Farewell to Year 6 Students - in the Stadium 1pm - 1:30pm

Reminder of Colouring Competition ‘Coronis’ 

Coronis Real Estate are having a colouring competition, your child was given a colouring sheet earlier last week. If they would like to be apart of it please hand in coloured  sheet to the school office by 13th December, or you can drop it directly at the Real Estate office by 20/12/2023 which is at 127 James Street Templestowe for a chance to win a $200 Kmart Voucher.

Congratulations to the following students 

PBL in Term 4  Week 10 & 11

This term we will have a greater focus on the school values of being Responsible 

The expected behaviour for the next two weeks will be

* I ask the yard duty teacher for assistance   (Week 10)

* Revision of all other expected behaviours.  (Week 11)

Thank you to our whole school community for your continued support as we implement PBL into our school.

Seesaw

Congratulations Prep M and 1/2 P who were the top class for Week 8 & 9.

Italian for the Term 4 Week 10-11

In Week 10 the students will be finishing to be assessed on what they have been learning in the last semester in the Italian language. We will also discuss together about the Italians' Christmas traditions and the children will be encouraged to share their own family’s traditions during this special time of the year. 

Staff Update 

Tina Minichilli has resigned her Financial Administrator Position at St Kevin’s.  She has kindly agreed to assist with training a new candidate before she moves on.  Tina has worked at setting up processes which will assist to implement and monitor hiring different facilities at St Kevin’s and enrollment of international students.  

She has patiently worked with MACS to try and streamline many admin procedures. Tina has also been very generous with her time and her expertise. 

On Thursday 7th of December the students will meet their 2024 teachers 10 am - 11 am.

Second Transition Day for 2024 Preps on Thursday 9:15am - 10:45am

Leaders will present Literacy, Numeracy and Communication.

Please send me any highlights for 2023 - These will be included in the Christmas Message Newsletter!

Every blessing, 

Gabee Leone