Principal's News

29/10/2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is so lovely to be back at school and hear about the amazing work that has been happening while I was away.   A massive thank you to Eva and the Leadership Team for leading the school in my absence.   I am well aware of the duties, responsibilities and amount of work required when working as Acting Principal and I appreciate all that Eva has had to work with the past three weeks.  I know it has been an experience filled with learning and decision making and again thank Eva for all her hard work and many hours of preparation and communicating clearly with all stakeholders. Thank you to everyone that assisted and supported Eva.

Prep Information Evening 2025

Congratulations to the Leadership Team for a great Prep Evening on Thursday 24th of October.   I thought the presentation was to the point, welcomed and informed parents about school and community life at St Kevin's.  We have received such positive feedback from parents and this is much appreciated.

Camino de Santiago - The Walk of St James 

I had a fantastic experience with the  Camino, it challenged me in so many different ways but it has also changed my ideas, strengthened my faith and opened my eyes to the power of the mind and perseverance. I kept a journal along the way.

During my 12 days in Spain I kept a diary and this is  a little excerpt.

I just want to thank those of you who gave me input and encouragement for planning my first Camino. Each step was with purpose and meaning! At times it felt like I was gliding through the terrain, other times my heels were like elephant hooves and the weight just pulled me down.  It can be difficult to describe the experience, but it all came together for me on our last day of this incredible journey that I was blessed to share with North Eastern and Central principals. 

Day 6 - Camino Santiago de Compostela (Padron to Santiago de Compostela)

Today it was 16 km.  I’m not sure why today of all days did not seem as difficult as the others…perhaps I felt different when I woke up, my feet felt stronger (despite blisters), I was energized and ready to arrive at Castello di Santiago

What I learned on my Camino:

• Take small steps
• When you can’t find the sign, rest assured it will appear at the moment when you need it. 
• Lighten your load, get rid of unnecessary baggage.
• If you must pick up something, let it be weightless and precious, such as blind faith, patience, forgiveness of yourself or another, confidence or joy.
• Look down for safe stepping and to see the child’s chalk drawing wishing you a 'Buen Camino'.
• Look up when you need to and share a smile or “Buen Camino” even when you think you have no energy left in the tank.
• Listen when you should, like when the early morning rooster crows or to the kind man who played bagpipes that encouraged us on.
• Notice the small stuff, like the perfect mushroom growing on the side of the road or the beautiful blooming flowers. 
• Remember you are never too old to try something, like the old man who took our photo as a memory for him because we helped him take his photo, after he explained he had had a triple bypass.
• Best of all - Share that heartwarming tearful  hug and moment with your colleagues when you accomplish something together but there are no words you can say  no photos needed, the memory is in your heart. 

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS) 

Last week we received all the data from the MACSSIS survey and now the Leadership team will review it and work with staff to set goals for 2025.  Thank you to all the families, students and staff who took the time to complete the survey.

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. 

Eva and I have spoken to staff and there will be NO hat sharing allowed. If a student has forgotten or lost there hat they will need to play under shelter.  

Year Three and Four Eucharist

Congratulations to all the students who celebrated their First Eucharist a few weeks ago. This is such a special step. Congratulations to those students on such a special day and for taking the next step in their faith journey. 

GRADE 5/6 PHILLIP ISLAND CAMP

We are off to Phillip Island Camp Wednesday to Friday. The Year 5 & 6 Students, Fiona George, Louis Vescio, Eva Tomazos, Chiara Leone and I will be attending. 

Any students who are not attending are expected to attend school.  Look forward to sharing the learning in the next newsletter.

Whole School Assemblies for Term Four

Wednesday 23rd of October, 2.30pm - 3.15pm  - in the Church

Wednesday 6th of November 2.30pm - 3.15pm  - in the Church

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 so far! For week 3 & 4 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 expanding our sentences by introducing new nouns eg.

- Con la mia famiglia (with my family)

- Con mia sorella (with my sister)

- Con mio fratello (with my brother)

We are practising asking each other questions using phrases such as eg.

- 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 this week is to continue to practise speaking the language and holding conversations with one another. While also revising over gli stagioni, i giorni & i mesi.

Grazie, Chiara

PBL

Term Four, Week 3 & 4

Expected Behaviour: Responsible

PBL Focus: ‘I try to do things to help myself’ 

Seesaw

• Year 3-6 Parents please check Compass for Human Development Evenings  Year 3 & 4 Wednesday  6th November  7pm and  Year 5 & 6 Thursday 7th November 7pm.   The last time we provided Human Development Sessions the school received feedback that parents wanted these session in Year 3 & 4 and then again in Year 5 & 6.    So that is why we have two sessions this year.  Please book in using the  COMPASS Portal.
• NO school Monday 4th November 2024  - Day is Lieu for Staff and NO school for student
• Tuesday 5th November 2024 Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday
• Monday 25th November 2025 Planning Day for 2025  NO school for students

Warmest Regards, Gabee