NEWSLETTER

The St Kevin’s School newsletter is published fortnightly on a Tuesday during the school term. Our newsletter is in sections with notices from different areas.

You can open the latest edition by clicking on the Newsletter button on the school website.The newsletter is available to all families in Two formats:

1. Email through Compass and

2. Through the Compass App

3. School Website - current and previous newsletters are stored on the website

School Theme for 2025

Hope Grows Here - is the WINNER!

‘Hope grows here’ is the theme for 2025. We all learn together, at our own pace and with different supports. We need scaffolding and it is so important to make mistakes. That's how the teachers know what we need to learn.

Hope gives us the power to continue to be our best self.

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

News about St Charles Borromeo Primary School

Last week MACS announced that with decreasing student numbers at St Charles. It was difficult for St Charles to continue to operate as a school.

We thank the families that have chosen St Kevin’s and hope that with time you feel at home here. We walk side by side with you all and understand that many are feeling sad and disappointed about this situation. I have worked very closely with Miranda Zuzic and Michelle Verna. They are both quality educators with much experience and incredible talents.

I will be checking in on all new parents, students and staff over the next few weeks. Please let me know if you need anything or would like to chat.

May the Lord give us strength and compassion to always do our best and model his word.

Please feel free to share a quote or few lines to Miranda or Michelle either by email or write a letter and I will make sure they receive your messages.

School Savings Bonus

Last year the Allan Labor Government announced a $400 School Saving Bonus for all school students in government schools regardless of income, but only for Health Care Card holders in Catholic schools.

This is deeply unfair.

We believe the payment should be means tested for all students or apply to all students.

It should not be based on which school you attend.

This policy punishes families for choosing to send their children to a Catholic school. There are many families who are in need of this financial assistance and they deserve the support as much as a family with a student in a government school.

Our school, St Kevin’s and the peak body, the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, are working hard to oppose this policy and we need your help.

We need to show the Victorian Government that punishing families who choose a Catholic school is unacceptable.

Please consider contacting your local Member of Parliament to express your concern.

Our school’s local MP is Keith Wolahan and they can be contacted by calling (03) 9848 9900 or by emailing menzies@keithwolahan.com.au

A Template letter is available to assist you with making your voice heard. - Linked letter

Thank you for your time in reading this and for advocating for your family and our school.

More information for you about the School Savings Bonus.

Parent Teacher Student Conversations

Parent, Teacher, Student Conversations will take place this Wednesday 19th of February between 12:30pm and 5:30pm. All students will finish school at 12pm on that day. All students are required to attend the conversations as this is a perfect opportunity to set goals.

Please go to https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/ and use code p2sxy

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.

Student Leadership 2025

People of SERVICE

In 2025, every Year 6 student will take on a leadership role, playing a vital part in the daily life of our school. Their dedication and contribution help our school run smoothly, and we are grateful for their commitment to serving our community.

People of EXAMPLE

As leaders, we expect our Year 6 students to consistently model great behavior, a positive attitude, and a strong sense of responsibility. From the way they wear their school uniform with pride to the way they show respect and kindness, they set the tone for our school culture.

We proudly acknowledge all of our Year 6 leaders and their important roles for 2025. In particular, we congratulate these four students, who were selected by their Year 4, 5, and 6 peers, along with St Kevin’s staff, as our School Captains and Vice Captains for 2025.

I look forward to working alongside all our leaders and witnessing their growth throughout the year!

Year 6 Captains

School Captains / RE Dimension Captains

Keizen Cannon and Arianna Nitas

Vice Captains /RE Dimension Captains

Jonathan Tsiotinas and Mya Lane

Sustainability

Alyssa Mangiavilanno and Ray Young

Well being Captains

Diya Albert and Fares Khalil

ICT Captains

Leo Khalafi-Vessali and Nathaniel Oppy

Sports Captain

Tiago Carbonara

Performing Arts Captains

Samuel Siahaan, Tania Mahmoudi and Elena Fisher

Library

Cormac Twining

Student Absences

Thank you to all the parents who have their children at school between 8:40 am and 8:55 am. If students are repeatedly absent with no reason shared with teachers. I will check on parents to ensure all is well.

Swimming Trials

🏊‍♂️ Congratulations to Our Swimming Stars! 🏊‍♀️

A huge congratulations to all the students- Ray and Kane and Keizen who participated in the swimming trials on Monday! Your effort, determination, and sportsmanship truly showcased the spirit of St Kevin’s.

Special thanks to Gianni Montalto for coordinating the event and to our wonderful parents who assisted with transportation and support at the venue—we couldn’t have done it without you!

A massive congratulations to Keisen for his outstanding achievement—1st place in B Grade Breaststroke! Well done!

Thank you to all the students who proudly represented our outstanding school, St Kevin’s!

Values

PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning

Week 4/5 : I move safely

Weeks 6/7: I keep my hands, feet and objects to myself

Weeks 8/9: I get permission before entering or leaving a learning space

Weeks 10: I follow the ICT Agreement

Italian

For weeks 4&5 in Italian, we will be learning about:

New expressions:

- Qual e' il tuo numero di telefono? (What is your phone number?)

- Il mio numero di telefono e'... (My phone number is...)

Our numbers:

Uno - 1

Due - 2

Tre - 3

Quattro - 4

Cinque - 5

Sei - 6

Sette - 7

Otto - 8

Nove - 9

Dieci - 10

Undici - 11

Dodici - 12

Tredici - 13

Quattordici - 14

Quindici - 15

Sedici - 16

Diciassette - 17

Diciotto - 18

Diciannove - 19

Venti - 20

Polite requests:

- Posso andare al bagno (Can I go to the toilet?)

- Posso andare a bere? (Can I get a drink?)

- Grazie (Thank you)

- Prego (You're welcome)

- Per favore (Please)

Grazie a tutti! I hope all parents and students have settled into 2025!

A presto, Chiara

Second Hand Uniform

We have received an increased number of requests for second-hand uniforms, particularly in sizes 10-16. If your child has outgrown or no longer needs their St Kevin’s uniform, please consider donating it. Kindly ensure it is clean and ironed before sending it in. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by all.

God bless, Gabee Leone

Student/Class News