Principal's News

Our theme for this year

Dear Parents and Carers,

On Friday 17th of June (end of this week) Reports for Semester 1, 2022 will be emailed to all Parents and Carers. Please take time to read the report with your child, you might like to ask them questions and get them to give you some examples of their learning. Teachers have worked hard to collate the data for the semester and this report gives you a snapshot of the learning that has occurred and also some pointers for future learning. Early next week the students will bring home a portfolio that also supports the comments in the report. After reading every student's report I believe that this is a great time to celebrate the learning that has occurred this semester and even begin to set goals for next semester.

A gentle reminder that on Tuesday 21/06 2:30pm - 5:30pm and Wednesday 22/06 3:45pm - 8pm Parent, Teacher & Student Conferences are taking place onsite, so please make a booking using School interviews CODE: 4kj6v

It is a MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) and School-based expectation in the Reporting Guidelines that all class teachers touch base at least twice a year.

At St Kevin’s we value building parent partnerships and so look forward to Parents/Carers and Student Conversations to discuss reports and set goals for the next semester. This is a 15 minute conversation and if you require more time please discuss this with the teacher and schedule another time.

Teachers will distribute Student Portfolios to parents at Parent, Teacher Student Conversations.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data

The St. Kevin’s staff have continued working on the preparation and moderation of NCCD (Nationally Consistent Collection of Data). Eva led the team through establishing exemplar profiles for students who require additional support in a range of categories and then a core team moderated these profiles ready for a Quality Assurance Leader from MACS who scrutinized our documentation and evidence collection process. She was extremely complimentary about the process and offered additional recommendations for streamlining school data.

All the NCCD data and documentation needs to be submitted by the 5th of August and this is then reviewed and evaluated by MACS staff. In October or November the school is informed of funds for the coming school year.

Cyber Safety Day and Night

We listen to your concerns and action feedback at St Kevin’s. Thank you to the SAC and also parents who have voiced the need to have a Cyber session.

I highly encourage all parents to attend the Cyber Safety Night on Wednesday the 3rd of August. I had the pleasure of participating in these sessions last year via zoom and found them informative, up to date and interactive. Staff will all partake in Cyber Safety Sessions and students will also participate in several sessions during Term 3.

Father Charles’s birthday

26/06/22 - Father Charles 70th Birthday St Gregory’s Mass 5pm then PARTY 6pm Please place this date in your diaries - Hope that many families and staff will do their best to participate in celebrating this significant milestone with Father Charles. RSVP Please add your name and details to the list - RSVP Father Charles 70th Birthday

Public Speaking Competition

This term the Year 5 and 6 Students have been working on their Public Speaking skills and each has produced a persuasive piece of writing to share with staff, parents and students. From this learning Ruby F and Jacob R were selected to represent the school in the Rotary Club of Templestowe 2022 Primary School Speech Contest which took place Wednesday evening at St Charles Borromeo.

Ruby presented ‘What planet would you visit’ and Jacob presented ‘Dogs are better than cats’.

I was so very proud of both students and congratulate them both on their projection of voice, confidence and engaging content. To present in front of an unfamiliar audience in an unfamiliar setting is quite demanding and requires courage. They did a terrific job and really entertained the audience.

All the Candidates received a $50 Bendigo Bank Voucher and Ruby was awarded a Scholarship from Wendy Samantha Productions for 6 months Drama, Music or Dance lessons. Congratulations to Sonia Costa, Andrew Puls, Sharon McCrorie & Emily Yates for your hard work and dedication coaching all the students to develop their public speaking skills. This is such an important and relevant skill for the 21st century. It was also extremely supportive to have a team attend the function to encourage our students!

Well done St Kevin’s!

Building Community

A massive THANK YOU to all the parents who continually volunteer and assist with different events in the school. I have only been here for a short time but I have noticed that there are some parents who really do the best they can to support the school and give so generously of their time and talents. I also know that one thing that I really appreciate and admire about St Kevin’s is the community feel and welcoming approach that is extremely evident when you walk to this school. Even our External Reviewer Gaynor Robson-Garth noted that this is a vibrant welcoming connected community and she expressed this after reviewing our documentation and speaking to all stakeholders. This is what I am determined to continue and build. I understand that life is busy but I do encourage you all to volunteer to one event for the rest of the year and come and give me feedback about how you felt and who benefited from this help.

At the SAC meeting this week we discussed putting together a list of maintenance jobs and asking for volunteers to assist with these jobs during their selected time, As well as having a scheduled working bee. MORE INFORMATION TO COME SOON.

We will be having a ‘Sausage sizzle Fundraiser’ next term for our students and staff.

Both of these events require your support to be successful. So please do the best you can to assist. Your assistance helps your child understand the importance of service and community. Here are some tips that support my discussion. Follow this link.

Why community connections are good for children?

AWARD TIME for Suzanne & Gina

Congratulations Suzanne and Gina. The Manningham Council presented volunteers with Awards for generously giving of their time and talents. Robyn and I represented St Kevin’s and cheered Suzanne and Gina as they were recognised for their efforts in volunteering as part of the PFA and Tuckshop. Thank you again Suzanne and Gina and all the other parents who support and work diligently to enable school improvement. Your work is recognised and valued.

SHOUTOUTS FOR TERM 2

Parents, Students and Staff, please send me any SHOUTOUTS for Term 2 by 21 /06 to Gabee: principal@sktemplstowelr.catholic.edu.au

and these will be compiled by the School Captains and distributed to all community on Thursday 23rd June!

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

There will be no School Assembly next week as we will be gathering for a Sacred Heart Mass at 12pm on Friday the 24th of June. All parents are invited to attend this mass.

There has been a little confusion with Assemblies this term. To clarify this matter Assemblies will take place on a Wednesday in Week 3 and Week 6 each term at 2:45pm. The venue will be confirmed closer to the date.

ATTENTION Front Gates will be locked after morning duty and open in the afternoon