Principal's News

16/05/23

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you to all the generous Parents and Carers who assisted in lots of different ways to make our Bunnings BBQ a success.  It was delightful to see and feel the amazing community spirit at the event. It was also wonderful speaking to visitors from the community and beyond about our school. 

This type of event runs smoothly when it is organised with meticulous attention to detail.  A massive congratulations and thank you to Suzanne Connelly and Laura Mangavilliano for the hours of work contacting suppliers and ensuring all was ready and accessible for the day.  We appreciate their efforts and hard work!  Thank you, we are all very grateful! The funds raised will assist with the leasing of iPads in the school.

Mother's Day Stall Thank you so much to Suzanne who led the work organising gifts and schedules for volunteers to run the Mother's Day stall last week. Your hard work and dedication made this event a success, and we couldn't have done it without you.

Professional Learning

On Wednesday I will be attending a morning tea with MACS Regional Principals. Maria Ruberto is a psychologist whose work is anchored in research in neuroscience and brain function. There is lots of information about how experiences, including emotions, ‘map’ onto our brains informing future (sometime decades in the future) responses to events. You can find information about her at her website:

 https://www.salutegenics.com.au/about-us/

The teachers worked with Linton Roe from MACS (Language Coach) earlier this term.  He modelled strategies to encourage students using Italian in the classroom and also encouraged teachers to work collaboratively with our language assistant Francesca. Linton is so engaging and the students also got to work with him during his visit.  He will be supporting the school and visiting once a term.

Communication to Admin - Office and Bursar

This is the new administration email address: 

stksecretary@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au  

If you need to communicate with the office please email this address and Selena and/or Tina will respond to you.  

This email is not checked on the weekend or after office hours so please email me if you require immediate assistance at gleone@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au

School Discovery Tours 

The Year 6 Leaders have been informative and respectful while conducting Discovery Tour Guides for Open Day.  They have also assisted with packing up and ensuring the school looks perfect!  One of the parents emailed me with great feedback.  She stated that,  ‘The students did a great job with the tour. Very well mannered and confident kids :)’. Well done Year 6 Students!  I am so proud of you all!

Kinder visit ‘Templestowe Kids’ 

The Year 3 Students had a great time  at the ‘Templestowe Kids’ Kindergarten last week. They got to participate in Story, Music and Drama time with the 3 and 4 Year old kinder group.

Congratulations to Miss Fitzgerald,  Mrs Tomazos and the beautiful Year 3 students for respectfully representing our school!

Seesaw

St Kevin’s has successfully launched into Seesaw and I have enjoyed watching and reading the comments.  This is a wonderful tool to showcase learning and to stimulate conversations about feedback.  I strongly encourage all parents and carers to check Seesaw for weekly updates.  If you have any questions please give us a call or email the teachers.

Attendance 

A quick reminder that it is so important to have the students at school on time.  When a student is on time they begin the day calmly, organised and settled. They are able to follow instructions and participate in the Welcome Circle that sets a positive mindset for the day.  They are able to greet each other and the teacher and follow instructions with ease and comfort.  When students are late they feel unsettled and uneasy. Everything can be more challenging and difficult.  They miss out on announcements and the daily schedule.

We want all our students to succeed, be happy and safe.  I understand that it sometimes happens but please try and be here on time!

Preps 2024 

Prep Enrolments are now required to be completed and sent in! Please email me or let the office know if you need an enrolment form.

Working Bee 

Thank you to the parents who have already responded (RSVP) to the Working Bee Survey.  Please take a moment to respond and assist us with tidying the Uniform Shop and distributing Tanbark on our Adventure playground. RSVP  Working Bee Survey for Term 2 

Assemblies for Term 2

Term 2  -  Week 5 - Wednesday  24/05    Whole School Assembly 2:30pm

SPECIAL EVENT  - Distribution of SRC Badges

Term 2   Week 8 -  Wednesday  14/06    Whole School Assembly  2:30pm

Italian for the Term 2 Week 4 

• Posso avere il libro? - Can I have the book?
• Posso avere - il computer/l’acqua/il temperino/il diario/ la gomma/ la riga/ il quaderno/ la colla/ la penna?
• Posso avere la matita e il libro? - Can I have the pencil or the book?
• Posso andare al bagno? - Can I go to the bathroom?

Which word is feminine and which one is masculine? Why? 

Reflecting on which other ways I can use POSSO (for example POSSO AVERE or POSSO ANDARE or POSSO VEDERE, etc.)

Second Hand Uniform Shop 

Thank you to everyone who has dropped off some uniforms. 

Please spread the message. If anyone has any spare St Kevin’s uniforms that they no longer need, especially in sizes 10-14, and are in good, clean condition, please ask them to drop them off at the school.  Our families appreciate the option of being able to purchase a second hand uniform.

Compass ONLY in Term 2

Reminder to download Compass. We currently have 29 parents who have not downloaded the app.  We have communicated with most parents and some have now joined Compass. 

 It is so important that everyone gets onto it ASAP.  I will continue to send daily reminders to parents who have not joined Compass.

Pamphlet Distributors Needed

Staff Changes

Cathy Chapman has decided to enjoy the next phase of her retirement. Her final formal teaching of EAL and Literacy Support will end this Term in Week 5.  Thank you Cathy for your ongoing support and care of our St Kevin’s Students.

Angela Scarcella will be supporting EAL students and students who require additional Literacy support on Wednesday.  She will also teach Prep GS when Fiona George is attending Leadership meetings on Wednesdays. Angela will also continue with her normal workload on Tuesdays in Prep GS.

Every blessing, 

Gabee Leone