Principal's News
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Term Two. We hope you have all had a restful break and a beautiful Easter spent with loved ones.
This newsletter includes some very important information. Please take a moment to read through it carefully.
Important Things to Remember:
- Winter Uniform Transition - Full winter uniform begins Monday 5th of May. There is a two-week transition period. Any questions please contact me gleone@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
- School hats are no longer required in Term Two, in line with our SunSmart policy.
- Punctuality matters – please ensure students arrive at school on time, ready for a great day of learning. Gates close at 8:50am sharp.
- Label everything – especially jumpers and jackets.
Student absence - I will continue to meet with parents when there are ongoing absences.
Upcoming Events
- Prep Enrolments due 1st of May
- Federal Election Voting Sausage Sizzle & Cake Stall Saturday 3rd of May, 2025
- Mother's Day Celebration Breakfast & Prayer Service Fri 2nd May 2025 7:30am - 8:30am
- Mother's Day Mass Fri 2nd May 2025 9:15-10.15am
- Mother’s Day Stall - Wed 7th May 2025
- Mother’s Day Dinner - Thurs. 15th May 7:00pm
- Cross Country Day - Tues 6th May 2025
- Assembly Dates - Tuesdays; 20th May, 10th June, 1st July
- School Closure Day - Friday 16th of May, 2025
- Confirmation Retreat and Reflection Day - Thursday 12th of June
- Confirmation Day - Saturday 15th of June
- Working Bee - May 30th 2:30-5:30pm
Communication
If your child is going to be absent or late, please notify the school office as early as possible.
Thank you for your continued support. We are looking forward to a productive and exciting term ahead.
Canberra Camp
What a fun filled 3 days of learning! We had an amazing time on our Year 5 and 6 Camp to Canberra. The students were learning on the job, with a strong government concept of CHANGE but also managed to squeeze a lot of fun into the trip.
The Canberra camp provided the opportunity for our students to expand on their understandings of Civics and Citizenship. Some of the experiences our students had included;
- Old and New Parliament House, including their own role play in the House of Representatives
- The National Electoral Education Centre - How elections are conducted and the process behind preferential voting
- Questacon - experiencing science in an interactive engaging manner
- Australian Institution of Sport (AIS)
- National Capital Exhibition Centre - The Story of Canberra.
- Australian War Memorial
- CISAC (Canberra International Sports and Aquatic Centre
Students from our school recently had the opportunity to undertake an educational tour of the national capital. During the trip, they participated in a variety of educational programs focusing on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians visiting the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families with the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government has contributed $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program. This rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
I was incredibly proud of all the students for their active participation and respectful behaviour throughout the tour. All of our hosts commented on the students' positivity and strong sense of teamwork.
I would also like to thank Mrs Tomazos, Ms Cesarin, and Mrs George for attending the camp and spending time with our St Kevin’s students, sacrificing time with their own families. A special mention must go to Con Tomazos and Sienna Montalto for taking charge of the school while we were away, and thank you to all staff for supporting Con and Sienna during this time.
Arriving and Departing School buildings OR Morning Drop-Off
- From the beginning of Term Two we would like the students to walk into class on their own. This has been current practice for the last 3 years. Parents and carers are welcome to walk the students to the doors and then students walk the rest of the way guided by staff.
- If a student is unsettled and requires additional support, parents and carers may accompany them inside for a brief drop-off before moving away promptly.
- The staff are aware of each students needs and support them accordingly.
- Our goal is to grow student empowerment and independence in their daily routines.
Easter Well done 1/2GW & 1/2DM
Today the Year 1 and 2 students presented the “Alleluia” part of the Easter story. It was a respectful role play and showed reverence. It was wonderful to see the juniors working together and showcasing their artistic talents. Well done and thank you to the teachers for supporting the students.
The Significance of the Resurrection
The Resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our Catholic faith.
It reminds us of God's promise of new life, hope, and the triumph of love over death. For our school community, it is a time to celebrate renewal, deepen our faith,
and live out the values of compassion, joy, and unity.
Pope Francis
With deep sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Pope Francis. He was a guiding light of hope and compassion whose words and deeds touched lives across the world. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis followed in the footsteps of Jesus, offering love, dignity, and support to the poor, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, the sick, the imprisoned, and all who were marginalised. His unwavering empathy and dedication to social justice inspired countless individuals, regardless of their faith or background. In the final week of his life, Pope Francis made a poignant visit to a prison in Rome — a powerful reflection of his lifelong mission to stand with those on the margins. As a leader in Catholic Education his words and actions were an inspiration. He was a steadfast champion of human dignity and a passionate advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
ANZAC DAY
Last Thursday 24th of April, we held a commemorative service for ANZAC Day. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces became known as ANZACs.
ANZAC Day is a commemoration of the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkey on the 25th April in 1915. This is a very special day in Australia’s history.
The service took place around our flagpoles, led by Mr Con alongside the teaching staff. We extend our thanks to all staff members who contributed to the smooth running of this important occasion.
ANZAC DAY SCHOOL SERVICE TUESDAY APRIL 29TH @ TEMPLESTOWE War Memorial
The Manningham RSL held the annual Manningham ANZAC School Service at Templestowe Memorial Park at 12:00 PM on Tuesday 29th of April. We were honoured to be invited to attend this special occasion, with our Year 6 students representing our school during the service.
During the ceremony, the School Leaders Keisen and Ariana had the privilege of laying a wreath on behalf of our school.
Code of Conduct
We all like to be spoken to with respect and we need to speak to each other with respect! It is so important that we keep calm and work together in partnership. It may be in the front office or in the car park - where ever we are let's treat each other nicely!
Linked are documents that inform all stakeholders about the codes in place at St Kevin’s. Each week I publish a staff newsletter and a section of the code of conduct is highlighted for staff to reflect upon.
Please take some time to read and let me know if you have any questions.
When the code of conduct is not followed or breaches occur stakeholders will be asked to have discussions with the Principal and Senior Manager, School Leadership.
A reminder is issued both verbally and in writing. If the behaviour continues a formal process will be implemented. That may include person’s not permitted in premises. These procedures are in places to ensure the safety of all.
Cross Country
On Tuesday the 6th of May, all St Kevin’s students will be participating in our whole school Cross Country Day.
Please find the details below:
When: Tuesday the 6th of May, 2025
Beginning at 9:15am sharp - ending before 11am.
Where: St Kevin’s Primary School
We will be using our school grounds for our Cross Country morning.
What do students wear: Full P.E uniform including a big splash of their house colour!
Who can attend: ALL are welcome to attend and support our students during their races.
Requesting volunteers: - We will require at least 5 to 6 volunteers to be stationed at checkpoints to guide students throughout the course around the school.
Please contact me at gmontalto@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
if you are able to do so.
The Importance of Regular School Attendance
I want to thank parents and carers for recognising the value and importance of regular attendance at school, which allows children to learn more about the world, develop learning, skills and knowledge. It also plays a vital role in fostering and strengthening friendships. At St Kevin’s School, we believe that everyday skills are developed through engaging and challenging experiences, making consistent attendance key to your child’s success.
It’s important to consider the long-term impact of a child’s absence from school. We understand that when a child is unwell, home is the best place for them. However, when not unwell, even a day off here and there can add up. The table below illustrates how these occasional absences can accumulate, resulting in significant weeks of lost learning over time.
Please come and speak with your child’s teacher or a member of the leadership team if you are concerned about your child’s attendance. Your child’s attendance will be recorded on your child’s semester report. Regular attendance allows teachers to best support your child’s learning and wellbeing.
1 day absent a fortnight equates to 10.5 days absent in Semester 1.
1 day absent a week equates to 21 days absent in Semester 1.
Enrolment news!
We have already had many enrolments for 2026 and this is exciting for St Kevin’s! It is a testimony to all the amazing learning and vision.
We will host a few information events this term.
17/05/2025 Saturday Open Day 9:30am -12pm
Thank you to the parents of 2026 students who have already enrolled and shared how excited the children are to be part of our school.
If you have not yet enrolled, please do so as soon as possible. Spaces are filling quickly, and we anticipate having a waiting list for 2026
Tuesday 6th of May Story, Drama and Dance Time!
Two sessions: 9:30am - 11am &
1:30am - 3:00pm
Term 3
Wednesday 13th August Story, Drama and Dance Time!
Two sessions: 9:30am - 11:00am &
1:30pm to 3:00pm
Tuck Shop Volunteers
Thank you to the generous parents and carers who assisted in the Tuck Shop in Term One. The students loved being able to purchase snacks and treats. It was good to be able to open the Tuck Shop 3 days a week. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers.
This is the new survey to gauge support for the Tuck Shop in Term Two - Tuck Shop Survey for Term Two, 2025.
Please complete this survey as soon as possible so that the next roster can be created and shared.Thank you to PFA for your ongoing work especially Suzanne and Fiona.
2026 Year 7 Applications
The time has come for families of Year 6 students to enrol in Year 7 if you have not done so already. For any families who wish to attend a government high school, applications are now open. Please find the information pack below to assist with this process. Applications are to be made directly to your preferred government school.
Information Pack and Enrolment Pack for Government High Schools 2025
More information about this process can be found on the Education Department website.
For general enquiries, you can also contact enquiries@education.vic.gov.au or call 1800 338 663
School Fees Update
Fee statements have been distributed. Please ensure you have nominated which preferred payment method you have selected for the year. Call the office if you require any further information. Families who have not contacted the school will be called by Cathy or Gabee in the next few weeks.
Federal Election Voting Sausage Sizzle & Baked Goods Stall
St Kevin’s Catholic Primary school will be a polling place for the upcoming Federal Election on Saturday 3rd of May.
St Kevin’s will be hosting a combined Cake Stall and Sausage Sizzle on the day. This gives us a chance to raise funds from the public, rather than from the school community.
We also require people to bake cakes (biscuits or slices) to donate for the stall. These can be dropped off at school on the Friday afternoon (May 2nd) to the school reception. Please ensure that all items for the stall are packaged/covered well in preparation for the sale (we will not be splitting items at the stall – they need to be packaged how they are to be sold). All ingredients must be listed, and the items must not contain any fresh cream, custard, or raw eggs (ie. no mousse). Please ensure that standard food safety handling is adhered to when preparing and packaging your goods.
Thank you to parents and carers who have already nominated to assist with this activity. If you could assist between 1:30pm and clean up that would be fantastic.
Please complete the linked survey Federal Election Voting and Sausage Sizzle & Baked Goods Helper Survey
If you are not able to help at the sausage sizzle/cake stall or bake goods for the cake stall, if you would like you could donate some money (to be used to purchase sausages, bread & onions) that will be used at the Sausage Sizzle. Donations can be made via Compass Canteen, using the date of Saturday 3rd May.
Mother’s Day Activities
Mother's Day Breakfast and Blessing Friday 02/05/25 7:00am - 8:00am in Parish Foyer
Mother’s Day Stall Wednesday 07/05/25 11:00am – 12:30pm Parents meet in the St Kevin’s Office Foyer
Parent Representatives for 2025
Thank you to the parents that have volunteered to be parent representatives for 2025.
The class representatives for this year are:
Prep M: Kristy S
1/2 DM: Jacquiline S
1/2 GW: Christine Y
3/4 A: Joanne K
5 GP: Jo H
6 CP: Suzanne
SEESAW
Values
PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning
Our PBL expected behaviour for
I let teachers teach and learners learn.
Daily Awards - the students are receiving daily awards for showcasing the Expected behaviour in and outside the classroom. These awards are announced over the PA each afternoon.
Italian
For the next few weeks we will be learning new emotions and justifications to enhance our sentences:
Verbs:
- Sono a posto (I'm good)
- Sono felice (I'm happy)
- Sono triste (I'm sad)
- Sono emozionato/a (I'm excited)
- Sono stanco/a (I'm tired)
- Sono affamato/a (I'm hungry)
- Sono preoccupato (I'm worried)
- Sono assonnato (I'm sleepy)
Justifications:
- Perché ho una festa di compleanno. (because I have a birthday party.)
- Perché sono affamato/a. (because I'm hungry.)
- Perché mi piace imparare italiano. (because I like to learn Italian.)
- Perchè vado a casa del mio amico. (because I am going to my friend's house [masc.])
- Perché vado a casa della mia amica. (because I am going to my friend's house [fem.])
- Perché ho troppi compiti. (because I have too much homework.)
I hope you all have a great week and are settling into Term 2!
Grazie, Chiara :)
Library News
Is anyone available to do some book covering please. Training and all equipment provided. Please contact Jo Matarazzo in the library on Tuesdays or email Jo - jmatarazzo@sktempelstowelr.catholic.edu.au
Staff News
Congratulations to Selena and Matt
Selena and Matt are expecting a baby due at the end of May.
Selena finished work last Thursday. She will be back on Tuesday to have a proper baby shower!
We wish you both well in this adventure of parenthood and look forward to hearing the exciting news!
Every blessings, Gabee