Principal's New
Prayer for Peace
God of peace, bearer of hope,
we seek your help
for the peoples of the Middle East.
Quiet the clamour of war
and guide us towards peace.
Where there is hatred and division
sow seeds of calm and openness.
Where there is destruction
help us to rebuild.
Where children are crying
bring an end to tears.
Shelter your peoples and protect them
Guide them and keep them from harm.
Show us how to break down the barriers of history and fear
and breathe whispers of hope.
Amen. Linda Jones / CAFOD
Making our Theme for 2026 come to light!
Staff have an opportunity to share how they make the theme come to light each week in my Principal news and students are invited to put up their ideas in the School Office Area!
It is through reflection and goal setting that we achieve our best. I will share some of these in our next newsletter.
“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light.” — Ephesians 5:8
SHOUT OUTS FOR TERM 1, 2026!
We are in week 6 of Term 1 and I need your help, families! We all work so hard to bring the best of learning to our students! SHOUT OUTS acknowledges individuals or groups for their extra care given or super effort! Send me an email to recognise these individuals (could be staff, students or parents) in the community! gleone@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Friendship List 2026
Friendship lists are a wonderful way for children to keep in touch with their classmates. They can be used to organise play dates, send party invitations, or arrange class get-togethers.
If you would like your family to be included in this year’s Friendship List, please complete the Google Form and provide your details, along with the required authorisation.
Due to the Privacy Act, family contact details cannot be distributed through the school office. Each parent/guardian must complete the Google Form individually to be included.
Please complete the short survey by Friday 6th March. The final Friendship List will be distributed in the following weeks.
Please note:
- Participation in the Friendship List is entirely voluntary.
- The list is for personal use only.
- Contact details must not be shared with any third parties or placed online.
- This is a PFA initiative.
- You will be asked to provide your email address and mobile number; however, please only share information you are comfortable providing.
Thank you for your support.
Please only complete the survey for the class / classes your children belong to.
Congratulations to Prep MM - you have the most parents who have completed the survey.
.Prep MM 2026 - Nine Parents so far have completed the survey
1OC 2026 - Six Parents so far have completed the survey
2 GS 2026 - Three Parents so far have completed the survey
3/4 CA 2026 - Three Parents so far have completed the survey
3/4 G 2026 - Three Parents so far have completed the survey
5/6 B 2026 - Two Parents so far have completed the survey
- 5/6 MM 2026 - One Parent so far have completed the survey
Inform & Empower – Cyber Safety & Digital Wellbeing
Over the past few weeks, students have been involved in online sessions of Inform and Empower. The sessions have certainly been engaging, and the students have participated in the tasks enthusiastically. The senior’s sessions have included Kahoot's, short videos and quizzes as well as informative information about online safety and cyber use.
The learning for the coming term:
Welcome BBQ Wednesday 25th of February
Research demonstrates that effective schools have high levels of parental and community involvement. This involvement is strongly related to improved student learning, attendance and behaviour. Family involvement can have a major impact on student learning, regardless of the social or cultural background of the family. Family involvement in schools is therefore central to high quality education and is part of the core business of schools. (https://www.aitsl.edu.au/research/spotlights/strengthening-parent-engagement-to-improve-student-outcomes)
The Welcome BBQ was an opportunity for families to get involved and enjoy each other's company. It was a lovely way for families in the St. Kevin's community to get together over a casual setting. The food was plentiful and it was cooked well by Mr Con assisted by Mrs Tomazos. The Staff generously assisted with food preparation and serving.
The positive feedback and gratitude from parents was appreciated. It was lovely to chat about our hopes for 2026. The Welcome BBQ gave parents the opportunity to socialise and meet student buddies and their families.
Engaging in school activities and events is a valuable way for parents to actively participate in their child's learning journey. I look forward to seeing you at the next event - School Working Bee on Thursday 12th of March 2:30pm - 4:30pm.
SCHOOL STAFF:
Gabee Leone: principal@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Cathy Pondeljak: cpondeljak@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Con Tomazos: ctomazos@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Andrew Puls: apuls@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Eva Tomazos: etomazos@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Fiona George: fgeorge@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Sienna Montalto: smontalto@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Fulvia Gerosolimo: fgerosolimo@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Dominque Abbey: dabbey@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Vikky Orfanos: vorfanos@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Gianni Montalto: gmontalto@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Lil Cesarin: lcesarin@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Gina Zammit: gzammit@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Sharon McCrorie: smccrorie@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Lamees Rousan: lrousan@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Fiona Marini: fmarini@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Somayeh Hejazizadeh: shejazizadeh@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
JR Giammario: jgiammario@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Jazmine Bertoncello: jbertoncello@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Chiara Leone: cleone@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Rania Makoul: rmakoul@sktemplstowelr.caholic.edu.au
Lisa Booth: lbooth@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Leah Teleki: lteleki@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Katie Mclean: kmclean@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Kristy Mafodda: kmafodda@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Dearna Piccirilli: dpiccirilli@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Stephanie Sutherland: ssutherland@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Karen Rafton: krafton@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Rebecca Coad: rcoad@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
Katie McLean: kmclean@sktemplestowelr.catholic.edu.au
SRC
Congratulations to the students voted into Student Representative Council (SRC) for Semester 1, 2026.
5/6MM
Kane & Hannah
5/6B
Austin & Aysu
3/4G
Eliana & Theo
3CA
Jacob & Abi
2GS
Andrew & Frankie
1OC
Levi & Maya
Prep
Andre & Yasmine
I look forward to hearing all your suggestions for 2026.
Getting ready for NAPLAN 2026
Each year the VCAA conducts NAPLAN test observation visits at schools throughout Victoria. These observations provide an effective means of ensuring the integrity of Victoria’s NAPLAN tests.
St Kevin's has been selected for a test observation visit during NAPLAN this year (2026).
A NAPLAN Test Observer will visit St Kevin’s on one of the days during the NAPLAN test window to observe the conduct of the tests and to ensure compliance with all test administration requirements.
NAPLAN Schedule
Wednesday 11/3 - Writing 9:10am
Thursday 12/3 - Reading 9:10amFriday 13/3 - Language Conventions 9:10am
Monday 16/3 - Make up day (NAPLAN Catch up)
Tuesday 17/3 - Mathematics 9:10am
Wednesday 18/3 - Make up day (NAPLAN Catch up)
MACS Code of Conduct
Each family has been provided with the school’s updated Code of Conduct, along with an agreement form to read and complete. The Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for respectful, appropriate, and professional behaviour within our school community.
The Code of Conduct is closely connected to the Child Safe Standards. It supports these standards by clearly setting out how adults— including parents, carers, staff, and volunteers—are expected to interact with children and with one another. By following the Code of Conduct, we help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where children’s wellbeing and rights are always prioritised.
Thank you to all parents and carers who have returned the signed Code of Conduct agreement. These forms are kept on file at the school as part of our commitment to meeting Child Safe Standards and maintaining a safe school environment for all students.
On Wednesday evening 18/03 there will be a Code of Conduct presentation and Review workshop for all parents interested in discussing the implementation of these processes. It was planned to take place on Wednesday 04/03 but has been postponed due to a parish function.
This will take place at 7:30pm - 8:30pm in the School Library. Please RSVP using the Link so we can confirm the number of attendees. Code of Conduct and Review Evening 2026
International Students
On Friday afternoon last week, we farewelled the last of our international students from China at a short whole school gathering.
We extend our sincere thanks to our staff, students, and families who so warmly welcomed these students and their families into our school community. Your kindness, generosity, and support made their time with us both meaningful and memorable.
The parents have shared that they hope to return in the future, which is a wonderful compliment to our school and community.
We wish them all a safe journey home and look forward to the possibility of welcoming them back again.
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PLB) Focus
This fortnight our students are focussing on the expected behaviour “I keep hands, feet and objects to myself’. We explicitly teach and practise this expectation because it helps create a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone, aligning with our school value of RESPECT.
When students keep their bodies and belongings to themselves, it reduces accidents, prevents conflict, and ensures that all children feel comfortable at St Kevin’s. This skill also supports self-control and respectful relationships, which are important both in the classroom and outside when our students are in the playground. We appreciate families reinforcing this message at home, as consistent expectations between school and home help students build positive habits that keep everyone safe and ready to learn!
MORNING CIRCLE
At St Kevin’s our students begin the day with Morning Circle. It is a simple but meaningful way to start the school day. It gives students a chance to sit together, say hello, share a little about what’s on their minds, say a prayer, play a class game and ease into their school day. This time before learning commences helps everyone feel included and reminds students that they’re part of a caring group. When children start the morning feeling comfortable and connected, they’re usually more ready to focus and participate in the day's learning. It’s a small part of the daily schedule in a classroom that can make a big difference in how the rest of the day goes.
WELLBEING SURVEY
We are pleased to inform you that we have introduced a new wellbeing initiative for our students.
Students will participate in a brief weekly check-in designed to help them reflect on and share how they are feeling. These check-ins are simple and intended to support positive emotional wellbeing.
Over time, this process will allow us to gather valuable insights into how our students are beginning their school day. The information will help us identify trends, provide early support where needed, and continue fostering a nurturing and supportive school environment.
We believe this proactive approach will further strengthen the care and guidance we provide each day.
If you have any questions about this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact myself or Gabee.
Kind regards, Dominique Abbey
Italiano
Ciao a tutti,
I hope everyone had a great weekend! For week 6 of Italian:
Grade 5's & 6's will be continuing with the TCL Thrive Program 'Che Cosa Fai?' (What are you doing?).
Prep-3/4 students will be learning:
Questions:
Cosa ti piace fare? ... What do you like to do? (informal)
Cosa Le piace fare? What do you like to do? (formal)
Responses:
Mi piace - I like to
Non mi piace - I don't like to
Parlare italiano - to speak Italian
Cantare in italiano - to sing in Italian
Leggere un libro - to read a book
Scrivere una storia - to write a story
Disegnare - to draw
Giocare fuori - to play outside
Fare sport - to do sport
Mangiare con il mio amico - to eat with my friend (a male)
Mangiare con la mia amica - to eat with my friend (a female)
Parlare con i miei amici - to speak with all my friend
Have a great week!
Grazie, Chiara
Staff/Community News
Collingwood are visiting
Congratulations Daniella & Dean Polychronopoulos on the arrival of baby boy Noah! Enjoy this special time with your family.
Happy 21st Birthday to Chiara! Congratulations
Thank you to The Arts Captains for creatively decorating the Kinder Teacher Cards 2026.
Your creativity, care and pride in your work were evident in the beautiful designs you produced. The cards look wonderful and will be a very special way to share gifts with kindergarten’s around us.
Well done on representing our school with such enthusiasm and artistic flair!
Newsletter Term 1 Week 4 Thank you to families who responded to the short survey
Please complete short survey - Term 1 Week 6 Newsletter Survey
In God’s hands,
Gabee Leone