Principal's News
Dear Families,
It’s hard to believe how quickly the term is moving along! The warmer weather and longer daylight hours certainly make a difference to how we live our lives and enjoy our days.
There is so much happening around our school at the moment. It’s wonderful to see our students engaged in their learning and activities. Last week, our Year 4 students celebrated Eucharist. On behalf of the staff and students of St Kevin’s, I would like to congratulate all the First Eucharist candidates, who made their First Holy Communion last Saturday evening.
Eucharist is a celebration of Christ’s love for his church. It is the memorial of his Last Supper, death and resurrection. The Eucharist is a Sacrament where consecrated bread is broken and shared to provide a profound source of union between God and us. Belated Pope Francis told us that Holy Communion is “an encounter with Jesus, who is our constant companion in life.”
In the next few weeks the Prep to Year 4 Students will participate in the swimming program for 2025. This provides a wonderful opportunity for them to build water safety skills, confidence, and stamina in a supportive environment. The program also helps promote physical fitness, resilience, and teamwork as students challenge themselves and encourage one another.
Important dates for Term 4
Respectful Relationship Parent Information Session Prep to Year 6 Thursday 30th of October 7pm - 8pm in the St Kevin’s Library.
Melbourne Cup Eve – Day in Lieu
Please be reminded that Monday 3rd November (Melbourne Cup Eve) is a Day in Lieu for staff. This means no students are required at school on this day.
The following day is a public holiday for the Melbourne Cup (Tuesday 4th November.)
World Teachers' Day
As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day next Friday the 31st of October, we pause to recognise and thank the remarkable team of teachers, leaders, support staff and administration who bring life and warmth to St Kevin's every day. Their dedication, care and commitment ensure our students are known, valued and supported to thrive.
In a world that’s constantly evolving, the role of educators and all who work in schools has never been more important. Beyond teaching knowledge and skills, they model the values that shape strong character—perseverance, empathy, kindness and responsibility—helping our young people grow into confident, compassionate individuals.
Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate and thank our amazing staff for all that they do to make St Kevin's such a special place to learn and grow.
Message from the Consultative Committee
The Consultative Committee has met and collaborated with staff as we make plans for the new academic year 2026. We know that class placements are on many families’ minds, and we want to share how thoughtfully this process is approached at our school.
We understand that change can feel uncertain. Yet these transitions bring valuable opportunities. New class groupings help students develop flexibility, resilience, and social confidence. They provide space for new friendships to blossom and allow students to see themselves, and be seen, in a fresh light. The Head Start Program at the end of the year gives students an opportunity to become familiar with spaces, cohorts of students and classroom management. The Head Start Program gives staff and students the opportunity to experience class structures for 2026 in 2025.
We believe deeply in every child’s ability to thrive in new environments and in our teachers’ skill at building warm, inclusive learning communities from day one. Even if the group moves as a known cohort the Learning Spaces and teachers offer new adventures and learning in 2026. Being part of a these changes encourages students to stretch, discover new strengths, and engage in new ways.
Together, we look forward to an exciting year of growth, connection, and discovery for every learner in our community.
Prep Orientation & Information Night
We are excited to welcome our 2026 Prep families and students!
● A Prep Readiness Night for Parents will be held on Wednesday 29th October in the School Library commencing at 7:30pm. This is a great opportunity to meet School Leaders, ask questions, and learn more about how to support your child’s transition to school.
● Prep Orientation Sessions will begin shortly. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for our incoming Preps to get to know their new learning environment.
Prep Transition 2026 (1) Well Being for Parents Thursday 06/11/25
Prep Transition 2026 (2) Literacy and Numeracy for Parents Thursday 20/11/25
More details have been shared with our 2026 Prep families directly.
Instrumental Music Program COMING in 2026
I am in the process of interviewing companies to commence a Music Program at St Kevin’s in 2026 in the Senior building. Let you know more as I confirm the allocation of tenders.
Reminder 2025 School fees
Fee statements have been distributed. Please ensure you have nominated which preferred payment method you have selected for the year.
School Fees for 2025 are due by the end of this week - 31st October 2025.
Contact Cathy Pondeljak or Gabee Leone if you have any questions or require another copy of the statement.
Term 4 Assembly Dates
Wednesday 12th November 2.30pm - 3.15pm in the Church
Wednesday 3rd December 2.30pm - 3.15pm in the Church
Colour Run
Save the Date: PFA Major Fundraiser – Friday November 21 – 2-3:30pm on our school oval
This event is a favourite for all students and for me too!
We had so much fun walking around and participating in all the stations two years ago. I’m really looking forward to doing it all again!
Let’s pray for a warm day, as there’s a little water involved… and a whole lot of colour!
All that’s left to do is prepare the clothes and count down to what promises to be a joyful afternoon full of laughter, fun, fitness and brightness.
WARNING - IT GETS very MESSY but that is all part of the fun.
Values
Respect
I am inclusive of and kind to others in my play
Fortnightly Awards: After discussions with teachers, we are pleased to announce that this term students will receive a fortnightly award linked to our school values —
Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience.
School Values Award
This term the staff have decided to acknowledge students within our school who consistently display one or all of our school values. Our school values at St Kevin’s are Respect, Resilience and Responsibility.
Congratulations to the following students from each class who have demonstrated one of our school values over the last week. It is really wonderful to see so many students being resilient by challenging themselves and having a ‘can do’ attitude.
Well Done everyone!
Day for Daniel
As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and safety, the Year 3 to Year 6 Students be will participating in Day for Daniel on Friday 31st October. Students will recognise the 21st Day for Daniel, Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness event. The initiative teaches children to Recognise, React and Report when they feel unsafe.
On the day, students are encouraged to wear a touch of red, which is the Daniel was wearing when he went missing.
Day for Daniel is Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day, organised by the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. It provides a valuable opportunity to educate children about personal safety in a way that is age-appropriate, empowering, and supportive.
This initiative aligns with our school’s child safety curriculum and helps reinforce important messages about:
- Recognising unsafe situations
- Reacting confidently and appropriately
- Reporting to a trusted adult
On Friday the classroom activities will focus on building children’s understanding of personal safety through discussions, stories, and role-plays—all delivered in a safe and supportive environment. We believe that teaching children how to stay safe is a shared responsibility, and events like Day for Daniel play a key role in helping students feel informed and empowered.
Seesaw
Italian News
Ciao a tutti,
I hope all parents and students are having a great term so far! For the next few weeks we will be completing our mid cycle assessments to track what students have learnt with our new vocabulary, these will include words such as:
I capelli - hair:
Ho i capelli neri - I have blackhair
Ho i capelli biondi - I have blondhair
Ho i capelli castani - I have brownhair
Ho i capelli rossi - I have red hair
Gli occhi- eyes:
Ho gli occhi verdi - I have green eyes
Ho gli occhi marroni - I have brown eyes
Ho gli occhi azzurri - I have blue eyes
Ho gli occhi neri - I have black eyes
Cosa ti piace mettere? (what do you like to wear?)
Mi piace mettere ... (I like to wear...)
La maglietta (the t-shirt)
Il cappello (the hat)
La giacca (the jacket)
Il maglione (the jumper)
I hope everyone has an amazing week!
Grazie, Chiara :)
Congratulations to Audrey, Abigail and Cleo!
Audrey & Abigail represented Victoria at the National Australian Taekwondo Championships in Adelaide.
Audrey won Gold in both her Poomsae & Sparring Events and is now the Australian 2025 champion in her division. She also took home a bronze in another category.
We at St Kevin’s are so proud of Audrey and Abigail for their efforts, determination & dedication. Well done!
Congratulations to Cleo finishing 1st place in Long Jump at the Doncaster District Athletics Day and representing St Kevin’s at the division level in early October.
Have a great fortnight,
Gabee
