No 19. Term 4 Week 5, 8th November 2024
Principal's News
This coming Monday, our school community will join together for a solemn Remembrance Day service at 10:45 am, and I invite all families to be part of this moment of reflection. Across Australia and many countries worldwide, Remembrance Day is a time to honour and remember the brave men and women who have served, sacrificed, and suffered in the pursuit of peace. At St. Kevin’s, this day holds a special significance as we teach our children the importance of gratitude, respect, and the shared responsibility we all have to create a more peaceful world.
For our children, understanding the gravity and significance of Remembrance Day can be challenging, especially as the events of the past seem distant and abstract. This is where the role of parents is invaluable. By discussing Remembrance Day in a meaningful and age-appropriate way, you can help your children grasp why this occasion is observed around the world and why it continues to hold deep importance for people of all nations. Here are some ways you can support this learning at home:
- Share Stories: Talk to your children about the real people behind the stories of war and peace—whether it’s through family history, books, or documentaries that are suitable for their age. Personal connections or stories about soldiers, nurses, and peacekeepers can make the history more relatable.
- Discuss the Value of Peace: Remind children that Remembrance Day is not only about reflecting on the past but also about hoping for a better future. Discuss how we can all contribute to a more peaceful world, whether through small acts of kindness, understanding or by standing up for what is right.
- Explain Symbols: The poppy, the bugle call of the Last Post, and the significance of the minute of silence are all symbols that carry meaning. Explaining these can help your child connect with the traditions of Remembrance Day and understand their purpose.
- Practice Gratitude Together: Use this opportunity to talk about the freedoms we enjoy today and how these have come at a great cost. Encourage your children to express gratitude, whether through prayer, a simple act of remembrance, or writing a message of thanks to share as a family.
Our school service will include traditional elements such as the playing of the Last Post, a minute of silence, and the reading of poetry but we will also include moments of prayer to appeal to our Lord that pathways toward peace are more easily recognisable and acted upon. We do this not only to remember those who sacrificed their lives but to instil in our students a sense of hope and a desire for a more compassionate world. In partnership, we can strive to teach our children the importance of honouring those who have come before us while inspiring them to be peacemakers in their daily lives.
As we pause on Monday, we can all take a moment to reflect on how we can contribute to a world where peace is a shared reality.
Lest we forget.
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Leadership & Management
St. Kevin's needs YOU!
The St. Kevin's School Advisory Committee is an essential component of governing and operating our school. It provides a forum for consultation and participation for our parish and school community. Meeting roughly twice per term, the committee discusses important aspects of school operation such as policies and curriculum design and helps the Principal to consider the perspectives of parents, staff, students and the parish when making important decisions about the directions of the school.
At about this time each year, we invite expressions of interest from the school community for new members to consider joining this important team. This year we have openings for two new parent members. There are no qualifications required other than to work in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation and be willing to attend meetings which usually occur on a Wednesday evening at the school.
New parents are welcome! Please contact Mr. Micallef for more information either by calling the school during school hours or by email. principal@skhamptonpark.catholic.edu.au
- Grade 1/2 Swimming Program Nov 18 - 29
- Prep Swimming Program Dec 2 - 12
- School Advisory Committee AGM - Nov 27
- Carols by Sunlight Dec 9 and 11
- Gr6 Graduation Mass Dec 11
- Last day of canteen Dec 13
- Whole School Mass to conclude the year Dec 13
- Last day of school for all students Dec 17 (dismissed at 12pm)
Working Bee
Saturday, Nov 9! 9 am-midday
Help us beautify our school and make it a better place for our students! We’ll be working on various projects, including gardening, cleaning, and repairs. Your contribution will make a difference!
What to Bring:
- Gloves
- Water bottle
- Any tools you think might help (rakes, shovels, etc.)
Why Join?
- Connect with other parents and teachers
- Enjoy a sense of community
- Help create a welcoming environment for our kids
All are welcome, just meet at the front of the school at 9am and at the end, enjoy a sausage sizzle while we admire our efforts.
Education in Faith
Gospel Reflection - Mark 12:38-44
In the first part of this week's Gospel, we hear Jesus warn the crowds not to follow the example of the scribes in seeking honour and attention from others. It is important to recall that Mark indicates that Jesus taught these things while in the vicinity of the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus observes how Jewish pilgrims are making their contributions to the temple treasury. The Temple in Jerusalem was the centre of Jewish worship in the time of Jesus. It was expected that observant Jews would make pilgrimages to the Temple to offer prayer and sacrifices. Jesus comments on the generosity of people He sees putting money in the collection box at the Temple. He made the poor widow’s gift of a few coins a memorable example of generosity. Even though she gave a lesser amount to the treasury than others, her small donation required a greater sacrifice than the large donations contributed by those who were rich. God wants us to share generously with others, giving not just from our surplus but from our whole selves. To give from our livelihood is not only an act of generosity, it is also an act of trust in God. We can only give from our needs if we trust that God will provide for us. Jesus himself demonstrates the ultimate act of generosity and trust in God as he gives his life for us on the cross.
As a family, you may read Mark 12:38-44 and meditate on the wisdom of this scripture using the following prompting questions.
- Who did Jesus see at the temple?
- What were the scribes doing?
- What did Jesus say about the scribes?
- What did Jesus see a poor widow do?
- What did Jesus say about the widow's offering?
- Why did Jesus say the widow gave more?
- What can we learn from the widow's example?
- How can we give to others, even if we are young?
Lord Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the living God, We ask that the Holy Spirit fills us with Your love and power. May Your Word comfort us and Your wisdom direct us. Bless our homes with peace and understanding. Help us to be generous and share Your love with others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Learning & Teaching
Celebrating the Colour of Friendship!
What an unforgettable experience we shared last week at our Colour of Friendship school performance! Spread over two magical nights, our students lit up the stage, bringing their incredible talent, hard work, and passion to life. Each act was a testament to the dedication and vibrance of our school community and it was impossible not to feel a surge of pride with every performance.
A special thank you goes to our amazing families. Your cooperation, especially given the limitations on ticket sales and your enthusiastic support filled the auditorium with an atmosphere of joy and excitement. Your cheering, clapping, and beaming smiles created a sense of unity and celebration that made the nights even more memorable.
Our students truly shone, showcasing not only their courage and creativity but also the deep friendships and teamwork that define our school spirit. Their effort and energy were met with well-deserved applause and they have every reason to be proud of what they accomplished.
We also want to express our immense gratitude to the dedicated staff who poured countless hours into preparing the children for their performances. From choreography to costumes, rehearsals to set design, the effort behind the scenes was nothing short of extraordinary. They ensured our students felt supported and confident to give their best.
Colour of Friendship was more than a show; it was a celebration of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. Thank you for making it an event to remember!
We look forward to sharing the experience all over again once the video(s) become available. Our professional videographer is working on post-production as we speak and as soon as they are ready, we will make them available to all our families for FREE!
Student Wellbeing
St. Kevin’s Value Focus: LOVE for Self
In Weeks 5 and 6, we’re turning our attention to Love for Self. It’s important to remember that taking care of ourselves helps us to be our best selves for others. We can show love for ourselves by spending time with loved ones, being grateful, staying active and healthy, and making time for rest and fun.
As we practice this, let's prioritise our well-being, keeping an open mind and being grateful for the blessings in our lives. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s a way to honour the life God has given us.
Community
Parents & Friends Association
Christmas Raffle - Seeking Donations
As we look ahead to the festive season, we're planning an exciting Christmas Raffle. But, we need your help! We're on the hunt for businesses that would be willing to donate prizes for our raffle. If you have any suggestions or contacts, please reach out to Mr Butler by email: abutler@skhamptonpark.catholic.edu.au
Your support is invaluable in making this event a success.
A Notice From Our School Uniform Supplier
City of Casey - Active November Competition is here!
Active November is here and City of Casey is running a competition for all families at Casey Schools to increase their active travel to/from school.
All families need to do is look out for the poster with one of our Safe Around Schools Characters in a selected park or reserve near their school.
Scan the code and enter. It is that simple! Enter while walking, riding, or scooting to/from school. Families can enter multiple times during school hours.
There are 10 gift cards to be won and winners will be chosen randomly, drawn and notified on 3/12/2024.
Remember part of the way is ok and it doesn’t have to be every day!
Andy Griffiths at Bunjil Place
Sunday 24 November 2024
2.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Tickets
Free to register - bookings required. Seats are allocated.
https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/connected-libraries-presents-andy-griffiths
Please note: A Service fee of $3.00 applies to bookings made online and by phone (unless tickets are free of charge). Delivery Fees may also apply.
For general ticketing and box office information (including conditions of sale) see our Ticketing services information page.
For accessibility bookings or other box office inquiries please email bunjilplace@casey.vic.gov.au or phone 03 9709 9700.
Twilight Christmas Makers Market and Lighting of the Tree at Bunjil Place
Dates
Sat 30 Nov 2024
Location Bunjil Place Plaza
Free Entry. 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lighting of the Christmas tree 8:00 pm
Stall items and food at vendor prices Stall items and food at vendor prices.
