No 20. Term 4 Week 7, 22nd November 2024

Principal's News

A Wonderful Start for Our 2025 Preps

The excitement is building as we warmly welcome our 2025 Prep students through our Prep Transition Program! With two classroom sessions already completed, it has been heart-warming to see the energy and enthusiasm of our newest students as they take their first steps into the world of school.

These sessions have been filled with smiles, curiosity, and growing confidence as our newest learners explore their classrooms, connect with their teachers, and begin forming friendships that will shape their early school years. Their eagerness reminds us of the joy and privilege we have in shaping these young lives.

While the children are exploring, their parents have been actively engaging in sessions that highlight how we teach, learn, and partner with families to create a supportive and enriching experience for every child. These sessions are a testament to the strong collaboration between home and school, and we are incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence families have shown in choosing St. Kevin’s for their child’s education.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff, whose hard work and passion have ensured the success of this program. From planning engaging activities for the children to providing meaningful insights for parents, our team's commitment shines through every aspect of this transition journey.

As we look ahead, we are filled with hope and excitement for what lies ahead for our 2025 Preps. We are confident that together—students, families, and staff—we will build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth.

Embracing the Spirit of Advent at St. Kevin’s

Speaking of looking ahead, as we approach the end of the school year, the season of Advent invites us to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas. At St. Kevin’s, our traditions during this special time help us prepare not just for the festive celebrations but also for the coming of Christ in our hearts and lives.

One of the highlights of our Advent journey is the series of Advent Prayer Celebrations, lovingly prepared and hosted by each year level. These gatherings are a cherished tradition that brings our school community together to focus on the virtues of Advent:

• Hope, hosted by our Preps on Monday, 25 November.
• Peace, hosted by the Year 3/4s on Friday, 29 November.
• Joy, hosted by the Year 1/2s on Monday, 2 December.
• Love, hosted by the Year 5/6s on Friday, 6 December.

Each celebration allows us to reflect on these virtues through prayer, song, and scripture and reminds us of the true reason for the season.

Adding to the festive spirit, we are thrilled to once again host our Carols by Sunlight event. This joyous occasion sees our school come alive with music as students and families gather to celebrate through the universal language of song. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share in the happiness and unity that Christmas brings.

Advent is a time of preparation—not just for Christmas but for embracing the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love in our daily lives. These celebrations remind us of the richness of our Catholic faith and the blessings of community.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you all and invite every family to join us for these beautiful traditions that prepare our hearts for the miracle of Christmas.

God bless

Jason Micallef,
Principal

Leadership & Management

Colour Fun Run Update

Heartfelt THANKS to everyone in our community who participated in and contributed to our 2024 Colour Fun Run. It was a wonderful day filled with fun, fitness, and laughter, and we are pleased to let you all know that, collectively, we raised $19363.50 from sponsorship. All profits from our fundraising will be used for literacy resources and enhancing our school playgrounds! 

Thanks again and we look forward to another amazing Fun Run in 2025.

Safety and Respect: A Shared Responsibility

As the festive season approaches, it's a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring stress and impatience to our busy lives. At St. Kevin’s, the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, and staff must remain a top priority, particularly during the crucial moments of drop-off and pick-up.

Recently, we’ve observed behaviours in and around the school grounds that place others at risk. These include:

• Ignoring road rules, especially cutting across oncoming traffic on Hallam Road.
• Walking across the carpark without using the designated crossing.
• Allowing children to run ahead unsupervised.
• Parking in restricted areas, including the parish house carpark.

These behaviours may seem minor in the rush of the moment, but they can have serious consequences. The rules are not arbitrary or optional—they are in place to keep everyone safe.

Thank you to the many families who consistently demonstrate patience, respect, and consideration. Your example creates a safer environment for our children and reflects the values we hold dear as a Christ-centred community. For those who may need a gentle reminder, I urge you to consider how your actions affect others. A few extra moments of care and attentiveness can make all the difference.

As a community, we need to work together to ensure that our carpark and surrounding areas are places of calm and safety. We can do this by modelling the kindness and respect we hope to see in our children.

This Christmas season, strive to bring peace not only into our homes but into every aspect of our daily interactions—starting with the school gates. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and commitment to making St. Kevin’s a welcoming and safe environment for all.

Education in Faith

Gospel Reflection

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: John 18:33-37 

This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year. On this Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. Each year we set aside this Sunday to reflect upon this title that we have given to Jesus. In this reading, we hear one of two dialogues between Jesus and Pilate that are reported in John’s Gospel. Pilate questions Jesus about the charges brought against him. Caiaphas and the high priests have charged Jesus with a political crime, one that would require a punishment of death. In His response to Pilate’s questions, Jesus distinguishes His kingdom from the political powers of this world. King and kingdom may be appropriate terms for Jesus’ mission and promise, but only by analogy. Jesus is King, but not the kind of king we imagine or expect. He was certainly not the kind of king Pilate feared he might be. Jesus refers to a kingdom that does not belong to this world.He is a different kind of king. Jesus was not an earthly king. He is the King of heaven, our Lord and Saviour. He came to teach us the truth about God the Father’s love and forgiveness and to save us from our sins. He shows us how to live.

Below are some suggestions you might use to help your child understand this Gospel message.

• Ask your child what makes someone a good leader. Explain how Jesus, as our King, leads with love, kindness, and humility rather than power or riches. Share examples of how they can follow His example at home, school, or with friends.

• Help your child understand that Jesus’ kingdom is not about castles or armies but about love, truth, and forgiveness. Ask them how they can help build His kingdom by showing love and kindness to others.

• Create a simple role-play of the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate to help children visualise the story. Pause to discuss how Jesus remained calm and truthful, even when questioned.

• Make a paper crown and write down values such as love, truth, forgiveness, and kindness on each part of the crown. Discuss how living out these values makes Jesus the King of our hearts and lives.

• Spend time in family prayer, thanking Jesus for being our King and showing us how to live. Encourage your child to say their own prayer, asking Jesus to guide them in making loving and truthful choices.
  

O Christ, our King, we acknowledge Your supreme authority over all creation. May Your kingdom of peace and justice reign in our hearts and in the world. Grant us the grace to follow Your example of love and service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Reconciliation

Congratulations to our grade 2 students who experienced God’s loving mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation earlier this week. May this beautiful encounter with His grace, strengthen and guide them on their journey of faith. We are so proud of them and ask you to keep them in your prayers

Learning & Teaching

Building Strong Foundations: How Explicit Teaching Supports Your Child's Learning

It is no secret that the teachers of St Kevin's are committed to providing your children with the best learning experiences. But did you know that one of the key approaches we use in our classrooms is explicit teaching? This method involves clear, direct instruction, where teachers guide students through new concepts step by step, ensuring they understand each part before proceeding.

Why do we use explicit teaching?

Research has shown that explicit teaching is highly effective in helping students grasp new information and skills. By breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps, we make learning more accessible and less overwhelming for our students.

How does this relate to cognitive load theory?

Cognitive load theory suggests that our brains can only process a limited amount of information at once. When students are presented with too much information or complex tasks without guidance, it can lead to confusion and hinder learning. Explicit teaching helps manage this by:

• Reducing unnecessary information: We focus on what's essential, avoiding distractions that can overload students' thinking.
• Building knowledge gradually: By introducing information in small, connected steps, we help students build a strong understanding without feeling overwhelmed.

By aligning our teaching methods with cognitive load theory, we aim to create a learning environment where your children can thrive, building confidence and a solid foundation for future learning.

STEM 1/2 Level

In STEM Grade 1/2s have been learning all about reusing items and recycling. This week we reused a water bottle and made a mini greenhouse. They have planted some bean seeds and can’t wait to watch them grow over the next few weeks. They are hoping to eventually plant them in the school garden.

Student Wellbeing

Our New Value Action Focus: Love for Family and Friends

This focus encourages us to live out Christ’s teachings by fostering care, support, and understanding in our closest relationships.

We can strengthen our connections through simple yet meaningful actions, such as sharing, being inclusive, and spending quality time together. The attached posters remind us of the power of listening to each other, working together, and showing love in tangible ways.

Together, we can make this focus come alive in both our school and our homes.

Community

Camp Australia Holiday Program - The Rocketeers!

With summer break fast approaching, we're excited to share details about the Cap Australia, Rocketeers Holiday Program happening right here at St Kevin's!

MONDAY JANUARY 13 - TUESDAY JANUARY 28

DOWNLOAD YOUR PROGRAM HERE