No 22. Term 4 Week 11, 17th December 2024
Principal's News
A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Farewell
As we approach the end of 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the many highlights and blessings we’ve shared as a school community. Together, we’ve created a year full of faith, learning, and connection.
This year has seen our students shine in so many ways—from the joy and creativity on display at the Colour of Friendship performances to the Sacramental celebrations, where we celebrated our students' commitment to their faith. Our school came alive with energy and excitement at the Colour Fun Run and our various Book Week activities, which showcased the curiosity and talents of our students.
A special thank you goes to our Parents and Friends Association, whose tireless efforts made these events even more memorable, from organising fundraising initiatives to building our sense of togetherness. To our School Advisory Committee, your guidance and support have been invaluable in shaping the direction of our school and ensuring we remain a community rooted in faith, compassion, and excellence.
To our amazing Grade 6 students, we celebrate you as you prepare for the next chapter of your lives. Your leadership, resilience, and enthusiasm have left a lasting mark on our school, and we are proud to send you into the world as confident, compassionate young people. To the families leaving St. Kevin’s, whether after many years or just a few, we thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education and for being an important part of our community.
This year, we also bid farewell to some of our dedicated staff who are moving on to new opportunities. Your contributions to our school have been significant, and we wish you every success in the future.
To our teachers, support staff, and volunteers—your unwavering commitment ensures that St. Kevin’s continues to be a place where children grow in faith, knowledge, and love. To our parents and carers, your partnership has been vital in nurturing and supporting our children’s learning journey. Together, we are building a community that truly embodies our school’s vision.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, I hope you find time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the company of loved ones. May the joy and peace of Christ fill your homes and hearts during this holy season.
Merry Christmas to you all, and may God bless each of you as we look forward to an exciting 2025!
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Leadership & Management
Congratulations & Farewell Grade 6s
As the year comes to an end, we celebrate and congratulate our Grade 6 students on the wonderful young people they have become.
Throughout their time at St. Kevin’s, they have shown leadership, kindness, and resilience, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or during significant moments. We are incredibly proud of their growth and achievements. They leave us as confident learners and compassionate individuals, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of secondary school.
To our Grade 6 students: congratulations! We know you will continue to shine, and we wish you every success in the exciting journey ahead.
A Fond Farewell and Heartfelt Thanks
Bernadette Dawson
This year, we say a heartfelt farewell to Bernadette Dawson, who is leaving St. Kevin’s after 25 years of dedicated service. Dette has been an integral part of our school community, touching the lives of countless students and families with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to education. She proudly expresses her love for our community and her contributions as a teacher and colleague have left a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations to come. She will be greatly missed by us all. We thank Dette for her years of service and wish her every blessing as she pursues new adventures.
Rebecca Fonseca
We bid a heartfelt farewell to Rebecca Fonseca, who is leaving St. Kevin’s after 21 years of dedicated service. Rebecca's passion for music has been a true gift to our community. As one of our choir leaders for over 15 years, she has inspired countless students to find joy in singing and performing. She also co-wrote our beloved school song—a lasting legacy that will continue to resonate throughout St. Kevin’s.
Her warmth, creativity, and commitment have left an indelible mark on students, staff, and families alike. We are deeply grateful for all that Rebecca has contributed over the years.
We also bid farewell to Sarah Smith, who is currently on parental leave and has accepted a position as a Visual Arts teacher at another school. In her six years at St. Kevin’s, Sarah has made a significant impact as a classroom teacher and a leader. We thank her for her dedication and contributions to our community.
We also farewell Sarah Kroenert, our STEM Specialist teacher for the past four years. Sarah now embarks on an exciting new chapter, supporting secondary school students to take on adventures in camp settings. We wish her every success in this new role.
Kay Robinson, who has been part of our teaching team for the past three years, will also be moving on to new adventures. We will fondly remember her care and commitment to her students and we thank her for her contributions to our school.
Two teachers who joined us this year, Natalie Kechichian, a Grade 2 teacher, and Melinda Collard, who has been part of our Prep team, are both moving on to new opportunities at other schools. We greatly appreciate their enthusiasm and dedication to their students during their time at St. Kevin’s.
Nurse Heather, who has been an integral part of our school community for the past two years, is also leaving. Her care and support have been invaluable in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our students.
Finally, we thank Georgie Fitzgerald, who joined us this year as an LSO. Her calm, caring presence has been a gift to our students and staff.
We are grateful to each of these staff members for their contributions, big and small, to our school community. We wish them all the very best in their next adventures and hope they carry fond memories of St. Kevin’s with them.
Finally, we say goodbye (for now!) to Rachael Schendel, who is taking a year of leave to live abroad with her family. While we will miss her presence, we wish Rachael and her family a year filled with wonderful adventures and new experiences. We look forward to welcoming her back in 2026.
Important dates to remember for the start of 2025
2025 Testing Days
We are excited to remind our current families and inform our new families about the upcoming Testing Days for students in Grades 1–6. These sessions will be held on Wednesday, 29 January, and Thursday, 30 January. Bookings are essential and can be made via the link below. Please note that bookings are now open, and spots are filling quickly.
Testing sessions are 30 minutes long, students do not need to wear their school uniform for their allotted time. Parents are welcome to wait at the school during their child’s session.
These testing days provide teachers with valuable insights into each child’s strengths and areas for growth in key learning areas. This helps us tailor our teaching to meet the needs of every student and ensures a smooth start to the school year.
Your support in attending these sessions helps set the foundation for a successful 2025 school year. Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!
Click here to book your child’s session now, or use the QR code.
Let us know if you have any questions about the Testing Days. See you in January!
The Importance of Attending School Every Day
As we look ahead to 2025, we take this opportunity to remind families of the importance of ensuring their children are at school during term time. While we recognise the value of family time, particularly for those with loved ones overseas, extended absences during school terms can significantly impact a child’s learning and development.
Every day at school matters. When students miss school for long periods, they miss out on valuable learning opportunities, social connections, and continuity in their education. Teachers work hard to plan lessons that build skills and knowledge over time and extended absences can make it difficult for children to catch up and fully engage when they return.
Of course, we understand the importance of reconnecting with family, particularly when travel overseas is involved but we encourage all families to take advantage of the scheduled school holiday breaks. If extended leave is unavoidable, please communicate with us as early as possible so we can work together to minimise the impact on your child’s learning.
Thank you for your understanding and support in prioritising your child’s education. Together, we can ensure that your child makes the most of every opportunity at school and thrives as a lifelong learner.
Education in Faith
St Vincent de Paul Bursary for grade 6 students
On behalf of St Kevin’s school community, we express our sincere gratitude to St. Vincent de Paul for the generous bursary awards offered to two of our students. Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of these young people as they begin a new chapter in their school life. Thank you for your continued commitment to helping those in need.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
We are truly grateful for the generosity of our school community in supporting St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Your kindness will help us share the joy of Christmas with those in need during this wonderful season of giving.
Learning & Teaching
Carols by Sunlight Celebration Brings Joy to St. Kevin's
St. Kevin's was filled with the festive sounds of Christmas as our students delighted us all with a beautiful performance of carols. From traditional favourites like Silent Night to fun, upbeat classics such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, our students showcased their musical talents and brought the Christmas spirit to life.
Seeing our community gathered together, singing along, and sharing in the joy of the season was truly heartwarming. Events like this remind us of the strength and warmth of our St. Kevin's family. It was a perfect way to reflect on the meaning of Christmas—love, joy, and togetherness.
A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible, especially our students for their enthusiasm and effort. May the spirit of Christmas continue to fill our hearts as we journey through this wonderful season.
Wishing all our families a blessed and joyful Christmas
A Magical Morning with the Preps' Nativity Performance
Our adorable Prep students stole the show with their heartfelt and spirited retelling of the Nativity story. Before an audience of proud parents, families, and staff, the Preps brought the story of Jesus' birth to life through song, narration, and captivating performances.
Dressed in charming costumes as shepherds, angels, wise men, and, of course, Mary and Joseph, the children radiated joy and enthusiasm. Their effort and dedication shone brightly, reminding us all of the true meaning of Christmas—love, hope, and the celebration of God’s greatest gift.
The hall was filled with laughter, smiles, and even a few tears of joy as our little stars shared this special moment with their families. It was a heartwarming experience that not only celebrated the festive season but also highlighted the sense of community and faith that makes St. Kevin’s so special.
A big thank you to our Prep teachers for their incredible work in preparing the students and to all who attended and supported this memorable event. Your presence made it even more magical for the children.
Community
Parents & Friends Association
Sincere and heartfelt thanks to all our families who supported our 2024 P&F Christmas Raffle by donating prizes and by purchasing raffle tickets. The hampers were full of amazing vouchers and prizes. Congratulations to all our winners from Friday's draw.
The raffle raised just under $2000 for our school and will support playground developments in 2025!
Merry Christmas from the P&F!
Hamper 1 | Paul Sadler Hamper | Leena PIB |
Hamper 2 | Sugar Buns voucher, 'Intents' tent experience voucher, hair dressing voucher, other vouchers and Christmas gifts | Paul 3RO |
| Hamper 3 | Bunnings voucher, jumping balloon castle voucher,hair dressing voucher, other vouchers and Christmas gifts | Anthony PIB |
Hamper 4 | Woolworths voucher, vouchers and Christmas gifts | Tristan PKK |
Hamper 5 | Vouchers and Christmas gifts | Aaliyah 4DA |
Hamper 6 | Pancake Parlour Pack | Scarlett 1PE |
hmaper 7 | Cupcakes | Aliyah 5HI |
School Uniform Shop Update
Please be advised that your local Beleza store will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20th, 2024, and will reopen to regular trading hours on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.
To give families as much opportunity as possible to prepare for the 2025 school year, Beleza will be running extending trading hours between Thursday the 2nd of January to Saturday 1st of February in the lead up to the start of term, with opening hours as outlined below:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am to 1:00pm
Saturday 25th of January 10:00am to 3:00pm