No 1. Term 1 Week 1, 31st January 2025

Principal's News

Dear St. Kevin’s School Community,

I hope this message finds you well as we step into another exciting academic year at St. Kevin’s. Whether you are a returning family or new to our community, I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. St. Kevin’s is more than a school—it is a place of faith, friendship, and learning, where each individual contributes to the rich tapestry of our community.

This year is particularly special as 2025 marks a Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis as a time of renewal, reflection, and hope. The theme of this Jubilee is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, reminding us that we journey together—encouraging one another, embracing new challenges, and placing our trust in God’s love. This theme beautifully aligns with the spirit of a new school year, where fresh beginnings and possibilities await.

The start of a school year always brings a fresh opportunity—a new page waiting to be filled with learning, friendships, and personal achievements and our first week of 2025 has certainly been a wonderful example of that.  A special mention goes to our Prep students, who have settled in wonderfully! It has been heartwarming to see them embrace school life with such enthusiasm and confidence—a testament to the support and preparation of their families. To our Prep parents, thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education; you are always welcome and we look forward to partnering with you on this journey.

To our Grade 1-6 students, congratulations on the way you have approached your learning and testing this week. Your positive attitude and focus have set the tone for a year of growth and achievement. It has been great to see classrooms already alive with curiosity, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose.

A standout moment of the week was our first assembly, during which our newly appointed student leaders pledged their commitment to their roles and proudly received their leadership badges. This was a significant moment not just for them but for the entire school, as we recognised their responsibility in shaping and inspiring our community. Their leadership will be instrumental in bringing our school's values to life throughout the year.

As we move forward, may this Jubilee Year be a time of hope, faith and new beginnings for us all. May it remind us that together, we can achieve great things—through learning, kindness and the shared joy of community.

Wishing you all a blessed and fulfilling school year!

Jason Micallef,
Principal

You're Invited!

Mass to open the school year

Families are invited to join us at our School Mass to open the school year on Friday February 7, at 11:45 am in the church.

Leadership & Management

Welcome to our new and returning staff

We are excited to welcome our new team members to the school community. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enrich the educational experience for our students. Please join us in giving them a warm and supportive introduction as they start their new journey with us.

Anna, Holly, Vivian, Greg, Trent, Chanchi

We also welcome back a few familiar faces. Erica Talia, Kristy Sly and Belinda Rowlands who return from parental leave. Carol Williams will be rejoining the team as she re-emerges from retirement to join us for a day a week and Maria Bonato, who has now fully recovered from injury. Koula Kydas also rejoins us for a day a week as she continues to focus on her health. It’s great to have them all back as part of the team!

Updating Your Child’s Details 

Please look for an important email in your inbox explaining how to update your child’s personal and medical details through the Parent Access Module (PAM) or through the SIMON Everywhere App. This new system replaces Operoo and will now be the main platform for parents to manage their child's information.

It is essential that all families review and update their details to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your child’s safety and wellbeing.

If you haven’t received this email, please contact the school office between 8am and 4pm during the week and we’ll be happy to assist you.

pam.skhamptonpark.catholic.edu.au

Dropoff and pick up procedures

Morning Drop Off

Time: 8:45 am onwards for all students.

Parking: Parents may park in the main car park and walk their children into the school gates.

Kiss and go: Parents may drive into the roundabout drive-through and drop children off in front of the church.

After School Pick Up

Time: School ends for all students at 3:20 pm

Parking: Parents may park in the main car park and walk into the school to collect their child.

Drive-by: No drive-by is available to pick children up.

How to be safe and reduce congestion in the car park after school

Hot Tips!

• Front Carpark: Parents are to park their cars in the allocated parking spots and escort their child/ren to their cars, using the crossing in front of the office. 
• Parish house: It is not a drop-off or collection area EXCEPT for Community buses.  Drop-off and collection or parking behind the parish house are not permitted. 
• Exiting on Edey’s Run: One of the biggest causes of traffic congestion in the car park is when cars bank up on Edey’s Run as people wait for a chance to turn onto Hallam Road. To avoid this, we ask that all families turn right onto Edey’s Run when the supervising teacher directs them to. This will ensure traffic continues to flow and eliminate congestion.

To get back to Hallam Road after exiting the car park – Turn right onto Edey’s Run. Continue to the roundabout at the end of the road and turn left onto Coral Drive. Continue on Coral Drive until you reach the traffic light intersection at Hallam Road.

You can collect your children from the following locations:

• Outside the hall - Prep, One and Two children WITHOUT brothers and sisters at the school 
• Undercover outside the library - Three, Four, Five and Six children WITHOUT brothers and sisters
• Under the COLA - Children with siblings (all grades)

School Advisory Committee (SAC)

The School Advisory Committee (SAC) is an important group made up of representatives from the school, parish, and parent communities. We currently have five parent representatives, three staff representatives and two ex-officio members, the Principal and Parish Priest. The SAC meets up to twice per term in the evening to discuss key aspects of school life and provide advice to the Principal. Being a member of the SAC is also a great way for parents to learn more about how our school operates and how decisions are made. 

We currently have one position left for another parent representative. If you are interested or would like to know more, please contact Mr. Micallef principal@skhamptonpark.catholic.edu.au. 

Tales from the lunchbox

In this short video, Mrs de Reus shares with us how to pack a lunch box to ensure children have all the nourishment they need for a full day of learning and play.

A reminder about birthday celebrations

At St. Kevin’s we like to celebrate many special occasions, such as birthdays.

If you choose to bring in a treat, we ask that you only provide 1 small treat per child. These treats will be taken home for your child to enjoy.

Please do not provide BIRTHDAY CAKES that need to be cut OR lolly bags filled with treats! Please advise your classroom teacher a few days before the special occasion. 

Party Invites: if you are hosting a birthday party and are inviting students from school, please give the teacher the invites to hand out.

Remember: A treat is NOT an expectation! 

Canteen Capers!

The canteen is back for 2025 and operates every Thursday and Friday. Lunches can only be purchased by pre-ordering through the Qkr! App.

Orders need to be placed by 8.50 am to ensure your order is in before the cut-off time.

When you place the order, please make sure you enter your child's correct 2025 class. Otherwise, they may not receive their order. 

See below for instructions on how to order.

St Kevin's Mobile Phone App - SIMON Everywhere

SIMON Everywhere is our primary means of communicating with families for those day-to-day reminders and other pieces of information that need to be communicated quickly and efficiently. 

It is crucial that all families have the app installed on all of their mobile devices.

If you do not have the app installed on your mobile devices and need help to do so, please contact the office on 9709 8600 for support.

St. Kevin's Facebook Page  

The St. Kevin's Facebook Page is just another way we can all keep in touch. We'll share important news, fun and interesting articles and links to important community services. As well, we can share photos and videos that will hopefully make you smile. You can even post comments or ask questions. Like or follow our page at...

https://www.facebook.com/StKevinsPS

Education in Faith

This Week's Gospel Reflection

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple – A Lesson in Faith and Trust

This week’s Gospel, Luke 2:22-40, tells the story of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the temple, following Jewish tradition. There, they meet two faithful people, Simeon and Anna, who had spent their lives waiting for the promised Messiah. When Simeon sees Jesus, he rejoices, recognising that this tiny child is the light for all people. Anna, too, gives thanks to God and shares the good news with those around her.

This passage is a beautiful reminder of faith, patience, and trust in God’s plan. Simeon and Anna waited their whole lives for this moment, showing us that God's promises are fulfilled in His time. For families, this reading can be an opportunity to reflect on the importance of hope, gratitude, and seeing the presence of God in our daily lives.

Talking About This Gospel with Your Child

Here are some ways to discuss the message of Luke 2:22-40 with your children:

1. The Power of Patience and Faith – Simeon and Anna waited patiently for God's promise to be fulfilled. Ask your child, Have you ever had to wait a long time for something special? How did it feel when it finally happened?

2. Recognising God's Light in the World – Jesus is described as "a light for all people." Encourage your child to think about ways they can bring light to others, such as being kind, helping a friend, or sharing joy.

3. Gratitude for Everyday Blessings – Anna immediately praised God when she saw Jesus. Take a moment as a family to share one thing you are grateful for today.

4. Trusting in God’s Plan – Even when we don’t understand everything, we can trust that God has a plan for each of us. Talk about a time when something difficult turned into a blessing.

5. Respecting Traditions – Mary and Joseph followed their faith’s customs. Discuss with your child why traditions are important in our families and communities.

This Gospel invites us to have faith, be patient, and recognise God's presence in our lives. May we, like Simeon and Anna, always keep our hearts open to the joy of Christ!

Important Sacramental Dates (Updated)

Tuesday, March 25 - Eucharist Formation Night Families of students in Year 3 intending to receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time need to attend this evening at 6:30pm at the school.

Wednesday, March 26 - Confirmation Formation Night Families of students in Year 6 intending to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation need to attend this evening at 6:30pm at the school.

Thursday, March 27 - Sacrament Commitment Mass and Registration Families of any student intending to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist or Confirmation this year, are asked to attend this important event. Registration commences at 6:00pm and Mass commences at 6:30pm.

Learning & Teaching

Goal Setting Meetings – Partnering for Success

In a couple of weeks, we will hold our annual Goal-Setting Meetings. These meetings are a valuable opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to discuss learning progress and set meaningful goals for the semester ahead.

These meetings will take place by appointment at school on Monday, 10 February, and Tuesday, 11 February, running for approximately 15 minutes each. Details on how to book your time slot will be shared soon.

At St. Kevin’s, we believe in fostering student agency—empowering children to take ownership of their learning. These conversations allow students to reflect on their strengths, identify areas for growth, and set goals that will guide their learning journey. When students actively participate in setting their goals, they develop greater responsibility, motivation, and confidence in their education.

We encourage all families to attend and be part of this important process. By working together, we can ensure that each child is supported to reach their full potential. Stay tuned for booking details!

Student Wellbeing

Helping Your Child Make and Keep Friends

Friendships are an important part of a child’s development, helping them build confidence, social skills, and emotional resilience. As parents, we play a crucial role in supporting our children to form and maintain positive friendships. Here are some simple ways to help:

1. Teach Kindness and Respect
Encourage your child to be a good friend by modelling kindness, respect, and empathy. Help them understand the importance of taking turns, listening, and using kind words when interacting with others.

2. Support Social Opportunities
Providing opportunities for your child to socialise—whether through playdates, school activities, or sports—allows them to build friendships in a safe and supportive environment. Encourage them to invite friends over and participate in group activities.

3. Help Them Manage Conflict
Friendships will sometimes have ups and downs. Teach your child how to handle disagreements calmly, express their feelings appropriately, and find solutions to problems rather than walking away from friendships too quickly.

4. Encourage Inclusivity
Talk to your child about being welcoming to others. Help them recognise when someone may feel left out and encourage them to include classmates in games and conversations.

5. Be a Listening Ear
Sometimes, children just need to talk. Be there to listen without immediately offering solutions. Ask open-ended questions like, “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you think you could do next time?” to help them reflect and problem-solve independently.

Building strong friendships takes time and practice, but with the right support, children can learn to form positive relationships that will help them thrive socially and emotionally.

Community

Parents & Friends Association

The Parents and Friends Association is an essential group of parents working together to make our school a better place. The PFA has two main jobs - Fundraising and Friend raising! 

If you are interested in helping us establish this amazing team for 2025, please contact Andrew Butler or join our Facebook Group.

Whether you can contribute a little or a lot is no problem and all are welcome!

abutler@skhamptonpark.catholic.edu.au

Pancake Parlour School Rewards

Thank you for participating in our 2024 Pancake Parlour School Rewards program! Over 120 schools across Melbourne competed for cash prizes and we have some amazing news!

We are thrilled to let you know that St Kevin’s Hampton Park Primary School has claimed 3rd prize for 2024, earning St Kevin’s  an incredible $1,000! On top of that we have also claimed the Fountain Gate minor league prize of $1,000. So that’s a total of $2,000 for our school! The funds will be used for our playgrounds and play equipment for the students.

Thanks again for all your support in 2024 and let’s keep up the momentum in 2025. We will register again for this year.

We are so excited about our prize money. We couldn’t have done it without you. If you order at the Pancake Parlour simply ask for the points from your purchase to go towards St Kevin's Hampton Park rewards.

Out of School Hours Care

Camp Australia provides care for St. Kevin’s Children before school and after school in our hall.

If your family requires this kind of care for your children, Camp Australia has a very simple booking structure that ensures the best family experience, whilst also providing flexibility to suit most schedules.

You have access to two different booking options, each at the same enrolment fee that is currently in place:  

• Recurring – families with a regular schedule.
• Casual – for families who have changing schedules, or only need care every so often.

Details of all fees, terms and conditions are available at www.campaustralia.com.au