No 6. Term 2 Week 1, 24th April 2025

Principal's News

A Heartfelt Farewell to Pope Francis

On Easter Monday, just hours after the world rejoiced in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Church was struck with a profound sadness as we learned of the passing of Pope Francis. It felt both sudden and sacred—his death arriving quietly in the shadow of the empty tomb, as though he had completed his earthly pilgrimage and stepped gently into the promise of new life.

Pope Francis was a beacon of humility, compassion and radical love. His papacy was marked by a deep commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and the planet. He challenged all of us—not just Catholics—to live more simply, to walk more humbly, and to love more deeply.

At St. Kevin’s, we gathered in prayer on Tuesday morning to honour his memory and to offer our gratitude for his life of service. Together as a school, we paused to reflect, pray, and give thanks for a man whose leadership helped reshape the Church in ways that will echo for generations.

Among Pope Francis’ many teachings, one message rings especially true for us in Catholic education:

"Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life."

He reminded us that teaching is not merely a transfer of knowledge, but a sacred act of formation—a way of revealing the dignity and potential within each child. In this way, his legacy lives on in our classrooms, our relationships, and our daily efforts to nurture faith, wonder, and wisdom in the hearts of our students.

As we continue through this term, may we carry Pope Francis’ spirit with us—in the way we greet one another, in the compassion we show, and in the courage we bring to creating a more just and loving world. May he rest in the peace of the Risen Christ, whose life he so beautifully mirrored.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen.

Jason Micallef,
Principal

Today, we remember

Leadership & Management

Congratulations, Mrs Hogan!

We’re delighted to share the wonderful news that Mrs Hogan, teacher of Grade 1HH, is expecting a baby!

We know her students (and colleagues!) will be overjoyed and we look forward to sharing this special journey with her in the months ahead.

Congratulations, Mrs Hogan—what a beautiful blessing!

Welcome, Mrs Doran!

We’re thrilled to welcome Mrs Basak Doran to the St. Kevin’s community as she joins the Prep team as teacher of Prep NA.

Mrs Doran will be team-teaching alongside Mrs Nasrawi over the next couple of weeks, before Mrs Nasrawi begins her parental leave. This gentle transition will ensure consistency and support for our youngest learners as they continue to thrive.

We extend a warm St. Kevin’s welcome to Mrs Doran and look forward to all she will bring to our community.

Wearing Our Uniform with Pride

At St. Kevin’s, our school uniform is more than just clothing—it’s a symbol of belonging, pride, and unity. When worn correctly, it reflects our shared commitment to respect, responsibility, and school spirit.

We ask for the support of all families in ensuring that students wear the correct uniform each day. This includes wearing black leather school shoes with either the summer or winter uniform, depending on the weather, not a mix of the two. For example, navy tights should not be worn with the summer dress. (Runners are permitted on sports days)

This is also a reminder that jewellery should be minimal and safe. Dangling earrings and necklaces are not permitted, as they pose a safety risk during play and learning. Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be tied back at all times—this is for health, hygiene, and safety reasons.

Thank you for working with us to ensure our students wear their uniform with pride.

Enrolments for 2026 – Urgent Reminder

If you have a younger child due to start Prep in 2026, please ensure their enrolment forms are submitted as soon as possible. We are already planning ahead, and places are filling fast—don’t miss out!

We also encourage our families to help spread the word about the St. Kevin’s difference. If someone enrols at our school based on your referral and their child begins in 2025 or 2026, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your school fees as a thank you.

Let’s keep growing our community with families who share our values and love our school!

DISCO DISCO!

Education in Faith

Gospel Reflection – John 20:19–31 

Peace, Belief and Being Sent

This week’s Gospel, John 20:19–31, shares a powerful moment that took place shortly after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples are gathered behind locked doors, afraid and uncertain, when suddenly Jesus appears among them. His first words are, “Peace be with you.” He shows them His wounds—signs of both His suffering and His triumph—and then breathes the Holy Spirit upon them, sending them out to continue His mission.

Later, we hear of Thomas, who wasn’t there when Jesus first appeared. He struggles to believe unless he can see for himself. A week later, Jesus returns and invites Thomas to touch His wounds. Thomas then makes a profound declaration: “My Lord and my God!” Jesus responds, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

What can families take from this story?

1. Peace in Uncertainty – Jesus meets the disciples in a moment of fear and brings peace. It reminds us that Jesus meets us, too, in our chaos, stress, or confusion—bringing calm and hope. In a fast-paced world, helping our children find inner peace through prayer or stillness is a precious gift.

2. Faith Even When We Can’t See – Like Thomas, our children (and even we as adults!) may struggle with belief. This Gospel teaches that faith isn't always about seeing—it’s about trusting. It's okay to have questions. Faith grows through love, community, and experience.

3. Being Sent to Love – Jesus doesn’t just comfort the disciples—He sends them. He calls all of us to live out our faith in action: through kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and truth.

Ways Parents Can Bring This Gospel to Life at Home:

• Talk about doubts – Let your children know that having questions about faith is normal. Encourage open, non-judgmental conversations.

• Create peace moments – Set aside a moment each day for a family prayer, quiet reflection, or even just sharing what made everyone feel grateful.

• Model forgiveness – When tensions rise, show what it means to forgive with grace. Link this back to Jesus’ message of peace.

• Celebrate faith in action – Highlight small acts of kindness in your home as examples of living the Gospel. Make it fun—create a “faith in action” jar where kids can add a note when they’ve done something generous or loving.

• Bless your children – At bedtime or before school, make the Sign of the Cross on your child’s forehead and say, “Peace be with you.” Let them know that Jesus' peace goes with them too.

This Gospel is a beautiful reminder that even in fear, doubt, or questions, Jesus enters our lives gently—with peace, with love, and with a call to live as His hands and heart in the world.

Walking with Jesus – A Special Journey for Our Students  

Walking with Jesus – A Special Journey for Our Students

This week, our students were able to take their final steps in our Walking with Jesus journey. Each student walked to the tomb, visited the tomb, and left feeling renewed and full of joy.

Before setting off, students chose a small stone to represent a worry or challenge they’ve been carrying. As they walked together towards the tomb, they took time to quietly reflect on their thoughts and feelings while listening to scripture readings that offered guidance and comfort.

At the final stop, students were invited to place their stones inside the tomb—a powerful symbol of entrusting their worries to Jesus. Many children left feeling lighter, joyful, and filled with hope.

To complete this special experience, students planted a small seed—symbolising new life, renewed optimism, and the joy that comes from letting go and trusting in God. It was a quiet but deeply meaningful resurrection moment, inviting each child to carry the hope of Easter into their everyday lives.

It was a calm and heartfelt experience, helping our students connect with their faith and feel a sense of peace and renewal in this Easter season.

Learning & Teaching

Understanding the Triune Brain – A Key to Learning and Behaviour

At St. Kevin’s, we are committed to understanding how children learn—not just what they learn. One helpful framework we use is the Triune Brain Model, a simple way of understanding how the brain works, especially when it comes to emotions, behaviour, and learning.

The triune brain breaks the brain into three key parts:

• The survival brain (brainstem) – responsible for basic functions like breathing and responding to danger.

• The emotional brain (limbic system) – where feelings like fear, excitement, and anxiety are processed.

• The thinking brain (neocortex) – where reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making happen.

Why is this important for teachers? Because children can’t learn well when their survival or emotional brain has taken over. If a child feels unsafe, anxious, or overwhelmed, their “thinking brain” goes offline. That’s why creating a calm, safe, and supportive classroom is essential for deep learning.

For parents, this model is equally helpful. When your child is melting down or withdrawing, they’re likely operating from their emotional or survival brain—not being ‘naughty’ or ‘difficult’. In these moments, the best support isn’t logic or consequences—it’s connection. A calm tone, a warm hug, or just being present can help bring the thinking brain back online.

By understanding how the brain works, we can all respond to our children with more compassion, patience, and effectiveness—whether in the classroom or at home.

Student Wellbeing

Every Day Matters – The Importance of School Attendance

At St. Kevin’s, we believe that every school day is an opportunity—an opportunity to learn, grow, connect, and belong. That’s why we emphasise the importance of regular attendance and arriving on time.

While we understand that occasional absences or lateness can’t always be avoided, patterns of frequent lateness or unnecessary days off send powerful, if unspoken, messages to our children. When school isn’t prioritised, students can begin to feel that their learning—and their presence—doesn’t really matter.

Missing just one day a fortnight adds up to four full weeks of school missed in a year. That’s four weeks of learning, friendships, routines, and confidence-building that can’t always be caught up easily.

Arriving late also has an impact. Walking into a classroom after the day has started can leave children feeling flustered, disconnected, or behind before they’ve even begun. That small daily stress can compound over time, affecting their sense of rhythm and readiness to learn.

We ask families to treat school attendance with the same importance as any other commitment. Let’s send our children the message: you belong here, you are capable, and your education matters.

Together, we can ensure every child gets the very best start—every single day.

Community

The Fern Early Learning Centre Event