No 8. Term 2 Week 5, 23rd May 2025
Principal's News
Walking Together, Listening Deeply: Reflections on National Reconciliation Week
Next week, as a community, we embrace National Reconciliation Week—a profound invitation to reflect deeply, to genuinely listen, and to open our hearts in the journey toward unity and understanding with Australia's First Peoples, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Reconciliation, in its truest sense, begins not merely with words, but with quiet humility and heartfelt openness. It asks us to see beyond our everyday experiences, to connect deeply with the ancient wisdom and timeless stories that have been entrusted to generations upon generations of Indigenous peoples. It calls us to ask sincerely: "Have we truly listened? Have we genuinely valued the profound depth and beauty of these voices?"
As followers of Christ, the Gospel calls us to embody love and compassion in our everyday lives. Jesus taught, "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12), urging us toward a love that transcends mere tolerance or casual acceptance. It is a love of deep recognition and respect—one that acknowledges the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and every culture.
Take a quiet moment to imagine our school, our families, our wider community transformed by such love and understanding. Picture a future where every child walks hand in hand, appreciating fully the sacredness of the stories and wisdom passed down through Indigenous communities. Imagine a world where respect is not just taught but felt deeply, shaping the very way we see and interact with one another.
Many families within our St. Kevin’s community have come to Australia from diverse cultural backgrounds. You may wonder how your family can relate to this important week. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility for everyone who now calls Australia home. Regardless of when or how we arrived, we each inherit the privilege of living on lands cared for by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. We all have a role in nurturing understanding and mutual respect, creating an inclusive and harmonious community for our children.
We encourage families to use this week as an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations at home. Perhaps start by exploring together some Indigenous stories or art, discussing the richness and importance of these cultures. Ask your children what reconciliation means to them and guide them gently toward empathy, understanding, and appreciation. Encourage questions and thoughtful dialogue—acknowledging that it’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers, but the willingness to learn together is what truly matters.
National Reconciliation Week is not simply a calendar event; it is an ongoing invitation. It is an opportunity to commit ourselves anew, to embrace reconciliation sincerely and wholeheartedly. Let us use this week as a catalyst—allowing quiet reflection and meaningful dialogue to transform into real, tangible actions.
Together, through compassion, courage, and a commitment born of love, we can and will create a future where unity and genuine respect are the guiding lights of our shared journey.
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Save the Date
School Photos - Monday June 16
All students to wear full winter uniform on this day please.
Leadership & Management
A Creative Story based on fact about the local history of the area around St Kevin's Primary School
Once upon a time, not so long ago, an Aboriginal community lived in this area. They were known as Kulin Bunurong and they spoke the Wurrung language. They lived here in harmony with nature for over 40,000 years.
Each day would begin with the rising sun in the East, 'Kardinyah'. The 'Yallingboo (children) would be required to attend the learning circle. Each child would prepare for school by drinking from the nearby stream. Water was gathered in a wooden bowl, which had been cut from a tree. The water was sweetened using the nectar of the loca! wild flowers. Bread was made from the seeds of local Acacia and grass plants. The seed was ground using a large stone and a smaller round stone. The seed flour was then mixed with water to create damper. This was cooked on the fire.
The children put on their best cloaks, which were made from kangaroo or possum. All of the children would make their way into the centre of their community.
From the North, children walked through Redgum Reserve (Eumemmering). From the East, they walked from Many Small Hills (Narre Narre Warren). From the South, they walked from Pearcedale (Langwarren) and from the West they walked from Gurrm Gurrm (Carrum Downs). The children would walk in small groups, gathering interesting natural objects along the way. Some collected emu eggs, some tracked the kangaroo, some gathered bark from the tree of life. Others saw the turtle in the Yalluk (Creek), while others collected ochre for paint and grass for making string.
Upon their arrival at school, blessings were made for each other and the school community. Bunjil, the wedge-tailed eagle, was the Principal, flying high over the learning circle. He would attend to the teachers and the guidance of nature. Harmony was delivered and every child felt safe and confident to truly be themselves. Respect was the most important lesson for each person to respect themselves and each other.
Now as we gather here, we know the ancient lessons as they are reflected in the sky world of clouds and stars. The fire of the great nation of the Kulin still warms our hearts, guides our feet and comforts our spirit. We are the custodians of Australia. We are all welcome here.
Written by Jamie Simpson Copyright 2016 gondwanawalkabout
Parent Survey – Language Learning at St. Kevin’s
For many years, Indonesian has been our chosen Language Other Than English (LOTE) at St. Kevin’s. As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring our programs best meet the needs and interests of our students, we are currently exploring the possibility of introducing Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as an alternative language offering in the future.
No decision has been made at this stage—we are simply seeking feedback from our whole community, including students, staff, and families.
Auslan is a rich, visual language that not only promotes communication and inclusion but also strengthens memory, spatial awareness, and non-verbal communication skills. It supports our Gospel call to build a more inclusive and understanding society.
We invite you to share your thoughts by completing this short survey. Your feedback will help guide our decision-making process moving forward.
Thank you for partnering with us in shaping a dynamic and responsive learning environment for our students.
Celebrating St. Kevin’s Feast Day – Tuesday, June 3rd
We warmly invite all families to join us for a joyful celebration of St. Kevin’s Feast Day on Tuesday, June 3rd—a special occasion that brings our whole school community together in faith, gratitude, and joy.
Our day will begin with a Feast Day Mass at 9:15am, held in the church. We encourage all families to attend this sacred liturgy, where we will give thanks for the life and legacy of St. Kevin, whose spirit of compassion, contemplation, and care for creation continues to inspire us.
Following Mass, we are thrilled to welcome Genevieve Bryant, an acclaimed Catholic singer-songwriter and music minister, for a dynamic and uplifting concert experience. With her message of hope and joy, Genevieve’s music speaks deeply to our faith and our young people’s hearts. It promises to be a truly memorable celebration of music, spirit, and unity.
Students are encouraged to wear their sports attire or house colours, ready for an energetic and joy-filled day of celebration, community, and connection.
Please mark this important date on your calendar and come celebrate with us as we honour our school’s patron saint and all that binds us together as the St. Kevin’s family.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Farewell and Best Wishes, Mrs Nasrawi
As Mrs Nasrawi begins her parental leave and prepares to welcome a precious new addition to her family, we pause to offer our heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes.
Mrs Nasrawi has been a cherished member of our St. Kevin’s community—bringing warmth, dedication, and compassion to her role each and every day. Her calm presence, gentle care, and genuine love for her students have left a lasting impression on us all.
While we will miss her dearly, we share in the joy and anticipation of this special time in her life. Welcoming a child is a sacred and beautiful journey, and we know she will embrace motherhood with the same grace and devotion she has always shown here at school.
May this time ahead be filled with peace, good health, and cherished memories. We look forward to hearing the happy news and seeing her again when the time is right—with stories to tell and a little one in tow.
With love and blessings from all of us at St. Kevin’s.
Mid-Year Reports and Progress Interviews
As we approach the second half of Term Two, we’d like to remind families about the upcoming release of Mid-Year Achievement Reports and our scheduled Progress Interviews.
Achievement Reports will be made available to parents on Friday 27th June via the Parent Access Module (PAM), providing an overview of your child’s academic progress and growth throughout the first half of the year.
Following this, Progress Interviews will take place over two consecutive days—Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July. These meetings will once again be held online via video conference, offering a valuable opportunity for teachers, students, and parents to connect, celebrate achievements, and set meaningful goals for the semester ahead.
We encourage all families to prioritise these conversations as an important part of your child’s learning journey. Further information about booking your Progress Interview times will be shared in the coming weeks.
Attention all families!
Enrolments are now open for your child's exciting journey in Prep next year. New and Current families, don't delay! Secure your child's place by downloading the enrolment forms from our school website or collecting them from the office.
Discover our vibrant learning environment by joining our weekly school tours every Wednesday at 9:30am. Explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and see why our community is thriving.
Don't miss this opportunity to provide your child with a strong foundation for their future. Enrol today and let us embark on this incredible educational adventure together!
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).
Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
- year of schooling
- category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
- level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
This information assists schools to:
- formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
- consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
- develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.
The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).
Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).
If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.
Arrival Times at School
In recent weeks, we've noticed an increase in the number of students arriving late to school each morning. Punctuality is essential for our students' learning and wellbeing, as lateness can disrupt the start of their day. If it becomes a habit, this also sends an unhealthy message to students that being on time isn't important. Let's work together to ensure all our students have the best possible start to each day, ready and eager to learn and grow.
Family Week Movie Night – A Community Celebration!
A night of laughter, popcorn, and Pixar magic! Our Family Week Movie Night brought the St. Kevin’s community together in the most heartwarming way as we gathered to enjoy the timeless adventure of Toy Story.
From the moment the first families arrived—blankets and snacks in hand—the hall buzzed with excitement and joy. Children beamed with anticipation, parents settled in with smiles, and our staff joined in the fun, all united by a shared love of storytelling, animation, and community connection.
As Woody, Buzz, and the gang took us to “infinity and beyond,” our own community was reminded of the simple beauty of coming together. Events like this are more than just entertainment—they’re opportunities to create memories, deepen relationships, and celebrate what makes St. Kevin’s such a special place to belong.
A heartfelt thank you to all who came, helped, and made the night such a success. These are the moments our children remember—not just the film, but the feeling of being part of something joyful and kind.
We can’t wait to do it again!
Education in Faith
Living with Peace: A Reflection on John 14:23–29
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus offers his disciples both reassurance and challenge. He says:
“Anyone who loves me will keep my word… and we will come to them and make our home with them… Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
— John 14:23–29
This passage reminds us that God’s presence is not distant—it is close, personal, and dwelling with us when we live with love and follow His teachings. Jesus knows that life brings challenges and uncertainties, so He offers His peace—not as the world gives, but a deep, enduring peace that calms the heart and steadies the soul.
As families, this message invites us to think about how we create spaces of peace, love, and faith in our own homes. Children learn most powerfully through the daily rhythms of family life. When we model patience, forgiveness, listening, and love, we reflect the peace of Christ that Jesus speaks about.
Here are a few simple ways parents can support their children in living this Gospel message:
1. Talk about peace.
Ask your child: “What does peace feel like to you?” or “When do you feel most peaceful?” Encourage them to notice peaceful moments and reflect on how they can help create them for others.
2. Pray together.
Even a short prayer before bed or in the car can help children feel God's presence. Try something like: “Jesus, help us to carry your peace today.”
3. Model calm in tough moments.
Children watch how adults respond when things go wrong. Choosing calm over anger, or forgiveness over frustration, teaches them how to carry peace in their own hearts.
4. Keep love at the centre.
Jesus links love with obedience—loving Him means choosing actions that reflect His way. Talk with your child about simple ways to show love: sharing, including someone left out, or helping without being asked.
5. Make your home a place of welcome.
Just as Jesus says He will make His home with us, families can reflect this by being welcoming, kind, and open-hearted to one another—and to others who visit.
Let’s take Jesus’ words to heart this week. In a world that can feel rushed or anxious, may our homes—and our hearts—be places where His peace truly lives.
Pentecost – Wear a Splash of Red!
To celebrate Pentecost, students are invited to wear a splash of red with their uniform on Friday, June 6. Red symbolises the Holy Spirit and the flame of faith that came upon the disciples. Let’s fill our school with colour and spirit as we remember this special day in the Church calendar!
Parish News: Novena to St Kevin – All Are Welcome
The St Kevin's community is invited to begin praying the Novena to St Kevin at the 9:00am Mass on Sunday, 25th May. The Novena will continue during morning Masses throughout the week and conclude on St Kevin’s Feast Day, Monday 3rd June.
We warmly invite families to participate in this special time of prayer as we honour our patron saint and ask for his intercession and guidance.
Learning & Teaching
Building Strong Foundations – Prep–2 Reading Information Night
What a fantastic evening we shared at our Prep–2 Reading Information Night! A heartfelt thank you to all the families who joined us—it was truly a celebration of partnership in learning.
At St. Kevin’s, we know that the early years are critical for building strong foundations in literacy. That’s why we are so intentional in our approach to teaching reading. Our teachers don’t just “teach phonics”—they craft engaging, research-based experiences that help students master the building blocks of language. From phonemic awareness to word building, segmenting, blending and decoding, every component is part of a carefully sequenced and evidence-informed approach designed to support every learner.
During the evening, families had the opportunity to step into the shoes of their children—experiencing firsthand the methods, strategies, and passion that underpin our early years reading program. It was powerful to see parents and carers so engaged and eager to understand how they can support literacy learning at home. As always, our aim is not only to teach children how to read, but to instil in them a lifelong love for language, learning, and curiosity.
We are incredibly proud of our Prep–2 students and their hard work—but equally proud of our families, who continue to walk this journey with us. When school and home work together, the outcomes are not only stronger—they’re transformative.
Thank you for being part of the learning. We can’t wait to see what our little readers will achieve next!
A Convict's Journey to Australia
As part of the Gr 6 Literacy and Inquiry unit this term , students have been learning about the First Fleet, the reasons behind it, the conditions in England at the time of the First Fleet and their interactions with Indigenous Australians when they arrived.
We have shared with you two students' diary entries from their journey to Australia as convicts.
14th May, 1787
Dear Diary,
The days aboard this cursed ship seem never-ending. Below deck, the air is thick with the stench of sweat, sickness, and seawater. We're packed in tightly—barely room to stretch—and the darkness is broken only by the scurrying of rats and the coughing of the sick. When we’re allowed above, the sunlight is blinding but welcome. Meals are meager: hard biscuits, salted meat, and water that tastes of rust. I dream of soft bread, fruit, and the smell of home.
I was sentenced to seven years' transportation for forging coins after losing my job. It was desperation, not malice. They said this journey to New South Wales was a second chance, but it feels more like exile. None of us know what awaits us—only that it’s far, unknown, and wild. We’re treated like cargo, not people. Some here are only children. Others left families behind. We all carry the weight of more than just our crimes.
Still, I hold onto hope. Perhaps the land will be kind, or at least survivable. I long to walk on earth again, to work honestly, and maybe be free one day. But I fear the sea may take us before we get there, or that the new world won’t welcome us at all. Whatever lies ahead, I will face it.
Until tomorrow
Ethan C.
Dear diary,
Eternal seas surround me as the days become longer and as hope fades into nothingness. My eyesight becomes frail as darkness fills the air, and the longer I'm here, the weaker I get. I fear I’ll be next. The guards make us work sometimes and if we misbehave, the cat o’ nine tails won't be too merciful. I now watch in tears as I witness my friends’ last breath. I hold my breath as the guards watch our every move, with guns ready to fire. I've already witnessed a few shootings and trust me, it's not too pretty.
Some days, I wonder as I look up at the dazzling stars that prick the endless night sky. It reminds me of when I was free, I would do anything to get back home. I got arrested for taking a few apples to give to my starving friends. It was then that I realised I had been caught, and here I am now, on a boat alone in the dark. I weep as the day continues in an infinite loop. Will I ever wake up to reality? When will this end? Will I get a happy ever after like in fairy tales? I have so many questions and so little time, so I guess I'll stay silent and bare my suffering.
I don't know what to expect in this foreign land, I fear we will be put to work and hard labour, but I await to feel what it's like there. Maybe once this is all over I can be free again? Who knows? Time will tell.
Until tomorrow,
Zoey F.
Learning to Care for Creation – Grade One in Action
There’s something truly special happening in Grade One this term.
Our young learners have been joyfully exploring what it means to be stewards of God’s creation—learning that caring for our world isn’t just a subject in the classroom, but a responsibility we all share as part of our faith.
Through rich discussions, storytelling, and intentional teaching, students have begun to understand that every space we touch—from our classrooms and school grounds to our broader community—deserves care, respect, and attention. This is more than just a unit on sustainability; it is a formation of heart, rooted in our Gospel calling to “till and keep” the earth (Genesis 2:15).
To bring these lessons to life, the children took part in a guided nature walk around our school grounds. Eyes wide with curiosity, they paused to observe the beauty of native plants, listen to the songs of birds, and spot the quiet busyness of insects at work. These quiet moments of discovery became powerful reflections on how even our smallest actions—like picking up litter, caring for plants, or simply noticing the world around us—can contribute to the health and harmony of our shared home.
This experience is a reminder that teaching our children to love and care for creation is both a spiritual and practical gift. In fostering wonder, responsibility, and respect, we are helping shape a generation of thoughtful, active citizens of the earth—led by faith and guided by love.
Well done, Grade One! You are already making a difference.
Student Wellbeing
Supporting Big Emotions – Helping Children Calm and Regulate
All children—regardless of age—experience moments of emotional overwhelm. Whether it looks like shouting, shutting down, crying, or withdrawing, emotional escalation is a normal part of growing up. However, learning to navigate these moments with calm and care is one of the most powerful ways we can support our children’s wellbeing.
When children escalate emotionally, it’s not simply “bad behaviour” or defiance. What’s often happening in the brain is a kind of “emotional hijack.” The amygdala—a small part of the brain responsible for detecting threats—takes over and sends signals to fight, flee, or freeze. When this happens, the brain’s reasoning centre (the prefrontal cortex) is temporarily switched off. This is why logic, reasoning, or consequences often don’t work when a child is upset or overwhelmed.
So what can parents and carers do?
1. Be present, not persuasive.
When your child is heightened, they need your calm more than your correction. Sit nearby, offer a quiet presence, and avoid pushing for explanations or solutions in the moment.
2. Breathe together.
For younger children, try a simple breathing technique like “smell the flower, blow out the candle.” For older students, just sitting together and taking a few slow breaths can help bring the nervous system back into balance.
3. Name it to tame it.
Gently labelling what your child might be feeling—“That looked really frustrating,” or “You seem sad”—can help them feel seen and start reconnecting their thinking brain.
4. Create a calm-down routine.
This might include a walk, a drink of water, quiet time in their room, or drawing. Over time, children learn which strategies help them reset.
5. Pick your teaching moment.
Only once calm is restored should we explore what happened, reflect on choices, and consider what might work better next time. Timing is everything—calm brains are learning brains.
Remember: escalation doesn’t always look loud. Some children go quiet, withdraw, or shut off emotionally. These moments also need our support, patience, and connection.
At St. Kevin’s, we’re committed to helping students grow in emotional awareness and self-regulation. When school and home work together with understanding, consistency, and compassion, we give children the tools they need to thrive.
Community
