No 10. Term 2 Week 9, 20th June 2025
Principal's News
The Gift of Nourishment: A Community Fed by Faith, Learning and Love
This week, as we gathered to mark the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, we were invited once again to reflect on the deep mystery and meaning of spiritual nourishment. It’s a feast that reminds us that faith is not something abstract or far away, but something tangible, embodied, and shared.
How fitting, then, that our Grade 3 students will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion this weekend. A sacred moment where they will taste, perhaps for the first time, the mystery of God’s presence in such an ordinary thing as bread.
Earlier in the week, these students participated in a special retreat day, a time of stillness, story, and symbolism. One of the most powerful moments came during a simple bread-making demonstration. I had the privilege of joining them, hands dusted with flour, hearts warmed by the shared act of kneading and shaping dough.
Why bread? Because the Eucharist is not just about what happens on the altar, it’s about the way God chooses to nourish us in the everyday. The way He takes something humble, like flour and water and transforms it through loving hands and patient waiting. That same bread becomes more than food; it becomes a promise. A sign of presence. A reminder that we are never alone.
In so many ways, this has been a week of nourishment here at St. Kevin’s.
Our teachers have been carefully crafting Mid-Year Reports, which will be released to families online next Friday, June 27. These reports are not just about achievement; they are about growth, effort and the unique learning journey of each child. They are compiled with care because we know that the learning process is sacred, too.
Progress Interviews will take place on Monday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 1, with school finishing early at 1 pm on the Monday, to accommodate these important conversations. These interviews are another way we seek to nourish the connection between home and school, teacher and family, adult and child. Because learning doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens in relationship.
Over the last few weeks and toward the end of the term, I continue to meet with families seeking to enrol their children in Prep for next year. These interviews are always a joy, part story-sharing, part dream-casting. And what’s most heartening is this: time and time again, these new families tell us they’ve heard about our school not from glossy brochures or clever websites, but from you. From the parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends who speak of St. Kevin’s with warmth and pride.
This kind of word-of-mouth isn’t just marketing, it’s witness. It tells us that our community is doing something right. That the way we care for one another, the way we walk together in faith and the way we strive for excellence in all we do, is being noticed. It’s being felt. And it’s making a difference.
So thank you. For showing up. For speaking well of us. For trusting us with your children. For helping us create a place where they are not only taught but truly nourished, in mind, body and spirit.
As we move towards the end of the term, may we all find ways to be fed and to feed others in love.
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Term 2 Concludes on Friday, July 4 at 2:30pm
REMINDER
5/6 LEVEL SWIMMING
NEXT WEEK
Leadership & Management
Progress Interview Bookings Now Open
Bookings for Progress Interviews are now open! A SIMON Everywhere notification was recently sent out with all the details and instructions on how to book your time with your child’s teacher. If you haven’t seen it yet or need assistance with the process, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office or speak with Mrs Gage, we’re more than happy to help.
A reminder that Progress Interviews will take place on Monday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 1. Students will be dismissed early at 1:00pm on Monday, while Tuesday will run as a normal school day.
After-school care will be available on both days for families who require it.
We encourage all families to take part in these interviews; they’re a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their growth and strengthen the partnership between home and school.
Mobile Phones and Smart Watches at School
A friendly reminder to all families that students are not permitted to use mobile phones or smart watches during the school day.
We understand that some families may rely on these devices to communicate with children after school for example, as they travel home. In such cases, we ask that students hand their device in to their classroom teacher at the beginning of the day, where it will be kept safely and returned to them at the end of the school day.
Students must not have phones or smart watches out or in use at any time while on school grounds, including before and after school.
If parents or carers need to get a message to their child during the school day, please call the school office. We’re always happy to pass on messages and ensure students are supported.
Thank you for your support in helping us create a focused and distraction-free learning environment for all.
A Bag with Purpose: Why the School Bag Matters
At St Kevin’s, we understand that school bags can sometimes become a fashion statement, but we’d like to gently remind families of the importance of using our official St Kevin’s school bags.
While not compulsory, these bags are strongly encouraged for several good reasons:
✅ Designed for growing bodies – Our official school bags are ergonomically designed to support children’s backs and shoulders, helping to prevent strain and promote healthy posture.
✅ Built to last – They’re durable and made to withstand the day-to-day demands of school life.
✅ School pride – Featuring the St Kevin’s logo, they help build a sense of identity and belonging within our school community.
✅ Keeps things simple – Using a consistent school bag reduces distractions and comparisons. It’s not about fashion, it’s about function and focus.
We appreciate that some families may already have other bags at home, but if you're looking to purchase a new one, we strongly encourage you to consider the official option available through our uniform supplier.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep things practical, purposeful, and proudly St Kevin’s.
Introducing the 2024 Annual Report to the Community
Each year, Catholic schools are asked to reflect on their achievements, progress, and ongoing goals through an Annual Report to the Community. This report offers families, staff, and wider community members a snapshot of our school’s key highlights, educational outcomes, faith life, and financial stewardship over the previous year.
We’re pleased to share that our 2024 Annual Report to the Community is now available. It captures many of the moments and milestones that made last year so special, from rich learning experiences and wellbeing initiatives to our continued work in strengthening student voice, teacher capacity, and Catholic identity.
While a formal document, this report is more than just numbers and policies; it tells the story of how our shared efforts are shaping the lives of our students. It celebrates the dedication of our staff, the partnership of families, and the remarkable growth we’ve seen in the young people entrusted to our care.
We invite you to take a few moments to read through the report and reflect with us on what we have achieved and where we’re heading next.
Wishing Miss Chong All the Best! 💍🌿
We’d like to take a moment to wish Miss Chong all the very best as she steps away from school for a short while to prepare for a very special occasion, her wedding!
This is such an exciting time in Miss Chong's life and we are thrilled for her as she gets ready to walk down the aisle and begin this new chapter. On behalf of the whole St Kevin’s community, we send Miss Chong our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the big day and all that lies ahead.
We look forward to welcoming her back with stories and photos and maybe a bit of post-wedding glow!
Welcome to the World, Baby Alexander!
We’re absolutely delighted to share some beautiful news from our St Kevin’s family. Mrs Christina Nasrawi and her husband Luke have welcomed their precious baby boy into the world!
Alexander Nasrawi was born on Friday, 13th June, weighing a healthy 3.2kg.
Christina and little Alexander are both doing wonderfully and the family is filled with gratitude and love as they begin this new chapter together.
We send our heartfelt congratulations to Christina and Luke on the safe arrival of their little blessing. May Alexander’s life be filled with joy, health, and endless cuddles!
We can’t wait to meet him!
School Photo Catch Up Day
A reminder that our School Photo Catch-Up Day will take place on Monday 23rd June in the school hall from 8:00am to 8:45am.
This session is for any students who were absent on the original photo day, including those needing sibling photos.
Please ensure your child arrives on time and in full winter school uniform.
Education in Faith
Gospel Reflection – Luke 9:11b–17
“They all ate and were satisfied.”
This Sunday’s Gospel is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, the Feeding of the Five Thousand. In just a few verses, Luke recounts how Jesus, seeing a huge crowd gathered to hear Him speak, responds not by sending them away, but by feeding them. With just five loaves and two fish, He blesses the food, breaks it, and shares it with the crowd. Miraculously, everyone eats their fill and there are even leftovers.
What’s the message?
At first glance, this story seems like a powerful miracle and it is! But it’s also a profound sign of God’s care, generosity, and abundance. Jesus doesn’t just meet the basic needs of the people. He gives more than enough. This moment points to the Eucharist, the sacred meal where we are spiritually nourished, and reminded that God’s love is never rationed or restricted. It is always more than enough.
We also see another important lesson: Jesus involves His disciples in the miracle. When they suggest sending the crowd away, Jesus tells them, “You give them something to eat.” He invites them to take part in the work of compassion, showing that we, too, are called to serve others with what we have, no matter how small it may seem.
Key themes to share with your children:
God’s abundance: Sometimes we think we don’t have enough but in God’s hands, even a little can go a long way.
Sharing matters: Just like the disciples offered what little they had, we are called to be generous, even when we think it’s not enough.
Jesus cares about our needs: He didn’t just preach. He made sure people were fed. Jesus wants us to be well in body, mind, and spirit.
Eucharist connection: This story reminds us of the Mass, where bread is blessed, broken, and shared and where we remember that Jesus feeds us in a very real way.
Talking points for home:
Here are some simple ways to explore the Gospel as a family:
“What do you think it would have felt like to be in that crowd and see that happen?”
“Have you ever shared something that felt small, but made a big difference to someone else?”
“Why do you think Jesus wanted the disciples to help feed the people?”
“What does this story teach us about how God sees the things we offer?”
“Can you think of ways we can be generous this week, even if we only have a little?”
As a family, you might even try a small act of generosity this week; bake something to share, donate to the winter food appeal, or simply offer your time and kindness to someone who needs it.
Jesus reminds us that when love is shared, there is always enough.
Learning & Teaching
Looking Ahead: Secondary School Taster Days
Recently, some of our senior students had the exciting opportunity to experience a taste of secondary school life!
Our Grade 4 and 5 students attended a Taster Day at St John’s Regional College, where they explored a range of subjects in a secondary school setting; everything from science and sport to the creative arts. The students loved the chance to try something new, meet teachers, and get a feel for what high school is all about.
In addition, our Grade 5 students also visited Hampton Park Secondary College for their own Taster Day. It was a wonderful experience that helped students grow in confidence and start thinking about the journey ahead.
These days are more than just fun, they’re an important step in helping our students imagine their future, ask questions, and feel empowered about the next chapter of their learning.
We’re grateful to both secondary schools for hosting our students so warmly, and we’re proud of how our students represented St Kevin’s with curiosity, respect, and enthusiasm.
Botanic Gardens Excursion
This term in Inquiry, our Grade 1 and 2 students have been exploring the Wonders of Creation unit. We’ve been learning all about how our beautiful Earth was created and how we, as Stewards of Creation, are called to care for and protect our environment.
This week, we had the joy of visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens in Cranbourne. The children were fascinated to learn how Indigenous Australians used natural materials to make clothing, tools, and hunting equipment, showing great resourcefulness and deep respect for the land. A highlight of the day was tasting Indigenous tea and creating beautiful artwork using ochre, a special stone used to make natural paint.
One of the most awe-inspiring moments was seeing native trees that are over 300 years old! We learned that Balga trees grow only 1 cm each year. We were lucky to see one that measured over 4 meters, making it more than 400 years old!
Our students came away with a deeper appreciation for God’s creation and a strong understanding of the importance of looking after our environment and only taking what we need. It was a truly special day of learning, wonder, and joy!
Student Wellbeing
Every Minute Matters: The Importance of Being On Time
At St Kevin’s, we believe in giving every child the best possible start to their day and that begins with being on time. While we understand that the occasional late morning is sometimes unavoidable, consistent punctuality plays a critical role in a student’s success, wellbeing, and overall school experience.
Here’s why arriving on time really does matter:
Academic Success - When students arrive late, they often miss the first key moments of the day—critical instructions, lesson introductions, or important explanations that set the foundation for learning. These early minutes are often when the tone is set, expectations are laid out, and engagement begins. Starting the day with everyone else helps ensure no one is playing catch-up.
Building Responsibility - Punctuality isn’t just a school habit, it’s a life skill. Being on time teaches children the value of time, personal responsibility, and planning ahead. These habits support resilience and independence as children grow into young adults.
Better Routine - Establishing a consistent morning routine helps children feel more settled and focused. When mornings are rushed and chaotic, it can affect their ability to concentrate and participate. Predictable routines help children feel safe, secure, and ready to learn.
Minimising Disruption - Walking into class after the day has started disrupts the flow of learning. Not just for the latecomer, but for their classmates and teacher as well. Punctuality helps create a smooth, focused, and respectful learning environment for everyone.
Social Interaction - Some of the most important learning happens before the first bell. Arriving early gives children the chance to connect with friends, ease into the day, and feel part of the group. These moments are essential for building friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Good Impression - Being on time is a simple but powerful way to show respect: for teachers, classmates and the learning process. Students who arrive promptly demonstrate commitment and responsibility, leaving a positive impression on those around them.
Mental Readiness - When students arrive late, they often feel rushed, flustered, or anxious. This state of mind can interfere with their ability to focus and engage. Arriving with time to spare gives students a chance to settle in, organise themselves, and approach the day calmly and confidently.
Maximising Learning Time - School days are packed with rich learning opportunities, and every minute counts. Even being a few minutes late every day can add up to hours of lost learning over the term. Punctuality helps make the most of every precious moment.
Avoiding Extra Work - Missing the start of the day can also mean missing important announcements, homework tasks, or group discussions, leading to extra work, confusion, or the need to catch up later. Staying on track is much easier when you're there from the start.
Establishing Healthy Habits - The habit of being on time doesn’t stop at the school gate. It’s a lifelong skill that will benefit your child in high school, university, employment, and beyond. Helping children value punctuality now sets them up for success in the future.
Let’s work together to build strong, consistent habits that help our students thrive. Thank you for your ongoing support in making punctuality a priority. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Supporting Our Lunch Program with Stewardship and Compassion
As always, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the dignity and wellbeing of every child. One quiet expression of this commitment is our emergency lunch initiative, a compassionate program that ensures no student goes hungry during the school day. For many years, our Student Wellbeing Team and Learning Support Officers have quietly prepared pre-made sandwiches and snacks for students who, for various reasons, arrive at school without lunch.
Originally designed as a safety net for families experiencing hardship, this program has grown considerably. In recent months, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of lunches distributed each day. While we know some of these are genuine cases of need, we also suspect that some students may be taking advantage of the system, opting for a school-provided lunch in place of the one packed from home, or simply saying they “forgot.”
As a Catholic school, our response must be both just and compassionate. In the spirit of stewardship, we are introducing a small contribution request to help sustain this vital program:
Beginning next term, families will be notified whenever a student receives an emergency lunch. A voluntary contribution of $2.50 per lunch will be noted.
This contribution is not compulsory, and we want to reassure all families: if this presents a difficulty for your household, we invite you to contact our Student Wellbeing Team confidentially. We remain committed to supporting every child who genuinely needs help.
Our hope is that this gentle shift will:
Raise awareness among families that a lunch was needed.
Prompt helpful conversations at home.
Encourage responsible habits among students.
Help us sustain this program in a way that is fair for all.
We thank you for your ongoing partnership as we teach our students not only to care for themselves, but also for one another. Together, we continue to build a school community grounded in respect, generosity and shared responsibility.
If you have questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Student Wellbeing Leader, Louise Broadhurst.
Community
Canteen Menu Semester 2
