No 11. Term 2 Week 11, 4th July 2025
Principal News
What Are We Teaching Without Realising?
At the end of every term, there’s a quiet moment many families experience, but rarely name. It often comes in the car on the last day, or as the lunchboxes are emptied one final time for the term. A sigh. A pause. A sense of finally. We’ve made it through.
But once the rush subsides, a deeper question sometimes surfaces:
What did this term actually teach us?
And I don’t just mean the curriculum. I mean the life beneath the lessons.
Whether we realise it or not, our children are always watching. They’re learning from what we say yes, but also from what we prioritise, what we rush, what we celebrate and what we overlook. They’re learning how to handle stress by watching us on Monday mornings. They’re learning how to treat others by how we speak about people who’ve let us down. They’re learning what matters by watching where we give our time and energy, even when we don’t mean to be teaching anything at all.
The truth is, some of the most powerful lessons we pass on are unspoken.
When we let lateness become routine, they learn that showing up doesn’t matter.
When we justify every absence, they learn that school is optional.
When we stress about results but never ask what they loved, they learn that learning is a performance, not a journey.
When we fill every quiet moment with noise, they learn that stillness has no value.
But it works the other way, too.
When we speak calmly, even when we’re frustrated, they learn that peace is possible.
When we show up at Mass (even if we’re tired or not sure what to say), they learn that presence matters.
When we forgive quickly, they learn that love is more important than being right.
And when we take time to pray, not perfectly, just sincerely, they learn that life is more than tasks and timelines. They learn that we are part of something greater.
Because that’s the heart of it, isn’t it? This journey we’re on with our children isn’t just about getting them “ready for life.” It is life. Sacred in its ordinariness. Holy in its mess. A living classroom where faith is not a subject, but a way of being.
So as the holidays begin, I invite you to reflect, not out of guilt, but out of love. What quiet messages are we sending? What story are our lives telling our children? And perhaps most importantly, what will they remember from these days with us, long after the term ends?
May the break bring peace where it’s needed, grace where it’s been forgotten, and light enough to see the deeper path we’re walking together.
We’ll see you in Term 3.
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Term 3 commences on Monday July 21
Leadership & Management
School Fees – A Gentle Reminder
Fee statements have now been issued. As we reach the halfway point of the year, we encourage families to check in with their school fee commitments and if payments have fallen behind, to please make an effort to catch up where possible.
We understand that financial pressures can arise, and we want to reassure you that support is always available. If your circumstances have changed or you're finding things difficult, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A confidential conversation can often make a big difference, and we are always here to work with you.
Next term, we will begin following up with families who have significant outstanding amounts. This is simply part of ensuring we can continue to provide the very best for our students and community.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.
Thank You for Joining Our Progress Interviews
A sincere thank you to all our families who participated in this week’s Progress Interviews. It was wonderful to see so many parents and carers engaging in conversations about their child’s learning, growth, and next steps.
As always, our mid-year interviews were held online but this year we used a new platform, and we’re especially grateful for your patience and flexibility as we all navigated a slightly different login process. We know that new systems can come with a few hiccups, and we truly appreciate the calm and cooperative spirit you brought to the experience.
For families who were unable to attend their scheduled time or missed out altogether, there will be opportunities to reconnect with your child’s teacher early in Term 3. We value these important partnerships and encourage you to reach out if you’d like to touch base.
A Reminder About Smoking and Vaping
A gentle reminder to all members of our school community that smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on all school grounds. This includes outdoor areas such as the car park, even if you remain inside your vehicle.
In accordance with Victorian law, smoking or vaping is also not permitted within four metres of any school entrance or gate. These rules exist to protect the health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and families and to ensure that our school remains a safe and welcoming environment for all.
We ask that all parents, carers, and visitors respect this requirement at all times, including during pick-up, drop-off, and school events.
Thank you for your understanding and support in modelling healthy choices for our children.
Wishing Mrs Hogan All the Best
As Term 2 draws to a close, we farewell Mrs Hogan as she begins her parental leave. We send her all our love and best wishes as she prepares to welcome a new little addition to her family.
We’re incredibly grateful for the care, energy, and dedication Mrs Hogan has brought to her role and to the students of 1HH. While we’ll certainly miss her around the school, we’re thrilled for this next chapter and all the joy it will bring.
From Term 3, Miss Fry will be stepping into the role of classroom teacher for 1HH. Many students and families already know Miss Fry, and we’re confident that she will provide a smooth and supportive transition for the children.
Wishing you every blessing, Mrs Hogan! We look forward to hearing your exciting news soon.
Education in Faith
Gospel Reflection – Sent with Purpose
Luke 10:1–12, 17–20
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two of his followers in pairs to go ahead of him and prepare the way. He tells them not to take money or supplies, but instead to rely on the hospitality of others and to bring peace wherever they go. He also warns that not everyone will welcome them, but that’s part of the journey. When the disciples return, they are overjoyed that even evil spirits listened to them, but Jesus reminds them not to celebrate power, but rather to be glad their names are written in heaven.
What’s the lesson?
This Gospel is all about mission, being sent with purpose, courage, and humility. Jesus teaches that following him isn't about comfort or applause. It’s about being bearers of peace, doing good quietly, and trusting that we are not alone. Even when it’s hard, even when others don’t listen, we are still called to go out into the world with hope and integrity.
It’s also a gentle reminder to stay grounded, not to focus on recognition or results, but to be joyful simply because we belong to God.
Talking with Your Child
Here are some ways to explore this Gospel at home:
Talk about being sent: Ask your child, “What do you think it means to be sent by Jesus today?” It might be being kind in the playground, including someone left out, or standing up for what’s right.
Celebrate quiet courage: Share a moment when they did something good without anyone noticing. Remind them that these moments do matter and that God sees them.
Practice peace-giving: As a family, think of one way you could “bring peace” this week, to your home, school, or neighbourhood. It could be a kind word, a helpful act, or simply being patient when things are hard.
Reflect on joy: Ask your child, “What makes you feel close to God?” Help them recognise that our deepest joy comes not from success, but from knowing we are loved.
Congratulations to Our First Communicants
We offer our heartfelt congratulations to our Grade 3 students who recently received the Sacrament of First Holy Eucharist. It was a joyful and sacred occasion, marking an important step in their journey of faith.
We are so proud of the reverence, preparation, and sense of wonder our students brought to this special celebration. Thank you to the families, teachers, and parish team who supported them along the way.
May our First Communicants continue to grow in grace and stay close to the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Learning & Teaching
Visiting Author to St Kevin's for Book Week
Author Deborah Frenkel will be visiting the school on Monday 18th August, the first day of Book Week.
Following is the student orders flyer for her visit. The portal is now open. All books ordered before 11:59 p.m. on August 4th will be delivered to the school for signing on the day. Any orders after this time will be sent after the visit and will NOT be available to be signed.
Physical Education at St Kevin’s – Semester Update
This semester in Physical Education, students have enjoyed a wide range of activities. All classes took part in Athletics Day, as well as AFL and Golf clinics. Highlights have included the Rugby Clinic (Years 2 - 6), Gymnastics Day (Prep–Year 2), Cross Country (Years 4–6), and Inter School Sports (Year 6).
Coach Donald and Coach Brobyn have been guiding students in developing fundamental motor skills, with Year 3–6 students now progressing into net and court game skills.
Physical Education at St Kevin’s has been full of energy and fun—congratulations to all students for their enthusiasm and positive attitude in every session!
– Coach Brobyn & Coach Donald
Giving Garden Challenge: Take a Plant, Give with Heart!
This term, our Grade 1 and 2 students embraced the call to care for our common home through a special project called the Giving Garden Challenge. Inspired by Laudato Si’ and the message of being stewards of God’s creation, students combined their learning with a powerful act of giving back to others.
As part of their Religious Education and Inquiry units, students planted seeds and learned how to nurture them with care and responsibility. Through plant journals, they recorded the growth of their plants using drawings, labels, and simple sentences, while reflecting on how small actions like watering a plant can show love for the Earth and for others.
To celebrate their learning, families were invited to choose a plant to take home and care for.
It has been a beautiful journey of growth, learning, and faith. We are so proud of our students for the way they’ve lived out the message of being stewards of God’s creation by planting seeds of hope and love.
Warm regards,
Grade 1/2 Team
Student Wellbeing
Wellbeing Through Structure: Why the Simple Things Matter
The school holidays bring a welcome change of pace—but for some children, the sudden shift can also be unsettling. Without the rhythm of the school day, it’s easy for days to blur and emotions to spill over. That’s where four powerful—but often overlooked—wellbeing tools come in: consistency, predictability, clarity, and responsiveness.
These aren’t fancy strategies. They’re foundations. And they matter more than ever when regular routines fall away.
Consistency
Children thrive when the rules don’t change day to day. That doesn’t mean being rigid—but it does mean being reliable. Whether it’s how we handle screen time, expectations around helping at home, or how we respond to big feelings, consistency builds trust. It says, “You are safe here. I’ve got you.”
Predictability
A predictable environment helps reduce anxiety. It doesn’t mean planning every hour—it just means offering a gentle sense of what’s coming next. A simple “Today we’re staying home, but tomorrow we’ll visit Grandma,” or “After lunch, we’ll have quiet time” can help children feel more settled and in control.
Clarity
When expectations are clear, children don’t have to guess what’s okay and what’s not. Use short, specific language: “Shoes off at the door,” or “We’ll leave the park in 5 minutes.” Clarity helps prevent conflict before it begins—and removes the hidden pressure of reading adult moods or decoding mixed messages.
Responsiveness
Lastly, wellbeing is not about getting it right all the time—it’s about being attuned. When a child is tired, overwhelmed, or acting out, ask what’s underneath. Often, big behaviours are signs of unmet needs: hunger, disconnection, overstimulation, or simply needing more attention than usual.
Over the holidays, children don’t need elaborate plans or perfect days. What they need most is what they always need: to feel seen, safe, and supported.
So keep it simple. Be steady. And trust that the little things—done with love and attention—are what make the biggest difference.
Wishing all our families a restful, connected, and well-balanced break.
Community
