No 14. Term 3 Week 5, 22nd August 2025

Principal's News

Stewards of Creation

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of travelling to Cairns with fellow Catholic school principals from our region. What began as a professional gathering quickly became something far deeper: a retreat into the rainforest led by the Sisters of Mercy, where the heart of our learning was not in meeting rooms or lecture halls, but in the living, breathing cathedral of creation itself.

Guided by the spirit of Laudato Si, we were invited to stop, to listen and to reflect on what it truly means to care for our common home. We were reminded that we are not separate from the earth, not visitors passing through, but part of it, woven into its fabric, dependent upon its balance. An Aboriginal guide deepened this realisation by sharing insights from his culture: an unbroken tradition of reverence and connection with Country, of living in harmony by taking only what is needed and never more. His wisdom struck me deeply.

The contrast was confronting. In Cairns, every street is lined with lush foliage, alive with vibrant green and teeming with life. Nature asserts itself there with a vitality that cannot be ignored. Returning to Melbourne, however, the reality is sobering: a sprawling concrete landscape where the natural world is often hidden, pushed to the margins, or treated as decoration rather than the foundation of our existence.

This experience has shifted something in me. It has reframed the way I understand my own responsibility and our collective responsibility, as people of faith and as members of the human family. Too often, conversations about climate change get trapped in arguments about science, politics or economics. But here is the truth: those debates miss the heart of the matter. Caring for the earth is not simply a question of whether human beings can influence weather patterns or if global warming is real; caring for the earth is a moral imperative.

We do not own this planet; we belong to it. Our children and their children will inherit the choices we make today. And so the question is not whether we should act, but how. Will we treat the earth as something to exploit or as a sacred gift to be honoured? Will we live as consumers without restraint or as stewards who understand that to take only what we need is to ensure life continues for all?

Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si: “The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor.” This is not a distant cry, it is a call addressed directly to us. Every choice we make, no matter how small, is part of our response.

Our existence depends on the health of our planet. To live in harmony with creation is not an optional extra to our faith, nor a political slogan. It is an act of justice, of reverence and of love. The Sisters of Mercy reminded us that to care for creation is to care for the Creator’s gift; our Aboriginal guide reminded us that such wisdom has always been here, waiting for us to listen.

Together, I call upon all to teach our children to choose reverence over disregard, restraint over greed, harmony over exploitation. May our children see in us not only words but living examples of stewardship and care. And may we recognise that to look after our home, the earth, is to look after each other.

For we are of the earth, not merely on it.

Jason Micallef,
Principal

Leadership & Management

Carpark Safety Reminder

Student safety is not negotiable. Children being picked up after school must be collected from the designated school pick up zones within the school. They are not permitted to walk through the carpark to meet cars without an adult accompanying them. There is no pick up from the roundabout after school. Any students found waiting there will be brought back into the school and families will be contacted to collect from the correct area.

These expectations may seem simple and even trivial, but they exist to prevent serious harm. All it takes is one moment of inattention and frankly, even one accident is one too many.

Please help us keep every child safe by following these rules every afternoon. Thank you for your cooperation and care for our children.

Congratulations to the Clement Family

We are delighted to share the joyful news that Mr Greg Clement and his wife, Elyse have welcomed a beautiful daughter, Zara Julianna, born on 13 August. Mum and baby are doing well and the whole family is over the moon.

Please join us in congratulating Greg and his family. May God bless Zara with health, joy and a lifetime of love.

Congratulations to Mrs Hogan and Family

We are overjoyed to also announce the safe arrival of Scottie Jack Hogan, born on Friday 8 August.

Mum, Dad and baby are all doing well, and Holly and Nick are thrilled to begin this exciting new chapter as a family of three.

We offer our warmest congratulations and blessings to the Hogan family on the precious gift of Scottie.

The Father's Day Stall is coming

On Monday, September 1, students will be able to choose from a wide variety of gifts to purchase for their dad, grandfather or father figure to help them feel appreciated and loved on Father's Day (Sunday, Sept 7th).

MACSSIS 2025 is almost here

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS) are conducted annually for schools in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. This year’s MACSSIS window is from Monday 1 September to Friday 19 September 2025.

Be on the lookout for an email coming to all families in the coming week with instructions on how to participate in the MACSSIS Survey.

Shop for our school!

The Casey Central Shop For Your School competition has kicked off and it's our chance to win big for our school. Here’s how you can help:

• Shop at Casey Central and submit your receipts to earn points for our school. 
• Dine at Casey Central on weekends to get double points for every dollar you spend at participating food outlets.

Keep track of our school’s progress on the live leaderboard and find more details about how to submit your receipts and the terms and conditions by visiting the official page: https://www.caseycentral.com.au/whats-on/shop-your-school

Let’s rally together and bring home the win!

Education in Faith

Gospel Reflection – Luke 13:22–30

In this Gospel, Jesus is asked whether only a few people will be saved. He replies with the image of a narrow door, urging his listeners to strive to enter through it. Jesus warns that it is not enough to simply know Him or hear His teaching; what matters is how we live our lives. Those who live faithfully and act with love, humility, and justice will find a place at God’s table, while those who live selfishly or complacently will find the door closed. He reminds us that the last will be first and the first will be last, overturning human expectations of who belongs in God’s kingdom.

This passage challenges us to reflect on the choices we make each day. Faith is not just about claiming a connection to Jesus, but about living out His teachings in the way we treat others. The “narrow door” reminds us that discipleship is demanding; it calls for effort, sacrifice, and authenticity. It also reassures us that God’s kingdom is open to all who sincerely strive to live with love and integrity, no matter their background or status.

Prompts for Families
Here are some questions and ideas to spark conversation at home:

• What do you think Jesus meant by the “narrow door”?

• How can we show through our actions, not just our words, that we follow Jesus?

• Can you think of a time when you had to make a hard but good choice, even though it wasn’t the easiest option?

• How might “the last will be first, and the first will be last” change the way we treat others at school, at home, or in sport?

You're invited! Join us for Mass.

Learning & Teaching

Book Week at St Kevin's

This week, St. Kevin's was transformed into a world of wonder as we celebrated Book Week with the theme "Book an Adventure." The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the spectacular costume parade, where students and staff members came dressed as their favourite book characters. From classic heroes to enchanting creatures, the creativity on display was truly inspiring. The parade was a joyous occasion, filled with smiles, laughter, and a shared love for reading. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this year's Book Week such a memorable event!

Author Visit: Deborah Frenkel 

Deborah Frenkel, the award-winning author of the shortlisted picture book "The Truck Cat," visited our school to talk to our students about reading and writing. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the practices of professional authors and how they write the interesting and engaging stories we love. We learned that it can take approximately three years for a picture storybook to transition from an idea on a page to a book in a library.

St. Kevin's Shines at the District Athletics Carnival! 

Congratulations to our incredible athletics team for their outstanding performance at the recent District Athletics Carnival! Competing against nine other schools, our talented athletes showed great skill, determination, and team spirit, earning themselves the title of District Champions of 2025!. We are immensely proud of their hard work and dedication, which truly shone through on the day. Well done, team!

Prep – Grade 2 Numeracy Information Night

Last Wednesday evening, our Prep to Grade 2 families gathered for a very special Numeracy Information Night. The focus of the evening was to give parents a real insight into how mathematics is taught at St Kevin’s and how our youngest learners are developing their skills.

Our Numeracy Coach, Mrs McMaster, began by sharing the key approaches and strategies we use in teaching mathematics. She explained how we build strong foundations in number sense, problem solving, and reasoning, while making learning hands-on, engaging and fun.

Parents then had the rare opportunity to step into their child’s classroom and watch a live maths lesson in action. Teachers led their students through learning activities while parents observed, seeing first-hand the kinds of routines, questions and strategies that shape daily maths learning.

It was a wonderful evening of learning and connection. We thank all our families who attended for their enthusiasm and interest, and we extend our gratitude to Mrs McMaster and our teachers for their planning and leadership. Events like these strengthen the vital partnership between home and school and remind us that when we work together, children thrive.

Student Wellbeing

Learning Together: What our Berry Street day means for your child

Thank you for accommodating today's student-free day. We know keeping children home can be tricky for working families and carers, and we’re grateful for your support. The day let our staff invest deeply in how we create the best conditions for your child to feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

What is the Berry Street Education Model?

We partnered with the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), a widely used approach that helps schools build strong relationships and calm, predictable classrooms so students can engage, persist and succeed. It isn’t an “extra program.” It’s about how we teach, how we speak with children and how we respond when things get tough.

The big idea: relationships first

The focus of today was relationships. Children learn best when they feel they belong and when the adults around them are calm, consistent and caring. We explored practical tools that strengthen trust between students and staff and that make learning time smoother for everyone.

What your child may notice at school

• Warm, specific feedback
  You’ll hear us using two simple questions with students: What went well? and Even better if… This keeps feedback clear and encouraging. It names the effort or strategy a child used, then offers one helpful next step.

• Positive narration
  Instead of calling out who isn’t on task, we highlight who is. For example, “I can see Jamal has his book open and is ready to begin” or “That table is working together well.” This lifts the whole room and reduces needless nagging.

• “Golden statements”
  We frame directions in calm, predictable ways, such as “I will begin when voices are quiet” or “I’ll dismiss the class when chairs are tucked in.” It keeps expectations clear and avoids power battles.

• Co-regulation and self-regulation
  Sometimes children borrow an adult’s calm before they can find their own. You may see brief “walk and talk” check-ins, breathing pauses or short movement breaks. The aim is to return to learning quickly, not to remove children from it.

• Repair and consequence, in that order
  When things go wrong, we focus first on repairing trust, then on fair consequences. This teaches responsibility without shame and helps children re-enter learning sooner.

• Belonging through names and micro-moments
  Small actions matter, like greeting by name at the door, noticing effort, a quiet thumbs-up. These micro-moments add up to a strong sense of “I am seen here.”

Why this matters

When children feel safe and connected, their brains are better set up for thinking and memory. Calm, consistent routines reduce stress and decision fatigue. Clear, kind feedback helps children try, reflect and try again. All of this supports both wellbeing and academic growth.

Caring for the carers

We also looked at staff wellbeing. Teaching is deeply relational work and hearing hard stories can take a toll. By using Berry Street strategies ourselves and by supporting one another as a staff, we stay steady for students. Put simply, regulated adults help children to regulate.

How families can partner with us

Here are gentle ways to echo the same ideas at home:

• Name the effort, then the next step
  “You kept trying that puzzle. Even better if we sort the corner pieces first.”

• Use calm “when… I will…” language
  “When toys are back in the tub, we will read.”

• Offer bounded choices
  “Brush teeth before or after pyjamas?” Both options meet the goal while giving a sense of control.

• Catch the micro-moments
  A quick check-in when your child seems off can prevent a bigger wobble later.

• Repair quickly
  After a rupture, a brief “We’re okay. Let’s try again” helps children move forward.

Aligned with our Catholic ethos

At St Kevin’s, we strive to enact the Gospel values of dignity, compassion and peace. Placing relationships at the centre reflects our belief that each child is a precious person, capable of growth when surrounded by patient, consistent love.

Thank you

Thank you again for making space for this learning day. Your flexibility helps us serve your children better. If you have questions about the Berry Street approach or what it looks like in your child’s classroom, please reach out. We’re always glad to talk.

Community