No 15. Term 3 Week 7, 5th September 2025
Principal's News
A Season of Becoming
Spring has arrived! The air is beginning to feel lighter, the days stretch longer, and we sense the quiet promise that something new is unfolding. Nature’s rhythm has always been a teacher, reminding us that growth requires both patience and change, that renewal comes only after seasons of waiting, pruning, and even dying back.
This week at St Kevin’s, three themes converge: the arrival of Spring, the celebration of our Grade 6 students receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, and Father’s Day. At first glance, they may appear unrelated, yet together they speak of a deeper truth: life is never static. We are always being invited into growth, responsibility and love.
For our Grade 6s, Confirmation is a moment of stepping forward, claiming the gifts of the Spirit and recognising that faith is not something inherited like a family heirloom, but something chosen, lived and carried into the world. It is not simply a ritual of “finishing” primary school faith formation; it is a beginning. Just as Spring calls dormant seeds to life, Confirmation calls the Spirit already within our children to stir, to breathe, to grow into maturity.
Father’s Day, too, reminds us that growth is not only about children. To be a father, or a father figure, is to take up a role that is less about authority and more about presence. True fatherhood does not consist in perfection but in showing up, again and again, with love that steadies and protects, with wisdom that guides and with humility that admits “I too am still learning.” In this way, fathers mirror something of God’s own fatherly love, faithful, generous and life-giving.
So what unites Spring, Confirmation, and Father’s Day? Each one reveals the same pattern: growth that comes through relationship. The flower cannot bloom apart from the soil, the Spirit cannot move in us unless we are open, and fatherhood cannot be lived without the bond of love and responsibility. Growth is not private. It is communal. It draws us outward.
So as we move into Spring, what is stirring in us that longs to grow? As we celebrate our Grade 6s at St Patrick's Cathedral tomorrow, may we be reminded of our own Confirmation and the Spirit’s gifts that perhaps are waiting to be used. And as we honour our fathers this weekend, we can give thanks for the men in our lives who, however imperfectly, have chosen to love, guide, and protect us.
Spring invites us not only to admire new blossoms but to ask: what in me is God calling to new life?
God bless
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Last day of term 3 - Friday September 19, 2:30pm
Leadership & Management
Carpark Safety – A Non-Negotiable Expectation
Despite repeated reminders, sadly, we continue to see some parents ignoring our carpark guidelines. Incidents such as excessive speed, parking in restricted areas (including parish and staff carparks), picking children up from the roundabout, entering via Edey’s Run and stopping in aisles when no spaces are available have been observed far too often.
These behaviours are unsafe and unacceptable. Our carpark guidelines are not suggestions; they are conditions of use. They exist for two reasons: to keep our children and visitors safe and to ensure a smooth and efficient flow of traffic.
From this point forward, number plates will be recorded. Families who continue to disregard the rules will be issued a temporary ban on carpark access. We would much prefer to work together in partnership, but we cannot compromise on student safety.
Please remember the following key expectations:
Drive slowly and cautiously at all times (5 km/h).
Use the school carpark only – not parish (behind the church) or staff spaces.
Do not stop in the middle of aisles or across crossings.
After school, children must be accompanied by an adult to parked cars.
- Do not pick children up from the roundabout.
Always give way to pedestrians and use crossings.
Follow the directions of staff on duty respectfully and without dispute.
The carpark is a shared space and how we use it sets an example for our children. Thank you to the many families who do the right thing every day. Your cooperation makes a genuine difference.
School Fees - Our Shared Responsibility
As we approach the end of Term 3, we need to take a moment to speak openly about school fees. These contributions are not simply a financial transaction; they are what enable us to provide the rich learning environment, dedicated staff and resources that every child at St Kevin’s deserves.
At present, our collection rate is alarmingly low. This is not sustainable. When families delay or neglect payment altogether, it places significant strain on our budget and, by extension, the opportunities we can provide for our students. In short, when fees are not honoured, the whole community feels the impact.
I am deeply conscious that some families are facing genuine financial difficulty. Please know we will always make space for compassionate conversations and arrangements to be made. Reaching out and working with us is not only welcomed, it is the right thing to do. Ignoring the responsibility, however, is not an option.
We must be careful not to allow a culture of non-payment to take hold. Our school thrives when every family does its part, contributing according to their means and keeping the circle of support strong. This is not about obligation alone, it is about fairness, equity and ensuring that every child continues to benefit from the high-quality Catholic education that has been entrusted to us.
I ask every family to reflect seriously on their current position. If you are able to pay your fees, please make this a priority. If you are struggling, please come and talk with us. Together, we can find a way forward.
Our children are worth it. Our community depends on it.
Calling All Helpers – Creativity Show Prep 🎨✨
Our Creativity Show in Term 4 is fast approaching, and we need some extra hands to help mount all the amazing student artwork. Think of it as being part of the “backstage crew” that makes the show possible!
The work will be supervised by our specialist teachers, but your support will help ensure every masterpiece is ready to shine. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek at some of the incredible art before anyone else, lucky you! 🎉
Dates you can join us:
Tuesday 9 September
Friday 12 September
Tuesday 16 September
Times available:
9:00 – 11:30 am
11:30 – 1:30 pm
2:20 – 3:20 pm
Or stay the whole day if you’re keen! 😍
Keen to help?
Please email one of us below with your preferred date and time:
Thank you for your support, these events simply wouldn’t be possible without the help of our wonderful parent community. Let’s make this a picture-perfect event together! 🖼️😊
SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday October 16
2025 St Kevin's Creativity Showcase
From here to infinity
Art exhibition, STEM showcase, Art critiques, Choir performance, Interactive art, Sausage sizzle
Admission tickets on sale soon
ALERT: GET READY FOR THE BEST SCHOOL DAY EVER!
Hi St Kevin's families,
We are holding a School Fun Run this year. We will be raising much-needed funds in the lead-up to our event for playgrounds and resources, with a target of $22,000, so we’re asking all families to pitch in!
We are super excited to announce that we will be holding our event on 10th October on the school oval!
What is the School Fun Run?
It is an online fundraising program where all families go home and create their own online profile. You then choose your target prizes and work towards hitting your target! In your profile, you will have a unique cyber safe link to share with your family and friends to donate to get you close to your target.
What do we need you to do?
All we need you to do this week is create an online profile at funrun.com.au. The class with the most profiles by the end of next week will all get an icy pole!
Also, in Week 1 of Term 4, keep an eye out for the Wristband Competition for a chance to win a $500 Prize Credit!
This is an inclusive fundraiser we would love you to be a part of! If you would like to come down and watch your kids run, we would love to see you there on Friday 10th October!
Thank you all in advance,
Mr Butler, Mrs Kydas and the P&F
Father's Day Stall - Thank you
Our P&F Fathers’ Day Stall was a great success and it was fantastic to see the students enjoying picking out a gift. Overall the P&F raised $2,403 and all profits will go to playgrounds and resources for the students.
Thanks to the following parents for all their generous help with the Fathers’ Day Stall. We couldn’t do it without you: Caryn Braude, Natalie Eyssens, Stephanie Gleeson, Kate Barlow, Kathryn Dizon, Shanelle Fairweather, Emma Cheheiber, Sarah Jane Love, Mandy Hallet and Trina Howarth.
Father's Day Afternoon Tea and Assembly
On Dad’s were invited to a special afternoon tea followed by an assembly with a special focus on Dads and dad jokes! Special thanks to the P&F and parents who helped set up, serve delicious, hot food and decorate our hall for the dads. Special thanks to parents: Mandy, Gloria, Viviane, Emma, Shanelle, Sarah Jane and Stephanie
Thanks to 3VP for singing us a great song with photos of the dads and kids and for all the lovely things they had to say about dads!
We also had some time for fun with dad jokes at the assembly! We started with the dads on staff and then asked the ‘parent dads’ to give us a joke! All around, it was so much fun; so a big thank you to all the dads for getting into the spirit of the day!
We wish all dads and father figures a Happy Fathers’ Day!
And here’s ONE last dad joke.
What did the butcher say when he introduced his wife?
Meat Patti
School Improvement Surveys - It's MACSSIS time!
Supporting One of Our Families
Over the weekend, one of our St Kevin’s families suffered a devastating house fire, losing everything. While they are safe and staying with friends, they face a very difficult journey ahead.
Kaitlyn (6TH) and her sister Rhea, a past student, are much-loved members of our community. If you are able, please consider contributing to their GoFundMe page. Every little bit helps as they begin to rebuild.
Most importantly, we ask you to keep this family in your thoughts and prayers, especially as Kaitlyn prepares to celebrate her Confirmation this weekend.
Education in Faith
This Week's Gospel Reflection – Luke 14:25–33
In this passage, Jesus tells the crowds that following Him isn’t always easy. He uses strong language about “carrying your cross” and counting the cost—like a builder who plans carefully before starting a tower, or a king who thinks before going into battle. His point is that discipleship requires commitment, not just enthusiasm in the moment.
The message:
Jesus invites us to put Him first in our lives, even when it means making tough choices or sacrifices. Faith is not just about words, but about action and perseverance.
How parents can engage children in this thinking:
Talk about choices: Ask your child about a time they had to choose between something easy and something right. What helped them decide?
Link to daily life: Share simple examples, like helping someone even when it’s inconvenient, or being honest even when it’s hard.
Reflect together: Pray as a family, asking Jesus to give you the strength to stay committed to what is good and loving.
By talking about the “cost” of following Jesus in everyday terms, children begin to see that discipleship is both challenging and rewarding.
Blessings for Our Grade 6s 🙏✨
Tomorrow, our Grade 6 students will gather at St Patrick’s Cathedral to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation—a significant step in their journey of faith.
Over recent weeks, they have been preparing with great thought and care. They have:
Explored the lives and virtues of the saints, choosing role models who inspire them to live with courage and compassion.
Listened to parish youth and leaders, who shared what it means to be faith-filled as they grow into young adulthood.
Reflected on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, learning how these can guide their choices and actions each day.
We are so proud of the way our students have embraced this time of preparation. Confirmation is not just a ceremony—it is a commitment to living as disciples of Christ, guided by the Spirit in all they do.
Please join us in keeping our Grade 6s in your prayers as they take this important step. May they always feel the Spirit’s presence lighting their way. 🌟
Learning & Teaching
Cybersafety
eSmart is hosting story time for you and your family!
Story time is a great way for parents and carers to start discussions about being safe and responsible online. Join the team from eSmart Schools as we share a story with your family on Wednesday, 19th September at 7pm.
Suitable for children aged between 4 and 9 years old. All registered parents and carers will receive parent and carer resources, to assist you in keeping your children safe, via email after the session.
Booking link: Wednesday, 19 September at 7pm
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to the eSmart helpdesk at eSmart@amf.org.au.
New xylophones are a hit!
We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generous support of our Parents and Friends Association (PFA), we have been able to purchase new xylophones for our Performing Arts lessons. These instruments will greatly enhance our music program, providing students with more hands-on learning opportunities and enriching their musical education. We deeply appreciate the PFA’s commitment to supporting our school and students.
Helping Children Become Confident Problem Solvers 🧩✨
Problem-solving is a skill for life, not just the classroom. When children learn how to approach challenges with curiosity and persistence, they grow in confidence and resilience. Here are a few simple ways you can support problem-solving at home:
Ask, don’t tell: Instead of giving answers straight away, ask guiding questions like “What do you think might work?” or “What have you tried already?”
Celebrate mistakes: Remind your child that mistakes are part of learning. Talk about what didn’t work and what they learned from it.
Think out loud: Show your own problem-solving steps aloud—whether it’s fixing something at home or planning a meal—so children see the process in action.
Break it down: Encourage them to tackle big problems in smaller steps. Small wins build momentum!
Stay patient: Allow children time to wrestle with challenges, even if it takes longer. The process is more valuable than the quick fix.
By practising these habits together, you’ll help your child grow into a flexible thinker who sees challenges as opportunities. 🌟
Did You Know? 🤔 – The Victorian Curriculum 2.0
The Victorian Curriculum is what guides all teaching and learning in schools across our state. This year, an updated version—Victorian Curriculum 2.0—is being introduced. So, what does that mean for your child?
Clearer pathways: The new curriculum is designed to make it easier for teachers (and parents) to see how learning builds from one year to the next.
Future-focused skills: Alongside core subjects like English and Mathematics, it places stronger emphasis on problem solving, creativity, critical thinking and digital skills—helping students prepare for the world they’re growing into.
Wellbeing and inclusion: It recognises the importance of social and emotional learning, ensuring every child’s development is supported in a balanced way.
Practical application: Students will have more opportunities to connect their learning to real-world issues and challenges.
At St Kevin’s, we’re already working with the updated curriculum to make sure your children are not only meeting expectations for their year level but also thriving as learners for life. 🌟
Student Wellbeing
Understanding Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Education 🌱
You may have heard of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs—a simple but powerful way of thinking about what humans need in order to learn and thrive. It’s usually shown as a pyramid, with the most basic needs at the bottom and higher needs at the top.
Here’s what it looks like in plain English:
Basic needs – things like food, water, sleep and safety.
Belonging and connection – feeling loved, supported and part of a group.
Confidence and self-esteem – believing in yourself and knowing your efforts matter.
Learning and creativity – the space to grow, solve problems, and reach your full potential.
The idea is simple: if a child’s basic needs aren’t met, it’s much harder for them to focus on learning. For example, a hungry or anxious student will struggle to concentrate on a maths problem until those needs are addressed.
Why this matters for educators:
Teachers keep Maslow’s model in mind to ensure classrooms are safe, supportive and welcoming.
Schools work to create a sense of belonging, so students know they are valued members of the community.
By supporting wellbeing, confidence and connection, we open the door for genuine learning and creativity to flourish.
At St Kevin’s, we recognise that education is not just about academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child. By meeting needs step by step, we help every student grow into the best version of themselves. 🌟
Community
