No 17. Term 3 Week 6, 19th August 2020
Principal's News
Welcome to our latest newsletter, which brings us to the middle of term 3. By now, we are well and truly settled into this term of Remote Learning where everyone has seemingly found a workable rythm to their day and an understanding of what to expect as we continue. It is true that the current circumstances of our ongoing health crisis remain tentative but the signs of declining transmission rates provide us with hope that we have seen the worst of this terrible disease.
So it is with optimism that I encourage you to 'stay the course'. Maintain your vigilance and cooperate by abiding by the restrictions and minimising contact with your outside world. We aren't going anywhere, and because of the continued support from you our families and the strengthening partnership we continue to enjoy, we will be sure to see every child flourish despite their physical location.
We know that for many of you, the drain on your mental and emotional state will be taking it's toll. If this is you, please reach out for support BEFORE it becomes overwhelming. There is much we can do to help and there is no shame in asking even the smallest questions. That's what we are here for. never forget... at St. Kevin's we stand together. Hang in there legends!
God bless,
Jason Micallef
Principal
Happy Anniversary Father Des!
Wishing Fr. Des a Blessed 41st Anniversary of his Ordination this week! On behalf of all the school community, we thank you for your faith leadership which has helped us to grow, despite the uncertainty and challenges of this year. May the grace of the Lord be your ever-present inspiration and guide as you nourish your flock with the Word, strengthen us with the Sacraments and lead us deeper into the mystery of our faith.
Community Prayer
It is so important to find opportunities for our community to come together as one. One way we are achieving this is through our weekly Community Prayer event. Held every Tuesday at 1pm. So far, we have had two Community Prayer events and they have been very successful with over 100 separate connections to each.
Be on the lookout for the link to this live event. The link will be posted for students on their class Google Classroom or Seesaw page and we will share the link with families via SZapp.
Covid-19 Update
As we still have some students and staff onsite, as a school we are committed to ensuring that our school is a safe environment for all. Students and staff are:
- washing hands regularly
- coughing and sneezing into their elbow
- not touching one another e.g. holding hands, hugging, giving high fives etc
- high touch surfaces in the classroom and throughout the whole school are being cleaned regularly
- limiting the socialisation of people in large groups e.g. spreading ourselves out in classrooms and play areas
- staff wearing face coverings when not in the act of teaching
Despite the dropping daily transmission rate, I strongly encourage parents and families to continue these practices at home and school, especially staying home. Now is not the time to relax if we wish for restrictions to begin easing.
Finally, if at any time a child or a family member of the child who is attending school:
- comes in contact with a person who has COVID-19
- is tested for COVID-19
- tests positive to COVID-19
...the school must be notified immediately so we can implement our emergency safety plan.
St. Kevin's Re-Usable Masks are almost here!
There have been some delays in receiving our order of masks but I am pleased to say, we will be receiving our first batch before the end of this week! Our first batch will be one size only and be suitable for students in all year levels. The cost is $7.50 each (which includes delivery) and limited to one per student (to begin with). Instructions on how to order and purchase these through Caremonkey will be provided in the coming days. If there is demand for adult sizes, we will investigate this for the second batch.
Congratulations Mrs Donald
It is with great joy that we announce to our community, that last Thursday, Mrs Donald gave birth to a beautiful son named James Stanlee Donald. Congratulations Alana and Kris. James is truly a reminder that there is still much to rejoice for in our world.
Thankyou
A huge thankyou to all our families who are diligently ensuring that students attend and engage in the Remote Learning Program every day. During this extended period of time away from school, it is vital that all children continue to focus on their growth and progress as learners and we are so grateful to have you the parents and carers, working in partnership with us to ensure this happens. In the event that your child cannot participate on any given day for any reason, please just let us now via SZapp in the morning.
Bedtime Stories Are Back!
That's right! Join us on the St. Kevin's Facebook Page every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm, for a bedtime story presented by a mystery staff member. It's been so exciting to have this great event return and we really enjoy reading all the lovely comments that families are posting.
Connecting Friends
Many of our students have expressed how challenging it has been to be apart from their friends for so long. No doubt as adults many of us feel the same way. So being creative with maintaining those relationships is vitally important. After all, we know how important our friendships are in a crisis.
Many things have already been put in place by our teachers and possibly by parents too. But be on the lookout for a few interesting activities coming up in each of our levels. For example:
- Prep: Tea and talk for parents, Prep 100 days at school disco, story time afternoons.
- 1/2: Lego showcase, guided drawing, disco, fitness, some children were even invited to attend a coding club
- 3/4 Chess Tournament and more
- 5/6 Chess Tournament, Social Meets and more
Make sure you stay in the loop about these important but fun events happening in your child's level. They aren't compulsory, but if your child is missing their frends, this might be one thing to help them keep their relationships alive and well.
Farewell Allan
It is with great sadness that we share with you of the news that our School Crossing Supervisor Allan Bryan who worked on the lights on Hallam Road passed away earlier this week after suffering a heart attack. Allan worked in this role for 14 years and was dedicated and passionate about his role and will be greatly missed.
Chaplain's Chats
Each week, Maureen Flanagan our school's chaplain provides us with valuable advice and suggestions on how to manage a range of challenging situations families may be experiencing during this extended lockdown period. So far, Maureen has tackled two important areas:
- Online gaming
- Devices and sleep
With more useful tips to come, be sure to watch our Chaplain's Chats each Monday, where they will be posted to Facebook. Don't forget to leave a comment too, to let Maureen know what you think of her chats or provide suggestions on what topics to cover.
If you missed the first two videos or would like to see them again, have a look below.