No19. Term 4, Week 7, 17th November 2021
Principal's News
There are times in a community that the best really shines through. We certainly have had many of these in recent times and the events of the last few weeks in particular, demonstrate why we truly are part of a blessed community.
As you would know, on Thursday evening we were informed of the unfortunate news that two unconnected students had tested positive for COVID19 and had spent some time at school while they were potentially infectious. As parents, we never want to see any of our children unwell, so it is not surprising that as this news spread, so did uncertainty and perhaps some element of fear. Whilst these are all valid and understandable responses, everyone has stepped up to look after each other and do what needs to be done. This is something our community must be commended on. Thank you!
There is not much more I can say that hasn't been said before about how privileged we are to have such amazing staff too. As always they all played a vital role in making sure things kept moving forward. It really is remarkable how our staff are able to drop what they are doing to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others is the primary focus. Another example of what amazing educators we have in our community. Thank you!
Our students too. What a resilient bunch! Our children continue to come to school each day and engage in their learning, trusting that our school is a safe place to be. Whilst some of their peers yet again entered a period of remote learning and have taken this in their stride and understood that this is the situation they are in. Finding what positive they can to ensure they can make the most of what they have. Thank you!
Just so you know, when we are informed of a positive case in our school, we have a clearly defined protocol that is activated immediately and followed through. This begins with informing MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) and following a procedure to identify who the close contacts are and cross-checking to ensure no one was missed. A database is set up which is sent to the Department of Health who then follow up as required in the days that follow. This made up one part of our communication as we then notified all involved via SZ-App, email, Operoo or phone. Then we monitor contacts and cases to ensure no further transmission has occurred and that all affected families are supported and getting their Covid tests done in a timely manner.
I am sure you can imagine this takes a lot of time and energy on the part of school leadership and admin and we thank all the families and staff that have sent through their test results promptly. I am pleased to say that as it stands now, we have had 100% negative results. Even more pleasing is that despite a total of four cases being in the school for a combined total of 8 days since the beginning of term, we have not had a single case of transmission of the virus within our school. This truly is a reflection on the COVID safe practices that we all follow so closely.
With the rising rates of vaccination taking place across our city we anticipate that some changes will be made to our Covid-safe settings in the coming few days. Please be sure to monitor SZ-App and emails for these updates, so you can be informed. As you know, things can change very fast these days.
In closing, I ask you to spare a thought for our year 4 and 5s who will be receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time at one of the four Masses taking place over the next two Saturdays. As they do so, we pray that our Lord's blessings be upon them and that He will guide them on the right path.
God bless,
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Important COVID-19 Information
Due to the high cases of COVID-19 at the moment, the Department of Health (DH) is having difficulty keeping up with contact tracing and notifying people of outbreaks and whether they are deemed as a close contact.
In cases where there is an exposure in our school, it is the Principal's role, with the support of MACS to manage the outbreak. Therefore, it is extremely important that if ANYONE in your immediate family:
- tests COVID-19 positive
- has a COVID-19 test
- is deemed as a primary contact and is self-isolating
- a secondary contact
The Principal MUST BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY either via phone or email (principal@skhamptonpark.catholic.edu.au if after school hours). The sooner the Principal is notified, the quicker we can reduce the spread of the virus.
Chess Kids
While we were still in lockdown and learning from home, some students represented our school in a zonal Chess competition run by Northern Star Chess. St. Kevin's was the overall winner on the day and we have been presented with a trophy for the 2021 Zonal competition. We congratulate the students who participated in the competition and wish all the students who qualified for finals good luck in the finals!
No Hat No Play
Just a reminder that we are now in Term 4 and school hats MUST be worn:
- travelling home from school
- during outside break times
- during outside lessons
If your child does not have a school hat, a new one will need to be purchased from the office. We are enforcing our Sunsmart policy rule of "NO HAT, NO PLAY!". Thank you to all our families for their continued support and wanting the best for their children and our school. We couldn’t do what we do without your support.
SZapp. Do you have it?
Have you updated your phone recently? Are you new to St. Kevin's? Click the link below for instructions on how to download SZapp. This app is a vital medium for communicating important information to families. Feel free to post any questions or queries below, should you need any assistance with setting the app up on your phone.
Student Safety
Thank you to all our families who have adapted to the staggered finish times. This is one of the strategies we must have in place for the school to be operational and ensure we are reducing large gatherings. As there are more children and families walking on our footpaths and in the pickup zones, please be vigilant when driving in the school and ensure that you maintain safe speeds and awareness of your position on the road.
In recent weeks we have noticed that many younger siblings in cars have not been seated correctly in an appropriate seat or even buckled in. Parents are reminded that it is mandatory for children to be appropriately restrained in vehicles at all times and not doing so places your children's safety and potentially your bank balance at risk.
What's new in Year 1/2
Since being back at school, the 1/2 students have been developing their handwriting skills. In order to develop handwriting skills, it is essential that students have core strength and postural control. The 1/2's have been participating in different core strength and hand/finger strengthening exercises to assist with letter formation.
If a child does not have a strong core, this will affect their head position – shoulder position – elbow position – wrist position – finger position.
The 1/2's have also been working on their fine motor skills. Fine motor skills involve the use of the smaller muscles of the hands, commonly used in activities such as cutting, handwriting, doing buttons, playing with lego and opening lunchboxes.
Check out how the 1/2's have been going…
2022 School Fees and Levies
After freezing the fees and levies from 2020 - 2021, an increase for 2022 is unavoidable if we are to avoid impacting on curriculum programs. The School Advisory Committee agreed that at this time an increase of about 2% is a modest but appropriate amount. Below is an outline of the fees and levies for 2022 that reflect this adjustment.
In 2022, we will also be introducing a Concessional Fee Policy that will mean that eligible families will be able to take advantage of some significant discounts. More information about this will be shared with families soon.
Below is a table of fees and levies in 2022:
In addition:
- $179 Building & Maintenance Levy
- $120 Swimming charge (per child) for Prep - Yr4
- $40 Sleepover incursion for Yr 4
- $320 Camp charge for Yr5/6
- $33 Sacramental Levy (per child) for Yr 3,4,& 6
- $50 of Buildings & Maintenance Levy can be rebated back for all families when they attend 1 working bee.
Seniors Softball Incursion
Last Thursday, the rain held off and the Seniors were lucky enough to participate in a Softball Incursion. After warming up by playing a few games of ‘Rob the Nest’, we practised our throwing and catching skills before learning how to play a modified game of softball.
5/6 Softball
National Gallery of Victoria
Last Friday, the whole school was treated to a Mask Making Workshop brought to us by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Each level had an hour long workshop which was streamed into their classrooms with all materials provided. The children saw a few different masks and learnt how and why they are used in different cultural settings. They also explored when they themselves might wear a mask and how that might look. The children were encouraged to use a variety of colours, patterns, shapes and materials to tell their stories. The children had a fun time learning about masks and then making their own.
Our school is part of the NGV’s Outreach Program to bring school children and the gallery closer together. The NGV is now open again and is eager to welcome visitors through. Entry to the NGV and NGV Australia is absolutely free and has three levels of treasures to explore. There are of course some ticketed areas for special exhibitions. An easy walk from Flinders Street Station this may be a fun holiday activity to consider for your family.
Here are some photographs of the perfect wet weather, mask making fun!
NGV
Community News
