No 18. Term 4 Week 3, 21st October 2022
From the Principal
Hello families!
Next week, all over Australia, we will be celebrating World Teachers Day. It is the day of the year we honour teachers and recognise their contributions. Teaching has to be the most exciting, fulfilling, exhausting, overwhelming, incredible job that exists. That is a bold statement, yes. However, it is true..
No two days are ever the same and once a teacher sets foot in the classroom, they put everything going on in their own life on hold so that they can be present, so that they can nurture the minds and hearts that are depending on them. When they are out of the classroom, they continue to think of those faces. They are teachers 25 hours a day, 8 days a week and 366 days a year. Before and after bells ring they work long hours correcting, planning, developing curriculum, meeting with parents, collaborating with colleagues, counselling and coaching students, looking for resources, recording data, mediating, attending meetings, consulting with specialists, researching, reflecting and thinking and thinking and thinking about those cherished students they call their own.
Teachers are keepers of knowledge. Guardians of emotions. Selfless nurturers of the human spirit. Architects of confidence. Life rafts for when the going gets rough, as it invariably does. They are a source of trust, reliability and hope.
One day their students will become oncologists, mechanical engineers, children’s book authors, CEOs, sports coaches, volunteers, artists, and a bunch of other roles that do not even yet exist. Teachers know that part of their purpose is to prepare others to find theirs. And while they get a thrill thinking about and knowing that they played a hand in their students’ future, they are also the person who helps them get through each day and keeps them coming back for more.
Some days are filled with joyful triumph. Other days they struggle to push through. Nevertheless teachers love what they do; they have to. They keep on going because teaching is their gift — and those connections they make, those lessons they impart and their get-up-and-go attitude is what reminds our world of what’s good, what’s honest, and what’s important. This work is what is needed in our world; teachers play such a crucial part of what brightens everyone’s outlook, and improves it day by day.
So, to all of the teachers of St. Kevin’s, thank you. On behalf of the parents, students and especially from me, thank you for your dedication, heart, expertise, and courage. You do one of the hardest and most important jobs in the world, directly impacting and inspiring thousands of lives over the course of your career. Thank you for caring about each and every student and for being a role model that anyone—no matter what age—can look up to.
Teachers deserve to be celebrated and we wish them a happy World Teachers’ Day next week.
How being a teacher is like being a rock star...
You work hard to hold the attention of a distracted and restless crowd.
You hear your name being called out all the time.
Groupies line up to follow you wherever you go.
Your fans freak out when they see you in public.
You fear hearing ‘crickets’ after a performance.
You ask yourself daily, “Am I crazy or did that really just happen?”
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Upcoming School Closure Days
Monday October 31 is a student free day. The school will be closed on this day.
Tuesday November 1 is the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday.
Prayer for all affected by flood
In Psalm 46 we read these words of encouragement and comfort:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble
Almighty God,
Creator and preserver of our world. We ask you to hear our humble prayers for all those affected by the terrible floodwaters throughout Victoria. We pray for all threatened by floodwaters in city and rural areas. Protect both life and property. In your mercy, bring relief to affected areas.
We pray for the sick, the injured and the homeless. Have compassion in the midst of suffering, comforting and relieving men, women and children according to their needs.
Give courage and hope in the midst of despair. Through the generosity of the government and individuals, provide a future for those whose present circumstances are marked by loss and desperation. Grant wisdom to those who assist, especially government leaders, our State Emergency Service, other emergency workers and aid agencies. And by your gracious hand, rebuild communities where men, women and children are nurtured with care and love.
At this time, may those without genuine peace find true hope in Your Son, Jesus.
In His name, we pray. AMEN.
2023 Prep Orientation
Prep Orientation is an exciting and enjoyable lead up to the start of school, which each Prep child will remember as the special time when St. Kevin's became ‘their school’.
Our newest and littlest members of our school begin their transition into Prep with a special Information Night for their parents. At the Information Night, which takes place next Tuesday October 25 at 7pm, we will discuss the most frequently asked questions and provide an overview of the year ahead. Perhaps the most important and frequent question to be asked is who will be the Prep teachers for 2023? Well, I am pleased and excited to provide that answer for our whole community right now.
- Mrs Kydas and Mrs Blake will share PKK,
- Miss Fernandez (soon to be Mrs Talia) joins the team and will teach PTA
- Miss Hazlett will teach PHA
- Miss Mendes also joins the team to teach PME
- Mrs Borthwick will continue in her role as a support teacher for all four classes.
Introducing the Prep Teaching Team of 2023
Following the Information Night, our 2023 Prep children will attend three onsite sessions at school on:
Friday November 4, 9:15 - 10:30am
Friday November 11, 9:15 - 10:30am
Friday November 18, 9:15 - 10:30am
The sessions focus on establishing a rapport with the teachers and leadership team, and getting to know new friends.
School Fees
Parents, pleased be advised that School Fee Statements are currently being issued to all families. Thank you to all our families that have finalised their accounts for this year. If you have not yet paid your fees and are not on an approved payment plan, please do so by the end of October. This will help us to plan for the 2023 school year with confidence, as we consider what curriculum programs and resources we may require.
As always, if you are experiencing financial hardship, we ask that you please speak with Mr Micallef. There are often many things that can be done to make things easier and alleviate any stress these expenses may cause. It all starts with a conversation.
It's Summer Uniform Time
A friendly reminder that all students need to be dressed in summer uniform now. This includes hats, which need to be worn between 10am and 4pm whenever students are outside.
Please be mindful that girls are not permitted to wear leggings, tights or tracksuit pants under their school dress and no students should be wearing their sport uniform on any day they do not have Physical Education or are participating in Sport.
We are grateful to families for complying with our strict standards of dress to ensure we show and demonstrate the pride we have in our amazing school.
Staff News
Fond Farewells
As we approach the end of each school year, we occasionally have to face the reality of saying good-bye to some of our friends and colleagues. While farewells are never easy, we are thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such amazing educators. At the end of 2022, we will be saying farewell (even if only for a short time) to the following staff members, all of whom have made a positive impact on our school community and we wish them all the best.
Maureen Flanagan our school counsellor, has been a part of our school for four years and is beginning a new chapter in her career at a school closer to Geelong. Maureen will finish up in mid November before taking some much deserved time off.
Cath Pryn, one of our Literacy Intervention teachers is currently on leave but will also be retiring at the end of this year. Cath has been a member of our team since 2018.
Carol Williams is currently a support teacher in Year 3/4 and will be retiring at the end of 2022. Carol has been a member of our teaching team for 16 years. We expect that Carol will not be too far away though and hope to see her in supporting children at St. Kevin's as a casual relief teacher in 2023.
Karen Mackay, a Learning Support Officer at St. Kevin's since 2005 has also made the difficult decison to retire.
Coralee Brobyn, will be commencing matenity leave at the end of the year as she looks forward to welcoming her second child in early 2023. God willing, Mrs Brobyn will return in 2024.
Caitlin McLeod will also be moving on at the end of the year as she spreads her wings to take on a teaching role at St. Agatha's in Cranbourne. Miss McLeod has been a much loved teacher at St. Kevin's since 2011.
Congratulations Miss Fernandez!
Who after a short break will return to school no longer as Miss Fernandez but as Mrs Talia. That's right, Miss Fernandez is getting married! So, we wish her and her partner Frank all the best as they celebrate that most joyous sacrament of marriage in just over a week and a lifetime of happiness together.
Congratulations Mrs McGookin!
Mrs McGookin proudly announces to our community that she is expecting her first child. This is wonderful news and we wish her and her husband all the best as they prepare to welcome a new bundle of joy into their lives. Mrs McGookin is due in early 2023 but will be able to return for the start of the school year for a little while before commencing maternity leave.
Now Hiring for 2023!
St. Kevin's is currently looking to employ several Learning Support Officers and a School Nurse to join our team in 2023.
For more information, see below:
School Nurse
An exciting opportunity exists for a School Nurse to join St. Kevin's. The position is part time and perfect for someone who can only work school hours. Scheduled hours are intended to be Monday - Friday 10.30 am - 2.45 pm. Commencing at the start of the 2023 school year. Salary range is ES Level 2 - 3 VCEMEA 2018 (TBC: dependent on qualifications)
The primary responsibilities of our school nurse will be focused on ensuring the wellbeing of all students from Prep through to Year 6 and more broadly supporting and educating the school community. The role also includes data entry and any other administrative tasks required.
Special Requirements
The successful applicant should:
- have a current practicing and enrolled / registered General Nurse certificate
- have current CPR and Senior First Aid certificate
- be committed to child safety, to maintaining best practices to ensure this and to ongoing evaluation of these practices
- have read and be committed to maintaining the standards as set out in our Child Safe Code of Conduct
- have experience in schools, working with young primary aged children is advantageous
- have clear and professional communication skills and an ability to build relationships with a range of people and groups within the School Community
- have a friendly, kind and courteous manner
- have the ability to think clearly and to remain calm when under pressure
- have honesty, patience and a sense of humour
- have the ability to maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality
To apply: Please submit a cover letter, current CV / resume including the names of 2 referees by email to principal@skhamptonark.catholic.edu.au
Learning Support Officer
St. Kevin's is proud of our inclusive and multicultural school where all families are welcomed and all students are encouraged to thrive. We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic part-time Learning Support Officers (LSO) to join our learning community and assist our students from the start of the 2023 school year. Hours are flexible by negotiation but we prefer applicants who would be available on each day of the week.
Special requirements:
- Commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children
- Strong commitment to the Catholic faith and Catholic identity of the school
- Working With Children Check
- Current Police Check
- Experience and confidence in working with neuro-diverse students (Such as ASD, ADHD, ID, etc)
- Certificate lll and/or Certificate lV in Education Support
To apply: Please submit a cover letter, current CV / resume including the names of 2 referees by email to principal@skhamptonark.catholic.edu.au
Crazy Sock Day is back !!
Our students have been learning about the work of Catholic Mission this month. Being “Mission Month”, our Social Justice Student Leaders will hold a fundraiser. We ask all students to support their efforts and wear Crazy Socks and bring a gold coin donation. All student donations will enter each child into a raffle to win “CRAZY SOCKS” that the Social Justice Leaders have purchased as prizes.
See attached flyer and please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia (the country Catholic Mission is supporting). All profits raised will be donated to Catholic Mission on behalf of our families. Thanking you in advance for your support and generosity.
Coralee Brobyn and the Social Justice Leaders.
Colour Fun Run
What a great day we all had at the School Fun Run! Congratulations to all our students, parents and teachers who got out there and made our day such a blast! A huge thank you to the Braude, Dizon, Bauluck, Scurville, Chandrasekera, Payet, Hallett, Wallace, Ocampo, Legeant and Baddeliyanage families who assisted on the day, we definitely could not have done this without you.
It is an exciting time as we now get to focus on the prizes you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
We are still fundraising until next Monday October 24, so please keep fundraising. If you have already hit your fundraising target, why not increase it and either get a better prize, or a 2nd prize? Please note cash donations are not currently being accepted.
Prize ordering is now open so log on to your profile page at schoolfunrun.com.au to order your prize. All prizes must be ordered by Monday October 24. This allows time for ordering and delivery to school before the end of the year.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have selected a ‘Goal’ prize, this will not be ordered for you – you still need to log on to order your prize.
Student Placement 2023
One of the important tasks we will undertake very shortly is the creation of 2023 class lists. This is a very complex yet important task as we aim to create well-balanced communities of learning.
Some of the factors considered when allocating students to classes include:
(a) Balanced number of boys and girls
(b) Even distribution of academic needs
(c) Social compatibility (avoiding potential conflicts between individuals or groups of students)
(f) Students with particular learning needs or behavioural concerns
(g) Varying degrees of independence and maturity
(h) The separation of twins and other siblings.
In essence, we take this task very seriously and take the time to discuss every single student's needs before they are placed. We ask that parents please trust the school’s judgement and professionalism in making a decision that is in each child’s best interest.
Parents can help us in this endeavour by communicating any relevant information that might help us to achieve our intention to create balanced learning groups. If this is the case, please contact Mr Micallef by email, no later than by Tuesday November 1st to share what you know. Please note that this is not an opportunity to make requests for where a child is to be placed. Rather, we would appreciate information that might help us to make the decision.
It's Bike-Ed Time for Year 3-6!
The Bike Ed program is an extra-curricular program that is run each year by teachers. The program gives all students from Prep to Year 6, the opportunity to learn about safe riding behaviours, road rules and riding in a shared environment. Bike Ed uses practical lessons to ensure riders have the physical abilities to ride safely and older students to ride independently... and it's lots of fun!
What is happening in year 5/6?
The 5/6s have been using ‘thinking classroom’ strategies to enhance our mathematics lessons. We have been working in groups of 3 to explore problem solving strategies for a maths problem. We work together to record our ideas on vertical whiteboards so that we are able to see one another's thinking and can make easy changes and corrections as we learn. We then share our strategies and solutions with our classmates so that we can learn from one another before we are given a follow up problem to solve independently. Working together has helped us to talk about our learning more often and to practice explaining our thinking and checking our solutions. We have found that there is a lot of energy in our maths classes using these strategies and we feel more positive about learning in mathematics. We are finding that hearing other people’s strategies is helping our own thinking and giving us more for our ‘maths toolbox’ when we solve problems.
This term our focus has been to build on our understanding of fractions, decimals and percentages. In the photos below you will notice that we are exploring number patterns and connections which help us to solve more complex problems.
