No 20. Term 4 Week 7, 18th November 2022

Principal News

We are blessed to be part of a faith tradition that offers us an alternative way of living the calendar. Obviously, we all have to use the normal calendar for everyday events. It helps us to be able to plan and remember important events effectively, meet and cooperate with others and fulfil our responsibilities in a punctual manner. Our day to day calendar is invaluable for that. But our faith tradition gives us a spiritual calendar which runs concurrently with our regular calendar and focuses on our spiritual life. This is a cycle that is deliberate, taking us through seasons, ever the same but always with the purpose of renewing us internally. We call this our liturgical calendar. Many great faiths also have their own calendars and celebrate feasts and seasons throughout the year just as we Christians do, take for example Diwali that our Hindu friends have just recently celebrated.

Just like other faiths, as Catholics we too can travel anywhere in the world and know that the seasons of the liturgical calendar are the same in every Catholic church in every village and city and in every country. We can walk into any church and see the colours and signs and symbols that unite us in the spiritual expression of our faith. As we move from the month of November into December, the church offers us a special time to remember some important events in our faith tradition.

The month long event starting on Sunday November 27 marks the beginning of the Season of Advent. Advent is a significant time in our liturgical calendar and is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

It’s no coincidence I think that Advent calls on us in what might be considered a counterintuitive way. After all, we live in such a fast paced, instant world. We turn on our TVs and watch the movies we want – on demand. We expect service and want what we want, for when we want it. Waiting, especially patient waiting, is not something we do well, especially at this time of year. In this fast paced, somewhat instant world, Advent is extremely radical and different but also as equally important. These coming four weeks call us to focus on waiting – patiently – for the Lord. Instead of instant results and rapid fulfillment, we are called to yearn and have a prolific expectation for the Lord. 

We need Advent, and we need the Lord. How can you use these days to strengthen your patience and develop a real sense of expectation? How can you mark out these four weeks by seeking what is most important in our lives – the Lord? 

Enter into these radical days that call us to a better, holier way – patience – peace – expectation – yearning for the Lord. Our parish and school has wonderful opportunities to help each of us use these days well in prayer and service. Our prayer and focus this season is simple – Lord, we WAIT for You. 

God bless you and your loved ones in these holy days.

Jason Micallef

Principal

Working Bee Reminder

Attendance matters

Over the last few weeks we have noticed a significant increase in the amount of children's learning entitlement being put at risk by either frequently being late for school, being frequently picked up early or are on extended holidays during the term.

Early pickups

Sometimes an early collection of students from school is completely understandable. Medical specialist appointments and family emergencies are often unavoidable and require children to be collected early.  If you feel the need to collect your child early or any other reason, parents should contact Mr. Micallef first for clarification. 

Late arrivals

The weather has certainly impacted the flow of traffic to a large extent lately so it is understandable that some children will arrive after the 9am bell. We ask that wherever possible, parents please make allowances for potential issues and consider leaving home a few minutes early. Those first few minutes of the day are critical opportunities for students to feel ready for the day and know what is expected of them. 

Taking Holidays During the Term

The last few years have definitely made it harder for families to connect, so wishing to fly overseas or interstate to see them is understandable. However, extended breaks away from school need to be considered and approved by Mr. Micallef before plans are made to ensure your children's learning isn't unnecessarily disadvantaged.

2023 School fees and levies

School fee and levy charges for 2023 are now available and provided for families below. There is a  slight increase in charges from 2022 as a result of rises in the costs of services and resources however we have made sure that the increase is as minimal as possible.

Statements will be issued in early 2023 and families will have the option to pay accounts in full or arrange for a payment plan. Generous concessions may also be available for parents who hold certain Health Care Cards. Please see the office for more information.

*$50 of Buildings & Maintenance Levy can be rebated back for all families when they attend 1 working bee.

Covid-19 RAT Kit Distribution

We have noticed a gentle increase in the number of reported Covid-19 cases within the school. Given the news that there is the likelihood of another wave on the way, we will be sending home RAT kits with students early next week.

Please be sure to have your child take the test if they are displaying any flu-like symptoms and stay home if unwell. Students with hayfever-related symptoms may still attend school as long as they test negative on a RAT.

Should your child test positive, please be sure to let us know so that we can adequately support you.

Catholic Mission Colouring Competition

Critical & Creative Thinking

Throughout this term, our grade 1/2 students have been having fun exploring a variety of board and card games through play, while observing and engaging in conversations about game features. 

In the coming weeks, students will work collaboratively in groups to plan and create either a board or card game with a Christmas theme. In our last lesson for the year, the games created will be enjoyed by each class rotating to play games created by their peers.

Here’s what some students from 1/2SA said about games:

‘Games have a title.’ (Elizabeth)

‘Titles need to match the theme of the game.’ (Aria)

‘I’m looking forward to making a Christmas game and playing it.’ (Ira)

‘I’m looking forward to making a spinner to show how many places a player can move.’ (Christiano)

‘I’m looking forward to writing the instructions and using my brain to create and have fun with my group’s game creation.’ (Aria)

Congratulations to our Maths Olympians

Congratulations to the following students who represented St. Kevin's in the annual Australiasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad competition. This competition consists of 5 individual contests and the students compete against other students from Australia and New Zealand. 

A special acknowledgment is owed to Ekamjot who was awarded the trophy for the highest score in our school and ranked in the top 25% of all students. This year's competition was very close as Ekamjot was only one point ahead of Nadine, Kevin and Aaron.

All the students worked hard, showing persistence and enthusiasm as they tackled the challenging problems. No doubt, they are feeling very proud of their effort as we all are of them. Well done team! It was a lot of fun working with you all.

Mrs McMaster

Beleza - 20% off until 19th November 2022