No 8. Term 2 Week 5, 26th May 2023

Principal's News

Hello St. Kevin's family.

As we enter the colder months, I wanted to take a moment to remind our school community about the importance of self-care and maintaining a positive outlook. Winter brings with it shorter days and less exposure to sunlight, which can sometimes leave us feeling down and affect our moods. It is during these times that we need to prioritise self-care and nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits.

In the spirit of Catholic Social Teachings, we recognise that caring for oneself is as essential as caring for others. Just as we are called to love and serve one another, we must also extend that love and care to ourselves. Taking time to engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment, such as reading, painting, or playing sports, can help us recharge and maintain a positive mindset.

Did you know that the lack of sunlight in winter can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D? This can sometimes manifest as feeling grumpy or impatient. By making conscious efforts to incorporate vitamin D-rich foods, like fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products, into our diets, we can boost our mood and overall well-being.

Remember, optimism is a choice we make each day. Let us embrace this season as an opportunity for personal growth and reflection. When we practice self-care, we not only become happier and more resilient individuals, but we also inspire and uplift those around us.

In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." Let us heed these words and strive to nurture ourselves and radiate positivity, even during the coldest of days.

May this winter season be a time of self-discovery, renewed energy, and unwavering hope. Together, let us embrace self-care, kindle optimism, and continue to live out our Catholic values in all that we do.

Wishing you all a blessed winter season.

Warm regards,

Jason Micallef,
Principal

Safety first in the Carpark

As we strive to maintain a safe and secure environment for our entire school community, we kindly remind parents to prioritise safety when using our school carpark. With the increasing number of vehicles during drop-off and pick-up times, it is crucial that we all remain vigilant and follow our reasonable expectations.

Please remember to:

1. Drive at a controlled speed: Slow down and be cautious when navigating the carpark area, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and other vehicles.

2. Park responsibly: Utilise designated parking spaces and avoid blocking access points or emergency exits. There is no parking in the staff carpark or behind the church without a permit.

3. Be patient and considerate: Maintain a calm and respectful demeanour when waiting or maneuvering within the carpark, ensuring a positive atmosphere for everyone.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can collectively create a safe and harmonious environment for our students and families. Thank you for your cooperation in promoting a culture of safety within our school community.

The Feast of Pentecost

As we approach the vibrant feast of Pentecost this weekend, it is essential to reflect on its significance and how it holds relevance in our lives as parents and educators in a Catholic school community. Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, empowering them with courage, wisdom, and a renewed sense of purpose. This feast not only commemorates a historical event but also carries profound spiritual meaning for us today.

Pentecost reminds us of the vital role the Holy Spirit plays in our lives, guiding and inspiring us to be true disciples of Christ. As parents and educators, we have the opportunity to embrace the spirit of Pentecost and nurture its essence within our families and classrooms. Here are some practical suggestions to help us engage in activities that benefit from reflecting on this feast day:

1. Family Prayer: Set aside special moments for prayer as a family. Gather together, light a candle, and invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within your home. Pray for guidance, wisdom, and unity.

2. Acts of Kindness: Encourage your children to perform acts of kindness, such as helping a sibling or neighbour, volunteering, or reaching out to someone in need. These acts reflect the love and compassion inspired by the Holy Spirit.

3. Reflect on Scripture: Read and discuss the biblical account of Pentecost with your children. Talk about the significance of the Holy Spirit and how it can empower us to make positive changes in our lives.

4. Creative Expression: Engage in artistic activities that allow your children to express their understanding of the Holy Spirit. Encourage them to draw, paint, or write poems about the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

5. Community Involvement: Take part in parish activities or service projects that promote unity and cooperation. By working together, we can witness the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The feast of Pentecost reminds us that we are never alone on our spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit is a constant source of strength, guidance, and inspiration. As parents and educators, let us strive to create an environment where the Holy Spirit's presence is felt, where our children grow in faith, and where we all experience the joy of unity.

May this Pentecost season bring us renewal, deepen our faith, and empower us to be living witnesses of God's love in our families and communities.

St. Kevin's Feast Day

We are delighted to invite you to join us as we celebrate St. Kevin's Feast Day on Monday, June 5th. It promises to be a day filled with joy, reflection, and fun for the entire school community.

We will gather for a special Mass in the morning, where we will honour the life and teachings of St. Kevin. This sacred occasion provides us with an opportunity to come together in prayer and thanksgiving.

Following the Mass, we have an exciting treat in store for our young ones! Kaboom Sports will be joining us to provide an afternoon of exhilarating fun and activities for the kids. From games to challenges, they will be in for a memorable time of laughter and camaraderie.

We encourage all students to wear their sports attire and bring along their enthusiasm and team spirit.

Please mark your calendars and join us on Monday, June 5th, to celebrate the spirit of St. Kevin's Feast Day. Let us embrace this opportunity to strengthen our bonds as a school community and create lasting memories together.

We look forward to sharing this joyous celebration with you!

Staff News

It is with sadness that I need to inform our community that Miss Lauren Northcott and Miss Sarah Poxon have made the difficult decision to leave us at the end of this term.

Miss Northcott and Miss Poxon have been integral members of our teaching staff, and their departure is indeed a loss for us. However, we understand that sometimes opportunities come along that are hard to ignore, and we respect their decision to pursue new endeavours. We are grateful for their dedication, passion, and countless contributions to the education and wellbeing of our students.

Achievement Reports and Progress Interviews

Mid-year Achievement Reports will go home at the end of Term Two as usual. Reports will be available to parents from 4pm on Friday 16th June (Week Eight). 

Progress Interviews will take place over two consecutive days in the last week of term and are a valuable opportunity for teachers, students and parents to come together and celebrate the achievements and set goals for the coming semester. As has been our practice over the last few years, mid-year Progress Interviews will take place online via video conference.

5/6 Exploring Australia

Throughout this term, the 5/6 students have been immersed in exploring the history of Australia, from the arrival of the first fleet in 1788 to the Federation of Australia in 1901. Students have been unpacking the story of Australia, exploring what life was like as convicts and the effects this had on the indigenous communities. Additionally, students have gained perspectives of miners and soldiers that lived within Victoria during the Gold Rush, further extending their knowledge to recognise the impacts of significant faithful Australians such as Mary Mackillop and Caroline Chisholm on spreading the faith throughout the country. 

In the coming weeks, students will be collecting information about their own families. Students will be writing their own story reflecting on their family history, culture and traditions. 

Here’s what some students from 5/6SP and 5/6RU have said about their discoveries during our inquiry unit:

‘I was fascinated by how many convicts had survived under the pressure and conditions that they lived in.’ - Miya C

‘I was really surprised about the crimes the convicts committed and how many years they were in jail for. It was interesting to know the reasons behind why they did it.’ - Jordan R

‘How the convicts were treated badly and how they were forcefully asked to join the catholic religion. That was eye-opening for me.’ - Seth F

‘I was shocked how brutally they treated the Aboriginals and how they didn’t give them their rights.’ - Rhiannon

Enrol NOW for Prep 2024!

Attention all families! Enrolments are now open for your child's exciting journey in Prep next year. Current families, don't delay! Secure your child's place by downloading the enrolment forms from our school website or collecting them from the office. Discover our vibrant learning environment by joining our weekly school tours every Wednesday at 9:30am. Explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and see why our community is thriving. Don't miss this opportunity to provide your child with a strong foundation for their future. Enrol today and let us embark on this incredible educational adventure together!

Student Wellbeing - How to manage school refusal

School refusal is a complex issue that can arise from various factors, such as anxiety, social challenges, or academic difficulties. It is crucial for us as a community to understand and address this concern with compassion and appropriate strategies. Below is a link to an insightful article that delves into the causes of school refusal, its impact on children, and practical tips for parents on how to navigate this situation. We encourage you to take the time to read it and explore the valuable resources provided. Together, let us create a supportive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and motivated to engage in their education.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.

Prep Indonesian

This term, the Preps have been learning about Greetings in Indonesian. Did you know that Indonesians have a greeting between "Good morning" and "Good afternoon"?

Some of the greetings your child may know or might be learning and when to use them:

Good Morning: Selamat pagi (sounds like: "suh-lah-mat pah-gee") - All morning until 11:00AM
Good Day: Selamat siang (sounds like: "suh-lah-mat see-ahng") - 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Good Afternoon: Selamat sore (sounds like: "suh-lah-mat sor-ee") - 3:00PM until before sunset
Good Evening: Selamat malam (sounds like: "suh-lah-mat mah-lahm") - After sunset

Another favourite of our children is saying goodbye or see you later: Sampai jumpa (sounds like: "suhm-pai joom-puh"

Watch the children in Prep sing the Greetings song that is helping them learn some of the Indonesian greetings.

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