No 13. Term 3 Week 5, 11th August 2023
Principal's News
Greetings, St. Kevin's Community!
In a world where compassion matters more than ever, we take pride in our students' incredible efforts to make a positive impact. Our hearts swell with gratitude as we witness the unwavering support for our friendship school Campangga Elementary in the Philippines. This remarkable initiative exemplifies the core principles of Catholic Social Teachings - promoting social justice, extending love to all, and sharing our blessings.
Despite the challenges posed by increased living costs, your generosity shines through. Families, you are the pillars of this noble cause, demonstrating that even in tough times, compassion knows no bounds.
Let's applaud our remarkable Year 5/6 students, who showed their dedication by selling popcorn and drinks. Kudos to our preps, too, who embraced their role by selling milkshakes with unmatched enthusiasm.
As we reflect on these acts of kindness, we're reminded of the profound words of Pope Francis: "To love God and neighbour is not something abstract." Our students are putting these words into action, showing that a little act of kindness can create ripples of change, no matter how far the impact is felt.
In the upcoming weeks, let's rally behind our 1/2s and 3/4s, who are gearing up to join this heartwarming endeavour. As we stand united in service, we affirm our commitment to building a world rooted in compassion, empathy, and justice.
Together, let's continue fostering a spirit of giving, honouring the teachings of our faith, and spreading love to all corners of the globe. Thank you, dear families, for being the guiding light in this noble journey.
With gratitude and admiration,
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Feast of the Assumption Whole School Mass
Families are invited to join us on Tuesday August 15 at 9:15am as we celebrate Mass in honour of this important Feast Day.
1 / 2 Fairy bread fundraiser!
Next week, our students will be selling delicious fairy bread to support our sister school in the Philippines.
On Monday, August 14th, and Tuesday, August 15th, students will have the opportunity to purchase fairy bread, 2 slices for $1.00.
Thank you in advance for your support and generosity. Let's make this fundraiser a success and show our support for our friendship school, Campangga, in the Philippines.
Parents & Friends Association
We’re off to a great start with sign-ups for The Pancake Parlour School Rewards program. Currently we are third in the Fountain Gate league with 77 points. The top placed school will win $1000 in this league with the top school overall winning $10,000! It’s easy to join up through the app "School Rewards" or the website http://www.schoolrewards.com.au, select "Join Your School" and select "St Kevins Catholic Primary School" and earn points just for registering. Please tell your friends, family and neighbours to join up and mention our school.
Father’s Day is not that far away so we are getting ready for our Father’s Day Stall to be held on Monday, August 28th as well as each morning before school Tuesday through Friday. We are looking for volunteers to assist with these sales as well as set up on Friday, August 25. Please complete the Operoo form if you are able to assist.
We also have an upcoming meeting, which will be held via Zoom on Tuesday August 22nd at 7:30pm. Please see SZ App for the message sent out on the day for the link. We encourage all interested parents to attend. We will be looking at some new ideas for 2024 and would love to hear your thoughts.
National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence
Sadly, bullying is a serious issue that most of us will have seen or experienced at some part in our lives. At St. Kevin's we take a strong stance against bullying, as the immediate and long-lasting impact on victims is extremely damaging. But did you know there is a difference between bullying everyday disagreements and conflict between children?
In order for a conflict to be considered bullying, there need to be three key characteristics present. The key characteristics of bullying include:
- a power imbalance.
- a deliberate intent to cause harm, and
- ongoing and repeated behaviour.
The following behaviours are more commonly seen in children. While they aren't technically bullying behaviours and require support from adults to help children resolve them, we treat these situations in a different way to bullying.
- arguments and disagreements (where there is no power imbalance)
- single acts of social rejection or unkind behaviour, or
- isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.
This week, the students at St Kevin’s participated in activities promoting inclusiveness, respect and community belonging for all students. Students discussed what Connection and Community mean and how these aspects of our lives support healthy friendships.
“When someone has many connections to people and places, they feel safe and happy. The more connections they have, the better they are at dealing with hard times in their life. Having people to talk to, or to ask for help, are great ways to help prevent bullying.”
Students explored the connections and community they are a part of. Students in P-2 created paper chains and students in 3-6 used the image of a tree to represent their connections and community.
This was a wonderful opportunity for students to revisit and strengthen the message from our recent Backflips against Bullying incursion in our ongoing work supporting students to have healthy and safe relationships.
All students and staff members have committed to our school pledge against bullying which can be seen in our Welcome Centre.
If you have concerns about your child, please contact their classroom teacher. Together we can work to support every individual as they grow and develop social skills and a community where they feel seen, valued and respected.
For more information about the National Day against Bullying and Violence, please visit the website
Get ready, BOOK WEEK is almost here!
Book Week at St. Kevin's will be celebrated during Week 9 (Monday 4th Sep - Friday 8th Sep).
Some of the ways we are celebrating are:
Monday 4th Sep - A visit from author Adam Wallace. See below for details about ordering his books.
Monday 4th Sep - Thursday 7th Sep: Book Fair to be held in the Library before and after school
Mon 4th Sep - Thursday 7th Sep: Lunchtime activities for students who are interested.
Friday 8th Sep: Book Week dress up. All students are invited to come dressed as a book character. A book week parade will be held in the hall at 2:30pm. All parents are welcome to attend.
HEY GRADE 5 PARENTS... LOOK!
Secondary School Enrolments
Children currently in grade 5 wishing to enrol in a Catholic secondary school in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, are required to have their applications entered into the relevant school by Friday 18th August.
Change of hours for Beleza for Winter
Please note that the Hallam store will be closed every Thursday due to Winter Trading Hours for the rest of term 3, starting Monday 15th August, and will return to regular trading hours on Monday 25th of September.
Please see Winter Trading Hours below:
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday CLOSED
Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday CLOSED
Community News
The 2023 Casey Pet Expo returns to the beautiful surroundings of Wilson Botanic Park Berwick on Saturday 26 August.
For more information visit https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/petexpo
Saturday 26 August 2023
11:00am to 2:00pm
Wilson Botanic Park Berwick
Possum Magic Live on Stage!
We all grew up with the classic picture book Possum Magic - now see the story live on stage in an all-new adaptation that will blow the kids away!
Tuesday 5 September 2023 6:30PM
Bunjil Place Theatre
50 Minutes Duration
360 ALLSTARS: Performance & Workshops
BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more, the international smash hit 360 ALL STARS have sold out tours on Broadway, in Edinburgh and at the Sydney Opera House, and they're heading to Bunjil Place this September School Holidays.
Wednesday 20th September 2023
12.00 pm & 2.00 pm (workshops)
7.30 pm (Performance)
Bunjil Place Theatre, Studio and Plaza
For general ticketing and box office information (including conditions of sale) see our Ticketing services information page.
For accessibility bookings or other box office inquiries please email bunjilplace@casey.vic.gov.au or phone 03 9709 9700.