No 20. Term 4 Week 9, 1st December 2023
Principal News

Dear Families,
It's hard to believe but here we are in December! As busy as December is, I really do enjoy the month. Mainly because it is a time to celebrate the progress and achievements of our students and the wider community for all we have done to make the 2023 school year, one of success.
Next week, we will be publishing student achievement reports, so look out for a notification to let you know when they are ready. These meticulously crafted documents will provide you with an overall analysis of your child's progress this year.
We are also very excited about the coming week as we welcome the return of Carols by Sunlight. There are two opportunities to join us as a school in the hall to watch, listen and join in with the singing of both traditional and fun Christmas carols to help get into the spirit of this joyful season. Classes will be performing as follows:
On Monday December 4 at 9:15am - PHA, PTA, 1VI, 2HE, 3/4DC, 3/4FO, 3/4SO, 3/4NA, Gr5
On Friday December 8 at 9:15am - PKK, PME, 1PE, 1LO, 2DM, 2BU, 3/4DA, 3/4RO, Gr6
I am very much looking forward to seeing our children sing with joy and love. We hope that families will come along and celebrate with us. All are welcome!
As you know, we now find ourselves officially in the season of Advent. Advent is the season of new beginnings and it beckons to us with images of transformation and hope. It is the season of the impossible becoming possible. It is the season of longing and light. Week by week, candles are lit on the Advent wreath signifying our longing for the light of Christ as the time of his birth draws near. Yet Advent heralds more than Christ’s birth. It paves our way toward celebrating Christ as God-with-us, God in human flesh. This is a profound mystery at the heart of our faith, and it is the cause of our joy at Christmas.
As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of Advent, let's embrace the profound mystery of Christ's presence among us. May this season be a time of reflection, anticipation, and joy. Let's kindle the flames of hope in our hearts and share the warmth of love with those around us. Together, let's journey through Advent, not just as a countdown to Christmas, but as a transformative experience that brings us closer to the essence of our faith.
Wishing our St. Kevin's community a blessed Advent filled with the light of Christ's love and the promise of new beginnings.
Jason Micallef,
Principal
End-of-year reminders
Parents are welcome to join us for our final Mass at 11:45am Thursday December 14.
The last day of the school year for all students this year is Friday December 15.
Students will be dismissed at midday.
Remembering our friend
This morning, our school gathered for a heartfelt memorial service to honour the memory of a dear member of our community, James Buslon.
As many of you know, James bravely battled chronic illness before peacefully passing earlier this year. Today's memorial service was a poignant moment for us to come together, share our memories, and celebrate the joy James brought into our lives.
In a special tribute, we dedicated a play area that mirrors James's love for the game Uno. The vibrant colours and playful atmosphere of the space reflect not only the essence of Uno but also the lively spirit James embodied.
This thoughtful gesture serves as a lasting reminder of James's presence among us and the positive impact he made on our school community. It is a place where laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of play can flourish – just as James would have wanted.



Grade 6 Graduation

The date for Year 6 Graduation Mass this year, is Tuesday 12th December at 7:00pm followed by the awards ceremony in the hall.
The students will also be attending their Graduation excursion on Wednesday 13th December. A note detailing both events has been sent via Operoo and needs to be responded to this weekend.
Parents and Friends

Don't forget to return your Christmas Raffle tickets on Monday morning. A huge thank you to the parents that are available to come in on Monday afternoon to support the preparation of the tickets ready for the big draw on Friday after Carols by Sunlight. We have lots of prizes: Paul Sadler swimming pack, books, vouchers, wine, Gumbuya World tickets, cupcakes freshly baked by Rozanne, skin care vouchers, shopping vouchers, Christmas shadow boxes, hair care packs and more!
Last opportunity for the second hand uniform shop next week. Closed during Week 11.

Last day for canteen

Canteen is finishing up for 2023.
Last day for canteen orders is Thursday December 14.
5/6 Inquiry Unit
The grade 5/6s have been really busy in Inquiry!
The students were tasked with designing a "living environment" that would enable humans to thrive and survive on a planet of their choice. By collecting information on their chosen planet, students explained how their incorporated features replicate important features that sustain life here on Earth, and how it will be used to enable humans to live on that planet.
Showcasing their creativity skills and critical thinking by creating dioramas and through thought-provoking exploration, the enthusiasm and dedication displayed by our young scientists is truly inspiring.





5/6 Taekwondo
Over the last 5 weeks, the grade 5/6 students have been taking part in Sporting Schools Taekwondo Incursion.
The focus was on self-discipline and control along with correct form and technique. Sport mindset was a key discussion point, as each week the students gained valuable skills, which all built up to board breaking. Mind over matter. Even though this seemed daunting, everyone attempted the boards. Ioane (LN) was the only student to complete - successfully breaking the hardest black board! Well done 5/6 students, a fantastic showcase of St. Kevin's behaviour, focus and respect for others shown during these lessons.
Ms. Donald






Parish News
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR- CHRISTMAS 2023
CAN WE SPARE A COUPLE OF HOURS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR CHURCH AND ENRICHMENT OF OUR LIVES?
St. Kevin’s Parish is looking for volunteers to assist in the interior
and exterior cleaning of our beautiful church on Saturday
9/12/2023 from 10 am onwards, in readiness for the Christmas
feast celebrations in our Parish.
Please contact/txt: Brian on 0414363725;
St. Kevin's Parish Office—9799 2108 and leave a message.
Thank you in anticipation!


