No 21. Term 4 Week 11, 8th December 2023
Principal News
As we bid farewell to 2023, it is with immense pride and gratitude that we reflect on the remarkable achievements and milestones that have shaped this school year. At St. Kevin’s, our commitment to maintaining high educational standards has been unwavering, resulting in numerous highlights and accomplishments.
Our vision, rooted in the principles of learning together within a welcoming and inclusive faith community, has been the guiding force behind our endeavours. We remain dedicated to empowering our students to navigate the complexities of the world, discover their identities, and channel their passion into meaningful actions that reflect their profound learning experiences.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated staff whose tireless efforts have been the driving force behind the exceptional learning and teaching experiences provided to our children throughout the year. Working alongside such a committed and talented team of educators is a privilege, and I am proud to call them my colleagues.
I extend special gratitude to our outstanding leadership team—Belinda Rowlands and Rebecca Gage, our Deputies, and our level leaders Koula Kydas, Donna Petkovic, Rachael Schendel, Dette Dawson, and Kristy Sly. Your unparalleled work and dedication are instrumental in assisting me in leading our school.
To our incredible parents, your partnership, help, and support have been invaluable. Indeed, it takes a village to raise a child, and we are fortunate to have an exceptional village supporting us. The collaboration between our school and parents in 2023 has been truly heartwarming.
A commendation is due to our School Advisory Committee, a magnificent team ensuring parent voice and involvement, and our Parents & Friends Association for their exceptional fundraising and friend-raising efforts.
Heartfelt thanks and congratulations are extended to our inspiring children who bless us with their daily inspiration. Your contributions to our school community do not go unnoticed.
As we bid farewell to the Graduating class of 2023, I congratulate our Year 6 graduates for their outstanding contributions and wish them success in their future endeavours. May they always carry the spirit of St. Kevin’s with them, knowing they remain a valuable part of our school community.
To the families with their youngest child graduating, we express gratitude for your enduring support and hope you carry with you countless cherished memories.
We also farewell Brooke Cid, Michelle Vincent, Stephanie Yates, Shelley Shannon and Clare O'Halloran who are moving on to new and exciting adventures. Also Sarah Smith and Erica Talia, will be commencing parental leave and enjoying a new addition to their family. I congratulate them all on their new directions.
Reflecting on the past year, I am grateful for the privilege of being part of our wonderful school community and eagerly anticipate the collaborative efforts that will continue to ensure the shining, growth, and flourishing of every student in 2024.
As we prepare for the upcoming year, please take note of the following details regarding the commencement of the 2024 school year:
- Prep Meet & Greet with teachers on Tuesday, January 30, followed by the start of school on Wednesday, January 31 (half day).
- Year 1-6 Testing Days (by appointment) on Tuesday, Jan 30, and Wednesday, Jan 31. Year 1-6 will commence full days of school from Thursday, February 1st.
Wishing you a joyous, peaceful, and safe Christmas with your loved ones. I eagerly anticipate continuing our journey together in 2024.
God bless.
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Introducing the St. Kevin's Team of 2024!
After introducing our children to their 2024 teachers on Monday, we are now ready to unveil our entire 2024 teaching team.
Prep Team
- [PKK] Mrs Koula Kydas (leader) & Mrs Lina Blake
- [PJS] Mrs Jade Smith
- [PMC] Mrs Melinda Collard (Welcome to St. Kevin's!)
- [PIB] Mrs Iona Borthwick & Mrs Lani Luna
Junior Team
- [1PE] Mrs Donna Petkovic (leader) & Mrs Maria Bent
- [1LO] Mrs Mirella LoRosso
- [1HE] Mrs Anne Hettiarachchi & Mrs Maria Bent
- [2DM] Mrs Debra D'Monte
- [2BR] Mrs Coralee Brobyn (Welcome back!) & Mrs Maria Bent
- [2KE] Mrs Natalie Kechichian (Welcome to St. Kevin's!) & Mrs Eades (Welcome back!)
Middle Team
- [3SC] Mrs Schendel (leader) & Mrs Castillo
- [3FR] Miss Sarah Fry
- [3RO] Mrs Kay Robinson
- [4DA] Mrs Bernadette Dawson
- [4FO] Mrs Rebecca Fonseca
- [4NA] Mrs Christina Nasrawi
Senior Team (5/6)
- [5RU] Miss Lauren Rullo
- [5HI] Mrs Meaghan Hickcox
- [5TI] Mrs Tania Timothy & Mrs Megan de Reus
- [6SL] Mrs Kristy Sly (leader) & Mrs Megan de Reus
- [6CR] Mr Sean Crozier
- [6WA] Mrs Felicity Wallace (Welcome to St. Kevins!)
Specialist Teachers
- Physical Education - Mrs Langdon (P-2) & Mrs Donald (3-6)
- Performing Arts - Mrs Szabo (P-6)
- Visual Arts - Mrs Eades (P-2) & Mrs Galway (3-6)
- Indonesian - Mrs Luna (P-2) & Miss Chong (3-6)
- STEM (Science / Technology / Engineering / Maths) - Mrs Kroenert
- Critical & Creative Thinking - Mrs Bonato (1-6)
- Literacy Intervention - Mrs Cardamone, Mrs Murray
- Numeracy Intervention - Mrs Meechan
Learning Diversity
- Ms Hana Bruhin (learning Diversity Leader), Mrs Megan de Reus (Literacy Coach), Mrs Denise McMaster (Numeracy Coach).
Learning Support Officers
Cressy Morais, Cathy Allender, Elizabeth Daniel (Welcome back!), Heloise Lazarus, Lisa Longley, Judie Cachart, Carol Sugirth, Rosie Andronis, Sarina Ingram, Audrey Chazbek, Marissa Marcoulli, Brianna Ingram
Student Wellbeing
Mrs Louise Broadhurst (SW Leader), Mrs Fiona Newstead (Chaplain), Heather Lockhart (Nurse) Mrs Amber McGookin (Mental Health in Primary Schools Leader, Welcome back!)
Administration
Michelle Grayson (Business Manager), Trish Cale (Administration Officer), Maria-Rosa Vallina (Librarian)
We will also be welcoming a new Deputy Principal, Mr Andrew Butler who will work alongside Mr Micallef and Mrs Gage.
A Fond Farewell and Heartfelt Thanks to Brooke Cid and Clare O'Halloran
Today, we bid a bittersweet farewell to two incredible individuals who have been integral parts of our St. Kevin's family for a combined 35 years - Brooke Cid and Clare O'Halloran.
Brooke and Clare have been woven into the very fabric of our school, contributing their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the well-being and growth of our students. Their impact on our community extends far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of many with their warmth, kindness, and tireless efforts.
As they embark on new journeys, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the indelible mark they've left on St. Kevin's. We are truly blessed to have had them as pillars of our educational community. Their legacy will continue to inspire us, and their absence will be keenly felt.
Let us join together in extending our heartfelt thanks and warm wishes to Brooke and Clare. May their futures be filled with joy, fulfilment, and continued success.
We also extend heartfelt thanks and fond farewells to Sarah Smith and Erica Talia who will be embarking on parental leave from the beginning of 2024. We wish them well as they celebrate the arrival of their babies.
Also, Stephanie Yates, Michelle Vincent and Shelley Shannon leave us for new adventures. We wish them well and thank them for their time with us.
Congratulations Class of 2023
This week we honoured our grade 6 children and their families as we said farewell and good luck as they begin their next stage of formal schooling in 2024. It is both sad and satisfying to see our most senior students finish their time with us. They are an amazing group of children and we wish them all the very best. We thank our staff and parents who worked together to make their final moments of primary school as special as they could be.
Joyful news for our St. Kevin's family
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with you all – Mrs. Sly is expecting! 🌟
We congratulate Kristy and her husband Dylan on this exciting journey. Kristy's dedication to our students and warm spirit make this announcement even more special.
Let's keep them in our thoughts and prayers for a smooth and joyful experience.
Carols by Sunlight
What a marvellous thing it is to have the tradition of Carols by Sunlight return to St Kevin's. Held over two mornings last week, this parent-favourite event didn't disappoint.
Prep Christmas Nativity Play
A highlight of our year is seeing the Preps share with their families the reason for the season. The true story of Christmas. What a joy it is to behold just how far these incredible little people have come in a year.
Parents & Friends
Our ever-supportive Parents and Friends have worked hard behind the scenes to organise and coordinate a wide variety of events throughout the year. These successful events: Hot Cross Buns, Easter raffle, Mother’s Day stall and raffle, Father’s Day stall, Footy Colours day, Scholastic Book Club, Colour Fun Run, second-hand uniform stall, and our first ever Christmas raffle, have raised over $21000 in 2023!
This would not have been possible without Natalie coordinating much of the work behind the scenes as well as the support of many people helping with the various fundraisers: Kathryn, Geraldine, Nancy, Karen, Veronique, Ayk, Patricia, Caryn, Natalie, Wahazit, Lilian, Rozanne, Mandy, Rheannon, Koreti, Prasadika, Elisabeth, Viviane, Rengie, Audrey, Kristine, Gloria, Shanika, Ma Merced, Lijo, Loan, Anthea, Tharushi, Jacqueline, Christine, Samangi, Alofa, Marlo, Ursula, Sarah, Faalolo'i, Priya, Monica, Carol, Jennifer, Daphne, Liana, Anu and Sophie. On behalf of the students who benefit from the money you have raised, THANK YOU! We couldn't have done it without you. You have made yourselves available, supported us, made new friends and had fun along the way.
Congratulations and Good Luck Jemma
How exciting for grade 2 student, Jemma who recently experienced grand success at a recent athletics carnival. Jemma will now compete at the next level in the city this weekend. She is so excited and keen to do her very best. We love your motivating spirit Jemma!
