No 2. Term 1 Week 3, 16th February 2024
Principal News
Dear St. Kevin’s Community,
As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, it's a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and deepen our faith together as a community. Lent is not merely a time of sacrifice but also a time of spiritual growth, renewal, and a chance to strengthen our relationship with God and one another.
On Wednesday, we gathered as a school community to mark the beginning of Lent with the observance of Ash Wednesday. It was truly heartwarming to see our students, staff, and families come together with parishioners for Mass. The solemnity of receiving ashes on our foreheads served as a poignant reminder of our mortality and the call to repentance, but also of the boundless mercy and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we embark on this Lenten journey, it's worth recalling the words of Pope Francis, who reminds us that Lent is a time "to renew our faith, hope, and love." So, let's embrace this season as an opportunity for personal and communal transformation, guided by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
In keeping with our tradition, the day before, we also celebrated Shrove Tuesday with joy and camaraderie. Our school came alive with the aroma of freshly made pancakes, shared among friends and classmates. This delightful tradition not only fills our stomachs but also nourishes our souls, reminding us of the importance of fellowship and community spirit.
As we continue through Lent, we can strive to emulate the compassion and love of Christ in all that we do. Reaching out to those in need, offering a helping hand to our neighbours, and fostering a spirit of kindness and understanding within our school and beyond.
Wishing you all a blessed and fruitful Lenten season!
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Deputy News
Community Engagement
Hello Everyone,
It's been a busy yet exciting few weeks at St Kevin's!
I am excited about working alongside with the P&F. Natalie, the President of the P&F is keen to restructure our P&F with class reps for every class. Natalie will reach out to all of you soon about this and we look forward to the important and dynamic support of the wonderful parents and carers at St Kevin's. Stay tuned!
We have our first working bee coming up on Saturday 2nd March. I hope to see you there!
On Thursday 22nd February there is a Prep BBQ from 5:30 - 7:30pm. What a great opportunity to get to know other parents and some of the Junior school staff. I'm sure the Prep students can't wait to see their friends there too.
Have a wonderful week!
Andrew Butler
Save the Date
Working Bee
Saturday 2nd March from 9 am-12 pm
Parents who attend and participate for the full 3 hours will receive a $50 credit towards the Building and Maintenance Levy.
Weekly Gospel Reflection
Gospel Reflection: Mark 1:40-45
The gospel (Mark 1:40-45) recounts the healing of a man with leprosy by Jesus. In this passage, a man with leprosy approaches Jesus, kneels down, and begs for healing, saying, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus, moved with compassion, touches the man and declares, "I am willing. Be clean!" Immediately, the leprosy leaves the man, and he is healed.
This passage highlights the compassion and willingness of Jesus to heal those who are suffering and the man with leprosy demonstrated bold faith in approaching Jesus and acknowledging His ability to heal. Jesus didn't turn the man away or hesitate; instead, he responded with empathy and acted promptly to alleviate the man's pain and suffering. This week’s gospel challenges believers to approach Jesus with faith, trust in His willingness to help, and share the transformative work of God in their lives with others.
In discussing this passage with your children, you might encourage them to reflect on the importance of faith and trust in approaching Jesus with their needs and concerns. Remind them that just as Jesus healed the man with leprosy, He is always willing to help and comfort them in their times of need. Encourage them to share their experiences of God's love and mercy with others, fostering a spirit of gratitude and compassion within our community.
Congratulations Mrs Talia!
We are thrilled to share the wonderful news of the arrival of a precious bundle of joy into the Talia family! Congratulations to Mrs. Talia and husband Frank on the birth of their baby boy, Isaac Liam Talia, born on February 13, 2024.
The joyous occasion of welcoming a new life into the world is a momentous event, filled with love, hope, and endless possibilities. Baby Isaac is undoubtedly a blessing, bringing immense happiness and warmth to his family and all who know them.
It's COLA time!
Excitement has been buzzing around our beloved school this week as we watched the construction of our new Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA). This significant addition to our school represents a monumental step forward in enhancing our student's learning environment and overall educational experience.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the countless memories, achievements, and moments of inspiration that will unfold within the walls of our new COLA. Whether it's a spirited game of basketball, a captivating outdoor lesson, or a joyous celebration of community events, this space holds endless possibilities for growth, learning, and fellowship.
Parent Survey: After-Hours Sport Program
We're exploring the possibility of introducing an after-hours sport program at St. Kevin's, and your feedback is invaluable in shaping this initiative. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and preferences regarding this potential program.
Access the survey here.
Carpark Use
As the school year continues, it is important to remember the importance of carpark etiquette and following the rules to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing.
First and foremost, patience is key. Arriving early to avoid traffic congestion and giving yourself extra time for drop-off and pick-up is a great way to avoid unnecessary frustration and rushing. We also ask that families are mindful of the following carpark rules to help us maintain a safe and efficient environment:
Drive at walking pace at all times
Unless children are walking home, they must be picked up by a known adult from a pick up area inside the school. Remember there is NO drive-through pick-up system at the end of the day. There is no stopping in the carpark lanes. If the carpark is full, drivers must proceed to exit the school and drive around to re-enter from Hallam Road.
Please don't park in disabled parking spaces or
in the staff carpark.
It is also important to be mindful of others and your surroundings. Take your time when reversing or maneuvering. Remember, small actions such as giving way or using indicators can go a long way in creating a positive and safe carpark environment for all.
By following these simple rules and guidelines, we can ensure a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone using the school carpark. Let us all strive to practice patience, respect, and consideration for each other on the road.
House Colours Day Friday 23rd February
Learning & Teaching
Five Pillars of Health Immersion Day
This term the grade 5 and 6 students are learning about health and ways we can promote good health. In the beginning stages of this inquiry, the students were immersed in opportunities to experience the five pillars of health. They participated in activities like meditation and skipping while also exploring the qualities of strong friendships.
Students used what they learnt to begin designing a healthy plan for themselves that they can use throughout the year.
Student Wellbeing
Making a healthy lunchbox
A healthy well-balanced lunchbox should have four things:
1. food for energy: these foods have carbohydrates for energy to learn and play. This could be sandwiches, wraps, pasta or rice dishes
2. food for growth: these foods have protein to support growing bodies and minds. This could be lean meats, eggs, beans or dairy
3. food for health: these foods have vitamins and minerals to support healthy immune systems and include fruits and vegetables in a variety of colours
4. something to drink: water is the best choice. Do not give your children sugary drinks, including juice, cordial or energy drinks as they can lead to dental issues. If your child has trouble drinking plain water, try different bottles or cups. Some kids are more likely to drink from a strawed or spouted bottle.
Try to make school food easy to handle and eat.
For younger children, cut up large pieces of fruit and vegetables, quarter sandwiches and choose things with easy-to-open packaging.
Involve your children in preparing and packing the lunchbox or show them the final product so they know its contents. This means the child is not surprised by the contents. They are also more likely to eat a meal they helped make.
Keep things fresh
Food can sit in lunchboxes for hours, so it’s important to keep it fresh. To help keep it as cool you can:
- use an insulated lunchbox and ice pack. Pack the ice pack next to items prone to spoilage
- if you are preparing the lunchbox the day before, store it in the fridge overnight
- also consider freezing water bottles overnight to provide a cool and refreshing drink for hot days
- if you know it’s going to be a particularly hot day or your child is going to be out and about with their lunch box, choose foods that don’t have to be kept cool. For example, baked beans, wholegrain crackers and diced fruit cups. Also consider uncut and whole raw fruit and vegetables such as an apple or orange, baby carrots, baby cucumbers or cherry tomatoes.
Parish News
Community News
