No 5. Term 1 Week 9, 28th March 2024
Principal Update
Dear St. Kevin's Community,
As we come to the close of another term, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and reflection. Today, being Holy Thursday reminds us of the profound significance of Easter and the blessings we've encountered along the way.
This term has been marked by significant milestones and achievements, foremost among them being the spiritual journey of our Year 3/4 students who received the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Witnessing their growth in faith has been nothing short of inspiring, a testament to the nurturing environment we strive to create here at St. Kevin's. Equally heartening is the smooth transition our preps have made into school life, their wide-eyed wonder and eager enthusiasm infusing our classrooms with joy and energy.
In addition, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our senior students for their exemplary leadership. Their dedication to embodying our school's values and their willingness to guide and support their peers reflect the essence of servant leadership, inspiring us all to reach for greater heights.
As we look ahead to Term 2, there is much to anticipate. From the excitement of Grade 5/6 Camp to the solemnity of Grade 3/4 First Eucharist, our calendar is brimming with events that will continue to foster growth, unity, and joy within our community. The spirited competition of School Athletics and District Cross Country, along with the celebration of Family Week and St. Kevin's Feast Day, are moments we eagerly await with anticipation and enthusiasm.
As we prepare to embark on the next leg of our journey, we can do so with hearts filled with hope and determination. Together, we will continue to cultivate a culture of learning, respect, and belonging, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and flourish.
In closing, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for a blessed Easter. May this season of renewal fill your hearts with joy, your spirits with hope, and your lives with the promise of new beginnings.
God bless,
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Important Dates to be aware of
- Start of term 2 - Monday April 15
- ANZAC Day Public Holiday - Thursday April 25
- School Closure Day - Friday April 26
- King's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday June 10
- Progress Interviews Monday June 24 (early finish) & Tuesday June 25
- End of Term 2 - Friday June 28
Education in Faith
Holy Week
Holy Week stands as the pivotal focal point of Christian life. It involves contemplating the significance of Jesus Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection and how these events shape one's faith and life.
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and reaches its climax in what we call the Triduum (TRIH-doo-uhm), which means “the three days” of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday. The Triduum begins at sunset on Holy Thursday, which means that we “count” the three days beginning with sunset on Holy Thursday and ending with sunset on Easter Sunday evening. Holy Week is observed with solemnity and devotion by Christians worldwide.
Here is an overview of the key events and their significance during Holy Week:
Palm Sunday
Mark 11:1-10 marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey while crowds waved palm branches and laid them on the ground before him. This event symbolises the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah and King.
On Palm Sunday, we listen to the reading of the Passion of Jesus, beginning with Judas’ betrayal and continuing all the way through Jesus’ Death on the Cross and his burial in the tomb. We leave Mass on Palm Sunday, knowing that we are entering into a very holy week in which we recall the events of Jesus’ suffering, Death, and Resurrection.
Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
This day commemorates the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating humility and service.
Good Friday
Good Friday is perhaps the most solemn day of Holy Week. On this day, we commemorate the trial, punishment, and crucifixion of Our Lord Jesus.
In the Gospel, Jesus was brought before Annas, a powerful Jewish cleric who condemned Jesus for blasphemy. From there, Jesus was presented to Pilate for trial. Pilate found no guilt in Jesus, but agreed to have him crucified to please the crowd of people and prevent a riot. Christ was then stripped, flogged, and crowned with thorns. He was then forced to carry His Cross to the place of His execution, and was nailed to the Cross between two thieves who were likewise crucified. Late that afternoon, seeking to ensure Christ’s death, a Roman guard stabbed him in his side with a spear.
When Jesus died, an earthquake is said to have occurred as well as a great darkness which covered the land. It was only then that many people knew that Jesus was the Son of God.
Holy Saturday
On Holy Saturday, also known as Easter Eve or Great Saturday, Christians commemorate the day when Jesus Christ was laid in the tomb following his crucifixion. Within our churches, the Tabernacle remains empty, symbolising Christ's absence. The Easter vigil takes place between the setting sun on Holy Saturday and the rising sun on Easter Sunday. During this vigil, an Easter fire is kindled, and a Paschal candle is blessed and lit.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday then celebrates the completion of Holy Week, the beginning of the season of Easter, and the resurrection of Jesus. We discover on this day that Jesus’ Tomb is empty, and our Lord has resurrected, triumphing over death once and for all time.
As families, Holy Week offers a precious opportunity to gather with your children and engage in meaningful discussions about the importance of the key days, while also taking part in the rituals and liturgies.
Throughout Holy Week, you are encouraged to engage in various spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is a time for us to deepen our faith, express gratitude for God's love and sacrifice, and renew our commitment to following Christ.
St. Kevin's Features at Village Cinema
🎉 We're thrilled to share some exciting news with our St. Kevin's community! This holiday season, keep your eyes peeled for something special before every movie screening at Fountain Gate Cinema. That's right! Our very own St. Kevin's advertisement (see below) will be lighting up the big screen, showcasing the vibrant spirit and diverse talents of our school. It's a fantastic opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of our students and the supportive community that surrounds them. So, whether you're settling in for a family film or catching up with friends, be sure to look out for St. Kevin's before the main feature begins! 🌟📽️
Learning & Teaching
Student Wellbeing
Student Leaders Excursion
Today the House Leaders attended the Casey Student Leaders Conference at Bunjil Place with Mrs Broadhurst. They were privileged to hear from a range of speakers who shared their personal stories of courage and change, working to be the best version of themselves and work around mistakes and life events that forced them to change direction. The students also heard about and saw reflections and performances from City of Casey Youth who are involved in dance, performance, writing and working with the community. Our leaders returned to school inspired and reflective of the mindsets and opportunities they can take up in their own lives and in their role as leaders at St Kevin’s in 2024.
Embracing Diversity: Our Vibrant Celebration of Harmony Day at St. Kevin's!
Community
School Advisory Committee
This week marked the exciting beginning of our School Advisory Committee's activities for the year! Our SAC, comprised of dedicated community members representing our families, students, and staff, convened for their inaugural meeting. This essential group collaborates on a range of significant matters, serving as a vital channel to inform the principal about policies, events, and other important aspects of our beloved school.
Did you know that some of the initiatives currently underway, such as the ongoing school uniform trial allowing students to wear either winter or summer uniforms based on weather conditions, stem directly from discussions held within the SAC? Additionally, the upcoming after-school sport activity set to launch next term also originated from fruitful SAC deliberations. It's truly remarkable to see how these conversations translate into tangible actions that enhance our school environment.
The SAC provides an invaluable platform for parents to actively engage and influence the direction of our school. This collaborative partnership exemplifies the essence of community involvement and underscores our commitment to ensuring every voice is heard in shaping the future of St. Kevin's.
There are currently two openings for parents to join our SAC this year. If you are interested in finding out more about how you can be involved, let us know and we can answer any questions you may have. Also, if you have anything of importance that you would like the SAC to discuss or consider, email the committee at sac@skhamptonpark.catholic.edu.au.
SAC Parent Representative Members
After School Sport to start in term 2
We can't wait to start our after school sport program! From May 2nd onwards each Thursday afternoon from 3:40 pm to 4:40 pm . Taking place on the basketball court behind the Prep building, children will have the opportunity to learn from an experienced basketball coach and have fun learning new skills. To take part, families need to register their children. At the moment, the program is only being offered to children in Prep to Grade 4. See the information below:
P&F Easter Raffle
Our P&F Easter Raffle was a great success! Congratulations to all those who were lucky enough to be drawn from the big hat of tickets and win a hamper or prize. Thanks to the generosity of our families who donated chocolate; we had 17 hampers and prizes to draw and the students waited with bated breath to hear if it was their ticket being drawn!
Thank you to all the families for buying or selling raffle tickets. Thank you to parent helpers, Nancy, Jennifer, Josefino and Sam for putting the glorious hampers together. Overall we raised $1,743 and this money will go towards literacy resources for your children!
Keep an eye out next term for more P&F initiatives!
Andrew Butler,
Deputy - Operations and Community Engagement
2025 Enrolments
If you've got a child (or sibling) ready to take the leap into school life, make sure to pick up an enrolment pack from the office and submit your completed forms to the office.
Don't forget! Spread the word far and wide! Let your neighbours, friends, and anyone else with a little one itching to dive into the school scene know that we're offering tours every Wednesday morning at 9:30 am. They won't want to miss it!
And it gets better!... if your referral leads to a successful enrolment of a new family at St. Kevin's anytime in 2024, you benefit from a 5% discount on your 2025 school fees!
Let's keep the excitement building, folks – together, we're shaping the future, one bright young mind at a time!
