No 7. Term 2 Week 3, 3rd May 2024
Principal's News
Dear St. Kevin's Community,
I want to address recent discussions in the media this week advocating for a return to "old-fashioned" disciplinary methods as a solution to behavioural challenges in schools. As the principal of St. Kevin's, I feel deeply concerned and disappointed with this oversimplified approach, which fails to grasp the complex realities we navigate daily.
At St. Kevin's, we take great pride in our students' exemplary behaviour. On the whole, our students consistently demonstrate high levels of self-efficacy, cooperation, and respect, both within our school and in the wider community. These high standards of behaviour are not by chance though and are the result of deliberate practices rooted in our core values and educational philosophy.
When children make poor choices, which is to be expected from time to time, it is reasonable to assume that the child may lack capacity or awareness of how their behaviour impacts others. In such cases, it is right to respond in the same way as when a child makes a mistake when they are learning… we proactively teach and guide our students.
However, we also understand that behaviour is a form of communication. So when children are engaging in inappropriate behaviour as their default way of being or by deliberate action, we have to remind ourselves of this and consider what their inappropriate behaviour is communicating to us. Once you eliminate lack of awareness as a reason for the behaviour, then we know that the behaviour is communicating that the child has unmet needs. If we address the underlying needs behind the behaviour - which could be a desire for connection, control, relief, or support, we eliminate the need for the inappropriate behaviour. In this way, we ensure that our focus is not on enforcing compliance through fear or rigid discipline but on nurturing self-esteem and resilience.
‘Healthy people see themselves as liked, wanted, accepted, able and worthy. Not only do they feel they are people of dignity and worth. But they behave as though they were.’ Hamachek
So, the suggestion to revert to rigid discipline overlooks the profound impact of understanding and support in addressing student behaviour. Our approach builds strong, positive relationships and empowers our students to express themselves respectfully and responsibly. It is about fostering empathy, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Crucially though, I want to emphasise the invaluable role that you, our parents play in shaping the values and behaviour of our students. Your efforts in instilling respect, cooperation, and empathy are truly commendable. Our students come to us with a strong foundation of positive values, which greatly enhances our ability to nurture their growth and development. So take heart… for all the challenges you face as parents, you are doing a great job!
As we continue to uphold our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful faith community, I call on each of you to challenge the notion that strict discipline alone is the answer. Our approach at St. Kevin's is not about reverting to outdated practices but about embracing comprehensive strategies that prioritise understanding, support, and positive relationships.
Together, we demonstrate every day that effective behaviour support is about so much more than enforcing rules—it is about investing in our students' well-being and growth. So we will continue to champion a holistic approach that truly addresses the needs of our students and community.
Thank you for being part of the St. Kevin's community and for your ongoing support in nurturing the best in our students.
God bless,
Jason Micallef,
Principal
Leadership & Management
Closure Day Thankyou
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our families for your understanding and support as we closed the school on Friday, April 27. This day allowed our staff to come together and focus on strengthening our practices and policies related to student wellbeing.
Your support is invaluable in our mission to provide a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Together, we are committed to fostering a community where the love and compassion of Christ are felt by all.
Invitation to Assembly each week
We warmly invite you to our weekly assembly held every Friday at 2:30 pm in the school hall. It's a fantastic opportunity to come together, celebrate student achievements, and strengthen our school community. Your presence adds to the joy of these gatherings, and we would love to see you there.
Next week's assembly, on May 10, will be extra special as we honour Mrs. Langdon, who is retiring after an impressive 46 years of teaching. Join us as we celebrate her remarkable career and express our gratitude for her dedication to education. Let's make this occasion memorable together.
National Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)
What is the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data?
Schools complete the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with
Disability (NCCD) every year. It counts the number of students who receive additional adjustments
or “help” at school because of a disability. The NCCD helps governments plan for the needs of
students with disability. The process for collecting this data is rigorous and leads to better understanding of our students' needs and the strategic placement of resources.
You can find out more about NCCD in the following flyer:
School Fees Statements
Fee statements for the term have been sent out this week. If you have any questions or concerns regarding fees or require financial assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. At St. Kevin's, we understand that circumstances can vary, and we are committed to supporting our families with privacy and respect.
Your financial well-being is important to us, and we are here to work with you to find suitable solutions. Please feel free to schedule a confidential discussion with our office to explore available options. Your confidentiality will be strictly maintained throughout this process.
Education in Faith
Gospel reflection
John 15:1-8 I am the vine, you are the branches
John’s Gospel is noted for the seven ‘I am’ statements that Jesus proclaims before the passion account. Each statement offers the reader an opportunity to reflect on a deep truth about Jesus’ divinity and, therefore, about God.
They are,
- I am the Light of the world
- I am the Bread of life
- I am the Good Shepherd
- I am the Gate for the sheep
- I am the Resurrection and Life
- I am the Way, the Truth and the Life
- I am the Vine, you are the branches
Last Sunday, the Fifth Sunday of Easter ‘I am the vine, you are the branches’ was the theme of the Gospel (John 15:1-8).
In an actual vine as water and nutrients flow from the roots of the plant through the stem to the branches. Jesus proclaims that He is the Vine and we are the branches. Jesus gives us ‘living water’; God’s love and grace so that we grow and bear fruit. As we experience the love of Christ in our own hearts and as a community in the Church, we then become able to extend the love and peace of Christ to all we meet because we are all connected.
The Gospel of this Sunday, the Sixth Sunday of Easter(John 15:9-17) focuses on the Greatest Commandment, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus reminds us of how much we are loved by God the Father and by him.
As families, take a moment to reflect and contemplate the key understandings of the above Gospel passages.
- What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
- In what ways will you continue to bear fruit or grow in Christ?
- What does it mean to be a friend of Jesus?
- How can we respond faithfully to God’s unconditional love for us?
Family Week is almost here!
We are excited to announce that Family Week at St. Kevin's will take place from May 13th to May 19th. This special week is dedicated to celebrating the importance of family within our school community. We invite you to participate in two key events during this week:
Family Movie Night: Join us in the school hall for a delightful evening on Wednesday May 15 at 6:00pm where we will be screening a family-friendly movie. It's a perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy quality time in a relaxed setting. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy as a family before the movie.
Family Mass: We will conclude Family Week with a special Mass on Friday, May 17th, at 9:15am. This Mass is a meaningful way to gather as a community and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.
We look forward to seeing you and your family at these enjoyable and uplifting events. Let's celebrate the joy of family at St. Kevin's!
Learning & Teaching
Building Strong Readers: A Look at Our Systematic, Synthetic Phonics Approach
Here at St Kevin’s, we're committed to fostering a love of learning and setting our students up for success in reading. One of the key ways we achieve this is by utilising a systematic, synthetic phonics approach in the early stages of reading instruction. This is in line with the principles of cognitive science that were highlighted in our last newsletter.
But what exactly is phonics, and why is it so important?
Understanding the Sounds of Language:
Phonics is all about understanding the relationship between the letters we see (written language) and the sounds we hear (spoken language). A systematic approach ensures that this knowledge is built in a logical, step-by-step way.
Synthetic Phonics: Putting the Pieces Together
The "synthetic" part comes in when students learn to blend the individual sounds of letters together to form whole words. Imagine having a toolbox full of letter sounds – with phonics, students learn how to use these tools to "build" new words!
Benefits of a Phonics Foundation:
Here are just a few reasons why we believe a strong phonics foundation is crucial for young readers:
- Decoding New Words: By understanding letter sounds, students can confidently tackle unfamiliar words they encounter in books or everyday life.
- Stronger Spelling Skills: The connection between sounds and letters naturally translates to better spelling abilities.
- Increased Confidence: Being able to decode and sound out words independently builds confidence and fosters a love of reading.
What to Expect in the Classroom:
Our phonics program incorporates a variety of engaging activities, including:
- Explicit Instruction: Teachers directly introduce letter sounds and how they are written.
- Blending Practice: Students practice putting the sounds together to form words (e.g., s-a-t = sat).
- Segmenting: This involves breaking words down into their individual sounds (e.g., cat = c-a-t).
- Fun Activities: Phonics learning is often complemented by games to keep things exciting, although nothing beats the joy of seeing a student know that they can read!
Have a look at the list of some words that our Preps were already familiar with after learning only 12 sounds (s, a, t, p, i, n, m, d, g, o, c, k) in their first term:
at, a, sat, pat, tap, sap, as, it, is, sit, sat, pit, tip, pip, sip, an, in, nip, pan, pin, tin, tan, nap, am, man, mam, mat, map, Pam, Tim, Sam, dad, and, sad, dim, dip, din, did, Sid, tag, gag, gig, gap, nag, sag, gas, pig, dig, got, on, not, pot, top, dog, pop, God, Mog, can, cot, cop, cap, cat, cod, kid, kit, Kim, Ken.
Supporting Our Little Readers!
Last week in our Prep classrooms we shared a wonderful experience with parents and students! We invited parents to join us for a special session on supporting our children in learning to read. It was heartwarming to see so many parents engaged and eager to learn about segmenting and blending, essential skills for reading.
A big thank you to all the parents who attended and participated with such enthusiasm. Your involvement makes a real difference in your child's learning journey. Now equipped with these strategies, we can work together to foster a love for reading at home and in school.
Let's continue this journey of learning and growth together! 🌟
Junior Flying Doctor's Incursion
Our playground recently transformed into a mini-Royal Flying Doctor Service airport thanks to a fantastic incursion program. Students got to explore a replica plane, learning how doctors and nurses care for people in remote areas. They saw medical equipment and stretcher beds, sparking a flurry of questions about how the RFDS helps people in emergencies.
This exciting day wasn't just about planes! The children discovered the vast distances the RFDS covers and the importance of providing medical care for everyone in Australia. This incursion left a lasting impression, fostering empathy and a sense of wonder for the vital work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
3- 6 Athletics
We were delighted to finally hold our first Grade 3-6 Athletics Carnival in more than four years!
Our students displayed remarkable sportsmanship, determination, and talent throughout the day, showcasing their skills in various track and field events. It was heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm and support from families and friends who cheered on our young athletes.
A special thank you goes out to our dedicated staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the carnival. Your commitment to our students' development and well-being is truly appreciated.
As a community, we are incredibly proud of the positive spirit and teamwork demonstrated by our students. Events like these not only promote physical activity but also foster important values of camaraderie and fair play.
We look forward to more exciting opportunities to celebrate achievements and promote active participation among our students at St. Kevin's.
District Cross Country
🌟 Congratulations to our amazing Cross Country team for their outstanding performance at the district championships this week! 🥉They achieved a fantastic third-place finish, showcasing incredible commitment and sportsmanship throughout the event.
We are immensely proud of our athletes for their dedication and perseverance. They not only excelled in their running but also demonstrated the values of St. Kevin's through their positive attitude and respect for fellow competitors. Their hard work and sportsmanship are truly inspiring!
5/6 School Camp
The first day of Term Two looked different for our 5/6 students as we gathered with bags packed, ready to board buses taking us to the city for our Senior Camp. 132 students were led by 13 staff members and 5 parent volunteers for the 3 day camp in Melbourne’s CBD.
Day One included a visit to the MCG for a tour of the grounds as well as the Sports Museum. The students were excited to get into their rooms and prepare for a delicious dinner, followed by a Trivia Night held in the common room, dress code: Pyjamas.
After breakfast the following morning, we packed our lunches and headed out for a busy day of sightseeing. The students quickly became experts at boarding and disembarking trams amongst members of the public, using their manners and listening to directions from their groups leaders. Up and down the city we travelled, visiting Old Melbourne Gaol, Artvo and the Melbourne Museum. We scrambled to eat a quick dinner before setting out into the night, headed to Crown to watch Kung Fu Panda at the Cinemas.
Our final day in the bustling city of Melbourne was spent viewing the city from above at Eureka Tower, morning tea at SouthBank Promenade and a leisurely cruise down the Yarra River. The beautiful weather suddenly came to a screeching halt when the skies opened and we were caught in a downpour as we made our way back to CYC headquarters.
The stamina of staff and students alike was tested as we collected the baggage of 154 people and made our way to Southern Cross Station to wait for the buses. Returning to St Kevin’s to be greeted by parents, families and staff was a welcoming sight for our tired travellers. Needless to say, everyone slept well once they were back in their own beds.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff and parent volunteers who attended City Camp, and their families back home who made it possible.
Student Wellbeing
Community
Parents & Friends Association
Mother's Day Stall
A friendly reminder that on Monday 6th May the students will have the opportunity to purchase a $5 gift for Mothers' Day.
The stall will take place during school hours and every class will have a chance to visit the Mothers' Day stall with their teacher and purchase an item. Students need to bring their money to school with them on Monday.
For those students who are absent on Monday there will be an opportunity to purchase a gift before school from 8:45am - 8:55am from Tuesday to Friday in the Welcome Centre.
May we take this opportunity to wish all the Mothers/Special people in the students' lives a very Happy Mothers' Day 2024!
School Advisory Committee
Our next School Advisory Meeting is being held next Wednesday evening. The SAC will be meeting to discuss important activities and directions of the school, in an effort to support a genuinely collaborative approach to school operations and improvement.
If you have anything you would like to bring to the attention of the SAC or have questions you would like to pose in an effort to better understand the Committee or the school in general, you can send an email to sac@skhamptonpark.catholic.edu.au.
Don't be shy, the SAC is an important conduit of communication between our parent community and school leadership.
Camp Australia - Out of School Hours Care
Neighbourhood News
