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Dear Parents and Friends
There is often much discussion in our community and on social media about the behaviour of students in schools these days. There is also a lot of discussion out there about the behaviour of children in the public domain and the responsibilities of adults – parents and teachers, in the lives of these children.
Children do things that are socially unacceptable. They bite, fight, kick, hit, steal and lie. They say mean things. Many of us parents have experienced our own children engaging in at least one of these socially unacceptable behaviours. Many a long car trip or argument at home results in mean words being said to siblings or physical aggression resulting in being sent to their bedrooms. Children are not by design “bad”. Unfortunately, sometimes bad things happen to them, and that is another story for another day.
Research tells us that the first 5 years of a child’s life are when the foundations for the skills of social and emotional intelligence are shaped and developing, however the brain does not mature until they’re in their 20’s. Sorry parents, you’ve got a way to go yet.
What this means at school is that we see a variety of students with a range of skills in the areas of social and emotional intelligence. It is fluid development. Some students have mastered, at a young age, the social skills expected of a primary age child. These students demonstrate good interpersonal skills, showing kindness and empathy in all interactions, which contribute to a supportive and inclusive classroom and playground environment. They show respect for others through both words and actions and accept diverse points of view and beliefs.
Others are still developing and working towards mastering these important skills. They are continuing to work on developing conflict resolution skills and beginning to demonstrate a growing awareness of how to navigate social situations more constructively. They are yet to understand or appreciate the different points of view of others. They get frustrated when they don’t understand the social interactions of others.
The question is then raised “Why is this so?”
There are many reasons why children develop differently both physically and emotionally. Some examples of what impacts on a child’s development include:
- Financial
- Family conflict
- Domestic violence
- Illness
- Disabilities such as Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Speech
- Sensory overload
- Diet
We don’t physically see differences in students who are impacted by the reasons listed above. The students don’t look any different, but they may well react or behave very differently depending on the circumstances they find themselves in. We as teachers call this the “Invisible 30Kg Backpack”. Many of our students carry these backpacks each and every day. We often don’t know what is in that backpack, but its contents can definitely have a negative impact on behaviour. Many of these students are still learning to manage distractions and consistently follow school and class expectations. They can experience difficulty taking responsibility for their actions. They need reminders to focus on the task at hand and how to be a good friend.
Through explicit teaching, partnering with parents and utilising the expertise we have available through our school psychologists, pastoral care worker and our learning support team, we aim to help all our students develop positive, respectful relationships with their peers, together with persistence and resilience in their learning. This takes time, teamwork and dedication.
Here’s to taking time as a village to raise our students so that become the best versions of themselves, making Jesus real in everything we do and say.
Mary-Anne Jennings
Principal
Building Update
We are currently working and learning on the site of “Restoration Australia” or so it seems! There is great progress being made with the new administration building as the foundations are nearly complete and we can actually envisage the new building.
To ensure the whole project stays on track, stages 2 and 3 of the project have been brought forward. What this means is that the refurbishment of the downstairs learning area into 3 new classrooms to mirror the K, Yr1 and Yr 2 classrooms above will start in Term 3. We have planned that downstairs we will have Yr 3,4,5 and 6 all together to provide better opportunities for collaboration and fluid learning groups. This was one important learning we took out of our COVID time when we discovered the amazing opportunities for collaboration and fluid learning groups that the K, Yr 1 and Yr 2 rooms provided.
So, our current library is now packed up and non-operational for Term 3 while it gets a makeover to become new classrooms for Years 3 and 4. The old Year 5 classroom is also getting a makeover.
Year 6 has moved into the Teacher Resource Room for Term 3.
Year 5 has relocated to where Year 6 was in Term 1 and will stay there for Term 3.
The Teacher Resource room will be re-purposed (probably Term 4) as our library, with an access ramp being constructed at its doorway. There will also be an access ramp from the current sports shed to the new classrooms' downstairs. It’s all happening!
Our playground will be partially cordoned off as the embankment gets a landscaping makeover to become a high-tech adventure play area with a slide, climbing wall and other great physical activities for students to conquer. Trees will be removed over the school holidays to allow for this new play area to be constructed.
The basketball court will be built in the near future too.
There will be a lot of disruption and noise in Term 3, but we are ready for it. We are so excited to finally, after many, many, many years, get our new building, playground and classrooms plus a basketball court. They say all good things come to those who wait.
School Musical
Yes, the school musical is going ahead as planned. Wednesday week 10 Term 3 (September 24) is our date for the performance. It will be busy and hectic but fun. This year the musical has been written by the students themselves, and we are very excited to be able to support the creative students at St Kevin’s in this venture. We look forward to enjoying their skills and talents as we sing and dance and dramatize their thoughts and story lines.
BYOD Reminder: Charging Devices at School
We’d like to remind families that students participating in the BYOD program (Years 4 – 6) should not charge devices at school. In order to allow this, each device would need to be tested and tagged by a qualified electrician—something that comes at a considerable cost and isn’t feasible across our student population.
As we prepare students for the expectations of high school, we ask that all devices come to school fully charged each day. If your child’s device runs out of battery quickly, we encourage families to consider supplying a battery pack as a backup option.
A small number of older devices are available for loan from the school library, but please note that availability is limited.
We appreciate your support in helping maintain a safe and practical learning environment.
Newsletter Feedback
Thank you to the families who responded to our recent survey regarding the school newsletter. Of the 14 respondents, 12 indicated that they read and value the newsletter and would like it to continue on a fortnightly basis. We appreciate your feedback and will keep delivering regular updates to keep you informed and connected.
PB4L Update: Staying Focussed on Task
Students continue to work on our current Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) focus: “Stay Focussed on Task.” It's been wonderful to see so many students demonstrating active listening, persistence, and thoughtful engagement with their learning.
At last week’s assembly, each class proudly added tokens to the school’s reward tracker—bringing us halfway to our next whole-school reward in just one week! What an incredible effort. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Looking Ahead: School Holidays
As the school holidays approach, we’d like to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support this term. If you have time off, we hope you enjoy some special moments with your children. Please stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 22nd July.
God Bless
Kim Hogan
Co-Principal / Assistant Principal
CURIOUS ABOUT CATHOLICISM? LET’S TALK
Do you know someone who is interested in becoming a Catholic?
The Catholic Church welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds who seek a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Becoming Catholic is a journey of learning, spiritual growth, and commitment.
Adults interested in joining the Church can enrol in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) through their local parish. This program offers a thorough introduction to Catholic beliefs, history, and traditions, and leads to receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
St Kevin’s School is part of the All Saints Blackbutt South parish. Adults may receive all three sacraments after completing the RCIA program. For more information, contact Father Joseph Figurado via the Parish Office at (02) 4954 0977.
Baptisms are held at St Philip’s Kotara on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sundays of each month (excluding January) at 11:30 AM. Preparation is essential. Forms and bookings are available through the Parish Office, open Tuesdays and Thursdays at (02) 4954 0977. Preparation sessions are held at 10:30 AM on the 4th Sunday of each month (except December).
For more details, visit the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle website. How do I become Catholic? Our Catholic community welcomes those who are searching.
If you have questions or need support, contact Donna Morgan, our Religious Education Coordinator, at donna.morgan@mn.catholic.edu.au.
AN INVITATION FROM THE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CATHOLIC MINISTRY
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle warmly invites you to dual events that celebrate the 50th Anniversary of NAIDOC Week. An attached flyer for both events are included.
NAIDOC WEEK PRAYER SERVICE
Sunday 6 July – Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newcastle – 2pm to 4pm
To commemorate the 50th anniversary, we invite you to a short prayer service and ritual that involves burying a time capsule as a symbolic gesture and preservation of this momentous legacy for future generations. The capsule will be opened in 30 years, offering a reminder of the journey and a glimpse into the values and voices of today. You can now register here: https://mn.catholic.org.au/event/2025-naidoc-week-prayer-service/
NAIDOC WEEK COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
Monday 7 July – Civic Park & Foreshore Park, Newcastle – 9am
The next morning, join a vibrant Community Festival hosted by Awabakal Ltd. The day begins at 9am with a flag-raising ceremony in Civic Park, followed by a community procession to Foreshore Park. The Diocese will once again host a tent that showcases the great work of our agencies and our journey of reconciliation. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community and share our Catholic mission in action. We’d love to see strong staff support on the day – whether attending or volunteering! RSVP by Thursday 26 June: https://forms.office.com/r/kFushe1HUD
Acts of Service – Mum's Cottage
On Friday, 20th June, we held our termly fundraiser to support the incredible work of Sr Helen and Mum’s Cottage. Students enjoyed a day out of uniform, and our wonderful Mission Team organised engaging games to help educate the school community about Mum’s Cottage and its mission. We were also honoured to have Sr Helen visit and speak to the students, sharing the heart and purpose behind the organisation.
According to their mission statement, Mum’s Cottage is a “sanctuary where all are offered hope as they move toward a richer, fuller life.” They provide vital support to individuals and families in our local community through goods, clothing, counselling, and social connections—ensuring that no one feels isolated or alone.
I want to personally thank all our families who contributed to this fundraiser. Your generosity exceeded our expectations, and your donations have already made a meaningful impact. Miss Brownlow and Mr Hill kindly delivered the donations, and Sr Helen was deeply moved by your kindness. This act of service has brought comfort to struggling families this winter, with many gratefully receiving what they need from the Cottage.
If you’d like to learn more about this wonderful organisation, please visit their website: https://www.mumscottage.org.au
Donna Morgan
Religious Education Coordinator
Kaayi (Hello – Awabakal)
Yaama Ngindaay (Hello everyone - Gamilaraay)
Nungamanladi (Hello - Bardi)
NAIDOC Theme 2025 – The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy
This year’s theme calls on us to invest in and uplift the next generation, our future leaders, knowledge holders, and change-makers.
It’s a celebration of the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the vision that drives self-determination and cultural survival, and the legacy that continues to be passed down through story, song, language, and activism.
It’s also a call to action: to recognise the importance of intergenerational connection and to empower our children and young people to dream big, walk proud, and lead with culture.
(Source: National NAIDOC Committee)
2025 NAIDOC Week Poster - Ancestral Lines
Artist - Jeremy Morgan Worrall
Our Celebration
Next Thursday July 3, we will celebrate NAIDOC week at St Kevin’s.
Families are welcome to join us at 9.15am for our Prayer Service in the Hall and a Community Barbecue at 11.15am.
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Students may wear Indigenous shirts or similar inspired clothing and colours. |
In keeping with the theme - The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy some of our former students, the next generation of leaders, will speak with our children about the strength and legacy of their culture and their career pathways.
Congratulations
Cristiano Multari - First Nations Goanna's 15s Boys Squad
Cristiano has been selected to represent the First Nations Goannas team at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League tournament in Townsville this coming week.
Cristiano attended St Kevin’s and was school captain in 2021. Read more about Cristiano’s achievement in the ‘Congratulations’ section in this newsletter.
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NAIDOC Week School Celebration Thursday 3rd July 2025
 9.15am NAIDOC Week Prayer Service in the Hall All Welcome 10.00am ‘Pathways’ – former students of St Kevin’s speak with children in classrooms about their high school experiences and career pathways 11.15am Community Barbecue – All Welcome
12.00 – 3.00pm Indigenous Games Art and Weaving activities in classrooms |
Gerry in Year 3 has written a good information report on dingoes.
Nginowa (Goodbye, see you later – in Awabakal)
Yaluu (Later – in Gamilaraay)
Phil Taylor
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Teacher
Thank you to all those families continuning to make regular fee payments. If you elected to pay your fees annually, they are due to be paid in full by next Monday 30th June 2025 (end of the financial year). Prompt settlement of these fees would be greatly appreciated. Payments can be made by Bpay, Direct Debit, credit card or cash.
Any family experiencing genuine financial hardship are encouraged to contact the school office on 4954 0036 to make an appointment to discuss your situation confidentially with the Principal.
Congratulations to all students who competed in the Lakes Regional Athletics Carnival yesterday. Despite the disruptions and complications with cold wind and rain, all students represented St Kevin's with pride. They all gave their absolute best in all events they participated in.
A special congratulations goes out to students that qualified for a 100m final or placed in the top 3 for a field event.
Elijah - 9 Yr Boy 100m Final
Flynn - 11 Yr Boy 100m Final
Isaac - 12 Yr Boy Long Jump placing 2nd and 12 Yr Boy 100m Final
Essie – 2nd Junior shot put
Congratulations to these students who made it to DIO level and will represent the Lakes Region on August 6. How amazing we have 3 students representing St Kevin’s at this level.
Isaac - 12 years 100m and senior long jump
Elijah - 9 years 100m
Estelle - Junior Shot Put
Jeremy Smith
Sports Coordinator
Our students continue to shine in many areas. These students are to be congratulated for their achievements representing at State, Polding, Diocesan level.
Junior Aerobics Team: Lucy, Milly, Aurelie, Teddy, Evelyn, Olive, Xavier
Senior Aerobics Team: Adeline, Olivia, Essie, Ella, Xanthe – Violet absent on the day due to injury.
And ex-student Cristiano Multari who has been selected for the First Nations Secondary Indigenous Rugby League Team. Cristiano was also our school captain in 2021.
Cristiano has been selected to represent the First Nations Goannas team at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League tournament in Townsville from the 28th June to the 4th July. Cristiano is one of twenty Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys who were chosen from across Australia.
The First Nations Goannas Pathways Program aims to boost the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and coaching staff at the ASSRL National Championships. It also seeks to provide a clear and direct pathway for these athletes to transition into more traditional rugby league development systems. By addressing these challenges, the program strives to create more opportunities, promote inclusiveness, and ultimately support the growth and success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent in the sport.
We at St Kevin’s are very proud and excited for Cristiano. This opportunity is a testament to the hard work and dedication he’s shown both on and off the footy field.