Dear Parents and Friends of St Kevin’s,

Celebrating Mary MacKillop – A Legacy of Faith and Service

On August 8th, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint and the co-founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart. For Catholic schools across Australia, and especially for Josephite schools like St Kevin’s, this day is a powerful reminder of our shared mission to educate with faith, compassion, and courage.

Mary MacKillop believed that “never see a need without doing something about it.” Her life was a testament to the Josephite charisms that continue to shape our school culture:

• Service – responding generously to the needs of others, especially the poor and marginalised.
• Gratitude – recognising the blessings in our lives and giving thanks in all circumstances.
• Inclusion – welcoming every child and family, regardless of background or ability.
• Faith – trusting in God’s providence and living the Gospel with conviction.
• Simplicity – living humbly and focusing on what truly matters.
• Courage – standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
• Resilience – remaining hopeful and strong through challenges, just as Mary did.

At St Kevin’s, we honour Mary MacKillop not only as a historical figure but as a living inspiration. Her legacy is alive in every classroom, every act of kindness, and every moment we share the Catholic faith with our students. On this Feast Day, we also celebrate the dedication of all Catholic educators who, like Mary, commit their lives to nurturing mind, heart and spirit, following the light of Christ.

Let us continue to walk in her footsteps, guided by her spirit and strengthened by her example.

Celebrating Strong NAPLAN Results and Our Commitment to Every Learner

We are proud to share that our students have achieved excellent results in the recent NAPLAN assessments. These outcomes reflect the dedication of our teaching staff and the effectiveness of our explicit teaching practices. By clearly identifying learning goals and providing structured, targeted instruction, we ensure that every student is supported to reach their full potential.

Our team continues to prioritise planning and preparation, using deep knowledge of the syllabus documents to design learning experiences that are both engaging and aligned with curriculum expectations. We remain committed to meeting the individual needs of each student through data-informed teaching and ongoing professional collaboration.

As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” These results are not just a celebration of academic achievement, but a testament to the strong partnership between home and school. We sincerely thank our families for their ongoing support—especially in ensuring regular student attendance and fostering a shared value for education.

Together, we are building confident, capable learners who are ready to thrive.

Mary-Anne Jennings

Principal