Dear Parents and Friends of St Kevin’s,

October is Mission Month and the month of the Rosary. Last week the students engaged in Socktober, bringing to the forefront the plight of others less fortunate than us. Simple games of soccer take on a new perspective when regular soccer balls we use at school and on weekends are in fact a luxury item in many countries and the game itself must be played with homemade balls utilising whatever materials are available. Father Gordon on Sunday reinforced this message of helping others less fortunate than ourselves, with a presentation by students from Trinity College Adamstown about life in Mongolia and the challenges of living there with little or no social security for those disadvantaged people. Father Gordon then challenged us not only to assist financially through Catholic Mission but also to stop and reflect on how we mission to those around us. Do we by our words and actions reflect the message of Jesus, making Jesus real in our everyday lives. Through our words and actions, we are reflecting to others what it is to be Christian, and in our case, Catholic. Making Jesus real in our everyday lives through prayer, words and actions, is something Father Gordon has asked us all to do.

Term 4 will continue to fly by. Thank you to Mrs Hogan for her weekly updates that from feedback we have received, are very much appreciated. I know my family, social and work calendars are filling up very quickly.

Some exciting upcoming events include Lakes Debating, Children's University Graduation and Kindergarten 2025 Transition mornings. Please keep your eye on Mrs Hogan’s updates for times and venues.

Staffing for 2025 continues to be organised. Teachers and class allocations will be announced in conjunction with the Semester 2 reports that are released in Week 9.

Enjoy the weekend with your families.

Mary-Anne Jennings

Principal

Upcoming events

October 29 - Stage 1 League Tag -leaving by bus at 8.40am

October 31- Regional basketball trials

November 1 – All Saints Day

November 15 – 2025 Kinder transition

November 22- 2025 Kinder Transition

November 22- Family Disco at Club Macquarie Argenton 5-7pm

November 26 - Children's University Graduation 4pm

November 27 - Mini EV Challenge (selected Primary students) at TAFE Tighes Hill

November 29 – Colour run

December 2 – 13 Swimming programme for whole school

December 13 – Swimming Carnival

Uniforms

There are some great bargains still to be had in our school-based uniform shop. 2025 will still see us transitioning from boys/girls' specific uniforms to more gender-neutral uniforms.

We do ask that as parents you support us in ensuring your child wears the correct uniform, including footwear and school hats, jewelry and no makeup or nail polish.

PB4L

We have some exciting news to share! Our school is embarking on a new journey with the implementation of the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) program. This initiative is designed to create a positive, safe, and supportive environment for all our students. ?

What is PB4L? PB4L, also known as Positive Behaviour for Learning, has been a growing movement in NSW schools since the 1980s and 1990s, with roots in key American university programs. In NSW and Queensland, PB4L was integrated into the Department of Education school systems to emphasize creating safe and supportive environments, aligning perfectly with our student wellbeing frameworks.

Why PB4L? The momentum for PB4L has been building across Australia, particularly in NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Today, it’s estimated that 31% of Australian schools have been trained to implement PB4L, with over 50% in NSW and Queensland. This program is a blend of behavioral theory, behavior analysis, positive behavior supports, and prevention and implementation science, aimed at improving how schools select, organize, implement, and evaluate behavioral practices to meet the needs of all students.

Your Feedback is Important! As we begin this journey, we value the input of all our stakeholders—students, parents, and staff. Your feedback is crucial in helping us tailor the PB4L program to best fit our school community. We invite you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and any concerns you might have.

• Feedback Survey: We will be sending out a survey next week to gather your valuable feedback. Please take a few minutes to complete it.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Together, we can make St. Kevin’s an even better place for our students to learn and grow.

Intensive Swimming

Just a reminder regarding our Intensive Swimming Program.  All students are expected to attend. Timings of the sessions are still being finalised with LMCC, I will update you in this regard in our next newsletter.  There is no cost for Intensive Swimming as this is included in the levy.  Students' swimming competence will be assessed by accredited instructors in our first session.

Your child’s swim bag should include

Swim shirt – rash shirt is ideal.

Swim goggles (optional)

Underwear

Towel

Water bottle

Sunscreen

Thongs for wearing around the pool and in the change rooms

Brush or comb

All items (including students’ shoes and school clothes) should be LABELLED.

God Bless

Kim Hogan

Co-Principal / Assistant Principal

Faith Life, Catholic Identity, and the Liturgical Season

This week’s Gospel for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time highlights the ambition of James and John, who asked Jesus to grant them places of honour in His kingdom. Jesus used this moment to teach a profound lesson on true greatness, emphasizing that it is found not in being served, but in serving others. He said, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). This message calls us to reflect on our own lives and how we can serve others in our community and beyond.

Celebrating Our Catholic Identity

As we journey through the current liturgical season of Ordinary Time, we reflect on the teachings and works of Jesus Christ. This season invites us to live out our faith in everyday moments, drawing inspiration from the lives of saints and holy figures. At our Josephite school, we are particularly reminded of the legacy of Julian Tenison Woods, whose birthday we celebrate on November 15th. Father Woods, alongside St. Mary MacKillop, co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, dedicating his life to education and the natural sciences. His work and dedication continue to inspire our school community and our commitment to the Josephite heritage.

Socktober: Making a Difference

Our Socktober efforts are in full swing! This month, our students have been actively participating in fundraising and awareness activities to support those in need. We were honoured to welcome Br. Andrew from the Don Bosco Centre in Mongolia. He shared inspiring stories about how our contributions are making a significant impact on their community. Students learned about the various ways their efforts are supporting educational and social initiatives at the centre.

Let’s continue to embody the spirit of generosity and compassion that defines our school community. Every small act of kindness contributes to a larger wave of positive change. There is still time to make a donation via the link below:

Socktober Fundraiser

All Saints Day

We will be celebrating All Saints Day as part of the All Saints Blackbutt South Parish with a special school liturgy. This important feast day, celebrated on November 1st, honours all the saints, known and unknown, who have attained heaven. It is a time for us to reflect on the lives of these holy men and women and to seek their intercession as we strive to live out our own faith.

All Saints Day holds a special place in our Catholic Identity. It reminds us of the universal call to holiness and the examples set by the saints in their dedication to God and service to others. At our Josephite school, we draw inspiration from these saints, particularly from Julian Tenison Woods and St. Mary MacKillop, who co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Their legacy continues to guide our mission and values.

We deeply value the strong links between our parish and school, recognizing that our collaboration enriches the faith life of our community. Working together in Catholic education, we aim to nurture the spiritual growth of our students, fostering a sense of belonging and commitment to our shared faith. This All Saints Day, let us come together to celebrate and strengthen these bonds, honouring the saints and their enduring influence on our lives.

Our Prayer Service for All Saints Day will be celebrated in the church next Friday, November 1st, at 2:15pm. We look forward to seeing you there as we come together in prayer and reflection.

Upcoming Important Dates

Here are the important upcoming dates for our school community up to Week 4:

Week 3

• Thursday, 31st October
• Event: Year 4 attending Parish Mass
• Friday, 1st November
• Event: All Saints Day Prayer Service
• Led by: Year 3
• Time/Location: 2:15pm at St Kevin’s Catholic Church, Cardiff

Week 4

• Thursday, 7th November
• Event: Year 3 attending Parish Mass
• Friday, 8th November
• Event: Liturgy for the Month of Mary
• Led by: Year 4

Religious Education Term 4

In Term 4, our students will engage in a variety of enriching Religious Education units that deepen their understanding of faith, community, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Here’s an overview of what each grade will be focusing on:

• Kindergarten: The unit “Loving Like God” will help students recount scriptural passages that express God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They will learn that people are created and loved by God and recognize the Church’s special celebrations as demonstrations of loving God.
• Year 1: In “Remembering the Holy Family,” students will explore ways of belonging to the family of God, examine and reflect upon various Scripture texts, and understand how the Church community gathers to pray and celebrate.
• Year 2: The unit “A Celebrating Community” will focus on understanding the ways God is present in the community, examining Scripture texts, and recognizing what it means to belong to a Christian community.
• Year 3: “Encountering the Presence of God” will guide students in understanding Jesus’ teachings, how the sacraments enable believers to encounter and celebrate Christ, and different ways of praying.
• Year 4: The unit “Beliefs Unit: The Trinity” will help students express an understanding of some beliefs of the Catholic Church about the Trinity, and “Advent and Christmas” will deepen their knowledge of the Church year’s seasons and symbols.
• Year 5: In “History,” students will explore the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Church’s story and understand different religious traditions. The “Advent and Christmas” unit will further their knowledge of the Church year’s seasons and ceremonies.
• Year 6: The “Beliefs” unit will focus on the key beliefs of the Catholic Church, and “Advent and Christmas” will enhance their understanding of the Church year’s seasons and the importance of living justly and peacefully.

In line with Sharratt’s 5 Learning Questions, you may wish to ask your child these questions about their RE Learning:

1. What are you learning? This helps students articulate their understanding and the purpose of their lessons.
2. Why are you learning it? This connects the learning to real-life applications and the broader context of their faith and subject-specific learning that has come before this learning.
3. How are you doing? This allows students to reflect on their progress and identify areas for improvement.
4. How do you know? This encourages self-assessment and awareness of their learning journey.
5. What do you need to do next? This helps set goals and plan the next steps in their learning.

Amy Arthur

Acting Religious Education Coordinator

Kaayi (Hello – Awabakal)

Yaama Ngindaay (Hello everyone - Gamilaraay)

Nungamanladi (Hello - Bardi)

Te bandola nginak (Hello, how are you? – Yorta Yorta)

Wo-ri-mi Ngani (Hello, how are you? – Dharug)

NSW Aboriginal Languages Week

20 – 27 October 2024

This annual event takes place during the week of October 24 to coincide with the passing of the NSW Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 into law. The aim of the week is to raise awareness about Aboriginal Languages and increase support for Languages revitalisation and reclamation.

The theme this year ‘Languages Alive, Culture Thrives’ recognises that revitalising and sustaining languages will ensure they are maintained for future generations. 

Language is sacred and connected to Country and culture. It brings together generations and ties together spirituality and identity. When we keep Languages alive, our Culture thrives. (Aboriginal Languages Trust https://www.alt.nsw.gov.au/)

The following short video, developed by the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust, honours the history of NSW Aboriginal Languages through truth-telling – in our voice, through our lens.

 ’The land gave birth to language, and is our connection to Country and culture, deeply rooted in our identity. It is part of who we are as a people and ties us to our kinship and our ancestors’.

• There are over 100 Aboriginal Languages and dialects* that come from the land we now call NSW.

(*Source: AIATSIS Austlang database https://collection.aiatsis.gov.au/austlang/search)

• From 1909 to 1969 government policies on Aboriginal education stopped Aboriginal children from speaking their Languages.

• Right now, Aboriginal Languages are being revitalised and more people are learning to speak them.

• Aboriginal Languages are embedded in kinship, songs, stories and ceremony. These are considered a sacred expression of Country and Dreaming.

• Many towns, places and even streets around NSW have Aboriginal Language names.

• Aboriginal Languages use different sounds and pronunciations to Australian English.

………………………………………………….

We are very fortunate to have access to local knowledge of Awabakal language. The Awabakal Language Program through Miromaa has excellent resources for schools and anyone interested in learning about the Awabakal people, their traditional life, Dreaming stories and language, as well as through our local Awabakal Land Councils. Our children at St Kevin’s learn some words, phrases and songs in Awabakal and listen to Awabakal Dreaming Stories.

We have children from 5 Aboriginal Language groups – Awabakal, Gamilaraay and Dharug in NSW; Yorta Yorta in Victoria and Bardi in Western Australia. We learn about the people of these Nations and some of their words and phrases so the children can know more about their Aboriginal connections to Country. All children benefit from learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, languages and cultures in Australia.

During NSW Aboriginal Languages Week we are reminded of the importance of revitalising and re-claiming Aboriginal languages so that the richness of cultures and connections to Country are honoured by all of us living in this beautiful land.

Nginowa (Goodbye/See you later – Awabakal)

Gaba Nginda Yaluu (Good You, Later - Gamilaraay)

Phil Taylor

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Teacher

Hi, my name is Flynn, recently I was selected to join the Edgeworth Eagles Junior Development Team.  I am very excited to be part of the team, as Edgeworth is a great club.

 We train two times a week at the Edgeworth Grounds. Training starts off with some passing drills, we find a partner and get in a line, opposite each other. One person passes the ball and the other person receives it. We do this about 40 to 50 times. Then we do a 2 to 3 kilometre run around the complex. When we have finished this, we get in to teams of 7 or 8 and we put on different colour bib’s, (a bib is a singlet that is dyed a certain colour and is used to identify who is on your team and who is not). We then play mini soccer matches versing the other colour teams. By the end of training we have played about 5 to 6 matches. The coach announces the winning team based on how many wins they have. We then finish by doing stretching exercises that help our muscles recover.

My goals for this season are:

• To make my shot more accurate
• Score more goals
• Stretch more
• Continue to improve my ball skills 3

Flynn  Year 4

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Hello, my name is Lucas. I compete in competitive gymnastics and Junior Development League in soccer. It’s so fun, but it’s also a lot of work doing two competitive sports.

Gymnastics

I train at gymnastics 10 hours a week and I compete with these apparatus :- rings, high bar, pommel, floor, vault and parallel bars. I am competing at the state competition in Sydney this Saturday. I am nervous but also very excited! My favourite apparatus is rings because it's my best event and I get high scores from the judges.   I am used to competing as I have a competition every 2 weeks. However, I have had a break for States - 4-weeks!

Soccer

I was training under 9s last year.  This year  I was selected for valentine JDL under 10s. This year I am doing Jets camps during the term. It’s been a lot of fun competing against other people. My favourite thing about soccer is doing 1 versus 1 and shooting at goal.  My soccer season is from November and finishes in September. I have a soccer game every week and we play different teams around the area. Games go for 60 minutes, and my team have three 20 minutes breaks.  I just love it!

My goals for the future

I hope one day I will be in the Olympics or to be a famous premier soccer league player.

Lucas Year 4

A reminder for Stage 2 students that entries for the Pat Conroy Christmas Card Competition must be received at the school office by tomorrow Friday 25 October to allow time for postage by the cut off date. No late entries can be accepted at school. 

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.