Filter Content
- Principal News
- Co-Principal / Assistant Principal
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education News
- Religious Education News
- Library News -Book Week Celebrations!
- P&F Fundraising - Father's Day Stall and Raffle
- BYOD -Important Security Updates for Student BYOD devices
- Uniform Sales
- 26th Annual Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning
- Parish News
- School TV - Anxiety and Young People
- Parent Line
- Smart School Snacks
Dear Parents and Carers,
At our school, we are continually inspired by the way our students are learning to work together using kind words and thoughtful actions. This term, we’ve been focusing on Positive Behaviour for Learning, encouraging students to be faithful stewards of God’s grace by using their gifts to serve one another.
We remind our students that kindness isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s found in the everyday choices they make. Whether it’s helping a classmate, speaking gently, or showing patience, these actions reflect the values we hold dear.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32
Here are some simple examples we’ve been sharing with students to help them practice kindness both at school and at home:
- Kind Words: Saying “please,” “thank you,” “you’re welcome,” and “I’m sorry” with sincerity.
- Kind Actions: Including others in games, helping with chores at home, or offering to carry something for a friend.
- Faithful Stewardship: Using their talents—whether in art, sport, music, or leadership—to uplift others and contribute to our school community.
We encourage you to continue these conversations at home. Ask your child how they’ve used kind words or actions today, and celebrate those moments together.
Thank you for your ongoing support in nurturing a school culture where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to grow.
And in breaking news........ I have announced my retirement from the teaching profession. I will celebrate my last day as a teacher and Principal on December 18, 2025.
The recruitment process to appoint a new Principal for St Kevin’s Primary School will commence shortly.
I look forward to thoroughly enjoying my last months as a teacher with this amazing community.
Warm regards,
Mary-anne Jennings
Principal
Wearing Our Uniform with Pride
Wearing the correct school uniform is an important part of showing respect—for ourselves, for our school, and for one another. It helps create a sense of belonging and unity, and it reflects the high standards we uphold in all areas of school life.
We encourage all students to:
- Wear the full and correct uniform each day, including appropriate footwear and hats.
- Take pride in their appearance by keeping uniforms clean and tidy.
- Understand that wearing the uniform is a way of representing our school community with dignity and respect.
When students wear their uniform with pride, they are also showing responsibility and commitment—qualities that support their learning and personal growth.
Let’s continue to work together to ensure every student is dressed for success!
Building update
Here are some photos of our new classrooms downstairs. When we move back into these rooms in the very near future, each room throughout the school will now be reflective of modern educational standards, providing learning spaces that are flexible and adaptable to the needs of the students and their teachers. Yes, it has taken nearly 12 years for all rooms to be remodeled and brought up to date, but all good things come to those who wait.
School Musical Update
Dear Families,
It’s been an exciting few weeks as we prepare for our upcoming school musical, and I’m thrilled to share how wonderfully things are progressing!
We were recently visited by Anna Kerrigan our ASPIRE Director, who was incredibly impressed with the dedication and talent on display across all year levels. A special shout-out to our Kindergarten and Year 2 students, whose enthusiasm and energy have truly stood out during rehearsals—well done!
By now, each family should have received a letter outlining your child(ren)’s costuming and prop requirements. If you haven’t seen this yet, please check your child’s bag or contact the office. We kindly ask that all props be sent in as soon as possible to support our final preparations.
Our first full dress rehearsal is scheduled for Monday, 15th September, and we’re looking forward to seeing the show come to life on stage. In the meantime, please continue to encourage your child to practise their lines and dance routines at home—every bit of rehearsal helps build confidence and polish.
I am currently working in Eventbrite to create a mudmap for seating, which I will share with the community soon. This will allow you to purchase tickets to our matinee (12:30pm) and evening (5pm) performances. Each ticket includes entry to the show followed by a sausage sizzle (evening only). Thank you for your ongoing support. We can’t wait to share this magical performance with you soon!
Warm regards,
Kim Hogan
Co-Principal /Assistant Principal
Kaayi (Hello – Awabakal)
Yaama Ngindaay (Hello everyone - Gamilaraay)
Nungamanladi (Hello - Bardi)
Worimi (Hello – Dharug. Pronounced ‘Wurramee’)
Indigenous Literacy Day is proudly produced and presented by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation in collaboration with the Sydney Opera House.
It’s an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Stories, Cultures, and Languages.
Indigenous Literacy Day is held on the first Wednesday of September ‑ this year Wednesday 3 September. We’re sharing the diversity of First Nations languages and cultures with audiences across Australia.
Text, video and image: https://www.ilf.org.au/ild
At St Kevin’s we’ll celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day on Wednesday 3rd September. We’ve registered to view a short film showing an adventure through 3 remote Aboriginal Communities to learn about the diverse ways storytelling makes their communities strong.
- Ceduna & Koonibba in South Australia to learn from young author Mia Speed, celebrate Wirangu language, and make Bush Medicine on Country.
- Katherine & Binjari in the Northern Territory to meet student authors of Grinch det K’Taun Krok!, hear from Elders, and learn the Creational Dreaming story of Katherine Gorge.
- Warakurna Community in Western Australia to go out on Country, learn about the seasons, and how Miss Daisy’s knowledge and stories are keeping Warakurna kids strong.
Directly following this we can view a livestreamed performance at Sydney Opera House where Indigenous Literacy Foundation Ambassadors and special guests will host performances celebrating Aboriginal storytelling.
We are really looking forward to learning how kids in other communities explore and communicate their cultures through literacy and learn more about these communities along the way.
Yaluu
Phil Taylor
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Teacher
RELIGIOUS LITERACY TEST
Every year, Year 6 students throughout the diocese take part in the Religious Literacy (RL) test. This year, the examination is scheduled for Monday, September 1st, and will be conducted entirely through an online platform. The purpose of this test is to gauge the extent of religious literacy among our students and identify ways in which we can enhance their proficiency in this area. Like other essential literacies such as scientific, mathematical, and English literacy, we aspire for our students to complete their schooling with a strong foundation in religious literacy.
The Assumption of Mary
Last Friday, 15th August, we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Some of us were fortunate to attend Mass with Fr Joseph at St Philip’s, Kotara, while others were participating in the Confirmation Retreat held on the same day.
This special feast marks the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into Heaven—body and soul—to be with her Son. Although this story isn't found in the Bible, it is a cherished tradition passed down from the early Church. It is believed that when Mary passed away, her body was placed in a tomb. But when the disciples later visited the tomb, they found it empty. The Church teaches that because Mary was so faithful in saying "yes" to becoming the mother of Jesus, God assumed her into Heaven.
The Assumption of Mary is considered a solemnity in the Catholic Church—the highest rank of celebration—reserved for the most important events in our faith. These days are marked with special prayers, readings, and songs during Mass.
It was a beautiful celebration, shared with Year 4 from St James, Kotara. We were grateful to come together as part of the All-Saints Blackbutt South parish, reflecting on Mary’s example of faith, love, and devotion.
Donna Morgan
Religious Education Coordinator
STOP PRESS:
We have been advised that our book fair items are not being collected until the end of next week. If students would like to make any last minute purchases, Mrs Stephenson will open the Book Fair again on Tuesday and Thursday at lunchtime only.
Here are some photos of the Book Parade
Father's Day Raffle
The P&F have been busy organising some great prizes for our upcoming Father's Day Raffle. Each child has received a book of tickets to sell. Tickets are $1 each and are due back to the school office by Thursday 4th September, ready for the draw on Friday 5th September 2025. Don't miss out on some great prizes!
1st: Family Pass to Taronga Zoo
2nd: Family Pass Hunter Valley Gardens
3rd: $100 voucher Iron Horse Inn Cardiff
4th: $60 Bistro Voucher, Teralba Bowling Club
5th: $50 voucher Iron Horse Inn Cardiff
Father's Day Gift Stall
With Father's Day just around the corner, we have gifts galore to choose from at our Father's Day Stall. Multiple gifts can be purchased per child for all the important men in their lives. Gifts are $10 each and available to purchase via Flexischools. Orders must be placed by 9.30am on Tuesday 2nd September 2025.
The children will be taken in class time on Wednesday 3rd September to select their gifts.
Important Security Update for student BYOD Devices
Action is required for students with BYOD Windows 10 devices as Windows 10 will soon no longer be supported by Microsoft.
To ensure your student device security you should upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible.
Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive critical security updates.
To stay protected and ensure optimal performance, it is strongly recommended that all students with BYOD Windows 10 devices follow Microsoft’s instructions and upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible. There is no charge for this upgrade.
Why this matters:
- Windows 10 will no longer receive Microsoft updates after 14 October 2025, leaving devices exposed to threats.
- Upgrading to Windows 11 helps reduce security risks.
- Student Work Protection: Staying current helps safeguard assignments, projects, and personal data.
Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support
Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ - Microsoft Support
How do I check what version of Windows am I running?
Select Start > Settings > System, then select About. You then see Edition, Version, and OS Build information.
We encourage all families with Student Windows 10 computers to begin the upgrade process now to avoid last-minute disruptions. If you need assistance or have questions about upgrading, please reach out to the school.
St Kevin's uniform shop is closing down. There are limited uniforms available for a discounted price of $5 per new item and a gold coin donation for second-hand items. If you are wanting to purchase any items, please email admin@cardiff.catholic.edu.au with your required items. We will then contact you to make your payment.
The following NEW items are avaialable ($5 each):
Girls Summer Tunics -Size 4 only
Girls Winter Tunics - Sizes 4, 6, 10 & 12
Girls Navy Shorts - Size 16 only
Unisex Sports Trackpants - Size 6 only
Girls White short-sleeve summer blouse - sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 & 14 - Please note these are discontinued stock as all children will need to be in blue shirts in 2026. Therefore these shirts are available for a gold coin donation as they will only be able to be worn in Term 4 2025.
There are various second-hand items available in Sizes 4 and 6. They will be sold for a gold coin donation. Please contact the office with your required item and we will let you know if it is available.
There are NO hats and ties available.
All uniform items are available for purchase at Lowes Glendale. They are currently having a sale of 20% off schoolwear. See the flyer attached.
Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning
The Federation of P & F Associations hosted its first Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning in 1999, and this year, it is particularly grateful to have Bishop Michael Kennedy and the school communities within the Holy Trinity Blackbutt North Parish and All Saints Blackbutt South Parish, as well as St Dominic’s Catholic College, lead the celebration.
In this edition of SchoolTV - Anxiety & Young People
Anxiety is a natural and expected part of growing up. In fact, it plays an important role in helping young people prepare for challenges, stay alert to potential dangers and adapt to new situations. It can motivate them to study for a test, practise before a performance, or tread carefully in unfamiliar settings. However, for many children and adolescents today, anxiety can shift from being a helpful response to becoming intense, persistent and disruptive.
The world young people are growing up in is fast-paced and often demanding. Academic pressures, social expectations, family changes and the constant presence of digital media, can all contribute to heightened stress and worry.
When anxiety is left unrecognised or unsupported, it can begin to affect a young person's wellbeing, learning, friendships and self-confidence. That's why it's so important for adult carers to understand how anxiety may present in children. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
This edition of SchoolTV raises awareness and provides families with practical strategies to help young people manage anxiety in healthy, constructive ways.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Anxiety & Young People edition of SchoolTV
Parent Line NSW: Free Telephone Counselling for Parents and Carers of Children
Parent Line NSW is a free telephone counselling, support and referral service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in New South Wales. Parent Line is also an information service for professionals working with children and families.
Whether you need some help or just want someone to talk to, the qualified and experienced counsellors are available seven days a week to support you.
What Can I Talk to Parent Line NSW About?
The service receives calls from parents, carers and professionals who have questions or concerns about babies, children, or teenagers. Parent Line counsellors can help to support you, offering advice and guidance on concerns such as…
- Child and adolescent mental health
- Friendship issues and bullying
- Social media and increased screentime
- Anxiety in children
- Child and behaviour development
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Support during family separation
- School transitions
- Family violence
Call Parent Line NSW on 1300 1300 52 to access free and confidential counselling. Open Monday to Friday (9am to 9pm) and Saturday & Sunday (4pm to 9pm).
