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- Messages from the Principal
- Messages from the Assistant Principal
- RE News
- Aboriginal Education News
- Library News
- St Kevin's Garden Grubs
- Lost Property
- Porter Family -Connectedness, Kinship & Voice
- P & F Tamburlaine Wine Sales Fundraiser
- The Athlete's Foot Back to School Fundraiser
- Parish Bulletin
- Gifted Education - Parent Information Session
- Federation of Parents & Friends Associations - Parent News
- Newcaslte Motiv8 Sports
- Healthy Lunch Box
- Keeping Active in Winter
Dear Parents and Friends of St Kevin’s,
I hope you are all safe and adjusting to life with COVID-19. It does not appear to be going away any time soon, and so we must all adjust, and call on our powers of being resilient and organised as we care for our beautiful children and families.
Last week there were confirmed cases of COVID-19 at 2 of our Catholic High Schools. As a result of this we have learnt some valuable lessons in how to ensure the safety and well being of all connected to a school community. If St Kevin’s is ever put in such a situation, please rest assured that as Principal I will do everything in my power to keep your children safe and provide you with current and correct updates and information.
On that note, once I am notified by NSW Health that we have a positive case within our school community and you have been asked to come and collect your child from school, I am completely under their rules and direction. I cannot speak to the media or release further information until given permission to do so from NSW Health and the Catholic Schools Office here in Newcastle. Therefore, there may be a time lapse in information about close contacts and casual contacts, and when the school will re-open. Links to other school communities will also be under this restricted information scenario. I realise that this time lapse in information can be frustrating, but there is a process that must be followed to ensure the safety of the wider community.
So, if we get notified whilst children are at school:
- Children will remain in their classrooms until collected by parents. Toilets are accessible for all students even in a situation like this.
- Parents will be notified by COMPASS alert of the need to collect their children from school due to a positive COVID result within the school community.
- Parents are to utilise “Car Lines” pick up procedures and drive up to the Andrew St gate. PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR.
- Andrew St gate will have Mrs Norley supervising students leaving.
- Upon reading the family name on display in the car windscreen, Mrs Norley will notify office for said children to be signed out and sent to “Car Lines”.
- Please don’t ring the school unnecessarily as the phone lines will need to be kept open for NSW Health to contact the school.
- Letters advising you of the school closure and processes will also be sent out via COMPASS.
- Close and casual contacts will be notified – there may be a time lag in being notified as information is collated.
If a notification is received after school hours:
- COMPASS alert will be sent notifying parents of a positive COVID result within the school community.
- COMPASS letter sent from Mrs Jennings confirming the COVID case and that the school is closed for deep cleaning and what next.
- NSW Health will ask for school assistance in determining close and casual contacts.
- Close and casual contacts will be notified – there may be a time lag in being notified as information is collated.
- School will remain closed until given clearance from NSW Health and Maitland -Newcastle CSO.
As COVID continues to impact on our lives you may notice a rise in the anxiety of your children. If this becomes of a concern please advise us so we can support you and assist you in where to get help.
So please stay safe, wash your hands and continue to socially distance from others’
Mary-Anne Jennings
Principal
End of Year Graduations and Celebrations
As you may well imagine, these will look very different this year as we cannot access our Church or have parents on site in our hall. We are currently as a staff team, getting our creative hats on as to how we can celebrate the end of the school year with COVID restrictions. We will keep you posted!
Messages from the Assistant Principal
Dear Parents,
In recent weeks we have seen a return to online home learning in parts of Victoria. In class this week my students were discussing this. The consensus was made “if that was us, we would be totally fine.” It is in these moments I see the “silver-lining” in a time that was tumultuous for most of us; our children could identify that we learnt a lot.
The skills we learnt during home learning have equipped our school community with the capacity to stay connected and navigate our students learning so they grow to be optimistic global digital citizens.
We have continued to use our digital platforms and everyday improve our capacity in the way we can use them.
I have attached some images of student work and a short video of a student using the app Flipgrid to tell me what she knows about ‘similes.’ Just a small insight into the amazing minds and capabilities of our learners.
The future is looking bright!
“Daniel went to his mother demanding a new bicycle for Christmas. ‘Danny, we can’t afford it,’ she said, ‘so write a letter to Jesus and pray for one instead.’ ‘Dear Jesus, I've been a good boy this year and would appreciate a new bicycle. Your friend, Daniel.’ Now Danny guessed that Jesus really knew he was a brat. So he gave the letter another try. ‘Dear Jesus, I've been an OK boy this year and I want a new bicycle. Yours truly, Daniel.’ Danny knew this wasn't true either so he tore it up and tried again. ‘Dear Jesus, I've thought about being a good boy so may I have a new bicycle? Daniel.’ Finally, Danny thought better of making these false claims and so ran to the Church. He went inside and stole a small statue of Mary and ran out the door. He went home, hid it under his bed and wrote this letter. ‘Jesus, let’s face it, I've broken most of the Commandments; tore up my sister's doll and lots more, I'm desperate. I've got your mother Mary, if you ever want to see her again, give me a bike for Christmas. You know who.’
This humorous story has a serious lesson for us on the feast of the Assumption. Throughout history there are those who have ransomed the memory of Mary to fit in with how they understand women should behave in society. As a result, sometimes, Mary is presented as meek and mild, passive and subservient. The problem with this view is that it is impossible to reconcile it with the ten stories we have of Mary in the New Testament: the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation, flight into Egypt, losing Jesus in the Temple, going to bring Jesus home from his public ministry, the wedding feast at Cana, being at the foot of the Cross, and Pentecost.
The New Testament does not demonstrate a meek woman, devoid of creativity and initiative. It shows a strong, noble woman who put her free will at the disposal of God’s will. That is what the feast of the Assumption celebrates: that because God will never be outdone in fidelity and generosity, he remained utterly faithful to Mary through death, as she was utterly faithful to him in life.”[1]
Religious obedience is not passive – that is the mistake of the past. Let us, this Feast of the Assumption, be inspired by the courage of this amazing woman to live out our faith, encouraging others by our example and words to be generous and forgiving of our fellow man/woman. Here at St Kevin’s we ask the students, teachers and our extended community to Make Jesus Real by the way we greet, treat and speak to others.
Happy Feast Day
[1] © Richard Leonard SJ https://www.liturgyhelp.com/calendar/date/2020Aug15/0/HomRiLen
Richard Leonard SJ is the Director of the Australian Catholic Office for Film and Broadcasting, is a member of the Australian Catholic Media Council and a film critic for all the major Australian Catholic newspapers. He completed a PhD in cinema studies at the University of Melbourne. He lectures in cinema and theology at the Jesuit College of Spirituality and has been a visiting lecturer in Australian cinema at the University of Melbourne, a visiting scholar within the School of Theatre, Film and Television at UCLA and is visiting professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Catholic University, has lectured widely and is the author of numerous books.
Jedda, a young Wurundjeri and Kalkadoon girl. (from website: aboriginalchildrensday.com.au)
St Kevin’s Primary School, Cardiff celebrated National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on 5 August 2020.
I visited all classrooms and talked with the children about Children’s Day and the importance of highlighting children’s wellbeing, safety and development.
We viewed a short video showing young Wurundjeri and Kalkadoon girl, Jedda, with Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Di. Together they take a walk through their country where Jedda’s Aunty teaches about her people and the land, and where Jedda learns to listen and understand her Dreaming.
Elders are the holders of traditional knowledge who are often called upon to provide reassurance, comfort and hope, especially in times of uncertainty.
We also read a picture book called The Lizard Gang, written by a 9 year old girl, Kirra Somerville, in 2004. Kirra, now 25, is descended from the Murta people in Western Australia. Her book won a prize in the 2004 WA Children’s Book Council of Australia: Make your own Storybook Competition. Our children were very impressed that someone of primary school age had her story published, and hopefully this will inspire them to reach for the stars too.
Our Children’s Day learning sessions finished with an Aboriginal dance which was great fun.
The children now have a greater understanding and appreciation of the important voice that our Aboriginal children have in their communities, now and in the future. In a spirit of Reconciliation, all of our children understand that they can be responsible elders and leaders of tomorrow, working together to build a better future for us all.
Phil Taylor
Aboriginal Education Teacher
Students in Year 3-6:
Remember! 20 books, that’s it! 10 PRC list books and 10 choice books!
Check out the video in your library team showing you how to access Sora’s PRC books.
Who’s ready for our Premiers Reading Challenge Years 3-6 reward day?!
Congratulations to the following students for completing the challenge!
Mia (Year 5), Jordy, Harper, Eva (Year 4), Cameron and Miller (Year 3). Golden tickets are headed your way!
Library Borrowing
Due to the pupil free day on the 21st August, students can continue to borrow on their library lesson day. If students missed out this week, we will run a borrowing session this Friday so remember your library bags!
Weeks 2-5
Years 3, 4 and 5/6 will borrow on Tuesday.
Years K, 1 and 2 will borrow on Wednesday.
Hello Oliver!
St Kevin’s has a fantastic new library system! Here’s the link to check out all the amazing books we have- Oliver link. Here you’ll easily find new books, Premier’s Reading Challenge books and whole bunch more! For our younger students we have Orbit, an easier way to find the perfect book- Orbit link.
Cameron and Jordy proudly showing the produce picked from the vegetable patch. Cameron was very helpful with seeds and Jordy with his advice and knowledge of gardening. Thank you Mrs Cullen for all your time, patience and expertise shared with the garden group. The students enjoy every minute of it!
The following items are in the lost property box ready for collection.
- Navy bow headband
- Size 6 navy fleecy jumper no emblem
- Size 12 navy fleecy jumper no emblem
- Size 12 Sports jacket no name
Please ensure that all of your child's belongings are clearly labelled and return any items that may have been taken home accidentally.
Porter Family -Connectedness, Kinship & Voice
CONNECTEDNESS, KINSHIP & VOICE
“The Indigenous Round is the Opportunity for Rugby League to use its collective voice and raise matters of importance to First Nations People.”
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (4 August) had as its theme “We are the Elders of tomorrow, hear our voice.” Two emerging Aboriginal leaders at St Kevin’s are making their voices heard through their involvement in Boots for Brighter Future ( the painting of NRL stars boots for the Indigenous Round). This is an important initiative of Conor Watson(Founder) and the Cultural Choice Association, who are raising awareness and funds to fight Indigenous Youth Suicide.
Summary of Interview with Lehetta Porter
Why is the Indigenous Round Important?
The Indigenous Round showcases Indigenous talent and brings us together. It highlights the talents of our Indigenous NRL stars and makes us proud to call them our own. These NRL stars are role models for our children showing them that if they can do it, then we can do it too. It is vital that this occurs on a national stage educating the wider community. It gives our Indigenous NRL stars a voice, this has been evident in interviews but also in the design of the Indigenous Round jerseys that connected the players and clubs to their Indigenous heritage.
How did you and your family get involved?
We became involved in this last year through our link with Conor Watson and Cultural Choice Association. Last year, Kirinari joined with Indigenous youth in Juvenile Detention through Cultural Choice to paint the boots of the Newcastle players. This year Kirinari was asked to make a video for the NRL and now, NZ Warriors, the Titans and the West Tigers have come on board to support Boots for a Brighter Future and Cultural Choice in sending a message to Indigenous Youth that they are not alone and to fight Indigenous Youth Suicide.
What does it mean to you to be involved in this initiative each year?
In my family everyone has their place. My mother’s sister and her family are the artists and dancers. My mother and I are the educators in the family. I drew from both art, education and
family to make the connections. When we paint the boots we research the player, their interest
and their connection to their homeland. This is a once in a lifetime experience, my girls, and their “brothers” at Kirinari, will remember this for the rest of their life. It is all about pride in who you are! It doesn’t matter where you go, always remember who you are and where you come from.
Emme: “I am happy to paint the boots and I feel lucky to paint the boots of such great players. I am excited that people support Boots for a Brighter Future.”
Lily: “I am proud to see the players run out in Indigenous design boots”
We are enormously proud of the leadership and inspiration of the Porter family, who demonstrate their ongoing connection to Country and kinship. Theirs are the voices of current and emerging Elders who are proud of their Aboriginal heritage. In sharing their talents and knowledge they play a vital role in the journey of Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
Mitch Barnett’s boots were painted by mum and daughter Lehetta Porter and Lily Porter. Lily is a Year 6 student at St Kevin’s Cardiff Catholic School. Lily and Lehetta are both proud Gamilaaray and Yuwulaaray women from Goodooga & Walgett. Story of the artwork:
Earth Colours- Reconciliation- all cultures coming together. |
Tex Hoy’s boots were painted by father and daughter, Jade and Emme Porter. Emme is a proud Gamilaaray / Yuwulaary girl from Goodooga/Walgett. Father, Jade Porter, is a proud Gamilaroi Man from Moree NSW. Emme is a Yr 5 student who attends St Kevins Catholic School in Cardiff. Story of the artwork:
Earth and beach colours theme – connect the 2 artists and Tex joining together to support the Indigenous round and Indigenous culture. |
The Athlete's Foot Back to School Fundraiser
Thank you to those who purchased your school shoes from The Athlete's Foot Glendale. St Kevin's community raised $195.00 from this scheme.
Students and families of St Kevin's have been given the chance to secure a free pass (limited to 10) and all students the chance to secure a 20% off discounted ticket to Newcastle Motiv8 Sports' upcoming holiday 2-Day Olympic Camp at Cardiff High School on September 30th and October 1st (capped to 100 places). To redeem this free and 20% off discount pass, please contact Aaron on 0412 872 396 or email newcastle@motiv8sports.com.au.
Alternatively all students can attain a free Motiv8sports ticket by using their Creative Kids Voucher during the registration process - https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher. This will include a new Rookie Jersey for new members.
Registration link:
https://motiv8sports.com.au/m8_event/motiv8sports-2-day-olympics-cardiff-high-school/