Having good friends is really important! Friends help us feel happy, safe, and included. They play with us, cheer us up when we're sad, and help us learn how to be kind and share. When we have strong friendships, school and life feel more fun—and we know we always have someone to trust and care about.
This week, you might like to invite students to create or say their own Acknowledgement of Country.
Using the sentence starters below, students can reflect on what they are thankful for, the promise they wish to make, and what they value about Dja Dja Wurrung Country. This helps make the Acknowledgement personal, respectful, and meaningful.
We would like to acknowledge the Jaara people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we are meeting today, we acknowledge ancestors and elders past, present and emerging and commit ourselves to work actively for reconciliation and justice.
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we are on today, the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and future.
We thank them for ______________________________________.
Today, we promise to ____________________________________.
We are grateful to walk, learn, and play on this ______________________ land.
Here are some examples you might use:
Thanking them for: sharing their knowledge, caring for Country, welcoming us
Promise to: care for the land, learn about culture, treat nature with respect, invite all with open arms, help others who come to this country/land
Describe the land as: special, sacred, strong, beautiful, ancient, peaceful, friendly, open
Junior Acknowledgement of Country
Here is the Land, here is the Sky, here are my friends, and here am I.
We play today on traditional Land, Our First Nation people, we walk hand in hand.
We’d like to say thank you for letting us share the Land that you love. We promise to take care.
A quiet moment to pause, breathe, and bring our hearts and minds into God’s presence, preparing ourselves to pray with focus, gratitude, and openness.
(Inhale) Lord, prepare my heart…
(Exhale) …to walk in Your love.
(Inhale) Fill me with patience…
(Exhale) …and a spirit of readiness.
(Inhale) Help me to listen…
(Exhale) …and respond with kindness.
(Inhale) Guide my steps…
(Exhale) …as I prepare to serve.
Amen.
A quiet moment to pause, listen, and open our hearts to God, allowing His presence to guide our thoughts, deepen our faith, and inspire us to live with love and kindness.
This scripture reminds us that real love is shown through actions, not just words.
It says that just like Jesus gave His life for us, we should be willing to help others when they need us.
If we see someone in need but do nothing to help, we aren’t truly showing God’s love.
God wants us to have hearts that are kind, honest, and full of love—not just when it's easy, but always.
How can I show love through my actions, not just my words?
(e.g., by helping a friend, listening to a teacher, sharing with others)
Have I ever seen someone who needed help but wasn’t sure what to do? What might Jesus want me to do in that moment?
How do I know when I’m doing the right thing, even if it’s hard?
What’s one small act of love I can do today to make someone else feel seen and cared for?
11 "I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
Jesus asks us to love one another—and one way we do that is by listening to the people who care for us. When we follow instructions from our teachers, parents, and leaders, we show respect, kindness, and trust. It helps everyone feel safe and valued.
Jesus asks us to love one another—how can following instructions be a way of showing love at school?
(e.g., keeping others safe, respecting teachers, helping our class run smoothly)
When have I followed instructions even when I didn’t feel like it—but knew it was the right thing to do?
Jesus gave His life for His friends—how can I give my time or effort to help others today?
(e.g., listening the first time, helping a friend, not going where I shouldn’t)
How does following the rules or listening to my teacher help bring joy to others and myself?
(Think about how it helps us feel safe, included, or trusted)
What does it mean to love “as Jesus loved us”? How can I show that love through my choices each day?
What are some things the people in the video gave to others? How did these gifts make the other people feel?
Why do you think the people decided to give things away instead of keeping them for themselves?
How did the people who gave things feel after they helped others? Why do you think they felt that way?
What are some ways you can give to others, even if you don't have money or things to give away?
Can you think of a time when someone was generous to you? How did it make you feel, and what did you do afterward?
What are some of the ways people in the video showed kindness and generosity to others?
How did the people receiving help feel, and how can you tell?
Why is it important to help others, even if you don’t know them very well?
What do you think would happen if everyone showed kindness like the people in the video?
Can you think of something small you can do today to help someone or make them feel happy?
A moment to open our hearts to God, whether in asking for guidance, strength, and help or in giving thanks for His blessings, love, and presence in our lives.
Thanksgiving prompts
Thank You, God, for giving me…
Thank You, God, for helping me…
Thank You, God, for the people who…
Thank You, God, for the beauty of…
Thank You, God, for the lessons I learn when…
Thank You, God, for always…
Thank You, God, for the moments when…
Thank You, God, for the strength to…
Thank You, God, for Your love that…
Thank You, God, for the joy of…
Asking prompts
Please, God, help me to…
Please, God, give me the courage to…
Please, God, guide me when…
Please, God, help me to be more…
Please, God, show me how to…
Please, God, help me to forgive…
Please, God, remind me to…
Please, God, be with me when…
Please, God, give me the wisdom to…
Please, God, teach me to…
Regular prayers
God, please watch over and heal those who are sick, especially…
I am thankful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially…
Lord, help those who are feeling lonely or sad to know they are loved, including…
God, please give strength and courage to people who are facing difficult times, such as…
Thank you for the beauty of creation and the many blessings in my life, like…
Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Loving God,
When I feel tired or unsure,
Give me the courage to keep going.
Help me to stay calm when things are hard,
And to remember I’m never alone.
Fill my heart with peace,
My mind with hope,
And my body with strength.
Be my guide in all I do today.
Amen.
The Aboriginal Our Father is a version of the traditional Christian Lord’s Prayer expressed through the language, imagery, and spirituality of Aboriginal culture.
The Aboriginal Our Father reminds us that:
God is close – like the land we walk on and the sky above us.
Forgiveness and peace are part of walking together.
We are called to live in respect, balance, and care for one another and the earth.
Father,
We believe that St Kilian’s School is a great place to learn and have fun.
We trust our school community will continue to welcome new members and will always help
and care for each other.
We thank you for the love and respect of our families, teachers and friends.
With Jesus as our model, may we grow to be the best people we can.
Amen.
This week, our Positive Behaviour Blitz at school is all about “Out of Bounds.” This week, we’re learning how to be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe by staying in the right areas at school.
Some places at school are not for students to use unless a teacher says it’s okay. These areas are out of bounds because we want to keep everyone safe and learning.
We stay out of out-of-bounds areas to help keep everyone safe, respectful, and responsible at school.
Safe: Some areas aren’t made for kids to play or walk through—they might have things that could hurt you or others.
Respectful: Teachers use these spaces to work and meet, so we need to give them privacy and show we trust their space.
Responsible: When we follow the rules about where we can and can’t go, it helps the whole school run smoothly and keeps everyone on track.
Even if you're just passing through, being in an out-of-bounds area without permission can be unsafe and unfair to others. That’s why it’s important to always ask a teacher first!
Following instructions is an important ability to practice in everyday life. In a school, following instructions can influence learning and correctly executing skills.
After playing one of the games below during Circle Time, use some or all of these questions to reflect on following instruction during the game and how it relates to following instruction during class time.
Why is it important to follow directions?
What does following directions look like?
What happens if I didn't follow the instructions?
What happens if our class doesn't follow directions?
How can following instruction in this game relate to following instruction during class time?
Where else may I need to use these skills?
Materials: Red, Blue, Yellow and Green Crayon
Line up the crayons on the table in front of the student.
Ask them to manipulate the crayons based on your directions.
For one step directions, say simple things like “Move the blue crayon.” “Touch the red crayon.” or ask them to make shapes such as “Make a T using the crayons.”
For two step directions, you might say “Move the green crayon to the front.” “Move the yellow crayon to second place.” “Move the crayon in first place to third place.”
You can get as advanced as you want, saying things like “Move the green crayon to third place and the last crayon to first place.”
Here is a game to teach your students how to follow directions and how to ask for permission. Stand at one end of the room and your kids at the other. They take turns asking you questions, such as, “Mother, may I take two leap from jumps?” or “Mother, may I take two giant steps?”
For instance, if your child says, “Mother, may I take three bunny hops toward you?” you can respond with, “No, but you can take 2 bunny hops toward me.” If your child fails to listen, then he can take a few steps back instead. This will help your children learn to ask questions and actually listen to the responses. Whoever reaches your end of the room first, wins.
Hand out one 'Instruction Icon' (below) per student. (If doing less, they need to stay in order or it won't work e.g., run in place must be first, spin around must be second, etc.)
The chain doesn't work if people aren't following the instructions.
LEADER BEGINS: Run in place.
After someone runs in place, stand up and jump three times.
After someone jumps three times, stand up and spin around twice.
After someone spins around twice, stand up and stomp your feet.
After someone stomps their feet, stand up and shout your name.
After someone shouts their name, stand up and flap like a chicken.
After someone flaps like a chicken, stand up and bark like a dog.
After someone barks like a dog, stand up and whip your hair back and forth.
After someone whips their hair back and forth, stand up and clap your hands.
After someone claps their hands, stand up and take a bow.
After someone takes a bow, stand up and say “THE END!”
They brought new beds, which Dad went to assemble, and the model kit, a pirate ship, which the kittens sealed with.
But, by a coincidence, they lost the instruction! And when they asked Dad to help, it turned out that he also couldn’t compile the beds ...
Host Jason Silva tests our ability to remember despite lots of distractions.
You will need to print this.
Children have to listen to instructions and colour in the corresponding parts of the picture.
Students need to harness their creativity to draw an alien before describing it verbally to others to draw themselves.
‘Ready in Five’ is a consistent teacher prompt used to gain students' full attention before giving instructions or starting a lesson.
The teacher stands in a central position, counts down from five while scanning the room, and waits for 100% of students to respond and make eye contact. It teaches students to stop, look, and listen, creating a calm and focused transition into learning.
The Classroom Entry Routine sets clear expectations for how students enter the room after breaks or transitions.
Students line up in pairs, enter quietly, stand or sit in their spot, and wait with eyes on the teacher before being greeted and seated. It promotes calm, safe, and respectful beginnings to lessons, helping students settle quickly for learning.
The Classroom Exit Routine guides students in leaving the room calmly and respectfully at the end of a lesson or day.
Students pack up quietly, stand behind their desks, respond to the teacher's farewell, and are dismissed row by row. It ensures a smooth and safe transition, reinforcing gratitude, order, and readiness for what comes next.
Exciting news! On Monday, June 16, the Essendon AFLW team will be visiting schools across the Bendigo and Castlemaine regions as part of their 2025 Community Camp.
Some questions you might ask the players?
What made you want to play AFLW?
How old were you when you started playing footy?
What position do you play, and what do you like about it?
What does a typical training day look like for you?
How do you feel before a big game?
What’s the hardest part about being a professional footballer?
What’s the best part about playing for Essendon?
Who is the funniest person on your team?
What has been your favourite game so far?
Have you ever kicked a goal after the siren?
What’s it like to play in front of a big crowd?
Do you get nervous before a match?
What advice would you give to someone who wants to play footy?
How do you keep going when things get tough?
What’s the most important thing about being in a team?
Meet the Essendon AFLW Team!
The Essendon Bombers are a women's Australian rules football team that plays in the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition. They're known for their teamwork, determination, and love for the game.
Team Leaders
The team is led by co-captains Bonnie Toogood and Stephanie Cain. Bonnie is a strong forward who inspires her teammates with her leadership and skills. Stephanie is a dynamic midfielder known for her speed and commitment on the field.
Star Players
Madison Prespakis: A talented midfielder who won the AFLW Best and Fairest award in 2020. She's known for her excellent ball skills and has been a key player for the Bombers since joining the team.
Georgia Nanscawen: A former hockey player who transitioned to football, Georgia is admired for her leadership and determination. She captained Essendon's VFLW team to their first premiership and continues to be a strong presence on the field.
Recent Highlights
In the 2024 season, the Bombers made it to the AFLW finals for the first time! They played an exciting elimination final against Fremantle, showcasing their growth and potential as a team.
Fun Facts
The Bombers' home ground is Windy Hill, a historic venue where fans come to cheer them on.
The team is coached by Natalie Wood, who has been leading the Bombers since their entry into the AFLW.
Essendon joined the AFLW in 2022 and has been building a strong and competitive team ever since.
World Refugee Day is observed on 20 June each year. It is a day dedicated to honouring the strength, courage, and resilience of refugees around the world. The day raises awareness about the challenges faced by people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or disaster, and it encourages support for their rights, protection, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
This informative YouTube video defines who a refugee—or displaced person—is, exploring why individuals are forced to leave their homes. It outlines the challenges they face, such as persecution, conflict, and crossing borders in search of safety, and emphasizes empathy and understanding around their journey.
Reflection Questions:
What motivates someone to become a refugee?
How do factors like war, violence, or persecution push individuals to leave everything behind?
What emotional and practical hardships might refugees encounter during their displacement?
Think about the journey: leaving family, finding shelter, language barriers, and adjusting to a new place.
How is a “displaced person” similar to or different from a “refugee”?
Why does crossing an international border matter in legal definitions?
Why is it important for us to learn about refugees' experiences?
In what ways can understanding these challenges foster empathy or positive support in our community?
What can individuals, schools, and communities do to support refugees?
Consider actions ranging from raising awareness to volunteering or making refugees feel welcome.
This prayer invites us to pause and reflect on the experiences of refugees around the world. Rooted in scripture and guided by compassion, the prayer centres us in God’s presence, calling us to stand in solidarity with those forced to flee their homes. It offers heartfelt intercessions for safety, healing, family reunification, and permanent protection, encouraging us to respond with love, generosity, and action.
You can access the prayer here: