Connection means building and keeping positive relationships with others. It’s about sharing, listening, caring, and spending time together in ways that make us feel close and supported. When we have strong connections, we feel like we belong and are not alone. Connection helps us work together, solve problems peacefully, show kindness, and understand how others are feeling. It makes our friendships and families stronger and helps us grow into people who care about the world around us.
We say an Acknowledgement of Country to show respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—the First Peoples of Australia.
Before our school, houses, or roads were built, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people cared for this land for a very long time.
It’s a way of remembering that we all share the land and that we want to take care of it and each other.
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.
All: May we all stand tall, stand firm, grounded in truth, together as one.
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.
We pray to talk to God. Just like we speak with our family or friends, prayer is our way of staying connected to God. We might pray to say thank you, to ask for help, to say sorry, or simply to spend time with Him.
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.
Sit comfortably, close your eyes if you wish, and take a deep breath in… and slowly let it out.
Feel your body become still, and your mind gently settle.
Now, bring to mind someone who is special to you — a person who has cared for you, encouraged you, or simply made you feel loved.
Picture their face. Remember a moment when they made you smile or feel safe.
Take another deep breath. As you breathe in, feel the gift of their presence in your life. As you breathe out, quietly say in your heart: Thank you, God, for this person.
Think of another person who is special to you — perhaps a family member, a friend, a teacher, or a mentor.
Hold them in your mind and imagine God’s love surrounding them.
Again, whisper in your heart: Thank you, God, for this person.
Take a moment now to let all the special people in your life gather in your thoughts. See them all together, surrounded by God’s love and light.
Rest in the feeling of gratitude for them.
Let us close with a short prayer:
Loving God, thank you for the gift of the special people in our lives. They remind us of your love, care, and goodness. Help us to treasure these connections and to be a source of love and encouragement for others. Amen.
Benedictus by 2CELLOS
Benedictus is a peaceful and emotional piece of music performed by 2CELLOS.
The music starts softly and slowly builds, creating a feeling of calm, hope, and reflection. It's often used in moments of quiet thinking, meditation, or prayer because it helps people feel peaceful and connected.
It’s a beautiful reminder to pause, be grateful, and notice the special moments in our lives.
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.
The Bible tells us that God made us to be connected — to Him and to each other.
Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). That means when we stay close to Him, we grow strong.
The Bible also says, “Two are better than one… if one falls down, the other can help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). Our friends and family are given to us so we can help and care for each other.
St Paul tells us, “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). That’s what connection looks like — being kind, helpful, and supportive.
Most of all, Jesus teaches, “Love one another. As I have loved you” (John 13:34). Love is the glue that keeps us all connected.
The video explains that positive relationships are people in our lives who bring out the best in us, make us feel safe and valued, and help us grow. It reminds kids that relationships are important, not just having friends, but actually being a good friend.
When kids learn how to build positive relationships early:
They feel more connected and less alone.
They learn how to work with others, solve problems, and share feelings.
They develop good habits of friendship that last into adult-life.
“Good relationships are like a strong team: people who cheer you on, help you up, and let you shine — and you do the same for them.”
The video reminded us that good relationships connect us with people who care. How does your special person help you feel connected and not alone?
Connection means being there for each other. When was a time your special person was there for you when you needed them?
We stay connected by showing kindness and love. What is one way you can show kindness or love to your special person today?
Connection makes us stronger together. What is something you and your special person do that makes your relationship stronger?
God connects us through love. How do you see God’s love in the connection you share with your special person?
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.
Dear God,
Thank You for giving me gifts I can use to help others.
Teach me to be a kind and brave leader—
to listen well, to include others, and to do what is right.
Help me to lead like Jesus, with love and care.
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.
Special Persons Day is a day where we celebrate the important people in our lives — family members, friends, grandparents, or mentors — who love us, support us, and help us grow. It’s a chance to show gratitude for the people who make a difference in our lives, to spend time together, and to recognise the special connections that give us strength.
A special person is someone who makes a positive difference in our lives. They could be a grandparent, parent, sibling, carer, teacher, mentor, godparent, friend, or even a neighbour. Special people are those who love us, support us, and help us become the best version of ourselves. They are the people we look up to, trust, and feel connected to.
It is important to celebrate our special people because they remind us that we are loved and never alone. Taking time to honour them shows gratitude for all the ways they encourage, protect, and guide us. Celebrating them strengthens our connections, helps us remember the blessings in our lives, and gives us the chance to say “thank you” for the big and small ways they care for us each day.
Who is someone special in your life, and why are they special to you?
What is one thing your special person has taught you or helped you with?
How do you feel when you are connected with your special person?
What is one way you can show gratitude to your special person today?
How can you be a “special person” for someone else?
Here are some activities you might like to complete to share with your special person this week!
Special Persons Day Card
The activity helps children practise gratitude and thoughtfulness. By making and giving a card, they express appreciation in a tangible way, strengthening their connection with their special person. It also provides a keepsake for the person to treasure.
My Special Memories
In this activity, children reflect on their relationship with a grandparent or special person by recording meaningful memories and feelings. The prompts guide them to:
Write about a time they remember with their special person.
Recall a moment that makes them laugh when they think about them.
Describe how they feel when they are with their special person.
Capture a favourite memory, something they miss, or a hope for the future.
All About Me and My Grandparent / Special Person
This is a fun and reflective activity where children fill in information about themselves and their grandparent or special person. The template includes prompts such as favourite food, favourite movie, favourite game, hobbies, and a favourite memory.
My Special Person
In this activity, children complete a profile all about their special person. The sheet includes prompts such as:
Their special person’s name, what they call them, and sometimes what that person calls them back.
Favourite things (food, colour, hobby, TV show, sport, animal).
A happy memory they share together.
Something wonderful about their special person.
Fun reflections, like what their special person always says or what makes them laugh.
Children can write, draw, or share ideas with a partner as they fill it out.
Colouring Activity – Patterns and Encouragement
Children complete a colouring sheet filled with fun patterns, shapes, and positive words of encouragement (like kind, brave, loved, special). As they colour, they reflect on the uplifting messages and how these words can describe both themselves and their special person. This calming activity promotes mindfulness, creativity, and gratitude while reinforcing positive connections.
Photo Frame Craft: Children design and decorate a paper or cardboard photo frame, then draw (or paste) a picture of themselves with their special person inside it.
Acrostic Poem: Using the name of their special person, children write an acrostic poem describing why that person is important (e.g., M-akes me laugh, U-nderstands me, M-akes me feel safe = MUM).
Compliment Coupons: Students create a set of small “coupons” that their special person can “redeem,” such as a hug, help with a chore, or a kind message.
Story Time Together: Children write a short story about an adventure they’d like to go on with their special person, then share it with them.
Handprint or Heart Craft: Make a keepsake by tracing hands or cutting out heart shapes, then writing something they love about their special person inside.
Treasure Hunt of Gratitude: Create a classroom or home “treasure hunt” where children hide notes of gratitude or drawings for their special person to find.
Special Person Interview: Children prepare fun questions (e.g., “What was your favourite game at my age?”) and interview their special person to learn more about their life.
Cooking or Snack Time: Make a simple shared snack (like fruit skewers or decorating biscuits) together, focusing on enjoying time and conversation.
Class Quilt of Connection: Each child decorates a square of paper with drawings or words about their special person. The squares are joined together to create a “connection quilt” to display.
(Leader speaks slowly)
“Let’s take a quiet moment.
Close your eyes if you like.
Think of the special person who is here with you today, or someone you love very much.
Breathe in and remember: God loves me.
Breathe out and say in your heart: Thank You, God.”
(Pause briefly.)
Today is a special day. It’s not just about school, it’s about celebrating the people who make a difference in our lives. They might be grandparents, parents, carers, friends, or neighbours. These are people who cheer us on, help us when we’re stuck, and remind us that we are loved.
People were bringing little children to Jesus so that he could bless them. The disciples tried to stop them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like them.” Jesus took the children in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
Jesus loved children and welcomed them. He wanted everyone to know that children are very important to God.
Special persons—like grandparents, parents, and friends—are also very important. They help us learn how to be kind, how to forgive, and how to love others. They show us what faith looks like in real life: praying with us, bringing us to church, or teaching us to do good things.
We celebrate them today because they remind us of God’s love. Just like Jesus welcomed children, our special persons welcome us with open arms and hearts.
Who is a special person in your life that helps you feel loved?
How has your special person taught you about God or faith?
What is one way you can show your special person that you love and thank them today?
Thank You Card: Draw or write a card for your special person, naming one thing they do that shows God’s love.
Faith Sharing: With your special person, share one thing you know about God and ask them to share something too.
Blessing Activity: Children place their hands on their special person’s shoulder and say, “God bless you and thank you for loving me.”
Loving Jesus,
Thank You for the special people in our lives.
They help us to grow, to love, and to know You better.
Bless our grandparents, parents, friends, and carers.
Help us to show them kindness and gratitude.
May we always remember that through them,
we experience Your love.
Amen.
October is called the Month of the Rosary. The Rosary is a special prayer that helps us think about Jesus’ life and Mary’s love for God. When we pray the Rosary, we ask Mary to guide us closer to Jesus. This month reminds us to pray often and trust God, just like Mary did.
The Catholic Church dedicates October as the Month of the Rosary. This tradition began because the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated on 7 October, a day established to honour Mary and the power of the Rosary in prayer. Throughout October, Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary more often, either individually, with families, or in groups.
The Rosary is a prayer that helps us reflect on important moments (called mysteries) in the life of Jesus and Mary — from His birth, to His ministry, death, and resurrection. By praying the Rosary, we ask Mary to guide us closer to Jesus through her example of faith and humility.
The Month of the Rosary reminds us that prayer can bring peace, guide us in our decisions, and keep us close to God.
The One Decade Rosary is a short way to pray the Rosary. We start by sitting quietly, taking slow breaths, and remembering that God is with us. Then we make the Sign of the Cross and think of our prayer intentions — the people or things we want to pray for.
We pray:
1 Our Father
10 Hail Marys
1 Glory Be
This helps us slow down, listen to God, and feel close to Him. At the end, we say a short prayer thanking God for being with us and asking Him to bless us and help us care for one another.
The Rosary is a special prayer with beads. Each bead helps us remember which prayer to say next. When we pray the Rosary, we think about the most important times in Jesus’ life — like when He was born, when He taught people, when He died, and when He rose again. We also think about Mary, His mother, who always trusted God and guides us to love Jesus more.
The Rosary helps us:
Talk to God and ask for help.
Say thank you for the blessings in our life.
Feel calm and close to God.
Here are the steps in praying the Rosary:
Start: Make the Sign of the Cross.
First Prayers: Say the Apostles’ Creed, the Our Father, 3 Hail Marys (for faith, hope, and love), and the Glory Be.
Decades: For each decade (there are 5):
Say 1 Our Father.
Say 10 Hail Marys.
Say the Glory Be and the “O My Jesus” prayer.
Finish: At the end, pray the Hail Holy Queen, then make the Sign of the Cross again.
The Rosary is like a gentle walk with Mary and Jesus, helping us grow in faith, hope, and love.
Below are some short prayers that can be used to commemorate the Month of the Rosary and humility in your classrooms.
Leader: Loving God, we gather today as one school family. We remember Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who showed us how to live with kindness, love, and humility. We know You always listen to us, so we bring our prayers to You with trust.
For the Church:
We pray for the Church, that it will always shine Your light, showing people how to live with love, hope, and faith. May it guide us, just as Mary guides us to Jesus.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For our school:
We pray for our school community. May our classrooms and playgrounds be places of kindness, care, and respect. Help us to make everyone feel safe and welcome.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For students and teachers:
We pray for all students and teachers. May we try our best in our learning and show patience and care for each other. Like Mary, may we be humble and gentle, and support one another every day.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For our families:
We pray for our families. May our homes be full of love, patience, and joy. Help parents, carers, and children to share kindness with one another and grow together in faith.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For those in need:
We pray for people who feel lonely, sad, or left out. May we notice them, reach out with open hearts, and show them the same care that Mary shows to us.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For Mary’s help:
We ask Mary, our Mother, to guide us each day. May she help us live in peace, listen to God, and share love with all those around us.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
For those who have died:
We pray for all people who have died, especially those we love and miss. May they rest in God’s peace and joy forever.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Loving God, thank You for hearing our prayers today. With Mary’s example of love and faith, may we bring peace, kindness, and joy into our school, our families, and our world. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
All: Amen.
A Prayer for Our School:
Dear God,
Help us to make our school a place where everyone feels welcome, loved, and cared for. Teach us to be kind to one another and to always show respect. Amen.
A Prayer for Friendship:
Loving God,
Thank you for the friends we have. Help us to be good friends to others by sharing, listening, and being kind, just like Mary showed us. Amen.
A Prayer for Our Effort:
Lord,
Help us to always try our best in everything we do. Guide us to work hard and to help others who might need a hand. With Mary’s example, we know we can do great things. Amen.
A Prayer for Kindness:
Dear Jesus,
Teach us to be kind and caring every day. Let us follow Mary’s example of love and help us make our school a place of peace and happiness for all. Amen.
A Prayer for Caring Hearts:
Heavenly Father,
Fill our hearts with love and care for others. Help us to be like Mary, showing compassion and reaching out to those in need. Together, we can build a stronger, kinder school community. Amen.
This week, our Positive Behaviour Blitz at school is all about “Leave No Trace.” We are learning the importance of being respectful, responsible, and safe in how we treat our belongings in the classroom and on the yard.
Leave No Trace means showing care for our environment, shared spaces, and each other by making sure we don’t leave mess, damage, or harm behind. It reminds us to respect the places we learn and play in and leave them as we found them—or even better.
This connects to our school values:
Respectful – We treat all spaces with care.
Example: We walk around plants and artworks instead of stepping on or over them.
Safe – We keep areas clean and clear so everyone can use them safely.
Example: We put away sports equipment and pick up rubbish so others don’t trip or slip.
Responsible – We take ownership of our own mess and help others do the same.
Example: We tidy our workspace, push in our chairs, and pack up shared materials even if we didn’t use them.
By living these values, we show that we care for our school, our environment, and our community.
These are the routines that our school know well! Let's continue to focus on these.
This routine is used anytime students need to move around within the classroom (e.g., from mat to table, or into groups).
It keeps the classroom calm and safe, helps everyone know what to do, and stops confusion or rushing.
Ready in Five
Listen for when, what, and who will move
Move silently and safely when told
Stay focused and listen for the next instruction
This routine is for times when students move out of the classroom (e.g., to specialists, Mass, assembly).
It shows respect to others, keeps everyone together and safe, and helps the class arrive at places calmly and on time.
Ready in Five
Line up in two quiet lines
Stay with the person in front of you
Walk quietly and respectfully
Stop when asked and listen carefully
Respectful:
How can we show respect to others while moving inside or outside the classroom?
What does respectful movement look and sound like?
How does being respectful help everyone focus and feel calm during transitions?
Responsible:
What is your responsibility when you hear “Ready in Five”?
How can you make sure you are following the teacher’s instructions during movement time?
What should you do if you notice a friend is not sure where to go or what to do?
Safe:
How can we keep ourselves and others safe when we move as a class?
What could happen if we don’t follow the movement routine properly?
How can you use your body and space to make sure everyone stays safe?
This routine teaches students how to use their mini whiteboards properly during lessons.
It helps everyone stay focused, answer quickly without shouting, and gives the teacher a fast way to see what everyone understands.
‘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.
At our school, every student has the right to feel safe, respected, included, and supported. You should always be treated fairly and listened to, and if something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s bullying, feeling unsafe, or being worried—you can and should speak up to a trusted adult, because it’s your right. We all share the responsibility to make school a safe place by being kind, respectful, honest, and following school rules. Child Safety Officers and teachers are here to listen and help, and together we can make sure school is a place where everyone belongs and can learn and grow.
Every student has the right to feel safe, accepted, valued, heard, and supported.
You can talk to a trusted person if you’re being bullied, feel scared, worried, or sad.
The school has Child Safeguarding Officers trained to listen and help.
The whole community works together to keep children safe and ensure their voices are heard.
The Child Safe Standards were created to make sure children are protected in schools, sports clubs, and other organisations.
Adults must be carefully chosen, listen to what makes you feel safe, and act if something is wrong.
You have the right to be safe everywhere—and if you ever don’t feel safe, you can and should tell an adult, and they must help you.
You have the right to be safe, respected, treated fairly, and included at school.
You also have responsibilities: be kind, follow rules, be honest, include others, and help make school safe for everyone.
Bullying, harassment, and ignoring teachers’ directions are not okay.
If you feel unsafe, talk to a trusted adult (teacher, parent, carer, or Child Safety Officer).
Consequences happen if rules are broken, but the aim is to make school safe for all.
What does it mean to feel safe at school? Can you share a time you felt safe?
Why do you think it’s important that everyone has the right to be heard and believed?
Who are the trusted adults you could talk to if something didn’t feel right?
How can students help make school a kind and respectful place?
What’s one small action you could take to include someone who feels left out?
Why do rules exist, and how do they keep us safe?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell an adult if you’re worried. What might make it easier?
Why do you think the posters say “Speak up—it’s your right”?
How can we support each other if a friend is scared to speak up?