Guidance is when someone helps you find the right path, like a teacher showing you the way, giving you tips, and cheering you on so you can keep learning and growing. It’s like having a helper by your side who doesn’t do the work for you, but makes sure you feel supported, safe, and ready to take the next step on your own.
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.
Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Sit quietly and imagine yourself in a safe, peaceful place.
Place your hands gently on your lap, open, as if you are ready to receive a gift.
Whisper in your heart:
Come, Holy Spirit.
Fill me with your light.
Show me the way when I am unsure.
Guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions.
Help me to listen, to be kind, and to make good choices.
Take another slow breath. Imagine the Holy Spirit like a gentle flame or a soft breeze resting on you, giving you peace.
Rest in that quiet for a moment, knowing you are never alone.
When you are ready, open your eyes and carry that guidance with you into your day.
As you watch the candle, notice how its light shines gently in the darkness — guidance helps us see the way forward.
Think about how the flame never rushes but stays steady, just like guidance that is calm and patient.
Guidance means we don’t walk the path alone — we let others show us where to go and how to grow.
Think of a time a teacher, friend, or family member guided you. How did it feel to know you weren’t on your own?
Like the steady glow of the candle, the Holy Spirit’s guidance helps us feel safe, calm, and ready for what comes next.
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 gives us guidance through the Holy Spirit, who is like a helper and teacher in our hearts. The Spirit is there to remind us of what Jesus taught, to shine a light when things feel dark or confusing, and to give us the courage to keep going.
“The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of what I said” (John 14:26).
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit gives them” (1 Corinthians 12:4).
These verses show us that the Holy Spirit guides us, lights the way when we feel unsure, and gives people special gifts — like teaching — to help others learn and grow.
The Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding us like a teacher, and working through the teachers in our lives to help us follow the right path and become the people God calls us to be.
The video tells the story of when the Holy Spirit was sent to Jesus’ friends after he returned to heaven. They were together and waiting as Jesus asked, and then God sent the Holy Spirit in a powerful way—there was the sound of wind and what looked like flames of fire resting on each person.
This gift changed everything: the friends were given the power and ability to share God’s message in different languages, help each other, and live together in a new way.
The video reminds us that the same Holy Spirit is with us today—helping us, guiding us, and helping us to live like Jesus.
What was the special gift that God sent in the story?
How do you think Jesus’ friends felt when they saw the wind and the flames?
The Holy Spirit helped the friends speak and share in a new way—how could the Holy Spirit help you today?
Who is someone that helps guide you or supports you in your life? How might that be like the Holy Spirit’s help?
If the Holy Spirit is like a helper living in our hearts, what’s one thing you could ask the Holy Spirit to help you with this week?
The video explains that the Holy Spirit is fully God — just like the Father and the Son — and that He comes to live inside people who believe.
It teaches that the Holy Spirit doesn’t speak out loud like people often do, but He works in our hearts: He helps us understand the Bible, guides our thoughts, helps us know when something is wrong, and gives us faith in Jesus.
The video also shows that when we invite the Holy Spirit, He is always with us — helping, comforting, and leading us in our everyday life.
What does the video say the Holy Spirit is like (e.g., helper, guide, teacher)?
How does it feel to know the Holy Spirit lives in you?
Can you think of a time when you felt guided or helped by the Holy Spirit (even if you didn’t realise it at the time)?
What is one thing you could ask the Holy Spirit to help you with this week (in your school, your friendships, or at home)?
How can you help someone else notice or invite the Holy Spirit into their life?
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is God’s breath or power that gives life. From the very beginning, the Spirit was there, moving like wind over the world to bring order and life. All through the Bible, the Spirit gives people courage, wisdom, and special abilities to do God’s work — like the prophets who spoke God’s words or the leaders who guided God’s people. When Jesus came, the Holy Spirit filled Him completely, and after He went back to heaven, the Spirit was given to everyone who believes. Today the Spirit still works in us — helping us to make good choices, showing us how to love others, and reminding us that God is always near.
The Bible says the Holy Spirit gives life — what are some things in nature that remind you of God’s Spirit bringing life?
The Spirit gave people in the Bible courage and wisdom — who do you know today that shows courage or wisdom?
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit — how can we try to live more like Him?
What is one choice you could ask the Holy Spirit to help you with this week?
How does it make you feel to know that God’s Spirit is always near you?
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.
World Teachers’ Day celebrates the humble work of teachers who guide us with patience and care, reminding us that humility helps both teachers and students to keep learning and growing together.
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year on 5 October to honour teachers all around the world. It reminds us to be grateful for the hard work, patience, and care teachers give every day to guide their students. Teachers don’t just share knowledge — they walk beside us, encourage us, and help us grow.
World Teachers’ Day also connects beautifully with the value of humility. Teachers show humility by putting their students first, by serving with love, and by continuing to learn themselves. Humility is also needed by students — being willing to listen, to ask for help, and to recognise that we grow best when others guide us.
In celebrating our teachers, we celebrate the humble spirit of teaching and learning — where everyone is open to grow together.
What is something special your teacher has taught you this year?
How does your teacher help guide you when you are stuck?
What do you think makes a good teacher?
How can we say “thank you” to our teachers, not just with words but with our actions?
Teachers show humility when they keep learning too — what do you think teachers might learn from their students?
How can we show humility as students when we are learning from our teachers?
The World Teachers’ Day Prayer begins by acknowledging the First Nations Peoples as the first teachers of the land, honouring the wisdom they have shared over generations. It then invites people to pause and reflect on how teachers help and bring joy. The prayer explains that World Teachers’ Day in Australia is held on the last Friday of October to recognise that teaching is more than a job — it is a vocation that requires dedication, passion, and care.
The Prayers of the Faithful ask God to:
Bless teachers with love and courage,
Support them as they guide students,
Give them joy when students succeed and strength when students struggle,
Inspire them to shape students’ dreams and futures,
Honour teachers past and present,
And let God’s example shine through their work.
The prayer concludes with the Our Father, bringing all intentions together in gratitude for teachers
Printable cards students can personalise. Each card includes prompts like “Thank you for the hard work you do” and spaces for students to write specific messages (e.g., “With your help I learned to…”). These allow students to reflect on what their aide has done for them and express appreciation in their own words.
Customisable certificates such as “Certificate of Awesomeness” or “Superstar Award.” These can be presented to aides by classes, small groups, or the school at a special gathering to formally acknowledge their contributions.
Say thank you directly when your teacher helps you.
Make a card or draw a picture showing what you like about them.
Write a kind message on a class poster or bunting flag.
Help out in class (tidy up, push in chairs, hand out books) as a way of giving back.
Share a compliment (e.g., “I like how you make learning fun”).
Perform a small act of kindness (smile, say good morning, hold the door open).
Join in a class thank you cheer, chant, or song celebrating your teacher.
Include them in fun class activities (like a quiz or game where students make the questions).
Pray for them during school prayer time.
Make a group gift (class poem, song, or artwork signed by everyone).
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.
This week we have a particular focus on picking up our belongings when the music plays at the end of break. Our PBIS focus of “Leave No Trace” reminds us to take responsibility for our things and leave the yard tidy for everyone.
When the bell rings, grab your things!
Here’s a simple social script to remember:
When I hear the music, I know break time is finished.
I look around for my hat, jumper, drink bottle, or sports equipment.
I pick up my belongings and take them with me.
That way, I leave no trace and I’m ready for learning.
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.
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.
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?