T4W9 - Hope

Hope means believing that good things are possible, even when life is busy or uncertain. During Advent, we practise hope by looking forward to Jesus’ birth and trusting that God is helping us grow, learn, and become the people we are called to be.

Acknowledgement of Country

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.

Choose your own...

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.

Prayer

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.

Centering

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.

Advent: Hope Meditation

Get comfortable in your seat.

Let your feet rest on the floor.

Take a slow breath in… and a slow breath out.

Let your shoulders relax.

As we begin, imagine a tiny light—just a small glow—appearing in the darkness.

This light is warm.

It is gentle.

It makes you feel safe.

This little light is Hope.

Hope is what we feel when we know something good is coming, even if we can’t see it yet.

It’s the feeling that God is close to us, helping us, guiding us, and walking with us.

Take a breath in…

And a breath out…

Think of a time when you were worried or unsure, and someone helped you feel better.

Maybe a friend, a teacher, or someone at home.

Remember how their presence made you feel.

That feeling is a spark of hope.

Now imagine that tiny light growing just a little brighter inside your heart.

Not too bright—just enough to warm you.

This is the light of Jesus, the light we wait for during Advent.

As the light grows, imagine it spreading gently around you…

to your classmates,

to your teachers,

to your family,

to anyone who needs a little hope today.

Take another slow breath in…

And slowly let it out…

In this moment of quiet, quietly say in your mind:

“Jesus, help me be a light of hope.”

Let that light shine in you.

Let it remind you that good things are coming.

That God is with you.

That you are safe, loved, and cared for.

When you’re ready, take one more deep breath…

Gently wiggle your fingers and toes…

And slowly open your eyes.

Reflection

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.

Advent and Hope

In this video the kids talk about what hope feels like for them. They say that hope is like believing something good is on the way, even if you can’t see it yet. It’s that feeling you get when you’re waiting for something special, like a birthday or a fun day at school. They remind us that hope is also knowing that God is close to us, helping us, and looking after us, especially when things feel a bit tricky. During Advent, we hold onto that little spark of hope in our hearts — a spark that grows brighter as we get ready for Jesus’ birth and all the joy that Christmas brings.

What is one thing from the video that helped you understand what hope is?
When have you felt excited waiting for something special?
What do you hope for this Christmas?
How can you help someone else feel hopeful or happy this week?

Offering

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…

Prayer

St. Kilian's School Prayer

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.

The Aboriginal Our Father

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.

Hail Mary

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.

A Prayer for the Environment

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.

Advent

Advent is a beautiful season of waiting and getting ready for Christmas. It’s a time when we look forward to Jesus coming and try to make room in our hearts for Him. Each week, we focus on something special — like hope, peace, joy, and love — to help us grow and prepare. Advent reminds us that even simple things, like being kind or helping someone, can bring Jesus closer to us.

What is Advent?

Advent is a special season in the Church that lasts for four weeks before Christmas. It is a time of waiting, preparing, and getting our hearts ready for the birth of Jesus. The word Advent means “coming,” because we are waiting for Jesus to come into our world and into our lives. Advent helps us slow down, breathe, and pay attention to the good things God is doing — even when life feels busy.

What is Advent?

What is one new thing you learned about Advent from the video?
Why do you think we need time to get our hearts ready for Jesus?
Which Advent theme — Hope, Peace, Joy, or Love — do you want to focus on this week, and why?
What is one small thing you can do to prepare for Christmas in a kind or thoughtful way?

au-t-10000527-advent-cloze-activity-sheet-english_ver_1.pdf

Advent Cloze Activity

Students complete sentences about Advent by choosing the correct missing words (such as year, November, Christmas, crown, and Jesus). It helps them understand important Advent facts—for example, when Advent begins and ends, what the wreath symbolises, and how we prepare for Jesus. There is also space to draw the Nativity scene.

au-t-10001300-advent-word-search_ver_1.pdf

Advent Word Search

Students search for Advent-themed words such as prepare, wreath, candle, peace, joy, and hope in a fun puzzle grid. It’s a light, engaging way to help them learn and recognise key Advent vocabulary.

au-t-10001290-my-advent-promises_ver_3.pdf

My Advent Promises

This activity invites students to think about how they can live out the Advent values of hope, peace, joy, and love in their daily lives. They draw and write simple ideas for how they will show each of these during Advent (e.g., helping others, being kind, staying hopeful). It finishes with a chance to reflect on how Advent has made them feel.

roi2-t-125-advent-wreath-colouring-worksheet_ver_3.pdf

Advent Wreath Colouring Sheet

Using the clues provided, students colour the Advent wreath correctly: three purple candles, one pink candle, and a white candle in the centre for Christmas Day. This helps them learn the meaning and order of the Advent candles while enjoying a creative colouring activity.

1st Week of Advent - Hope

What is Christian Hope?

Christian hope in Advent is the deep belief that God is with us and that good is coming, even when we can’t see it yet. It’s not just wishing or hoping for something to happen — it’s trusting in God’s promises. During Advent, Christians remember that Jesus came into the world to bring light, love, and new life, and we look forward to His coming again. Hope is like a quiet light inside us that reminds us that God is working in our lives, guiding us, and helping us grow. Advent teaches us that even in busy or difficult times, we can wait with confidence and trust because God keeps His promises.

How Can People Live Christian Hope?

Christian hope isn’t only a feeling — it’s something we can live out every day through our actions and choices. People can live hope when they:

Stay positive and trust God, even when things feel uncertain.
Look for the good in situations and in others.
Bring kindness and comfort to people who are struggling.
Be patient, remembering that good things can take time.
Pray and stay connected to God, especially when life feels busy.
Choose courage, doing what is right even when it’s hard.
Share encouragement, helping others feel confident, loved, and supported.
Act with faith, believing that God is still at work in the world.

Living Christian hope means becoming a small light for others — showing through our words and actions that God’s love and goodness are stronger than fear, worry, or darkness.

Living Christian hope means showing with our words and actions that we believe God is with us and helping us every day. Hope isn’t just something we feel — it’s something we do. When we choose kindness, stay positive, help others, or keep trying even when things are tricky, we become a little light for the people around us. These questions will help you think about how you can live out Christian hope in your own life.

When is a time you tried to stay positive or trust God, even when something felt a bit hard?
Who is someone you could bring kindness or comfort to this week? What could you do to help them feel better?
What is one small thing you can do to be a “light” for others at school or at home?
Is there something you are waiting for or working on right now? How can being patient help you show hope?
Where do you see God at work in your life, your family, or your classroom?

Advent Week 1 | Let's pray for Hope

In Advent Week 1: Let’s Pray for Hope, we are invited to think about what hope really means during Advent. The video reminds us that hope is trusting that God is with us and believing that good things are coming, even when life feels confusing or difficult. It encourages us to talk to God, share what we’re worried about, and ask Him to fill our hearts with hope as we get ready for Christmas. Through prayer, gentle words, and quiet moments, the video helps us remember that Jesus is the light who brings hope into our world, and that we can carry that light to others.

What is one thing the video said about hope that you really liked or understood well?
When do you need God’s hope the most — at school, at home, or somewhere else?
Who is someone you can share hope with this week? How could you help them feel supported or encouraged?
What is one thing you want to pray for this Advent that needs hope?

Kids' Talk - Advent 1: HOPE

In Kids’ Talk – Advent 1: HOPE, children learn that hope means trusting God even when we can’t see what’s coming next. The video teaches that Advent is a special time of waiting, and that hope helps us stay positive and brave while we wait for Jesus. It gives examples of everyday moments when we need hope — like when we feel unsure, when things get hard, or when we’re waiting for something important. The video reminds kids that Jesus is our light, and that when we put our hope in Him, we can feel safe, loved, and confident. We are encouraged to pray for hope and to share that hope with others through kindness and courage.

What did the video teach you about what hope means?
When is a time you needed hope in your own life?
Who is someone you could share hope with this week?
How can Jesus help you feel hopeful during Advent?

Advent Activity Pack - Five Families Wishes Worksheet.pdf

Five Family Wishes Worksheet

Students write five thoughtful wishes for their family members. The sheet encourages empathy by asking students to consider what each person might really want or need. It also asks why they chose these wishes and who would be happiest if one came true — deepening reflection and kindness.

Advent Activity Pack - My Hopes and Wishes For 2026 Activity Sheet.pdf

My Hopes and Wishes for 2026 Activity Sheet

Using the star shapes, students write down three hopes or wishes they have for the coming year. It helps them set simple goals or think positively about the future as the new year approaches.

A short prayer/liturgy that you might like to use for praying during the the First Week of Advent.

First Week of Advent – Prayers of the Faithful (Hope)

Introduction

As we begin this season of Advent, we light the first candle — the candle of Hope. Hope reminds us that God is with us, guiding us, and bringing light even when things feel uncertain. With trust in God’s goodness and love, we bring our prayers before Him.

Prayers of the Faithful

1. For the Church

That the Church may be a light of hope for all people, showing God’s love through kindness, welcome, and joy.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

2. For our World

That places experiencing sadness, war, or worry may find hope through peace, healing, and people who work for the good of others.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

3. For our School Community

That our students, staff, and families may carry hope into each day, trusting that God is with us and guiding us through all challenges.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

4. For Those Who Are Struggling

That people who feel lonely, sick, tired, or afraid may feel the comforting hope of Jesus and know they are loved and supported.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

5. For Our Own Hearts

That we may grow in hope this Advent, choosing trust, patience, and kindness as we wait for Jesus with open hearts.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

6. For All Children and Young People

That young people everywhere may discover the hope that comes from God, and be able to share that hope with their families and friends.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

7. For Our Advent Journey

That the light of the first Advent candle — the candle of Hope — may shine in our classrooms, homes, and hearts this week.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Final Prayer

Loving God,
As we begin Advent, fill our hearts with your hope.
Help us to see your light in our world,
to trust you in difficult moments,
and to share hope with everyone we meet.
May your hope guide our thoughts, our words, and our actions
as we prepare for the coming of Jesus.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

PBIS

PBIS Focus - 'Leave No Trace'

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.

St. Kilian's Routines

These are the routines that our school know well! Let's continue to focus on these.

SKPS Student Movement (Inside the Classroom).pdf

Student Movement (Inside)

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.

Movement Inside the Classroom (Short Version)

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

SKPS Student Movement (Outside the Classroom).pdf

Student Movement (Outside)

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.

Movement Outside the Classroom (Short Version)

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

Reflection Questions

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?

St. Kilian's Routines

SKPS Using Mini Whiteboards.pdf

Using Mini Whiteboards

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.

SKPS Ready in Five.docx

Ready in Five

‘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.

SKPS Classroom Entry.docx

Classroom Entry

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.

SKPS Clasroom Exit.docx

Classroom Exit

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.

Child Safeguarding

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.

1. Your Rights Poster

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.

2. Speak Up Poster (CCYP)

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.

3. Child-Friendly Code of Conduct Poster

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.

About Safety and Rights

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?

About Responsibilities

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?

About Speaking Up

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?

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