Rosemary Carter
School Chaplain

Hello and welcome to all of the new students and families attending Kew High School in 2021. My name is Rosemary Carter and I am the Kew High School Chaplain. As the chaplain, I am involved in a range of programs in the school including Connect, Peer Support and Pastoral Care. Students are welcome to come and see me in room 108 to discuss any issue or concern.

Thursday 29th January marked the first day of school for the Year 7 students. It was also the first day of the Peer Support program for 2021. It was fantastic to see over 200 Year 7 students meeting with the 38 newly trained year 10 Peer Support leaders. The program is aimed at helping Year 7 students transition into high school life. A wide range of topics are covered over the term, including finding and keeping friends, getting organised and working through hassles. Welcome to the new Year 7 students and congratulations to the year 10 Peer Support Leaders.

This year, the Chaplains Assistance Fund has again aided many students and families with new and second-hand textbooks, and uniforms. We are also very grateful for the support from both the Rotary Club of Canterbury, who continue to sponsor small student scholarships, and the Bendigo Bank Kew East Community Bank, who provide funds for Covid grants.  Without their generous support, the Chaplains Assistance Fund would be unable to continue to offer assistance and support to Kew High School students.  Applications for support through the Chaplain’s Assistance Fund can be collected from the general office.

1000 Hearts lunch time program commenced this term. A great group of students have been meeting on Wednesday lunch time  to sew felt hearts. The 1000 Hearts kindness project is based on small pocket hearts, which are handmade from wool felt and stitched with love and good intentions. The hearts are then offered to people as a symbol of compassion, care and kindness. For more information, visit https://www.1000hearts.com.au/

The Second Hand Uniform and Book Shop has again had a busy three months, with the volunteers running a highly successful covid safe end of year sale. A big thank you to all the volunteers for donating their time for this huge undertaking. If you are interested in purchasing items from the shop our regular, the shop is open every Tuesday from 12:20pm – 1:10pm and two Monday evenings per term. Watch the Compass newsfeed for advertisements of these evening opening times and dates. New volunteers are encouraged and welcome to join our team in shop. For information on volunteering or how to sell your  own uniforms and books through the shop, please see the school webpage www.kew.vic.edu.au or email the school chaplain rosemary.carter@kew.vic.edu.au.