2024 Term 4 Week 1

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Welcome back to MGCPS.  I cannot believe I am writing the first newsletter of Term 4.  Not sure where the time has gone, life just seems to be moving at a fast pace.  Please ensure you continue to look after yourself as we head towards the final school weeks of 2024.

I wanted share this quote that was sent to me from a mate for my recent birthday.  He too is a Catholic Principal and we have become quite close as we journey through our careers together.  What I love about this quote is that it centres on our purpose.  God created each of us because the world actually needs us.  This made me stop and reflect on how much I am needed, something that I am sure we do not do often.  I think we all have the ability to contribute to making our world a better place, especially with those we are close to like our own kids.  My two girls give me so much purpose in life and I am in awe of the young women they are becoming.  In fact, Izabella my oldest turned 18 on the holidays!  Knowing that I am playing a part in who they are becoming is pretty inspiring and I am sure all of you as parents and caregivers feel exactly the same way with your own kids.

The best part of this time of the year is meeting all the new families joining our school in 2025, especially our 3 Year Old and 4 Year Old Kindy students.  In these meetings I emphasise the importance of the school and home working together for the benefit of the child being enrolled at MG.  You as parents and caregivers, are the biggest influence on the lives of your children.  Your influence is greater than their teachers, friends and even social media.  It is proven, that your positivity and attitude not only supports your child but plays a crucial role in motivating them to develop good learning habits.

Likewise, parent-teacher collaboration also has a significant influence on a child’s education.  At MG, we aim for parents to feel at ease in participating in school life as you directly contribute to us achieving our mission and goals for the year.  This can be achieved through open and honest communication with your child’s teacher.  Our staff work extremely hard to provide an education that develops the whole child, all while caring for the students like they are their own.  Our teachers are trained at making sound educational decisions for your children and I am so proud of their craft and our school results.

Over the break I did some research into the benefits of parental involvement which we will continue to promote here at MG.

Greater Level of Achievement

All children have their strengths and areas they need to continue to work on.  Research shows, that students will likely achieve better outcomes when there is a stronger link between parental involvement and their education.  Take the time to discuss with your child what they are working on in class as well as listening to them read.

Reduced Absenteeism

High levels of absenteeism can have a massive impact on a child’s social and academic development.  Parents must be aware of how much school their child is missing.  Parents must also understand the consequence of their child’s absence from school.  By visiting the school and classroom, parents demonstrate to their child how much they value their child’s effort and education.  This year we have had a number of families take extended holidays.  It is wonderful to reconnect with family and is something I fully understand and support.  However, parents must realise their child will miss concepts covered in class.  Teachers will update Seesaw regularly with what the class is doing for children to access but they won’t be able to provide weeks of work for you to take.

Better Classroom Behaviour

By showing an interest in your child’s education you directly impact their own attitude towards their own motivation and self-esteem.  This can have a massive impact on a child’s behaviour in class and in the playground.

Supporting Your Child’s Development

Parents who read aloud to their child each night help them develop strong reading habits that will benefit their child through their life.  Children may become more involved and interested in a variety of activities, not just reading, by seeing their parents model positive behaviours towards school.

Development of the Whole Person

The involvement of parents in school life has a significant impact on their child.  It can help boost self-esteem and enthusiasm for school.  It will also foster in your child the ability to form and maintain relationships with the classmates and teachers.

Improvements at MGCPS

Parental involvement in school life can be difficult due to other commitments such as work.  We do our best here to have school events such as assemblies at the start of the day so that you can attend.  We also encourage parents and caregivers to become more involved through joining our P&F or Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC).  Both of these groups play a major role in school improvements as we value parent feedback and ideas.  For those of you looking to be more involved, this may be a means to do so.

As parents and caregivers, you are all doing amazing things to help your children reach their full potential.  Our world is a better place because of you and the work you put into raising these amazing students that fill our classrooms and corridors with such joy.  Continue to do what you do and look for ways to be involved here at MG, we love having you here!

Annual Community Meeting

Our Annual Community Meeting (ACM) will be held on Wednesday, 20 November commencing at 7pm.  During this meeting we will report back to our community our achievements throughout the 2024 school year as well as discussing plans for 2025 and beyond.  We are hoping to see as many community members there as possible.  Stay tuned for further information.

Pupil Free Day

A reminder we have an upcoming Pupil Free Day on Monday, 4 November.

Staffing Update

We also welcome back to our school Mrs Freda Burgess who will take on the role of Health Specialist Teacher for the remainder of Term Four for students from Pre-Primary to Year 6.  We are so pleased to have Mrs Burgess join our staff once again.

Thank you for your continued support of your children, our staff and all our families. MG people get what we are about, and that is a wonderful thing.  Wishing you a wonderful start to the term.

Clint

Canteen News

New items have been added to our Canteen Menu.

Recess:

• Chunder Buns! – Diced capsicum and tomato on a hot dog bun with tomato paste sauce and cheese. Available Tuesdays and Fridays. Green Item. $2.00

Lunch:

• Mild Thai Red Curry. Available Tuesdays. Green Item. $6.00
• Sweet Chilli Wrap – Chilli Chicken Strips with lettuce, tomato, carrot, cheese and mayo. Available Tuesdays. Green Item. $5.50
• Fish ‘n Gems plus a small corn cob. Available Fridays. Amber Item. $6.00

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 7 of the Scholastic Book Club Catalogue was sent home with children earlier this week. Please note the cut off for orders in next Friday 18th October.

Please order online via the LOOP website.

Book Club LOOP

Term 4 Planner for Parents

Please click HERE for the Term 4 Planner for Parents.

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF START DATE FOR TERM 1 2025 – THURSDAY 6TH FEBRUARY.

Euan, Edward, Jade, Sierra and Emily from Pre Primary drew a dinosaur from our book, Tyrannosaurus Drip!

Supporting Kids and Teens with ADHD

This webinar looks AMAZING! Sharon Collon is a very popular ADHD Coach and Consultant with a tonne of ideas and strategies to support children and teens with symptoms of ADHD or an ADHD diagnosis.

The webinar costs $35 which gives you access to watch live, a recording available on demand for 6 months and a workbook.

It’s definitely one I’ll be attending to get more ideas to support our busy brain kids!

You can register and find out more by using the QR code below

Enrol now at La Salle College

La Salle College is now taking enrolments for current Year 4 students starting Year 7 in 2027.

At La Salle College we offer a wide range of learning programs and academic pathways, as well as opportunities in a multitude of areas such as skill-based and work-based learning, music, arts, sport and extracurricular activities and clubs.

Our wonderful facilities and generous outdoor spaces, which includes Science Labs, Aquatic Centre with a 10-lane swimming pool, Performing Arts Centre with orchestra pit, Chapel, Trade and Skills Centre and a double court Sports Centre, provide an innovative and modern learning environment
that inspires our students to be the best they can be.

Every student is given the opportunity to succeed. We believe that education extends beyond the classroom, and we encourage our students to live out their faith and values in the service of others, whilst making a positive impact on the world in which they live. Through our teaching and learning, we aim to transform tomorrow’s hearts, minds and lives in all that we do.

If you would like to know more about our enrolments process or learning opportunities at La Salle
College please visit our website www.lasalle.wa.edu.au/enrolment or contact our College Enrolments team:
• Email 8770svc_enrol@cewa.edu.au
• Phone 9449 0601

With limited places available for Year 7 2027, we encourage you to make an enquiry today