2024 Term 4 Week 3

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

And just like that we are nearing the midway point of Term 4.  I appreciate that just thinking about being in the middle of Term 4 means we are heading towards the final weeks of the school year.  It also means that things are going to get rather busy as we not only have things going on at school but also our own lives.  With this busyness in our lives comes a sense of pressure that we will all start to feel having to get this and that done, like the beloved dance costumes for the upcoming concert!!  I am certain you will also see the school calendar start to fill up with events such as our ACM, EDU Dance Concert and so on.  This period may create the sense of being overwhelmed for us all, parents and staff.

This made me reflect on the documentary that I watched on Netflix last year around this time.  Doc Rivers, an NBA head coach loves the notion of Ubuntu; I am because we are.  The best part of the documentary is when he explains that pressure is a privilege.  At first, I remember thinking that sounds ridiculous.  I mean I do understand the positive pressure being a privilege, but the overwhelming pressure, no way!

I am sure when you experience that sense of pressure it can bring feelings of anxiety.  I understand because this is exactly what I feel.  I sit there some nights and think how am I going to tick all these tasks off my to do list!  And I think this is where the beauty of Doc Rivers’ thinking comes into play, thinking the pressure is there because I need to embrace it and remember that I can handle it.  Seeing the privilege in the pressure makes me in a way feel better in the many hats I wear in my life just like all of you.

Our Catholic faith also talks to us about embracing the pressure just like in this quote.  We are reminded to be joyful in all our circumstances.  Easy when the circumstance is a positive experience but tough when we are presented with challenges.  I am sure you also feel the same, it is difficult to find joy when unexpected things happen in our lives or those of our loved ones.  I suppose the joy comes from us reflecting on what the experience is teaching us about ourselves or giving thanks for those around us.  I think God is telling us that we will always find support from those around us and accept that we are trying our best with our kids, families and each other.

With the pressures and trying to find joy in all circumstances, we all must remember that self-care is so important.  Taking some time out to hit the reset button and reflect may sound unrealistic when your kids are little.  I am always reading, trying to find the answer as a parent to get this right, like finding even 15 minutes to chill and that is with my girls getting older.  However, the research shows that doing it has so many benefits for you and your loved ones, and you all deserve it!

I wonder when actually was the last time you did something for you?  Being a parent is the best, I am sure you all feel that too.  I hope over the coming weeks you find some ‘you’ time where you spend time with ‘you’.

During this busy time my mind always goes to what you as parents and staff are focusing on right now.  What I am thinking about at the same time is your wellness.  The wellness space will be a bit of a focus for us at MG in 2025 through our structures and routines that will help our students be well at school.  The one thing that is so clear about wellness though is our human connection to others.  Our lives are made that more beautiful because of the people that surround us.  I am so grateful for those that impact me and help me through my struggles.  They are the people that encourage me to accept me for who I am in all my messiness.

Connection is paramount to wellness.  Our kids here at MG are so good at it and model it each day.  It is something that makes me so proud to be part of this community and what I promote to new families joining us.  Our diversity creates unity.  I really do thank our kids for showing us the way to wellness.

Carpark Safety

At Matthew Gibney, we aim to create the safest environment for our students.  This is the responsibility of every community member.  This week, I received communication from several concerned parents regarding the speed that cars are entering and exiting our school carpark.  I understand that at times our flow of traffic is slowed, however, a few extra moments of waiting means we are doing our part in keeping our students safe.  I encourage you all to abide by road safe practices and do you part in creating a safer environment for everyone.

Pupil Free Days

Our next Pupil Free Day is scheduled for Monday, 4 November.

School Fees

As we head into the final weeks of the school year, a gentle reminder about school fees and payments.  I thank all our families for their support and commitment to their child’s school fees.  Please do not hesitate to contact Ms Cotton in the office if you have an queries.

• Our school’s complaint system is clear, child friendly and students feel comfortable to use it.
• Our school takes all complaints and concerns made by students seriously.

The Director General of the Department of Education is responsible for ensuring that the school observes the registration standards, including the standard about its complaints handling system. Any student, parent or community member is entitled to contact the Director General with concerns about how the school has dealt with a complaint. Information is available on the Department of Education website. While the Director General may consider whether the school has breached the registration standards, the Director General does not have power to intervene in a complaint or override the school’s decision.

Thank you again for your continued support for our community.  I do hope you can find some time to reset and focus on you.

Take care,

Clint

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.

Sibling Spats!

Fights between siblings are a very normal part of growing up. Children are still learning to recognise and respond to their emotions. Conflict can help children to develop problem-solving skills, emotional regulation skills and conflict-resolution skills that will enhance their relationships long into adulthood.

However, sometimes this can cross over into dangerous behaviour.

As a parent, it is our responsibility to ensure our homes are safe and positive places for our family.

I recently came across a great article with specific tips and strategies to help reduce conflict that may cause more lasting damage (use the QR code to read it).

If you are very concerned about the level of aggression between your children, please speak to your GP as there may be something else that is preventing your child from managing their impulsive behaviour.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Join the fun and support a great cause; our kids education!

Tickets are just $10, and the winner will receive free 2025 tuition fees for one student. Sales start this Friday, 25th October, at Matthew Gibney Day, and the lucky winner will be drawn at the EduDance Concert on Friday, 29th November! Limited tickets available, so don’t miss out! 🎟️

👉 Buy tickets now: https://rafflelink.com.au/mgfees

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.