2024 Term 4 Week 4

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

As I sit here reflecting on the time I have spent with the Year 6 students on camp, I want to share inspiration I drew from our students during my time spent with them taking part in different activities and in just hanging out with them. Watching them engage in what Mrs Dalton had prepared for them, I was truly amazed by the strengths and characteristics they demonstrated.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that our students embraced teamwork. Whether navigating the rock-climbing course or collaborating on group challenges, their ability to support and uplift one another was remarkable. This aligns perfectly with our school motto, “Together We Grow,” highlighting the importance of community and cooperation.

Resilience was another standout trait. Many faced challenges—be it conquering fears of heights or navigating unfamiliar environments in the cave. Their determination and perseverance were inspiring, reflecting our core value of courage. It was a reminder of the strength found in overcoming obstacles, a lesson that will serve them well in the years to come.

Creativity also shone brightly as they approached problem-solving tasks with innovative thinking. It was a joy to see them apply their unique problem solving and collective encouragement, showcasing their individuality while contributing to group success. This creativity embodies our value of respect for one another’s perspectives and talents.

Finally, I was struck by their enthusiasm and curiosity. Each student approached activities with an eagerness to learn and explore, embodying the spirit of inquiry we nurture at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School. This aligns with our commitment to fostering a love of learning, encouraging our students to be lifelong learners.

These experiences at camp not only highlighted the strengths of our Year 6 students but also reinforced our school values and motto. I am proud to support their growth and look forward to seeing how they will carry these valuable lessons into their future endeavours.  I would also like to acknowledge you all as parents and caregivers and staff for the role you have played in shaping them into these young people who are ready for that next stage.  You should all feel proud of the work you have done.

While the Year 6 students are currently in their Games Night, I am also reflecting on the term so far and thinking about what three things I am grateful for.  Literally all three things come from this place, Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School.  Firstly, to everyone that was involved in our recent Matthew Gibney Day celebration.  From the parents to the staff, to the kids, everyone just got on with it and made it happen.  There were so many layers to the day.  The set up for the morning at 7:30am, staff were there.  To organise the Mass, Mrs Keddie to the lead.  The morning tea organisation and set up, Michelle Steward and her group of helpers smashed it.  I mean every layer of the day just worked because of the people that made it possible.  I feel very blessed to be part of this community.

The second thing I am grateful is our staff.  We have recently had our School Support Consultant from CEWA spend two days at our school talking about curriculum and assessments with our teachers.  After the last meeting, she discussed with me how open the teachers were to sharing what they are doing as well as having a growth mindset to learn new ideas and approaches to ensure we are offering our students the best possible learning journey.  Then there are the Education Assistants who literally are the best support mechanism for our students and teachers.  They just get on with it always thinking about the kids.  Julie and Jenn in the office ensure the cogs are turning and have impeccable organisation.  And Steve Vajas, who just goes about meticulous planning and care for our school and the grounds.  Essentially what a great team!

The third thing I am grateful for is the people here; students, staff and parents.  I am always being told by people visiting or new families enrolling here, that there is something special.  What creates this special feeling is you all.  From the school grounds, to the learning, to our community outreach, this is all because of you.  As we head into the final weeks of the year, I hope we can all celebrate how special this place is and enjoy our last few weeks together.

With gratefulness comes the idea of the need for us to serve others, so that they too feel that sense of gratitude.  For me, the service part is easy because it is all about our kids here at MG.  Every conversation with staff, every decision, every resource we purchase is for them as they are the reason our community exists.  Then there is the simple stuff, the good stuff like getting to know each of them and seeing their gifts and talents flourish.  Witnessing this is the best part of my job and why I feel so proud to be a Principal.

We truly are blessed in this community.  These blessings are enhanced by our connection to others.  Each of us brings a story, a story that continues each and every day.  These stories show our humanity which impacts those we encounter.  This week I have had meaningful conversations with two people in our community that have cemented my purpose of why I am here at MG.  I love my job and the why will always be the students.  But the extra why I have experienced this week, is the connection and relationships I make each day with parents and caregivers.  I feel extremely lucky to be here.

Annual Community Meeting

Our Annual Community Meeting, held on Wednesday 20th November, will commence with a Sundowner at 6pm in our Library.  Thank you to the school for providing some drinks and nibbles.  At 7pm we will commence our Annual Community Meeting.

At the meeting, the community will hear of our achievements during 2024 as well as our plans for 2025.

Pupil Free Day

A reminder that our next Pupil Free Day is Monday, 4 November.  Enjoy the day with your beautiful kids.

Uniform – Sandals

I would like to thank our students for their efforts in wearing our uniform with such pride and setting high standards across the school.  Recently, it has been brought to my attention the difficulty in parents trying to find black sandals as per our current Uniform Guidelines.  To help alleviate some of this stress for families, students may wear plain navy sandals as I believe they are easier to purchase.  We will make this formal change in our Parent Handbook for 2025.

I wish you all a wonderful week ahead with many good things your way.  Continue to look after yourself as we head into the busy time of the year.

Forever grateful,

Clint

Our MGCPS UR STRONG Focus is:

Trust and Respect

Through the UR Strong program, we learn as Friendship Ninjas we have 4 FRIENDSHIP FACTS. These facts teach us to have realistic expectations for our friendships: no relationship is perfect, everyone is different, we must be trustworthy and respectful, and things may change (and that’s okay!). The early years define what trust and respect looks like and sounds like. The middle years recognise that respect is about honouring and accepting who the other person is and that you trust them to speak freely. Finally, the upper years look at trust with secrets and safe-talking and respect through diversity, dignity, and honour. We all learn that Friendship Fires ignite when trust is broken and there is disrespect, so we need to earn trust over time and be respectful to our peers for who they truly are.

At home, see if you can continue this message by exploring these questions:

• What does “respect” and “trust” mean?
• How can you show respect to your friends?
• What does it mean when you say that you trust your friend, or you respect your friend?
• How can you show your friends they can trust you?

Parents, share ways that you show trust and respect at home in your family.

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.

Year 5 have been busy this term learning about the causes and effects of bushfires. We have taken our HASS unit and integrated it into our Visual Arts program and Writing through poetry involving rhyme and figurative language. Our Year 5s are on fire with their work!

Building Your Childs Confidence

It seems really simple, but have a go at regularly letting your child be the ‘expert’ and sharing what they know about something with you. Listen attentively and enjoy learning from them. Show appreciation for their knowledge and wisdom.

When kids can share what they know, they feel capable. These feelings build self-esteem and confidence quicker than almost anything else. We know ourselves how powerful it can be!

Read more about building that sense of accomplishment here.

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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 have started 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.