From the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I hope that you are all travelling well and finding some time to stop and enjoy the simple things in life that bring so much joy. This week, I found the most inspirational things by simply getting out of the office and chatting to the kids. You should all be so proud of them for the people they are. Finding the time to simply chat about things they like or how they are going is the best reminder for why so many educators get into this game.
As we reach the busy point of the school term, I am extremely grateful and proud to see the dedication and hard work of our students and teachers. This period has been filled with various assessments, and it’s heartening to witness the perseverance and commitment from everyone involved.
Our students continue to show remarkable resilience and determination, tackling these assessments with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. This reminded of a famous quote from Nelson Mandela who once said,
Equally, our teachers have been tirelessly supporting and guiding them, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to succeed. I truly believe that each person is created with an abundance of potential that is unknown to them. The people around them are responsible for creating the space that encourages self-discovery of that potential. This is why I think teaching is the most beautiful profession as we get the privilege of helping a child discover who they are and how they can make the world a better place.
We are also proud to celebrate the strong partnerships we have with our parents. Your support and involvement are invaluable, and together, we are creating a nurturing environment that fosters growth and learning for all our kids. I am very much looking forward to our upcoming Annual Community Meeting where we get to recognise the efforts of all that contribute to this place we all care about.
In fulfilling our school vision, we continue to provide our students with opportunities to learn successfully, live faithfully, and respect the dignity of others. These core values are at the heart of everything we do, and it is through our collective efforts that we bring this vision to life. I think this is best summed up in the following quote:
Change of School Start Time 2025
Currently, at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, the start time of school is 8:45am for all Pre-Primary to Year 6 students. In 2025, the start time of school and student instruction will change to 8:40am. All other break times and finish time of 3:05pm will remain the same.
By starting the school day five minutes earlier, we are able to introduce an early close (11:50am) in Term 2 and Term 4 for Parent/Teacher Interviews while still maintaining our required yearly minutes of instruction for students under our Non-Government School Registration standards for compliance and registrations. We believe this change will enhance greater communication between teachers and parents/caregivers promoting greater clarity about student progress and working in partnership. This change has been discussed with our Catholic School Advisory Council members who were present, and all agree that the proposed change will assist families who work as well as putting greater emphasis on open communication.
In the coming weeks, we will release our draft 2025 Term Calendars to families, however, we can confirm the dates for the early closes and Parent Interviews in 2024 are as follows:
- Wednesday, 11 June 2025 (school closes at 11:50am, Parent Interviews 12:30pm – 6:00pm)
- Wednesday, 19 November 2025 (school closes at 11:50am, Parent Interviews 12:30pm – 6:00pm)
In 2025, we will remind families of the new start time as well as the dates for our early closes to assist you in the planning for picking your children up.
It is our belief that the introduction of the two early closes will increase our communication with parents and caregivers regarding the progress of their children. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Annual Community Meeting
Our Annual Community Meeting 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 Community Meeting.
At the meeting, the community will hear of our achievements during 2024 as well as our plans for 2025, along with a draft staffing model.
Catholic School Advisory Council 2025
We are seeking interested community members to nominate for the Chairperson position available on our Catholic School Advisory Council. If you are interested, please fill out the Nomination Form or see me if you have any questions regarding the role of our Catholic School Advisory Council.
P&F Executive 2025
We are seeking interested community members to nominate for three positions available on our P&F Executive. If you are interested, please fill out the Nomination Form or see Steph Kaciuba or myself if you have any questions.
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church – New Parish Centre Opening
All families are invited to attend the opening of the new Parish Centre at our St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Sunday, 24 November. Please see the details below in Community News. We look forward to seeing our students and families at this special celebration.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for your ongoing support. Let’s continue to work together to make this school term a successful and enriching experience for all.
Goodness your way,
Clint
School News
Good News
Year Four have been identifying the seven elements of Art in their creative masterpieces.
Counsellor's Corner
FIFO Family Christmas Survival Guide
Whether your family are long term FIFO ‘veterans’ or you are new to the FIFO community, Christmas can be a challenging time.
The FIFO Family Project is a fabulous group in Perth that meets regularly, offering workshops, events and connection with other FIFO families that ‘get it’.
Use the QR code to sign up for updates and be part of the community.
A copy of the Christmas Survival Guide is here.
P&F News
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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
Community News
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.
