2024 Term 4 Week 9

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

How blessed are we at this place and for the year we have had.  This week I had the privilege of being involved in the Year 6 Graduation festivities, which was so much fun.  What got me though, were the words of one of our Year 6 students who came up to me during the week to say thank you for all the hard work and great things they experienced at Matthew Gibney.  As a group of exceptional people moving on in their life to do exceptional things, they truly loved our school, Matthew Gibney.

In speaking to them for the last time at their Graduation, I shared a quote that means so much to me as a person and Principal.  For me, this sums up our time together:

‘Everyone carries with them at least one, and probably many pieces, to someone else’s puzzle. Sometimes they know it, sometimes they don’t…and when you present your piece to another, whether they know it or not, You are a messenger from the most high.’

This quote is something that I have reflected on continually for the last few years and what I hope our Year 6 students remember as they move on.  Through giving another a piece of ourselves, we connect, build relationships and bring the Kingdom of God alive here in High Wycombe.  I mean, just reflect on the man Jesus himself.  Through his words, actions and teachings, he touched so many people and continues to touch us today in 2024.

I honestly could write so much to express how grateful I am for all that we have accomplished and experienced together this year.  We have had joy and also tough times, all of which are experiences that are a gift.  As parents and caregivers, your kindness, generosity and trust in us with your kids drive us to make Matthew Gibney the best it can be.  I am already counting the days thinking about seeing you all at the start of 2025! (Lame I know!!).

The thing about 2024, it has been busy and has flown by with such pace.  So, as I sit here typing this final message for the year, I reflect on this quote given to me by a peer Principal.  During the Christmas season, may we all find quietness, peace and opportunities to spread kindness.  All of us love Christmas, but I hope you find some time to be still and just be.

The other day, a staff member gave me a compliment about investing myself in others and always wanting to help when someone needs something.  I was blown away, but really, it is how my mum and dad raised me, my brother and sister, to never forget to be kind to others.  We have been taught that being kind can transform a person’s day or life.  Give out the kindness, you will be filled with joy!

Remember the connection to Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas.  We remember that God gave us His only son to teach us to serve others.  As you spend the coming days with family and friends, connect with them and bring Christ alive.  Christmas shouldn’t always be about presents but instead presence.

Help Needed – Busy Bee for Classroom Refurbishment

We are so excited to be planning for our classroom refurbishments in preparation for the start of the 2025 school year.  We are seeking the assistance of our community to help us remove all existing cupboards, pin-up boards and whiteboards.  Think of it as a therapeutic demolition day!!  There will be five classrooms in total that will need to be gutted.  We are hoping to achieve this on Saturday, 7th December.  If you can assist, even if it is for a short time, please pop in from 7:30am.  All you will need to bring is an electric drill or screwdriver, and a sledge hammer!

School Fee Raffle – And the winner is….

We congratulate Sherryl Morgan (Ticket Number 111) on winning our P&F 2025 School Fee Raffle.

Thank you to all families that purchased tickets for the raffle making it a huge success for our community fundraising, all of which goes directly to our students.  A huge thank you to our P&F Executive for the efforts in organising the raffles and selling tickets.  Your commitment to our school community is outstanding.

2025 Class Reps

We are thrilled to announce that we have received a number of nominations for Parent Class Reps for 2025.  Your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to our school community is truly special.  We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your nominations. Your involvement plays a crucial role in creating a supportive and enriching environment for our children. The announcements of the Class Reps will be made in the new year during the Parent Information Nights. We look forward to celebrating the selected Class Reps and continuing our collaborative efforts to make the 2025 school year a success.

To Our Year 6s and Their Families

Our Year 6’s and their parents move to their next phase of schooling into high school at the end of this year. We have a beautiful group of Year 6 students who have continued throughout their schooling to set high standards for others to follow. The importance of friendship, looking out for one another and being accepting of every person is what stands them apart. We thank our Year 6’s and their families, for the contribution they have made to life here at Matthew Gibney and for the positive influence they have had on others that will follow their lead into the future. Our Year 6’s will be missed. May their transition around the next corner, be one that is smooth but filled with excitement. May you always find a quietness, a peacefulness and a kindness in your heart for all those who come across your path in the future.

To Families Leaving Us

To other families within our school, who move on at the end of the year, thank you for what you have given to us as a community. Thank you for your support during your time here at Matthew Gibney. May you be blessed with good times and much happiness. We wish you all the very best for the future. To our kids who leave us, your new teachers are going to love teaching you!

As families leave MG, we also have many new families coming to our school for the first time next year. There will be many new families in our Kindergarten, and throughout the school. We very much look forward to them joining us and the special qualities they will add to our school community.

End of Year Reports

Reports were available yesterday afternoon. All our students have worked to be their best throughout a challenging and disruptive year. End of year reports give us an opportunity to celebrate the positives and acknowledge the wonderful gifts our children have.

Term One Calendar 2025

Our Term One Calendar is available. Please be aware that this may change over the coming months and that it is important to continue to check for updates through emails and the website during the year. Whole year start and end of term dates are confirmed below, along with the Pupil Free Days being held during the year.

2024 Term Dates

Term 1 Start Date Students                Thursday 6 February

Term 1 End Date Students                  Friday 11 April

 

Term 2 Start Date Students                Tuesday 29 April

Term 2 End Date Students                  Friday 4 July

 

Term 3 Start Date Students                Monday 21 July

Term 3 End Date Students                  Friday 26 September

 

Term 4 Start Date Students                Monday 13 October

Term 4 End Date Students                  Friday 12 December

2024 Pupil Free Days

Tuesday 4 March

Monday 28 April

Tuesday 3 June

Friday 22 August

Monday 12 August

Monday 10 November

2025 Early Closes (11:50am)

Wednesday 11 June

Wednesday 19 November

2025 Public Holidays

Monday 3 March (Labour Day)

Monday 2 June (WA Day)

Please note, these dates are subject to change. If these dates for Professional Learning do require amending, parents will be notified well in advance.

2025 Parent Information Night

Parent information sessions will be held on the date below. At this evening, we will welcome all our parents to the 2025 school year at 5:30pm. This will be followed by meetings in your classrooms at 5:45pm. There will then be a second session in the classrooms at 6:15pm on the same evening for parents who have children in more than one of the year levels.

Thursday 13 February            Sessions at 5:45pm and 6:15pm

Important – Change to School Start Time and Before School Procedures in 2025

Last week you should have received a hardcopy of a letter explaining that in 2025 we will be starting school at 8:40am rather than 8:45am. This earlier start will allow our school to close early twice next year at 11:50am (22 May 2024 and 13 November 2024) for formal Parent Teacher Meetings while maintaining our required yearly minutes of instruction for students under our Non-Government School Registration standards for compliance and registrations.

There will also be a change to our morning arrival procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The school gates will now open at 8:25am. Only students enrolled in our Extend OSHC program will be permitted on school grounds before this time, in accordance with OSHC regulations and our commitment to student safety.

Students who are not enrolled in the Extend OSHC program will need to remain outside the gates until they open officially at 8:25am. Once the gates are open, students will be required to go directly to their classrooms to unpack and prepare for the day, rather than gathering in the undercover area. This will help ensure a smooth and orderly start to lessons, which will commence promptly at 8:40am.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we implement these changes to enhance the safety and efficiency of our school operations and OSHC regulations.

We will remind families of this change in preparation for the start of the 2025 school year as well as the early close dates and time.

Final Waffle!!!!

Parents, you are blessed for the effort you put into raising your beautiful kids.  I hope over Christmas, you are showered with God’s blessings and peace.  May you enjoy not being faced with the morning rush of getting your kids ready for school, the dreaded uniforms and lunches!!  I sincerely thank you for impacting me as a Principal and person, I feel so special that you are all a part of my life.

Stay safe and I wish you nothing but goodness!

Clint

2025 Term 1 Planner for Parents

For the Term 1 Planner for parents, please click here.

Please note that dates may be subject to change.

Merry Christmas from everyone in Pre Primary!

Christmas is not just a time of joy and celebration, it can be a time of stress and overwhelm for both big and little people.

Maggie Dent has written a great blog on ‘Parental Swagger’ which I recommend for any parents who are wondering where their parenting skills go over the silly season – like me! I’ve also attached two resources that might help with any “I’m Bored!” conversations you may have over the holidays.

Christmas Holidays when your child is bored.

I’m Bored Jar.

Please remember if you or someone you know needs extra support over the Christmas break you can find help at www.waconnect.org.au

A HUGE congratulations to our graduating Year 6 class.  I am going to miss my regular conversations around the school with them. What a fab bunch of kids off on their next adventure! 

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CHOIR FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

St Francis of Assisi Parish are looking for children to join the Children’s Christmas Choir for Christmas Eve (24^th Dec at 6pm).

Practice will be at the church, starting this Saturday at 4.00pm, and each Saturday until Christmas.

Children are also needed for a small Nativity Play before the Mass, so if your child would like to take part, they should also come to the Church on Saturday at 4.00pm.

Fr Benny would love to have the children take part in these activities to make our Christmas Eve really special.

For any further information you can contact Renato, the choir master via email – renaats@gmail.com

Edney Dental Therapy Centre

The Edney Dental Therapy Centre will be open until Thursday the 19^th of December 2024 (inclusive), please note school holiday appointments will be prioritised for patients who have outstanding treatment, a toothache or trauma. Our clinic will reopen briefly in 2025 on Friday 24^th and Tuesday 28^th of January before resuming usual hours as of Tuesday 4^th February 2025.

If your child requires urgent dental care whilst the clinic is closed all emergency contact details will be available on our answering machine. 9454 4034

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.

Guildford Grammar School Year 7, 2026 Scholarships are OPEN

The Year 7, 2026 Academic and Music scholarships are OPEN at Guildford Grammar School.  An information link has been provided below to the scholarship page on our website.  Here you will find the range of scholarships on offer for Year 7 entry to your current year 5 students and families.

Scholarship opportunities – Guildford Grammar School

Please do not hesitate to contact admissions or direct any questions to 9377 9222 or Registrar@ggs.wa.edu.au