2025 Term 1 Week 10

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

For those of you that were able to attend the Year 4 Assembly a couple of weeks ago, how good was it?  Seriously!  The message about being present in the moment, always learning, and tapping into our inner superhero is something that I try and do each day.  Pretty tough to actually do it, but even the act of stopping and refocusing is a way of practicing mindfulness and having a growth mindset.

When we are fully present in the moment, even if you are flat out busy, it means we are in flow.  I have a very privileged position as a Principal. You trust me with your kids. You trust our staff with your most precious gifts.  Trust is what let’s flow happen and allows us to be present in the moment. For me as a Principal this is the big picture stuff that I want for our staff, how do we stay present in the moment with our kids?  I believe it means as educators we need to keep to what we all got into this profession for and what is the most important part of what we do, connecting with others and building relationships with our kids, helping them reach their personal potential in their learning and as people.

It sounds easy, flow is wonderful when we are able to stop the distractions, stop the worries that stop us living in the moment.  While this is a challenge of everyday life, and as many of us have personal struggles that we deal with each day, the one thing I have discovered about MG is the support we offer each other.  So many times over this term I have witnessed support from our families to each other.  Just the other day I saw a parent directing a new family to our administration, just brilliant.  With our P&F, School Advisory Council and our staff, all of them have the well being of our community at the heart of all they do.  This makes MG the place where we are all meant to be.

If we are all present here at MG at this time in our life, as a parent or staff member, then we are meant to be here.  It is not by fluke.  Whatever it is, we are here for a purpose.  It is our flow that has brought us here.  Take a moment to stop and reflect on a time where you felt your life was in complete rhythm.  What was happening for you during that time?

Next week, Holy Week, is a time of importance for all Catholics around the world.  During Lent, we have been reminded of the importance of change.  Jesus showed us this through his life and his transfiguration.  What I truly love about Jesus was the fact he was an ordinary man, just doing his thing.  When it was time, he knew what his job was and through his teachings and miracles, people were amazed.  Not surprising that when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, people were cheering for him.

Next week we celebrate Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  We are reminded of the great agony and challenges he went through for us.  I am sure he felt pretty alone, even asking God to take this challenge away from him.  Our faith tells us that Jesus died for our sins, however, the happy ending to the story comes on Easter Sunday where he triumphantly rose from the dead.  That is the message to take with us this Easter, that God is always there to lift us up in our most challenging and dark times.  This week, our students presented this story to us in their Easter Play.  I would like to thank them and Mrs E and Mrs Keddie for allowing us to come together and connect with the story and each other.  As I have said before, the play looked different but the important message will always remain the same.

And talk about the good stuff that happens here at MG.  I was recently approached by a junior student with a handful of silver coins he asked me to give to someone who needs it for Easter.  Seriously, this is what it is all about.  It reminded me of this quote that I have shared before.  No cape, but what an absolute hero and young human being!

Easter Play

I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the wonderful Easter story play performed by our amazing MG kids. It was truly a beautiful and heartfelt presentation.

To our amazing students, thank you for your hard work and dedication. You brought the story of Easter to life in such a special way, reminding us all of the love and sacrifice of Jesus. Your performances were filled with joy and reverence, and you should be very proud of yourselves.

To our wonderful teachers, especially Mrs E and Mrs Keddie, thank you for guiding and supporting our students in this project. Your efforts in helping them understand and share the Easter story are deeply appreciated. You have helped them grow in their faith and understanding of this important time in our Catholic calendar.  Our goal was to have every student participate and that was lived out to its fullest.  I am feeling extremely blessed to be in this place!

As we reflect on the message of Easter, let us remember the love and hope that Jesus brings into our lives. Let us carry this spirit with us in everything we do, showing kindness and compassion to one another.

Thank you once again for a fantastic performance.

Focus (Fidget) Tools @ Matthew Gibney

At Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all our students. As part of this commitment, we recognise that some students benefit from using focus tools to help them focus and access the curriculum more effectively.

Focus tools can be incredibly helpful for students who need a little extra support with their focus and attention. These tools provide sensory input that can help students stay engaged and reduce anxiety, allowing them to participate more fully in classroom activities.

As a staff and School Advisory Council, we are currently reviewing the parameters around the use of focus tools. Our goal is to ensure that these tools are used appropriately and effectively to support student learning. We are working on establishing agreed norms regarding which focus tools are suitable, as well as when and how they should be used in the classroom. The hope is to also have a ‘bank’ of these agreed tools in classrooms so that all students have access to these tools when they need them, aligning our vision with our classroom practice.

We have observed that some students are bringing toys to school and classifying them as focus tools. Unfortunately, these toys often have the opposite effect, distracting students from their learning and concentration. To address this, we want to ensure that students who genuinely need an individual focus tool recommended by an allied health professional supported by parents and caregivers, have their individual needs met at school. These adjustments will be documented in an Individual Education Plan tailored to each student’s needs.

We believe that a strong partnership between the school, parents, and allied health professionals is essential for the benefit of our students. In the meantime, we kindly ask parents and caregivers to support their child’s learning by not sending toys to school. If you feel that your child needs a focus tool, or even Loops, please make an appointment to discuss the reasons with their classroom teacher.

Aligned with the vision of Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, we strive to be an inclusive community that recognises the worth of every individual and fosters positive relationships and involvement with all our families. We are dedicated to refining our parameters around fidget tools and will keep the community informed of any updates.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to support the best possible learning environment for all our students.

Sneakers @ Matthew Gibney

We have recently received queries regarding the colour of sneakers that students are required to wear. Our parent handbook currently states that students should wear predominantly black sneakers. However, after careful consideration of the availability and cost of black sneakers, as well as the reasons behind this requirement, we have decided to make a change.

To encourage physical activity and ensure that all students have access to comfortable and affordable footwear, we have decided to allow students to wear sneakers that simply promote an active and healthy lifestyle that are fitting for our physical environment at Matthew Gibney. We believe that this change will support that goal as well as helping our parent body in purchasing sneakers.

This decision aligns with the vision of Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School to be an inclusive community that recognises the worth of every individual and fosters positive relationships and involvement with all our families. By allowing students to wear sneakers that encourage physical activity, we are supporting their overall well-being and development.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we implement this new policy and will ensure the parent handbook is amended to reinforce this change. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Toilet Access for Parents/Caregivers

We would like to remind everyone that parents and caregivers are to use the universal access toilet located near the Year 1 classrooms. For the safety and wellbeing of our students, you are not permitted to use the student toilets.

This policy is in line with the CEWA Child Safe Framework, which ensures that our school environment remains safe and secure for all children. It also aligns with our Matthew Gibney vision of fostering a supportive and protective community for our students.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Term Two

A reminder that student commence on Tuesday, 29 April.

As the terms draws to a close, thank you for making this place the best and the support you show one another.  May the Easter season be a time of connection with you and your loved ones.  Soak up your kids these holidays because we truly believe they are the best.

Happy Easter.

Goodness your way.

Clint

Term 1 PE

We have had a great start to the year with two swimming carnivals and a year 6 cricket interschool carnival. In class, students have enjoyed participating in lacrosse and softball clinics, learning the skills and different games in those sports, with a visiting coach from a local sports club.

In week 3, we held our swimming carnival at La Salle College. It was a fun day with students involved in 50m races, relays, and novelty events. Congratulations to our individual champions and Turner for being the winning faction.

In week 6, selected students participated in the interschool swimming carnival at Bayswater waves, it was a beautiful and busy day. Our students displayed outstanding swimming as well as sportsmanship in and out of the water. Matthew Gibney placed 5^th out of 6 schools, we also had Ava and Silas receive runner up champions for year 6 girl and boy. Congratulations to our team for their big effort on the day.

In week 8, the year 6 students participated in the cricket carnival run against 7 other schools. It was a very hot day and both our girls’ and boys’ team did very well to not only participate but really enjoy the day and get into the spirit of the sport. The girls team placed 3^rd in their division and 7^th overall, and the boys team placed 3^rd in their division and 5^th overall.

In term 2, we have the yr1-6 school cross country and the yr3-6 interschool cross country. Year 5 & 6 will also experience friendly competition in a winter lightning carnival. We look forward to another great term in sport.

Shannon Hewitt

School Photos 2025

Please note;

• School Photo Day for Pre Kindy Students will be Tuesday 1st July 2025.
• If paying by cash in the order envelope, please provide the correct money as change cannot be provided.

Thank you.

Term 2 Parent Planner

Please click here for the Term 2 Parent Planner.

In Kindy, we’ve been exploring the season of Lent, focusing on the theme of ‘new life.’ One of the highlights was watching our class butterflies emerge from their cocoons and then releasing them.

We’ve also begun learning about the Easter story, learning about significant events such as Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, and Jesus’ ascension into heaven.

Children’s Liturgy at St Francis of Assisi Parish

The Children’s Liturgy Program at St Francis of Assisi, Maida Vale, has started for the year.  Children from Pre-primary to Year 4 are welcome.  Please bring your children to the old Parish Hall before the 9.30am Mass on Sunday.  The children sing and pray and listen to the Gospel at their level.  They then do an activity about the Gospel, before coming over to the church after the Homily.

For enquiries please contact Philomena on 0417 936 757.

La Salle College is proud to present to the community, Oliver!

Join us for a night of music, mischief, and magic as La Salle College students take to the stage of the
Nicholas Barre Auditorium to present Oliver! The show will be performed on:

• Thursday 8 May from 7pm
• Friday 9 May from 7pm
• Saturday 10 May from 11am
• Saturday 10 May from 7pm

Get ready to be transported to the streets of Victorian London as our talented La Salle College
students bring the timeless musical Oliver! to life!

After weeks of dedicated rehearsals every Sunday and Tuesday, the cast and orchestra are excited to
present this musical favourite. This classic by Lionel Bart is packed with big energy and unforgettable
tunes including favourites such as “Consider Yourself” and charm “Food Glorious Food”. Our
students have poured their passion into every note and step, and they can’t wait to share it with
you!

Purchase tickets via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DADCO
Don’t miss out—this show is sure to sell out fast!

Enrol now at La Salle College

La Salle College is now taking enrolments for current Year 5 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.

Please see below for details of a movie fundraiser, for ACRATH which raises awareness around modern human slavery .

https://acrath.org.au/

Please RSVP for the Ollie Worrall Bird Watching Excursion using this link: https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/ollie-worrell-reserve-high-wycombe/