From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope that you are all travelling well. We seem to be getting close to the midway mark of another term! I cannot believe it. I was not going to write much this fortnight, however, I came across this quote and it resonated so much with me that I thought why not! I believe that if you are feeling inspired about something why not share what is in your head, even if not many of you read the waffle!
Two years ago, I read a book called ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle. As I get older, I find that reading a few pages of book is inspiring and also a great way to finish each day. In this book, Eckhart talks about developing a view on life that is more about living in the moment. One thing he stresses is how important it is for us to stop, like right this very moment, and think about and acknowledge all the good in our life. Over the past few years this has become a habit, just a way to hit that restart button. But on those challenging days this is not that easy to do.
What I am finding, and I am sure that you are all finding it too, we are told to simplify our days and life but somehow things become more and more complicated. I mean I had the time to watch the news the other day and it is just full of challenges that the world is facing and I realised these are the things that stop us being in the moment and seeing beyond the challenges faced in a day. But I suppose this is the human element, that even though our lives are enriched with joy, when times are tough, we fail to recognise the goodness.
So, I simply wanted to take this opportunity to tell you all what I am grateful for in my role here at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School. Firstly, I get to share in the joy and lives of so many families, both students and staff. I cannot put into words what a privilege this is for me as a person. Hearing about your ups and downs makes me feel a sense of awe of your resilience and commitment to your children and how as parents and teachers /education assistants you have courage to get through the tough stuff. Secondly, removing the hard stuff of being a Principal, I am so proud to be a part of the MG story and continue the faith story of this place that was influenced by previous Principals, staff, parents and students, a journey that began in 1991. This place is truly special and it is the reason we are all invested in making this place the best it can be.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible dedication and hard work of our teachers and education assistants. The role of being an educator is challenging, with increasing demands and accountability. It is so different to twenty years ago! Yet, every day, our teachers and education assistants come to school with a commitment to your children, striving to provide the best education and support. What sustains our staff through these challenges is the joy of being part of a school community like ours. It’s the little moments, acknowledging the good stuff—the smiles, the breakthroughs, the acts of kindness—that remind us why we chose this profession. These moments fill our hearts with joy and reaffirms our purpose of serving the students. I encourage you to work in collaboration with our teachers and education assistants, recognising the many tasks they undertake each day to provide your children with the best environment. Your support and understanding make a significant difference. Thank you for being our partners in this journey.
My hope for you all over the next fortnight is to live in the now when you get the chance and acknowledge the goodness in your life, even if you are experiencing a challenge or difficult moment in your life, be gentle on yourself and express gratitude. One thing I know about this place is that we are all here for each other. Never hesitate to reach out, our staff and our families are here for you.
Well Done Year 4
This week we saw our Year 4 students act with such maturity, calmness and love during a medical emergency. Their composed response allowed us to act quickly and provide immediate support. It was a true reflection of the strength and unity of our school community. Moments like this remind us of how special this place is and blessed we are to be teaching such amazing kids. Well done to all the students and staff that played a role in this.
School Uniform
One again I would like to thank all students and families for doing their best in wearing the correct winter uniform. It is great to see so many of the students wearing our uniform with such pride. Thank you for your support.
School Attendance
We are so grateful to our parents and caregivers for ensuring their children come to school every day. Regular school attendance is crucial for student growth and achievement. School attendance is compulsory for all students commencing in Pre-Primary. Parents must inform the school, with plenty of notice and fill out the necessary paperwork, if they would like to remove their children from school during the school term.
Student Pick-Up Reminder
We kindly remind all families that students are to be collected by 3:20pm each day. After this time, staff are no longer on duty to provide supervision, as they have the right to disconnect and return home. To support families who may occasionally be delayed, our Extend Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service is available to help alleviate the pressure of arriving by this time. For more information on how to enrol and the services offered, please visit Extend’s website.
When parents and caregivers accepted their child’s enrolment at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, they agreed to follow school procedures, including timely pick-up. We thank you for your ongoing support in helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for all within our community.
Cross Country Carnival
Congratulations to all our students that took part in our annual cross country carnival. They all tried their hardest which was shown by their faces crossing the finish line! Thank you to Mrs Hewitt for organising the event. Well done to our students selected to represent our school at the Interschool Cross Country Carnival on Friday, 23 May.
Cystic Fibrosis “Red Day”
Thank you for supporting Cystic Fibrosis “Red Day” on Thursday 22nd May. Well done to our Year 6 student who initiated this event to promote awareness around cystic fibrosis and to raise funds for research. A total of $195.00 was raised. https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/
Thank you again for what you bring to MG each day. This place is the best.
Goodness your way.
Clint
School News
Dear Parents,
Parent/Teacher interviews will be held to discuss student progress, effort and behaviour in class. Meetings can be booked with the Classroom Teacher as well as a Specialist Teacher (Science, Sport, Music, Performing Arts) if required.
TEACHER/PARENT INTERVIEW DAY:
Term 2, Week 7 – Wednesday 11th June 2025 12:30 – 6.00pm
Interviews will be held in their corresponding classroom.
Interviews are strictly 10 minutes and spaces are limited.
Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code naxys
Or click here:
- Enter your details.
- Select the teacher you wish to see.
- Select the appointment time that suits your family best.
When you click FINISH your selected booking(s) will be emailed to you instantly.
If you do not receive your email, please check your junk-mail, or enter the event code again and check your email address spelling. Update your details if the email address is incorrect. The email will arrive from bookings@schoolintervie.ws
DO NOT DELETE the email you receive. Keep it somewhere safe. You may need to refer back to it at a later date.
REMEMBER TO ADD YOUR APPOINTMENTS TO YOUR CALENDAR – reminders will not be sent.
Bookings must be finalised by Friday 6th June 2025
If you need to view, cancel, change or print your bookings:
- Click on the link in the confirmation email you received after you made your bookings
- OR return to schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code and the email address you used when making your bookings.
Term 2 Parent Planner
Please click here for the Term 2 Parent Planner.
Good News
Year 2 took part in the National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday. We read the story of ‘The Truck Cat’ and wrote about our adventures as cats afterwards!
In Year 3 geography, we are learning all about the continent of Australia, exploring its unique landscapes, animals, and famous landmarks. To link with our geography topic, we created a fun art project based on one of Australia’s most iconic buildings – the Sydney Opera House. Using craft materials, we designed and built our own mini versions, helping us to learn more about this famous structure while getting creative in the process!
Counsellor's Corner
Community News
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.
CSPWA will be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 11th June. During the AGM we are hoping to make amendments to our Constitution.
We are required by our Constitution to give our schools 28 days’ notice both of the AGM date and of any amendments to our Constitution.
Please follow the link to find the relevant documentation.
https://www.csp.wa.edu.au/upcoming-events/updates-to-the-cspwa-constitution
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.
Bingo is back!
La Salle College Parents & Friends is excited to announce Bingo will be returning to the community as their major fundraising event of the year.
When: 1 August 2025 from 7pm –10pm, doors open at 6:30pm
Where: La Salle College – Patricia Rodrigues Centre (gymnasium)
We hope you can join us for an exciting evening of musical bingo featuring Australian hits, fabulous prizes and raffles plus the opportunity to dress up as your favourite Aussie icon!
> Hosted by Bamboozled Quizmasters
> Tickets $15 per person (One bingo card per person)
> Tables of 10
> Dress up as your favourite Aussie icon!
> Cash/Card payment options
> BYO Nibbles
> Raffles and Auctions
Get your family and friends together for a night of fun and book your table now!
Tickets available via the Trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DBNCA
