From the Principal
Dear Parents & Carers,
Life just seems to be extremely busy at the moment with lots of things going on at once. I mean, in our roles as parents, partners, friends, teachers, there are times we are juggling so many things at once. For me, when times get like this I tend to worry! It seems to be a common emotion for many of us at certain times. While I always try to stay positive most of the time, there always seems to be those ‘what if?’ thoughts that enter my mind.
Perhaps there are many things in our world that cause us anxiousness. The health of those we love, the future of our children, loneliness. Research shows that for some of us there is a genetic element to worrying. Some of us have low levels of serotonin, some of us may worry because it is a generational thing. I know my mum worries constantly and that’s where I have got it from! Some of us may worry more than others due to a traumatic experience. Fear and worry come in different forms but the commonality is that it can bring us torment.
Worry also changes as we change. As a teenager we may worry about what others think of us. As parents we may worry about finances. As we get older we may worry about losing our loved ones. The list goes on and on. Worrying can consume us and last week I have let it consume me. I have found myself not being fully there for others as I have been so focussed on getting things done. Maybe it is because I want to make sure all is done here before the end of term? Lucky for me, I have good people around me here at MG that provide me with the pick me up I need during those moments of worry.
Last week when I was on recess duty I was spending time with some Year 6 students. Just asking them what was going on in their lives made me also witness them having their own worries. It seems as though the world is a lot darker than it was when I was in Year 6. As we were discussing our week, one of them mentioned challenges on social media as a factor that worry them about the future.
One of my favourite saints is Mary MacKillop. I always believe in the saying, ‘God works in mysterious ways’ and He sure did talk to me as Father John at my local Parish gave his last homily before his retirement. The homily was all about worrying and how it basically does nothing for us. As I sat there listening, I discovered that worry will not change anything and it reminded me of this quote I was given by a friend of mine during a pretty tough time. Worry steals our joy of the present.
I then asked my good friend Mrs Google about this topic of worrying and being afraid in the Bible and she told me that the words ‘Do not be afraid’ are written 365 times. That is once for each day of the year! We can celebrate each day the victory of Christ and what his sacrifice did for us all. Knowing this, when we are experiencing worry, maybe we should ask ourselves ‘what is the worst thing that can happen and if it did happen could you cope?’ Maybe on our own we couldn’t, but knowing that God is there, surrounding us with others that care is a pretty awesome feeling.
Mary MacKillop also talked about living in the moment and ‘never seeing a need without doing something about it’. I guess she too knew that worrying was something that was very unnecessary. She was all about simply being. Not going over the top, not turning a blind eye, but being present in the moment. This is something I see every day in our community, from students, parents and staff. We all face challenges that can cause worry and fear. The joy however, is seeing this sense of being there for others in need and helping them through it.
Mary’s life was all about service to others with Christ as her core. We too must be open to serve others especially those who may be experiencing worry or fear. My hope is that I never forget or take for granted that idea of ‘being in the present’ and ‘being there’ for others.
And going back to how God works in a mysterious way, last week I caught up with the same friend and mentor who gave me the quote about worrying. While I shared with him the worries and pressures I was facing, he reminded me of a quote that I once shared with him, about pressure being a privilege. He gave me the challenge to remember this and switch my thinking, and it actually has helped, big time. It has made me refocus and remember my purpose and the privilege that comes with my role here at MG and my calling to serve as a Principal. I encourage you all to do the same, especially in these last few weeks that are extremely busy. The role each of you carry out here at MG is a privilege. We have the privilege of providing learning experiences that impact our kids and who they become. We have the privilege of writing reports and giving parents an honest snapshot of how their child is going and how we can work with you. We have the privilege of supporting one another here in our community to bring the joy of Christ alive for each person we encounter. I don’t know about you, but when I flipped my thinking I once again found the spark and joy in the little things.
May your fortnight be worry free. And, if you do find those negative thoughts creeping in, remember that God tells us ‘do not be afraid’ for through him all things are possible. Something at home that I do around the dinner table with the girls is talking about three good things that happened in the day. Why not try this? It not only promotes great conversation, but it also models to your children the idea of always looking for the good in life.
First Eucharist Celebration
We congratulate our students who received their First Eucharist on Sunday, 15 June at St Francis of Assisi Parish in Maida Vale. This special sacrament marks an important step in their faith journey, as they welcomed Jesus into their hearts in a new and profound way. The gift of the Eucharist offers spiritual nourishment, strengthening our relationship with Christ and with one another as a faith community. We pray that our First Communicants continue to grow in love, grace, and understanding of God’s presence in their lives.
Staffing Update – Welcome Mr Mark Rafferty
We welcome Mr Mark Rafferty to our staff and community! Mr Rafferty will commence his time with us next term as our Year 3 teacher. Mr Rafferty is an experienced educator who has worked in metro and remote schools and brings with him a knowledge around trauma informed practice. To ensure a smooth transition for our Year 3 students, Mr Rafferty and Mrs Dalton will work on a handover process for the first few weeks of Term 3. We look forward to Mr Rafferty joining the MG Team!
Carpark Safety Reminder
For the safety of all our students and families, we kindly remind parents and children to always use the designated footpaths when moving through the school carpark. Walking behind parked or reversing vehicles poses a serious risk, especially during busy drop-off and pick-up times. Please model safe behaviour by using the paths provided and encouraging your children to do the same. Together, we can ensure a safer environment for everyone in our school community.
Thank You for Supporting Our Students
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents and caregivers who attended our recent parent-teacher interviews. Your presence and engagement reflect the strong partnership between home and school—an essential foundation for student success. At Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, our vision calls us to grow in knowledge, love and faith, and this is made possible when families and educators work together in support of each child’s learning journey. We also thank our dedicated teachers for their ongoing commitment to providing meaningful and enriching learning experiences for our students. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.
WA Student Assistance Payment
Just 3 weeks left to claim! The WA Student Assistance Payment helps with school costs — don’t miss out.
$150 for each Kindergarten and primary student $250 for each secondary student
Claim now through the ServiceWA app, online or by post in a claim form.
Claims close Friday 4 July 2025. Visit www.education.wa.edu.au/wasap for eligibility info and how to claim.
Have a blessed fortnight.
Clinton Payne
School News
School Photos
School photos were sent home in Week 5.
The online portal has been reopened until just after the Pre-Kindy Photo Day which is Tuesday 1st July.
Parents may still order their photos online up until then but please be aware that the late orders may be received at the start of Term 3.
Term 2 Parent Planner
Please click here for the Term 2 Parent Planner.
Good News
PMP Fun with Mrs Hewitt!
Every Thursday in Kindy, we look forward to joining Mrs Hewitt for our PMP (Perceptual Motor Program) sessions. Each week, she surprises us with new and exciting activities designed to help develop our gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and cognitive abilities.
This term, we’ve been busy running through hurdles, completing a variety of obstacle courses, and playing fun games like egg and spoon races. One of our absolute favourite activities has been using the scooter boards — so much fun!
A big thank you to Mrs Hewitt for making PMP such an engaging and valuable part of our week!
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.
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
