2025 Term 3 Week 10

Dear Parents & Carers,

I cannot believe I am sitting down to write the last newsletter for Term 3.  Where has the time gone?  I remember Term 3 once being considered the quiet term!  Not anymore.  However, when you take the time to sit back and reflect on the term there is so much to celebrate at MG!  I mean, how lucky are we to be in this community, seriously!

The one thing I have really enjoyed about Term 3 is being involved in conversations about our students and how they are going in terms of their academic and emotional development.  I love these conversations as they are a great way to make sure home and school are seen as one, working together for our kids.  One message that I try and get across to as many families as possible, is that education should always focus on building upon a child’s strengths rather than fixing so called ‘deficiencies’.

Last week I shared this quote with one of our families and am also using it as part of our enrolments for 2026.  It is so true though, our kids are like popcorn.  Some will pop early, some will pop a bit later.  What a great way to think about education and extending it to our thinking about our students as individuals who learn at different rates, who will become talented and creative members of society.

Our goal here at MG is to support each student on their own learning journey.  There is a pressure that exists for kids to meet certain benchmarks at school each year.  These benchmarks are important for us to know if students are on track with their learning and whether or not what we are implementing is working, but we also must remember that each child will develop at their own rate.  As babies, we all crawl, stand, walk and talk when we are ready.  Popcorn reminds us that students will develop at their own pace.

Not only do our kids develop at their own pace, but they also have their own talents and strengths.  Much like the story by George Reavis about different animals who were in the same class all being assessed on the same things.  If you consider the rabbit, he was in the same class for swimming as the duck and the eel, and even though he was at the top of the class for running, he had to stop running to makeup lessons for swimming.  The moral, all kids have their own talents, and we must appreciate their individuality.  This is our goal, to find that balance of support when needed while nurturing what they are good at.

As parents and carers, you know your kids like the back of your hand.  Don’t ever hesitate to meet with your child’s teacher and share what you know about them.  Talk about what they may need help in and what they love doing.  This information may relate to the year level curriculum or may enhance the context for the learning.  Our teachers appreciate knowing more about your child as it helps make their time here at MG more meaningful.  However, you must trust our teachers.  I am so lucky to be surrounded by such committed educators who want the best for every student in their class.

Our Christian faith reminds us that we are all made in the image of God.  But God was a whizz when he made each of us as there is no one else in the world quite like us.  He has a plan for each of us as to when we will pop.  That is pretty special, that we are all unique.  Encourage this in your children.  Focus on their strengths and develop them and support the areas that haven’t quite popped yet.

I still feel pretty new to this role of being a Principal.  While I am here, our teachers will continue to focus on what the students can do and provide the scaffolded support for them to improve while celebrating areas of strength.  Our school’s ultimate success is when we walk on the journey together and allow our kids to be their own person – to grow and learn at their own pace.

I hope you have a great break with your kids.  Enjoy the memories you make with them over the next two weeks.  We look forward to seeing you all for the start of Term 4 on Monday, 13 October.

Congratulations – Interschool Athletics Team

Congratulations to our Interschool Athletics Team who attended the carnival last Friday.  Our students are selected to participate from the results of our own Athletics Carnival and the division they run in.

Not only did the students try their hardest, but they also represented our school with pride.  Thank you also to the staff who attended for supervising our students and assisting with the various roles and responsibilities.

Library Refurbishments

We are excited to share that our library refurbishment project is commencing earlier than anticipated. While this is wonderful news for the future of our learning spaces, it does mean that the library will be unavailable throughout Term 4.

We understand this may cause some inconvenience, and we appreciate your understanding and support as we work to enhance our facilities. Please be assured that students will still have access to short-read Lexile books as well as classroom readers during this time, with alternative arrangements in place to ensure classes continue to enjoy rich literacy experiences.

Additionally, Music lessons for Term 4 will be taught from classrooms rather than the library space. Our staff are well-prepared to deliver engaging music education in these temporary settings.

For families who use the Extend OSHC service, we are working closely with the Extend team to identify and utilise a different space within the school to ensure continuity of care and programming.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we undertake these exciting improvements. We look forward to unveiling a refreshed library space that will better serve our students and community for years to come.

Working Together: Our Disputes Procedure and Code of Conduct

At Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all members of our community. As part of this commitment, we remind families of the importance of following our school’s Disputes and Complaints Resolution Procedure and the CEWA Code of Conduct.

If a concern or issue arises involving your child or another member of our school community, we ask that you always bring the matter directly to the school. Parents should not contact other parents directly to resolve school-related issues. This approach ensures that all concerns are managed fairly, confidentially, and in a way that upholds the dignity and wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our staff are here to listen and support you. By working together and following the correct procedures, we can maintain a positive and respectful environment for all our students and families.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership.

Matthew Gibney Week

We are so excited to for our Matthew Gibney week which is scheduled for Week 3 next term.  This week will have three special events:

• Matthew Gibney Mass and Grandparents Morning Tea – Tuesday, 28 October
• MG Dance Concert and Open Afternoon – Wednesday, 29 October
• MG Student Mini Fete – Friday, 31 October

You will receive more information regarding this upcoming week.  I encourage you to get involved and celebrate our school.  Please pay close attention to the donations we need for each class for our Student Mini Fete.

Colour Run 2025

We are excited to announce that preparations are well underway for our 2025 Colour Run—a highlight of the school year and a joyful celebration of community, fun, and student wellbeing.

This event is a wonderful reflection of our Matthew Gibney Vision, where we strive for every child to learn successfully, live faithfully, and respect the dignity of others. In that spirit, we are incredibly grateful for the support of our school community in helping us prepare engaging and inclusive stations for all students to enjoy.

As part of our commitment to inclusion and student safety, we are making a few important adjustments to this year’s Colour Run to ensure that every child can participate comfortably and confidently:

• There will be only one water-based station, which students may choose to use if they wish.
• To ensure this station is safe and hygienic for all, we will be purchasing brand new hoses and tarp. This is to avoid the use of old equipment where water may have become stagnant.
• We will not be using water guns or spraying students directly, in recognition of the diverse needs of our students—including those who are unable to get their ears wet for medical reasons.

These changes for 2025 have been made in consultation with our Matthew Gibney Advisory Council and P&F Executive, and we thank them sincerely for their support in ensuring this event reflects both our school’s values and the CEWA Vision of providing a Christ-centred, child-focused learning environment.

We look forward to a colourful, inclusive, and joy-filled day for all!

Term 4 will commence on Monday, 13 October

Thank you to everyone for another term filled with excitement and joy. There is always ‘stuff’ to work through and complete, but we are always able to support each other and continue to make this community the beautiful place that it is.

Take care and goodness your way,

Clint

Monty’s Colour Fun Run coming 14 November 2025!

Simply go to www.myprofilepage.com.au and click onto the register button to create a cybersafe, online profile page.

Raise $10 to receive your first incentive prize or send your donations to one of the great causes on offer!

You can even earn free bonus donations!

Term 4 Parent Planner

Please click here for the Term 4 Parent Planner.

Year three loved their Reconciliation Retreat Day last week in the library with the team from 24/7 where they learnt how they can repair their relationships with Jesus through the Sacrament of Penance.

Year 2 had a fantastic time on their excursion to Constable Care Safety School, where they revisited important road safety rules, learned how to look after their bikes, and were reminded of the vital role helmets play in keeping them safe.

The P&F Bunnings Sausage Sizzle will take place on Saturday 1st November 2025 at Midland Bunnings. (Term 4 Week 3)

Look out for further information!

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.

Book a La Salle College Tour Today!

La Salle College Tour dates are now available for Term 1, 2026.

Join us on a student-led tour of the school and get to know the amazing people that make up our
vibrant Lasallian community.

You will explore our incredible facilities, expansive outdoor spaces, modern learning environments
and have the opportunity to speak with our senior leaders about our dynamic academic pathways
that inspire our students to be lifelong learners.

At La Salle, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom and through our innovative
teaching and learning, we aim to transform tomorrow’s hearts, minds and lives in all that we do.
With limited spots available, visit our website today at www.lasalle.wa.edu.au/book-a-tour/ and
book a spot on our next College Tour.

If you would like more information about our tours or enrolment process, please contact our
Enrolments Registrar Ms Susan Firth at enrol@lasalle.wa.edu.au.

Join us on a musical journey at La Salle College and watch your child’s talents flourish

At La Salle College, we’re delighted to offer an array of exciting opportunities for your child’s musical
exploration. Discover the difference between our Scholarship Pathway and Instrumental Tuition
Pathway and find the perfect fit for your budding musician. Instruments include:

Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba,
Voice, Piano, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Double Bass and Percussion.

Year 7 Band Scholarship Pathways

The La Salle College Year 7 Band Scholarship Program is designed to nurture young talents – from
complete beginners to the experienced. Selected students receive financial support for Piano, Voice,
or Band instrument tuition. While participating in the Year 7 Band on Thursday afternoons from
3:30pm to 4:30pm, they become integral members of our College Bands and Ensembles. This
pathway includes rotational, joint instrumental lessons during school hours, taught by our
experienced tutors at a subsidised cost. Commitment spans two years and ensures comprehensive
musical growth.

Students who accepted a place at La Salle College for 2026 Year 7s can apply by visiting the La Salle
College website https://www.lasalle.wa.edu.au/music-and-arts:
• Register for the Year 6 Instrumental Trial Day
• Registrations close Wednesday 12 November 2025
• Attend the Year 6 Instrumental Trial Day

Compulsory Year 6 Instrumental Trial Day

Any students considering studying an instrument at La Salle College, must come along to an
information session and instrumental trial day on Saturday 15 November, 10am – 1pm. To register
your attendance for the day, make sure you have completed your registration via the College
website.

Please note: Your application for the Music Program does not need to be confirmed until the
conclusion of the trial day, so even if you are not sure of the commitment, it is recommended that
you attend the trial day before making a final decision. Non-scholarship options will also be
discussed at the Year 6 Instrumental Trial Day.

More Information

For more information, please contact our Director of Music, Ms Samantha Ashman by email
samantha.ashman@cewa.edu.au .