From the Principal
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
I am sitting here at present reflecting on our recent meeting as a staff where we looked at our school’s academic data. It was an absolute cracker of a meeting led by Ms Zurzolo. What I love about my role as Principal is that I get the opportunity to recognise the expertise in individuals and then play a part in the further development, and let me just say, Ms Zurzolo is destined for great things in her career as an educator and upcoming leader.
After completing my first 12 months as Principal at MG, what I am realising more and more is that each day I get to be with amazing people. In celebrating our school improvement journey over the past year, I am extremely grateful for the people that I have encountered and continue to encounter. I have always been aware of the importance of connection but lately I am realising how I flourish as a person when I feel connected to others. For example, the best part of my day is being on morning duty and after school duty in our Kiss and Drive. During these times I get to witness the joy on the kids’ faces as they get out of their car and then when they walk past me, their manners are impeccable. I am always greeted with ‘Good morning, Mr Payne’ or ‘How are you today Mr Payne?’. I mean, come on, how good is that? And then witnessing the kids rush of to class to catch up with their mates totally fills my cup. What a way to start the day. Connection with others is so important and must be nurtured so that they are maintained with people we care about.
Matthew Gibney is really a special place, and I am not just saying it. I am constantly told that by people that visit our school, that there is a vibe. And I truly believe that vibe is because of the people here, you the staff and parents that set the tone of what is important. I think how I feel is best summed up in the quote above. To me it is the goodness and genuine care that you show each other and that is something that I need to say thank you for. Doing what you do has a massive ripple effect that impacts our students and each other. I truly believe that the people we encounter are a piece to our life’s puzzle and we too are a piece to theirs. That is the importance of connection.
Connection though is something that we all need to work at though. It doesn’t just happen. We must make time for the people in our lives. I have recently been listening to a podcast on social media and our use of devices. What I have learned is that the human brain has not changed much throughout time. We should only be able to fully concentrate on one or two things at a time, however, the constant use of a device and social media makes us fill our heads with so much busyness that we lose sight of the present, what is happening right now which can result in our true connection with others becoming lost. I am doing my best to try and block this busyness out by focussing on gratitude and finding 10 minutes a day to either send texts or ring people to thank them. In fact, I am sending my oldest daughter a text right now because she is currently at dancing and I have just noticed that she has made everyone lunch for tomorrow! How good is that!! Maybe try and send someone a thank you message. It will make them feel good and you will feel even better!
In practising gratitude, I really want to acknowledge our staff for what they do here at MG and the environment they play a massive part in creating. Much like this quote by Thomas Eddison. Having this type of thinking is quite exciting as it creates positivity for our students. It allows them to realise that it is ok when things may not go how we planned it. Teaching our kids to try and keep on trying is something that our staff do so naturally, and this massively impacts their thinking. Being gentle and embracing imperfection allows are kids to blossom in a safe and nurturing environment and I am so lucky to be surrounded by people that promote this. MG truly has the best staff!
Shop For Schools
This week, Midland Gate presented Matthew Gibney with their overall second prize of $1000 Gift Card to spend at Midland Gate. While I have urged the staff to agree on purchasing some new Jordan sneakers or RM Williams boots, the money will be used to purchase items for our sensory space which will provide much needed learning tools for our students. Thank you to everyone that shopped at Midland Gate and submitted their receipts. Wonderful community effort!
Book Week
Excitement is building for our Book Week celebrations next week. We will have the Dress Up Parade on Thursday 4 September and our theme this year is ‘Book an Adventure’. Please also take the time to visit our Book Fair in Week 7.
As we prepare to celebrate Book Week 2025 with the theme “Book an Adventure!”, I’d like to share a small but meaningful change to our annual Book Character Parade.
This year, we will be removing the prizes for best-dressed costumes. Our intention is to ensure that the parade remains a joyful and inclusive opportunity for all students to simply celebrate their love of books by dressing up as their favourite characters—without the pressure of competition.
We still wholeheartedly encourage families to enjoy the creative process together. Whether it’s crafting a costume from scratch or repurposing items from home, these shared moments are often the most precious—filled with laughter, imagination, and connection.
Instead of costume prizes, we’ll be focusing our energy on promoting a deeper love of reading through our Read-A-Thon. This initiative will encourage students to read both individually and as part of their class, fostering a sense of achievement and community around books and storytelling.
Thank you for your continued support in nurturing a culture of reading and creativity at our school. We look forward to seeing the wonderful characters your children bring to life and to celebrating the adventures that await us in the pages of a good book.
Athletics Carnival
Excitement is building as we prepare for our Athletics Carnival next Friday! Our students have been training hard and showing great enthusiasm in the lead-up to this special event. The carnival promises to be a fun, inclusive celebration of sport and community, where every student has the opportunity to shine.
We look forward to seeing families and friends join us to cheer on the children and share in the joy of the day. It’s always a highlight on our school calendar and a wonderful reflection of our Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School vision—where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to be their best.
Please note, the weather forecast for Friday will be reviewed regularly throughout next week. If needed, to ensure the safety of students, staff and parents/caregivers, the Athletics Carnival will be rescheduled. This decision will be made by the Leadership Team on Thursday at the latest. A decision like that may cause some disappointment within the community and I ask for your support as the students needs will come first.
A big congratulations to our Kindy students who participated in their own carnival this week! It was a delight to see their energy and smiles—well done, Kindy!
We also acknowledge the fantastic efforts of our students who took part in the Jumps and Throws Carnival this week. Your commitment and sportsmanship were outstanding.
Let’s make next Friday a day to remember!
Father’s Day – Doughnuts for Dads!
We’re looking forward to welcoming our dads and significant father figures to our Doughnuts for Dads event on Friday morning, just before our Athletics Carnival!
This is a special opportunity to celebrate the wonderful men in our students’ lives with two doughnuts and a coffee—just for dads! As this is a catered event, we kindly ask that all attendees RSVP in by MONDAY 1st September. Doughnuts will only be provided to those who have RSVP’d, so please make sure your name is on the list!
Let’s come together to celebrate Father’s Day and kick off a fantastic day of community and fun.
Happy Father’s Day to all our amazing dads and father figures—we appreciate everything you do!
🙌 Teacher Aide Appreciation Week – Next Week!
Next week we celebrate Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, a special time to recognise and thank the incredible Teacher Aides who support our students and staff every day.
Our Teacher Aides (Education Assistants) play a vital role in the life of our school. Their dedication, care, and tireless efforts help create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. Whether assisting in classrooms, supporting individual students, or helping behind the scenes, their contribution is deeply valued.
Please join us in expressing our gratitude to these wonderful members of our school community. Thank you, Teacher Aides, for all that you do!
Student Attendance Checks – Reminder
As part of our school’s commitment to student wellbeing and learning, we conduct attendance checks twice each term. These checks help us monitor student attendance and ensure every child is receiving the best possible opportunity to engage in their education.
If a student’s attendance falls below 90%, we are required to notify parents—even if all absences have been explained. This is part of our standard attendance procedures and helps us work together to support consistent school attendance.
We kindly remind parents to explain any absences when their child is away due to illness or other reasons. However, please note that during our attendance checks, a standard letter will be sent home if attendance is below 90%, regardless of whether absences have been explained.
Thank you for your continued support and for working with us to ensure every student is present, engaged, and thriving.
Wishing you all a great weekend. I hope you all find the opportunity to practise gratitude and send someone a positive text.
Clinton Payne
School News
Canteen News
On Friday 5th September, for the faction carnival, the canteen will be providing pre-ordered sushi as well as the normal menu. Order forms went home on Wednesday 27th August and must be returned to the office no later than Tuesday 2nd September. NO LATE ORDERS CAN BE ACCEPTED AS IT HAS TO BE ORDERED IN. Please note that there will not be any refunds provided for Sushi if your child is absent for any reason as it has to be pre ordered in.
Once again, the canteen will be holding it’s SPORTS DAY CAKE STALL selling homemade cakes for morning tea. Please support our canteen with this. Please note that the cake stall is cash only – thank you.
Scholastic Book Fair
Our Book fair will be held in the Library, before and after school from Friday 5th September, finishing on Tuesday 9th September.
Term 3 Parent Planner
Please click here for the Term 3 Parent Planner.
Good News
The Kindy students had a wonderful day welcoming the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm to Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School.
They were excited to meet guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, sheep, and goats. The children loved feeding, patting, and cuddling the animals, and it was a joy to see their faces light up with excitement.
What a day…beautiful sunshine and a day of celebrations, for everyone. Today, at our Jumps and Throws carnival it was wonderful to see everyone supporting one another and doing their own absolute best in all events. It was pleasing to see the comradery students demonstrated toward. anyone participating, not just those in their faction. Well done to all the Year 6 students for an amazing day! Congratulation to everyone who participated, not just those who came home with a ribbon!
Counsellor's Corner
P&F News
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!
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.
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.
