2025 Term 4 Week 4

The last two weeks have been pretty full on.  I know I tend to say that a bit in my section of the Newsletter, but this fortnight has been probably the hardest in my short time as a Principal.  I do place a bit of pressure on myself during these times as I am naturally an anxious sort of person in the hope I deal with all my interactions with you as parents and carers or staff and students always keeping your dignity at the centre of our conversations.

The hard experiences over the past fortnight have made me refocus on what I value in education.  The word education itself is so broad.  I mean, its not just the academic side that we as educators and parents are concerned about.  Don’t get me wrong, it is so important but to me just as important is the spiritual, physical and emotional connections.  There is no greater reward for me as Principal than seeing moments of absolute joy.  In the last few days these moments of joy have included a visit from so many students from Pre Primary showing me their writing, to sitting on a parent teacher interview witnessing the parent and teacher working together for the benefit of the child, to the awesome Mini Fete where the kids had a ball, to the Year 6 Camp.  Life is all about relationships and sharing these moments is what it is all about.

Me finding the time to refocus on what I value in education has come at a time as we start to plan for 2026.  We are looking at the funding we receive, our 2026 budget, and what is happening in the teaching and learning space through our school data.  As we move into making these decisions about our future plans at MG regarding our school improvement, the children are at the centre and always will be.  As well as this, the final stages of working out our staffing for 2026 is taking place.  During all of these decisions, we ask God to give us the wisdom to guide us as we strive for an education that develops the whole child.

As we strive to make MG a school that brings Christ alive, we must all remember that we play an important part in our community and what we stand for.  Life is a journey and we must all keep working on ourselves to ensure we are the best we can be.  Much like showing compassion to others in our interactions and conversations, even the difficult ones.  When we show compassion to one another good things happen which simply makes life better.  I always keep in mind the impact we have on each other.  Recently I had a parent make me some cookies which had huge impact on me as a person, as a human, and went down pretty well with a nice cup of tea.  This is the good stuff.  I have appreciated this gesture so much.  This is the impact stuff.

I have challenged myself to always think about the impact I have on others through my interactions and how I can make the world a better place.  I challenge you also to keep this in mind over the coming weeks.  As we continue to move through the term, be gentle on yourself and others.

Matthew Gibney Week

This year we trialled a couple new initiatives for our Matthew Gibney Week, again all centred around the children.  From the Dance Concert to the Open Night, to the Mini Fete, the entire week was a huge success.  We will review the week and plan for 2026.

Thank you to all of you for your donations and effort that went into these various events from both staff and parents I sincerely thank you.

And talk about impact, raising $1,000 to give to Wheelchairs for Kids is a very visible sign of who we are as a community.

Year 6 Camp – Busselton Adventure!

This week, our Year 6 students headed to Busselton for their much-anticipated camp — and what an incredible experience it was! The students represented Matthew Gibney beautifully, showing great enthusiasm, teamwork, and resilience throughout the week. Whether it was beach activities, team challenges, or simply enjoying time together, they made memories that will last a lifetime.  A huge congratulations to our Year 6s for embracing the adventure with such positivity and spirit!

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to Ms Curley, Ms Grant, and Mr Rafferty for their outstanding efforts in preparing, organising, and supervising the camp. Their care and commitment ensured the students had a safe, fun, and enriching experience.

Well done to everyone involved!

Pupil Free Day

Monday, 10 November is our next scheduled Pupil Free Day.

Parent & Teacher Interviews: Strengthening Home-School Partnerships for Student Success

At the heart of every successful learner is a strong partnership between home and school. When families and educators work together, students benefit from consistent support, improved engagement, and better academic outcomes. To foster this collaboration, we warmly invite all parents and caregivers to meet with their child’s classroom teacher on Wednesday, 19 November from 12:30pm to 6pm. This is also a valuable opportunity to connect with our Specialist Teachers in Music, Physical Education, Performing Arts, and Science. In Week 4, timeslots will be released to parents to book a time with their child’s classroom teacher.  If a Specialist Teacher’s timeslots are fully booked, please reach out to our Assistant Principal, Christina Zurzolo, who will be happy to arrange an alternative meeting time on another day. We look forward to seeing you there and continuing to build a strong learning community together.

Please also note that Wednesday, 19 November is an early close day, with students finishing at 11:50am. We appreciate your support in ensuring timely pick-up arrangements.

Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School Annual Community Meeting

Please join the Matthew Gibney Community on Wednesday 26^th November at 7.00pm for the P&F and School Advisory Council ACM in our Undercover Area (fingers crossed with new lighting!!).  Staffing for 2026 will be announced at the ACM.

Enjoy your week and the upcoming weekend.  With goodness your way and in gratitude for what you all bring to our school and community.

Clint

Canteen News

An order form went home this week for the Term Special of Yummy Homemade Fried Rice (Containing Bacon and Egg) next Friday 14th November. Please ensure all orders are returned to the office with correct money in a bag by Tuesday 11th November. No late orders can be accepted! Spare forms are available from the office.

Scholastic Book Club News

Issue 8 of the Scholastic Book Club Catalogue will be sent home with students on Monday. The cut off date for orders will be Friday 21st November.

Please place orders online using the Loop website; LOOP Website

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.

Ladybug Life Cycle in Kindy

This term in Kindy, we have welcomed some special new visitors into our classroom – ladybugs. The children have been closely observing the life cycle of a ladybug. We began by watching small eggs before they hatched into larvae. The larvae then transformed into pupae and eventually emerged as adult ladybugs.

The children have shown great interest and responsibility during this experience. They have enjoyed caring for the ladybugs by ensuring they have enough water and food each day. This hands-on learning opportunity has encouraged curiosity, care for living things and an understanding of growth and change in the natural world.

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 .