2025 Term 4 Week 8

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The 2025 school year at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School has been a time of growth, joy, and achievement. Inspired by the legacy of Bishop Matthew Gibney, whose courage and compassion shaped Catholic education in Western Australia, we strive to live out these values in our daily work. His example reminds us that faith and action go hand in hand—building a community where every child feels valued and supported.

Reflecting on this year, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities we have had to work together as a committed community. Parents, staff, and students all contribute to creating a place of belonging—a quality that is often mentioned when I speak with families and staff. This sense of connection and shared purpose is what makes Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School such a special place.

As we look ahead to 2026, I hope to continue fostering a culture of deep listening—where we slow down, stay present, and find God’s voice in the everyday conversations that shape our lives and future direction of our school, while maintaining high expectations around the quality of teaching and learning we offer our most precious students.

Throughout 2025, our students actively lived out Gospel values by supporting initiatives such as Project Compassion, Catholic Missions, and the Archbishop’s LifeLink Appeal. These acts of service reflect our commitment to compassion, justice, and care for the marginalised — values deeply connected to the legacy of Bishop Matthew Gibney and St Francis of Assisi.

Our Sacramental Program continues to be a meaningful faith journey for students and families, connecting them to Jesus and the wider faith community. Staff also remain committed to their own faith journeys, working towards Accreditation and engaging in formation opportunities.

Together, we strive to nurture Christ-centred leaders who live with purpose, compassion, and a heart for service.

We have very experienced staff members at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, who go about ensuring high standards of teaching and learning for our students.  This, along with the introduction of onsite coaching, has positively impacted our confidence as teachers and the standards of our students across all year levels.  This ensures our CEWA Vision for Learning and agreed upon teaching pedagogy is consistent across all year levels.  The real impact of the improved use of data in our school is reflected in the growth of our students and the magnified impact that a teacher has in class.  I am so proud of the efforts of all our staff and the teaching and learning programs they implement for their students, which we will continue to refine.

2025 NAPLAN assessments took place in Term One this year.  Our Year 3 and 5 students once again tackled the week of assessments with confidence.  At Matthew Gibney, we continue to teach our students concepts as part of our learning programs, preparing them for the testing style they will experience during NAPLAN.  Reducing any anxiety attached to the testing experience only goes to improving the opportunity for our students to showcase their full potential, which is all we ask of them.  Our school performed well against National means, particularly in Year 5 and we continue to focus on the growth of each student, especially in.  These results are the product of our staff and students and will drive us forward in 2026.

Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School continues to build strong relationships within and outside of its community.  Enrolment applications continue to be strong throughout all year levels.  This is a very visible sign of the quality and care offered at our school to both students and their families.  This positive feel in the community is driven by the stories of our families and the quality of our teaching and learning programs embedded at the school. Matthew Gibney is not about being a perfect school, but rather a place of learning, growth, and acceptance of all.  Decisions are always made with our main priority, the children that come through our gates each day.  To ensure this trend continues, we must ensure we provide the best for our students and remain open to opportunities for growth.  This is the heart of our Bishop’s Mandate; A Catholic school must be a good school.

I would like to acknowledge the work of our P&F who work quietly in the background to continue to build community spirit within the school. As a group they have been quite remarkable in how smoothly they have worked with our families in continuing many of the past traditions and establishing new ones.  The team of parents have done this with one focus, and that has been on the wanting to do it for our children. We thank you all sincerely for the time and commitment to the people within our school and the fundraising events throughout the year that have resulted in the upgrading of many resources across the school as well as a $10,000 donation to our new Library, all of which benefit our students. A fabulous year of working tirelessly for our school and its people.

There are many elements within a Catholic school and administration process that are undertaken to ensure the school runs effectively.  At Matthew Gibney, we have a very dedicated team that work together in the administration to allow operational matters to be implemented on a daily basis.  Flexibility and adaptability to the myriads of matters that may come their way during the school day is a credit to their commitment to our school.  I would like to thank Julie West, Jennifer Cotton, Karen Keddie and Christina Zurzolo for their continued support and willingness to put in the extra hours for the school and community.

I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our team of teachers and education assistants for the work you do each day at Matthew Gibney. Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen significant changes in our processes and procedures, especially around teaching and learning expectations and accountability to strengthen compliance and meet the diverse needs of our students. Many of you have shown remarkable agility in adapting to these changes and embracing new ways of working, and I am deeply grateful for your commitment. As we look ahead, I encourage you to remain open to areas of growth so that what we offer our students is the very best education possible—one that meets their needs and prepares them for the world they live in today. This commitment is at the heart of our Catholic faith and reflects our school vision: to be a Christ-centred community that nurtures, engages, and challenges all to grow.

As we celebrate our achievements this year, we also acknowledge and give thanks to several staff members who will be leaving us at the end of the year to take on new challenges or move into retirement. Freda Burgess, Sue Swaby, Debbie Hawley, Teresa Aldred, Temeka Curley, Jessamy Gray and Alysha Emanuele have each contributed so much to our Matthew Gibney community and to the mission of Catholic education here in High Wycombe. Their dedication, care, and commitment to our students have left a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for their service. As they step into the next chapter of their lives, whether in new schools or in retirement, we offer them our heartfelt thanks and a blessing: may God guide you with grace, fill your days with joy, and continue to inspire you in all that you do. You will always be part of the Matthew Gibney story.

Since our ACM, there have been some further staffing movements at Matthew Gibney.  Mrs Jessamy Gray has tendered her resignation after more than 20 years of dedicated service to Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School.  Jessamy has been an integral part of our community, shaping the lives of countless students with her care and professionalism. While we are sad to see her leave, we celebrate her commitment to professional growth, which is so essential in our vocation as educators.  Jessamy will take with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we know she will learn so much in her new role while offering her future students at Swan Valley Christian Community School the same passion and expertise she has shown here.

In addition, we would like to inform our community that Mrs Joanne Brescacin has made the decision to reduce her working days in order to support her family’s needs and care. Beginning in 2026, Joanne will be teaching Year 5 from Wednesday to Friday. We sincerely thank Joanne for her dedication and outstanding contribution to our school community and wish her every success and happiness as she balances her professional role with her family commitments.

We are delighted to share that our Assistant Principal, Karen Keddie, will embark on an exciting new chapter in her career as she takes on the role of Religious Education Consultant at CEWA on a 12-month secondment. Karen has been an integral part of Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School for the past 12 years, and her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff have left a mark on our community. Her influence has shaped the faith life of our school and strengthened our culture of care and excellence. While we will miss her presence, we know she will take a little piece of Matthew Gibney with her into this new role, continuing to inspire and support Catholic education across the system. We thank Karen sincerely for her outstanding contribution and wish her every success in this exciting opportunity in 2026.

We are thrilled to welcome a group of talented educators who will join our Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School community in 2026, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and enthusiasm to our teaching and learning program. Azzandrea Carter will lead our Year 1 students, Hannah Marston will guide our Year 6 learners, Jordan Challis will enrich our inclusive practices as Learning Diversity Coordinator, Renae Armstrong will inspire excellence as our Pedagogical Practice Coach, Jenelle Hawke will ignite creativity as our Performing Arts Drama Teacher, and Elena Fraser will bring her passion for learning as a classroom teacher. In addition, Mr Andrew Richards will be teaching Year 3 from Monday to Wednesday alongside Mrs Caryn Tenney on Thursday and Friday, and Mrs Kathryn Carter will teach Year 5 on Monday and Tuesday, complementing Mrs Joanne Brescacin’s Wednesday to Friday role in Year 5. Each of these educators will play a vital role in our shared mission of Catholic education in High Wycombe, helping us live out our vision to nurture faith, foster excellence, and empower every child to flourish. Their arrival strengthens our commitment to innovation in teaching and learning, ensuring our students experience dynamic, future-focused education grounded in our Catholic values. We look forward to the gifts they will bring and the impact they will make as we continue to grow together in faith and learning here at Matthew Gibney.

We also share that Ms Chloe Grant has been offered a 12-month secondment to Mary MacKillop Catholic Community School in Ballajura, which I fully support. Chloe will assist that school in the social work space, supporting students in relation to their mental health. This is a wonderful opportunity for Chloe to share her expertise and to gain new skills that she will bring back to Matthew Gibney in 2027. We are excited about the professional learning this experience will provide her. We are also delighted to announce that we will be utilising the experience of Mrs Amy Gerick as our new Social Worker in 2026 who was strongly endorsed by Chloe. Amy is currently working at Xavier Catholic School and brings with her a wealth of expertise and the skills we need at Matthew Gibney to continue supporting the wellbeing of our students and families. Her appointment strengthens our commitment to providing holistic care and fostering a nurturing environment for every child.

While staff turnover can bring feelings of sadness, it also brings new opportunities, fresh ideas, and renewed energy to our school. We remain committed to offering the very best for our students and look forward to welcoming new team members who will share in our mission and values.  I encourage our parent body to remember, change is part of growth, and growth brings new possibilities.  How exciting for this place!

I wish to thank Father Benny, our Parish, our Catholic School Advisory Council and our Matthew Gibney P&F for their continued support throughout 2025.  Father Benny continues to bring a gentleness and kindness to our community.  With the support of Emma Brierty, our chairperson, and all our CSAC members, we have once again worked together for the wellbeing of all in our community here at Matthew Gibney.  This group of people are outstanding in their commitment to the operations of our school and the people who walk through the gates each day, particularly our students.  Under CEWA’s Governance structure, they provide valuable insight into the community.  Their support and collaboration, along with their generosity of time is very much appreciated as is their willingness to be involved on behalf of the community.  On behalf of the school community, we extend our gratitude to each of you for the spirit you bring to our meetings.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jaime Smith, Glenn Waddington, and Tristan Look as they conclude their tenure on our Catholic School Advisory Council. Jaime has served faithfully for six years, Glenn for three years, and Tristan for two years, each contributing their time, wisdom, and commitment to the growth and success of our school. Their guidance has helped shape important decisions, strengthen our community, and ensure that our mission of Catholic education continues to flourish in High Wycombe. We are deeply grateful for the positive impact they have made and the legacy of service they leave behind.

We offer our sincere thanks to our Parents and Friends (P&F) Association for their incredible work throughout 2025. Their efforts have gone far beyond fundraising—they have built community, created opportunities for families to come together, and ensured that every event was filled with joy and fun. Because of their dedication, our school has seen significant improvements in resources and facilities, all driven by their shared commitment to doing the very best for our children. We especially acknowledge the outstanding leadership of our outgoing President, Steph Kaciuba, who has been an all-round person of quality and a true champion for our school. I have greatly valued working alongside Steph over the past 18 months, and I will miss her and her family very much as they move to a school closer to home. The P&F’s contribution reflects our vision to nurture faith, foster excellence, and build a strong, connected community. Thank you for everything you have done to make Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School such a special place.

We take this opportunity to express our gratitude for all that we have at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School.  For the strength of our community to be united in what we do for our students.  Our philosophy is pretty simple, that every decision we make is in the best interest of the child.  We strive to be Christ-centred in our outlook and that we support our community in good times and times that challenge us.  The one thing that binds all of us is the care for each other that exists here and that gratitude is lived out each and every day.

To our staff and families who leave us this, I wish you all the very best at your new schools and life ventures and know that you will always be a part of this community.  For those new to joining our school you will be truly blessed having these students and staff impact you and your children.

In conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity to thank staff, parents and Parish community for the support given to the on-going development of our children at Matthew Gibney.  I sincerely wish all members of our school and Parish a peaceful and joyous Christmas. May we all appreciate the significance of this time of rest and renewal as we gear up for a bright and exciting 2026.  As your Principal, I thank you for your support and kindness.  It is an absolute privilege to be here and serve these students who leave a mark on me as a person.  On behalf of our school, I wish you an abundance of joy this Christmas and a year ahead that is filled with goodness and hope. May you be blessed.

Our Catholic School Improvement Plan for 2026

At Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, we are committed to creating an environment where every child is nurtured to grow in faith, learning, and wellbeing. Our 2026 Catholic School Improvement Plan (CSIP) sets a clear direction for the year ahead, focusing on our Four Pillars:

These priorities align with CEWA’s Vision for Learning, which calls us to create engaging, supportive environments where every child can flourish.

We look forward to working together as a community to bring these goals to life. Thank you for your ongoing support in making Matthew Gibney a place where faith and learning thrive.

Christmas Concert

We are delighted to share some details about tonight’s Christmas Concert, a special evening for our school community to gather before the end of year.

All students are expected to attend this beautiful event. Families are warmly invited to bring a picnic and enjoy time together on the oval from 5:00pm. During this time, the school grounds will remain closed to families, ensuring a safe and organised environment for all.  Keep an eye out for some special visitors on our oval during this time!

In keeping with our Child Safe practices and Code of Conduct, students will have access to the school toilets under staff supervision. Portable toilets will be available near the Sports Shed for parents and caregivers.  We will have a security guard present on the night to assist in this.

At 5:45pm, there will be a message and students will move to the Undercover Area so teachers can prepare classes and give final instructions before heading to the oval. We will make an announcement when it’s time for students to join their class. Please check your child’s Seesaw page for details about concert attire and contact your class teacher if you have any questions.

Students will sit on tarps on the grass for the duration of the nativity and concert. To keep the focus on the performance, we kindly ask parents not to approach the student seating area during the concert. If the evening is cool, please send a jumper or jacket with your child beforehand.

Older siblings are asked to remain on the oval and not roam the school grounds. Children who do not attend our school must stay under your supervision at all times.

This year, we have two designated photo (paparazzi) areas on either side of the stage. When your child’s class is performing, you are welcome to take photos or videos from these areas so everyone can enjoy an unobstructed view. Please remember that images and videos should not be posted on social media. Picnic seating and low seating areas will be clearly marked on the oval.

To honour each class and their efforts, students are expected to stay for the entire concert. This ensures every group can share their gifts with the full community. Thank you for supporting this important part of our celebration.

Kindy students will be able to enjoy the concert with their families after their Nativity.  They will be picked up from the trees marked with tinsel!

At the conclusion of the concert, children from Pre-Primary to Year 6 will be dismissed from the oval. Please see your child’s teacher and sign them out on the class list before leaving.

We look forward to sharing this joyful evening with you as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

We cannot wait to see you all there.

End of Year Reports – Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead

As we approach the end of another wonderful school year, student reports will soon be available for families. These reports provide a clear picture of your child’s learning progress and achievements, following both our Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School Assessment and Reporting Procedure and the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) requirements for Western Australian schools.

You can read more about our school’s approach to assessment and reporting by visiting our Website and learn about the SCSA standards here.

What should you do when you receive your child’s report?

• Celebrate their achievements – every effort and improvement matters.
• Discuss the report together – help your child reflect on their learning journey.
• Set goals for 2026 – identify areas for growth and ways to support learning at home.

We also take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff for the time, care, and professionalism they put into preparing these reports. Their commitment ensures that each report is meaningful and accurate. Together, let’s make this a moment of pride and encouragement for every student!

End of Year Reports will be sent out on Thursday, 11 December.

Transition Morning – A Sneak Peek into 2026!

We are excited to announce our Transition Morning on Wednesday, 10 December, from 9:00am to 10:00am. This special hour gives students the chance to meet their 2026 teacher and spend time in their new classroom environment.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to feel confident and prepared for the year ahead, and our staff are just as thrilled to welcome their new classes! This morning is all about building excitement, easing nerves, and starting the journey toward another fantastic year of learning.

We can’t wait to see the smiles and enthusiasm as our students take this important step forward!

In appreciation for what you all bring.

Clint

Uniform Shop Opening Times for January 2026

The uniform shop will be open at the following times during January before school commences:

• Thursday 29th January 10.00am – 12.00pm for collection of pre-orders only.
• Friday 30th January 2.00pm – 3.00pm for general purchases.

Orders can be made using the CDF Pay App and must be submitted before Wednesday 28th January at 6.00pm.

Orders can also be made using order forms available at the office before 3.00pm on Friday 12th December.

As we come to the end of Term, Year 3 has been looking back on one of our most exciting days of the year — the Colour Run! It was a brilliant afternoon filled with laughter, teamwork, and a whole lot of colour.

We kicked things off looking fresh, clean, and ready for action. By the end of the day, though, we were completely transformed! The students had an absolute blast running, jumping, and sliding their way through the colourful obstacle course with all their friends. It was wonderful to see everyone supporting each other, cheering loudly, and enjoying the chance to get well and truly messy.

Even better, the Colour Run wasn’t just fun — it helped us raise money for people in need. We are incredibly proud of the Year 3s for taking part with such enthusiasm and kindness.

What a fantastic memory to finish the term with!

Our Year 2 students created beautiful silhouette artworks inspired by the Christmas Nativity story. Using soft pastel backgrounds and striking black cut-out figures, the children depicted scenes such as Mary and Joseph’s journey, the stable in Bethlehem, and the guiding star. Their artwork reflects their growing creativity and understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.

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.