From the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we come to the end of another blessed year at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, I want to take a moment to reflect on the joy and growth we have shared as a community. This week, I had the privilege of celebrating our Year 6 Graduation—a truly special occasion. What touched me most was hearing a student express gratitude for the experiences and care they received here. It reminded me of the deep connections we form and the impact we have on one another.
At Graduation, I shared a quote that speaks to the heart of our mission:
‘If it is to be, it is up to me!’
This is what we strive for at Matthew Gibney—through kindness, service, and presence, we bring Christ alive in our relationships. Jesus himself showed us that through words and actions, we can transform lives.
2025 has been a year of blessings and challenges, all of which have shaped us. I am deeply grateful for your trust, generosity, and partnership in making our school a place where faith and learning flourish, and all decisions are made with the students in mind. As we enter the Christmas season, I encourage you to find moments of stillness, peace, and kindness. Christmas is not about presents, but about presence—being with those we love and remembering the gift of Jesus, who came to teach us to serve others.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. I look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 for another year of growth and grace.
To Our Year 6s and Their Families
Our Year 6 students and their families are preparing to take the next big step as they transition to high school at the end of this year. We are blessed with a wonderful group of young people who, throughout their time at Matthew Gibney, have set high standards for others to follow. Their commitment to friendship, care for one another, and acceptance of every person truly sets them apart.
We thank our Year 6 students and their families for the many contributions they have made to life at Matthew Gibney and for the positive influence they leave behind for those who will follow in their footsteps. Our Year 6s will be deeply missed.
As they move into this next exciting chapter, we pray that their journey is smooth and filled with opportunity. May they always carry with them a spirit of kindness, peace, and compassion for all those they encounter in the future.
To Families Leaving Us
To the families who will be leaving Matthew Gibney at the end of this year, we offer our heartfelt thanks for all you have given to our school community. Your support, trust, and involvement have been a blessing, and we wish you every happiness and success as you move into the next chapter. To the children leaving us—your new teachers are going to love having you in their classrooms!
As we farewell some families, we are also excited to welcome many new families to Matthew Gibney in 2026, including those joining our Kindergarten and across other year levels. We look forward to the special gifts and qualities they will bring to our community as we continue to grow together in faith and learning.
End of Year Reports
Reports were available yesterday afternoon. All our students have worked to be their best in 2025. End of year reports give us an opportunity to celebrate the positives and acknowledge the wonderful gifts our children have.
Term One Calendar 2026
Our Term One Calendar is available. Please be aware that this may change over the coming months and that it is important to continue to check for updates through emails and the website during the year. Whole year start and end of term dates are confirmed below, along with the Pupil Free Days being held during the year.
2026 Term Dates
Term 1 Start Date Students Monday 2 February
Term 1 End Date Students Thursday 2 April
Term 2 Start Date Students Monday 20 April
Term 2 End Date Students Friday 3 July
Term 3 Start Date Students Monday 20 July
Term 3 End Date Students Friday 25 September
Term 4 Start Date Students Monday 12 October
Term 4 End Date Students Friday 11 December
2026 Pupil Free Days
Friday 27 February
Tuesday 3 March
Friday 24 April
Friday 21 August
Monday 9 November
2026 Early Closes (11:50am)
Wednesday 3 June
Wednesday 18 November
2026 Public Holidays
Monday 2 March (Labour Day)
Friday 3 April (Good Friday)
Friday 29 March (Good Friday)
Monday 27 April (Anzac Day)
Monday 1 June (WA Day)
Please note, these dates are subject to change. If these dates for Professional Learning do require amending, parents will be notified well in advance.
2026 Parent Information Night
Parent information sessions will be held on the date below. At this evening, we will welcome all our parents to the 2026 school year at 5:30pm. This will be followed by meetings in your classrooms at 5:45pm. There will then be a second session in the classrooms at 6:15pm on the same evening for parents who have children in more than one of the year levels.
Thursday 12 February Sessions at 5:45pm and 6:15pm
Whole School Start of Year Mass
Our start of year Mass will be held on Monday 9 February at 9am. We hope to see you all there where we will celebrate the start of year and announce the 2026 Student Representative Council leaders.
Final Waffle!!!!
Parents, you are blessed for the effort you put into raising your beautiful kids. I hope over Christmas, you are showered with God’s blessings and peace. May you enjoy not being faced with the morning rush of getting your kids ready for school, the dreaded uniforms and lunches!! I sincerely thank you for impacting me as a Principal and person, I feel so special that you are all a part of my life. 2026 will be an exciting time for us with many new staff commencing their role here at Matthew Gibney, driven by our calling to provide the best possible education for our students that is Christ centred and child focussed.
Stay safe and I wish you nothing but goodness!
Clint
School News
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.
Term 1 2026 Parent Planner
Please click here for the Term 1 Parent Planner.
Good News
The Year One children created beautiful artwork inspired by the artist Vincent Van Gogh.
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.
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.
