From the Principal
Seriously Good Things Are Happening
There is something truly uplifting happening around Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School at the moment. Everywhere I turn, there’s this quiet but steady sense of gratitude shaping the atmosphere—whether it’s in classrooms, conversations with families, or the ordinary rhythm of the school day. It’s remarkable how grounding gratitude can be. Someone once shared with me that fear and worry fade when we practise gratitude, and the longer I am in the role of Principal, the more I find that to be true.
Each morning, before the busyness sets in, I pause and ask myself three simple questions:
- What am I grateful for today?
- Who will I serve?
- What is one thing I’m excited about?
It’s become a small daily ritual that reorients my whole outlook.
I also take a quiet moment to say good morning to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. My connection with her began years ago when I worked in a MacKillop school as a graduate teacher—my two daughters were students at a MacKillop school—and that connection continues to stay with me. As I walk through our grounds in the morning or afternoon, I often feel that gentle reminder of purpose and calm.
Gratitude changes things. It changes us. If you can, try answering those three questions right now. Even in the middle of a demanding day, there is always something quietly good waiting to be noticed—perhaps even something as simple as children going to bed early and the hope of a peaceful night’s sleep. For our families with young kids, I know that can feel like winning the lottery!
Here are just a few recent moments that reflect the gratitude-filled spirit of our community.
P&F Meet and Greet
Last week our Leadership Team and P&F Executive hosted a morning meet and greet for our community. While we always hope for strong attendance, the conversations shared were rich and genuinely heartwarming around this special community. The attendance at this particular event highlighted the excitement around the start of the year and a commitment to make this place the best it can be for our students.
P&F Welcome Disco
Last week we gathered for our P&F Welcome Disco. There’s something special about our community spreading out picnic rugs, letting the kids simply enjoying time together. I’m very grateful to our P&F for organising events like this—they strengthen our sense of belonging and directly support our students. It was great to see many of you there enjoying a beautiful evening together.
Our Kids are the BEST, Seriously
Last week I had multiple emails from parents who attended the Swimming Carnival saying how our kids were amazing on the day through their involvement and care and cheering for others. Honestly, I cannot stress it enough, these kids are the best. As their parents and caregivers, you should be so proud of who they are. Our community is special because of them.
Drive Through
A big thank you to everyone who has been following our Drive Through routines with care and patience. Afternoon pick‑up can be a stressful time for any school community, and your cooperation keeps our students safe.
In the morning drop off, please ensure you drive all the way to the end of the bay so as to not bank cars up near the crosswalk.
Your support really does make a difference.
School Uniform
Our students have been looking fantastic. Most are consistently wearing the correct uniform on the right days, and it’s something that fills me with pride. Uniforms reflect who we are as a community—our pride, our values, and our identity. Thank you for helping your children present themselves so well. We’ll continue to encourage this high standard throughout the year.
Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct, which can be found on our website, is a set of statements that apply directly to the behaviour and conduct of all community members, parents, staff, students and visitors of Matthew Gibney. As Principal, if I notice a breach of the Code of Conduct, it is my responsibility to address the breach so as to ensure the safety of our students.
In looking at Statement Two, ‘You give priority to students’ safety and well-being in all your behaviour and decision making’, we all agree to living this through our modelling of appropriate behaviour and conduct to our students. Some of the ways we can give priority to student safety and well being at our school include:
- Mandatory Reporting training (staff and regular volunteers e.g. School Advisory Council, P&F members, regular classroom helpers)
- Having a respectful voice when we talk with others
- Being aware of and supporting our children’s learning
- Being involved in appropriate decision making with teachers and the school
- Being aware of expectations of how adults interact in regard to students (e.g. not approaching someone else’s child)
- Supporting school rules and policies
- Supporting students in taking responsibility for their behaviour
- Providing nutritious food for recess and lunch
Ash Wednesday
Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday which marks the start of Lent. Lent is a special time in our liturgical calendar. It is the time that we prepare for Easter; when we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Lent reminds us of the forty-days that Jesus spent in the wilderness before he took up his ministry. During this time he fasted and prayed. During Lent, we can become closer to Jesus by praying a little more, doing good deeds for others, going without something we like and giving generously to others in need.
A Lenten Reflection
Give up complaining……………………..focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism……………………. become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments…………… think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry ……………………….trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement……………………..be full of hope.
Give up bitterness ………………………. turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred…………………………… return good for evil.
Give up anger………………………………… be more patient.
Give up jealousy………………………………….pray for trust.
Attendance Procedure
Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School believes there is a need to engage students and establish positive attendance behaviours in the early years of schooling; to support student attendance at transition points and to raise parent and community awareness of the fact that, where academic achievement is concerned, everyday counts. There is a mutual obligation of schools, parents, and communities to develop strategies that link directly to the local causes of student absence.
Each term in Week 3 and 7, our Assistant Principal, Ms Zurzolo will be formally checking student attendance and where a student has fallen below 90% attendance, contact parents and caregivers through a standard letter. If attendance remains at or falls below 90%, a formal meeting will be arranged.
Our school’s Attendance Procedure can be found on our website.
Parent Concerns
In relation to our Code of Conduct, parents and caregivers are asked to follow the school’s Dispute and Complaint Resolution Procedure found on our website should they want to make a complaint of follow up on a concern in relation to a school issue.
The procedure stipulates that parent and caregivers should make a suitable time to meet directly with the staff member the issue relates to. If parents and caregivers are unhappy with the outcome, they then are able to make a time with our Assistant Principals, followed by the Principal and/or CEWA if the issue remains unresolved.
Early Closes
A friendly reminder that we have two early closes this year for Parent Teacher Interviews on Wednesday, 3 June and Wednesday, 18 November. Please plan for these early closes. School will close at 11:50am on these days.
Once again, thank you for all you do to make this place so special. Enjoy your fortnight a head and I look forward to seeing you all back at MG after the llllooooonnngggg weekend!
Clint
School News
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE, REMINDER TO ENROL!
Recently your child may have brought home an envelope with an enrolment form, FAQ and reply-paid envelope from Dental Health Services. Please remember to fill in the enrolment form, pop it in the reply-paid envelope, and put in in your nearest post box.
Once we receive your form at DHS our team will register your child and arrange for you to receive an appointment in the mail.
If you would like further information on DHS services or to find your nearest SDS Dental Therapy Centre, please visit our website: www.dental.wa.gov.au or just scan the QR code.
Term 1 2026 Parent Planner
Please click here for the Term 1 Parent Planner.
IF YOU HAVE COLLECTED ANY PRINTED TERM PLANNERS FROM THE OFFICE BEFORE TUESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY, PLEASE AMEND THE P&F MEETING DATES AND TIMES AS PER THIS PLANNER, THANK YOU.
Good News
Year 5 are in full swing planning and organising the annual Year 5 St Patrick’s Day Cake Stall Tuesday 17th March. First job was to plan and create posters promoting this event.
Counsellor's Corner
Please see the link below for an article on how to stop yelling at your kids.
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.
For links to the booking pages, please click on the relevant link below:
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.
