From the Principal
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
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 their further development. As we move forward on our school improvement journey and future direction at MG, the staff play a crucial role in setting the tone. The last two years has seen many new faces on the team. What is exciting though, is the collaboration and shared identity that is building. Sitting back as Principal, listening to the professional discussions around teaching and learning taking place around me, I know that great things are happening here and let me just say, our staff members are destined for great things in their careers as educators.
After completing our recent school review and our Leadership Team review, what I am realising more and more is that each day I get to be with amazing people. In celebrating our school improvement journey through the review, I am extremely grateful for the people that I have encountered and continue to encounter here at MG. 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 after school duty on our crosswalk. During these times I get to witness the joy on the kids’ faces as they walk past me, their manners are impeccable. I am always greeted with ‘Good afternoon, Mr Payne’ or ‘See you tomorrow, Mr Payne?’. I mean, come on, how good is that? And then witnessing the kids catching up with their parents or grandparents totally fills my cup. What a way to end 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, 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 her OSHC job 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 our 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!
Parent Survey: Consent and Respectful Relationships Education
Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) is inviting parents and carers to have their say on the information and support they would like regarding Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE). As the primary educators of their children, parents play an essential role in helping young people develop an understanding of healthy relationships, respect, safety and wellbeing.
To help shape future parent resources and engagement opportunities, CEWA has developed a short survey to gather parent perspectives, questions and areas of interest related to consent and respectful relationships education. The feedback provided will help CEWA better support families and strengthen partnerships between schools and parents in promoting student wellbeing and healthy relationships.
The survey:
- Takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
- Is completely anonymous.
- Will help identify topics where parents would value additional information and support.
We encourage all parents and carers to participate and share their valuable insights.
Complete the survey here:
https://forms.office.com/r/TV8EfHb55U
Thank you for supporting this important initiative and helping ensure future parent resources reflect the needs and priorities of our school community.
Week 7 is a BIG WEEK!! – Upcoming Events
Next week is set to be a huge week for our community with the following events:
- Year 3 Reconciliation Parent and Child Workshop – Wednesday, 2 September at 4:30pm
- Book Week Parade – Thursday, 3 September at 9am
- Father’s Day Coffee and Doughnuts – Friday, 4 September before school
- Athletics Carnival – Friday, 4 September
- Scholastic Book Fair Starts Friday, 4 September at 7.50am – 8.45am.
We look forward to seeing you all at these various events.
Planning for 2027 – Please Let Us Know if Your Child Will Not Be Returning
As we begin planning for the 2027 school year, we ask families to please notify the school as soon as possible if their child will not be returning to Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School next year.
Accurate enrolment information is essential in helping us plan class structures, staffing, specialist programs, and resource allocation. Early advice from families enables us to make the best possible decisions to support all students and ensures a smooth transition for those moving on to new schools.
If your family is relocating, transferring to another school, or has already made alternative arrangements for 2027, please contact the school office in writing at your earliest convenience. This information will be treated with care and assists us greatly in our preparations for the coming year.
As a Catholic school community, we value the partnership we share with our families and thank you for your support in helping us plan effectively for the future.
Should your circumstances change, or if you have any questions regarding enrolment for 2027, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Thank you for your assistance and cooperation as we prepare for another successful year of learning and growth at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School.
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
The canteen is offering Sushi to students and spectators and Pumpkin Soup to Spectators on Sports Day, Friday 4th September.
Order Forms were sent home last Tuesday and need to be returned to the office by this Tuesday 1st September with payment (Cash or EFTPOS).
LATE ORDERS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.
As this is a pre-order, no refunds can be given for your child if they are sick on the day.
Additional morning tea for parents will also be available – CASH ONLY.
Spare Order forms are available from the office or can be printed at home by clicking here.
Scholastic Book Fair
Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the library and starts on Friday, 4 September. The opening times are as follows:
- Friday, 4 September 7.50 – 8.45am
- Monday, 7 September 8.25 – 8.45am
- Monday, 7 September 3.05 – 3.30pm
- Tuesday, 8 September 8.25 – 8.45am
- Tuesday, 8 September 3.05 – 3.30pm
Term 3 2026 Parent Planner
Please click here for the Term 3 Parent Planner.
Good News
Year 2 Australian Animals & Their Habitats
This term, Year 2 have been learning all about Australian animals through Writing and Design Technology.
In Writing, we researched an Australian animal and wrote an information report, sharing interesting facts about its appearance, diet, habitat and behaviour.
We then put our creativity and design skills to work in Design Technology! Each student designed a natural habitat specifically for their chosen animal, thinking carefully about what their animal needs to survive. We used a range of natural and recycled materials to bring our habitat designs to life.
It has been wonderful to see the students’ creativity, knowledge and enthusiasm shine through as they have researched, designed, built and proudly presented their Australian animal habitats!
Counsellor's Corner
Please click on this link for Information on Understanding and managing emotions: children and teenagers by the Raising Children Network.
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.
Foster Care Information Session, Tuesday 15 September
The Department of Communities is hosting a Foster Care Information Session on Tuesday 15 September, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at Ellenbrook Secondary College. Foster carers play a vital role in providing safe, stable homes for children who cannot live with their families, and this session is a great opportunity to learn more about becoming a foster carer. Registration is essential: https://ellenbrook-fostercare-infosession.eventbrite.com.au
