Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students
I would like to begin our newsletter acknowledging the valuable contributions of our volunteers. This week is National Volunteer Week; a week where we take the time to recognise the value volunteers add to our school community. Our volunteers include our regular canteen volunteers, reading book exchange volunteers, classroom parent help volunteers, P&F parent reps, P&F executive members, event volunteers and School Advisory Council volunteer members. Our parents and grandparents are always eager to put their hands up to volunteer, when asked. I just need to take a look at the list of volunteers for the P&F Election Day Sausage Sizzle, to see that volunteering is built into the culture of our school community. On behalf of the staff, I thank all our volunteers for the work you do. You are highly valued, and we are always grateful for the positive difference you make to the quality of services we can offer our students, families and the wider Matthew Gibney community.
First Eucharist Preparation
The Year Four students were joined this week by the First Eucharist catechist students from St Francis of Assisi Parish, for a reflective and prayerful interactive retreat day. The retreat day was lead by youth from 24:7 Youth Ministries. It was an amazing and highly educative experience for all Year 4 students. The team at 24:7 were super engaging and encouraging of all students. They spoke and taught in a way that the children related to and understood with such common language. It truly was a phenomenal experience that all our Year 4 students enjoyed!
Ms Jordyn Sheldrick
The students will receive the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist at a special Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church on Sunday 29th May at 11.00am. We welcome students from other classes to come along and join the choir at the Mass. Please keep the Year 4 students, their teachers, and families in your prayers during these final weeks of preparation.
Lord Jesus Christ, bless the children coming forward to receive Holy Communion for the first time.
May the Sacrament be the step toward a life-long love of the Eucharist.
Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to you for comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship.
Thank you for their innocence and goodness.
May their hands, extended in anticipation of your body and blood, inspire all of us to cherish this sacred Sacrament.
Amen.
Election Day P&F Stall
Election day is almost upon us. Please encourage family, friends, and neighbours to vote at the Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School Polling Booth on Saturday 21st May. We challenge any other polling booth to beat the quality of our sausage sizzles, hamburgers and cakes that will be available on the day, courtesy of the P&F and our parent volunteers. It looks as though we will have fine weather on Saturday so, please come on down and support the school community whilst casting your vote.
We are most grateful to Borello Beef in High Wycombe for their generous donation of the sausages in support of the P&F. Please support Borello Beef. A flier advertising the company is available in this newsletter.
P&F Coffee Morning and Meet our Social Worker – Chloe Grant.
Parents are invited to come along to a coffee morning, in the undercover area, on Thursday 26th May commencing at 9.00am. A coffee van will be available, courtesy of the P&F. The coffee morning will be an opportunity to meet with other parents and to meet our school social worker, Chloe Grant. Chloe will briefly talk to parents about services she can offer to our students and families. Chloe would also like to hear from you what additional support or workshops you would like from her during the year.
Nature Playground Year 1-6
It was with great excitement that the Year 1-6 new nature playgrounds could be used by the students this week. The balance beams, forts and old-fashioned seesaw have provided our students with additional play opportunities that link with the natural environment along the fence line of our school. Sincerest thanks to the P&F for their fund-raising over the past 18 months. Your hard work has paid off and will benefit children at our school, for many years to come.
Cross Country Carnival
Don’t forget to come down and cheer on our students as they partpcaitpe in the Cross Country Carnival on Friday 20th May. The carnival commences at 9.00am and parents and visitors are welcome to come along. Thank you to our Physical Education Teacher, Shannon Hewitt, for preparing the students to participate in the carnival.
Next Week
Best wishes to the Year 5 class and Teachers, Mrs Keddie, and Ms Bettridge as they join with parents to celebrate Mass on Wednesday 25th May at 9.00am.
Please come along to the P&F Meeting on Wednesday 25th May commencing at 7.30pm. A Zoom link will be made available.
Enjoy the weekend and don’t forget the school voting booth on Election Day.
Warmest regards
Therese Hussey
Principal
Laudito Si’ Week to be held May 22-29, will mark the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on creation care. This global celebration unites Catholics to listen and respond together to the cry of creation. During the week we are encouraged to rejoice, celebrate, and reflect on how together we can care for our common home to ensure the environment, that is central to our lives, thrives into the future. 
We celebrate the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, Patron Saint of Australia, on 24th May. The feast focuses on Mary’s help to those in need, especially in Australia during this time when so many of our sisters and brothers are struggling with the challenges of everyday life. 
Tuesday 24th May special Homemade Chicken and Vegetable Pie with a Juice Box for $5.50. Limited amount.
Year One have been writing about their ‘Super Mums!’