Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students
Earlier this week we heard the sad news of the passing of Fr Francis Ly, previous parish priest of St Francis of Assisi Parish, Maida Vale. The students in the upper years remember Fr Francis with fondness. He was a highly respected and much-loved parish priest. We are saddened to hear of his passing. Please keep Fr Francis Ly’s friends and family in your prayers.
The Feast Day of St Joachim and St Anne, the Grandparents of Jesus, was celebrated earlier this week. The Feast Day celebrates the wonderful gift of grandparents and elderly. Pope Francis theme, “in old age they shall still bear fruit” (Psalm 92:15) emphasises how grandparents and the elderly are a valued gift for society. We see at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School the valued companionship and support of our grandparents in the lives of their children and grandchildren. We are always grateful to our grandparents and ask God for the blessings of St Joachim and St Anne upon them always.
Lord God almighty, bless our grandparents with long life, happiness, and health. May they remain constant in your love and be living signs of your presence to their children and grandchildren. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sacrament of Confirmation Preparation
The Year 6 students have begun their preparations to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, under the direction of their teacher, Miss Zurzolo. The Sacrament of Confirmation is final Sacrament of Initiation and, as such, the students will be received as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. The Sacrament of Confirmation holds the students in good stead as they leave the comfort of their small primary school at the end of Year 6 and head out into a wider world. They will need, more than ever, to draw on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit received through Confirmation.
Parents and sponsors are reminded to attend the Confirmation Workshop on Wednesday 3rd August at 4.00pm or 5.45pm. It is an essential component of preparation that students attend with at least one supporting adult.
Punctuality
Preparations for a successful start to the school day are often dependent upon punctuality. Year 1-6 classrooms open at 8.35am to give the students an opportunity to be prepared for the day and have a chat to their teacher. It can be a little stressful for children when they are running late and have to come into class once the bell has rung and their classmates have commenced the day. It does not set them up for a positive and productive morning. Please be aware of the need for punctuality and try and have the children at school in plenty of time for the first activities of the day.
Uniform Committee Meeting
All parents are invited to attend a meeting on Friday 19th August at 2.30pm. This is an opportunity for parents to hear about progress with the girls winter trousers and to offer suggestions.
P&F Meetings
The P&F Meeting was well attended once again this week. Thank you to our parents for their support of the P&F. There are a few events planned for the term for parents to take note of. Please keep the following dates in your diaries and please look out for communications coming home shortly:
- Saturday 20th August: Bunnings Sausage Sizzle at Midland Bunnings
- Friday 2nd September: Father’s Day Breakfast
- Friday 9th September: Father’s Day Rotational Sports Activity Afternoon 3.20-4.20pm. The afternoon is for students from PP to Year 6 to spend an hour with their Dad enjoying some fun activities on the oval.
Canteen
Derby Day is on Friday 12th August. The canteen will be running a special and pre-orders are required. Please pick up an order form from the office if you have not received one.
A short survey about the canteen has been sent home today. Please compete the survey to assist us in planning for the canteen over the coming months.
Parent Workshops Offered in Term Three
Several workshops will be offered during this term. Workshops are offered in response to parent requests and we invite all parent to come along. Please add the dates to your diaries. Workshops planned for the term are:
- Thursday 11th August 9.15am. “Effective Home Reading” – facilitated by Diane Scriven for PP and Year 1 Parents.
- Thursday 8th September 9.00am. “Dealing with Children’s’ Anxiety” – facilitated by Social Worker, Chloe Grant. This workshop is for all interested parents.
- Wednesday 14th September 10.00am (following Year 6 Class Mass). “Managing a Transition to High School.” – Facilitated by Chloe Grant for Year 6 parents.
I look forward to welcoming parents and friends to the Merit Award Assembly on Friday morning at 9.00am.
Best wishes for the weekend.
Warm regards
Therese Hussey
Principal
Most of our students wear their uniform wish a sense of pride. I am grateful to our parents for sending the children to school tidy and smartly dressed. From time to time, however, we see students attending school with the incorrect uniform or looking untidy. In particular, I am noticing a varied collection of coloured hair accessories and a variety of earrings and sport shoes. The Uniform Policy requirements are:
