Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students
It was lovely to chat to our students this week and hear all about their holiday adventures and experiences. From camping in the rain and quick exits from cyclone affected destinations, to visits to the zoo and holidays with grandparents in Mandurah, it sounds as though our students had a wonderful Easter and school holiday period. Welcome back! I extend a very warm welcome, in particular, to our new families who are joining us this term. We are pleased to welcome Mrs Sue Swaby back to Matthew Gibney after her term away. It is good to be back at school for the commencement of Term Two. The weather is glorious and there is much to be thankful for.
Cyclone Seroja Assistance
We have all being saddened by the images of the devastation to communities in the Mid-West of WA by Cyclone Seroja. St Mary’s Catholic School in Northampton has experienced significant damage. Many 
families attending the school have also experienced damage to their homes and properties. Thank you for supporting our crazy socks fundraiser, held today. Our fundraising efforts should go some way to assisting the community as they recover from the effects of the cyclone.
Anzac Day
We commence the school term with a long weekend for the start of Week Two. The ANZAC Day long weekend is on Monday 26th April and this is followed by a Pupil Free Day on Tuesday 27th April. We will have a short Anzac Day commemoration ceremony on Friday 23rd April commencing at 9.00am. Parents and friends are most welcome to come along. Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It is a day of remembrance. We remember and honour the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who landed on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula on 25th April 1915 during World War One. We remember and honour all soldiers, nurses, doctors and volunteers who served our country during war, and for those who continue to serve our country as peacekeepers in various parts of the world. Commemorating Anzac Day gives our students an opportunity to learn that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things. We hope that by participating in the Anzac Day service and learning about Anzac Day in class that the students will feel humility, peace and gratitude for the peace that we experience living in Australia.
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
we shall remember them.
We shall remember them.
Lest we forget!
Lest we forget!
Pupil Free Day – 27th April
Students will enjoy an extra long weekend with the Pupil Free day on Tuesday 27th April. The staff will gather during the day for Mathematics professional learning to enrich our teaching of Mathematics Problem Solving.
Busy Bee
Matthew Gibney Dads are invited to come along to a Busy Bee on Saturday 22nd May. There are a few small jobs around the school that require some work – nothing too heavy! The busy bee will commence at 8.00am and conclude by 11.00am with a sausage sizzle and refreshments. Please call the office if you are able to attend.
School Tours
School tours will be available for prospective families on Thursday 29th April. Tours will be available from 9.00-11.00am and 4.00-6.00pm. Please encourage family, friends and neighbours who may be interested in enrolling to contact the office and book in for a school tour.
Pre-Kindy and Kindy Enrolments 2021
Pre-Kindy and Kindy enrolments for 2021 are filling up quickly. Current families are reminded that an enrolment form is required for Kindy and Pre-Kindy before your child can be added to our lists for 2021. Please come into the office to collect an enrolment form or download a form available on our website. https://www.gibney.wa.edu.au/enrolment/
Winter Uniforms
I am pleased to see that the students have returned for Term Two wearing their Winter Uniforms so smartly. Thank you, parents, for supporting us in ensuring our students are smartly presented at school each day. Parents are reminded that the Uniform Centre is open each Thursday morning, should additional items be required.
Cross Country
The Cross Country Carnival, for students from Years 1- 6, will be held at school on Friday 30th April commencing at 9.00am. Parents and friends are most welcome to come along and support the children as they participate in the carnival.
As much as we all love holidays, the greatest joy we have as staff working in schools is the interactions we have with our students. The students have returned full of optimism and positivity for all that lies ahead this term. We continue to be reminded everyday just what a lovely community we have at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School.
Warm regards
Therese Hussey
Principal