Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students

Winter has well and truly arrived! The students enjoy the warmth of their classrooms when they arrive at school on these chilly mornings. Although some children don’t appear to feel the cold, as we adults do, it is still important that they have their jumpers at school for when they go outside during recess and lunch.

Lord: In the midst of Winter, when the days are cold and wind can pierce remind us of the warmth of your love. In the midst of Winter, when days are short, dawn comes late, and dusk arrives early remind us that in the darkness your light still shines.

Amen

The parent community at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School is supportive, encouraging and invested in the education of their children. This was most evident on Saturday night with the success of the Quiz Night. It was terrific to see so many parents coming along to support the P&F and to enjoy the company of each other during the fun filled evening. Sincerest thanks to all who supported the event on the night, especially to Simone Cain and her team for their hard work. All money raised will directly assist with the development of the nature playgrounds.

Teachers have been busily preparing Semester Reports for all students from Pre-Primary to Year Six. In reading the reports I can clearly see the progress that the students have made during the semester. I encourage parents to access the reports as soon as possible, once they are released on Wednesday 30th June. Take the time to read through the teacher comments with your children. Please do not dwell too much on grades allocated. The comments about Religious Education, English and Mathematics, and the General Comment, tell you far more about your child’s achievements and further improvements for Semester Two. Parents are reminded that a “C” grade on the report indicates achievement of the outcomes for the Semester. Grades above a “C” grade indicate achievement at a higher level, whilst a “D” grade indicates that further work is required for each of the outcomes for the Semester. Please contact your child’s class teacher should you have any queries about the Semester Reports.

Winter Carnival

Best wishes to the Year Five and Year Six students as they participate in the Winter Carnival on Friday. Thank you to Mr Battistessa for organising the carnival and for our parents and staff who have prepared and trained the students over the past few weeks.

Pyjama Day for LifeLink

We look forward to our Pyjama Day next week to support the Catholic Bishops’ LifeLink Charity. Wearing our PJs to school on a cold morning will be welcomed by staff as well as students. Pyjamas Day will be held on:

• Monday 28th June for the Kindy class
• Tuesday 29th June for Pre-Kindy and Pre-Primary to Year Six.

Year One Prayer Liturgy

It was lovely to welcome parents and visitors to the Year One Prayer Liturgy this week. The Year One students reminded us about the gift of “Friendship” and how Jesus is always our very special friend who we can turn to at any time. Thank you to Mrs Farmand and Mrs Iffla for preparing the Year One students for their Liturgy.

Don’t forget the 30th Anniversary Sundowner on Friday 23rd July at 6.00pm. All parents are welcome to come along. Please rsvp to the administration office if you are attending.

This has been a long term. We look forward to the final week, before school holidays commence on Friday 2nd July.

Warm regards

Therese Hussey
Principal