Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students

Sincerest thanks to our parents for supporting us this week with the unexpected COVID procedures we have had to put in place.  These are certainly unusual times and we never know what is going to be thrown our way.  However, as usual, the staff, students and parents of our school modify and adapt to all situations with a sense of optimism and cheerfulness.  We look forward to next week when, hopefully, we will be mask free!

The Anzac Day Service last week was a special occasion.  The students’ response to the service was both reverent and respectful.  We were most grateful to Warrant Officer Ken Townley and RSL representative, Mr Phil Twiss, for coming along and addressing the school during the ceremony. 

The Voice of the Child

The staff at Matthew Gibney are always dedicated to ensuring the students have opportunities to let them know how they are feeling during the day.  From time to time students may feel anxious or concerned about themselves or about others.  Worrying feelings can detract from a child’s ability to focus on their school work.  It is important that feelings can be discussed so that we can come up with solutions to assist the student to feel better.  We need our parents to us assist us with this. Please always come and see the classroom teacher if your child is particularly worried about something that is occurring at school or at home.  We need to know, especially if it is a school worry, so we can work with the child to find a suitable solution.  Sometimes, worries that appear small and insignificant to us adults, may be big worries to children that can impact upon them in a variety of ways.

Driveway Etiquette and Parking

Parents are reminded about safety when exiting the school driveway.  Please check carefully for vehicles coming around the round about on your right.  We are fortunate to have a large parking area.  Please consider parking to collect your children after school if the queue for the drive through is extending down the street.  We need to be mindful about courtesy to our neighbours and other road users, especially at the busy after school time.

Cross Country Carnival

We look forward to the students participating in the Cross Country Carnival on Friday.  Thank you to Mr Battistessa for preparing the students for the carnival and for organising the event.  Parents are reminded that they can not gather as spectators, due to social distancing requirements. 

 

P&F 30th Anniversary Quiz Night

Please support the P&F Quiz Night on 16th June as they raise money for the 30th Anniversary Playground Project.  The committee are working hard to put together a fun night for our families to attend.  Tickets have been sent home and we encourage all families to put a table together and come along and enjoy the evening. 

Mother’s Day Mass and Morning Tea

Don’t forget the Mother’s Day Mass, followed by morning tea, at St Francis of Assisi Church on Friday 7th May.  We look forward to as many Mums, Grandmothers and visitors joining us for this very special celebration.

 

Mathematics Professional Learning

Whilst our students enjoyed an extra long weekend, the staff gathered to participate in professional learning to enrich the teaching and learning of problem solving from Kindy to Year 6. During the day we looked at a model for the teaching of problem solving that can be applied across the school. The model called, “Sailing the 5 Cs” encourages students to apply the following five steps to solving Mathematics problems:

• Clarify
• Choose
• Carry Out
• Check
• Communicate

We look forward to applying the learning to our teaching during the term.

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.

Pre-Kindy and Kindy Enrolments 2022

Pre-Kindy and Kindy enrolments for 2022 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 2022.  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/

During this week we continue to focus on the Making Jesus Real value of “Thankfulness.”  We just have to listen to the news each evening to discover how much we have to be thankful to God for.

We are indeed very lucky people living in Australia.

Prayer of Thankfulness

Lord Let the details in life take my attention today
A warm mug of tea
The gentle grass under my feet
And the chance just to gather and eat.

O Lord Let the everyday pleasures ring out melodies in my heart
The smile of a friend
A warm comfy bed
The sunlight on the trees and walks in the park.

Lord May these things inspire me to praise
And bring a clear moment of sight
Now I see how amazing the world truly is
And soak in Your goodness and light.

Warm regards

Therese Hussey
Principal