Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students
The Sacraments have been front and centre at school over these past few weeks. First of all we congratulate our students who received the Sacrament of Baptism at a Liturgy of the Word at school on Wednesday. We were delighted to share with the families, as the children were received into the Church. Thank you to Fr Joseph Rathnaraj for his gentle guidance of our students and parents as they begin their journey of faith as members of our parish and school communities.
On Sunday we were delighted to congratulate our Year 4 students as they continued to live their journey of faith by receiving their First Holy Communion. The reverence displayed by the students as they received their Sacrament was testament to the high level of preparation they received from their teachers and parents. Thank you to the children who came along from other classes to show their support by singing in the choir. The presence of the choir members added to the holiness and joy of the occasion. Sincerest thanks to the staff at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School, especially Mrs Jo Brescacin, Mrs Anni Shelfhout, Mrs Karen Keddie and Mrs Teresa Aldred for their work in preparing the students for their special day.
Milo Monday
Milo Mondays commenced this week with the Year Five Mini Vinnies preparing and selling Milo to raise money for the St Vincent De Paul Association Winter Appeal. Our Making Jesus Real value this week is “Giving.” The generosity with which our students, and staff give up their time to help others, and the generosity of our students and parents in supporting Milo Mondays, demonstrates that the virtue of “Giving” is thriving at our school.
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week commemorates the journey towards reconciliation for all Australians across our great nation. Reconciliation is a journey for all of us – as individuals, communities, organisation, schools and as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2021, “More than a Word, Reconciliation Takes Action” is one that resonates with us who reflect Jesus at the heart of our journey towards reconciliation. We know, as Catholic Christians, that reconciliation can never just be saying sorry. We need to demonstrate justice to others in all spheres of our lives, just as Jesus did during his life on earth. During National Reconciliation Week our prayer is that all Australians can strive for, and live with peace, justice and equity.
Dear Loving Lord, Creator of all,
you gave us hearts to love and minds to reason.
Help us to understand our differences and grow in love for each other.
Help us to come together as the rainbow comes together, many colours, shining as one creation over all the earth as you intended us to be.
In the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
(Rev’d Robyn Davis, NATSIAC Life Member, Diocese of Bendigo)
Every Child Counts
Dr Debra Sayce, Executive Director of CEWA, is committed to ensuring equity of education outcomes for all students in schools across Western Australia. Dr Sayce has recently commenced a campaign, to strengthen the relationships between Catholic school parents and staff and local and state government representatives called, Every Child Counts.
“It is a priority of Catholic Education WA to make representation for families who choose a Catholic education, ensuring there is an accurate understanding of the significant contribution these families make to their children’s education. It is equally important that parents, caregivers and staff understand how funding for Catholic schools varies from funding for government schools. The Every Child Counts website https://www.everychildcounts.net.au/ has been developed to facilitate this understanding. “ (Dr D Sayce)
Parents are encouraged to view the website and familiarise themselves with the funding model available to Catholic schools in Western Australia. An important feature of Every Child Counts is a campaign to secure further funding for mental health strategies and interventions in schools.
Online Absentee Form
Parents are reminded that a notice of absence is required for students who are not attending school, for any reason. An SMS is sent to parents if we have not been notified of an absence by 9.15am. Absentee forms are no longer available on the Skoolbag App. An online absentee form can be accessed via the website at the following link: https://www.gibney.wa.edu.au/online-absentee-form/
Mrs Keddie, Mrs Scriven and I will be attending to some school planning next week and will be away from school until Friday 11th June. We will be in touch with the office every day so 
please forward any queries to Mrs Kays and Mrs Renzullo in the office and they will forward them on.
I wish all families an enjoyable long weekend as we celebrate WA Day on Monday 6th June. Please travel safely on the roads if you are going away.
Warm regards
Therese Hussey
Principal