Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students
Well, here we are again, at the end of another term of school. This has been an eventful and productive term for our students and staff. There have been many highlights during the term, and when I look back it is with a sense of amazement that we have managed to achieve so much. On your behalf, I thank our staff who have, as always, gone above and beyond to provide the best possible learning environment for our children. During Term Three we have participated in the following:
- NAIDOC Week celebrations with a visit from Uncle Nev
- Participation in the Catholic Arts Festival with the Oklahoma Musical, piano soloists and the combined choir at the Arts Showcase Concert.
- Milo Mornings for the Mini Vinnies
- A whole school visit from Simon and the installation of the cockatoo nesting box.
- A whole school Mass with the Parish of St Francis of Assisi to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption
- A past pupils, parents and staff sundowner to celebrate our 30th Anniversary
- Participation in the Angelico Art Exhibition
- Year 3 and Year 6 receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Confirmation
- Various class masses and liturgies
- Class assembly items
- Book Week Parade
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Father’s Day Breakfast
- Bunnings Sausage sizzle
- Athletics House Carnival and Inter-School Carnival
Plus, of course, a lot of productive and engaging teaching and learning. Looking at the list it is clear that a well-deserved holiday is due to every student and staff member. I hope the parents can enjoy some “down time” to spend with their children over the holidays. Please take the time to rest and re-charge before strapping yourselves in for the busyness that is Term Four!
END OF TERM PRAYER
We thank you Lord, for this term.
For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.
Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Give us strength and courage to do what is right; to be witnesses of our faith.
Help us to be a practical Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others, to be peacemakers in our family.
Nature Playgrounds
The Nature Playgrounds in the Early Childhood Playground have opened this week for the Pre-Kindy, Kindy and Pre-Primary students to enjoy. Our sincerest thanks to the P&F for their fundraising effort this term to purchase the wonderful playground for the children. The playground provides opportunities for our students to interact with nature, to investigate and to be creative in their play. We look forward to many happy years of enjoyment with the new nature play area.
Matthew Gibney Day and Grandparents Day Celebrations
Grandparents Day will be celebrated on our 30th Anniversary Matthew Gibney Day on Friday 29th October. Parents, grandparents and visitors are welcome to come along and enjoy the festivities of the day. For catering purposes, please let us know how many guests you will be bringing along, via the following link: https://form.jotform.com/212638726078867
Parish and School 30th Anniversary Lunch
All families are welcome to come along to a luncheon, provided by the Parish of St Francis of Assisi, on Sunday 17th October. Please rsvp via the link provided. https://form.jotform.com/212521988878876
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Year 3 students received the Sacrament of Reconciliation at a lovely ceremony at St Francis of Assisi Church last night. Sincerest thanks to Mrs Hawley and Mrs Keddie for their preparation, and to Fr Joseph for his guidance and support of our students.
Best Wishes Ms Martinz
Felicity Martinz concludes her time as teacher at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School on Friday 15th October, the conclusion of the first week of Term Four. Ms Martinz leaves us to await the birth of her new baby. We wish Ms Martinz all the best for her final weeks at our school and we look forward to receiving photographs and visits from Ms Martinz, with her new baby, later in Term Four.
We welcome Mrs Krystle Neal as Pre-Primary Teacher in Term Four.
Interschool Carnival
Congratulations to the Inter-School Athletics Team for their successful participation in the carnival, earlier this week. Our students should be proud of their achievements during the carnival. We placed an admirable 4th in a competition of 8 schools. Thank you to Mr Battistessa for preparing the students for their events. A big thank you to the P&F, under the direction of Jodie Capobianco, for organising the catering for the 8 schools during the day. The food preparation for so many participating was a significant effort and we are most grateful for the assistance of our parents to carry our such a big job.
Term Four Uniforms
Parents are reminded that students return in Term Four wearing their Summer Uniform. The Uniform Centre will be open on Monday 11th October, the first day of Term Four, at 8.15am, for any parents who may wish to purchase uniform items. Parents may want to spend some time during the holidays ensuring their child’s name is clearly labelled on all items of school clothing. The number of unclaimed and un-named uniform items at the end of the term is a little disappointing.
Term Four Planner and Dates
A term planner will be sent home as a hard copy to families on Friday. An electronic copy accompanies this newsletter. Please keep a close eye on these dates so you do not miss any events that are taking place.
Safe travels to our families who are travelling during these school holidays. For those of you who may have managed to get tickets for the Grand Final on Saturday – we hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy this opportunity for a WA AFL Grand Final. Best wishes to students, staff and parents for a relaxing holiday and I look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Monday 11th October for the commencement of Term Four.
Therese Hussey
Principal