Dear Parents, Friends, Staff, and Students

I spoke to the Year 4 students earlier this week about memories I have of my First Communion Day.  I explained to them that the day is such a special day, and receiving Jesus for the first time in the Holy Eucharist will become a lifelong memory.  The students are clearly excited to receive their Communion on Sunday and it is clear that they are well prepared.  Our very best wishes to the Year 4 students, their parents and their families for a wonderful First Communion Day.  On your behalf, I thank our teachers, Mrs Keddie and Ms Bettridge for preparing the students so thoroughly.  I thank Fr Joseph for his commitment and support in ensuring the ceremony is memorable for the children. Thank you to Mrs Aldred and the choir for their generosity in providing the music and, finally, thank you to our staff for their support of the Holy Communicants.

Loving God,
You are the giver of all we possess, the source of all of our blessings.
We thank and praise you. Thank you for the gift of our children.
May our children come to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
May your Holy Spirit help them to grow in faith, hope, and love, so they may know peace, truth, and goodness.
May their ears hear your voice.
May their eyes see your presence in all things.
May their lips proclaim your word.
May their hearts be your dwelling place.
May their hands do works of charity.
May their feet walk in the way of Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord.

Amen

LifeLink 2023

Year Six students joined myself and Miss Zurzolo at the 2023 LifeLink launch at Newman College.  The students heard from the Archbishop about the work of LifeLink in supporting a range of Catholic charities in WA.  The students were asked to come back to school and be ambassadors for the work of LifeLink in letting everyone know about the charity and why it is important that we fundraise for those growing number of West Australians who rely on the support the various agencies supported by LifeLink can offer.  The students are keen to promote a fundraiser in Week 9.  More information will be made available.

NAIDOC Week 2023

NAIDOC Week will be celebrated at school in Week 8.  Our events for NAIDOC Week will commence on Monday 12th June with an incursion with Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse.  Bush tucker food will be available from the canteen on Tuesday at recess for the students to sample.  There will be story time before school in the Library on Wednesday and  Friday and, as a special treat, the boys from Aquinas College will be visiting for a dance performance on Thursday.  It promises to be a special week of celebrations.  Don’t forget to look out for the new shirts our staff will be wearing for NAIDOC Week on Monday.

Containers for Change Recycling

The P&F have introduced a recycling initiative for Containers for Change.  We have 2 bins available outside the canteen that will be used by students and staff to recycle cans, bottles and containers from the canteen.  Parents are encouraged to use the bins, at any time, to drop off cans or other recyclable containers from home.  All money raised from the recycling will go towards the P&F fundraising efforts.  Thank you for supporting this new P&F initiative.

Adventure Novel P&F Fundraiser

A note is going home today about a wonderful new initiative by the P&F.  The students are asked to vote for 4 teachers they would like included in an Adventure Novel all about Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School. The novel will be available in Term Three and would make a terrific gift for the students to enjoy.  A sample of a similar novel is available in the administration office.

Parent Report Grade Workshop

Semester One Reports will be available to parents in Week 10 of Term Two.  There are some changes to the report structure for all WA schools this year.  Miss Zurzolo will be conducting a workshop on Friday 16th June at 2.30 pm.  Parents from PP to Year Six are encouraged to come along.  Ms Zurzolo will be explaining the grading system for all year levels and how the reports differ from Semester One to Semester Two.  The workshop will be held in the Library.

Term Two Parent Workshops

Please set aside time for the following workshops that will be offered for parents during the term:

• Understanding Your Child’s Semester Report PP-Year 6: Friday 16th June 2.30 pm
• UR Strong Friendship Program Workshop (K-6): Thursday 22nd June 9.00 am

It is a busy final few weeks of the term. We have NAIDOC Week next week, followed by Week of Wellness in Week 9 and then the final week of the term.  This is a particularly busy time for our teachers as they are preparing the Semester One Reports.  Please keep them in your prayers.

Best wishes for the weekend.

Warm regards

Therese