Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students
It has been a busy week at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School. We have had visitors at the school conducting a Cyclic Review of all domains of school life. The reviewers have spent time talking to staff, students, parents and the Parish Priest about the improvement journey we have been on for the past 5 years. They have made suggestions and provided feedback and guidance about areas of focus, into the future. The review process is an affirming one and I look forward to sharing comments from the reviewers once the Cyclic Review Report has been released.
It was wonderful to see so many of our students attend the Sacramental Commitment Masses over the weekend. Thank you, parents, for taking the children along to commit to preparing for either the Sacrament of Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation during this year. I am grateful to Fr Joseph, Parish Priest, and the staff for their encouragement of our students and families as they embark on this next step in the faith journey of our students. Sacramental life at school enriches the culture of the school. The traditions of our Catholic faith come alive during preparation for the various Sacraments. It is a faith filled time for all of us involved in Catholic Education.
The Arrival of Baby Hewitt
Congratulations to Shannon and Kyle Hewitt who are celebrating the safe arrival of baby Aria Grace. I am pleased to report that all are settling in well to family life with a newborn. We are delighted for the new parents and, on your behalf, extend our best wishes and God’s blessings upon the new family. We look forward to meeting baby Aria Grace at some time soon.
Cool Pool Day
We look forward to Cool Pool Day on Wednesday 24th March at Bilgoman Pool commencing at 9.30am. Please return the permission forms as Mr Battistessa is keen to organise parent helpers as soon as possible.
Parent Reading at Home Workshop
Parents from Kindy to Year 2 are invited to attend a Reading at Home Workshop, facilitated by Diane Scriven, on Thursday 25th March at 2.30pm. Please come along for some valuable tips to help you support your children with their home reading.
The Power of “Yet.”
The staff have introduced the Power of Yet as a little mantra at school this term. The Power of Yet supports our student wellbeing focus for this year. A simple way to start changing to a growth mindset, is by the use of a little word, yet. In essence the word means a realisation that some things are worth waiting for, and those things take work. It’s not always easy, but the power of this small word allows for success. With patience, perseverance and a positive mindset, our students will gain the skills and knowledge they need for their learning.
30th Anniversary History Snippets
Today we will commence some memory lane snippets to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our school. In mid-1990 the school site was established. You can see from the photographs just how undeveloped this area of High Wycombe was back in 1990. In October 1990 the main buildings commenced. By November 1990 the site began to look familiar. Building work was clearly very quickly completed back in 1990. The classrooms were ready for the first class by the start of the 1991 new school year.
Feast Day of St Joseph
On Friday 19th March we celebrate the Feast Day of St Joseph. Pope Francis has proclaimed 2021 as the Year of St Joseph. He describes Saint Joseph as a “…beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.” Pope Francis describes St Joseph as an “ordinary” person who showed patience and hope every day. St Joseph is an example of the importance of those people who support, encourage, accept and make a difference to others without needing to be in the limelight.
Oh God, guide of those who listen and helper of those who hear your voice, speak to me, as you did to St. Joseph, and help me accomplish the things you give me to do.
O God, you love your people and bless the ordinary lives we quietly live. As you blessed St. Joseph, bless what I do, however, hidden and simple it may be, and let all I do be done with love.
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Therese Hussey
Principal