Dear Parents, Friends, Students and Staff

We celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross, more commonly known to us as St Mary MacKillop, on Saturday 8th August.  She was the first Saint of Australia, and her influence has spread far and wide. She is recognised for her commitment to the poor, helping those who needed it the most in any way she could. St Mary had a particular passion and vision for the education of children, during a time in Australia when education was only for children whose parents could afford to send them to school.  The Catholic school system across Australia is indebted to the work of St Mary of the Cross as it is through her vision for the poor and marginalised that Catholic Schools in Australia continue to thrive.

Provider God you gave us Mary MacKillop.

She spent her life loving you and bringing your love to the poor children in Australia.

She still works on through Catholic education across our great country.

We thank you God and pray that you will bless us so that we can follow her example.

We ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

School Tours

We are pleased to commence school tours once again after our period of limited school visitor access.  Interested and prospective parents are invited to come along for a school tour on 27th August at either 9.30am or 4.30pm.  Please promote the school tour date to family, neighbours and friends.  People often say to me that Matthew Gibney is a “hidden gem.”  Other say that they did not know that the school existed here in High Wycombe.  We need to make others aware that Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School is an excellent choice of school for families in the local and surrounding areas.  I am always delighted to meet new families who tell me that the school has been recommended to them by our existing parents, grandparents and friends.  Please continue to do this.  In particular, we are promoting the Pre-Kindy program for 2021.  However, there is limited availability in other classes for interested families.

30th Anniversary Playgrounds

Next year, 2021, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the foundation of our school.  This is a significant milestone and we look forward to parents and friends joining us for various functions throughout the year. With the support of the P&F Association and the School Board, we have decided to develop the playgrounds, for all students, as a 30th anniversary fundraising project.  In particular, we are keen to offer more nature play opportunities for the children to enjoy. Nature play has many benefits for all children, from Pre-Kindy through to Year Six.  The playground development will be established with input from students, parents and staff.  The P&F Bunnings Sausage Sizzle on 22nd August will be our first major fundraiser towards this project.  Please support the sausage sizzle and come along as a volunteer, if you are able to.  Look out for other planned activities in 2021 and come on board with your ideas about the development of the playground, as opportunities arise in Term Four 2020 and Term One next year.

Family Intentions for 2021

At this time of year, it is important that we begin to have an indication of family intentions for 2021.  We begin to gather enrolment lists for new families wishing to come to our school next year for whom places may not be available. Please contact the administration office for an “Enrolment Cancellation Form” if your child/children are not returning to Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School in 2021. If your situation is undecided, due to work or family commitments, please come and have a chat to me so I am aware that a position may become available in a class for 2021. The school appreciates parent’s openness with us so we can begin to plan for our class numbers in 2021.

I am grateful to our parents and teachers for making the time to meet for the parents and teacher interviews last week.  Communication between parents and teachers is an essential component of the home and school partnership as we work together in the best interests of all our students. Parents are reminded that a conversation with the class teacher is the most beneficial and productive means of having concerns and queries addressed.  It is not beneficial to discuss issues about the children with other parents.

Parents are welcome to join us for the St Mary of the Cross-Feast Day Prayer Service commencing at 9.00am on Monday 10th August.

I look forward to welcoming parents and students to the First Reconciliation Workshop on Wednesday 12th August commencing at 4.00pm.

We are grateful to Fr Joseph, Parish Priest, for coming along to the school to say Mass for our school and parish community on Friday 14th August at 9.00am.  The Mass will be a celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and will be followed by morning tea for parishioners and parents.

Please continue to keep the people of Victoria in your prayers as they enter this next delicate stage of their battle against COVID 19.  We can not imagine how difficult this time must be for them; especially those who have children to educate at home for the next 6 weeks.  How fortunate we are to live in Western Australia!

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Therese Hussey
Principal