Dear Parents, Friends, Students and Staff

I am very pleased that at the time of preparing this newsletter we have had 94 responses to our online survey.  I am most grateful to our parents for taking the time to complete the survey so we can begin to plan for 2021.  The survey asks parents about their interest in out of school hours care at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School and the provision of online ordering for the canteen.  The survey will be open for one more week.

How fortunate we were on Saturday that we had such glorious weather for the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle.  The event was extremely well planned and managed by the P&F and I am most grateful to all the parents who gave up their time to help out on the day.  I won’t list individual names, as I would not like to omit someone.  It was, however, a collective effort, both in preparation before the event, on the day and follow up work following the sausage sizzle.  The P&F raised considerable funds to go towards our 30th Anniversary Nature Playgrounds in 2021.  The final amount will be advertised once expenses have been accounted for.

Additional P&F Meeting – Tuesday 15th September 1.45pm

In order to give as many parents as possible an opportunity to contribute ideas towards the P&F we have decided to have an additional afternoon meeting on Tuesday 15th September, from 1.45-2.45pm.  I hope that the additional meeting will be an opportunity for parents with young children, who may find it difficult to attend an evening meeting, to come along and have their voice heard about planning for 2021.  We will have some toys available to cater for young children and afternoon tea will be available.

Healthy Eating at School

During the day at school all classes participate in Crunch and Sip.  Crunch and Sip promotes healthy snacking as time is provided for the students to re-energise and refuel with a fruit or vegetable snack. Healthy snacking on fruit and vegetables assist the students with their focus and concentration during the morning period at school.  Eating during recess and lunch are important parts of the school day as these are times for the students to continue to refuel for the demands of learning.  Unhealthy sugary snacks, in large portions, do little to sustain the students throughout the day.  Students who have healthy lunches, with little in the way of sugar or overly processed snacks, will better engage, especially during the afternoon periods.  I thank our parents for their efforts in ensuring the children have food at school that will assist their concentration, focus and learning throughout the day.  The following website has ideas to support parents in providing healthy food at school for their children: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/healthy-eating-school-lunches

Parking

The line-up for parents waiting to enter the drive through at the end of the day can be particularly long.  Lately, there have been days when the line-up of cars extends to the roundabout.  This can be dangerous for parents exiting the school as it can cause a restriction of visibility. Please consider parking in the car park and walking over to collect the children from the gate if the queue for cars entering the pick-up line is particularly long.  The staff will continue to do all we can to move the students along quickly so the line moves as smoothly as possible.

Athletics Carnival

We look forward to the Faction Athletics Carnival on Friday 4th September.  Fingers crossed for fine weather on the day.  A note from Mrs Hewitt will be coming home shortly to explain all requirements for the day.  Mrs Hewitt will also be asking for parents help to ensure the day runs smoothly.  Please come along, if you are able to, to cheer your children on and enjoy the fun of the day. Please look out for the canteen order note that was sent home and return all lunch orders, for adults and students, by Friday 28th August.

Father’s Day Breakfast

Parents are reminded to return the Father’s Day Breakfast order forms indicating the number of bacon and egg rolls required for each family.  The order forms need to be returned by Friday 28th August so the P&F have plenty of time to get organised.  I look forward to welcoming our Dads to the Father’s Day Breakfast before school on Friday 4th September.

Scholastic Book Fair

The Book Fair commences in the Library on Friday 28th August.  The Book Fair will be available for purchases on Friday, Monday and Tuesday in the morning from 8.30-8.50 and the afternoon from 3.00-3.30pm.  Please come along and support the Scholastic Book Fair.  There are always plenty of wonderful books for parents and children to purchase. 

Please keep our Year Four students, their families and teachers, in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist on 13th September.  This is a very special time for the students as they prepare to receive Jesus for the first time in the Eucharist.   First Communion Day is a fond memory that most of us have well into our adult years. 

Lord Jesus Christ, bless the Year Four children preparing to receive Holy Communion for the first time.

May this time be the step toward a life-long love of the Eucharist.

We pray that during this time of preparation they will turn to you for comfort, guidance, and wisdom.

Thank you for their innocence and goodness.

May their hands, extended in anticipation of your holy body and blood, inspire all of us to cherish this sacred Sacrament.  Amen.

It was a joy to see the Year One students present their assembly with such enthusiasm this morning. 

I look forward to welcoming parents and friends to the jumps and throws on Thursday and at the Faction Carnival and Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday. 

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Therese Hussey
Principal