Dear Parents, Friends, Students and Staff,
It is difficult to believe that this is the final newsletter for the year. In years to come we will look back on 2020 with a sense of bewilderment and disbelief. Who would have thought, this time last year, that we would experience such a tumultuous year, along with our brothers and sisters in the world-wide community. As we approach these final few weeks before Christmas we have much to be grateful for. We are reminded of the innocent and vulnerable little baby, Jesus, born into such humble surrounds, who would grow up to become the Saviour of the world. Jesus, who experienced a tumultuous start to life, in a refugee family fleeing to Egypt for safety in his formative years, experienced great hardships and challenges, and yet he was always able to witness the joy of a life in unity with Christ. I wish all our Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School families and friends a happy, joyful and Christ filled Christmas with loved ones.
God of wisdom,
We thank you for all the gifts you have given us throughout this school year.
We praise you for giving us life, for saving us in Christ and for choosing us to be your people.
As we come to the end of this school year
We voice our gratitude for all the good things you have done in us
And we praise you for all who have shared in the work of this school
We ask you to bless them in your love and give them refreshment and peace
We praise you God, through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen.
Before we finish up for the end of year break, I thank our Year Six graduating students for their contributions towards the school during their time here. A number of Year Six families are leaving us at the end of the year after many years as families in our community. This is the end of a journey for them as they start a new road ahead. No matter how long you have been a part of this community you will always be welcome back to visit us. The staff love hearing about the progress of past pupils. Please keep in touch. The Matthew Gibney family is yours for life! To our students moving on to other schools, we wish you well and hope you take the values you have learnt here with you. We wish Mrs Shannon Hewitt all the very best as she leaves us to begin her parental leave. We wish Shannon and Kyle great happiness as they welcome their new baby early in the new year.
Congratulations to Fr Joseph Rathnaraj
Our Parish Priest, Fr Joseph, celebrates his Golden Jubilee in the priesthood on Friday 18th December. Mass will be celebrated at St Francis of Assisi Church in Maida Vale at 10.00am and all are invited to attend. The jubilee is a wonderful achievement for Fr Joseph. Fr Joseph is always available to us at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School and is generous with his time in assisting our students to deepen and learn more about their faith. Congratulations Fr Joseph!
Semester Reports
Parents would have received Semester reports on Wednesday this week. The teaching staff have spent hours preparing the reports and it was my pleasure to read each child’s report and note their progress and achievement during the semester. Parents, please take the time to read through the school reports with your children, discuss and celebrate their achievements and set goals together for the new school year.
Parents and Friends 2021
I am grateful to the parent representatives and committee members for volunteering for various positions in 2021. The Parents and Friends roles for 2021 are:
- President: Jodie Capobianco
- Treasurer: Lara Bateman
- Secretary: Kellee Seden
- Vice President: Esther Robertson
- Parent Representative Coordinator: Michelle Steward
- Parish Liaison: Edwin Tjandra
Class Representatives:
- Pre-Kindy: Michelle Steward
- Kindy: Elizabeth Daly, Sarina Massang, Jennifer O’Meara, Kacey Waddington.
- Pre-Primary: Kellee Seden, Simone Cain.
- Year One: Olivia Daly, Sarah Young, Lisa Fox, Natalie Knott.
- Year Two: Jennifer Karki, Michelle Wyers, Klaudia Miller.
- Year Three: Kacey Waddington, Sheree O’Sullivan.
- Year Four: Esther Robertson, Edwin Tjandra, Jodie Capobianco.
- Year Five: Sharna Zinella, Lisa Fox, Sasha Temple, Melissa Solly
- Year Six: Jeanette Olejnik, Jaime Smith, Katie Pillera, Sandra Willson.
School Advisory Council Membership 2021
My thanks to the School Advisory Council Members for 2021. Executive postions and membership will be announced in 2021.
Uniform Shop Opening Dates and Donations
Orders for the new year will be available for collection from the Uniform Shop on the following dates:
28th January: 2.00-3.00pm
29th January: 9.00-11.00am
The Uniform Shop will also be open during these times for any last-minute emergency purchases.
Parents wishing to donate used uniforms in good condition to the Uniform Shop are welcome to do so. Used uniforms are always welcome as we work to assist families who may need some assistance with uniforms. Please forward all second hand uniforms to Lisa Denys in the Uniform Shop.
In 2021 the Uniform Shop will be open each Thursday 8.15 – 9.15am..
Pupil Free Dates and Term Dates 2021
Term Dates for 2021 are:
| 2021 | |
| Term One | Mon 1 February – Thu 1 April |
| Holiday Break | Fri 2 April – Sun 18 April |
| Term Two | Mon 19 April – Fri 2 July |
| Holiday Break | Sat 3 July – Sun 18 July |
| Term Three | Mon 19 July – Fri 24 September |
| Holiday Break | Sat 25 September – Sun 10 October |
| Term Four | Mon 11 October – Fri 10 December (TBC) |
| Holiday Break | Fri 10 December – Sun 30 January (TBC) |
Pupil Free Dates:
- Monday 22nd February
- Thursday 1st April
- Tuesday 27th April
- Monday 19th July
- Monday 8th November
Enrolments 2021
We currently have limited vacancies in Kindy for 2021. We have some vacancies in other classes. Please let family, friends and neighbours know that we are continuing to accept enrolments until the commencement of the new school year.
Thank you all for your contributions towards our school during 2020. I hope all our families can enjoy quality time together during the break. I look forward to welcoming students back to the commencement of the 2021 school year on Monday 1st February.
Warmest regards and Christmas Blessings
Therese Hussey
Principal