Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School would like to acknowledge the
Traditional Owners of the land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation 
and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Here is the land, here is the sky.
Here are my friends and here am I.
We thank the Whadjuk Noongar people
for the land on which we play and learn.
Hands up, hands down
We’re on Noongar ground.

Dear Parents, Friends, Staff, and Students

End of Term 3

Here we are at the end of another school term. Where does the time go? This has been an eventful term, with sports carnivals, Book Week, Book Fair, First Reconciliation and Confirmation. We have provided a thriving learning community for our students, and their families. However, the success of the school term is only possible because of our wonderful staff and parents. Thank you for working together in the best interests of our students. We can never forget our core business – providing a safe, nurturing and happy environment for all our little people to grow and thrive.

Farewell

At the end of this term, we farewell Mr Laurenson, our music teacher during the term. We thank Mr Laurenson for his dedication towards the music program. We are most grateful to Mr Laurenson for composing our new Matthew Gibney School Song. The students have learnt the new school song with enthusiasm and we look forward to launching the song during Matthew Gibney Day in Term 4.

We farewell Ms Brook Keenan, assistant teacher in Year 4 during Term 3. We wish Brooke all the very best as she concludes her teaching studies and hope to see Brooke again in the future.

During the term, we farewelled long-term Italian teacher, Annetta Davey. Signora Davey had provided the Italian program at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School for a number of years and her presence will be missed.

We welcomed Sara Leahy as a new Italian teacher, for the duration of this year. My thanks to the staff and students for welcoming Sara to the teaching team.

First Reconciliation

Congratulations to Ms Curley and the Year 3 students for receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation with such reverence on Wednesday evening. Thank you to our Parish Priest, Fr Joseph, for guiding the students on their journey of forgiveness and reconciliation with Jesus.

Term 4 Staff News

Mrs Brescacin will be taking long service leave in the first 2 weeks of Term 4. We wish Mrs Brescacin, and her family, all the best for safe travels during her time away. We welcome Mary Coates and Bobbi Wheeler to the teaching team as they take responsibility for the Year 2 students during Mrs Brescacin’s absence.

We look forward to welcoming back Mrs Aldred, as Music Teacher, in Term 4. Mrs Aldred has enjoyed a term of long service leave and we look forward to seeing her again after the holidays.

Science Specialist Classes in 2024

The staff have commenced discussions about our teaching and learning focus points for 2024. We have made the decision to offer Science as a specialist teaching area for students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 in 2024. We hope to raise the profile of Science across the school and generate excitement amongst our students for the teaching of Science. We are planning a designated Science teaching and learning space for the commencement of the new year. We hope our students can become young scientists, with a passion for inquisitiveness and problem-solving. More news about our new Science specialist area will be provided in Term 4.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Aiden from Year 4 who has been selected to participate in the Sydney International Soccer Cup in Sydney during the school holidays. This is a wonderful achievement, Aiden, and we wish you every success.

Edudance and Nativity Concert Date Term 4

Please note the date of the EduDance Concert in Term 4. This year the concert will be on Thursday 30 November, commencing at 6.00pm. The concert involves all students, from Kindy to Year 6.

Please take note of the change of day. The concert is one that parents and grandparents look forward to. Please mark the date in your calendars as soon as possible.

Extend Before and After School Care 2024

Parents are reminded to register for Extend Before and After School Care in 2024. Hours of operation, fees, how to book and holiday program information can be accessed on Extend’s website here. Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School – Extend Before & After School Care

Family and Friends of Matthew Gibney Facebook Page

Please join the NEW Families and Friends of Matthew Gibney Facebook Group. The page is managed by MGCPS-nominated staff and parents. It is a group for families currently enrolled at the school. It is a place to ask questions, post reminders, promote school and P&F events and activities, buy and sell uniforms, and anything else that is related to the Matthew Gibney community.

Family and Friends of Matthew Gibney Facebook Page

Intentions for 2024

Parents of students not returning to Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School in 2024 are kindly requested to inform the school as soon as possible. We have wait lists of families wishing to enrol their children in most year levels. It is important we give them as much notice as possible.

Thank you for your cooperation with this.

Best Wishes for The School Holidays

I wish all our staff, students and parents a wonderful two weeks of school holidays. I hope you can spend quality time together, without the rushing and routines of school life. Please travel safely if you are going away, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the commencement of Term 4 on Monday 9th October.

We thank you Lord, for this term. For our challenges, our successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt. Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith. Help us to be a practical Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others. To be peacemakers in our family.
Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun. Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term. We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives.
Amen

Have a wonderful weekend.

Warm regards

Therese