Term 1 Week 7

Dear Families and Friends of St Gabriel's

The Path to Student Learning and Wellbeing...

In this week's newsletter I would like to drawer your attention to all of the potential that this school year brings for your child/ren. As a parent of school aged children myself I understand that as parents we want our children to  keep experiencing growth and success in  their learning development. We also want our children to know that even though there will be some obstacles along the way, we're there for them, and so is their school.

At St Gabriel's we value every child and family in our community. We recognise that for children to thrive they need to feel safe, supported and connected. A strong partnership between home and school is essential in fostering a child's sense of belonging, confidence and academic success. 

Consistent attendance at school in the face of some obstacles plays a key role in helping students to build confidence and maintain steady progress in their learning and wellbeing. 

That's why at St Gabriel's we take a tailored approach to support each child's wellbeing and academic journey. This includes:

1. Fostering strong student, teacher relationships
2. Regularly monitoring student feelings about school progress
3. Making learning adjustments to suit individual needs
4. Daily meditation
5. Class discussion about respect and 
6. A commitment to positive home and school partnerships to further ensure that students feel  encouraged and valued

During challenging  times how we work together as home and school makes such a big difference to our children, and their ability to see themselves as capable learners who are always valued and supported. 

Term 1 Learning Conversations

With Learning Conversations scheduled for Week 9, week commencing Monday 24 March we invite all parents and caregivers to connect with their child's teacher. This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our partnership and discuss how we can work together to best support each child's learning development.

Your engagement makes a difference, and we look forward to collaborating with you to create the best possible learning experience for your child at St Gabriel's in 2025.

St Gabriel's Annual General Meeting - 19 March 6.45pm

I look forward to seeing parents and caregivers at our upcoming Annual General Meeting next Wednesday 19 March at 6.45pm.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet other parents, hear about our school successes and future priorities.

Thank you to our wonderful House Captains for helping to give out invitations last Wednesday.

I look forward to seeing many families at this very important event. Please RSVP via this link https://forms.office.com/r/cuFSxQ5SRQ or contact the Front Office. 

Kind regards
Gemma

Lent 

Last week the school celebrated Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.
These important days in the Church calendar prepare us for the 40-day journey to Easter. 

As in many religions and customs, there is a time of preparation before receiving something beautiful or significant in our culture. Lent is this preparation time in the Catholic church and the beauty we receive is the Risen Christ.
Preparing our hearts to receive Jesus into our life is an important part of the Lenten Journey. 

Shrove Tuesday is a day where traditionally the ‘rich foods’ in our home are used up to prevent temptations in the period of Lent.  This is why pancakes are made, eggs, milk and flour are used up.  It is a tangible action that reminds us we are preparing.
Of course, today these may not be considered luxury foods, but they once were.  

On Ash Wednesday we receive ashes on our forehead and are asked to remember our humility and that we should live simply to remind ourselves of what is important in life. We try to do this throughout Lent to prepare our hearts for what we will receive at Easter. 

Project Compassion is also introduced on Ash Wednesday.  Project Compassion seeks to assist communities around the world that need assistance and donations are collected to send out to such people.  Project Compassion is a form of alms giving which is an important part of Lent.
Your child would have received a project collection box to take home.  There is also a Lenten Calendar linked here __files/d/20560/Lent_Calendar_2025.pdf  that you may wish to observe as a family. 

Please consider donating to this important cause.  Money boxes should be returned at the end of the term. 

Leader’s Day at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College 

House Leaders from St Gabriel’s School joined leaders from St Martin’s, St Brigid’s, Immaculate Heart of Mary and OLSH College for a school leaders forum.
Each of these schools has the Daughter’s of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart as its founder and this common thread is what brought us together. 

The students discussed what it means to be a servant leader, shared something about their school top the larger group and made plans about how as leaders, they could bring to life the vision of OLSH schools.
It was a joyful and fruitful time spent together and we thank OLSH college for being such wonderful hosts. 

Dear Families, 

We are greatly anticipating the Colour Run set to occur on April 4th 2025. 

Our students have been busy fundraising and are making fantastic progress raising funds towards some shade in the Nature Play area!

To help our families be organised and ready for this exciting event, we are providing answers to these Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. What do I need to have completed or prepared for my child to participate in this event?
   • A completed consent form returned to the School by March 31st 2025
   • On the day of the event (Friday 4th April) Send your child to school wearing a White T-Shirt & casual clothes ready to run and have coloured powder sprayed on them
   • Ensure you have completed your fundraising! Online fundraising will close on Saturday 5th April, cash donations can be sent to the Front Office in a sealed envelope with your child's name on it no later than Friday 4th April. 
      
2. Can parents come to watch the event?
   Yes, we would love parents to come along and watch your child/ren participate in this exciting event! All parents wanting to attend must sign in at the Front Reception & will be provided with directions to the area on the school grounds to watch the event from.
    
3. Can parents participate in the run with their child?
   Unfortunately, parents will only be able to watch the event, your child will run with their classmates through the course. This is our school policy and hope parents can support us in this process.
    
4. My child has a health condition that may impact their ability to be involved in the colour run, how do I advise of this?
   Please contact the Front Office on 08 8216 9900 or meet with one of the staff members to discuss your concerns.
    
5. Will school finish on-time on Friday?
   The Colour Run is planned for a 3:00PM finish on Friday 4th April, if you wish to pick your child up after they finish the colour run, please go past the front office to sign them out.
    
6. Will my child get very messy? Should I pack extra clothes?
   Yes! The Colour Run is a fun and messy event. We recommend packing a spare change of clothes and a plastic bag for your child to change into after the event, especially if they are catching the bus or attending after-school care.
    
7. What if my child doesn’t want to be covered in colour?
   Participation in the colour aspect of the run is optional. If your child would prefer not to have coloured powder sprayed on them, please inform their teacher before the event. They can still participate in the run without the colour.
    
8. What happens if the weather is bad?
   In case of extreme weather (heavy rain, storms, or extreme heat), we will notify parents of any changes to the event schedule via email, our school app, or social media.
    
9. Can siblings who are not enrolled at the school participate?
   Unfortunately, only enrolled students can participate in the Colour Run. However, younger siblings are welcome to attend as spectators under parent supervision.
    
10. Will there be photography or videos taken during the event?
    Yes, staff members will take photos and videos of students during the event for school communications. If you have previously opted out of photo permissions for your child, they will not be included in any promotional materials. We kindly ask that parents do not take photos or videos of any of the children at the event.
     
11. How can I support this event if I can’t attend?
    If you’re unable to attend in person, you can still support the Colour Run by signing up your child in the online fundraiser and helping them collect donations.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact the School on 08 8216 9900. 

Year 5 Update 

In Week 4, the Year 5’s went to Brighton and Seacliff Beach to try sailing. Students rode in the tackers (small boats), small sailing boats and power boats. They learnt all about the different parts of the boats and how to be safe in the ocean. Lots of students were even lucky enough to see some stingrays in the water! Everyone had an amazing day in the sun, with some of the students even learning what to do if the boat capsizes. Eek! 

Year 5 also presented at assembly last week. It was lovely to see a fantastic turnout from families. We were so proud of how the students spoke in front of their peers, especially those who were brave enough to read their narratives and prayers aloud.  

We are also currently knee deep in NAPLAN, having completed Writing, Reading and Conventions of Language, with Mathematics to come next Monday. The students have been incredibly focused and attentive, showing their resilience and can-do attitudes.  

The Year 5/6 Adventure Camp at Mylor is coming in Week 11, which will be a fun and “muddy” way to the end the term.  

Mr Fulton and Ms Frear 

Thank you to those who have been enquiring about the progress of the library. Libraries are more than just places to borrow books; they are an important space for building community, fostering children's imagination, reading habits, and friendships through sharing the joy of reading.   

Therefore, we are currently undergoing some changes in the way the library is set up which is why it has been closed. We are currently sourcing new shelving and displays and reorganising the book collections to make them more accessible for the children. We believe this is important to improve everyone’s overall experience in the library and ensure it is a safe and welcoming space.

In the meantime, there are a range of great online resources that can be accessed for reading experiences as a family or for your child individually.

Story Box Hub https://storyboxhub.com/

Storyline Online https://storylineonline.net/

Oxford Owl https http://://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/library-page/

Book Bot Kids https://www.bookbotkids.com/free-books-for-kids

Epic https:http:////www.getepic.com/collection/17383062/great-reads-in-epic-free

You could also search Youtube for Read Alouds of your child’s favourite book. (Sometimes even by the author).

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. We look forward to welcoming you back to a more user-friendly and accessible library soon.

We are looking for rubber off-cuts to create pillows and cushions. If anyone knows where we can obtain donations, please let us know. 

Miss Kylie Pedler and Ms Dina Staffiero