Term 2 Week 10

Dear Families of St Gabriel's

Thank you
Term 2 has provided us with many opportunities to celebrate.

During this term there has been much to enjoy, the Blessing and official opening of the Jubilee Memorial Centre (Administration Building), the very engaging Just Add Music Band incursion, the Mass for the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the wonderful Mother's Day stall and celebration organised by our Community Group, and the last day of term has been a joyous day for all who wore their pyjamas, beanie or scarf to show their support for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal.

As a school we continue to work on providing families with a detailed calendar of events so that families can organise time to be involved. Thank you to all families who have engaged with the various special events, masses, assemblies and excursions this term, we value and enjoy parent  involvement in our community.

Partnering with Students
One of my highlights this term was the Student Leadership Summit. This summit was created to provide a formal opportunity for students across our school to meet and share what they love about their school and where they would like to see changes. There were two sessions. The first session included two students from each class from Reception to Year 2 and the second session included two students from each class from Years 3 to 6. The content of important consultation with students will used to develop future priorities in our new Strategic Plan. 

Next term families will also have the opportunity to contribute to the Strategic Plan, which will shape our school priorities through to the end of 2027.

Celebrating Outstanding Service
Yesterday our community gathered for a very special assembly to say thank you to three of our staff team who are retiring at the end of this term following outstanding service and commitment over many years. Our community has been so blessed by the contribution of Margaret Stencel (37 years) Elisa Cosentino (37 years) and Alison Boyce (5 years at St Gabriel's and 25 years serving Catholic Education).  We wish each of them every blessing for the future.
 
Welcome
At this time we warmly welcome Ellie Dewey who is our new Finance Officer, Laura Marando to the position of Student Services Officer, and Erin Vaananen who is Executive Assistant and Enrolments Officer (all pictured below with Emily Rocca, Marketing and Community Engagement Officer).  We also welcome Rita Lin who will be teaching our Term 3 Reception students. We look forward to all that these new staff members will bring to their roles and the many ways that they will support our beautiful students and families.

Semester 1 Reports
Today students will receive their Semester 1 school report. This is an important opportunity to pause and reflect on each child's progress, effort and opportunities for growth. The report provides a meaningful opportunity for families to affirm learning progress and consider any goals for the term ahead. As always we remain committed to working in partnership with you to support every child's learning and wellbeing.

Happy Holidays
Wishing each of you a wonderful term  break.  We look forward to seeing all families for the commencement of Term 3 on Tuesday 22 July.
 

Retirement Celebrations 

This week, the St Gabriel’s community celebrated the retirements of Margaret Stencel, Elisa Cosentino-Tassone and Alison Boyce.  

A whole school assembly was held in the Sacred Heart Centre to give thanks for the contribution and commitment made by these people to our community over many years.  It was made even more special by the presence of family, friends, past students and colleagues of Elisa, Margaret and Alison. 

Margaret has been part of our community for 37 years, starting as a parent helper and then working in the office tirelessly assisting students and parents navigate the school landscape.  Elisa has worked at St Gabriel’s for 37 years as a much-loved classroom teacher and at other Catholic schools prior.  Elisa has a flair for making things fun for the children and was always prepared to go the extra mile to make school life interesting for the students. Alison has worked in Catholic Education for 25 years, the last 5 at St Gabriel’s School. She worked tirelessly and selflessly to help improve the school in many ways seeking to have things run smoothly and to the best possible standard. 

These people will be missed but not forgotten.  Thank you, Alison, Margaret and Elisa, for your wonderful contribution to Catholic Education and St Gabriel’s School.  Happy Retirement. 

Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 

The Feast of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was celebrated on Friday 27 June.  This was a wonderful opportunity for staff and students from schools with and OLSH tradition to come together and share stories and activities, reminding each other that we are all part of the same story of God’s unconditional love. 

Having the students from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College on site was a visible reminder of the connection in faith we all share.  The message of the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is that God’s love is for everyone and can be shared for the benefit of all.  Our school motto encapsulates the Feast day in the words. “Education of the Heart is the Heart of Our Education”. 

Father Selva, in his homily encouraged us to foster a heart of love in all our dealings with others and in our relationship with God. 

The Mass in the Sacred Heart Centre was a wonderful celebration and a special way to share this important Feast Day, reminding us - To live and make known the unconditional love of God. 

It was wonderful to have Sr Jenny Seal, a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, join us for this celebration. 

Vinnies Winter Appeal 

Thank you to all the families that have donated items to the Vinnie’s Winter Appeal.  Your generosity is not taken for granted and the donated items will be given to people in need in the cold weather. 

The Beanie, Scarf and Pyjama day was a most enjoyable day and another way for the students at St Gabriel’s to think about how they can make a difference in our world. 

Such events as the Winter Appeal are important ways for our community to work together to demonstrate the importance of social justice. 

Did you know that the Church/Hall in Barrington Street was built in 1952, largely by volunteers. In 1955 the OLSH nuns opened a school in this space, with 85 children from grades 1-3.

In 1956, the school expanded and 4 new brick classrooms were built on Whittington Street, which are still in use today. 

In 1980, the original building was demolished and new classrooms built.

Image: Clearview/Kilburn Parish

Working together - CSPSA Content

Catholic Schools Parents of South Australia (CSPSA) empower parents and carers through leadership, communication, advocacy and partnership. A number of useful resources are available via their website.

Focus topic: Helping children and teenagers respond to friendship difficulties and bullying

presented by Madhavi Nawana Parker.

This workshop will help parents and carers identify the difference between bullying and social clumsiness, whilst also providing practical and constructive ways for young people to cope with confidence and resilience.

Watch the video.