Messages

Dear Families,

This Wednesday we again welcomed back all of the students to onsite learning. I acknowledge the many challenges in educating your child from home, while still working. The lockdown experiences have been very different for families but I believe that we have worked collaboratively together to ensure the needs of the students, staff and parents are met. I am hoping that students will remain onsite for their learning throughout the remainder of the year.

The staff have really enjoyed spending time with the students; they are the reason we are drawn to the profession of teaching.

Students have appeared happy and excited to see their friends and to learn at school. For some, the changing environments might cause distress and this is okay. If your child is experiencing distress, you are encouraged to communicate openly and to seek advice if it persists.

Children have inquiring minds and often ask interesting questions. This afternoon I was in 4R and they asked me dozens of questions about the progress of the building project and what will happen next year:

• Does it have an elevator?
• What will be built next?
• How will the buildings be joined?
• Where will our classes be located?
• Is the project on time?

Jesai L from 1J made an appointment to show me his many drawings of what he would like in the new building design. In the photo below he is showing a large number of new video cameras to complement our current ones. He also suggested chutes to distribute lunch orders and an elevator. Jesai's ideas are very clever and show a deep level of thinking. The students are showing great excitement over the new facility.

I was away on Long Service Leave for the first two weeks of this term. One of the things I was greatly excited about, were the changes to the Kitchen Garden. We are envisaging a kitchen garden that enables outside learning for the students, particularly in STEM. It is worthwhile viewing from Part St. Congratulations to Paul, Charlie and the students on their marvellous creation.

Staffing

Miss Carnovale will finish this Friday before going on Maternity Leave. We are very excited for the upcoming birth of Miss Carnovale and Mr Hill's baby. Today the staff held a special morning tea for them both. Miss Carnovale has made a fabulous contribution to Galilee through: Performing Arts, classroom teaching, Community Partnerships and OH & S leader. She will be greatly missed but will return to Galilee in the future.

Parent Helper Course

Today we held our first of two Parent Helpers’ Workshops for parents who are new to helping in the classroom at Galilee. The second and last workshop will be held tomorrow, Friday 30th July at 9.30am. The link to the workshop is on the Parent Calendar.  You will be required to attend one of the workshops, if you have not attended a Parent Helper course in the past and if you are interested in assisting in the classroom this year.  

You will need a current Working With Children’s Check and an availability to assist at a set time once a week. For example, every Tuesday morning. This will help teachers with forming a roster and knowing who will be helping on particular days. A committed time once a week is usually preferable as it allows both the teacher and the Parent Helper to develop a professional relationship to support all the students in the class. It also allows the Parent Helper to develop skills by working at regular times and thus knowing the routines and expectations of the class. If you are only able to help in the classroom occasionally, this is fine too.

If you have attended the Parent Helper Course in previous years, hold a current Working with Children's Check and are interested in helping in the classrooms again this year, we will be seeking your availability when COVID 19 restrictions ease.

We continue to value all the support and assistance from Parent Helpers and thank you in anticipation.

Building Project Update

As students returned to school this week, a welcome sight for everyone is seeing the new 3-storey Games Hall really starting to take shape.

Installation of the precast panels has progressed very well over the past few of weeks, including panels with impressive arched openings on the new façade facing Bank Street.   Towards the rear of the building, for those that look closely you can even see a small opening near the top of precast wall against the existing school building which will ultimately connect the new building to our existing facilities.

Once the last few precast panels get installed, focus then will be on installation of the structural steel and construction of the bondeck floor slabs on level 1 and level 2.  Works will then progress with the secondary structural steel on the top floor that will form the learning spaces.  To follow on will be installation of the roof which will eventually allow the contractor to remove the large temporary props below.

It's an exciting phase of the project with plenty more to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Wellbeing

Feeling Safe Together

This term at Galilee, each class was scheduled to complete workshops delivered by SECASA (South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence), aimed at raising children’s awareness of personal safety and safe relationships. These workshops, entitled Feeling Safe Together, have been informed by local and international research into protective behaviour education programs. 

Some of the topics covered in the workshops include:

• Rights, Responsibilities and Privileges
• Feeling/Emotions/Expressions
• Early Warning Signs
• Gut Feeling in situations/around people
• Online Safety
• Safety Network of trusted grownups

As part of our commitment to a whole school approach, separate teacher and parent sessions were also to be made available. Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, we have had to postpone the program for now. We will keep you informed about new dates and will send out the Parent information prior to beginning workshops with the children.

Postponed or Cancelled Events 

Unfortunately, a number of events on our school calendar will be cancelled or postponed due to the lockdown. We are currently in discussion regarding the following events and we will notify you of alternate dates as soon as we can.  

At this stage:

• Assembly will occur without parents in attendance. As soon as we are able to invite parents, we will let you know. A link to a live streamed Assembly is available on the school calendar.
• Open Mornings have been cancelled for the next two weeks.
• Parent Cuppas have been cancelled until further notice.
• Seeds and Sprouts Program has been cancelled during the lockdown and we will advise families concerned in a separate communication.
• Our first 2022 Prep Transition has been postponed and will now occur on Thursday 5th August.
• Hoop Time Basketball Competitions are likely to me moved as they can not go ahead under the current COVID restrictions. As soon as we have new dates we will inform you.

Confirmation Family Information Night

The Confirmation Family Information Night at StsPP church (to cater for Social distancing) on Wednesday August 4th between 6-7pm, is an invitation extended to ALL families at Galilee wanting their son/daughter to receive this sacrament.

This occasion will be an introduction to the sacrament with information from the respective parishes, how this will be taught at school, parental /family activities to do at home and time for questions and answers.

Please note that only one parent will be able to attend with their son/daughter.

Every adult will need to wear a face mask and sign in with the QR Code at the church.

If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to ask.

We look forward to a successful evening:)

Helen Rochecouste, Julie Ferguson & David McLeish

Park Street Garden

Paul and Charlie and the Green Thumb Club have been working hard to improve the Park Street Garden. Lots of new plants have gone in and three new garden beds have been installed. A new sensory walkway is coming along, as is an Indigenous Garden. 

We can't wait to see the Garden grow and develop and we can't wait to see our students learn all about the garden and enjoy what the space has to offer.

Premiers’ Reading challenge

Here’s some Book Reviews from our brilliant book worms taking part in this year's Premiers’ Reading challenge. 

50 days to go! How many more books can you read? 

So far we have read 1290 books. 

Alexander Prep 

Aaron Year 4 

Tristan Year 1 

Jay Year 2 

Year 6 STEM Cooking

This week Year 6 students made pizzas as part of their STEM and Inquiry unit. They looked at food properties, procedures, hygiene, production and safety. They all aimed to challenge their taste buds and try something new. Many tried oregano, chilli, sweetcorn and spinach on their pizzas. They are all very excited to continue on their food discovery. 

Galilee Second Hand Uniform

Donations accepted out the front of Galilee on Wednesday 11th August from 8.35am until 8.50am.  After this day, donations accepted at the shop. The Second Hand Uniform shop will be open on Wednesday 25th August from 9-9.30am. 

Clean and in good condition uniforms accepted.  All older style uniforms that students can no longer wear post 2022 will be donated to a charity that will send them overseas.  

Danceworld Classes

Danceworld have introduced some new classes for students at recess and lunch times for Term 3. See the poster below or https://www.danceworldstudios.com/galilee/ for more information.

Scripture of the Week

Sacramental Dates 2021

Eucharist 

OLMC - Saturday 7th August

*First Eucharist at StsPP - TBC when restrictions are lifted for greater numbers to attend churches.

Sacrament of Reconciliation  

OLMC - Wednesday 25th  August 7pm

Confirmation

StsPP- Thursday 19th August 7pm

OLMC -  Wednesday 18th August 7pm

A reminder to check the Parent Calendar often for important dates like our school closure day on Friday 27th August.

Best wishes,

Simon Millar (Principal)