Messages

Dear Families,

This week, we would have celebrated Grandparents Day and welcomed grandparents or special friends to Galilee. We were very disappointed that we could not proceed with this special day, as it is time where we can acknowledge and celebrate the important contribution grandparents make to the wellbeing and education of our students. 

This year our students were given the opportunity to dedicate some time to do something special for their grandparents or a special friend, to show their gratitude and respect for the older generation. Some students made a phone call to their grandparents, made a card, wrote a prayer or letter, drew a family picture and even played a virtual game.

Poems

Cards

Letters

100 Days of School for Prep

Today, the Preps celebrated 100 Days of School. The day was celebrated with the theme of 100. The children dressed up as if they were 100 years old for the day and participated in fun activities, such as a live cooking lesson with Miss McAuliffe to make 100 & 1000s Fairy Bread, and joined a session with Miss Smith to create 100 Days glasses. The students reflected on what has been the best part of being in Prep so far. Here are some images from the day.

Wellbeing Day

As we move past the halfway mark of Stage 4 restrictions, it has never been more important to look after our own wellbeing and to keep an eye out for the people around us. 

We will be having a dedicated Wellbeing Day, to give everyone a chance to catch their breath and take part in relaxing activities.

When: Wednesday 2 September

The day will start at 9am with Circle Time, which will be run by classroom teachers. 

The rest of the day will focus on wellbeing. These activities will be run by our Year 6 students. These activities are optional and can be done at any time. Activities will be posted to the school Dojo page. 

R U OK Day

R U OK Day 10 September 2020

Ask R U OK?

Or say something like:

"I've noticed a few changes in what you've been saying/doing. How are things for you at the moment?"

"I know there have been some big life changes for you recently. How are you going with that?"

"You don't seem yourself lately - want to talk about it?"

"Just checking in to see how you're going?"

"With everything that's going on, you've been on my mind lately, how are you?"

"You've got a lot going on right now. How are you doing?" 

Listen

You could say:

“What’s been happening?” 

 “Have you been feeling this way for a while?” 

“I’m here to listen if you want to talk more.” 

“I’m not going to pretend I know what it’s like for you, but I’m here to listen to why you feel the way you do.” 

“It sounds like that would be really tough. How are you going with managing it?” 

“Do you feel like chatting a bit longer? I’m ready to listen.” 

“So, what was that like?” 

“That’s tough. Keep talking, I’m listening.” 

 “What you’re going through isn’t easy, It’s good we can talk about it. "

 “Thank you for sharing this with me. That can’t have been easy for you.” 

"Take your time, I’m here for you.” 

“If there’s something you’re unsure about sharing with me right now, I just want you to know I’m here when you’re ready?”

Encourage Action

You could say:

“What do you think is a first step that would help you through this?” 

“What can I do right now to support you?” “Have you spoken to your doctor or another health professional about this? It might be a matter of finding the right fit with someone.” “Have you had much support around you?” “What’s something you enjoy doing? Making time for that can really help.” 

“Do you think it would help for you to talk to someone else about some of these things, maybe a health professional?” 

“Is there anything you’ve tried in the past when you’ve felt like this, that’s made you feel better?” 

“I know when I went through something similar, talking to a professional really helped me out. Would you like me to help you book an appointment?”

Check-In

You could say:

“I would like to keep checking in with you, is that OK?” 

“Hey, how have you been since we last chatted?” 

“Just wanted to check-in and see how you’re doing?” 

“Have things improved or changed since we last spoke?” 

“What’s been working for you since we last chatted?” 

“Is the support we discussed working for you?” “Do you need more support?”

Learning and Teaching in the Seniors

Year 5

In STEM, the Year 5 students have been learning how animals and plants have adapted in order to thrive in desert environments. The students used a Venn Diagram to compare different plants or animals.

In PSEL, students have been discussing how important it is to be grateful. They wrote thank you cards to an important person in their life to show their gratitude.

Year 6

In English, the Year 6s have been looking at identifying 1st and 3rd person point of view in their reading and writing using different point of views. This week they combined these skills to retell the story of Jesus in the Wilderness from Jesus' point of view. 

Jesus in the Wilderness

by Abigail S

I had just been baptised by John when the clouds opened up and a blinding beam of light surrounded me. God had shown John that I was His chosen one. The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove came gliding gracefully down from Heaven and led me into the wilderness, passing all the people who were clapping for me. The Holy Spirit finally stopped and gave me the chance to look around. I had no idea where I was, just that God sent the Holy Spirit to guide me here. A wild animal passed me, however, I knew that they were all friends of mine. There was no food or shelter in sight, and so I prayed to God all night, asking for guidance. 

It had been forty days and nights of confusion and no clear answer as to why I was led into the middle of nowhere by the Holy Spirit, nevertheless, I was certain that God had a good reason and kept on praying. My stomach was constantly rumbling and complaining, as I hadn’t eaten anything since I had arrived in the wilderness. This was another reason why I needed to pray to God. Suddenly, a hooded figure appeared behind me. I calmly turned around and to my surprise, I saw Satan.

Instantly, I knew he would try to deceive me with tricks and lies. I was on my guard, and I would stand my ground. “If you were the son of God, tell these stones to become bread,” he ordered. Although I wasn’t keen on taking orders from him, my stomach rumbled as if on cue. But I remembered God’s Word, and replied to Satan by saying, “No, the Word of God says that people don’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” As soon as I had finished my statement, Satan looked slightly frustrated at the result. I knew I had successfully passed the first test.

Satan clapped his hands together, and we were now standing on the edge of a tower in Jerusalem. Satan demanded, “If you are the Son of God, jump off.” I stood there, confused at Satan’s demand. Satan saw this and slyly explained further, “For the Word of God says that He will order His angels to protect you and they will hold you up with their hands so that you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.” This barbed request gave me an idea for my response. “Wait, the Word of God also says ‘you must not test the Lord, your God.’” I confidently stated. Satan seemed to be even more annoyed at my response. Growling, Satan clapped his hands once more.

This time, we ended up at the peak of a high mountain. Satan showed me all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Satan made me an offer, desperate to win me over. “I will give it all to you if you kneel and worship me.” He offered in a supercilious tone. A normal person would have gladly accepted the offer, but not me. Instead, I immediately pushed the offer away. “Get out of here, Satan. For the Word of God says that you should worship the Lord, your God, and serve only Him.” Satan was now smouldering with wrath. Still grumbling with fury, Satan clapped his hands, and thankfully, I was back in the wilderness. Glad that I had passed all three tests, I sat down and let out a sigh of pure relief. I was still with God.

In Writing, the students had to use the following picture to write an image-provoking paragraph focusing on adjectives and adverbs. Here are some of them.

I felt like I was in a dream, looking out into the calm, gorgeous ocean and seeing the unique coral around made me feel at peace. I felt like all the weights were slowly being lifted off of my shoulders. I had never felt like this and I tried to give myself a slap, yet it was all there afterwards.

Bonnie

I was deep under the water. The bright blue coral was so beautiful there were lots of clownfish with beautiful patterns and some fish with their parents. I kept swimming forward until I found a big, old rusty boat and it looked like it had sunk. It was amazing what you can find down the bright blue sea.

Loukas

I was diving down deep into the dark ocean then I saw the great shipwreck I've been looking for for years! It's Mary!! The great ship had torn sails and a massive hole in the bow. The coral reef around swarmed with life and colour and leaked inside the wreck. I went inside and brought out some treasure. It was gleaming with a big rusted lock on the front. The hinges were so rusted through that  I ripped off the lid. Inside were pure gold bars and diamonds of all sorts!! It was amazing.

John

The ocean looks so beautiful, the water is a beautiful blue, all the coral looks iridescent and the fish are so colourful. I see a big brown ship in the background that has sunk but it looks beautiful.

Zoe

Performing Arts

Nikolas, Peter and Paul (Year 2) have researched famous composers and artists. Read their projects below.

Tristan (Year 3) demonstrated his circus skills.

Art

In Art lessons, the Year 5/6 students focused on line, pattern and colour to create a landscape painting.

They also created a 3D ‘Room Perspective’ drawing using lead pencil, black marker and colour.

Book Week

This week, we would normally be celebrating Book Week.  Due to COVID-19, the dates for Book Week have changed to October 17-23.

The 2020 CBCA Shortlist is a treasure trove of some of the best Australian children's books published over the past year. 

Here are the shortlisted books of the year for young readers aged 7-12: 

The Little Wave by Pip Harry 

The Thing About Oliver by Deborah Kelly 

The Dog Runner by Bren MacDribble 

Catch a Falling Star by Meg McKinlay

The Glimme by Emily Rodda 

The Secrets of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt

We look forward to celebrating together next term.

TheirCare

Science Week was in full swing, we had a lot of social group games which included Ball Tiggy, Farmer Sam, Football and Octopus.

Jack was drawing on the whiteboard showing off his chain reactions. He then demonstrated it and explained what it does and did a chain reaction for Jai. I was very impressed with how Jack did something new that has never been done before and used so much detail.

It was time for our Young and Determined Scientists to collaborate with each other and share the roles evenly during the planned science experiment experience. Annabelle, Evie,  Jacob and Jai couldn't wait to see the incredible outcome of the Walking Water Science Experiment as all the colours formed together to make an awesome tie-dye effect with patterns. 

Later on in the week, my Young and enthusiastic scientists gathered around the table ready for the Rainbow Rain Experiment. All the children who attended on this day participated in the planned activity and wanted to do their own. The children loved adding the food colouring onto the shaving cream to see what happens when the colouring is combined with water. WOW! FACTOR. 

HOLIDAY PROGRAM OCEAN ODYSSEY IS COMING! PARENTS, DON'T FORGET TO BOOK IN YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN (www.theircare.com.au).

TheirCare Western Region is taking part in Talk Like a Pirate Day for Childhood Cancer Support on the 29th of September during Holiday Program.

I miss you all and hope you are staying well.

Gemma

Light in the darkness

Light in the Darkness: Time Out for a Suffering World. At 7 pm on Monday 31 August, you are invited to light a candle, stand in your front garden or on your balcony, and spend some time in silence and prayer to remember all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 this year. You can pray for those health care workers who are on the front line. You can pray for Faith, Healing and Peace. You can pray for people to open their hearts to Jesus. As the first night of spring begins, let us look to the future with prayer and hope.

This is an FYI for our Galilee community

In 2015, Pope Francis added the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation to the Catholic liturgical calendar to be celebrated on September 1st each year. In 2019, the Vatican asked Catholic communities and pastors everywhere to join ecumenical communities around the world in celebrating the Season of Creation from September 1st  (Happily the first day of Spring for us in Australia) to October 4th (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi). The Season of Creation is a liturgical season dedicated to prayer, reflection, and celebration of God as Creator. It also celebrates and reflects prayerfully on the gifts of creation and the mission given to us by God to care for creation and respond to its needs and crises today.

In your homes from September 1- October 4, you might like to include the saying of Prayers of Thanks for God's creation, Prayers of Praise for the awesome beauty of God and His creation, as well as Prayers of Petition for the sustaining of God's creation...

Best wishes 

Helen Rochecouste 

Magazine for Students

Year 4/5/6 students from a small Catholic School in NSW called St John's Parish School have created a digital magazine for Victorian students as they wait out the latest restrictions.

They have sourced some fantastic prizes for students and teachers who enter some great competitions, interviews with St Kilda's Spiderman, pep talks from Australian celebrities and loads of activities, recipes, riddles and jokes to keep them occupied while  at home.

https://online.fliphtml5.com/ofzeq/iawf/?1597976359775#p=24

Simon Millar

Principal of Galilee