Principal's Message

National Reconciliation Week - 27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

27 May 1967 On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

3 June 1992  On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. 

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures. 2021 marks twenty years of Reconciliation Australia and almost three decades of Australia’s formal reconciliation process.

MORE THAN A WORD. RECONCILIATION TAKES ACTION 

DEEPEST SYMPATHY

We offer our thoughts and prayers to the Logan family, who lost their mother and grandmother, Susanna Burch last week. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family at this sad and difficult time. 

May eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

🎹🎼🎭 We had a thrilling performance by Opera Australia with the famous opera ’The Barber of Seville’. Thank you Opera Australia! #sydneycatholicschools #galilee2021

Semester 1 Reports 

The Semester One report refers to the first half of the year’s teaching and learning and subsequently the End-of-year report refers to the second half of the year (ie. first semester of learning, second semester of learning). 

Each year introduces different concepts, content units and skills etc. which can increase in difficulty from the year before. It is therefore possible that your child’s achievement level in a particular Key Learning Area may change. Comparative data for Years 1-6 is included with your child’s report. This style of reporting mandated by the Government involves a great deal of processing before arriving at an achievement level for each Key Learning Area. 

There are many assessments undertaken, work samples examined, observations made and needs discussed. In Week 9, teachers will be having parent/student interviews to support, discuss and complement these reports, affirm your child’s learning and to give direction/ focus for future learning. Together the school and you form an important partnership. This partnership supports your children in reaching their potential so that home and school are united in their approach. 

Many thanks to our dedicated teachers for always making themselves available to you. Our teachers here at Galilee are a truly gifted team of Educators. They themselves are committed learners who strive to provide quality education for our students. The role of the teacher is never easy, it is a challenge but it is without doubt one of the most rewarding careers. Teachers not only work with the children who are our future, but are part of the Church’s mission in passing on our Gospel values. The commitment, passion and care our teachers and staff bring to their vital role is what helps make our school so great. 

To help put the A-E reporting system into perspective, it may be useful to look at the analogy below using driving experience in an A-E context:

Invitation to Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences Semester 1 Reports 2021

I warmly invite parents and carers to meet with Galilee classroom teachers and participate in Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences about their child's Semester 1 2021 academic progress and learning attitudes from Tuesday to Thursday 15-17 June 2021. Times are available before and after school during these three days for each year classroom teacher. More details about how to “book” a Conference time will be provided in coming week. We look forward to meeting with you in the Semester 1 Conferences.

Tell Them From Me - Invitation for parents and carers to complete survey

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is encouraging all families to contribute to this year’s “Tell Them From Me” (TTFM) online surveys for families.

SCS Executive Director, Mr Tony Farley, is asking all Galilee families and staff members to complete this year’s TTFM surveys which are aimed at gathering “perception” and “planning” data for our school system.

Information collected in the Galilee TTFM survey data “set” will be used for our school’s future planning. Students in Years 4 to 6 classes are also being asked to complete the TTFM survey instrument for students. If you do not wish your child to complete the survey please email: info@galileebondi.catholic.edu.au

The survey “window” is now open (until Friday 18 June) and parents/carers can use the link below to access the survey. Thank you very much in anticipation of completing the TTFM survey. TTFM link is below. 

Regards

Anna Novak

Principal