Galilee News

School News

Dear Families,

 

As we come towards the halfway point of Term 2, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the incredible parent community we have here at Galilee. It is wonderful to have such a supportive group of parents who help make sure that school events run smoothly, that our classrooms are well supported with parent helpers, and that excursions can run with the help of parent volunteers who make them exciting adventures and experiences that children will remember forever. 

Each morning and afternoon it is a joy to see our school playground filled with parents who are coaching and supporting student basketball or the school running club. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our vibrant parent community who continue to contribute to the success of our school. 

 

Mother’s Day at Galilee

Last week we celebrated our sensational Mothers and Mother figures. 

 

We have the most outstanding group of Mothers and Mother figures who do so much for our community. It was wonderful to reflect on these extraordinary women and their incredible contribution to the lives of our students and school community. Thank you to everyone who helped to organise the different events that we had: Mother’s Day Staff, Mother’s Day Morning Tea, Prep Song at the Morning Tea, Mother’s Day Mass led by Year 1 students and Mother’s Day Lunch organised by Jodie, Nat and Rachel. Each event was lovingly put together and filled with such joy.

 

 

 

Staffing Update

We would like to formally welcome Brian Kelly who has taken up the position of Year 4 teacher for the remainder of the year. Brian has worked at Galilee since the beginning of 2025, working in Year 6 and Prep on a part time basis. We are thrilled to have him working with us full time.

 

We would also like to welcome Shauna Haughney to our team. Shauna will be working in 6E, Prep B and Prep C on a part time basis. Shauna comes to us with seven years of teaching experience in Ireland and Australia. Shauna is very familiar with students and staff at Galilee, having replaced a number of teachers for short periods of time over the last two years. 

 

Sadly we said goodbye to Rachel Leahy who has returned to Ireland. We would like to thank her for her outstanding contribution to our school over the past three years. Rachel taught Year 4 and led the school in the area of STEM. She was an outstanding teacher and leader and we will miss her dearly. We wish her every success on her next adventure as she returns home to Ireland to be closer to family and friends. 

 

 

Student Disco

 

The disco is coming up! Friday 30th May.

 

Final details are being prepared to help you book a place. Please look out for this on Dojo. 

The Prep - 2 disco will be from 5.30-6.30. The Year 3-6 disco will be from 7pm-8pm. All students will be required to be signed in and signed out on the night. 

 

 

Best wishes Mr. Edwards

We would like to wish Paddy Edwards, one of our Year 6 teachers, every blessing as he prepares to marry his fiance Steph this weekend. We look forward to seeing him back at school on Monday and hearing all about their special day. 

 

Battle of the Bands

Tonight is the night! If you haven’t got a ticket yet, scan the QR code and make sure to select “Galilee Catholic PS” at check out so that organisers have an accurate tally on how many tickets are attributed to the school, and how much money to give back to the school! Even if you’re not sure if you can make it, every ticket sale makes a big difference so the band would love it if families would consider purchasing a ticket as a donation towards the school.

 

Visiting local Catholic Secondary Schools

Last week, Holly Evans and Amy Burns visited two local Catholic Secondary Schools, Academy of Mary Immaculate in Fitzroy and Simonds College in West Melbourne.

 

Academy of Mary Immaculate is an all girls secondary college based in the heart of Fitzroy. It boasts a rich tradition being the oldest Catholic girls school in Melbourne. We were able to meet with the Principal Sr Mary Moloney who gave us a wonderful tour of the facilities that the college has to offer. We were able to see the incredible Art department, Science labs, Food Tech area, Library, Chapel and Wellbeing space. We were also able to see a number of past Galilee students diligently working in classrooms. They offer a wonderful pathway for our Galilee girls. We invite you to have a look at their website and book yourself on their next tour. If you are interested in finding out more, we are happy to talk to you about our experience at the front gate. 

 

Simonds College is an all boys school located in West Melbourne. Simonds is a unique school because of its small size. It offers an intimate learning experience where every boy is known individually. The city location means that the boys have access to outstanding resources that are only a short distance away. Amy met with the Principal Mr Robert Anastasio who toured her around the school. She was able to see their impressive new facility that boasts wonderful facilities enhancing the science and STEM programs the school offers. We encourage you to view their website and book yourself on their next tour. 

 

School Improvement Network

On Wednesday, Amy, Holly and Richard attended the Term 2 School Improvement Network day with other principals and leaders from MACS schools in the southern region. They spent the day exploring the school’s Annual Action Plan goals, focusing on one goal, to get a deeper understanding of the actions needed to achieve it, and the data required to measure the successful achievement of it. The four AAP goals have been printed in previous newsletters. Here they are in brief:

  • To improve student achievement in Mathematics particularly in Space
  • To improve student achievement in Religious Education particularly in Reasoning and Responding
  • To improve student achievement in STEM, particularly in design and technology
  • To improve student achievement in Writing particularly in grammar and punctuation
  • To improve student psychological safety, particularly in classroom settings

 

We wish you every blessing in the coming week,

 

Amy Burns (Principal), Richard Harding and Holly Evans (Deputy Principals)