School News
Dear Families,
Tomorrow is World Teachers’ Day and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful teachers here at Galilee.
Our teachers are an extraordinary group of educators who bring energy, enthusiasm and passion to their work every single day. They are dedicated to providing every student in their care with the very best education possible. We truly believe you couldn’t find a more committed or caring group of teachers than those we have here at Galilee.
Teachers play one of the most vital roles in our community. Beyond teaching academic skills, they inspire curiosity, nurture confidence and help students develop values that shape who they become.
A great teacher can change the course of a student’s life; by recognising their potential, encouraging their dreams and helping them overcome challenges. Teachers do far more than deliver lessons. They create safe, supportive environments where every child can thrive.
Research consistently shows that the quality of teaching is the single most important in-school factor influencing student achievement. But their impact extends well beyond the classroom. Teachers help build the kind of thoughtful, compassionate and capable citizens our world needs.
Tomorrow, on World Teachers’ Day, we encourage everyone within our community to take a moment to celebrate the incredible contribution Galilee teachers make every day. Their dedication truly makes a difference in the lives of our students and in the future of our community.
If you see a teacher tomorrow, please take a moment to let them know how much they are appreciated.
Swimming
This term, our students have dived into our school swimming program with enthusiasm, courage and determination. Learning to swim is more than just a fun activity, it’s an essential life skill that promotes water safety, confidence and physical wellbeing.
We are so proud of all our students for participating fully, trying new skills and supporting each other in the pool. From building stroke techniques to developing endurance and water confidence, each child has made amazing progress.
A huge thank you to our dedicated teachers and LSOs and to Seb for organising and running the program so smoothly. Your effort, guidance and encouragement have made a big difference in our students’ experiences.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our parents and carer helpers.
Congratulations to all our students for their hard work and achievements. We can’t wait to see them continue to grow in the water and make waves at our Swimming Carnival on Friday 14th of November.
Play Space Update – Exciting Changes Underway!
Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our school community, our Play Space Upgrade Project is well underway!
Our goal is to enhance our current play areas and make the most of the wonderful spaces we already have. We want our play spaces to be inclusive and imaginative, giving every student the chance to discover something that sparks curiosity, creativity and joy during playtime.
We’ve now moved from planning to action! After seeking initial quotes and consulting with our SRC about what students would love to see in their play spaces, we’re excited to share some design ideas and begin the first stage of updates. Students have shared fantastic ideas, including a climbing wall, cubby house, mini shops, outdoor blackboard, more chess boards, gym bars and water play areas.
Already, we’ve seen great results with the grassing of the front area, which has quickly become a favourite spot for students to gather and play. Another exciting addition is the new large-scale outdoor chessboard, it’s been a big hit and is already getting plenty of use (with some impressive strategy skills on display!).
Next, we’ll continue refining our plans based on student input and the design options, ensuring the upgrades reflect our shared vision for fun, inclusive and creative play.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts, your contributions are helping us bring these ideas to life and create spaces our students truly love.
We can’t wait to share more updates as our play spaces continue to grow and transform!
Bikes
We love seeing our students riding their bikes to school and enjoying the fresh air and exercise! Thank you for making our bike racks a busy and active place each day.
To help keep our school safe and organised, please remind students to park their bikes neatly in the racks. A tidy bike area makes it easier for everyone to access their bikes safely and keeps our grounds looking great.
Keep riding safely and proudly!
Congratulations to Mr. Webster and Mrs. Burns for completing their Masters of Education
For the past two years Mr. Webster and Mrs. Burns have been working towards completing their Masters of Educational Leadership with a focus in Mathematics at Monash University. This is a wonderful achievement and we are thrilled that they have been able to share their knowledge with staff along the way.
Galilee has recently featured in the Herald Sun for our approach to successful Prep Transitions
Last Tuesday, Galilee was featured in the Herald Sun for our successful approach to Prep Transition. The article focussed on recent research out of Monash University and Amy shared the different ways that Galilee sets Prep students up for success. We would like to congratulate Holly Evans who initiated our Seeds and Sprout Prep Transition Program at Galilee and our outstanding Prep teachers who go above and beyond to help our Prep students successfully transition from Kinder to School.
Galilee will be closed on Monday 3rd November and Tuesday 4th November
Galilee will be closed on Monday 3 November. This day has been allocated as a school closure day to acquit time in lieu that Galilee staff have accrued throughout the year.
Time in lieu was introduced in Victorian Catholic schools three years ago. When teachers attend school events or activities outside their normal working hours, they accrue this time. Such events include (but are not limited to) camps, the school concert and parent information sessions.
Days like Monday 3rd November allow staff to take the time they have earned over the year.
GOSH, our out-of-hours care provider, will be open on Monday 3 November. Please book early if you intend to use this service.
Please note that Tuesday 4 November is the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday.
Join Us for Wellbeing Night: Raising Resilient Kids
We’re excited to invite families to our Parents’ Night on Raising Resilient Kids on Thursday, 6th November, from 5:30–7:30pm at Galilee. This practical session will equip you with tools to help your child navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop emotional resilience. Our wonderful staff will share strategies on setting boundaries, using strengths-based language, coaching through tough moments and supporting digital wellbeing. Many thanks to our Wellbeing leaders Julie and Paddy for organising the event and to Mikaila andTal for sharing their expertise and time. Babysitting will be available onsite. Come along and learn how we support children at Galilee and how you can adapt these approaches at home!
Swimming Carnival
On Friday 14th November, 2025 we will be having our annual Whole School Swimming Carnival at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. Students are looking forward to a fun day of races, team spirit and celebrating swimming skills. More information, including times and events, will be shared with families soon, thank you for your support!
What’s Happening in the next two weeks?
Term 4, Week 5
Monday 3rd November
-School closure day, GOSH available for those booked in
Tuesday 4th November
-Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Wednesday 5th November
Thursday 6th November
-Parent Wellbeing Night, 5:30–7:30pm
Friday 7th November
-Prep Excursion to Tiny Chef
Term 4, Week 6
Monday 10th November
Tuesday 11th November
-Remembrance Day
-Scheduled Fire Drill Practice
Wednesday 12th November
Thursday 13th November
-Year 2 Extended Day
Friday 14th November
-Whole School Swimming Carnival at MSAC
We wish you and your family every blessing in the comming weeks.
-Amy Burns (Principal), Richard Harding (Deputy Principal) and Holly Evans (Deputy Principal)