From the Principal 

Welcome to Week 1 of Term 3

A very special welcome to all of the new community members who join us this term.       Mr Will Holmes will be taking the R-2 classes for Performing Arts, replacing Miss Jurkovic. Mr Holmes has been with us previously as a short term contract teacher and replacement teacher when staff are ill.  Our new Reception class always adds to the wonder of our school and this term we say welcome to:  Inaaya, Enayat, Ava, Willow, Cadence, Chiara, Catherine, Addilyn, Everleigh, Debra, Shreeja, Elaina, Ivy, Luca, Nirvaan, Noah, Cylan, Gursaaz and Ezekiel.  Along with the new Receptions we also have the following students who have joined us in other year levels in term 3: REWN Ditya, 2H Caleb and in 6B  Munashe.  Martin in 3PS will join us on Monday.

Congratulations to Mr Lachlan Black and his wife, Monique who welcomed their third child, Ted, into their family during the holidays. Lachlan has let us know all are doing well and thanks all for their well wishes.

The demolition of the existing verandah behind the administration area and student toilet block is completed. The area is now being prepared for the construction of the new toilet block, drink fountains and garden area. The new Administration building is progressing on schedule. It is great to see the brickwork going up and internal walls appearing. Work on the new staff carpark on Barrington Avenue will commence in a couple of weeks. We have been lucky with the weather and fingers crossed it remains clear.

Last term ended with our brilliant School Concert. Congratulations to all the students who performed during the day and thank you to the wonderful class teachers, specialist teachers and support staff who brought the event to fruition. The day was a fantastic community event spread over the 3 sessions. The packed out evening session was the highlight, with barely a spare seat in the house, that was pumping with energy and enthusiasm.

The staff would like to thank Indian Temptations Restaurant, 490 Main North Road for their delicious food on the night of the school concert last term.   The food was sensational and the service was a delight. The generosity of Indian Temptations meant that staff could remain at school for a meal and be with the children to fully support their concert item. 

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Felicity Plew.  Felicity, who fought a brave battle with illness for many years, sadly passed away peacefully at the beginning of the school holidays.

Felicity was a dedicated mother and a great supporter of St Gabriel's School and we give thanks for her gentle presence in our community. Our prayers, love and support are extended to her children, Alex, Gracie, Sophia, Charlie and Jesse.  We also pray for her wider family, giving thanks for her life and all the gifts she shared.

Sean Hill

Principal