From the Principal

Dear Families,

Thank you all for your concern, patience and flexibility regarding our recent water damage at Galilee. We have a damaged downpipe following the storm that hit South Melbourne last Thursday. The damaged downpipe runs from the roof into 4R, 1P and the Staffroom. 

Fortunately we are insured and have already started the clean up and repair process. We have had a number of people in our community check-in, offer support and assistance and we are very grateful for this. We feel blessed to have such an amazing community at Galilee. 

We are happy to announce that Year 1P and 4R are able to move back into their classroom. The rooms have been made safe and have been cleaned and repaired to a level that is safe for students to return. Further repair works will take place in 4R and 1P when the classroom is vacant. 

The staffroom incurred the most amount of damage and later today we will be moving the staff to a temporary staffroom in the Maker Space in the New Building. The staff will use this space until work has been completed in the staffroom. We hope to be back in the staffroom in early Term 2. 

Our Library ceiling is still undergoing investigative assessments as it appears that there could be a pipe that was damaged due to the large amount of rain that hit South Melbourne last Thursday. Unfortunately we will not be able to take students into the Library area until the investigation is completed and it has been declared safe to enter. 

Cross Country

Last Monday we had a very successful Cross Country. It was impressive to see students challenge themselves to run long distances on the day. It was especially pleasing to see students congratulating each other at the finish line. Without anyone needing to talk to students, they were, of their own volition, supporting each other and recognising each other's efforts, regardless of the place they came in the race. Our students at Galilee really are amazing.

Ride to School

Last week we had over 100 students roll through the front gate for Ride to School Day. We would like to congratulate students for their outstanding efforts in riding to school and decorating their bike or scooter to make the day even more special. Thank you to families for your support in this event.

Harmony Day

Yesterday our Stadium was filled with a sea of colour, culture and tradition as Galilee celebrated Harmony Day. Harmony Day is a celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. All classes celebrated  the day in their own way. Our Year 5 students celebrated the day with an outstanding spread of food from around the world. 

Sacrament of First Reconciliation

Earlier this week, many of our Year 3 students participated in the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a celebration of the love and mercy that Jesus shows us all. I would like to congratulate the Year 3 students and their families, the Year 3 teachers, Sue Kidd from the Parish as well as Fr. Gary and Fr. Paul for the preparation that went into the beautiful Sacrament on Tuesday evening. 

Year 5 Camp

Last week our Year 5 students attended a four day, three night camp to Merricks. They had a fantastic time. The photos from their trip are spectacular and the stories they have told and memories they have made are even better. You can read all about their experience later in this Newsletter. I would like to thank the staff who left behind their family and friends to attend the camp and give our students this wonderful opportunity. 

Stations of the Cross

Students from Prep-Year 6 are performing the Stations of the Cross in the Stadium at 9.15am tomorrow. It has been wonderful to see the students preparing for this special event and learning about the most sacred time in our Christian Calendar; Holy Week and Easter. We invite parents and families to join us in the basketball stadium tomorrow morning. 

School Uniform

During the first two weeks of Term 2, students will transition into the Winter Uniform. Please be advised that students are able to come to school in either the full summer uniform or the full winter uniform for the first two weeks of school. Please note that students are not able to wear a combination of summer and winter uniform at the same time. From Monday 8th of May all students must be dressed in full winter uniform. 

Thank you for a wonderful Term

It is hard to believe that the first term for 2023 is coming to an end. Next week is our final week of Term 1. I would like to thank you all for a fabulous and busy Term 1. It has been wonderful to see the community engaged in so many different events this term. We have held two large sporting carnivals, three camps, a large amount of whole school events such as the Opening of our New Building, Harmony Day, Ride to School Day, St. Patricks’ Day etc. Our new teachers have brought with them a fresh approach and lots of new ideas and they are already making a positive impact on our school community. Our Preps have made a wonderful start to their life at Galilee and all classes have settled into the routine of school life at Galilee. 

Next week is another busy week at Galilee

Monday - Students finish at 12noon. Year 1-6 Parent/Teacher Conferences are from 12.30-7pm

Wednesday - Easter Raffle from 2.30-3.30pm. Year 1-6 Parent/Teacher Conferences from 3.30-5pm

Thursday - Students finish at 1.15pm. Colour Run starts at 1.30pm (Parents are to supervise their children if they are staying for the colour run or book them into GOSH as staff will not be supervising students at this event)

Finally, we have two staff members who we would like you to keep in your prayers. 

Please keep Simon Millar and his family in your prayers. As you would already know Simon’s son-in-law Jed, has been battling cancer for some time. Simon’s daughter requested Simon travel up to Queensland yesterday to be with her as Jed has deteriorated dramatically in recent days. 

We also ask you to keep Trent, our Guitar teacher, in your prayers. Trent and his family are flying to England to be with his mother-in-law as she battles cancer. 

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your contribution to Term 1. I hope you all have a safe and restful Easter and holiday break.

We look forward to seeing all students back at school for the first day of Term 2 on Wednesday 26th April. 

Best Regards,

Amy Burns

Deputy Pricipal