Messages

Dear Families,

I hope that you enjoyed the lovely weather we experienced in Melbourne on the weekend and spent some time outside. How quickly the days change with a drop in temperature and rain on Wednesday. 

Last Friday we celebrated World Teacher's Day. Thank you to the Parent's Association and the students for the beautiful cards and homemade chocolates which the staff thoroughly enjoyed. They were greatly appreciated by the staff.

A reminder to parents that any child who is displaying any form of “sickness symptoms” must stay at home until they are 100%. These symptoms include runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Parents will be notified should a child exhibit any sign of illness, and asked to pick their child up from school. This advice is from the DHHS and Catholic Education Melbourne. I thank you for your cooperation in this matter. 

Wellbeing 

Believe in yourself

By accepting that you are one of a kind and that you don't need to try to be like others, you will have a reason to build your best possible self. Believing in your abilities and strengths will enable you to welcome challenges, and stretch yourself. When you make mistakes, believe by learning more intelligent things, you will grow your brain's ability to fix them. Only doing easy tasks won't cause any growth. 

Buddies

Below are some photos of Year 3 and Year 1 Buddies.

Year 3 Camp Day

On the 6th of November the Year 3s celebrating our Zoo Camp Day. We dressed up as zoo animals, played some games and built our own Galilee Zoo! It was a fun day for all involved. Thank you to our wonderful parents for their help and support! 

Building Update

As you would be aware, over the last 5 years, Galilee has sought and funded plans for a building project that will cater for the diverse and inquisitive learning needs of our students. The plans are now finalised and we recently had success with the local council overturning a decision in our favour. The project has a value of $9 million and will make a lasting contribution to our Galilee students as well as our local community, for the years ahead.

The new building will comprise of a competition size basketball court, Performing Arts facilities, Visual Arts facilities, contemporary classrooms, additional learning spaces, rooftop learning area, maker space, function space as well as a full kitchen. It will add approximately 50% to outdoor play for the students.

The building project is set to begin in mid-December 2020. The demolition of the building will occur after the commencement of the school holidays, when there are no students or staff onsite to ensure the safety of all.

We understand that many families may be excited or even anxious about the impending building project and what it means for our students in 2021/2022.  A letter will be going out to families soon to explain in detail the procedures for 2021.

Building Presentations by Clarke Hopkins Clarke

On Thursday 26th November,  Clarke Hopkins Clarke, the architectural firm that has designed our new building and whom we have been working alongside for the past 5 years, will present plans to the school community, students, parents and staff. These separate presentations will give the community further information and insight into this incredible project that we are undertaking.

2.30pm: Student Presentation

3.30pm: Staff Presentation

4.30pm: Parent Presentation (Zoom)

A Zoom link will be sent to parents closer to the date and a recording published on DOJO for parents unable to attend.

Basketball Court 2021

Due to the building works, basketball/netball team training sessions can not be held at Galilee during 2021. 

Prep Transition 2020-2021

Last week we sent communication to families regarding awaiting updates on COVID-19 restrictions and the impact on our Prep Transition Program. Metropolitan Melbourne has now moved to the Third Step of the roadmap for reopening. 

Attached is the letter that was sent last Friday regarding Prep Transition.

School Photos

A reminder that school photos will take place on Wednesday 18 November.  Students must wear their full Summer Uniform on the day. If your child has PE, they can bring their runners in a separate bag.

If you already ordered a pack back in Term 1, you do not need to do anything. Families who need to order photos can do so on the School Photographer website www.theschoolphotographer.com.au using the code X3053PC39G. Please see the attached order form.

Envelopes for sibling photos will be sent home next week. You can also order sibling orders online using the above code. If you have any questions regarding ordering of photos, please contact The School Photographer on 1300 795 850 or enquiries@theschoolphotographer.com.au

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week officially begins this Sunday and the City of Phillip  running a Creative Competition, that students can complete at home. Here is the link if you would like to have a look. 

https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/naidoc

Swimming Carnival

There have been recent updates from Catholic Education Melbourne regarding sports and the use of outdoor swimming pools. As we have

now moved to Third Step, we are now allowed to have our swimming carnival at MSAC on Friday 20th November 2020.

An Operoo form (previously CareMonkey) has been sent out to parents for permission and includes details of the day. 

Unfortunately, there are still some restrictions on spectators/visitors, therefore no parent spectators will be allowed in the stands and we will be operating with a reduced number of selected parent helpers.

Maths Week

Week 7 is our whole-school Maths Week! We will be celebrating our love of Maths with incursions, Maths challenges, maths competitions and more! Your teacher will let you know more information nearer the time. 

Assemblies

Assemblies will return next week. Unfortunately, students will participate from in their classrooms and no parents will be able to attend. Awards will be given and our Year 6 leaders will have the opportunity to present. Next week the PE leaders

Morning Routines

Recently many staff have noticed that their students have been much more settled at the beginning of the day due to a differing routine at the start of each day. This has been one of the benefits of COVID. With less traffic coming into the school, students have been calmer and ready to learn.

Starting next week, students will be able to walk straight to their classrooms when they arrive at school. Their teachers will be waiting for them and all will be ready to start the day at 8.50am.

A reminder that if your child arrives after 8.50am, they will be marked as late. 

Congratulations to families for the adaption to the routines and punctuality each day.

Class Groupings for 2021

On October the 15 (till Thursday November 5), parents/guardians were invited through the School Bulletin to send through requests for 2021 class groupings. Although classes will remain similar, teachers are now reviewing lists and no more requests can be considered.

Scripture of the Week

Sacrament of Reconciliation for the families at Sts PP Parish.

We are very excited that the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place at Galilee on Tuesday November 10th during school hours for all StsPP families who attend Galilee.  

Sacrament of Eucharist for the families at Galilee.

We are also very excited that the Sacrament of Eucharist will take place at Galilee on Monday November 16th during school hours for all StsPP families who attend Galilee. Year 4 families have been sent correspondence from Fr Hugh and their classroom teachers regarding options for First Eucharist. 

We are very happy that we have been able to collaborate with Fr. John and Fr. Hugh to celebrate these Sacraments with many of our students.

Helen Rochecouste

Simon Millar

Principal of Galilee