Dear Families,

This week it has been wonderful to see the classes engage in activities focused around National Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This week students have been participating in special activities focusing on the 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflecting the ongoing connection between past, present and future. We would like to thank Mikaila Greenan for helping to organise the activities and learning experiences our students have been involved in throughout the week.

Amy’s trip to Broome

Last week, I had the special opportunity to travel to Broome with 16 other Principals from Catholic primary schools in our network. Our trip focused on learning more about Indigenous education and the role of Catholic schools in building strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

During the week, we visited schools, churches and a convent in the Kimberley region, including Holy Rosary in Derby and the St John of God Convent in Broome. We learned about the rich history of Catholic education in the area and the important work being done to support students and families.

A real highlight for me was visiting Holy Rosary School in Derby. We met some wonderful students and staff and listened to their stories. I was especially moved by how much they value listening to and learning from their local community — a powerful reminder of the importance of respect and understanding.

It was also great to spend time with other Principals. We shared ideas, encouraged one another, and built stronger connections. It’s so important to have a supportive network, and I feel very lucky to be part of one.

This trip came at a meaningful time, as it happened during National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week. It reminded us how important it is that we all play a part in reconciliation and honour the cultures, histories and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A big thank you to Mr Harding and Mrs Evans for stepping in as Acting Principal while I was away — I’m very grateful for their support.

Sacrament of First Eucharist

This weekend our Year 4 students will celebrate a very special moment in their faith journey as they receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time.

The students have been preparing throughout the term—both at school and with their families at home. As part of their preparation, they will take part in a First Eucharist Reflection Day tomorrow. This special day includes a rehearsal in the Church with our Parish Priest, meaningful activities back at school, and the chance to prepare and share a special afternoon tea together. This helps them to understand the significance of the Eucharist as a sacred meal with our Parish community.

We would like to thank our dedicated Year 4 teachers—Caleb Knappett, Brian Kelly and Linda Florenca-Grillo—as well as Alex Pensini, our Religious Education Leader, for all the care and guidance they’ve given the students. Their support, alongside the involvement of families, has helped ensure our Year 4s are ready and excited for this important step.

We keep them in our thoughts and prayers this weekend as they take part in this special celebration.

Galilee Student Disco

This Friday we are holding our annual Galilee Student Disco. This community event promises to be an exciting opportunity for students to let their hair down and show off their dance moves. Thank you to the incredible parents who have helped organise this event and thank you to Carlo Martello who will be organising the music.

Student Disco Details:

Tickets are available on Schools24 app

Friday 30th of May @ Galilee Maguire Hall

Prep - 2 Junior Disco Time: 5:30-6:30

Year 3-6 Senior Disco Time 7-8pm.

Drop off and pick up within 15 minutes of event starting

All students must be signed in and out

The disco is a student only event, only volunteers will be allowed in Maguire Hall

We can’t wait to see you all there!

Year 6 Camp to Camp Jungi

Next week, our Year 6 students will head off to Camp Jungai for an exciting and adventurous experience! The camp offers a range of fun and meaningful activities, including nature exploration, team challenges, and a special Indigenous cultural education program.

A highlight of the camp will be time spent with an Aboriginal Elder, who will share the significance of Country, culture and tradition. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of our Indigenous culture.

We wish our Year 6’s all the best for their camp and can’t wait to hear their stories when they return!

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff who will be attending camp. We appreciate the time and care you’re giving—especially while being away from your own families, friends and commitments.

New Interactive TV Screens in Prep

New touch screen TVs have been installed in our Prep classrooms. These interactive screens offer engaging, hands-on, and visually accessible experiences to support our students’ learning.

Upcoming Student Free School Closure Day on Tuesday 10th June

On Tuesday 10th June is a student free school closure day at Galilee. GOSH, our out of hours program is available. Please book your children in early, if you intend to use this service.

During our upcoming School Closure Day, Galilee staff will engage in professional learning facilitated by Team Teach. This will be a valuable opportunity for staff to deepen their understanding of how to support all students’ emotional and behavioural needs. Team Teach aligns closely with the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) approach, focusing on proactive and positive strategies that support student wellbeing. Staff will have the opportunity to explore a range of practical, whole-child strategies that build on the strong relationships they have already developed, further promote emotional regulation, and strengthen calm, supportive responses during moments of distress. Our shared goal remains clear: to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Staffing Update

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Olwyn Bergin, one of our Learning Support Officers, who is leaving us at the end of next week to return home to Ireland. We will miss Olwyn and we wish her all the best with her next adventure. We have rearranged the Learning Support Officer timetable to make sure all our students are well supported while we search for a new LSO to join our team.

Congratulations Mr. Edwards

Two weeks ago Mr. Edwards got married. We are thrilled for him and his wife Steph and we wish them every blessing as they embark on married life together.

Grandparent’s Day

We would like to extend an invitation to all grandparents and special friends in our community to attend our Grandparent’s Morning at Galilee. We are celebrating Grandparent’s Day on Monday 16th June from approximately 8.35am - 10.30am. We will be celebrating with a range of activities in the morning and then a Mass at St. Peter and Paul.

Please look out for a more detailed invitation that will be shared with you all soon.

Book Fair

Get Ready for the Scholastic Book Fair! From 13th June to 19th June, we will be hosting the annual Scholastic Book Fair! It’s a wonderful opportunity for students and families to explore a fantastic range of books, from exciting stories to fun non-fiction, all available for purchase. The book fair will be open before and after school.

Looking ahead to the next two weeks

Week 7

Monday 2nd June

Year 6 away at Camp Jungai

8am Running Club (all welcome)

Tuesday 3rd June

Year 6 away at Camp Jungai

After school Chess Club for students who have signed up

Wednesday 4th June

Year 6 away at Camp Jungai

Preps incursion with the fire brigade

Thursday 5th June

Year 6 return from Camp Jungai

Friday 6th June

8am Running Club

Assembly at 8.55am

Week 8

Monday 9th June

King’s Birthday Public Holiday - Galilee is closed

Tuesday 10th June

Student-free school closure day - GOSH is available for families who wish to use this service

Wednesday 11th June

Preps incursion with the fire brigade

Thursday 12th June

Friday 13th June

8am Running Club

Assembly at 8.55am

Year 5&6 Inter-school and community sports (parents are able to support)

We wish you every blessing in the coming weeks,

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

Community

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