Galilee School News

Dear Families,

Final Day for Term 3

This Friday 18 September is the final day of Term 3. Students will finish at 1:30pm on this day.

GOSH, our out-of-hours care program, will be available from 1:30pm. If you would like to use this service, please book your child/ren through the TheirCare website.

Midnight in Monaco Parent Gala

Last Saturday night was a sensational evening as we came together as a community for our Midnight in Monaco Parent Gala.

A huge thank you to Kara, Jenn, Rachel, Sarah and Chrissy for organising such a wonderful evening filled with fun, connection, community and fundraising. We shared a beautiful meal, danced the night away to amazing music and had multiple opportunities to raise funds for our school.

The warmth, camaraderie and generosity in the room were truly incredible. We are incredibly grateful for the wonderful families who make up our Galilee community and for the ongoing support you show our school.

We are forever grateful for your generosity and commitment to help us continue to make Galilee a sensational school where our students can thrive.

Grandparents & Special Friends Day is Friday 19 October

We are delighted to invite our wonderful Grandparents and Special Friends to join us at Galilee for a very special morning celebrating the important role you play in the lives of our students.

8:35am – Classroom Activities - Grandparents and Special Friends are invited into classrooms to spend some special time with their grandchildren/special children and participate in a range of activities together.

9:30am – Grandparents Day Assembly -The whole school will come together in the Stadium for a special Grandparents Day Assembly. There will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate and share this special morning together.

We hope to see lots of our Grandparents and Special Friends at Galilee for what promises to be a wonderful morning.

MACSSIS Surveys

Each year, we invite Year 4-6 students, all families and all staff to complete the MACSSIS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Survey). The surveys provide our school with valuable feedback about the experiences of our students and families, including areas such as learning, wellbeing, engagement, relationships and the overall school environment. This feedback helps us to understand what we are doing well and identify areas where we can continue to improve.

We strongly encourage all families to take the time to complete the survey when it becomes available. Your feedback is an important part of our ongoing school improvement and helps us ensure that the experiences and needs of our students and families continue to inform our planning and priorities at Galilee.

Dad's Camp

Dad’s Camp is back for 2026 and this year it’s a full two-night weekend. Join other Galilee Dads/Guardians and their children from Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November at YMCA Camp Wyuna in Queenscliff for a fun-filled weekend for Dads/Guardians and their Galilee children. Tickets are $190 per person, which includes two nights’ accommodation, all meals and activities. Tickets go on sale today, Thursday 17 September at 5:00pm, with a ticket required for each attending Dad/Guardian and child. Dads/Guardians will be responsible for supervising their children throughout the camp. Places are limited and sell out quickly, so be sure to get in early!

**Please note, this event is not organised or run by Galilee Regional Catholic Primary School and Galilee Staff will be not be present at the camp.

Parent/Carer Teacher Interviews

Last week, we held our Parent/Carer Teacher Interviews, providing a valuable opportunity for families and teachers to connect and discuss student learning, progress and development.

Thank you to all of our families who attended, either face-to-face or online and took the time to engage in these important conversations. The interviews provided an opportunity to celebrate student achievements, discuss current areas of focus and identify ways that school and home can continue to work together to support each child.

We greatly value the partnership between home and school and appreciate the ongoing support, communication and involvement of our families in their child’s learning and development.

Child Safe Standards

As part of our ongoing commitment to child safety and wellbeing, we continue to share information with our community about the Victorian Child Safe Standards. This fortnight, we are highlighting Child Safe Standards 7 and 8.

Child Safe Standard 7 focuses on ensuring that processes for raising and responding to complaints and concerns are child-focused, accessible and taken seriously. We want children and families to feel comfortable speaking up if they have a concern. Students are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult when something is worrying them and families are encouraged to communicate with the school if a concern arises.

Child Safe Standard 8 focuses on ensuring that staff and volunteers have the knowledge, skills and awareness needed to keep children safe. Child safety is an ongoing responsibility. Throughout the year, staff engage in training and professional learning to strengthen their understanding of child safety and wellbeing. This includes recognising indicators of harm, responding appropriately to concerns or disclosures, understanding reporting responsibilities and supporting culturally safe environments for all children. Ongoing training helps ensure that child safety is not simply a set of policies, but is reflected in the everyday practices, decisions and actions of our school community.

Fundraising

Funds raised through our 2025 fundraising efforts were amazing (especially the 2025 Gala!) have been used to update and enhance our play spaces, providing students with a greater variety of opportunities to play, connect and engage.

These funds have supported the addition of two custom-built cubby houses, a mud kitchen and two large chalkboards, created by Australian company Castle and Cubby using high-quality, sustainable materials and designed with safety and durability in mind.

They love love love the cubby houses, creating all sorts of shops and games with them, hiding out in them for conversations and gossip, and being out and about creative souls.

The mud kitchen is used as part of the sand play (often no mud, thank goodness!), as a destination for sand and small stones. The stories, games and worlds that students create between the sandpit and mud kitchen are amazing, creative and sometimes very funny. They may one day dig to the other side of the world.

Funds have also supported updates and modifications to our existing play equipment, including the addition of a Bubble Panel, Shop Counter, Find Your Way Home Game Panel and new climbing ropes, providing students with more varied and engaging opportunities for play.

We have also introduced four LEGO tables, fully stocked with LEGO, to provide more options for students who prefer quieter or more passive play.

Our grass areas have also been enhanced with the addition of more grass in our driveway, with a large outdoor chessboard, creating another space for students to play, think and connect with others.

There is still more to come! As part of our ongoing play space improvements, we are adding new sturdy sand play equipment and further developing our quieter play areas. This will include large soft play blocks, imaginative play resources and heavy-duty outdoor storage systems to ensure equipment is accessible, organised and well maintained.

Our aim is to continue developing play spaces that offer a range of choices for our students, whether they enjoy active and physical play, imaginative and creative play, building and problem-solving, or quieter opportunities to connect with friends.

We are so grateful for the support of our school community through our 2025 fundraising initiatives. These contributions have allowed us to make great improvements to the spaces our students use and enjoy each day.

All funds raised in 2026 will go towards purchasing new representative sporting uniforms, enhancing the sporting equipment available for students to use in PE classes, and updating the marquees and resources we take to sporting events.

We will also look to use funds raised to enhance Maguire Hall and continue improving this important space for our school community.

We are incredibly fortunate to have a community that continues to support opportunities to improve and enhance our school.

Adjusted Timetable in Term 4

In Term 4, we will be trialling a new timetable designed to give students opportunity and space to play, move and connect during recess and lunch.

We want to ensure that our outdoor spaces provide students with plenty of opportunities for active play, quieter activities and positive social interactions. The new timetable will mean that year levels will access the playground at different times on selected days throughout the week with an adjusted timetable, creating more space for students to enjoy our outdoor areas and play opportunities.

The following year levels will follow the adjusted timetable on these days:

Monday and Wednesday: Year 5 and Year 6 and will go outside by themselves and will have the whole playground to play on. All other year levels will go out at the normal time on Monday and Wednesday and will play in the space with each other.
Tuesday: Prep and Year 2 and will go outside by themselves and will have the whole playground to play on. All other year levels will go out at the normal time on Tuesday and will play in the space with each other.
Thursday: Year 3 and Year 4 and will go outside by themselves and will have the whole playground to play on. All other year levels will go out at the normal time on Thursday and will play in the space with each other.
Friday: Year 1 and Year 2 and will go outside by themselves and will have the whole playground to play on. All other year levels will go out at the normal time on Friday and will play in the space with each other.

On their adjusted timetable day, recess play will be 10:00–10:40am and lunch play will be 1:00–1:40pm, with eating time following each play period, this will not impact lunch orders as all students will be eating at the same time.

Importantly, students will have access to the playground on some days when it is much quieter so that they can play a proper game of soccer or basketball without too many other students around, while also continuing to have opportunities to connect and interact with students across different year levels on the other days throughout the week. Specialist times will remain the same.

Are you OK? Day

Last week was R U OK? Day. At Galilee we focused on connection, kindness and looking out for one another. Students were encouraged to notice how they and others are feeling, check in with a friend, listen with kindness and know when to seek support from a trusted adult. Most importantly, we want our students to know that they don’t need to solve someone else’s worries. Sometimes being a good friend means listening, showing kindness and asking a trusted adult for help.

For our staff, parents and carers, R U OK? Day, is an important reminder to check in with the people around us and to make time for meaningful conversations. Life can be busy and it can be easy to assume that the people around us are doing okay. This day offers a reminder to take a moment to reach out to a friend, family member, colleague, neighbour or someone in our community and simply ask, “Are you okay?” Sometimes we don’t need to have the answers. Taking the time to listen, being present and showing someone that we genuinely care can make a meaningful difference.

Ask R U OK? Any day.

If you or a loved one is struggling, support is available:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
headspace: 1800 650 890
13YARN: 13 92 76
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

2027 Classroom Placements

We will soon begin the process of organising classes for 2027. A significant amount of time, care and discussion between teachers and school leaders goes into developing class groupings.

When organising classes, we consider a range of factors to create balanced learning environments, including teacher observations, academic needs, social and wellbeing needs, friendships, gender balance and individual student needs. If there is important information regarding your child that you believe we need to be aware of when considering their 2027 classroom placement, please provide this in writing by emailing admin@gsm.vic.edu.au by 19th of October . Please clearly explain the reason for your request or concern. Please title your email “2027 Classroom Placement – [Child’s Name]”. Please note that requests for particular teachers cannot be considered. Information received after 19th of October cannot be considered. Class placements are carefully interconnected and changing the placement of one student can have an impact on the placement and needs of other students. While we will carefully consider important information provided by families, we are unable to guarantee that individual placement requests can be accommodated. Our priority is to consider the needs of all our students and create balanced, supportive classes for 2027.

Uniform in Term 4

In early Term 4 we will transition to our summer uniform.

In the first two weeks of Term 4, as the weather transitions, students will have the option to either wear their full summer uniform or their full winter uniform.

From Monday October 19th students will be required to wear their full summer uniform.

Please note that from the first day back in Term 4 all students will be required to wear their School Hats at recess and lunch.

In Term 4, we also encourage students to wear sunscreen to school and bring along their own sunscreen to reapply themselves before recess and lunchtime. Please note, staff are not able to apply sunscreen to students.

Please see our School Uniform Policy and images of our School Uniform to help with purchasing any uniform you may require over the holidays.

School Advisory Council - Expressions of Interest

Galilee is seeking expressions of interest for a new member to join the School Advisory Council for a three-year tenure, commencing in Term 4 2026. The School Advisory Council plays an important role in supporting the Principal and Leadership Team in fulfilling the mission of our school.

While no specific expertise is required, we are seeking individuals who will balance the diverse skills and experiences of those already on the Council and who share a common commitment to providing the best possible education for our students. A balanced and representative Council, reflecting parent voice, gender balance, cultural diversity, and varied skill sets, ensures the best possible advice and perspective on key matters related to the school’s mission and student success.

We warmly invite parents, guardians, and parish members to express their interest in joining the School Advisory Council. To express interest please email admin@gsm.vic.edu.au by 3.30pm on Thursday, 8th October. Please title the email: SAC Expression of Interest. Please include information about yourself and the reasons why you would like to join the School Advisory Council.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to review the following documents prior to submitting an expression of interest:

These documents outline the key expectations and requirements for all current and prospective Council Members and are available on our school website.

Once an email expressing interest is received the process will be outlined.

Blessing of the Pets

On Friday 3rd October, both Ss Peter and Paul in South Melbourne and St Joseph’s in Port Melbourne will be holding a special celebration: Blessing of the Pets.

This fun celebration is held in honour of St Francis, the patron saint of animals and pets, whose feast day is celebrated on 4 October. This year, we are also celebrating the 800th anniversary of St Francis’ death as part of the Jubilee Year of St Francis, as declared by Pope Leo.

We encourage Galilee families to head along to either parish, with their pets, for this special celebration:

Ss Peter and Paul’s, South Melbourne: 11:00am
St Joseph’s, Port Melbourne: 10:30am

We look forward to seeing some of our Galilee families and their beloved pets there.

Staffing Update

In Term 4, we are delighted to welcome Linda Florenca-Grillo back to Galilee as she gradually returns to her role as Art Teacher.

As many of you would be aware, Linda has been on extended leave while recovering from a cancer diagnosis. We are thrilled to share that Linda is doing really well and is ready to begin her return to school and reconnect with our students.

Linda will begin next term working on Monday and Wednesday mornings, gradually increasing her hours across the term.

We are so excited to welcome Linda back to Galilee and look forward to seeing her back in the Art Room!

Here is what is coming up in the first two weeks of Term 4

Term 4 Week 1

(Students can wear either full summer uniform or full winter uniform in Week 1. School Hats need to be worn each day)

Monday 5th October

Running Club at 8am (all welcome)
TBC -Glee Club After school for students who have signed up

Tuesday 6th October

TBC - Chess Club after school for students who have signed up

Wednesday 7th October

Year 3-6 Maths Games Club at lunchtime for students who are interested

Thursday 8th October

Friday 9th October

Running Club at 8am (all welcome)
Beachside Athletics for select students
Year 5 Speak with Power, Public Speaking Program Session 1

Term 4 Week 2

(Students can wear either full summer uniform or full winter uniform in Week 2. School Hats need to be worn each day)

Monday 12th October

Running Club at 8am (all welcome)
Year 4 Excursion “A Day at High School”
TBC -Glee Club After school for students who have signed up

Tuesday 13th October

TBC - Prep Firefighter Visit
TBC - Chess Club after school for students who have signed up

Wednesday 14th October

School Tours for Prospective Families
Year 3-6 Maths Games Club at lunchtime for students who are interested

Thursday 15th October

Friday 16th October

No Running Club today
Grandparents and Special Friends Morning at Galilee 8.35-10.15am
Year 5 Speak with Power, Public Speaking Program Session 1

We wish you and our family every blessing over the holidays. We hope the holidays bring time to rest, relax, connect with family and friends and re-charge for the final term of 2026.

Thank you again for your continued support this term.

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