Dear Families,

Today was an important day for our school community. After two years of cancellations, we were able to hold a whole-school event, our swimming carnival. The atmosphere was positive and the students endured cool weather, to show enthusiasm and teamwork for the events. Some students may have last had swimming lessons in 2019, so a little trepidation was understandable. We are very proud of the efforts of all of our students today. It was the first time we have had the involvement of limited parents/carers in a school event and their presence was greatly appreciated. Thank you to the many who volunteered but were unable to attend due to limited places. Thank you to Mr Hill for his organisation and to the student House Captains for supporting other swimmers in the pool.

Today we were also able to hold our second face-to-face Prep Transition session for our 2022 Prep students. It was wonderful to see the excited faces of our soon to be students in the Prep classrooms working with their teachers. Much like this year, we are once again having three very small Prep classes in 2022 that will be rolled into two classes in 2023 for Year 1.

2022 Prep teachers will be Ms. Pinner, Miss McAuliffe & Miss Evans/Ms. Fahy (sharing a class).

Next week our Year 3 students will go on their first school camp to the Zoo. Students will spend the night at the Zoo with their classmates exploring all the Zoo has to offer.

Wellbeing

Learning Together

By combining your individual strengths and talents with those of other students, you will learn in more effective ways. You are hard-wired to be at your best when working with others. When learning together, create shared expectations of how you will act, which could include one person to speak at a time, no put-downs, valuing all input, listening activity and showing other students matter. You will also feel the uplifting power of serotonin and oxytocin.

School Closure Day

Friday 26 November, Galilee will be closed for students but GOSH will be operating. Make sure you book in on their website www.theircare.com.au.

Thank you to Theircare for their flexibility and generosity in organising a Holiday Program at the conclusion of our school year.

Preps 2021/2022

Attached is the letter sent home to 2021 Prep families on November 6, 2020. It informed families that we would be splitting the Preps into three classes (instead of two) due to reasons outlined in the letter. In 2022, they would again form two Year One classes.

School Fees

Thank you to our families for the payment of 2021 school fees. We really appreciate the support of our families during challenging times. Our Fees Policy is endorsed by MACS, our School Education Board and can be found on our website. This year we have not received a recommendation from Catholic Education to provide reimbursements for a portion of 2021 school fees (for events not held such as swimming lessons and school camps). Despite this not being a system-wide directive, the school leadership and School Education Board support similar reimbursements to those provided last year. More information will be sent home next week outlining the details from the Finance Team.

Lost Property

Come and search our lost property!

We have an abundance of uniform, toys and drink bottles in our lost property.

Please don't let your child bring sentimental toys to school as there are many things being handed to the office during break times and not collected.

Swimming Carnival

Today students participated in swimming events at the Swimming Carnival. We missed our usual larger number of parent volunteers and spectators but we thank those parents who were able to volunteer.

Congratulations to all the students for a fantastic effort and to the Saints House Team (green) for winning the overall points.

Thank you to Mr Hill and the Sports Team for their planning and preparation.

Student Learning

Year 6 Fred Hollows Award - Congratulations James!

The Year 4’s have created a badge based on the message of a Bible story. Please read and enjoy.

This week the students in 2R created acrostic poems using their names. First, they brainstormed lots of different things about themselves using a mind map. Next, they wrote a draft, and then they published their poem. The students presented their poems to the class.

Second Hand Uniform Shop

Donations for the second-hand uniform shop including uniforms that are no longer current will be accepted out the front of Galilee on Wednesday 24th November from 8.35am until 8.50am.
Wednesday 1st December 0900-0930 Shop open at 228 Bank St, South Melbourne (opposite the Police Station)
There is a Facebook page for the second-hand uniform shop. Search on Facebook - Galilee Regional Catholic School Second Hand Uniform Shop

Galilee Christmas Party Parent Evening - A Touch of Christmas

You are invited to come and celebrate the end of year with your fellow parents with a Christmas Party at the West Beach Pavilion in Middle Park, on Wednesday 8th December.

With glorious beach views and brilliant company, come share a drink and some nibbles and celebrate Christmas and better times to come.

You will receive a drink upon arrival and canapés will be served throughout the evening. A price will be confirmed soon.

Where: West Beach Pavilion

When: Wednesday December 8th

Time: 7pm

How: We will open up bookings early next week and let you know via Dojo and Facebook as to when you can buy a ticket. This will in turn help us determine numbers for catering.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Your Parent Committee of Galilee

"Roll Up, Roll Up" Lawn Bowls

Yesterday, on what was a beautiful sunny Melbourne afternoon at the Albert Park Bowls Club for "Roll up Bowls". 12 Galilee children and parents came down from Years 1-6, to the local club for an introduction to bowls. Our children represented the school so well, they have been invited next week. Signup is by Tuesday, so let Paul or Mr McLeish know if you keen for a roll. Who knows we may be surrounded by World Champions and we don't even know it!!

Scripture of the Week

We are very fortunate that the celebration of all the sacraments will be able to take place this term.

Father Hugh has asked Fr. Gary to accommodate the OLMC students and their families. Fr. Gary has kindly agreed to his request. All sacraments will be celebrated at StsPP as follows:

Eucharist: 4H Saturday November 27th at 10:00am, 4R Sunday November 28th at 2:00pm

Reconciliation: December 9 at 10am with Fr. Gary

Confirmation: Thursday December 2nd at 7:00pm.

As we get closer to the dates of these ceremonies, alongside the possibility of further restrictions being lifted, as well as StsPP needing to follow the Victorian Government's public health regulations, we will notify families of all appropriate guidelines.

Many thanks in advance for your support and understanding as we navigate this.

Best wishes,

Simon Millar (Principal)

Community Links

TheirCare

Lakeside Carols

Poetry Competition