Principal's Message

The Feast of Mary Help of Christians

Leaders in Stage 3, accompanied by Mrs Neeson and I to St Mary's Cathedral for the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians and the national Mass for the bicentenary of Catholic education in Australia. Archbishop Anthony Fisher explained the history of Catholic Education in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first ‘official’ Catholic school opened in Parramatta in October 1820. It was a wonderful celebration. 

Faith in the Future Video 

Recently, students from Sydney Catholic Schools, were involved in producing a local version of Fr Rob Galea's Faith in the Future. Students from Galilee feature in this wonderful video. It is well worth the watch.

https://youtu.be/It9Lju9iN6U

Open Day

Thank you to the parents who attended our open day yesterday. I was great to see so many of you engaged in the children's learning. Our next open day is Tuesday 15 June. ALL WELCOME!

Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)

Playing our part to build a national picture of child health 

In early 2021, our school, along with thousands of others across the country will begin preparations for the fifth Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). The AEDC gives us a national picture of the development, health and wellbeing of children in their first year of full-time school. Since 2009, the census results have helped communities, schools and governments plan services and develop better policies to target support for children and families. Children don’t miss any class time, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information for the census. 

The AEDC gives us data at a school and community level - it isn’t an assessment of individual children. Some teachers have also noticed that completing the assessments made them more aware of the needs of individual children and the class as a whole and that the census results are useful in planning for transitions to Year 1 and developing class programs. Participation in the AEDC is voluntary. Parents/carers don’t need to take any action unless they choose not to include their children in the census. To find out more about the census and how communities are using the data to help children and families visit the AEDC website: www.aedc.gov.au. 

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews 

Information will be sent home via Compass regarding the online booking of parent/teacher interviews which will be held in Week 9.

Assembly 

Award assemblies are on Monday morning in even weeks (8, 10). All parents are welcome to attend. 

Tell Them From Me Survey (TTFM)

Over the next week we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at Galilee. The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. 

Recent Purchases

We have recently purchased reading resources for the students. Home reader collection of fiction and non-fiction titles for independent readers and developing fluency for Kindergarten to Year 2 children. 

For years 3 to 6 we have guided reading levelled texts in a sturdy card format, along with close-reading activities to develop deep comprehension. 

Sweet Dreams  

At Galilee we endeavour to ensure that each child reaches their full potential in their learning by exploring their unique gifts and talents. In order to reach these goals it is vital that students eat well, exercise and have adequate sleep. 

The quality of our sleep directly affects the quality of our waking life, including our mental sharpness, productivity, emotional balance, creativity, physical vitality, and even our weight. Some children do not appear to get enough sleep each night. Adolescents require between 8.25 and 9.25 hours of sleep per night. 

Sleep isn’t exactly a time when our body and brain shut off. While we rest, our brain stays busy, overseeing a wide variety of biological maintenance that keeps our body running in top condition, preparing us for the day ahead. Without enough hours of restorative sleep, we won’t be able to work, learn, create, and communicate at a level even close to our true potential. 

According to Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s leading adolescent psychologist, “A good night’s sleep is the best study tool.” It is so important for parents to ensure that their children have a good sleeping environment. Good sleep hygiene is essential. Bedrooms should be dark, cool and quiet to enable good quality sleep. No technology (particularly mobile phones and laptops) should be kept in bedrooms at night as these offer far too many distractions and interruptions. Diet also plays an important role – sugary sweets and coffee should never be consumed before going to bed. Sweet Dreams!

Regards

Anna Novak

Principal