Gemma's Message

Dear families and friends,

It is hard to believe that we are now halfway through 2022 and as we look back over the past six months it is important to reflect on all we have accomplished and all those that have contributed so much to our school community. Our hubs are thriving and happy children fill the spaces. Our teachers continue to shine throughout each term. 

Throughout the first half of this year, our children have continually shown resilience in learning new ways after many lockdowns. 

Many children have formed new friendships, had new experiences and shown braveness in trialling new ways of learning. Our small target teaching groups have supported children learning exactly where they are at on the progression of learning. We thank our amazing children for their continued braveness. 

At St Gabriel’s and St Stephen’s we are blessed to have professional, passionate and dedicated staff who consistently commit to  provide every child with an engaging learning environment and data driven practice. They spend an enormous amount of time designing learning which is relevant and considers your child/ren’s interests/dreams and hopes. 

Children meeting with me

I have several groups of children wanting to meet with me regarding change around our school. This is very exciting and I am proud of our children raising their voices. St Stephen’s change is around the toilet block - children will be putting forth ideas to our builders. 

St Gabriel’s is a passionate group of 5/6 children presenting changes to our school uniform. They believe the material is not appropriate to run and jump in and the light blue t-shirt stains easily. This week the group met with our uniform provider to discuss material changes. The dark blue t-shirt can be worn any day and any time (including for sport). Runners are to be worn on sports days. Around this - your child can mix and match the uniform to suit. Black shoes - non sport day and runners/sneakers on sports days. 

P.E. / Sports Days for Term 3 

Sports days will be Tuesday and Wednesday (all children can wear sports uniform on BOTH days) 

Parent Community 

Our parent community has continued to support and care for our school. I thank all existing and new families for your continued support. I thank our Parents and Friends for their continued commitment to our school and their approach to community  connections. We can’t wait for all the fun and learning to come. 

First Eucharist 

Our Year 3 students celebrated their First Eucharist on Sunday. Thank you to all our families,  Clare Ryan and Fr Hoctor for your support in our children’s Faith journey and this celebration. 

Thank you 

I thank all members of our St Gabriel’s and St Stephen’s community for all they have given during Semester 1 and I look forward to Semester 2, there is so much more to do and achieve and together we can certainly do it! 

I’d really love to see families join us for our hub opening on Monday 11th July. It is a chance to see the 3-6 hub and ‘the laneway’ central area for assemblies and gatherings. 

I wish you all a very safe, happy and joyful holiday break. May you have some wonderful times spent with family and friends and may you take time to rest and re-energise, ready for all that Term 3 will bring. I look forward to seeing you all Tuesday 12th July. 

Term 3 & 4 - Absent Children 

We have a very high number of absences. We understand when children are sick they must stay home. However we have a VERY HIGH number of children arriving late and away on days when they are not sick. It is a legal requirement for children to attend school when they are well. Increased absent days will be followed up by wellbeing leaders to ensure the continued absentees does not continue to impact children's learning growth and to support children arriving on time.

We wish Amanda, Caitlyn and Cris well in their new adventures.

We welcome Dipa and Esmeralda (returning) to our 3/4 team. 

Have a great holiday!

Gemma