Do you have questions about what learning looks like at our Secondary Campus?    

Are you wondering how, or if our flexible learning spaces are helping your child achieve their best? 

Then this week’s article may be of particular interest to you…

Our approach to learning at St Matthews embraces traditional practices focused on core academic knowledge (such as explicit instruction) whilst also supporting innovative practices that enhance the 21st century skills that students will need beyond life at school. Our intention is to ensure that our learning environments are rigorous and that all students are able to learn at high levels. There has certainly been some ongoing debate in the media regarding the relative benefits of ‘traditional’ versus ‘open plan’ classrooms, as well as what teaching approaches work best to help students learn. This discussion can, not surprisingly, give rise to questions about the philosophy behind the contemporary learning spaces that are part of our Secondary Campus at St Matthews. I want to say as clearly as I can that the design of our collaborative and flexible spaces are not reflective of the open plan style being referred to in the media.

Our flexible learning spaces incorporate a range of furniture such as grouped tables of differing heights as well as areas with couches. There is also a lack of a distinct front of the classroom…. In other words, students do not sit in rows with a teacher at the front giving instruction. The other important feature of our flexible classrooms is that they can be used in different ways to facilitate a range of teaching and learning experiences e.g. students may work in 3 groups that rotate across different learning activities during a lesson. These activities might include time receiving explicit instruction, opportunities for deepening understanding of key concepts, or working on a more independent piece of work. There will always be at least two teachers in these rooms working with students, and in some instances there will be 3 or 4 adults in total who are supporting the learning. It is also worth noting that while some of the learning spaces at the secondary campus are definitely intended to fall into the ‘flexible’ category, others are more traditional in nature. 

What we do here looks different to the traditional approaches that most of us would have experienced when we were students ourselves, but I am so excited about the opportunities our model provides for students. However, because it is different, I do understand that it would be challenging to visualise how the lessons look and feel purely based on what your children come home and tell you and  I would understand if this was the cause of anxiety for some families who might be worried about whether or not their child’s learning will benefit from our flexible learning environments.

I have the pleasure of walking through our secondary classrooms almost every day and I am constantly impressed by the learning I see students and teachers engaging in. The classrooms are settled, behaviour is excellent and students are able to articulate a clear understanding of what they are learning. Teachers are implementing strategies to ensure students have the necessary subject specific content knowledge but are also working to develop depth in student understanding and enhance their ability to apply what they learn to new tasks and different situations. In our school context we refer to this as Surface, Deep and Transfer Learning.

I love walking through our classrooms and speaking with the students about what they are learning and I would like to provide you with the opportunity to also see our classrooms in action. Mr McCarney and I both have allocated time in our schedules each week to conduct school tours. Generally, these tours have been made available to prospective families who are considering enrolment for their children. We would now like to also extend this opportunity to current families who are interested in gaining a better understanding of our approach to learning and teaching. 

If you are interested in booking a tour of our classrooms, you can do so simply by contacting our Reception Staff at the Secondary Campus. Alternatively, if the tour times don’t suit, you are welcome to make an appointment to see me so I can answer any questions you have about our approach to learning and teaching.

God bless

Mrs Angela Myles | Executive Principal 

A great start to the week for our Year 7 students who went to Burrendong for the Welcome Camp. The students had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities and meet new friends. Thankyou to the staff that facilitated this experience. 

Next Wednesday our Year 7 and Year 9 students will be taking part in the NAPLAN testing. There will be testing occurring from Wednesday to Friday, all students must come to school with a fully charged chromebook and have headphones that can be plugged into their device (not bluetooth earbuds as these have caused issues in the past). Year 7 students will spend some time practising the setup of the testing. Communication will be shared with both cohorts so they are positioned to do their best.

On Wednesday and Thursday of Week 8 (20-21 March) Parent Teacher Interview will occur for students of Year 7-10. Information will follow with more details about how to book and the duration of the interviews.

Families are reminded that students are not to be picked up and dropped off in the Student Carpark. This is for student parking and overflow parking for events. To set down and pick up students parents need to use the main carpark where there is a designated set down and pick up area. 

God bless,

Mr Justin McCarney | Head of Campus

St Matthews Way: Courage

This term we are focussing on the value of Courage.

Courage is the chance to build skills in persistence and resilience  to embrace challenges.

Year 12 Retreat

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

The Year 12 Retreat was not just a break from the routine of school; it was an opportunity for students to deepen their connections with classmates and forge lasting memories. 

As a Catholic community, we value the need for staff and students to retreat from the everyday in order to spend time understanding more about themselves, building their faith and developing their relationship with others and God. 

The itinerary provided time and space for the students to think about who they are and their relationships. It also aimed to strengthen their courage to be more authentic, through friends and family affirming who they are. 

Many thanks to James from the Positivity Project on guiding our seniors to appreciate the character strengths they and their peers share. The drums and ice baths were certainly a hit. 

Thanks also to Deacon Cong for sharing this time with us. Deacon Cong has offered to pray for each of our Year 12 students, daily, by name. This will be a wonderful addition to the Parish Prayer Partner program. In this program, parishioners are paired with a Year 12 student whom they will pray for as they journey through Year 12. The prayer partners and students will meet to share Mass and a morning tea this term.

In my many years of education, I must say that these students surpassed every expectation I had. They were simply a delight to travel away with. They approached all tasks with enthusiasm and a positive spirit. Their manners were impeccable and I could not believe how they responded to every request(including bedtime) promptly and willingly. Thank you to all of the Year 12 students, Mrs McCarney, Mr Hammond, Mrs Myles and Jade Newman for a wonderful experience.

Belinda Redden | Leader of Mission Secondary 

Pope’s Prayer Intention for March

We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

https://popesprayerusa.net/2024/02/29/for-the-martyrs-of-our-day-the-pope-video/

As we stand in solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters, may the Lord grant them the strength to endure, the courage to persevere, and the peace that transcends all understanding. Amen.

Samoa may be a country surrounded by water, but access to clean drinking water is scarce in some areas, with many families facing extreme hardship as a result.

Leaia lives with her five children, husband, brother and sister-in-law on the island of Upolu in Samoa. Not having access to a reliable source of clean water caused Leaia a lot of worry.

Their home is not connected to a piped water system, so they had to rely solely on rainwater collected in old fridges. When their water ran out, Leaia had to walk with her young children to collect water in buckets and containers from a neighbour down the street.

With the support of Caritas Australia's local partner, Caritas Samoa, a water tank was installed at Leaia's home. She and her family now have a steady supply of clean drinking water at home. Next year, they will also have a toilet built, with the support of Caritas Samoa, which will further improve their health and living conditions.

“We are very thankful and grateful for the water tank. It has helped us so much and made our daily life easier,” Leaia said.

Please donate to Project Compassion

Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow for all future generations. 

2024 Sacramental Program

For those students who wish to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion this year please follow the link with information regarding these from St Mary’s Parish.

Whilst we know arbitrary punishment rarely works in improving student behaviours, there is a place for consequences in the restorative practice model.

We strive for consequences to be educational, meaningful and related to the behaviour of your children at St Matthews.

This article from our partners at Real Schools discusses how random punishments have been proven to be ineffective and planning for more meaningful consequences is more likely to have long term behavioural impacts on students.

Dillon Price | Leader of Wellbeing

Univerity Roadshow comes to St Matthews

In Week 4 we welcomed the University Roadshow to St Matthews for the first time. Charles Sturt Univeristy (CSU); The University of Newcastle (UoN) and the University of New England (UNE) were on hand to provide snapshots of ‘life at university’, outline their early entry programs; describe scholarships on offer and the different pathways options. Our students also had an opportunity to ask questions about specific courses and entry requirements from university representatives. It was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 11 and 12 students and a great event to support.

Save the Date - Universities Information Evening 10 April

We are offering an informal information evening for interested parents and friends of Year 12 students navigating university admissions and options for the first time (or a ‘refresher’ session if necessary!).  The sessions will outline applying through UAC and Direct entry options; early entry programs such as UAC’s Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS) and direct early entry programs and access programs for disadvantages.

If this is something you would like to attend please RSVP by Monday 8 April to b.mccarthy-english@bth.catholic.edu.au or ring the school office.  

Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) Parents page - Stay informed

As Year 12 moves into this important phase of their schooling, many students are starting to think of life after school. There are many pathways open to our students and one is further study at university. For many parents this process can be daunting particularly if they did not attend university themselves. The University Admissions Centre (UAC) has a page dedicated to parents to help navigate them through the process so they are better equipped to help their student. Link here

Years 9 & 10 participate in Careers sessions by the ‘Business Conceierge’

We welcomed back the Business Conceierge to St Matthews this week to facilitate careers sessions with Years 9 and 10. Howard Smith from the Business Concierge ran sessions with Year 9 on “getting your first part - time job” including how to find a job; what skills employers look for in a young person and employment and the law. The students enjoyed the sessions and engaged in the vibrant sessions. 

Year 10 completed sessions on employability - interview skills and technique. Interview skills are invaluable skills for our students in either getting a part time job, applying for an apprenticeship or university entrance. These sessions were a great starting point in building our students' confidence, employability and life skills.

We plan on building on these sessions with both Years 9 and 10 in their ‘Assembly Timetable’ lessons on a Wednesday in Term 2.

Work Experience - Starts in Term 2

Work experience is open to students in Years 9 and 10 and is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience different workplaces. Work Experience will resume in Term 2, allowing students to engage fully in their lessons for 2024 - limiting disruptions in Term 1. Students wanting to discuss work experience options and the process of work experience are encouraged to see me in either Break 1 or Break 2 in my office next to Student Services.

Blaney McCarthy-English | Leader of Transition & Pathways

Year 8 students are studying Drama once a week as part of their Creative and Performing Arts allocation.

Although many were nervous about what this would involve, students have really enjoyed the collaborative nature of Drama. Students have been learning using creativity and critical thinking, which are both key skills for 21st century learning.

Keep up the great work Year 8!

Mrs Skinner | CAPA Coordinator and Drama Teacher

Dio Touch Trials

On Wednesday, February 7th, our school's talented athletes Emerson, Lola, Ruby, Abbie, Connor, Bailey, Spencer, and Zane showcased their skills at the Diocesan Touch Trials. It was a day filled with camaraderie and competitive spirit, as our players gave their all on the field.

We are thrilled to announce that Emerson, Lola, Ruby, Abbie, and Connor have been selected to represent our school in the upcoming carnival in April. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of their achievement.

Congratulations to our selected players, and we wish them the very best as they prepare for the next stage of competition. Let's continue to support and cheer them on as they represent our school with pride!

School Swimming Carnival

The St. Matthew's Secondary Swimming Carnival held on Thursday, February 8th, was an absolute triumph! The atmosphere was electric, filled with exceptional participation, vibrant house spirit, and fiercely competitive swimming. It was truly heartwarming to witness our students dive into the pool with enthusiasm and dedication, proudly representing their houses.

I'm thrilled to report that the feedback from the St. Matthew's community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising this carnival as the best they've ever seen in terms of participation. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and volunteers.

Throughout the day, we hosted a series of unique and fun competitions that added to the excitement. 

Fashions of the Pool: 1st place: Amelia Disher and Summer Pettitt

Belly Flop Competition: 1st place: Jacob Blanchard

House Captains vs Teachers Relay: Teachers team won with Ms. Van Raad, Mrs. Croake, Ms. Hartley, Mr. Pietrzak, Mrs. Nicholls, Mr. Price, Mr. Kelleher

Although the school carnival can be a lot of fun, it is also a day of competitive races, where students compete to represent our school against the entire Bathurst Diocesan. Some students have excelled in more than two events and gained the prestige award of age champion. Our swimming age champions for 2024 are:

Lastly, the day is all about House Spirit. All students should be commended on their outstanding show of house spirit. The tally is in and congratulations to the houses. 

Congratulations, Romero on winning the Swimming Carnival!

Upcoming events:

• DIO Soccer Trials - Thursday 7th March
• Secondary Cross Country - Monday 11th March
• Western Rugby League Trials - Wednesday 3rd April
• CCC Swimming - Thursday 4th April
• NSWCCC Touch - Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th April

Emma Nicholls | Secondary Sport Coordinator 

Student Book Group

The student book group had their first meeting of the year last week. We welcomed old and new students to the group. The group discussed what they read in their summer holidays. Some of the books included the outsiders, a good girl's guide to murder, prison healer and the hunger games series. For this term’s book the group will be reading, “If not us” by Mark Smith. We look forward to the discussion next term. 

Library Displays

Harmony Day

Book of the Year Awards notables 2024

The Children’s book council of Australia have announced their 2024 notables list. Established with the first awards in 1946, the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards aim to:

• promote quality literature for young Australians by Australians;
• support and encourage a wide range of Australian writers and illustrators of books for young people aged 0 through 18 and;
• celebrate contributions to Australian children’s literature

The Learning resource Centre has all the books on the list - there are some great titles to explore. Come in and borrow them from our display!

Mrs Sugden | Learning Resource Centre

The St Matthews P&F AGM is scheduled for Tuesday 12th March at 7pm in the Primary Staffroom. At this time, all positions will be declared open.

The P&F needs all positions filled to operate and fulfill the vital role it plays in supporting the school community. All job roles for the executive committee can be found in the attached constitution.

We have a number of P&F members who are approaching the end of their tenure and we therefore need to attract more willing parents to ensure it's ongoing viability. The P&F is responsible for helping families at the school in need, providing funding for unfunded items such as sporting equipment, playground seating, shade, vegie gardens and organising key events which contribute to the wonderful culture at St Matts.

To nominate yourself or someone else for a role, please complete the attached google form (please complete a new form for each nomination). You can also email your nomination or, in writing, hand it in to the school office by Monday 11th March. 

P&F Nomination Form

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email stmattspandf@gmail.com

Kind Regards,

St Matthews P&F