As a Catholic School, our aspiration is to provide a holistic and life-giving education for all the young people in our care. In addition to providing a high quality learning and teaching environment, we also strive to ensure that all our students have access to a breadth of extra-curricular activities, personal development programs and faith formation opportunities. As always, Term 2 has been filled with activity and lots of opportunities for students to grow and flourish across all these areas.

One of the highlights of Term 2 is always the Vinnies Winter Appeal. It is an opportunity that reminds us to be grateful for what we have, acknowledge the many blessings in our own lives and then to do something simple to help those who have less. Right now, a staggering 1,600 people are being forced into homelessness every single month in Australia. The most vulnerable people in our communities have been hit extremely hard by the spiralling cost of living in the last few years and many families are only just holding on. Over the course of this year’s appeal, St Matthews Secondary families have contributed 732 cans to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. This is a wonderful achievement and a generous gift to people in our community who really need support and help at the moment. 

To us, it may feel like it’s just a few cans of food, but the way we as a community go about doing this and other acts of service is at the very heart of what our Christian faith is about. These small acts of love are powerful and really can make the world a more peaceful and compassionate place.  

Thank you to you and your families for the myriad of ways you have shown kindness, love and care in our school this term. Each thoughtful word and action continues to build a positive and grace-filled culture at St Matthews. As we bring this term to a close, I want to say how extremely grateful and blessed I feel to be part of such a wonderful community. 

Have a fantastic break and we’ll look forward to seeing you in Term 3.

God bless

Angela Myles | Executive Principal 

Term 2 has been a very busy term with our students engaging in many extra curricular experiences. There have been carnivals and gala days, trips to Sydney with early mornings and late afternoons; trips to Orange and Dubbo. There have been art and drama excursions, career expos, sporting gala days, ‘Try a Trade’ expos, students engaging on work experience and work placements, spiritual reflection and House patron days. The list of events is extensive and encompasses all aspects of growth in our students - the academic, physical and spiritual - of which we are proud of.

The high level of engagement and behaviour of our students on these events motivates us to continue to offer these experiences for student ‘growth’ and enjoyment at school. 

These experiences and opportunities however are not possible without the dedication and generosity of our wonderful staff who continuously advocate and support such events. We are very lucky here at St Matthews.

As the term closes to an end, and reports have been published, we thank the families who have taken the opportunity to engage with their child’s learning and made the time where possible to attend the Parent Teacher Interviews. These are a wonderful opportunity to meet  with teachers and discuss the learning that is occurring; identify strengths and areas needing improvement and to set goals for Semester 2. It was lovely to see so many families take up this opportunity to meet with staff.

We can all acknowledge the business of Term 2 and I know students, staff and families are looking forward to the holiday. I hope this is a time to enjoy some family time without being so ‘busy’, to rejuvenate and return energised and motivated for Term 3. 

Already Term 3 is looking exciting - particularly with the opening of our new hardcoutrs and another well anticipated inclusion on the oval…..

Wishing you all a wonderful, safe and healthy break and I look forward to seeing students back on Monday 22 July.

Ms Blaney McCarthy | Acting Head of Campus - Secondary

Prayer Partner Mass 

On Wednesday June 27, our Parish prayer partners celebrated Mass with our Year 12 students. The students really appreciate the prayers and support of their partners as they complete their final year of schooling. 

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the families who donated food items for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. We have collected over 550 cans so far, which is an incredible achievement. Your generosity will make a significant difference for many families in our community facing hardships this winter. Thank you.

Vinnies Sleepover

In Week 10 we will be having our Vinnies Sleepout. This will raise significant funds for our local St Vincent de Paul. On the night, students will listen to a presentation from local Vinnies members, prepare hygiene packs for the homeless and enjoy a range of games. Thank you to all students and teachers who have joined this community event.

Pope’s Monthly Intention

Each month, Pope Francis asks Catholics around the world to pray for a specific intention.

July

For the pastoral care of the sick
We pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick confer to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all.

 Belinda Redden | Leader of Mission

Are you worried about social media and the impact it has on your child?   

Wait Mate (waitmate.org.au) have released a number of resources to support parents and young people navigate social media at this critical time of social and neurological development. They also have a pledge for parents to sign delaying social media and smartphone usage of their children. There is power in numbers! 

    

How do we build positive social networks at school? 

Our school works towards using restorative practice as our philosophy for supporting students. One of the areas we have been working hard on is running regular check in and check out circles with our children. The benefits include of these circles include:

• Increase social and self-awareness and verbalization of feelings.
• Practice active listening.
• Increase positive connection and a sense of caring community.

Since 2021 we have seen an increase in many areas of school wellbeing, including: 

• 14% increase in students strongly agreeing they have a connectedness to adults at school. 
• 72% of our students agree or strongly agree that we have a great school climate
• 80% of students agree or strongly agree that they have significant engagement with a teacher at school. 
• 20% increase in students reporting stronger perseverance at school. 

Check-In Circles.pdf

We will be sharing more of our success and what it means to be a restorative school over the next few weeks. 

   

Enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday and we will see your children back at school ready for Term Three.    

  

Dillon Price | Leader of Wellbeing

Year 9 and 10 Commerce students showcased their entrepreneurial skills by participating in the Commerce Market Day at the Primary Campus. Throughout Term 2 students have been studying the topic, ‘Running a Business’ and were tasked with creating their own business for the target market of primary aged students. Commerce students had to organise and execute the operations, marketing and finance functions of their business.

The primary students were eager and excited consumers, as they flocked to purchase  jibbitz, slime and scrunchies. Many students also loved the animal encounter at the petting playground or fighting their mates in a handball showdown or Sumo Slam.

Thank you to all students and families for supporting the Commerce Market Day. It was a rewarding experience for the Commerce entrepreneurs who enjoyed the opportunity to revisit the primary campus.  

Mrs Coleman, Miss Presland and Mrs Croake | Commerce Teachers

Year 7 History students have been exploring the topic Ancient China, developing their understanding of Chinese dynasties and emperors. To coincide with this, students have created their own Chinese lanterns, symbolic of the first Chinese lanterns used during the Eastern Han dynasty 25-220 CE. The traditional Chinese lantern colours of red and yellow were a popular choice as was the use of Chinese characters to communicate future wishes from the students. It was wonderful to see the creative and artistic talents of the students during this activity. 

Mr Andrews, Mr Pietrzak, Mrs Grech | History Teachers

The Group Performance is an essential aspect of the HSC Drama course whereby students collaborate in devising a piece of original theatre based on a concept, issue or idea. Students are externally assessed as part of their HSC by itinerant markers. 

Country Cup Rugby League Finals

The 13s Rugby League team progressed to the Western Division final series in Parkes on the 18th of June, where they faced James Sheahan Catholic School. From the outset, the competition was tough. Jack Hudson led the forwards, making strong runs through the middle making significant metres. Finn Chapman and Diezel Fitzgerald stood out with their determination and strength in defence. In attack, Jake McElligott displayed confidence with the ball in hand. Roy Maskey demonstrated his prowess across the field in both defence and attack, breaking the line and scoring under the posts, with Benji Barass successfully making the conversion. Despite their efforts, the final outcome was a narrow loss, 10-6.

Well done to all the boys, and thanks to Shane Pettitt for giving up his time to coach the team in preparation for the competition, and to Jamie Fitzgerald for helping with the team at the carnival.

Brooke Colley | PDHPE KLA Coordinator 

Blind date with a book

This term we implemented a fun program called Blind date with a book. The students firstly filled out an application form which included the genres that they like to read. A blind date book was then selected for each student based on their preferences and then the students collected their blind date books. Once they read their blind date book the students had to rate their blind date book. There was lots of excitement around this program and the students were excited to meet their blind book dates!

Mrs Sugden | Teacher/Librarian

EFTPOS only, no cash.

Enjoy the convenience of online shopping. Save time and energy by ordering your uniforms online in six easy steps:

1. Go to midford.com.au
2. Select St Matthews Catholic School from the Online School Shops tab
3. New users to click the ‘Register New Account’ button
4. Start the registration process by selecting St Matthews Catholic School from the drop-down menu and add the unique school pass phrase: “Matthews1912”
5. Add your personal information, create a username and password
6. Order the items you need, select pick-up in store/deliver to school.

Online orders for Primary will be delivered to the school office on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30pm. Cut off time for ordering is 1.00pm.
Online orders for Secondary will be delivered to the school office on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.00am. Cut off time for ordering is 3:30pm the day before.
Online orders for shop pick up - pick up only within the shop hours, please allow 1 hour after ordering for collection.

If you have any queries please contact the uniform shop directly:
Phone: 0439 442 509 or Email: st.matthews@midford.com.au