As we approach the last few weeks of Term 3, many of our families will be experiencing an increase in the amount of time students need to spend on preparation for assessment tasks and study for tests and examinations. Year 11, in particular, are heading into an important exam block next week and Year 12 are making final preparations for the HSC exams. Not surprisingly, this can be the cause of some stress at home as students feel the pressure of completing everything and doing their best. It also provides an important opportunity for us as parents and carers to help support our children through these challenges.

Here are some reminders about how you can help at home:

• Where possible, try and create a designated study space for your children to use
• Make the workload more manageable by encouraging them to use their diary and record important due dates
• Support your child to create a study & homework schedule that includes allocations of time to before and after school, after dinner and weekends. Help them to work around their other commitments and identify times during each week that they can devote to their school work
• Check that they are taking effective notes and summarising what they need to know for assessments
• Help them to practise for tests and experiment with different learning techniques e.g. use flash cards or ask them to explain aloud what they know about particular topics
• Make sure your child knows how to ask for help when they need it and don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers for advice
• Help them to avoid distractions e.g. by putting other devices away while they are studying
• Encourage them to break up their study sessions and take breaks… Remind them to make time to relax, have fun or do something they enjoy
• Support them to get enough sleep, eat well and get some exercise

And remember…

“The best message parents can give to their child about homework is to make sure they understand that it’s their responsibility and that they’re doing it for their own learning. Not for you, not for their teacher, not for the purpose of beating other kids in their class. This is one of the most important lessons your child can learn in school and at home: You read and study to make yourself a better person.” Dr Pasi Sahlberg, Professor of Education, UNSW

God bless
Angela Myles

Year 7 Reflection Day: A Day of Learning and Fun

On Thursday, September 5, all Year 7 students participated in a special Reflection Day at the Primary Campus. The day was centred around deepening their understanding of our Mercy Charism and learning about the inspiring lives of our House Patrons.
Students, grouped by their Houses, rotated through four engaging activities, including dancing, art, teamwork challenges, and a guided tour of our Church. The day was filled with energy, learning, and community spirit.

A huge thank you to Maddie Burton, Dan Hull, Lucinda Van Raad, Dillon Price and Jade Newman for making this day such a success!

Year 11 Leadership Day: Preparing for the Future

On Thursday, August 29, our Year 11 students gathered at the Parish Hall for a day focused on leadership, marking an important step in their journey toward Year 12. The day began with a special Mass at St. Mary’s Church, where they joined the Kindergarten students in worship.

Throughout the day, students explored the key qualities of effective leaders and examined various leadership styles. They also reflected on how St. Matthews values and the call "to be more" shape their approach to leadership.

It was an inspiring day, with staff praising the students for their insight and potential, highlighting a bright future ahead.

A big thank you to Nick Hammond, Blaney McCarthy-English, Cass McCarney and Jade Newman for organising such a successful day!

The Pope's Prayer Intention for September

For the cry of the earth

We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climate change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live.

Listen to the Pope’s message here

Belinda Redden

Leader of Mission - Secondary

Student Administration classrooms

If you have students in year 10, 11 or 12, all students in the year level have access to their school administration classrooms for their year level. This is a place where all up to date information is posted frequently.

For examples, in regards to careers each classroom has information on:

• Jobs available in the Mudgee region

• TVET/SBAT information and forms

• Work experience

• Apprenticeships

• University admission, scholarships, early entry

• Showcases visiting St Matthews and much, much more

We also have our school careers page which you can access 24/7.

Schools Recommendation Scheme

The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) is one way institutions make early offers of undergraduate admission to Year 12 students. They do this by using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR. Closing date 16 September 2024.

University of Sydney- entry, scholarships and open nights

Are you from a regional area or another state? We'd like to invite you to our online open night. Thursday 19 September 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Find out about our new Regional and Remote Entry Scheme, the single scholarship application process, and other University of Sydney highlights.

You’ll then have the chance to join dedicated breakout rooms chat with staff from our faculties, admissions, scholarships, and accommodation teams, and get your questions answered about life in Sydney. Click here to register for our online open night.

Regional and Remote Entry Scheme

This scheme offers undergraduate students who live in regional or remote Australia entry on a reduced ATAR, plus a range of additional support.

Diocesan Athletics Carnival 

Congratulations to the 50 students who competed at the Secondary Diocesan Athletics Carnival held in Dubbo on Thursday 22nd August. It was an excellent day out and all students represented St Matthews with pride and excellence.

We are thrilled to announce that 16 students have qualified to represent the Bathurst Diocese at the NSWCCC Athletics Carnival held next month in Sydney.

On top of this we would like to congratulate Mckayla who broke the 14 years shot put and discus record and Moni who broke the 12yrs long jump record.

Well done to our 12 year girls who took the overall age champions. To top off the day, our students achieved the following age group results:

• 12 Boys - 3rd overall
• 12 Girls - 1st overall
• 14 Boys - 2nd overall
• 14 Girls - 2nd overall
• 15 Boys - 3rd overall
• 15 Girls - 2nd overall
• Open Boys - 3rd place
• Overall girls - 2nd place

Thank you to our amazing staff who took the students away for this excursion. Wishing all the successful students the best of luck at NSWCCC!

Angela Hartley | PDHPE Teacher

NSWCCC Netball Carnival 

The NSWCCC Netball carnival was held on the 28th August in Penrith. As a team, we travelled down on the bus together before participating in team bonding events: shopping at Penrith Westfields, a team dinner at Penrith and of course finishing off the day with competitive games at Timezone. What a way to prepare for State Carnival.

The carnival itself was a wonderful day, where our students displayed high levels of enthusiasm and sportsmanship throughout the day.

A huge congratulations to our Year 9 boys on winning the State Catholic Schools Cup and to our Senior girls who also won their division. A magnificent achievement.

Our Junior girls, Intermediate girls and Senior boys each placed 3rd in their respective divisions. You have done St Matthews proud.

Junior Girls:
Daisy, Emerson, Emily, Grace, Natalie, Abbey, Ava, Monni and Charli. Umpire- Lani

Intermediate Girls:
Annabelle, Kayla, Mabel, Lily, Ivy, Izzy, Ruby, Mia, Charlotte. Umpire- Allysha

Year 9 Boys:
Lachie, Jordan, Logan, Tom, Jack, Oscar, Max, Bill. Umpire- Emilyn

Senior Girls:
Jorja, Zara, Madi, Maddy, Phoebe, Lily, Hannah, Jemima, Audrey

Senior Boys:
Will, Jacob, Connor, Darcy, Jacob, Toby, Oscar, Riley

Jacinda Tink, Cass McCarney and David Tooney | Netball Coaches

NSWCCC State Trials

On Tuesday the 27th August, after being selected at the Diocesan held in Cowra earlier in the year, Zara and Jorja  represented the Bathurst Diocese in the Under 18’s NSWCCC Netball trials in Penrith.

This selection carnival was made up of the best players selected from across the NSW to represent their local area to compete for a position in the NSWCCC team who will play at Nationals later this year. Both Zara and Jorja played tremendously well and we congratulate them on their major achievement of making our Diocesan team.

St Matthews Agricultural students have returned from the 2024 NSW School Merino Wether Challenge in Dubbo with huge smiles and ribbons, after winning the major award of “2024 School Wether Challenge Overall Winner.”

Over 69 schools from across the state and 400 Merino wethers attended the 3 day event, with sheep donated from “Egelabra” Merino Stud at Warren.
Students studying Agriculture have been involved in learning about formulating feed rations, handling and animal husbandry techniques of the sheep over the past 6 months on the school farm.

The award is based on the participating School’s Merino wethers wool and meat value as well as students handling, dress and knowledge of the Merino Industry.

Well done to the 2024 Merino Wether Show Team!

Judith Rohr

Agricultural Teacher

Congratulations to the HSC Drama class on their successful completion of the HSC Practical Examination. They performed with energy and skill in front of a panel of three external markers. All students were a credit to themselves and the school, demonstrating their passion, courage and resilience.

Kirsty Skinner

Drama Teacher

The Year 11 Business Studies have been learning about the key business processes and were tasked with the challenge of establishing a business called ‘Uniquely Yours Designs’ specialising in creating customised products. They worked in teams to carry out the Human Resources, Operations and Marketing functions for their business. The students manufactured customised chocolates for the teachers for Wellbeing Week and also made a series of customised shirts. Lots of fun and learning was had by all.

Melodie Coleman
Year 11 Business Studies Teacher

On the 9th of September I participated in the regional finals of the Junior Public Speaking awards, presenting my speech ‘The Filtered View of the World.’ This was the finals of a competition against students from all around NSW.

In a tight field with students from all over NSW, only one student progressed to the State Finals at Parliament House in Sydney and unfortunately I was not selected.

I was proud that in this speech, particularly in the impromptu section, I was noted for being ‘really clever’, ‘powerful’, ‘unique’ and ‘moving.’ I was really happy that I made improvements to both my prepared and impromptu sections and used almost every second of time in each section. The topic for the impromptu speech was ‘In Hot Water’ and I talked about how financial stress is affecting people across the world.

Being a part of Public Speaking has made me gain more confidence in myself and has allowed me to speak my views on the world while being heard.

If you want the same opportunity come to "Speakify" every Thursday break 2 in 1.1 or contact myself, Lilly, Liana, Miss Starick or Mr Doyle. There is still time to create a speech for our in-school competition early next term.

Flexischools is St Matthews Catholic Schools preferred way to order from our canteens. The cut-off time is 9am, please allow yourself enough time to complete an order. An order can be placed the night before or even days in advance.

If parents are experiencing issues with Flexischools, please contact Flexischools directly using the Parent Help Line Number- 1300 361 769 (8am-12pm)

Orders that are phoned through via reception after 9am will be offered a simple sandwich, a drink and snacks only (No Hot Food will be offered, so please do not ask). Credit Card details must be provided at the time, no exceptions. This ensures no further follow up for payment is required.

We have a smaller menu that is available over the counter every day but our more comprehensive menu is online. For over the counter purchases we accept cash and Eftpos.

All our food is freshly made on site and we are committed to use locally sourced ingredients.

Mary Holdsworth 

Secondary Canteen Manager

The Midford Uniform Shop is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

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