Catholic schools share in the Christian vision that every human person has the inherent dignity of being created in the image and likeness of God. Together, we strive to ensure each person has the opportunity to flourish. As a Catholic school we believe that each unique person is to be loved, appreciated, cherished and respected and that everyone has an indispensable part to play in our community, regardless of difference. We also see each member of our community holistically, rather than seeking to define them by just one aspect of their identity. We have and will continue to care for and walk alongside all our families and their children as they grow and mature spiritually, emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically in a way that is inclusive and accepting of all.

As a school, we have received some questions lately about our approach to diversity and inclusion. In light of this, I felt it was important to take the opportunity to clarify and clearly articulate what our core values are in this space and how those values inform the work we do and the kinds of relationships we strive to build with all of our staff, students and families.

We are always looking for ways to address issues responsibly and to encourage open, respectful communication. I would like all our families to know that if you ever have a concern or worry about something you have seen, heard or experienced in our school, I would always encourage you to raise those concerns or ask those questions directly in conversation with us. It is my strong belief that listening to one another and working together is the best way to continually make our community better. Open, frank and constructive dialogue is always the best way forward in every situation.

Ultimately, as a community of faith, what we strive to do each day is to witness to the love of God through our care, respect and love for everyone in our community. We are all human of course, and therefore, we won’t always get it right. But at the heart of all we do is a deep desire to ensure everyone feels welcome and included in our school. It is my hope that we can keep working together to make this a daily reality.

Angela Myles

Over the past two weeks, I have been fortunate enough to join excursions with Year 1, Year 5 and Year 6. The Canberra Excursion for Year 6 took place in Week 7 and was a great three days with an outstanding group. Their ability to display reverence and maturity at venues including the War Memorial, Parliament House and the National Museum was exemplary as they modelled our school values in every way, engaging fully in every activity they took part in. At every venue, our guides praised the behaviour and engagement of our Year 6 cohort which were lovely comments to hear as they continue to prepare for their transition to our senior campus.

Year 5 ventured to Hill End last week for an overnight excursion. Their enthusiasm was very evident as they undertook a number of activities including climbing ten vertical ladders to exit a mine shaft, exploration of the town’s history and trying to strike it rich by gold panning. It was an enjoyable and very worthwhile excursion and the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Monday this week saw Year 1 visit ‘Hands On Rock’ and ‘The Drip’. A beautiful day enjoyed by a very excited group of students. Their behaviour was outstanding as we explored both sites, discussed the natural, managed and constructed features and how we could preserve our beautiful environment.

Drop Off and Pick Up Zone

The line of traffic out the front of our school at drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon is a challenge for many in our school community. Council staff have been supporting schools and other members of the public using the roads outside of every school in Mudgee.

With this in mind, we must remind parents once again, without exception, please stay in your car at the Drop Off and Pick Up Zone. This will support all families and the wider community using Lewis Stand and also provide a safer environment at the front of our school.

We understand that some of our younger students may require assistance with bags but encourage those parents with these concerns to park and assist children away from the Drop Off and Pick Up Zone.

Being our last newsletter for Term 3, I wish all families a happy and safe holiday break. School will resume for all students on Monday 14th October.

Justin Yeo

The St Matthews Way aims to articulate how we as a school community hope to be - both staff and students. Grounded in the example of our patron St Matthew and foundress Catherine McAuley, St Matthews Way challenges us to “be more” in the way we respond to Jesus.

Who was St Matthew? St Matthew is known for being one of the twelve apostles who started his life as a tax collector for the Roman Empire. Tax collectors were not always the most honest people and would often charge people more than was owed and pocket the difference for themselves. Despite this less than perfect start, Jesus called Matthew to something much bigger (Matthew 9:9-13). Matthew isn’t a saint because he was always a perfect person. He’s a Saint because he simply listened to Jesus, rose above the popular trends of his time, and had the courage to become the best person he could be. On the 21st of September the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of St Matthew. Our school will do so on the last day of term. This feast day and our celebration provides a timely reminder of us to acknowledge our call to be more each and every day. Here is a link from The Chosen re-enacting ‘The Call of St Matthew’.

Ross McKeown | Leader of Mission

Religious Education News

This term, Year Four has been learning about Mary, the mother of Jesus. They have explored the times Mary is mentioned in Scripture, as well as the prayers and feast days associated with Mary in the Church. Mostly, however, Year Four has been discussing Mary’s faithfulness, and the way that Mary listened and responded to God. St Matthew follows this example, in following the call of Jesus he responded in action to be more.

The students will further their study of Mary when they are in Year 6, learning about Mary and other women in the Church who have shown tremendous courage and faith in God.

Thank you to 4M for sharing some of their reflections and work about Mary. Keep up the good work Year Four!

Matthew Cassidy | Religious Education Coordinator

As part of our history unit, Year 5 attended an overnight excursion to Hill End. Amongst the excitement of the bus trip and sharing a cabin with their friends, students explored many aspects of the historical gold mining village. Ball Hill Underground Mine was a highlight, with gold panning following closely behind. Although we had some colder than expected temperatures, we rugged up and explored the village on a treasure hunt. 

Kerry, one of our guides, explained how gold is deposited and the geology and Chinese influence during the Golden Gully walk. The students were the most excited about the chance to look for quartz crystals. Some students were lucky enough to find quartz or flecks of gold. One even luckier student found the biggest gold nugget Renae (our gold panning expert) has seen from a school visit in 5 years! 

What a fantastic excursion!

Year 5 teachers

On Monday 16th September, Year 1 visited "Hands On Rock" and "The Drip" to enhance their learning about natural places and how people have a responsibility to preserve and care for these spaces.

Here are some recounts from a few students who attended, sharing some highlights and feelings about the day.

Year 1 Teachers

Join us for a Picnic on the Green!

St Matthews parents, friends and families are invited to participate in a casual afternoon of family fun and socialising at Craigmoor Wines.

When: Sunday 22nd September from 1pm-4pm
Where: Craigmoor Wines, Craigmoor Road Mudgee
Cost: Free

• BYO Picnic and blanket or chairs.
• Live Music and Lawn Games - Adults vs Kids Cricket Match
• Cellar door sales available on the day

We look forward to seeing you there!

St Matthews P&F

Liturgy celebrating our Patron St Matthews will commence at 12pm. All families are welcome to attend. 

Following the Liturgy, students will participate in Mission Frolic from 1pm. All families are welcome to attend.

Each class will host an activity to raise money for Catholic Mission. 

To minimise cash handling on the day, we will be using a prepaid system where students can pre-purchase tokens via Compass to use at stalls:

• Each activity/item will be sold in multiples of 50 cents (50c, $1.00,$1.50 etc.).
• Unused tokens will not be able to be refunded and this will be considered as a donation to Catholic Mission.
• Some events will also be free to allow for all students to participate.
• Families are required to purchase tokens via the parent portal before Wednesday 25th September.

Student can wear appropriate mufti clothing in a St Matthews Way Values colour: purple, green, yellow, red, blue or green

Sausage sandwiches will be available for purchase at a cost of $4, please ensure you purchase this through the event on the Compass Parent Portal.

Please register by email 

OCHS Team

Our school social media pages are an important source of information and reminders about upcoming events in our school and Parish community.

Term 3 - Week 9 and 10

The canteen will be running down our stock during week 9 and 10. Limits have been placed on menu items and once they become sold out, they will not be available again until Term 4. If you are planning on a lunch order for your child / ren during the last 2 weeks of school, please order early to avoid them missing out on their choice.

Last day of term (Mission Frolic): the canteen will be open at Break 1 only for over the counter sales (ie., snacks, drinks and frozen). No hot food or lunch orders on this day.

Breakfast Menu

Bought directly from the canteen with cash.

Must be ordered by 9am to allow enough time to cook & eat before school starts.

How to Cancel a Flexischools Order

• From the Order icon on the bottom navigation bar, select the student whose order you'd like to cancel.
• On the relevant order, select the ..... icon to expand the available options. From here, select "Cancel Order"
• Tap yes to confirm. Your order will be cancelled and the funds will be returned to your Flexischools wallet.

If you are unable to cancel an order, it may have already been processed by the Canteen Staff (order lables are printed each day at 9:05am) You will need to contact the school office and request the order is held for another day. Please do this as a matter of urgency.

• If hot food has been heated, we cannot keep this food for another day,it will be forfeited.
• If fresh food has been prepared, we can keep it until the following day unless it has been sent out in the lunch tub, in which case it will be forfeited.
• Any snacks and drink items can be provided on another day, providing they come back to the canteen (if they have gone out in the lunch tub)

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.

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

Parents and Carers of new or existing students enrolled in St Matthews can apply for free school bus travel with Ogden's Coaches for every route (except Botobolar and Cudgegong which is serviced by Booth's Bus Service)

• free school travel is available for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students no matter how close or far away they are from school.
• if students are not eligible for free bus transportation they can still ride on the bus by paying a fare or by purchasing a book of 10 tickets or a term/annual pass from the Ogden's Coaches office.
• students who changed address or schools must update existing details through the NSW Transport online portal
• if you are unsure whether or not your child has a current bus pass, please contact our office.
• to travel on our bus service, students must present their bus pass to the bus driver morning and afternoon.

Apply for student bus passes through the Ogden's Coaches website.

Select ‘Schools’ tab in top header then select ‘Apply for a New Pass'

Fill in the application form for each child and you will be notified of eligibility via email from Transport NSW. Bus passes will be distrubuted by post to students home address.

Ogden's Coaches - Mudgee

(02) 6372 2489