A reminder that all families should have received an invitation to complete our Annual School Improvement Survey for 2024. 

The purpose of this survey is to provide all stakeholders in our school community with an opportunity to share feedback on the operation of our school. Your survey responses are collected, collated and used to provide us with information regarding where things are going well and to also identify areas where we may need to improve or develop. This is an important process that all schools in our Diocese participate in each year and data gathered via the survey is one of the things we use to guide our annual improvement plans for the following year. 

One of the challenges we have with this survey each year is that we generally only have a small proportion of our parent community complete the survey. This means that the data we receive does not provide an accurate reflection of our strengths and challenges. I would be incredibly grateful if all members of our school community could take time to complete this survey so that we can effectively use the information gathered to continue to grow and improve as a school community.

Access to the survey will close on Thursday 16th of May.

Michelle Mitchell is hosting a webinar - Parenting Teens: Staying Connected Through the Teen Years on 25 June from 7-8pm. Michelle is an author and speaker, sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens. She began as a classroom teacher but soon found a special interest in wellbeing. In 2000 she left teaching to establish a health promotion charity and psychology clinic which delivered life skills programs and psychological services to thousands of young people and their families each year. Today she uses her experience to write and speak in schools, community events and through media. The core of her work is helping parents be the trusted, leadership presence that their growing kids need.

As a parent, navigating a healthy relationship with webinar will offer parenting insights into the developing brain which will guide a discussion about effective communication, setting healthy boundaries, managing emotionally charged moments and championing strengths. The webinar will explore:

• The stages of development that all teenagers experience
• The role of the peer group and how to set realistic expectations
• Ways to maintain connection with teen who isn’t communicating
• Establishing fair, healthy boundaries and tips for saying no
• Managing mood swings and overwhelming emotions
• The role of purpose, passions, and opportunity
• What to do when they mess up
• Mental health, and when to access support

Click to register for Parenting Teens with Michelle Mitchell

God bless

Angela Myles | Executive Principal

Blessing and Official Opening of our Cattle Yards

Yesterday we celebrated the expansion of our agriculture precinct with the official blessing and opening of our cattle yards. This facility will be an amazing addition and allows our school to offer more programs and courses to our students passionate about agriculture. 2025 saw the introduction of the VET Primary Industries course being delivered in Year 11 as a part of students' HSC pattern of study. Agriculture remains a popular elective offering in Years 9 - 10 and with 2 unit Agriculture already well established in the suite of HSC courses offered at St Matthews - the expansion of the ‘Ag space’ delivers many more opportunities such as the ‘Hoof to Hook’ competition, and participation in local shows, and in the future the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The possibilities are endless as Fr Owen pointed out during the blessing with visions of chooks, goats and yabbies in the dam! Thank you to the CEDB for funding and supporting our VET programs, the acquisition of the cattle yards and tractor; to Tim & Peyton Cheetham and Sarah and Mitch from Moondoogundi Charolais for supporting the program with cattle; to Fr Owen for a beautiful blessing ceremony; to invited guests - including our inaugural Primary Industries class for their attendance and to Matt from Feather & Birch for the beautiful photos. A special mention to Mr Barry Neaverson- Smith our TAS Leader of Learning and to our passionate staff Kimberly White and Judith Rohr and Ag Assistant Katie Doherty and Annette White. Without their vision, passion and hard work this would not be possible for our students.

2026 Year 7 Enrolment Timeline

On Wednesday night we hosted our 2026 Year 7 Enrolment Information Session. We had a great number of current Year 6 St Matthews families and new families attend to explore what a St Matthews Catholic School education can offer. If you know a family considering their options for 2026 please invite them to contact our school office for enrollment details - the attached flyer is a timeline of key enrollment dates. Please note current St Matthews Year 6 students do not need to complete the enrolment forms - they are only required to complete the 2026 Intention form sent to all families in Term 1 Week One.

Anzac Day March

We were blessed to have so many of our leaders and students from K - 12 participate in the ANZAC Day March and wreath laying ceremony. This is an extremely important day on the calendar, to stop and reflect on the sacrifices our service men and women have made for us both in the past, but also now - so we can enjoy the freedoms we do today. Lest we Forget.

Blaney McCarthy-English | Head of Campus - Secondary

St Matthews Way Value: Term 2

This term, we are invited to respond to the call to grow in resilience—qualities that help us face challenges with courage and determination. As we journey through the weeks ahead, we reflect on the question:

How can I step out of my comfort zone to live like Jesus—caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, and showing kindness to all?

Jesus not only lived a life of service and compassion, but also taught his disciples to do the same. As a community, we are encouraged to follow his example in our words, actions, and relationships—seeking ways to serve others and make a difference.

Let this term be a time of growth in faith, strength in character, and love in action.

Holy Week Liturgy

Our Holy Week prayer service offered a meaningful reflection on the Stations of the Cross, using images from the beautifully crafted stations at our own St Mary’s Church. The service concluded with a stunning liturgical dance—a moving and prayerful expression of our faith. Congratulations to Miss Van Raad and all the talented dancers for their inspiring contribution.

Project Compassion: Wrap Up

Last term, we held a ‘longest line of coins’ fundraiser for Project Compassion. Students were invited to bring in as many coins as they could and lined them up in their Houses during Tutor Group. We were overwhelmed with the support from our students, with O’Connor raising $50.65, Ozanam raising $63.45, MacKillop raising $71.25 and Romero winning, raising an outstanding $113.35. All of these funds went into our donations to Caritas’ Project Compassion, making our grand total of money raised $3598.42. Thanks to the support of the school community, the lives of those less fortunate will be changed immensely.

Click on the link below to read a thank you from Toefuata-iga

https://www.caritas.org.au/media/tkwctdpf/thank-you-from-toefuata-iga.pdf

 

Easter Art Awards

Congratulations to Mrs Burton and her talented team of artists for their exceptional achievements in the Diocesan Easter Art Competition!

We are proud to announce that the following students received awards across a range of categories:

• Mabel Keightley
  
  
• Ebony Langley
  
  
• Dusty May
  
  
• Lily Clift
  
  
• Chloe Mini
  
  
• Jack Walker
  
  
• Bessie Nicholson
  
  

Well done to all on this wonderful recognition of your creativity and hard work!

   

Term 2 Masses

Date	Year Group	Time	Location
Wednesday 7th May	11	10:40am	Secondary School Chapel
Wednesday 14th May	10	10:40am	Secondary School Chapel
Wednesday 28th May	8	10:40am	Secondary School Chapel
Wednesday 4th June	9	10:40am	Secondary School Chapel
Wednesday 11th June	7	10:40am	Secondary School Chapel
Wednesday 25th June	12 - Prayer Partners	10:40am	St Mary’s Parish

 

Term 2 Sacred Adoration

Each Wednesday during first break, students are warmly invited to join Fr Cong for a time of sacred adoration in the chapel.

 

St Mary’s Mudgee Mass Times

Please click HERE to access the Mass times at St Mary’s Parish.

 

In Loving Memory of Pope Francis

With deep sadness, we join the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble and courageous servant of God. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis inspired the world with his message of mercy, simplicity, and care for the poor and the planet. His life was a powerful witness to the Gospel, calling us all to live with compassion, justice, and love.

We give thanks for his leadership, his faith, and his deep commitment to building a Church that welcomes all. We keep him in our prayers, and we pray for the Church as it enters this time of mourning and transition.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen.

Girlhood - A live Seminar event with Maggie Dent

Dillon Price | Leader of Wellbeing

All Hallows Year 7 2026 visit

We had a wonderful time visiting All Hallows, Gulgong, to talk with the current year 6 students on all things Orientation for St Matthews, 2026. A big thank you to Georgia and Will for coming to speak to the students about all of their favourite things about St Matthews.

Yr 12 University applications

During week 1, our year 12 students participated in an information session that focussed on University Applications. Further information is available on the Year 12 student administration classroom.

The following is an instructional video on how to apply. There are lots of resources available on the UAC website.

UAC- How to apply to University

Upcoming events

• UOW St Matthews visit- Monday 16th June
• Try a Trade day year 10 students- Tuesday 20th May
• Sydney Careers Expo- Year 10 Thursday 26th June
• Careers week- Week 5- 26th- 30th May

CSU- Health and Community Services Explore Day in Orange

Registrations are open for Health and Community Services Explore Day in Orange, on Tuesday 13 May 2025. Places are limited and they are filling up quickly so if you haven’t already, please register to avoid missing out.

Workshops will focus on medicine, exercise and sports science, nursing, paramedicine, pathology, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology, First Nations Success and social work and human services.

When: Tuesday 13 May 2025

Time: 9.15am–2.30pm

Where: Charles Sturt University, Orange campus

Each student will need to register individually at:

Explore day link

Registration Link

Defence Careers Information Session

Learn more about Australian Defence Force (ADF) roles available in the Navy, Army and Air Force by attending the upcoming information session happening on:

• Date: Monday 19 May 2025
• Time: 6pm to 8pm approx.
• Venue: Club Mudgee 99 Mortimer Street Mudgee NSW 2850

This information session will be hosted by current serving military personnel who understand the Defence application process and can answer your questions.  If you would like to attend and learn more about the ADF and the 200+ roles on offer, please follow the link and register your interest

ADF Careers - Mudgee Defence Careers Information Session

Work Experience

During week 9, all students from year 10 took part in a Work Experience Program at school. Here they learnt about the options available to participate in Work Experience through St Matthews.

Points to consider:

• The Diocese does not allow working with large animals
• You may only do one work experience placement per term (1 week), with each term requiring a different workplace
• There are additional documents that need to be completed if you are working around small animals, mine sites, machinery or overnight stays
• If working on a job site, the student may require a White Card which will need to be completed prior to work experience
• Work Experience is a privilege. Student application at school is a prerequisite
• Completed forms must be returned 2 weeks prior to placement commencing

We encourage you to discuss Work Experience places with your child. Further information can be found on the Year 10 Administration classroom. It is the students responsibility to speak to Mrs Tink about Work Experience in her office during break times only to discuss options and collect required forms.

University of Newcastle | Parents and Carers Info Session - Mudgee NSW

Thursday 22 May 2025: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

If you have a child who is currently completing Year 12, the UON invite you to join them at our Parents and Carers Info Session on Thursday 22 May at the Country Universities Centre, Mudgee.

Parents and Carers will have the opportunity to hear from knowledgeable university staff and current students, covering a range of different topics to assist you in supporting your child through their transition from high school to university including:

• Everything you need to know about entry schemes and pathways to university, including our Early Entry Program
• How to best support your child through the HSC as well as tips for managing wellbeing and stress
• Have the chance to speak to current University of Newcastle Student Ambassadors about their first-hand experience transitioning from school to university, student life, support services and much more

You’ll also have the chance to speak one-on-one with our friendly teams to ensure you walk away feeling confident and informed.

When you 'Reserve a spot' - Confirmation and reminder emails will be sent directly to you https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/university-of-newcastle-parents-and-carers-info-session-mudgee-nsw-tickets-1300276585269?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Jacinda Tink | Transition Coordinator 

In Term 1, Year 11 Advanced English began their senior studies with the module ‘Reading to Write’, exploring what makes a successful writer while developing their own voice as emerging writers. The following piece, written by Wynne Gutierrez, was inspired by a monologue titled ‘Nan’s Story’ written by Deb Mailman and is an example of a non-fiction monologue exploring the notion of home. 

Mrs Skinner | Advanced English teacher

I’m Home

The performing area is filled with street vendors and the smell of the smothering smoke from the jeepneys and tricycles (traditional Filipino modes of transport), adds to the crowded manner of the road side market. 

The breeze of the humid air touching my Morena skin, the smell of the unique range of street food, the sound of the chattering babble of the Filipinos, the sightseeing jungle of public transport going past the vivid hues of tropical fruits sold by street vendors. Wow, I am really back. The Philippines. My home. As I stepped into the palengke (Filipino market), the smell of the fresh meat and fish layered on the tables gave me a nostalgic feel. (the actor showcases a wide smile pairing with a sigh)

I didn’t even mind the smell like I know most people would. All I could think of were the times that my dad used to take me with him, carrying me on his shoulders while picking out fresh fruits and vegetables. Back in Australia, my family and I didn’t exactly feel left out, but we didn’t fit in either. In every Aussie restaurant, the most popular dish consisted of meat tanned with hints of charcoal and drippings of oil. And maybe a beer or two. But here in my home, everyone is united with rice! Rice is paired with everything. Breakfast? Fried rice with egg and hotdog. Lunch? Rice with Beef Adobo (braised beef) or Sinigang (sour broth). Snack? Sticky rice with crumbly toppings of brown sugar and coconut. Dinner? Rice with Kare-Kare (peanut stew). My favourite. 

Before we moved, I remember my Lola used to always fill up my ‘Hello Kitty’ lunchbox with homemade dishes. It used to always take over the whole kitchen til it made its way to my room, waking me up just in time for school. I miss my Lola. I hope she’s doing great. (The actor looks up above the stage, clouds illuminating through the stage’s screen.) I'll always include her recipes in my cooking, as if I’m reliving that treasured memory over and over again. 

I know that I already had a lot to say about my country. But I haven’t mentioned the part that is forever prolonged within oneself. The part where nostalgia abruptly hits a replay button, showing a film full of my vivid and bittersweet memories as a child. It allowed me to reminisce about the journeys, hardships and lessons that helped shape me as a person. (“Ang Huling El Bimbo” by Eraserheads starts playing in the background.) 

Well, enough to say that I am someone who takes pride in my culture, someone that is confident to say that I am a proud Filipino. (the actor places their right hand on their heart, representing a common Filipino’s gesture.) 

By Wynne Gutierrez

This term, the Year 11 Drama class are preparing a production of Hitler’s Daughter as part of their topic ‘Elements of Production in Performance’. Students have been cast in an acting role as well as a production role. We look forward to performing for the St Matthews community on Thursday 26th June in the Secondary Hall at 6pm. 

Sam + Lighting Designer…………………………………………………Maddie Seis

Anna + Dramaturg…………………………………………………………Scarlett McAuliffe

Tracey + Lighting Designer……………………………………………….Ellie Richardson

Mum + Sound/Multimedia Designer………………………………..……Angel Lillis

Mr McDonald/Frau Lieb + Backstage Crew……………………….……Bronte Meers

Ben/Dad + Set/Prop Designer…………………………………………....Connor Mayson

Frau Mundt/Driver/Mrs Latter + Costume/Makeup Designer………….Lacey Malone

Fraulein Gelber + Production Assistant………………………………….Addison Holt

Soldier + Director’s Assistant……………………………………………..Billy Watson

Mrs Skinner | Drama Teacher

Chess Club

Chess club has started every Tuesday at break 1 in the Learning Resource Centre. The Chess Club welcomes players of all skill levels — from total beginners to grandmaster hopefuls! It gives students opportunities to learn new tactics, play friendly matches, and compete in tournaments. The students have been enjoying the challenge.

Wordle of the week

Wordle of the week competition has started for the month of May. Each week, students put their word skills to the test in a fun and friendly challenge. It’s quick, addictive, and great for:

 ✅ Building vocabulary
 ✅ Boosting critical thinking
 ✅ Sharpening problem-solving skills
 ✅ Encouraging healthy competition
 ✅ Taking a mindful break from study

Students who have entered the most correct wordle puzzles at the end of May will win a prize.

Please find attached information for families about the upcoming Year 7 & 10 vaccinations on Tuesday 13 May. 

You are able to give online consent (the instructions and link are attached).  

Please feel free to contact the secondary school office if you have any enquiries.

Helen Holgate | Head of Campus Assistant - Secondary

Secondary School Photos will be on Wednesday 14th May 2025

Please find below instructions for booking school photos. A small number of envelopes will be available from the school office for those families who are unable to purchase online.

We are pleased to once again offer sibling photos for families with children at both campuses. The cut off for sibling photos will be 12 midnight Monday 12th May.

At St Matthews, we take great pride in our school and the appearance of our students, and we insist that the uniform is neat and tidy. Full winter uniform must be worn, no sports uniform. Winter shirts should be tucked in and ties properly done up. A reminder that our Uniform Shop is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school term for any items you may need.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Helen Holgate | Head of Campus Assistant - Secondary 

Welcome back for Term 2!

Flexi Schools is the preferred method for lunch ordering in our school to ensure your childs lunch is available, as we only have limited quantities for sale over the counter. The cut-off time is 9am, orders can be placed the night before or even days in advance.

How to set up your Flexischools account

A reminder that ALL students must update their year in Flexischools when placing your lunch order. This makes the process much quicker for order delivery if this can be done please.

Please contact me via the office if you have any queries regarding the canteen.

Mary Holdsworth | Canteen Manager Secondary

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 by email

Ally Lusty | Uniform Shop Manager