This week we had our second Whole School Assembly for the term. During this time we celebrated a wonderful swimming carnival, acknowledged the participants who earned ribbons and congratulated our Age Champions. There were academic awards presented to 10 students who gained either a merit, credit, distinction or  high distinction in the ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) awards - designed to challenge high-achieving students in years 7-9 in literacy and numeracy. To have so many of our students receiving recognition is a wonderful demonstration of those striving for excellence. We heard from Year 11 students who have just returned from camp, as well as from the Elective Commerce classes on their product challenge - I am really excited to hear the results of these experiments! We also welcomed Fr Cong who is introducing further opportunities for prayer at school. Again, the Assembly was a wonderful showcase of the opportunities our students have here at St Matthews, and the talented group of students we are privileged to guide and work with every day.

“you are capable of more than you think”

In my address I picked up on the theme of having the courage to try new things, and that success comes from effort, consistency and resilience - and not  from being the smartest, strongest or most talented. This message is aligned with the values of the St Matthews Way of striving for excellence, respecting yourself  and the courage to fail before finding success. A wonderful mantra to live life - ensuring every opportunity to fulfil one's potential is taken wholeheartedly to flourish - “being capable of more than you think”. This is also central to our Christian belief and responsibility to use our gifts to make a difference in our world.

A timely message too for our Year 12 students who enter into a two week exam block for their HSC half yearly tasks. We wish them all the best for their exams and will keep them in our prayers. 

Applying to University Twilight Parent Information Session

Thank you to all the families who attended our University information evening this week. We had a great number of parents who are about to start the university journey with their Year 12 students. Thank you to Mrs Tink for her continued work in this space. A reminder that UAC will open on 2 April and close on 30 September - 5 preferences (courses). UAC’s early entry pathway- Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) opens 2 April and closes 5 September. Don’t forget to apply directly to universities as well and to investigate their early entry schemes and scholarships - free money on offer.

7 - 10 Parent Teacher Interviews - Week 9 

A reminder that booking for the 7-10 Parent Teacher Interviews will close this Thursday at 8.30. Interviews scheduled for Week 9 - Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April. We have had a great number of families take the opportunity to meet teachers, discuss student progress, and set learning goals for 2025. I look forward to meeting up with many of you next week.

Open Day - Sunday 30 March 10am - 1pm

We are excited to host an Open Day on Sunday 30 March. All current and future families are welcome to explore our secondary campus by touring our facilities, hearing from our Executive Principal Angela Myles on a ‘St Matthews education’, meet current staff and students and enjoy different subject displays and demonstrations. Come along and see our latest additions - outdoor courts, our expanding agricultural precinct including cattle yards and our new undercover learning space. We look forward to opening our gates to you and your guests - spread the word!