Welcome Back to Term 3

Welcome back to all students and families to Term 3. I trust that everyone was able to have a good rest and have returned refreshed ready to take advantage of the many opportunities on offer throughout the term. Already we have had students represent St Matthews in Orange at the Dio Netball Gala day - a full report by Mrs Elston and Mrs Johnston is in the sport section of this newsletter.

Student Attendance, Uniform and Punctuality

Uniform - We would like to remind all families of our expectations, not only for the start of term, but also throughout the school year surrounding our uniform. Last year we completed a comprehensive uniform review and made some adjustments based on feedback from all stakeholders. Our high expectations on uniform including jewelry, make up and hair remains. We thank those students who consistently wear their uniform with pride, maintaining the high standard and representing themselves and our school well. I appreciate it’s easy for ‘holiday mode’ to slip into school term but ask that all families review their students uniform (length of skirt for girls), a reminder that the wearing of jewelry, make up, false eye lashes and nails are not permitted in term time, and please check that hair styles are compliant. We ask for your support, and be confident that the uniform policy is being upheld by your child. A reminder that the Year 12 school jersey is only allowed to be worn on  Fridays. It can however be worn throughout the Trial examinations.

Attendance - The importance of regularly attending school and being in class is paramount for improved student learning - “Every day counts”. Being this time of year we expect absenteeism to be increased, but do ask that generally students are supported to come to school to engage in the structure, academic and social benefits of regular attendance.

Punctuality & leaving early - A reminder that the school bell in the morning rings at 8.50. All students are expected to be on school grounds BEFORE this time enabling them to proceed to class on the first bell. Students arriving late cause disruptions to the start of the lesson and to everyone’s learning. Please work with us to support all students to arrive at school on time ready for the start of Period 1.

Similarly, it is very disruptive when students leave class early. It is understandable for students to leave when they have an appointment - but we remind families to please make a note of this in their diary, allowing their class teacher to dismiss them without the front office having to ring through to classes disrupting the lesson.

Introduction of Semester 1 Academic Awards

In our commitment to ‘Strive for Excellence’ we will formally acknowledge the students who performed exceptionally well in Semester 1. It is important to celebrate these achievements two fold. One, to recognise excellence in the recipients, but secondly, to remind and motivate all students to continually strive for high standards. Students will be recognised during our whole school assembly in Week 3. Our Leader of Teaching and Learning Mrs Cecilia Swift will notify parents of the students receiving an ‘Award of Excellence’, and invite them to the assembly.

Year 12 Night Study Returns

Our Year 12 students have ‘hit the ground running’ with formal coursework coming to an end as they prepare for their upcoming HSC Trial examinations starting in Week 4. Many classes are completing coursework and content and are engaging in revision and exam technique sessions. I am pleased to report that we are offering ‘Night Study’ sessions to our Year 12 students 3 nights a week to help support some structured, quiet study. Already a great number of students have registered for these sessions. A letter was sent home on 3 July to families, and a reminder email on 25 July to be clear on the expectations around our Night Study program. Families of Year 12 students are asked to read the letter and encourage students to participate where possible.

We wish all our Year 12 students all the best in their preparations for the HSC Trial examinations (held at our Primary campus) and look forward to seeing them back at the Secondary campus in Week 6.

Year 11 Leadership Day and Student Leadership Process

As you are aware 2026 will be our first year of moving into our new Student Leadership structure of having all student leaders in Year 12, and removing prefects with a more expansive House Captain portfolio.

The Leadership Process is below for your attention.

Welcome to our ‘Exchange Students’ Ernestina & Jade

We warmly welcome Ernestina and Jade into Year 11. Both students are on ‘exchange’ from Argentina and France respectively. The girls will be with us for 5 weeks and we hope they enjoy their time at St Matthews, Mudgee and Australia. We are grateful to the host families - the Weaver’s and Burgoyne’s for providing them with this wonderful opportunity - and by extension our students who have exposure to different cultures and new friends!

‘Exchange students’ Jade & Ernestina

Year 11 welcome Jade & Ernestina

Blaney McCarthy-English | Head of Campus - Secondary