I read an article recently from parenting expert, Michael Grose where he spoke about two qualities that parents need in 2025 and beyond. Things were very different when my parents were raising their family. Arguably, life was slower and somewhat simpler. In his article, Michael suggests that family life today is significantly more challenging and that, therefore, additional qualities are needed from us as parents in a world dominated by social media, artificial intelligence and unprecedented change. These additional qualities, he says, are Curiosity and Courage.

Michael urges us to stay engaged and interested in the ever evolving world of our children. Showing genuine interest in their world, from their school day to their sports and other activities is a powerful way to build connection. Knowing we are genuinely curious makes it easier for your child to open up about their triumphs and challenges. To do this he suggests we practice asking ‘smart questions’ that move beyond a generic “How was school?” which often results in a one word response. Questions can, instead, be specific. For example, instead of asking “What did you do today?” you can try asking , “What was the most interesting thing you learned in class today?” or “who did you play with at recess?” We can also aim for open ended questions that invite more than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response. Questions like “What was challenging about training today?” or “Tell me about the story you are reading” encourage them to elaborate and share more details about their experiences.

Secondly, Michael challenges us to make courage our compass by being willing to make tough decisions, set boundaries and allow our children to struggle and fail. He also speaks about the importance of taking opportunities to model vulnerability and imperfection ourselves. All of this can certainly be difficult at times, but they are all things that are essential to helping our children learn, grow and become the best people they can be.

If you would like to read more of Michael’s tips you can check out his blog articles.

God bless
Angela Myles

Why R U OK? Day matters at St Matthews

At St Matthews, we believe that everyone should feel safe and supported in discussing their mental health concerns. R U OK? Day provides us with a wonderful opportunity to reinforce this commitment and promote a healthy, caring, and inclusive environment for all.

R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life. You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.

We will communicate using these four steps to have a conversation that could change a life:

St Matthews Uniform

Our uniform dress code reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instills recognition of themselves as an integral part of the school community, and assists in developing pride in representing their school. Issues of equality, health and safety, and financial constraints are also factors that contribute to the establishment of the Dress Code.

A few reminders for our families includes:

• The Dress Code applies during school hours, while travelling to and from school, and when students are on school excursions and activities.
• Female students may wear one pair of small, simple stud earrings or sleepers (one per earlobe).
• Makeup, cosmetics, nail polish and false nails are not permitted. Hair accessories must be simple and in school colours only.
• The only hats that are acceptable are the St Matthews school hats available at the Midford Uniform Shop. Consistent with our Sunsmart Policy, hats must be worn outside at all times.
• Shoes should be black, polishable, traditional style lace up with a moderate heel. Infants students may wear velcro fastened shoes. Joggers may be worn only with the sports uniform
• Repeated breaches of the Uniform Policy may result in exclusion from school activities and/or representative opportunities for students.

Justin Yeo

Year 2 Reconciliation Formation Day

As Year 2 is currently focusing on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Recently they participated in a session to enhance their understanding and allow families the opportunity to experience the meaning of reconciliation and its meaning and consolidate their relationships with God and others. There was also the opportunity for families to share lunch together.

First Holy Communion Journey

Christmas Art

Our Christmas art students displayed incredible creativity and dedication, producing works that brought the season to life. Congratulations to our in-house winners, recognised through both Staff Choice and Students’ Choice awards. The whole process celebrates talent, effort, and the joy of artistic expression. Further information including winners of the Diocesan Exhibition and artworks will be shared after the Awards day in Bathurst.

Malia Behn: Students Choice

Ross McKeown | Leader of Mission

Heidi competed at the NSWPSSA Football Championships in Ballina.

Ella was selected for the NSW Primary Touch Team after being chosen from the PSSA Carnival last week in Dubbo, where her Polding Team finished 3rd in the state. 

Angus has been selected in seven Polding representative teams so far in 2025, including recently Golf. Your talent, dedication, and determination are great to see. As a school community, we are proud of your hard work and commitment. What an outstanding accomplishment to celebrate!

Peta Swain | K-6 Sport Coordinator

A Day of Stories, Smiles, and Sporting Stars

Our annual Book Character Parade was a huge success again in 2025, bringing stories to life in the most colourful, creative, and exciting ways! Students and staff embraced the spirit of reading, arriving in a spectacular array of costumes inspired by their favourite book characters—from classic fairytales to contemporary adventures.

But this year’s event had an extra special highlight—a visit from the Penrith Panthers! The excitement reached new heights when Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo read aloud a heartwarming story called “The Wobbly Bike.” The book’s message of resilience and confidence resonated strongly with our young readers, many of whom gathered eagerly to listen and learn. The players took time to speak with students about the importance of school, living a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy food.

The visit reinforced the idea that reading isn't just for the classroom—it’s for everyone, including our sporting heroes!

We extend a huge thank you to the Penrith Panthers for making this year’s Book Character Parade one to remember. It was a joyful reminder of the power of stories to bring people together—from students and teachers to footy stars! Thank you to all who made the day the success it was.

Annie Mort & Carina Swords | Libriarians 

Last Tuesday, thirty one students from our Creative Arts Club delivered their prepared Drama performances to school classes and parents in the Drama Room.
The Year 3 to 6 students have been spending their spare time each Wednesday since Term 2 collaborating in small groups to create and rehearse drama items that incorporate either funny movie scripts or mime. With their black clothes, white gloves and energetic backing tracks, the students displayed courage, energy and skillfulness in entertaining a number of groups during the middle session.

A huge thank you to the families for their support in helping these talented students perform for our enjoyment. Thanks also go out to our teachers and students who gave up their valuable time. Congratulations Creative Arts Club students for another stellar performance.

Watch out everyone! A Just Dance Competition for Years 2-6 students has now begun in the Creative Arts Club and awesome prizes are up for grabs for the end of Term 3 and the beginning of Term 4. So get your friends together and come along each Wednesday before school and Break 2 to show us your moves.

Mr John Freebody and Mrs Katana O’Sullivan | CAC Teachers

Elective Drama students are busily preparing for their upcoming class production of Stories in the Dark by Debra Oswald.

Kirsty Skinner | Drama Teacher

RISE 2025 is coming up soon!

Here’s all you need to know:

When: 2-3 October 2025 (starting October 1 for the RISEN Team)

Where: Ridgecrest Christian Education & Convention Centre (621 The Circle Road, Mumbil NSW 2820)

Who: Youth in Years 6–9 (Youth in Years 10–12 can join as team members)

Cost: $139 per participant

What: A dynamic youth festival filled with games, music, workshops, and opportunities to encounter Jesus.

Register here

Natalia Pucheu | RISE DeoQuest (Diocese of Bathurst, Chancery Office)

The beginning and end of the school day are busy times for pedestrians and vehicles outside schools. Parking signs are planned with your child's safety in mind.

You should always:

• park legally
• avoid dangerous manoeuvers such as U-turns and three-point turns
• give way to pedestrians, particularly when entering or exiting driveways
• avoid parking in the school bus bay

Drop off:

• make sure your child uses the Safety Door (rear kerb-side door) to get in and out of the car.
• parents and guardians remain in their cars at all times, no exceptions.
• if your child needs help entering or exiting the car, please park and support them away from the zone in front of the school.

Pick up:

• Cars should not be parked in the pick up zone until children are ready to be collected at the end of the day. This means that arriving at 3pm and waiting in the queue until your child arrives 15 mins later is not an option.
• Our advice to all families is to wait until 3:15pm or later to enter the pick up zone. That allows time for students to leave classrooms and make their way to the front of the school.
• If you are waiting for your child for 2 mins or more, you will need to lap around and join the queue again.
• If your child requires some support getting into and out of the car, staff are available to assist, or you may want to consider the option of parking elsewhere and walking to meet them at the gate instead.
• Have your family name card clearly displayed on your windscreen.

Please note - The fine for stopping in this zone for more than 2 minutes is $227 and the driver also incurs 2 demerit points.

A healthy lunch can help your child have plenty of energy to learn and play during the day. Packing your child’s lunchbox with healthy foods, including vegetables and fruits, can help kids to learn better, concentrate for longer, and enjoy playtime with their friends.

Filling your child’s lunchbox with foods from the 5 food groups can help them stay healthy and do their best at school. Here are some examples of lunchbox friendly foods. Don’t forget to include a bottle of water!

Weekly Menu Planner

Healthy Recipes

NSW Goverment | Healthy Eating, Active Living

Breakfast: Over the Counter

Lunch Orders

Flexischools is St Matthews Catholic Schools preferred way to order from our canteens. 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

Please let your child know if they are having a lunch order and what they are having. Some of our younger students are accidently throwing out their “tokens”. They need the token to redeem any frozen item/slushie/special item that may have been ordered for them.

• 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.

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

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)

Alicia Cowden | Primary Canteen Manager

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.

As a part of our biannual pricing review, uniform items will have a 2% price increase, rounded up to the nearest dollar.

St Matthews uniform pricing from Term 4:

If you have any queries please contact the uniform shop directly:
Phone: 0439 442 509 or by email

Katie Ruth | Uniform Shop Manager