Across last weekend and this week, 41 St Matthews students received the Sacrament of Confirmation during very special masses at St Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church. The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the initiation sacraments in the Catholic faith, along with Baptism and Eucharist.

When we are baptised, Catholics believe that we receive seven special gifts from the Holy Spirit, and these gifts are strengthened within us at Confirmation. We believe that these seven gifts help us as we come to see and understand the way God is constantly working in our lives. Life presents us all with many challenges, but the knowledge that we have the Spirit to guide and help us can be a wonderful source of courage and strength.

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are:

1. Wisdom: this gift helps us to think deeply about a situation, conflict, or experience and see things more clearly - the way God sees them
2. Understanding: this gift helps us to experience a more compassionate awareness of what others think and feel
3. Right Judgment: the gift of right judgment, helps us to make good decisions based on what is right and wrong
4. Courage: with the gift of courage, we experience the strength to overcome our fears
5. Knowledge: this gift helps us to make good decisions based on the information we have at hand
6. Reverence: With the gift of reverence, we can worship God and prayer more meaningfully.
7. Wonder and Awe: the Holy Spirit enables us to be in wonder and awe of God’s creation and of our relationship with him.

I think all of us can easily imagine how the presence of these gifts might better equip us to live life to the fullest. I pray that the young people who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last week will know that they are deeply loved by God and that they will always have the Holy Spirit to help them as they journey through the ups and downs of life.

God bless
Angela Myles

Parent Teacher Interviews

Our parent/teacher Interviews for primary students will be held next week, Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July. These interviews provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher and to set goals for Semester 2. The portal to make bookings on Compass is now open and we ask parents to book an appointment with classroom teachers this week as we close off access this Sunday at 7pm.

Student Reports

Prior to interviews, on Monday 30th June, individual student reports will be uploaded to Compass for families to access. The timing allows families and teachers to discuss the strengths and areas for development across all 7 Key Learning Areas. The following table explains the grades and descriptors students from Years 1 to 6 are measured against throughout Semester 1.

NSW Primary Schools Chess Competition

St Matthews registered 2 teams to compete in the NSW Primary Schools Chess Competition last Friday in Gulgong. We were up against 22 other teams from all primary schools in the Mid-Western area, which saw each student play 7 rounds of chess. From the round games, I congratulate both our A and B teams on their effort, skills, and wonderful behaviour representing our school. Team A was placed 1st overall and will progress to the Regional Finals. Team B also performed impressively, placing 3rd.

On behalf of the boys, we thank Principal David Lewis and his staff from Gulgong Public School for the organisation of a successful day of chess. It was a wonderful opportunity for the 96 students in attendance to showcase their chess skills and build relationships with many other students from our surrounding schools.

Justin Yeo

Confirmation

Our Primary school community would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to all the young people who received the Sacrament of Confirmation over the weekend in our Parish of St Mary’s. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen them all as they grow in faith, love, and service. We pray that your journey with Christ deepens and inspires you to live out your faith with courage and joy. Bishop Michael spoke about Saint Mary MacKillop, who was chosen as a namesake by some students, and encouraged us all, as a faith community, to use our gifts to do what needs to be done.

This concludes their journey, which began with the parent sessions in March, continued through the school Religious Education Unit of Work, and culminated in their retreat last week.

Farewell Fr Owen

We farewell Fr Owen, who has been a light for our school and parish—kind, insightful, and always happy to greet every student with warmth and joy. We are grateful for his presence and guidance. We wish him all the best in his new Parish of Oberon and would like to thank him for his past seven years of service.

Upcoming Feast Days

Online Safety

The young people in our care are growing up in an increasingly online world, an environment that many of their carers are not as familiar or comfortable with. Over the next little while, we hope to share some links and resources that parents and carers might find useful in navigating this tricky aspect of raising young people to be safe and respectful citizens online.

The eSafety Commissioner is the government resource for online safety and has helpful resources for parents, children and educators.

Online safety basics for parents

Parent Resources

Ten Ways to Shift an Anxious Child’s Mood

Much like educators, parents having a toolbox of strategies to assist children when they are struggling with something is very important. Parent educator Michael Grose shares some strategies for helping parents shift an anxious child's mood.

Attendance Matters

Matthew Cassidy | Primary Wellbeing Officer

Primary Athletics Carnival

The fog finally lifted, and the sun pushed through, making our carnival a fantastic day!

A huge thank you to all our parent helpers, high school students, and staff. The day ran seamlessly, with students transitioning smoothly between activities, giving their absolute best, and cheering each other on. It was wonderful to see such strong participation and tremendous sportsmanship on display.

Well done to everyone!

Peta Swain | K-6 Sports Coordinator

Our Library Monitors for 2025 received their library monitors badges at assembly recently. The monitors have put in a lot of effort into their training each lunchtime and they have worked really hard to pick up all the new skills required to carry out their leadership roles.

These students have worked hard so far and will have their work cut out for them going into the future. Our busy and dynamic library continues to grow and as it does it requires constant energy and work. Congratulations to our 2025 Library Monitors.

Annie Mort & Carina Swords | Libriarians 

Our budding authors have been busy crafting imaginative stories during our "WriteOn Competition" workshops over the past few weeks with Mrs. Harris.

From brainstorming bold ideas to building characters and polishing their final pieces, our students in Years 1-6 have truly embraced the art of storytelling.

We look forward to sharing with our community the diverse and engaging writing that has been crafted during this process. Students who are interested in developing the craft of writing can join Mrs. Harris and the 'Write Now Crew" each Friday at second break.

Kate Harris | Year 3 Teacher

As part of our Geography unit exploring the vital role of volunteers in our community, Year 4 had the privilege of hosting a special visit from the VRA Rescue NSW (Mudgee Squad). The visit was expertly facilitated by Geoff Hawes, a dedicated volunteer with over 50 years of service, and six active squad members (Anthony Stewart, Wayne Tsipouras, Gwendy Cooper, Kim Hines, Peter Chapman and Adam Newton). These volunteers generously gave their time to share their expertise and experience with our students.

Curious minds were captivated as they explored the Rescue truck and learned about the wide range of tools used in emergencies, particularly those designed to assist in the extrication of trapped persons from vehicular accidents. Learning was brought to life in a dynamic and memorable way with hands-on demonstrations, including line searches, the use of the Stokes litter, and the impressive lifting capabilities of the vortex.

Throughout the session, students demonstrated curiosity and engagement, asking thoughtful and relevant questions about the squad’s operations and the importance of volunteering. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world action and to highlight the critical role that volunteers have in maintaining the safety and well-being of our communities.

We extend our sincere thanks to Geoff and the entire VRA team—not only for their tireless service but also for inspiring the next generation of community-minded citizens.

Year 4 Teachers

Last Friday, Year 5 headed off on the bus for an exciting visit to Ferntree Gully, linked to our geography unit on natural environments. After a chilly, foggy start to the morning, we arrived to clear blue skies and perfect walking weather.

The students completed a long scenic walk through the bushland while exploring the beautiful natural environment. The speedsters at the front debated over the possibility of the hike being a mountain bike track, gasping at how 'sick' and 'cool' it was. Those at the back of the line peacefully enjoyed the tranquilly and stunning beauty the gully had to offer.

After stopping for a well-earned lunch, Mrs. Hunt and Mrs. Jenkins took a group of eager students on an additional short walk, while the remaining students stayed behind with Mrs. Swain and Mrs. Smeallie to enjoy a fun and competitive game of UNO.

It was a wonderful day filled with laughter, fresh air, and lasting memories!

Peta Swain, Mell Hunt, Kate Smeallie | Year 5 Teachers

Students are invited to take part in the Winter Warmers Mufti Day by wearing cosy winter clothing – in exchange for a gold coin or donating similar warm items of good quality to Vinnies.

Please note that cosy winter clothing does not include pyjamas!

All donations will go directly to Vinnies, firstly in our community, then further afield, to help.

Ross McKeown | Leader of Mission

Kindergarten 2026 and Year 7 2026 enrolment applications are due on Friday 27 June

For more information, please call St Matthews OSCH on 0492 802 671

Have you heard of Connect@home? Many haven’t – but once discovered, it quickly becomes a treasured part of the day.

One parishioner recently shared:

“I now receive it and read it daily. I am most impressed by the short reflections written by our clergy. They are brief, to the point, and thought‑provoking… Connect@home has been a best‑kept secret – I can't ever recall reading about it in a Church bulletin.”

Connect@home is a daily email from the Diocese of Bathurst offering a short, meaningful reflection written by local clergy. It’s especially appreciated by those who may not be able to attend Mass regularly but still want to stay connected with the faith community.

Whether you're housebound, busy with life, or simply looking for a moment of spiritual reflection – Connect@home is for you. Sign up today 

Let’s spread the word – it’s time this “best‑kept secret” became well known!

Students are looking forward to performing for an audience of family, friends and the wider community. Kids 10+ due to some war references and allusions to a bombing/soldier dying.

Kirsty Skinner | Leader of Learning CAPA

NAIDOC Week is an annual event held in July (6th - 13th July), celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for this year's event is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy. 

In our local community a variety of activities have been organised by the Mid-Western Regional Council:

CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT WALK
Date: Saturday, 5 July | 11am - 2pm
Venue:People’s Park from Wynella Street, Gulgong
Light refreshments provided

PAT COLLINS FIRST AID WORKSHOPS - WITH NATIVE PLANTS
Date: Sunday, 6 July | 10am - 4pm
Venue: NEWCo, Kandos

YOUTH WORKSHOP - SHAPE AND DECORATE CLAPPING STICKS
Date: Tuesday, 8 July | 9am - 12pm
Venue: NEWCo, Kandos
Light refreshments provided

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING - 'MORE THAN A FISH KILL'
Date: Wednesday, 9 July |6pm
Venue: NEWCo, Kandos
Light refreshments provided

NAIDOC WEEK FLAG RAISING
Date: Thursday, 10 July | 10am
Venue: Kandos Museum
Light refreshments provided

CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT WALK
Date: Thursday, 10 July |11am - 2pm
Venue: Putta Bucca Wetlands
Light refreshments provided

St Matthews School NAIDOC Celebrations will be held after the July school holidays. Parents and students will be notified closer to the event.

Sharyn Champion | Aboriginal Education Officer

This campaign, which runs until the end of winter, includes budget-friendly and accessible ways for families to:

Eat healthy – tips to eat healthily and drink water, including free low-cost winter recipes and lunchbox ideas

Get active – ideas and tips to help you stay active during winter such as at home exercises or connecting with nature

Support – free programs to help you and your family keep up healthy habits.

Healthy eating Menu Planner

Thank you for your ongoing support to help protect the NSW community.