I recently came across an article by experienced parent educator, Michael Grose about the rollercoaster ride of children’s friendships. In the article, Michael points out that, as parents, watching our children navigate these social dynamics can be tough and, as a result, we sometimes want to immediately swoop in and try to fix things. He explains, however, that the real magic lies in equipping them with the tools to navigate these bumps themselves and he challenges us to think of ourselves as their guide, rather than their rescuer.

Our early social experiences and the relationship skills we develop in childhood influence our future friendships, so as parents we need tools to help our children resolve their friendship issues when they arise.

In the article, Michael outlines ten tools you can add to your parenting toolbox to help your kids become expert friendship problem-solvers. I have shared them here with you:

1. Listen First, Judge Later (or Never!)

When your child comes to you with a friendship woe, your first instinct might be to offer solutions or take sides. Resist this urge and instead, create a safe space for them to vent. Put down your phone, point your feet in their direction, make eye contact, and truly listen to their perspective. You might hear about a playground squabble over a toy, feeling left out during recess, or a misunderstanding about a playdate. Feeling heard and understood is the first step in them feeling empowered to tackle the issue. Listen to understand, not to advise. Avoid starting with "Well, maybe you..." or "Did you think that..." Instead, try phrases like "That sounds upsetting" or "Tell me more about what happened."

2. Help Them Identify the Problem

Once they've shared their story, gently guide them to pinpoint the core issue. Sometimes, what seems like a huge drama is a simple misunderstanding. Ask open-ended questions like:

• "What exactly made you feel upset/angry/left out?"
• "What do you think the problem is here?"
• "What did your friend say or do that bothered you the most?"

This process helps them move beyond just expressing their feelings to analysing the situation.

3. Brainstorm Solutions Together

Now comes the good part – exploring possibilities! Resist the urge to offer quick fixes, unless they are truly stuck. Instead, ask your child:

• "What are some things you think you could do?"
• "Have you seen other kids solve problems like this before?"
• "What would happen if you tried talking to your friend about it?"

Encourage a range of ideas, no matter how silly they might initially sound. This teaches them that there isn't always one "right" answer and that they have the ability to generate options.

4. Use Behaviour Rehearsal

Once you've brainstormed some potential solutions, it's time to implement them in a safe space. Let your child practise what they’d say in different social situations and scenarios. You can pretend to be a friend, and your child can practice what they want to say or do. This builds their confidence and helps them feel more prepared when they face the real situation. For instance, if the problem concerns sharing, ask politely, "Can I have a turn when you're finished?"

5. Focus on Things They Can Control

Kids must understand that they can only control their actions and reactions, not their friends'. If a friend is consistently unkind, the solution might not be to change the friend, but to learn how to set boundaries or decide how much time they want to spend with that person. Help them identify what they can do in the situation.

6. Discuss Different Friendship Levels

Help your child understand that not all friendships are the same. Friendships fit three different levels:

1. Close friends: typically, children have between one to three close friends at any one time.
2. Casual friends: are children your child knows well, but don’t always form a tight group with.
3. Acquaintances: are a broader circle of friends who may share similar interests, be in the same class, or know each other through after-school activities.

It's okay if some friendships have more bumps than others and if they change over time. Remove the expectation that every peer relationship needs to be perfect.

7. Emphasise Empathy

Friendship problems often arise from a lack of understanding of each other's perspectives. Encourage your child to think about how their friend might be feeling. Ask questions like:

• "How do you think your friend felt when that happened?"
• "Why do you think your friend might have done that?"
• “How did it affect your friend, do you think?”

Developing empathy is key to resolving conflicts and building stronger relationships.

8. Help Your Child Understand How Good Friends Act

Help your child understand what a good friend looks like and how they behave so they can be good friends and recognise unfriendly behaviour from others. For instance, good friends:

• Share information, time and possessions. They give of themselves but understand the boundaries of disclosure.
• Allow their friends to have other friends and don’t expect exclusivity.
• Know how to keep secrets and will stick up for their friends.

Use this list to guide a conversation with your child around friendships.

9. Recognise Their Efforts, Not Just the Outcomes

Solving friendship problems is a learning process. Sometimes, despite their best efforts, things might not work out exactly as they hoped. Acknowledge their courage in resolving the issue, regardless of the outcome. Focus on the skills they used – communicating their feelings, brainstorming solutions, or standing up for themselves. This reinforces that the effort is valuable, even if the immediate problem isn't resolved.

10. Handle Friendship Changes

Best friends forever! Nice idea, but not practical for most children. Kids change. Friends drift apart. They develop and mature at different stages and can leave each other behind. That doesn’t excuse unfriendly or mean behaviour, but knowing that can help children understand why yesterday’s friend is no longer close. Hurtful? Yes. But natural nonetheless. Resilient kids cope with this minor loss and form friendships with other children based on shared interests, hobbies, or school subjects.

Know your role

Your role is to empower your child to navigate the social world. So you’re part guide, part emotional supporter and part teacher. By listening, guiding, and encouraging their problem-solving skills, you're equipping them with essential life skills that will serve them far beyond the playground. You're teaching them resilience, communication, and the ability to build and maintain healthy relationships—invaluable life skills.

Angela Myles

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches

Our school policy for mobile phones and smart watches relates to any device that can take photos, record, receive and/or send messages, receive and/or make phone calls or have access to the internet. This policy, found on our school website, supports the safety and privacy of all students at St Matthews and we stress to all families that at no time should these devices be worn or carried on school grounds

If personal mobile phones or smartwatches are required for any reason, they should be handed into the front office before school starts and collected at the end of the day. Placing them on School/Parent Mode is not accepted as an alternative. If families have any messages that need to be given to students throughout the day, they should contact the school office before 2:40pm. Unfortunately, we have experienced inappropriate use across multiple grades already this year and we ask for continued support of this policy from our families.

Primary Athletics Carnival - Change of Date

With the unfortunate postponing of our Years 3 - 6 Athletics Carnival, please be aware that this event will now take place on Monday June 16.

Year 2 Wellington & Dubbo Excursion

I was fortunate to attend an excursion with our Year 2 students recently. We visited both the Wellington Caves and also the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo as part of their learning in History and Geography. Our students were terrific and it was amazing to witness them venture into the caves, 42m below the surface, and engage fully in the experience. The second part of the day included a trip to Dubbo to take part in a 1950s school experience and also visit the Art Gallery. We were very proud of the students and incredibly grateful for the staff who facilitated the programs for us at both venues.

Justin Yeo

Confirmation

Our Year 6 Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation are now under a month from the date, when Bishop Michael will call on these children to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

We had Fr Cong come and speak with us all about the program we are undertaking and why Confirmation is such an important Sacrament for our students. He linked it with Baptism and also our role in the Mission of the Church. He then jumped in and joined them for sport.

Thanks Fr Cong for joining us!

Altar Serving

This very important ministry continues in our parish and we are very grateful for those that contribute each week to assist Fr Owen and Fr Cong.

Ross McKeown | Leader of Mission

Y6 vs Staff Touch Football

Under the bright sun and clear skies, the annual Teachers vs Staff Touch Football match took place as part of Catholic Schools Week celebrations.
In a spirited display of teamwork and skill the teachers emerged victorious, showcasing sharp passes and solid defence.

Both teams played with enthusiasm and sportsmanship, making it a memorable event for all involved. After some dubious calls the result was declared.

Congratulations to the teachers on their well-deserved win!

Tug-o-War

The highly anticipated Teacher vs Student Tug-o-War was a roaring success! Amid cheers and fierce determination, the teachers pulled off a triumphant victory. A massive thank you to all participants for making this event such a highlight of Catholic Schools Week.

Until next time, students, better start training!

Ross McKeown | Leader of Mission 

On May 26th, Sorry Day, we remember the Stolen Generation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken from their families. It is about acknowledging the hurt and sadness caused by this in the past and working towards Reconciliation, or healing, between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

Leading on from Sorry Day, we Celebrate Reconciliation Week from May 27th until June 3rd. The theme for this year is 'Bridging Now to Next'. This theme encourages Australians to reflect on the connection between past, present and future and to move forwards together, guided by the lessons of history, to build a more united and respectful nation.

Mandaang guwu

Sharyn Champion | Aboriginal Education Officer

Rugby 7's Western Reginal Finals

Our Rugby 7's teams displayed outstanding skill and sportsmanship at the recent Western finals in Molong. Both teams competed with determination and pride, representing our school exceptionally well.

Team 2 played off for 3rd and came away with a draw after a win and two tough losses in the pool stage.

A special congratulations to Team 1, who went through the pool stage undefeated and were comprehensive winners in the final. They now progress to the state final in Sydney—a remarkable achievement.

Rugby Union & Rugby 7’s 

Congratulations to Angus, Barnaby, Braiden, Rory, and Harrison who competed in Bathurst on the 16th May, for a place on the Polding Rugby Union Team. All five boys displayed outstanding sportsmanship and represented our school community with pride.

Lauren and Emelia also showcased their impressive skills as they competed for a spot on the Girls’ Rugby 7’s team, demonstrating determination and great team spirit.

A special well done to Angus, Barnaby, Braiden, Rory, and Lauren who were selected for the Polding Team and will progress to the next level in a few weeks. We are incredibly proud of all our athletes!

Time: 12:15pm to 1:40pm 

Venue: St Matthews Catholic School - Primary Campus

Activities: A range of novelty events and games, parents are encouraged to participate with their child/ren

Dress Code: Students are to be in athletic attire, which can resemble their House colours. If this is not possible, they must be in their School Sport Uniform

Peta Swain | Primary Sport Coordinator

During Terms 1 and 2, students from Years 4, 5, and 6 had the opportunity to join the Dance Troupe. These girls worked hard during their break times to practice their routine and prepare for the performance.

On Wednesday, 7th May, our dance troupe competed at the Gulgong Eisteddfod in the School Dance Group category. The girls danced beautifully on stage and earned second place. We are incredibly proud of them for performing in front of the crowd with smiles on their faces.

A huge thank you to Cindy Freeman and Katana O'Sullivan for dedicating their break times to provide this opportunity for our students and for choreographing such an exciting jazz routine.

Justin Yeo | Head of Campus - Primary

Last week, our curious Year 1 students took a journey into the past with an exciting excursion to Mudgee Museum, as part of their History unit Past and Present Family Life.

They explored a variety of fascinating displays, including old-fashioned schoolrooms, household items, farming tools, and forms of transport—helping them identify key differences between life then and now.

It was wonderful to see our students so inquisitive and engaged, asking thoughtful questions and making insightful connections between the past and their own lives today.

A heartfelt thank you to our parent helpers, who generously gave their time to ensure the day ran smoothly. The excursion would not have been possible without your support. A big thank you also to the Mudgee Museum for providing such a hands-on, memorable experience!

Year 1 Teachers

From 2023 (K–2) and 2024 (Years 3–6), St Matthews teachers have been implementing the new Mathematics syllabus, designed to deepen students' understanding and confidence with numbers. The updated curriculum is designed to help students build stronger number sense, apply mathematics to real-world situations and become confident problem-solvers. A major shift is the focus on how students learn, not just what they learn.

One key approach being implemented across St Mathews classrooms is the notion of productive struggle. Students are encouraged to work through challenging problems rather than being given quick answers. This helps develop resilience, deep thinking and a better understanding of mathematical concepts, allowing them to solve real-world problems.

To support the successful implementation of the new syllabus, we are currently in our second year partnership with MANSW (Mathematical Association of New South Wales). The aim of our partnership is to upskill teacher knowledge and capacity in pedagogical practices, in order to effectively implement these into the classroom.

Keep an eye out in the next newsletter for photos from our work with MANSW and action from our classrooms.

Primary Coordinators

In 2024, all K-6 staff have completed PD in preparation for the introduction of the new Science and Technology curriculum, which is to be implemented in all schools from 2027.

This year, K-2 staff have been working with Jan Mendham from CEDB to pilot new science and technology teaching programmes. Each stage focuses on the following areas: working scientifically, thinking skills, and design and production skills. The new Science and Technology curriculum is heavily integrated with literacy through the development of vocabulary and using scientific language to support their understanding and reasoning through enquiry learning.

Each grade has the opportunity to apply learned skills to design a project on a range of topics. Kindergarten, for example, will be designing and making an inclosure suitable for a pet that must support the needs of that animal.

There are also opportunities for students to experiment and use the Bee-Bots, coding, programming devices, and mini drones to support their learning and problem solving skills for an ever-changing world.

The children have been thoroughly engaged and look forward to their science lesson each week.

Stage 2 and 3 teachers will continue to work with Jan during the second half of the year in preparation for their implementation of the new syllabus in Years 3 - 6 in 2026.

Linda Littler and Bernie Atkinson | Infants Coordinators

Raising money for a great cause!

Year 12 students are fundraising for the Mudgee Men's Shed - their chosen charity for 2025.

Raffle Link

Emma Kurtz | Stage 6 Coordinator

Permanent Part Time School Crossing Supervisor to fill the afternoon shift at the Mortimer Street crossing.

Direct link for more information

Alex Prout | School Crossing Program Coordinator

Over the counter Breakfast

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 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.

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

Ally Lusty | Uniform Shop Manager