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As we commence the second week of Term 1, I want to share some thoughts on the role we play as parents to help the young people in our lives get enough sleep. Helping young people settle back into a good sleep routine is an important part of setting them up for success in their school year. The holidays can throw our normal routines into disarray, and that can make the first few weeks of term particularly challenging for growing teens whose developing brains need plenty of sleep. The costs of being sleep deprived can include:
- Weight gain
- Poor concentration
- Microsleeps (nodding off during the day)
- Poor decision making
- Impaired thinking
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Shorter life span (a five per cent reduction of REM sleep increases mortality by 15 per cent)
Andrew Fuller has the following tips to help young people get back on track with their sleep routine:
- Just let me finish this game - This is the war cry that echoes in households across the country. Computer games are so compelling it is most likely that they will play them until they fall into an exhausted heap. Let’s start by assuming they are never voluntarily going to say, ‘OK enough is enough. I should now stop playing this game and go to sleep.’
- The present every student needs - The first step is to buy, beg, or borrow an alarm clock. Not a clock radio, not a smart watch, and certainly not a phone. An old fashioned alarm clock. Your child will most likely grumble at this and say, ‘I’ll just use my phone.’ There are two problems with this:
- The bright light of a phone will interfere with sleep patterns and make it less likely for your child to succeed. Viewing bright light between 10pm and 4am suppresses your dopaminergic pathways and reduces motivation.
- The risk is your child will check something else (messages, chats etc.) and before they know it, they have lost an hour of sleep. Knowing that it is 3.40 am doesn’t help you to sleep any better.
- The next step is for them to simply get out of bed. They are not going to like doing this for the first few mornings. I feel your pain BUT if you want to succeed at school you need to be awake and switched on at the right times.
- Next, even before showering, get dressed and go outside. Ideally, make a delicious breakfast and eat it outside in the sunshine. Don’t wear sunglasses. They can listen to some upbeat music while they do this. This will increase their Vitamin D levels, reset their inner body clock and lift their mood. For the first few mornings they will groan, complain, yawn, and probably curse my name, but it only takes two days of this for the reset to begin.
- Get active. Early morning exercise increases your focus and motivation. Getting your heart rate up, even a little bit will increase your focus and get you ready for the day.
- Be a creature of habit. The next step is to make good sleep part of your child’s routine. Goals are good but systems are better. Having a sleep routine provides you with a massive edge in school and in life. Even though it won’t feel fun to begin with, you’ll end up feeling calmer and happier.
So, the final question is: how can your child get some time to themselves without waiting until the rest of the house is asleep? Most teens stay up late because they can feel free. This means parents must think deeply. Andrew Fuller urges us as parents to ask ourselves how much privacy we are prepared to give and how much do we trust? How can we provide some teenage privacy while also doing as much as possible to help our children create a better sleep routine.
If you would like further information or parenting tips from Andrew Fuller check out https://andrewfuller.com.au
God bless
Angela Myles
Executive Principal
What a great day last Tuesday was. It was wonderful to have our first students on site and then to have our whole 7-12 school community onsite on Wednesday was wonderful. The first week went very smoothly and the new learning spaces worked beautifully. There will undoubtedly be some teething problems as we establish customs and practices on the new site.
We celebrated our opening Mass on Friday followed by the leadership commissioning for our student leaders. At the conclusion of this Mrs Myles congratulated the students on their engagement and participation in Mass.
On Friday afternoon Year 11 students were taken to the Mudgee Racecourse where they were met by their parents for the Year 11 Senior Badge Ceremony. This is an annual event to acknowledge the transition into Year 11, each year we have a keynote speaker and this year we were very fortunate to have Mr Mike Munro address the gathering. Mr Munro is a nationally renowned journalist whose work has taken him to every continent on earth and allowed him to meet and interview presidents, prime ministers, princes and princesses as well as many movie and rock stars. He is a member of the Order of Australia for his charity work and contribution to journalism. He told us of his story where he grew up extremely disadvantaged as the only child of a single mother. They both lived in a monastery of 12 Marist Brothers where his mum was the housekeeper. His was a story that proves you can dream and become anything and anyone you want to be. We are very grateful for Mr Munro’s time and also for the hospitality extended to the school by Mr Damien Toose from Mudgee Racecourse.
Students have been reminded about wearing hats at break time. Could I please ask families to ensure that their child has a school hat to wear at school and whilst they are in their school uniform. I would also ask that those that ride their bikes to and from school ride carefully and obey the road rules for their own safety and for the safety of others.
This Friday is our Swimming Carnival at the Town Pool. A reminder that this is a compulsory school event. Students should ensure that they read the notifications about the carnival so that they understand the requirements..
Next Tuesday we will have Information Evenings at the school. Year 7-10 Information Evening 5:50-6:30pm and Year 11 Information Evening from 7-8pm. I look forward to seeing you there.
God bless,
Justin McCarney
Head of Campus - Secondary
We have been extremely busy unpacking and settling into our new amazing labs. I would personally like to thank Catherine Chapman, our fantastic lab technician for all her hard work not only packing up the science department but also unpacking over the Christmas break.
The students are enjoying the new space and are very excited about what science will bring this year. Parents and students received a notification last week about the first topics for 2023.
Year 7 - Introduction to Science
Year 8 - Body Systems
Year 9 - The immune system
Year 10 - Reaction Chemistry
Meet the Team
Nicole Jelbart
Junior Science, Stage 6 Physics and Biology, iSTEM, Sydney University Research Hub teacher and Science Coordinator
Originally from Central West NSW but taught in Sydney for many years. I have taught all boys, all girls, and co-education schools in both state and catholic systems. I moved to Mudgee in 2021 and I love where I live. I have three amazing adult children who have all left the nest. My passion is getting out and experiencing what the region has to offer. In my free time I enjoy 4WD and camping.
Ryan Barnett
Junior Science, Biology teacher, and Stage 4 Wellbeing Coordinator.
I am originally from New Zealand and taught overseas for many years. I ended up in Sydney - taught in a large independent boys school for many years. Coaching Rugby (Union) and Cricket. Moved with my wife and 3 boys to Mudgee at the end of last year. Love the town. Love the region and love teaching at St Matthews.
Gavin Gant
Junior Science, Stage 6 Chemistry and Physics
I have recently moved to Mudgee from Helensburgh, just south of Sydney, to take up a teaching position at St Matthews. I have spent the past 17 years teaching at De La Salle College Cronulla, a year 11 and 12 only campus, where I taught physics and chemistry. Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked in industry, university, and government sectors in the fields of analytical and physical chemistry, including 14 years with the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation at Lucas Heights. I'm very happy to have joined the science team here at St Matts.
Emma Nicholls
Junior Science, Japanese Teacher and Sport Coordinator
When I was young I always said that I could never move away from the coast and a large shopping centre, however, 11 years ago when I made the decision to move to Mudgee I didn't realise that at the time I was making one of the best decisions of my life. Throughout my 11 years in the region, I have taught at Mudgee and Gulgong High School. I joined St Matthew's Catholic School in term 1, 2022, teaching junior science. My children both attend St Matthews, in Kindergarten and Year 1. I enjoy challenges and take every opportunity as a learning experience. I am looking forward to 2023 with the St Matthew's Community.
Jessica Jenkins
Junior Science, Mathematics and Girls Education
I've been a teacher for over 10 years now and I absolutely LOVE my job! I taught for 8 years at Scone Grammar School before moving to Mudgee with my husband in 2020. I have always had a passion for teaching and love imparting my joy for Science and Maths to my students. I am also a Mum to my gorgeous 2-year-old daughter who certainly keeps me busy outside of school.
When I am not teaching you will find me enjoying my other passions; fitness, netball, grazing over a cheese platter, or on a beach!
Yazmin Wallis
I moved to Mudgee in 2020. Prior to locating in Mudgee, I worked within Catholic schools throughout Canberra. I enjoy spending time with my horses on my property.
Catherine Chapman
In 2000, deciding on a tree change, our little family of then three bought a small farm as my husband wanted to breed Boer goats and we moved from the Central Coast to Mudgee. Best decision we ever made. Our two boys are adults now, 27 and 22, one has moved away and the other is still here in Mudgee. We just love it here.
I had been a parent at St Matt's since 2000 and in 2008 was lucky enough to start work as a Teachers Aid in Primary. Then in 2011, I was offered the opportunity to take on the role of Lab Technician for Science as well, predominantly in the secondary dept but also looking after the juniors as well.
I love my job and the people I work with as well.
My Interests are reading, listening to all genres of music, walking and I love watching F1 racing and the Gridiron.
Nicole Jelbart
Secondary Science Coordinator
On Tuesday the 14th of February it is Library lovers day which is an annual opportunity for people to celebrate the valuable role that libraries play in their lives. It is also an opportunity to celebrate those who love and support libraries. To celebrate the students will have the opportunity to share what they love about their library on a love heart note.
This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.
It will cover:
~ how to support young people to have safe and respectful relationships online
~ what to do when something happens at school and ends up on social media or private messaging apps
~ how to report to social media platforms and eSafety.
Thursday 23 February 7.30pm
Term 1: Tuesday January 31 - Thursday April 6
Term 2: Wednesday April 26 - Friday June 30
Term 3: Monday July 17 - Friday September 22
Term 4: Tuesday October 10 - Friday December 15
Flexischools
Flexischools will continue in 2023 to be the schools preferred method to order from the canteens at both Primary and Secondary.
Please see the below flyers with some helpful tips from Flexischools.
Remember all orders need to be placed before 9am. If you have any issues when ordering, please call the Parent Help Line Number - 1300 361 769 - 8am - Noon daily.
Secondary Campus
A reminder to please order on Flexischools by 9am. (Give yourself enough time before 9am, to complete an order, to ensure you do not miss the cut off time).
Mobile phones and smartwatches may not be used at the canteen, at any time by students (this includes transferring of funds).
A limited amount of hot food is heated every day for purchase by secondary students over the canteen's counter. To avoid missing out on hot food an order must be placed by 9am via Flexischools for collection at Break 2.
We look forward to working with you this year at our new secondary campus canteen!
Mary Holdsworth
Canteen Manager - Secondary
Opening Hours
The uniform shop is open:
Tuesday: 8.30am - 4.30pm
Thursday: 8.30am - 4.30pm
Please remember that the following rules still apply:
- EFTPOS only, no cash.
Phone: 0439 442 509
Email:st.matthews@midford.com.au
How to purchase your school uniform via online ordering:
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.
NOTICEBOARD
Mudgee Tennis Club School Holiday Clinic
Mudgee Tennis Club are holding school holiday clinics
Please see the attached flyer for all the information you need to be involved!
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