How is your child settling into school?

As we reach the middle of Term 1, it's a good time to check in on how your child is settling into school. Whether it is your first or sixth child, having a child start or return to school is a new experience for you and each individual child. To assist your child in their transition to school, Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) has created a range of videos. These videos were filmed across NSW Catholic schools and early learning centres.

The videos build on knowledge that:

• Children thrive when families and educators work together in partnership to support young children’s learning.
• An effective transition to school is based on belonging & identity, emotions & adjustment and relationships & continuity.

You can access the videos here: https://www.csnsw.catholic.edu.au/foundationsforlearning/resource/ 

One of the best things you can do to see how your child is settling into school is to check in with their classroom teacher. We will have an opportunity for Parent/Teacher meetings in Week 9 of this term, but if you have questions or concerns about how things are going, you should feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher before then. A warm, collaborative relationship between teachers and families is the best way to support the success of children in their education, so always feel welcome to communicate with our staff when you feel you need to.

Did you know that simply getting your child to school can also help them settle in and that regular attendance at school contributes to learning growth. The following statistics remind us of the importance of attendance. Covid-19 had a significant impact on student attendance rates across the country and we need to work together to change this story. If you have any concerns about your child's attendance, please don’t hesitate to contact us for support.

God bless,

Angela Myles

Executive Principal

Wellbeing Week 5 each term is a time for students to reset, enjoy time with family and do so without the addition of homework in the afternoons. Throughout the week students may discuss personal wellbeing in their classroom and how it is very important to take care of themselves in order to be able to remain positive and to achieve their best at school and in their daily lives. 

Many events occurred on the Primary Campus last week. Our first O’Connor House Feast Day on Monday was celebrated in the Parish grounds, and this was followed up on Tuesday with the Kindergarten Retreat. Both days were very successful and we particularly thank the Kindergarten parents who were able to attend on Tuesday for making this such a memorable event for our newest students. On Ash Wednesday we began the season of Lent with a special liturgy and all staff were incredibly proud of the way our students were respectful and reverent during this important time. 

Our RE Team in Primary, Leader of Mission Ross McKeown and Religious Education Coordinator Matthew Cassidy do an amazing job preparing for these occasions and ensuring they are meaningful for the students. 

Lastly, 51 students last Friday continued on the sporting pathway at the Northern Region Swimming Carnival, held in Mudgee. A select number of students will now represent St Matthews and the Northern Region at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival to be held in Dubbo on the 8th March. We wish those students all the best.

Justin Yeo

Head of Campus - Primary

Ash Wednesday and Lent

Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins the Season of Lent in the church year. It is a time when we are asked to PRAY, FAST and GIVE to make the needs of others our own. In conjunction with our St Matthews Way Value of Compassion, we are asked to make it about an action we can do for others in preparation for Easter or COMPASSION IN ACTION!

It is also the time when we begin our first fundraising initiative as part of our Social Justice work. This term, the focus is on Caritas Australia. Information on the work they day can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUySmh-u7rc Each family should have received a project compassion box and we also have a live online donation page: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/.../st...

If unable to donate, please encourage the discussion around what we can do to make the needs of others our own.  

Kindy Retreat

Kindergarten students recently participated in a retreat day where they were able to explore the church as the heart of our parish and understand that as students of St Matthews, they are members of the St Mary’s Parish. They were able to design a family bunting, discuss with Fr Owen his role and special parts of the mass and also look at key features of any church such as the tabernacle and altar. All families then came together to enjoy a shared lunch.

Ross McKeown

Leader of Mission K-12

Northern Regions Swimming Carnival

Last week, 51 students competed at the Northern Regions Swimming carnival, held at Mudgee pool. Congratulations to the following students who were successful in making it through to the Diocesan Swimming Carnival to be held in Dubbo next week:

Will Kearns, Diezel Fitzgerald, Ebony McDonnell, Lucas Kelly, Gus Letham, Sophie Macdonald, Grace Ainsworth, Isla Tracy-Inglis, James Stein, Angus Kelly, Maggie McCarney, Jameson McGeachie, Sarah Murray, Charlotte Keightley, Artie Keightley, Harrison French, Marni Flood, Frankie Flood, Banjo Fitzgerald, Eadie Faulkner, Anna Cecchini, Milla Crestani and Jock Carter. 

Special congratulations goes to Angus and Marni who were named age champions for their respective age groups. We wish all these students all the best at the Diocesan carnival.

Adam Coughlan 

Primary Sport Coordinator 

Smoke Free Environment Policy

Flexischools

Flexischools is the preferred method to order from the canteens at both Primary and Secondary.

Remember all orders need to be placed before 9.00am. If you have any issues when ordering, please call the Parent Help Line Number - 1300 361 769 - 8am - Noon daily.

The Primary Canteen is excited to be offering Birthday Buckets and Classroom Cupcakes, available for order via the Flexischools app. Please note these items must be ordered a week in advance.

The uniform shop is open:

Tuesday: 8.30am - 4.30pm
Thursday: 8.30am - 4.30pm