Welcome back! I hope that Term 2 has started well for you and your children. I have certainly enjoyed the return to school this term as it feels like we are really settling in well to the routines and culture of our new secondary campus. It was wonderful to see how excited the students were to be able to access the oval for the first time last week. This will be a great addition for the students, providing them with plenty of space to be active during their break times. We are continuing to work towards other projects on site such as outdoor courts and additional shade structures and I am pleased with the direction and momentum that is starting to happen in these areas. Watch this space for more information about these upcoming projects.

An introduction to Restorative Practices and our Partnership with Real Schools

This year, our school has made a very important decision to work with an organisation called Real Schools to enhance our practices as a Restorative Community. This is not a decision we have made lightly. We’ve been observing and reflecting on what is happening in the world of education when it comes to creating a strong school culture, building effective relationships, resolving conflict and improving student behaviour and bullying; and we believe that Restorative Practices provide the most effective way to enhance our work in this area. 

Working restoratively is really all about asking the right questions of students when things go wrong. You see, most approaches have us putting our detective hats on and focusing everything in the past. It really doesn’t get us very far because we never get to the present or the future. Put simply, when something goes wrong, a Restorative Approach involves us asking children questions like:

• What happened?
• How has that made people feel?
• And what action needs to be taken to make that better?

The process provides opportunities for us to teach young people how to take responsibility for their actions and, over time, to help them do that better and better and better.

There is, however, a lot more involved with Restorative Practices and we will provide a significant amount of information to families over the course of the year. Our ongoing Partnership with Real Schools is supporting and resourcing us to make this change, so stay tuned for more information on this exciting development for our school.

God bless

Angela Myles

Executive Principal 

Welcome back to Term 2. I trust all in our community had an opportunity to have a break and recharge before another term. Our school was well represented by students and staff at the ANZAC Day March and the service that followed at Robertson Park on Tuesday 25 April. The school also marked the occasion on the students first day back at school with it’s own ANZAC Day commemoration in the main quadrangle.

(photo courtesy of Peter Sibley @PeteSib’s Photography)

The beginning of Week 3 marks the need for all St Matthews students to be in Winter Uniform. A reminder that belts need to be worn with the grey pants, these belts are available form the Midford Uniform Shop or online and the delivery will be made to the Secondary Campus. A reminder to families that hoodies are not part of the school uniform and should not be worn (even under the school jumper). An important part of our school uniform is the way it reflects our school, our values and our community. It is important that students are wearing the uniform completely with pride and purpose both at school and to and from school. 

God bless,

Justin McCarney

Head of Campus

In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells his disciples “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). In another part of John’s Gospel Jesus teaches us that he has come so that we may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). Both of these teachings help us understand Jesus’ hope that we discover the fullness of life that comes from the truth which he proclaims. An important element of this truth is that God calls each one of us to live the fullness of who we are called to be. Each one of us is a unique gift given to the world only once. We come to life by discovering the truth of who we are in the fullness of Christ’s love.

As we continue to reflect on the value of Service this term, let us also continue to reflect on the fullness of truth found in who we are and how we can follow Jesus’ example by being our full self in service of others. 

Our school motto is: “Truth and Excellence will Prevail.” In the context of Service, may the excellence of our true selves prevail over the doubts which stop us sharing with others all that we are called to be.

Easter Liturgy

On the last day of Term 1 our secondary students remembered the sorrow and sadness of Holy Week before celebrating the joy of Christ's Resurrection. They also reflected on servant leadership as demonstrated by Jesus and considered how they can live this example today.

 

ANZAC Day

Last Wednesday we commemorated ANZAC Day with a special assembly. Our Yr 11 Ministry Captains led us in prayer before Yr 9 students, who are currently learning about conflict in History class, shared with our community the significance of ANZAC. A student from each Tutor Group laid a poppy in their house colours to remember the fallen. Thank you to Mrs Croake (HSIE Coordinator) for organising. Thank you also to three of our students in Cadets who manned our flag posts.

Alexander Abbey

Leader of Mission 

  

From the Parish

 

Parish_Welcome_Function_for_New_Parishioners.pdf

Promoting our Enrolment Information Evening - Our radio stars

You may have heard our radio advertisements promoting our upcoming Enrolment Information session for the 2024 Year 7 cohort?  The session for Year 7 2024 will be held on Wednesday 3 May at 5.30pm at the secondary school campus. A massive thank you to these Year 7 students for a job well done!

UAC Digital events for Year 12

UAC is hosting a series of webinars to help guide Year  12 students and families through the university application process. The next session is on Wenesday 3 May - students have been informed in their Google Admin classroom. The link for the schedule of online events is here

Early Entry Schemes

Students must be aware of the early entry schemes being offered for the courses and universities of choice. Our St Matthews Careers website is a fantastic first place to look for this info. The link is here here

UCAT Registrations closing soon - 17 May

Students wanting to study a degree in the medical field are advised to check to see if an University Clinical Appitude Test - UCAT exam is a required element of entry. Please refer to the link here as a starting point for the Australian universities and courses requiring students to sit the UCAT exam. Testing begins 3 July. 

ANU direct applications closes 15 May

Students wishing to apply to ANU be aware that direct entry applications close on 15 May. This is an opportunity to apply for a place; a scholarship and accomodation in the one place. Offers will be released in September.

Trade Readiness Program - Year 10

16 Year 10 students participated in a Trade Readiness Program facilitated by TAFE NSW. Matt Hannelly from Orange TAFE led the group guiding them in a practical course based on the construction Industry and building trades. Matt discussed his pathway to the building industry ultimately enjoying a successful career in joinery. Students enjoyed the practical course and went home with a chair! Team building, working with initiative and problem solving were in action. Matt’s motto was “no one get’s left behind” and the class agreed that everyone would leave with a finished product. It was great to see the energy and cooperation with each other in the room. Providing great ‘food for thought’ on a career in the building industry, pursuing a trade or for those considering VET construction in their senior pattern of study.

Celebrating Careers Week in Week 5 - ‘Try a Trade’

We are looking forward to participating in career based activities for Careers Week 2023 which St Matthews will be celebrating in Week 5. One event that is locked in is the annual Try - a Trade event. Try a Trade 2023 will be held on Tuesday 23 May. All of Year 10 students will be participating - a note will be sent through the parent Portal later this week.

Recap on Important Info from Last Term:

Year 12 - Applying to University

There are 2 main ways to apply to University:

1. Directly through the Univerity’s website (free of charge)
2. Through UAC (Universities Admission Centre)
3. Parents are encouraged to follow and or like UAC’s social media pages for updates and information

Why should I apply directly through a university website?

Applying  directly through the university is FREE. The process also allows you to provide information other than grades to support your application. This is where a student’s involvement in community service; coaching; Duke of Edinburgh and leadership positions can be taken into account. It is a more holistic approach.

Students are encouraged to apply directly to universities in ADDITION to their UAC application. 

Why should I Apply through UAC

Applying through UAC means you don't need to apply separately to each institution. You can apply for up to five courses at any of our participating institutions. It also means you can apply for early offer schemes processed through UAC (Schools Recommendation Schemes) and Educational Access Schemes. This is a stress free process as UAC coordinates the process. If students apply within the ‘Early bird’ timeframe ( 5 April - 29 September) it is $78. After this time applications cost $215.

University Early Entry programs Open for 2024: 

UAC Early Entry - Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)

SRS is the Early Entry program coordinated by UAC. It opens on 5 April and closes on Monday 18 September. ALL student’s who apply to university through UAC should apply for SRS. It is free, and allows them the opportunity to be made an offer before the ATAR results are released.

Refer to the UAC link below for some basic Early Entry Offer information including links and dates for specific universities (UAC aligned uni’s only NOT an exhaustive list). UAC - Early Entry Schemes

UAC - Educational Access Schemes

Educational Access Scheme (EAS): Institutions use this to take into account the educational disadvantages many applicants experience (eg financial hardship, illness, severe family disruption). If you think this might apply to you, make sure you complete an EAS application and claim all the disadvantages that have affected your studies. As the leader of Transition I can help facilitate this process but I rely on families to nominate the disadvantages they feel apply.

Click  here on the link for detailed information on the application process and eligibility criteria.

UAC - Equity Scolarships

Equity Scholarships help disadvantaged students with the general costs associated with tertiary study. They are awarded to students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those who receive Centrelink income support payments. Please check the eligibility criteria  here.

Direct Early Entry to univesities

Students can apply directly for early entry to the university of their choice. This can allow them another opportunity to get a place in their course of their choice BEFORE ATAR and HSC results are released. Direct early entry is also an opportunity for students to communicate the wonderful things they have achieved in addition to academic results.

At St Matthews we encourage students to apply both DIRECTLY and through SRS.

Blaney McCarthy - English

Leader of Transition & Pathways

Year 11 Camp

The last week of Term 1 saw our Year 11 students go away for the Year 11 Camp to Tea Gardens (hosted by Aussie Bush Camps). Our students were an absolute pleasure to take away, and embraced the numerous challenging activities that were presented to them by their group leaders. 

Challenges included the Giant Swing, Power Fan, Sea Kayaking and High Ropes, where students were definitely encouraged to step outside their comfort zone. Each of these challenges enabled students to build upon their courage and resilience, whilst also enabling them to demonstrate their support of their peers.

During the evening students came together to celebrate a liturgy that focused on developing positive connections with their peers through compassion and service.

A big thank-you to Ms Starick, Mr Whitmore and Mr Tomasela who gave up their time to help support and take our amazing Year 11 students away.

Staff V Student Netball 

On Tuesday of Catholic Schools Week, our Year 12 students took on the Teachers in the annual Staff V Student Netball Game. The game was very tight from start to finish and was very well managed by our two student umpires, Amelia Disher and Madi O’Brien. 

In the end, unfortunately, the teachers went down 17-13, with Lara Disher and Aaliyah Hawes too strong in the final quarter getting most of their shots in to take the win. I am sure the teachers will bounce back next year- bigger and better!

School TV

Just a reminder for parents of our Stage 6 students that School TV has created some wonderful resources to assist you in supporting your child throughout their Stage 6 journey. There are videos and other supplementary materials that address common concerns experienced by our senior students, providing further insight into these issues and possible strategies both students and parents can utilise during this challenging time. A link to this wonderful resource is listed below- it is also accessible via our SMCS School website:

School TV

Once again if you have any further questions regarding Stage 6, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

Mrs Cass McCarney

Stage 6 Coordinator

iStem and Earth and Environmental Science 

CCC Rugby Union Trials

On Thursday 27th April, Angus Littler, Tully Robertson and Rosie Webb went to Darceyville to trial for the NSWCCC Rugby. Angus Littler and Tully Robertson trialled for the U16s 15 a side, whilst Rosie Webb trialled for Opens 7s. Both boys represented St Matthew’s Catholic School with determination and excellence, however, were unsuccessful. 

Rosie Webb had a great trial, successfully making the Opens 7s team. She will be playing at Randwick Boys High School on Sunday 21st May as part of the NSW All Schools Rugby CCC vs CHS event. Wish her the very best of luck and know that she will represent St Matthew’s with Excellence.

Diocesan Basketball Gala Day

On Monday 1st May, 58 students travelled to Bathurst to compete at the Diocesan Basketball Gala Day. Each team were set to play 3 games each, with the following results: 

• Junior Boys: Won 2 from 3 games, placing 2nd overall.
• Junior Girls: With a late arrival from the opposing team, the Junior Girls team had a win from forfeit. They then unfortunately went on to not win the next 2 games. They played well as a team and showed excellent sportsmanship.
• Intermediate Boys: Won 1 from 3 games, placing 3rd in their competition.
• Intermediate Girls: unfortunately lost all 3 games, however, learnt a lot and enjoyed the experience.
• Senior Boys: won 1 of their 3 games and also enjoyed the competition.
• Senior Girls: won 1 of their 3 games also.

Well done to all students who participated, they represented St Matthew’s with excellence.

Thank you to Mrs Colley, Miss Hartley and Mrs Crawley for coaching and taking the teams to the Gala Day.

Bill Turner Trophy Round 2

On Tuesday 2nd May, students went to Glen Willow Soccer Fields to play round 2 of the Bill Turner Trophy. It was an eventful game with an opponent injuring themselves in the first half of the game. Once again the girls did St Matthew’s proud with a 7 - 1 win over James Shean.

Congratulations girls, we look forward to seeing your results at the next game. Thank you again to Mr Hammond for all of his organisation and coaching.

Girls Rugby Union Opportunity

The Mudgee Wombats have been able to source an opportunity for Junior girls in our region to participate in a 15 side rugby competition. It runs for 6 weeks from the end of April to June. This is a great chance for girls to have some game experience this season and an excellent chance for any girls aged 13 (this year) to 18 who would like to develop their rugby skills and be involved in a girls only competition this year.

Girls could register to the local Mudgee Wombats club for $16 as a Train Only participant. Training is on Wednesdays and Thursdays 5 - 6.30pm each week. Training would be sometimes combined with Junior teams, sometimes just the girls (depending on numbers). You do not need to have previous rugby experience, just a willingness to give it a go.

Games will occur in Sydney on Sundays. There will be a number of cars heading down to the games so players can carpool or we can organise a bus for players if there are enough numbers. If there are enough girls from our area, we will be able to form our own teams, otherwise, we will organise for you to join an existing Sydney team.

The benefits are this gives girls an opportunity to develop their rugby skills with regular training and game experience. Can also lead to representative pathways (Central West trials are coming up in April).

For any further information about opportunities for girls in rugby, please email juniors@mudgeerugby.com 

(Or contact Brett Littler on 0427007398) 

Upcoming events - Term 2

• Secondary All Schools Netball - Postponed to Week 9 TBC
• 7/8 All Schools Western Touch Gala Day (Orange) - 9th May 2023
• 9/10 All Schools Western Touch Gala Day (Orange) - 10th May 2023
• Secondary Diocesan Cross Country - 10th May 2023
• 11/12 Mixed All Schools Western Touch Gala Day (Orange) - 11th May 2023 Cancelled
• Secondary Athletics Carnival - 18th May 2023

Emma Nicholls

Secondary Sport Coordinator 

Learning Resource Centre News

It was great to see the students back and refreshed for term 2. In the Learning Resource Centre we have started a community puzzle where students have the opportunity to work on a puzzle for a few minutes or for an entire break. Whoever finishes the puzzle can then pick the next puzzle to be completed. Our first puzzle of the term has already been completed! Well done to everyone who participated. 

Author spotlight

This month we are shining a light on the amazing author Rick Riordan. Rick Riordan has over 190 million copies of his books all over the world in 37 countries. Rick created the Percy Jackson series for his son who was having trouble reading. Rick Riordan’ books are told in the first person which makes the reader feel like they are in the adventure being told. We have a number of Rick Riordan’s books at the learning resource Centre available to borrow. 

New Book - The quiet and the loud

If you enjoy where the crawdad’s sing you will love this new book by Australian author Helena Fox. A novel about the contours of friendship, family, forgiveness, trauma and love that explores the stories we suppress and the stories we speak - and the healing that comes when we voice the things we've kept quiet for so long.

Available to borrow now from the Learning Resource Centre

Mrs Sugden

Learning Resource Centre

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.

Mary Holdsworth

Canteen Manager - Secondary 

Change of Opening Hours 

Please note a change of opening hours for the Midford Uniform Shop. From the beginning of Term 2, we will be open on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 8.00am to 4.00pm. 

• Online orders for primary will be delivered to the school office on Tuesday's & Thursday’s at 1:30pm. Cut off time for ordering is 1.00pm.
• Online orders for secondary will be delivered to the school office on Wednesday's and Friday's at 9.00am. Cut off time for ordering is 3:30pm the day before.
• Online orders for shop pick up - pick up only within the shop hours, please allow 1 hour after ordering for collection.

- EFTPOS only, no cash.