This week I have the great privilege of attending the Association of Catholic School Principals (ACSP) Conference. The first keynote speaker was Professor Andrew Hargreaves, an author and academic for whom I have great respect and admiration. His key message was one of hope and growth, reminding us that hope is not a wish and that growth always requires deliberate action.

In his presentation, Professor Hargreaves referred to a concept that I have spoken about on a few occasions recently - the idea that we are living in a VUCA world. VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Chaos and Ambiguity - an apt description of the nature of the world our young people are growing up in. He shared a shocking statistic - that ¾ of young people surveyed in a recent study indicated that they felt the future was frightening. Climate change, war and constant upheaval can be real causes of worry and uncertainty for young people. 

The rapid infiltration of technology into all our lives is changing the way we live, work and interact with one another. Ask yourself how many times a day you check your mobile phone, and then consider how much more this has potential to impact on our children and the way they connect with others. The impacts of Artificial Intelligence through applications such as ChatGPT also have the potential to be both a great gift and a massive challenge.

As leaders, educators and parents, this context makes it so important for us to think differently about the challenges we face… the obstacle that is in the way is often the obstacle that is the way. We cannot put our heads in the sand and ignore the rapid changes occurring in our world. 

Pope Francis said we are in a change of era, not an era of change. Together, as a school community, we must look for ways to support, guide, encourage and educate our young people to navigate this VUCA world, and together we must remain hope-filled and always seeking opportunities for growth.

God bless

Angela Myles

Executive Principal

Laudato Si' Week will be held from May 21 to 28 to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the publication of the encyclical Laudato Si'. "Hope for the Earth. Hope for humanity", will be this year's guiding theme.

What is Laudato Si' Week?

Laudato Si’ Week began as a way to celebrate the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ papal encyclical letter, “Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home.” Since then, the annual celebration has become a way for all Catholics to unite and rejoice in the progress we’ve made in bringing Laudato Si’ to life and to commit ourselves to further prayer and action for our common home.

For more information visit the laudatosiweek.org website, and fill out the form to register your interest and receive the latest news.

Catholic Mission

The secondary campus was lucky enough to have a visit from David McGovern, Diocesan Director of Catholic Mission, last week. He spoke to students about Timor Leste - the country in focus for 2023 - and the important work of Sisters Carolina and Alma in providing much needed medical support. David thanked students for their ongoing support of Catholic Mission through Mission Frolic and encouraged them to continue to live the St Matthews Way value of service. One way students can serve others is by taking part in the Mission Ambassador Program to speak on behalf of Sisters Carolina and Alma in our local parishes this October.

Stage 5 News

Next week Year 9 students will be attending their Reflection Day at the Mudgee Racecourse. Could parents and acres please ensure that you have given permission for your child to attend via the Compass portal.

On Thursday of Week 10, students in Year 10 will be travelling to Dubbo for a Fr Rob Galea concert. These experiences are always highly rewarding and full of energy. Further information will be sent home to families closer to the date.

 

Sandy Abbey

Leader of Mission 

This month on SchoolTV - The State of Youth Mental Health

Parents and carers can play a crucial role in their children's mental health. As a result, staying informed on the current state of youth mental health is vital, as it not only affects individuals, but also families and communities. According to recent research, the frequency of mental health disorders among young people is increasing, with anxiety, depression, and self-harm being among the most common challenges.

One of the reasons being attributed to this rise is the heightened stress and anxiety that many young people face in today's society. Academic success, social media, and family issues are all influencing factors. Many young people are still suffering the long-term consequences of the pandemic, such as social isolation, uncertainty, and loss.

Parents can play an important role in their children's mental health. Creating a safe and open environment for your children to talk about their emotions, thoughts, and feelings is vital. Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep can help reduce their stress levels and boost your child's overall mental health. There are also many resources and services available to children, adolescents, and their families, such as school counsellors, various mental health organisations, support lines, and of course, mental health professionals. It is important to remember that seeking help is a show of strength, not weakness, and that early intervention is critical in addressing young people's mental health difficulties.

This edition of SchoolTV, discusses some of the major mental health issues affecting young people and how to support a child experiencing them. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this month's edition: https://stmattsmudgee.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/state-youth-mental-health

Real Schools

You are invited!

Sheila from Real Schools will be delivering a parent session on Restorative Practices and she will be supporting our school over the next 3 years. 

Our school has made a very important decision lately and that is to become a Restorative School. Using Restorative Practices isn’t something we take lightly. We’ve been watching what’s been happening in the world of education when it comes to creating a strong school culture, to building effective relationships, to resolving conflict and to improving student behaviour and bullying. The bottom line is that we think there’s a better way.

Dillon Price

Leader of Wellbeing

Families are reminded that if you have a current Health Care Concession or a Pensioner Concession Card you are entitled to a 30% concession on your school fee account.

The card must be in the parents name and have an eligible code. 

A copy of the card can be forwarded to mudstmfees@bth.catholic.edu and if eligible we will apply a credit to your account. 

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Annette White
Finance and Operations Manager

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Congratulations to the 37 students who competed at the Secondary Dio Cross Country Carnival in Orange on Wednesday 10th May. Our students had a fantastic day out with 13 students qualifying to attend the NSWCCC Cross Country Carnival held at the Equestrian Centre in Sydney next month.

We had two talented students named Age Champions (taking out first place) for the day. A big congratulations to:

• Edith Keightley (15YRS)
• Ruby George (14YRS)

Our 17 Years Boys and 14 Years Girls were presented with the Diocesan Age Champion Banner, which is also an incredible effort. All the students are to be commended on their participation and overall support of each other throughout the day.

Mrs McCarney and Miss Hartley

PDHPE Teachers

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 

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.