This week our Primary students have the opportunity to participate in the 2023 Gulgong Eisteddfod. The eisteddfod has been a feature on the local calendar since 1980, making this the 42nd Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod (accounting for some time lost to Covid). This wonderful celebration of talent covers three disciplines of Dance, Music and Speech. As you know, this year, all of our Primary students are participating in the Speech discipline by presenting a poem as a class. The students are blessed to be able to perform these poems on stage at the historic Prince of Wales Opera House which was built in 1871.

I have very fond childhood memories of participating in the Gulgong Eisteddfod in a choir led by Mrs Ruth Newman. I am sure that those of you who are ex-students of St Matthews may share similar memories. There are many wonderful benefits that young people can gain from participating in this type of event. Performing in an eisteddfod can give students a goal to work towards as a class as well as a chance to build skills and confidence. More specifically, learning to recite a poem together can assist with developing memorisation skills as well as encouraging creative use of words and emotions to convey a message to an audience. The students and their teachers have been putting a lot of effort into preparing for the eisteddfod. My hope is that they relish the shared experience of participating in the arts together and also learn something along the way.

God bless

Angela Myles

Executive Principal

Athletics Carnivals

The annual Athletics Carnivals last week provided some fun for the students of St Matthews in the sporting arena, both at school for our students from Kindergarten to Year 2 and at Walker’s Oval for Years 3 to 6. For the Primary students, this carnival, the first without the attendance of our Secondary students, also provided a pathway for representation at the Northern Region Carnival to be held in Dubbo on July 19th. Students attending this carnival will be informed later this week. 

Both carnivals were well supported by families and we thank you for taking the time to join us on the day. To those families who assisted with events, we are truly thankful as without your support we wouldn’t be able to create these opportunities for our students. We must also thank the wonderful Secondary students who assisted in setting up and packing up the carnival and also helped out at each of the events that took place at Walker’s Oval. Lastly, thank you to Mr Coughlan, Ms Hawes and the teachers of Infants and Primary, who planned and organised the running of two very successful carnivals.

Kindergarten 2024 ‘Bright Beginnings’ Program

The 2024 Kindergarten ‘Bright Beginnings’ program starts this week and runs each Wednesday for four weeks. Each day consists of three sessions and during this time, any families ready to enrol their little ones into school next year, meet teachers and other families whilst the children participate in a range of fun school-based activities. This program is a great way to meet the parents and children before the enrolment process begins.

Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures 

Although much improved from previous years, our drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon is a challenge for some in our school community. In the afternoons for pick up we remind parents to place family names on the dashboard of cars to speed up this process, a strategy that has been successful in recent times. 

Following on from this we must remind parents to please stay in your car at the Drop Off and Pick Up Zone to support all families in the queue and provide a safe environment at the front of our school. We understand that some of our younger students may require assistance with bags but encourage those parents with these concerns to park and assist children away from the Drop Off and Pick Up Zone.

We are constantly trying to support safe procedures during the busy morning and afternoon periods for all families and ask for assistance in this matter.

Justin Yeo

Head of Campus, Primary

Ascension Sunday

On Sunday the church celebrated the feast  of  the  Ascension. It  is  really a kind of liminal moment in the Easter season. It is a time between times, a moment when we have left one place in our journey but have not yet arrived at a second. May we be similarly inspired to spread the Gospel message in word and actions, according to your will for me. And may we do so prudently and joyfully, with your help, your guidance, and your grace! 

Next weekend we celebrate the Pentecost event. With Jesus now seated in heaven, on Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday, the Holy Spirit was given to the assembled apostles and the mother of Jesus to continue his mission of building the church and kingdom. 

This week is Laudato Si' Week and provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can commit ourselves to bringing the message of Laudato Si’ to life. Laudato Si' is Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on caring for our common home. This year's theme is: "Hope for the Earth. Hope for humanity."

For more information visit the laudatosiweek.org website.

Some questions to reflect on this week could include:

• How do you live in harmony with God, others and nature?

• What is your involvement in the care of creation?

• When have you thought or cared for the poor and outcast?

Ross McKeown

Leader of Mission K-12

Corey Tutt Literacy Event: The First Scientists

We invite all of our families to join the Council of Catholic School Parents in a literacy event with an acclaimed author and scientist. Author Corey Tutt will read from his new book, The First Scientists to parents and children. Parents are welcome to attend and hear tips about how reading at home can improve children’s literacy skills. Corey Tutt will be reading at 6:30pm on Tuesday 30 May.

Register here by 29 May to attend. If you are in the first hundred registrations, you’ll receive a free copy of The First Scientists.

Curriculum Reform K-2 2023

The beginning of  2023 has seen some exciting changes underway in the NSW curriculum for our youngest learners in English and Mathematics! The K-2 curriculum reform has delivered a range of focuses to ensure a strong foundation for your child's education. At St Matthews we have a strong culture of building foundational learning skills in literacy and numeracy, so the reform affirms our commitment to these focuses, whilst providing a lens to look at new opportunities for engagement and strengthening our practices. Engaging and diverse learning opportunities for play-based learning, critical thinking, and creativity, supports our students in K-2, to develop skills for life. The reform also integrates digital literacy, preparing our students for the digital world they'll grow up in. The English and Mathematics component of the syllabus reform fosters curiosity, collaboration, and communication, addressing the diverse needs of our students. 

A Focus on Oral Language 

The new K-2 curriculum advocates for oral language development in K-2 English and Mathematics. Recognising the critical role of oral communication skills, both syllabi focus on providing students with a strong foundation in expressing themselves confidently and effectively. In English, students engage in rich discussions, storytelling, and presentations, honing their ability to articulate ideas and listen actively. These skills are further integrated into Mathematics, where students have opportunities to explain their thinking, collaborate, and discuss problem-solving strategies. By emphasising oral language development, the new K-2 curriculum reform aims to empower our young learners with the communication skills essential for success in both academics and real-world situations. 

How can you support your child’s oral language development at home?

Parents play a crucial role in supporting oral language development at home. Here are some strategies to help enhance your child's oral language skills:

1. Engage in conversation: Have regular conversations with your child, asking open-ended questions and encouraging them to express their thoughts and opinions. Listen attentively and provide meaningful responses to keep the conversation flowing.
2. Read aloud and discuss stories: Read books together and encourage your child to actively participate in the storytelling process. Pause at key moments to ask questions, predict outcomes, or discuss characters and events. This helps develop comprehension skills and encourages your child to express themselves.
3. Play language-rich games: Engage in language-based activities such as word games, riddles, or storytelling games. These games promote vocabulary development, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
4. Create a language-rich environment: Surround your child with language by labelling objects, describing daily activities, and using rich vocabulary. Encourage your child to ask questions and engage in discussions about their environment.
5. Encourage imaginative play: Encourage your child to engage in imaginative play, where they can create stories, dialogue, and role-play. This type of play nurtures their language skills, creativity, and storytelling abilities.
6. Limit screen time and promote real-life interactions: While technology has its benefits, it's important to prioritise real-life interactions. Limit screen time and provide opportunities for face-to-face conversations and social interactions with family members, friends, and peers.
7. Be a language model: Model good communication skills by speaking clearly, using proper grammar, and expanding your own vocabulary. Show interest in your child's ideas and actively engage in conversations with them.

Remember, oral language development is a continuous process. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can provide a supportive environment that encourages your child's oral language skills to flourish.

Kate Harris

Infants Coordinator 

Athletics Carnivals

Last Friday we held our Infants and Primary Athletics Carnivals. A huge congratulations to our students on their positive participation and a big thank you to the staff, parents and student volunteers who assisted with the running of our events.

We look forward to announcing our Age Champions and House Champion soon!

PSSA Touch Football

We wish Ruby Azar all the best this week as she represents Polding at the NSW PSSA Touch Football Champtionships in Sydney.

Adam Coughlan

Primary Sport Coordinator 

Our Library Monitors for 2023 received their library monitors badges at assembly last Friday. The monitors have put a lot of effort into their training each lunchtime and they have worked really hard to pick up all the new skills required to carry out their leadership roles.

It was a proud moment for Year 6 students; Isabella Crane, Holly Thomas, Molly Sinclair, Elizabeth Maclean, Veronica Henningham, Alyra Kemp, Stephanie Rogers, Simrat Kaur, Adele Flynn, Audrey Bonham and Hallie Britten.

 These students have worked hard so far and will have their work cut out for them going into the future. Our busy and dynamic library continues to grow and as it does it requires constant energy and work. Congratulations to our 2023 Library Monitors.

Just a reminder to please label your children's clothing, hats, lunch boxes, drink bottles, balls and other belongings so they can be returned if lost. 

Don't forget to check the tub just inside the school gates if your child has lost something.

Thank you!

Canteen Closure: Friday 26th May

Please be advised that due to unforeseen circumstances the Primary Canteen will be closed this Friday, 26th May. No lunch orders or over the counter sales will be availble on this day.

Flexischools

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Don't forget the Primary Canteen is offering Birthday Buckets and Classroom Cupcakes, available for order via the Flexischools app. Please note these items must be ordered a week in advance.

Alicia Cowden

Primary Canteen Manager

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 Tuesdays and Thursdays 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.