The world turned its gaze to Paris last week for the commencement of the 2024 Olympic Games. In my household, the rolling television coverage becomes a fairly constant backing track for the duration of this incredible international event. I love it. There is a never ending array of inspirational stories and feats of strength, determination and endurance. Watching these athletes has the capacity to remind us of what the human spirit is capable of - whether or not you are particularly interested in sport.

The original values of the Olympic movement as expressed in the Olympic Charter were to encourage effort, preserve human dignity and develop harmony. Over time, they have evolved and are now expressed as:

• Striving for excellence and encouraging people to be the best they can be.
• Demonstrating respect in many different manners: respect towards yourself, the rules, your opponents, the environment, the public, etc.
• Celebrating friendship, through an event that brings people together every few years.

These Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship align closely with the St Matthews Way and provide an opportunity for us to reflect on how, through our own words and actions, we can all strive to make the world a better place.

To celebrate the 2024 Olympics, our Primary & Secondary Campus will join with many organisations across Australia this Friday 2 August to hold a Green & Gold Mufti Day as a way of showing support for our athletes and also focusing explicitly on the values underlying the event. We are also looking forward to having a bit of fun across both campuses as students and staff take part in some ‘Olympics inspired competitions.’ Keep an eye on our socials for some photos and highlights.

God bless

Angela Myles | Executive Principal 

The start to Term 3 has been busy and exciting. Last Wednesday we officially opened the hardcourts - 2 multi purpose outdoor courts. Fr Owen blessed the courts in a lovely ceremony with the help of our school leaders Jim, Gabby Jacob and Stella. A much anticipated ‘teachers v students’ netball match followed, with no official score kept but keenly observed from the sideline by many. Rumour has it the students may have just ‘got up’.

It has been satisfying to see another space added to our wonderful secondary campus - and great to see it in full use, being enjoyed by students during their breaks. The oval also had a much anticipated addition in the goal posts being installed with football and soccer nets for students to use.

During our Assembly in Week 3 the SRC will outline the expectations of students when using such spaces. In summary:

• No tackle games permitted
• No food permitted on either site (lunch to be eaten before playing)
• Shoes and hats are required at all times
• All rubbish must be disposed of in a bin
• Equipment borrowed from the wellbeing office must be returned

There has already been a range of diverse additional learning opportunities for our students to engage in and enjoy with the Year 9- 10 STEM class going to Taronga Zoo -Dubbo; the Year 12 Food Technology class travelling to Sydney for a tour of the Arnotts factory, Harvest B and Penrith Panthers.

On Friday we hosted the Diocesan Junior Public Speaking competition with Lily and TK respresentimng St Matthews. We are proud of both girls and happy to announce that TK has progressed to the next round - Well done to both girls!

On Friday 2 August the CAPPA department will be hosting the HSC Showcase. This is your only chance to see all HSC performances in a concert format. It is always a great evening - all are welcome to support our talented students.

It was great to see so many of our Year 12 students take advantage of our trial initiative - ‘Night Study’. The 2 hour sessions are optional and are designed to support those students who find studying at home a challenge - to better prepare for the upcoming HSC Trial Examinations. The independent study sessions will be reviewed once the ‘Trials’ begin in Week 4.

Blaney McCarthy-English | Acting Head of Campus - Secondary

OUR MERCY CHARISM

Discovering the Mercy Charism: A Legacy of Catherine McAuley

In the heart of our school community, the Mercy charism beats strongly, infusing our daily lives with compassion, service, and a profound sense of justice. Rooted in the life and vision of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, the Mercy charism calls us to extend our hands and hearts to those in need, fostering a world where love and kindness prevail.

The Legacy of Catherine McAuley

In 1827, Catherine used her inheritance to open the House of Mercy in Dublin, a place where poor women and children could receive education, shelter, and medical care. This house became the nucleus of her life's work, embodying her belief that education and compassionate care could break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals.

The Birth of the Sisters of Mercy

Catherine's efforts attracted like-minded women who shared her vision of service. To ensure the continuity of their work, she founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831. The congregation quickly grew, spreading across Ireland and beyond, establishing schools, hospitals, and social service centres. The Sisters of Mercy became known for their dedication to the marginalised and their innovative approaches to education and healthcare.

Living the Mercy Charism Today

Today, the Mercy charism continues to inspire and guide us. In our school, we strive to embody the values that Catherine McAuley cherished:

Our Commitment

As we walk in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley, let us remember that each act of kindness, each moment of service, and each pursuit of justice reflects the enduring spirit of Mercy. By embracing these values, we not only honour Catherine's legacy but also contribute to a brighter, more compassionate world.

In every classroom, every hallway, and every interaction, the Mercy charism is alive, urging us to live with hearts full of love and hands ready to serve. Together, let us continue to build a community where the light of Mercy shines brightly, illuminating the path for future generations.

Mercy Charism Prayer

O God of Mercy and Compassion,

In Your boundless love, You call us to be instruments of Your mercy in the world. Strengthen our hearts to embrace this charism with open arms, and let our actions reflect Your kindness and grace.

Grant us the wisdom to see the needs of others, the courage to respond with generosity, and the patience to walk with those who suffer. May our words be gentle and our deeds be just, as we strive to live out Your call to love and serve.

Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may be channels of Your peace and hope. In every encounter, may we bring Your healing touch, Your forgiving heart, and Your compassionate presence.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

RISE

In the holiday’s, nine of our St Matthews students travelled to Bathurst for the annual RISE Youth Festival. This event is always an amazing experience for our students. Their time away was  filled with engaging activities, deep moments of encounter with God, the Church and each other. A few students wanted to share what they liked about their experience.

“I thought it was a very fun experience and I can't wait to go again! I loved spending time with my group and dancing, I loved the mass we did and the bonfire. Everything was amazing.”

~ Grace Myles

“My core memories during RISE 2024 included the small group activities that we were involved in, the liturgical dance performance, and the people that I got to meet! I was also able to explore and get a more thorough understanding about my faith.”

~ Maggie Bodycote

Youth Group

St Mary’s Parish is excited to announce the start of a Youth Group, open to all young people from Year 9 to young adults (30 years old). The group will focus on Faith, Fun and Food. This group is a fantastic opportunity to grow faith, develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships and participate in fun and meaningful activities.

When: 3pm every Sunday.

Start: on 28 July

Where: Parish Hall

Everyone is welcome!! Email Jade if you have any questions:

j.newman6@bth.catholic.edu.au

 

Pope’s Monthly Intentions

July - For the pastoral care of the sick

We pray that the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick confer to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all. Amen

 

Thinking of becoming Catholic?

“The love of Jesus is for everyone; everyone has the same privilege: that of being loved and forgiven.”

Pope Francis, Palm Sunday 2022

The RCIA is for all those seeking to become members of the Catholic Church.

This journey is for people who have never been baptised, and for those who have been baptised in other Christian denominations. Even parishioners can benefit in being part of their journey.

The non-baptised are prepared in a Catholic parish RCIA program and are joyfully received into the Catholic Church by receiving the three Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Conformation and the Holy Communion, which traditionally takes place at the Easter Vigil.

For those already baptised, they too are prepared and welcomed into full communion of the Catholic church by receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Holy Communion, which can also take place during Easter celebrations or another suitable season. Catholic who would like to know more about their faith are also welcome. If you're interested or know someone who is interested, please contact the parish office. 02 6372 2122.

Belinda Redden | Leader of Mission 

SPECIAL REPORT: Eating Anxiety

The complexity of eating anxiety stems from a combination of social, psychological, and environmental factors. Young people may develop this anxiety due to social pressures related to eating in front of others, fears about body image, or due to more ingrained issues such as eating disorders. Additionally, cultural norms or dietary restrictions can also play significant roles, as can direct experiences like bullying or teasing related to food choices or eating habits.

Whilst not a formally recognised condition, eating anxiety is a genuine and often overwhelming experience that can significantly hinder a young person's ability to participate in everyday activities comfortably. This condition can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and social withdrawal, impacting overall health and academic performance.

Recognising and addressing eating anxiety is crucial for parents, carer, and educators. Through education, policy changes, and community support, we can help young people manage their anxieties and improve their relationship with food, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and social interactions.

This Special Report will help you understand how best to support a child experiencing anxiety around eating.

Here is the link to your Special Report

https://stmattsmudgee.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-eating-anxiety-au

Dillon Price | Leader of Wellbeing

The Reslience Project

Throughout 2024, we have been and will be working closely with The Resilience Project to support the wellbeing of our school community.

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience.

Our Partnership Program consists of online presentations and fortnightly lessons for students, professional development for staff, and Parent & Carer Hub (inc. digital presentations) for our parent and carer community.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing the Parent & Carer Hub with you. The videos are 5-10 minutes long and will walk through the key pillars of resilience: Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness. You’ll hear stories and be introduced to activities to show how these strategies can support our kids' learning and development, and also support you as parents and carers.

This program is an important part of our school’s effort to look after the mental health of our community.

View the first presentation of the series here:

Part 1: Meet Hugh and learn about The Resilience Project - https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/

In this presentation, Hugh shares a personal experience about his sister's battles with Mental Illness.

Note: This video contains a story about an Eating Disorder that may be triggering. Please consider this before watching. For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

We will be in touch fortnightly to share the remainder of the program, including research and wellbeing activities to integrate into day-to-day life.

Emma Nicholls | Wellbeing Support 

University Of Wollongong - School Visit

On Wednesday the 24th July, St Matthews was fortunate to have two very special guests and former St Matthews students, Clare and Bellah, to speak to us about the University of Wollongong: courses available, accommodation, scholarships and much more. We greatly appreciate Clare and Bellah sharing their wealth of knowledge with us. It was a very informative session.

If anyone missed out on a UOW information booklet, I have copies available on my desk.

NSW Health Virtual Career Fair

On Thursday the 25th July, The Regional Industry Education Partnership (RIEP) Program held the first stage in the NSW Health Virtual Career Fair. This was a 50-minute webinar which discussed career options and pathways in the Health Industry. Our students who watched this seminar gained valuable information in roles they may wish to pursue in future including doctor, nurse, pathologist, scientist, allied,midwifery, non clinical roles and many more.

If you would like a recording of this seminar, please email j.tink@bth.catholic.edu.au 

NSW Mining Virtual Reality Work Experience

Career Tools

An exciting resource is now available to all students from St Matthews. The Career Tools website is up and running. Here, students and families can access up to date information on career opportunities available. There is also information on workplace learning, courses for students to attend, post school options and much, much more. Jump online at the following and check it out: 

https://www.stmatthewsmudgeecareers.com/

My Future

Not sure what career you're suited for? What you’d like to study when you finish school? Should you try an apprenticeship? My Future is a great place to start.

There’s information available for students and families to help navigate future options. Create a login and get a head start on your future today.

https://myfuture.edu.au/ 

ADF Opens Recruitment to Non-Australian Citizens

Did you know ADF have changed the eligibility requirements for non-Australian Citizens? If your students or job seekers meet certain criteria, they may now be able to apply for an ADF Career. Find out more on our eligibility page.

To be eligible, they must:

• be a New Zealand citizen
• be a permanent resident living in Australia or holding a 444 sub-class visa
• have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately prior to applying to join the ADF
• have not served in a foreign military in the two years prior to applying to join the ADF

School Based Traineeships

Jacinda Tink | Transition Coordinator 

Commerce students have commenced their Law, Society and Political Involvement topic. As part of their studies students were given a series of legal and political definitions which they had to represent using gummy bears.

This challenged students' ability to think critically and creatively how best to represent key elements from their definition.

Below are some of their representations. 

Karla Croake | HSIE Coordinator 

Students in Year 9 and 10 recently embarked on a STEM excursion to Western Plains Zoo, a unique learning experience blending wildlife and science. The day was filled with interactive activities, guided tours, and hands-on workshops designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Highlights included a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s platypus conservation centre, where students observed cutting-edge medical technology used to care for the animals. They also participated in a workshop on animal adaptations, learning how designers are integrating concepts from Biomimicry to emulate nature in their designs. 

The excursion provided a real-world context for classroom concepts, showcasing how iSTEM fields intersect with conservation and animal care. Students returned with a newfound appreciation for wildlife and a stronger grasp of how STEM skills can be applied in diverse careers.

Tim Doyle | STEM Teacher

On Monday 29th of July, St Matthews hosted The Junior Secondary Speaking Award. 

Students from as far as Dubbo and even Parkes attended the competition at St Matthews to deliver prepared and impromptu speeches. We had great success from Tariro Kanduka (TK) and Lilly Hockley from Grade 9, despite having fallen sick just a few days before! Both participated in their very first public speaking event. In a strong field full of budding leaders, Tariro Kanduka (TK) was successful in progressing to the finals with her fabulous speech called ‘The Filtered View of the World’. The impromptu speech used the topic of ‘A Sporting Chance’. Contestants used the topic to discuss the fact people need courage and motivation to have a ‘sporting chance’ and with these key items they can thrive. Lilly Hockley placed third, narrowly missing the final and had an extraordinarily strong performance in both impromptu and prepared sections. 

Tariro Kanduka (TK) will now prepare with the mentorship from our senior public speakers and teachers for the finals in early September. With great pride we can mention that a young girl from Parkes Christian school had felt inspired from our last public speaking round for the Senior Secondary speaking award by Liana Pendlebury’s speech. Liana’s speech spoke about the sexism against women, the young girl addressed a speech under a similar issue after having watched that round. 

Public Speaking offers support in growing confidence, allowing you to have your voice heard and can greatly improve your literacy capabilities throughout your whole schooling experience. It forms new social connections, across the diocese, and builds leadership and persuasive skills. 

A huge thanks to the following students, Liana Pendlebury, Alex Maiolo, Alexandra Nassar and Bianca Muscat for their mentorship and support throughout Public Speakify and the overall general supporters and helping hands. We thank Mr. Doyle and Ms Starick for their ongoing efforts, without them we will not be able to have a club at our beautiful school.

Tim Doyle | English Teacher 

Families may have noticed that Student Merit Awards are now visible in Compass. 

You should receive notification via email each time your child receives an award. 

We hope this is a great way for you to keep in touch with all the wonderful things your children are doing!