Last week I attended our Term 4 Diocesan Principals Conference. The first session was presented by Susan McLean who is one of Australia’s foremost experts in the area of cybersafety, particularly as it relates to young people. Her presentation was eye opening and also a little frightening at times. She shared some harrowing statistics with us about the way young people are engaging online and also shared some strategies to support the work we do in this area. 

Susan’s book ‘Sexts, Texts & Selfies’ is an excellent guide for parents and carers hoping to give their children the skills, knowledge and strategies they need to navigate the internet in a safe and responsible way. The book reminds us that, although our children are digital natives who are extremely tech savvy, we need to be careful not to confuse this with actual knowledge of and appreciation for the risks associated with being online. Whilst our children might appear to know a lot more about technology than we do, we as parents have a crucial role to play in helping them to develop a better understanding of how to stay safe in the online world. Susan points out that young people don’t always have the ability to pause and reflect on the consequences of their actions before doing something and, because they are young, they don’t yet have the life experience to really understand the consequences even after they have been explained to them.

In the context of school, we provide extensive opportunities for students to learn about cybersafety, however, it is so important that these messages are also heard at home. As I am sure you know, there are lots of amazing resources available via the eSafety Commissioner website. I would also strongly recommend you check out Susan McLean’s website Cyber Safety Solutions. 

If you ever have any concerns or questions regarding your child's online safety, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will support you in whatever way we can.

God bless

Angela Myles | Executive Principal

Term 4 is in full swing and it is great to see students busy in many areas of the curriculum. In sport, the League Tag girls teams participated with great enthusiasm and skill and represented us well as did the Touch teams that competed in Forbes in Week 2. The external feedback we received from other schools on our students' behaviour and general ‘sportsmanlike’ attitude displayed on the field was exemplary - and we are very proud of them.

In week 2 we hosted the Diocesan Learning Hub students and teachers to engage in their course in a traditional class setting. The Dio Hub is a fantastic initiative that allows students across our Diocese to collectively engage in courses that each school may not have the student numbers, staff or resources to run individually. We have students engaging in Extension 2 Maths, History Extension and Science extension - which is facilitated by our own Science Coordinator Gavin Gant. All visitors had a great time meeting their ‘classmates’ face to face and making important connections with their teachers.

This week we have our USYD Research Hub class heading off to Sydney with their teacher Mr Neil Manwaring. We look forward to hearing about their experience at the University of Sydney and the progress they are making in the research. What an amazing opportunity and academic experience.

Year 9 and 10 are busily preparing for their End of Year Exams. This exam block is an important one in building the skills of organisation, commitment and resilience in our students to prepare them for the senior years of their schooling. I congratulate all students who have been working hard all year in their classes and those who are particularly focussed on preparing for these upcoming exams. I hear great reports of Year 9 students voluntarily attending lunchtime Maths workshops with Mr Price to revise - this commitment and dedication will ‘pay off I’m sure’. Good Luck to all of Year 9 and 10.

Our Year 11 students are finally getting used to being the leaders of our community and have demonstrated great leadership so far. On Wednesday 6 November we will host the end of Year 11 course Parent teacher Interviews, followed by a very important Information Session for the HSC class of 2025. This is a compulsory event.

Our formal school leadership team will head for the GRIP leadership course in Dubbo on Wednesday. We hope it is a purposeful day for all.

Student Leadership

Last week a letter was sent home to families explaining changes to the student leadership model at the secondary campus. The main changes will be the movement of our House Captain roles to be held by Year 12 students. 2025 will be a year of transition with one student being from Year 10 and one from Year 12. In 2026 all House Captains will be a Year 12 student - with all the school leadership positions held by our senior students.

In 2026 further changes will occur with House Captains assuming the responsibilities of our Prefects and Ministry captains.

Models of the 2 Leadership Models are below.

 

Our Year 9 House Captain nominees had their interviews this week with voting and SLT interviews in Week 6 & 7. Year 11 nominees will also have interviews in Week 4 followed by voting and final interviews with the SLT. House Captains for 2025 will be announced at the Assembly in Week 8.

 

Boys Netball - State Cup

Wishing our Boys netball team all the best for the upcoming State Final for Schools Cup. Our boys will be travelling down with Coach Mrs Jacinda Tink and Mr Dave Tooney. The boys will be taking the court to once again prove Mudgee’s netball dominance having had the Best Netball team in the state in 2019 when the now Year 11 girls won.

Best of luck to both our secondary boys and the primary girls. As Ted Lasso would say - BELIEVE!

 

 

 Ms Blaney McCarthy-English | Head of Campus - Secondary

The Pope's Monthly Intention: November 

For anyone who has lost a child ~

We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

Amen

‘He Loved Us’: Pope Francis' new encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

“Dilexit nos,” Pope Francis’ fourth Encyclical, retraces the tradition and relevance of thought on “the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ,” calling for a renewal of authentic devotion to avoid forgetting the tenderness of faith, the joy of serving, and the fervour of mission. The Holy Father teaches us that devotion to the heart of Jesus can open our own hearts to renewed ways we can love and be loved.

This is a link to the encyclical:

‘He Loved Us’: Pope Francis' new encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Vatican News

Belinda Redden | Leader of Mission

Work Experience

I completed my Work Experience at Chill Rite Mudgee. My favourite things were meeting new people, learning about air conditioners and installing equipment. It was a great company to work for. Thank you to Chill rite for having me.

Mason S - Year 10

We would like to thank the staff at Chill Rite Mudgee and

AMAXX Plumbing Tallawang for hosting our

St Matthews Work Experience students for their placements.

Social Media and Content Creation Workshop

On Thursday 24th October, students from year 9,10 and 11 attended a Social Media and Content Creation workshop run by Stephanie Aceglav from Media For Millennials.

This amazing workshop taught our students highly desirable employability skills, in a digital age where almost everyone needs to be a content creator. The course incorporated aspects of photography, film, advertising and digital media to showcase a local Mudgee product.

We were so lucky to have Katie-May Batty, from Girl with a Pearl, come to share her experience in running her own business and how she utilises social media to advertise her beautiful jewellery. Students were also able to use the Girl with a Pearl Jewellery as a focus for their campaigns.

We wish to give a big thank you to both Steph- @media4millennials, and Katie- @_girlwithapearl, for giving up their time and sharing their wealth of knowledge to support our St Matthews Students.

   

Are you interested in a career in Medicine?

Live medical conferences provide invaluable opportunities for students considering a career in medicine to immerse themselves in the world they aspire to join. These conferences offer direct access to medical professionals, allowing you to interact with doctors, specialists, and experts in various fields of medicine.

UCAT and how to prepare

Click on the link below to register your interest for the free medical seminars.

Free Medical Conferences link

 

What’s happening at the University of Wollongong

Event name: 2025 Year 12 Summer Master Class Program  

Description:  Exciting news! Summer Master Class applications are now open! With eight subjects to choose from, our three-week Summer Master Class program allows students to complete a university subject during January 2025. All subjects will be delivered in person at UOW Wollongong Campus, including some online elements

Date/Time: Applications open from Monday 14 October – until 11:59pm Sunday 10 November 2024  

Who: Newly commencing Year 12 students for 2025

Location: UOW Wollongong Campus (or online for certain subjects). from 6 January – 24 January 2025, with an Orientation Day on 10 or 11 December 2024

Cost: $450 (compared to HECS fees between $555 – $2040/ subject). Students who meet criteria outlined on our website, including regional, rural and remote students, can apply for a fully supported place, which will allow the fee to be waived.

Application Process: Applications are open and will close at 11.59pm Sunday, 10^th November 2024. Students can apply via the Summer Master Class website.

Additional Information: UOW will be hosting a live public information session at 7pm on the 29^th October 2024. Sign up for the webinar here.

UOW can deliver a specific 10–15-minute Q&A session for your school at a time that suits your timetable or can include it in a wider UOW presentation to cater for your school needs. Please email our team to arrange this.  

 

YEAR 6 INTO YEAR 7 TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL PARENT & CARER WEBINAR

Event name: Year 6 Parent & Carer Webinar - Maximising Success When

Transitioning to High School & UOW Opportunities Ahead

Description:  Join UOW for this exciting webinar opportunity which focuses

on key transition to high school themes to equip parents & carers with confidence before their child embarks on their high school journey ahead

Date/Time: Monday, November 11th 7pm-8pm

Who: Guest presenters and specialists Will focus on topics such as; Adapting to change, managing peer pressure & maintaining friendships, coping with new learning demands, taking 'good risks' in learning + exploring UOW program opportunities on the horizon!

Location: Hosted flexibly via Zoom - Link available once registered

Register via: https://www.uow.edu.au/study/events/

   

   

NSW HEALTH Virtual Careers Fair 2024

Research shows that there will be job shortages in Health Care services, and the need for more health workers will be in high demand due to these shortages. To assist in combating this issue, lots of ideas and programs are being delivered to reach out to people to join the health industry. The NSW Health virtual careers fair is here to help.

The Fair has three stages and we are now up to Stage 3. This runs from the 4th to 25th November.

There will be multiple Live Zoom sessions, each focussing on a unique profession such as roles of nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, IT expert and so many more.

Hear early career professionals talk about their job. Learn more about training pathways and supports. Ask our panel questions.

Register now. Scan the QR Code below

For more information please see Mrs Tink or email on j.tink@bth.catholic.edu.au

Mid-Western Regional Council position available

Trainee Building Surveyor Opportunity

Attention 2024 School Leavers!

Kickstart an exciting career as a Trainee Health & Building Surveyor with Mid-Western Regional Council!

Imagine a career where you’re not just sitting at a desk but actively shaping and safeguarding your community! As a Health and Building Surveyor, you’ll:

• Ensure buildings are safe and meet regulations
• Inspect and assess public health standards in local businesses
• Support environmental initiatives to keep our region healthy

This isn’t just a job – it’s a pathway to making a real difference in one of NSW’s fastest-growing areas. And the best part? We’ll cover the cost of your university degree!

 What’s in it for you?

• Full-time role with a day off every 4 weeks
• Council-funded university studies
• Hands-on training with experienced mentors

If you’re motivated, ready to learn, and want a fulfilling career in community planning and health, apply now!

Apply Today!  

#CareerStart #MudgeeCouncil #BuildingYourFuture

Student Admin Classrooms

If you have students in year 9, 10 or 11, all students in the year level have access to their school administration classrooms for their year level. This is a place where all up to date information is posted frequently.

For examples, in regards to careers each classroom has information on:

• Jobs available in the Mudgee region
• TVET/SBAT information and forms
• Work experience
• Apprenticeships
• University admission, scholarships, early entry
• Showcases visiting St Matthews and much, much more

We also have our school careers page which you can access 24/7

St Matthews Careers

Shakespeare Lives

In English, as part of their study of the play “Just Macbeth”, Year 7 were given the opportunity to explore the costume an actor playing a female role would wear in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Each class group had one volunteer, with two willing ‘ladies and lords in waiting’ assisting lacing the many layers of outfit. All volunteers should be commended for their willingness to engage with learning experiences beyond the classroom. 

Maria Starick | English Teacher 

Stay Sun Safe 

As we enjoy the sunny weather during term four, it's vital for students to protect themselves from harmful UV rays. The importance of sun safety cannot be overstated, especially during Physical Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE) lessons and breaks.

Sun protection is essential as nearly all skin cancers are preventable. Extended exposure to the sun, particularly in early life, significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Wearing a hat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to shield ourselves from harmful UV radiation.

To ensure the safety of our students, hats are highly recommended during all PDHPE lessons. Here is the schedule for each year groups practical PDHPE lessons:

• Year 7: Monday
• Year 8: Tuesday
• Year 9: Thursday
• Year 10: Friday

If you do not have a hat it can be purchased from the Midford Uniform Shop.  Hats can be purchase in person or online.

• Open: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

• Online Orders:

• Primary Orders: Delivered to the school office on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30pm (cut-off: 1:00pm).

• Secondary Orders: Delivered to the school office on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00am (cut-off: 3:30pm the day before).

• Shop Pickup: Orders can be picked up within shop hours; please allow 1 hour after ordering for collection.

How to Order Online:

1. Go to midford.com.au.

2. Select "St Matthews Catholic School" from the Online School Shops tab.

3. New users: Click the "Register New Account" button.

4. Select "St Matthews Catholic School" from the drop-down menu and add the unique school pass phrase: "Matthews1912."

5. Add your personal information, create a username and password.

6. Order the items you need and select either pick-up in store or home delivery.

If you have any queries please contact the uniform shop:

Phone: 0439 442 509

Email: st.matthews@midford.com.au

Let's work together to ensure we stay sun safe and enjoy our time outdoors. Remember, wearing a hat is not just a rule—it's a smart choice for your health!

Stay protected and enjoy your PDHPE lessons!

Brooke Colley | PDHPE KLA Coordinator 

The Midford Uniform Shop is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

EFTPOS only, no cash.

Enjoy the convenience of online shopping. Save time and energy by ordering your uniforms online in six easy steps:

1. Go to midford.com.au
2. Select St Matthews Catholic School from the Online School Shops tab
3. New users to click the ‘Register New Account’ button
4. Start the registration process by selecting St Matthews Catholic School from the drop-down menu and add the unique school pass phrase: “Matthews1912”
5. Add your personal information, create a username and password
6. Order the items you need, select pick-up in store/deliver to school.

Online orders for Primary will be delivered to the school office on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30pm. Cut off time for ordering is 1.00pm.
Online orders for Secondary will be delivered to the school office on Wednesdays and Fridays 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.

If you have any queries please contact the uniform shop directly:
Phone: 0439 442 509 or Email: st.matthews@midford.com.au