School attendance plays a critical role in enhancing the lives of children and young people. Every day of attendance adds to a student's opportunity to learn, develop and experience success in education. There is no safe number of days for missing school. If a student misses as little as four days each term they will have missed over a year of learning, by the end of their schooling. 

At St Matthews, we always want to work in partnership with parents to encourage and support regular attendance of children at school.

For your reference, I have included some detailed information in this newsletter that outlines the compulsory attendance requirements from the New South Wales Department of Education that also apply to Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst schools and are, therefore, your responsibilities to be aware of as a parent or carer. 

If you have any questions about these requirements or are concerned about your own child’s attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a conversation.

God bless

Angela Myles | Executive Principal 

What are my legal responsibilities?

Education in New South Wales is compulsory for all children between the ages of six years and below the minimum school leaving age. The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school, or, are registered with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority for homeschooling. Once enrolled, children are required to attend school each day it is open for students.

What age can my child leave school?

Students must complete Year 10 or its equivalent and after Year 10 until they reach 17 years of age students must be:

• in school or registered for home schooling, or
• in approved education or training (e.g. TAFE, traineeship, apprenticeship)
• in full-time, paid employment (average 25 hours per week) or in a combination of work, education and/or training

What if my child has to be away from school?

On occasion, your child may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for

student absences may include:

• being sick, or having an infectious disease
• having an unavoidable medical appointment
• being required to attend a recognised religious holiday
• exceptional or urgent family circumstance e.g. attending a funeral.

Following an absence from school you must ensure that within 7 days you provide your child’s school with a verbal or written explanation for the absence. However, if the school has not received an explanation from you within 2 days, the school may contact you to discuss the absence. Principals may decline to accept an explanation that you have provided if they do not believe the absence is in the best interest of your child. In these circumstances your child’s absence would be recorded as unjustified. When this happens the principal will discuss their decision with you and the reasons why.

Principals may request medical certificates or other documentation when frequent or long term absences are explained as being due to illness. Principals may also seek parental permission to speak with medical specialists to obtain information to collaboratively develop a health care plan to support your child. If the request is denied, the principal can record the absences as unjustified.

Travel

Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during school term is necessary, you should discuss this with your child’s School Principal. An Application for Extended Leave may need to be completed. Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and therefore contribute to your child’s total absences for the year.

In some circumstances students may be asked to enrol in distance education for travel periods over 50 school days. This should be discussed with your child’s School Principal.

The importance of arriving on time

Arriving at school and class on time

• ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day
• helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine
• gives students time to greet their friends before class
• reduces classroom disruption.

Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.

What should I do if my child won’t go to school? 

You should contact the principal as soon as possible to discuss the issue and ask for help. 

Strategies to help improve attendance may include:

• An attendance planning meeting with you and your child to develop a student attendance plan.
• A referral to the school’s learning and support team  
• The Principal seeking further support from the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst Attendance Officer.

What if my child continues to have unsatisfactory attendance?

Where children of compulsory school age have recurring numbers of unexplained or unjustified absences from school you may be asked, along with your child, to attend a Compulsory Schooling Conference. The conference run by a Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst trained convenor, aims to help the school, parents and other agencies to further identify the supports your child may need to have in place so they attend school regularly.  The school, parents and agencies will work together to develop an agreed plan (known as Undertakings) to support your child’s attendance at school.

If previous attempts to resolve the issue are not successful the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst may be required to refer the matter to the NSW Department of Education on behalf of the State Minister for Education to take further action. These actions may include:

• Application to the Children’s Court - Compulsory Schooling Order

If your child’s attendance at school remains unsatisfactory the Department may apply

to the Children’s Court for a Compulsory Schooling Order. The Children’s Court

magistrate may order a Compulsory Schooling Conference to be convened.

• School and Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst staff remain committed to working in partnership with you to address the issues which are preventing your child’s full participation at school. In circumstances where a breach of compulsory schooling orders occurs further action may be taken against a parent in the Local Court. The result of court action can be the imposition of a community service order or a fine.

Can my child be exempted from attending school?

Exemption from school attendance may be granted when it has been clearly demonstrated that it is in your child’s best interests to be exempted from the legal requirement to attend school. There are few circumstances that would warrant an exemption. Parents must apply to the principal for an exemption who will consider your application. A Certificate of Exemption may be granted subject to conditions and limited to a period specified in the certificate.

Extra Curricular opportunities at St Matthews

In Week 3 during our Whole School Assembly and in Mrs Myles’ absence, I addressed the students - reflecting on the extensive and varied extra curricular opportunities offered here at St Matthews. I encouraged every student to take full advantage of these activities, and outlined the benefits of fulfilling the St Matthews Way value of - courage.

Stepping out of one's comfort zone and trying new things - especially when the outcome is uncertain can be nerve wracking. Courage is required, as too is resilience, because failing is a genuine possibility. In my time at St Matthews I have always been encouraged by the level of support our students give each other in trying new things, and ‘putting themselves out there’. There is a true sense of community where students recognise the courage in others to try new things and they are overall accepting of success at its various levels.

Often when people reflect on their time at school it is in the experiences outside the general learning that is remembered: the swimming carnival; the art excursion; the overnight camp; the retreat - these memories ‘round out’ the schooling experience and for many, it’s in the life lessons of courage to try something new, the ability to be resilient and bounce back, and being humble in success that are invaluable.

Please join us in encouraging students to engage in the varied activities and programs offered here at St Matthews, and together we can celebrate their success, reflect on lessons learned and watch them embrace and flourish in a holistic Catholic education.

Duke of Edinburgh Award at St Matthews

We are thrilled to be able to offer the Duke of Edinburgh again at St Matthews for 2025.

We have had an excellent response so far. Before the 2025 program is officially launched there is still time to register. Any student interested in joining the team should email either myself or Mr Neil Manwaring for more information.

Year 7 & Families Welcome BBQ - Friday 21 March 5.30 - 7.30pm

We have had a great response to our Year 7 Welcome BBQ and look forward to meeting families next Friday. A reminder that the RSVP cut off is Wednesday 12 March.

7 - 10 Parent Teacher Interviews - Week 9 Monday & Tuesday

Later this week families will receive information in regards to the 7 - 10 Parent Teacher Interviews scheduled for Week 9 - Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April. Please read the letter for booking timeframes. Bookings are available via the compass portal and will remain open for a week. Once closed no further bookings will be possible.

    

Open Day - Sunday 30 March 10am - 1pm

We are excited to host an Open Day on Sunday 30 March. All current and future families are welcome to explore our secondary campus by touring our facilities, hearing from our Executive Principal Angela Myles on a ‘St Matthews education’, meet current staff and students and enjoy different subject displays and demonstrations. Come along and see our latest additions - outdoor courts, our expanding agricultural precinct including cattle yards and our new undercover learning space. We look forward to opening our gates to you and your guests.

 

Blaney Mccarthy-English | Head of Campus - Secondary

Project Compassion: Caritas

Caritas Australia’s Lenten fundraising and awareness appeal, Project Compassion has been launched for 2025, calling the community to Unite Against Poverty this Lent. This year’s theme deeply resonates with the teachings of Jesus, who showed great care for the poor and marginalised.

Your generosity this Lenten season will enable Caritas Australia to provide life-changing support to communities around the world facing poverty, food insecurity, lack of education and water scarcity, whilst building resilience against future challenges. Together, as a school community, we can bring hope and community to those most in need. By donating to Project Compassion, you will be answering the Gospel’s call to care for our global family and walk alongside those most vulnerable.

To donate, please scan the QR Code below, which will take you to donate to our school’s fundraiser.

If your child is donating we ask that they include their House name in their donation.

 Thank you for your support.

 

Ash Wednesday

On Wednesday, the 5th of March, we held our Ash Wednesday liturgy, marking the beginning of Lent, a special time of preparation, especially in this year of Jubilee, to stop and reflect on how we can play our part in God’s hope for a world that is fair, just and peaceful. Lent prepares us for the season of Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar. It is a time of prayer, fasting and giving to others, when we think about all of our blessings and give thanks for all that God has given us.

During the liturgy, ashes were placed on the foreheads of each member of the school in the shape of a cross as a symbol, reminding us that during Lent we are trying to grow to be more like Jesus.

By praying, fasting and giving alms this Lenten season, we are reminded of Jesus’s death and resurrection. Jesus brought the promise of hope to all people so that we may, “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). The liturgy invited the whole school community to reflect on the significance of the Lenten season.

 

Pope’s Monthly Intention

 

Upcoming Secondary School Mass Timetable 

Date	Year Group	Time	Location
Wednesday 12/3	9	10:40am	Chapel
Wednesday 19/3	7	10:40am	Chapel
Monday 24/3	Romero Students - Romero Feast Day Liturgy		St Mary’s Church
Wednesday 9/4	Stations of the Cross - Whole School	10:40am	Gym

 
Belinda Redden | Leader of Mission 

Inhalant Abuse on TikTok

Unfortunately, inhalant abuse, or huffing/chroming, is resurging among young people, fueled by TikTok. It has become a trend for young people to film themselves abusing common inhalants and posting to social media. Household products like aerosol sprays and glue contain toxic chemicals that produce a quick high but come with severe risks, including brain damage, heart failure, and sudden death.

Social media challenges have normalized this dangerous behavior, exposing teens to life-threatening experimentation. Many videos downplay the risks, making inhalants seem harmless. Their easy accessibility further increases the danger.

I would encourage every parent to read the following two articles to increase awareness and discover ways to support your children. 

https://theconversation.com/chroming-choking-and-skull-breaking-social-media-challenges-can-come-with-deadly-consequences-236966

https://adf.org.au/insights/inhalants-young-people/

Smart Pass 

A reminder to all families about the introduction of SmartPass, a digital student movement system that will be implemented across our secondary campus. SmartPass is designed to enhance student accountability, improve school safety, and streamline movement during class time.

With SmartPass, students will request and manage their movements when they need to leave class, reducing disruptions and ensuring they are where they need to be for learning. This system also allows staff to monitor student movement in real-time, helping us create a more secure and efficient school environment.

To learn more about SmartPass and how it benefits students, parents, and schools, please visit: https://www.smartpass.app/parents.

We plan to roll out Smart Pass in Week 7.

Dillon Price | Leader of Wellbeing

At St Matthews we are committed to fostering strong literacy skills, and this year we continue to focus on developing students’ writing abilities. Writing is a crucial skill that empowers students to express their ideas clearly, think critically, and communicate effectively across all subjects and beyond the classroom.

Our school-wide literacy initiative is evidence based following the Guidance Report ‘Improving literacy in secondary schools’ which provides recommendations to support students in improving their writing through structured strategies and targeted teaching. Teachers across all Key Learning Areas have set a focus and are incorporating explicit writing instruction into their lessons, ensuring that students receive consistent support and practice.

Stage 4

Students continue to focus on paragraphing by developing sentence structure, strengthening vocabulary and using evidence to support arguments. In Maths the literacy focus is on explaining and communicating mathematical reasoning. 

Stage 5

Students are increasingly exposed to the use of NESA key verbs such as identify, explain, analyse, and evaluate. By explicitly teaching these verbs and their application in writing, students will develop a clearer understanding of how to structure their responses effectively in different subjects.

Stage 6

Students continue to break down and respond to complex questions by following the 7 steps. Furthermore, we are increasing our focus on incorporating the use of sample responses and exemplars. Seeing successful examples helps students understand what is achievable and provides a reference point for further developing their own writing and mathematical reasoning. Sample responses encourage students to evaluate writing quality, recognise effective techniques, and apply them to their own work.

Parents and caregivers can also play a vital role in supporting this initiative. Encouraging students to write at home, discussing their ideas, and reviewing their work together can reinforce the skills they are developing in class. By strengthening writing skills, we are equipping our students with the tools they need for academic success and lifelong communication. We look forward to seeing their growth and achievements throughout the year.

Year 11 Business Studies and Legal Studies students co-constructing a response to a short answer question after evaluating work samples.

Year 12 Mathematics Advanced students complete practice HSC questions in exam-like conditions and then use the marking criteria and sample response to peer mark.

Melodie Coleman | Literacy Coach

This term, Commerce students have been exploring the topic Consumer and Financial Decisions.

As part of this unit, they examined various factors that influence consumer decision-making. To put their skills to the test, students participated in a blind taste test activity, where they sampled potato chips and milk chocolate without knowing the brand or price. After selecting their preferred options, the brand identities were revealed.

Whilst some students correctly identified their preferred sample as their favourite brand many students were surprised by the results.

The activity highlighted how branding and pricing can shape consumer perceptions.

Mrs Croake | Commerce Teacher 

Students studying Commerce, Business Studies or Economics have the opportunity to compete in the ASX Schools Sharemarket Game.

As part of the game students receive a virtual $50,000 to invest over a 10 week period, in over 300 companies listed on the ASX.

The prices students buy and sell are at the same prices as they would get in the live market, providing a real life trading experience. The game develops students understanding of the sharemarket and investment decisions.

Interested students should see Mrs Croake to register their interest. Trading commences on 13th March 2025. 

Mrs Croake | Leader of Learning - HSIE

The Year 11 Ancient History Class at St Matthews is undertaking a case study about the Trojan War which focuses on some elements of Ancient Greek Culture.

As an introduction to the topic, the students delved into the Greek culture by cooking souvlaki  which is a iconic meal in Greece to showcase some fantastic practical skills.

Jesse Pietrzak | Ancient History Teacher

On Thursday 27th February, Agricultural students in year 9 and 10 attended the Mudgee Show Youth Development Day. It was such a great day where students were given the ability to engage with industry professionals by attending a careers panel, veterinary workshop, Ag drone demonstration, fleece judging and shearing, beef cattle demonstration, contract mustering workshop and meat sheep demonstrations. 

A very big thank you to Grace Pearce, The Mudgee Show Society and the industry professionals for such a great event.

Kim White | Agriculture Teacher

On the 6th of March the CEBD hosted an International Women’s Dinner to celebrate this significant day.

A group of Yr 12 students travelled to Bathurst with Mrs Myles and Mrs Kurtz for a wonderful evening. They students were inspired by the Guest speaker Dr Saranne Cooke who shared words of wisdom and her life experiences. 

DIO Swimming 

On Monday 16th March, students from St Matthews travelled to Dubbo to compete in the Diocesan Swimming Carnival. It was a wonderful experience for our amazing athletes, who displayed enthusiasm and high levels of sportsmanship throughout the day.

Congratulations to the boys 16 years division who were awarded the Age Champions of the day. Another huge congratulations to Will, Alfie, Riley and Michael who have qualified for the NSWCCC Swimming Championships that will be held at Olympic Park in April. We wish our 4 athletes all the best.

Jacinda Tink | Transition Coordinator 

Year 11 Drama are proud to present Jackie French’s Hitler’s Daughter adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry.  By arrangement with Monkey Baa Theatre Company.  

Thursday June 26th 6-8pm St Matthews Secondary Campus.

We look forward to welcoming our school community. 

Mrs Kirsty Skinner | Drama Teacher

Flexi Schools is the preferred method for lunch ordering in our school to ensure your childs lunch is available, as we only have limited quantities for sale over the counter.

A reminder that ALL students must update their year in Flexischools when placing your lunch order. This makes the process much quicker for order delivery if this can be done  please.

Please see the below flyers with some helpful tips from Flexischools.

If you have any problems or questions for the Canteen, please do not hesitate to contact me through the School Office.

Thank you

Mary Holdsworth | Canteen Manager 

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