This week we had our second Whole School Assembly for the term. During this time we celebrated a wonderful swimming carnival, acknowledged the participants who earned ribbons and congratulated our Age Champions. There were academic awards presented to 10 students who gained either a merit, credit, distinction or  high distinction in the ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) awards - designed to challenge high-achieving students in years 7-9 in literacy and numeracy. To have so many of our students receiving recognition is a wonderful demonstration of those striving for excellence. We heard from Year 11 students who have just returned from camp, as well as from the Elective Commerce classes on their product challenge - I am really excited to hear the results of these experiments! We also welcomed Fr Cong who is introducing further opportunities for prayer at school. Again, the Assembly was a wonderful showcase of the opportunities our students have here at St Matthews, and the talented group of students we are privileged to guide and work with every day.

“you are capable of more than you think”

In my address I picked up on the theme of having the courage to try new things, and that success comes from effort, consistency and resilience - and not  from being the smartest, strongest or most talented. This message is aligned with the values of the St Matthews Way of striving for excellence, respecting yourself  and the courage to fail before finding success. A wonderful mantra to live life - ensuring every opportunity to fulfil one's potential is taken wholeheartedly to flourish - “being capable of more than you think”. This is also central to our Christian belief and responsibility to use our gifts to make a difference in our world.

A timely message too for our Year 12 students who enter into a two week exam block for their HSC half yearly tasks. We wish them all the best for their exams and will keep them in our prayers. 

Applying to University Twilight Parent Information Session

Thank you to all the families who attended our University information evening this week. We had a great number of parents who are about to start the university journey with their Year 12 students. Thank you to Mrs Tink for her continued work in this space. A reminder that UAC will open on 2 April and close on 30 September - 5 preferences (courses). UAC’s early entry pathway- Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) opens 2 April and closes 5 September. Don’t forget to apply directly to universities as well and to investigate their early entry schemes and scholarships - free money on offer.

7 - 10 Parent Teacher Interviews - Week 9 

A reminder that booking for the 7-10 Parent Teacher Interviews will close this Thursday at 8.30. Interviews scheduled for Week 9 - Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April. We have had a great number of families take the opportunity to meet teachers, discuss student progress, and set learning goals for 2025. I look forward to meeting up with many of you next week.

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 - spread the word!

Romero Day

On Monday, March 24, we celebrated the Feast Day of Romero House Patron, Oscar Romero. Oscar Romero was a courageous Archbishop of El Salvador who stood up for human rights and social justice, advocating for the poor and oppressed during a time of political turmoil. 

Our K-10 students in Romero House  joined in a celebration of Oscar Romero, beginning with a liturgy before enjoying a fun afternoon with their peers, complete with games, a doughnut and an ice block! 

Project Compassion

A reminder of Caritas Australia’s Lenten fundraising and awareness appeal, Project Compassion, which calls 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 continued 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. 

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. 

RISEN - Years 10-12 

The Catholic Youth formation event, RISEN, will take place on April 11-13 at Shalom House of Prayer in Carcoar. The event starts at 6 PM on Friday, April 11, and concludes on Sunday, April 13 with Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral, followed by lunch. Students will be transported to the event by bus from the St Matthews Secondary campus at 3:30pm on Friday and will return on Sunday afternoon. 

The weekend is designed for those in years 10-12 and will be an excellent chance to dive a little deeper in reflecting on life and how faith is part of this. Participants also receive formation so that they can be part of the Youth Team for RISE. Click HERE to register.

Upcoming Secondary School Masses and Liturgies

Pope’s Monthly Intention

In Term 4 of 2024, 40 students from Years 7 to 9 took part in the 2024 ACER Advance Awards for Literacy and Numeracy.

This competition challenges high-ability students in two key learning areas: Numeracy and Literacy, within 2 separate 45 minute tests. Both assessments were multiple-choice and designed to evaluate problem-solving and reasoning skills, encouraging students to apply higher-order thinking to new situations. With approximately 1,000 students from across Australia competing, our students found both tests to be exceptionally challenging.

Scores from both tests were combined to determine the overall results. Despite the challenge, our students performed exceptionally well, with 11 of our students earning within the range of Distinctions, Credits and Merits.  All students involved will receive a participation award which will be distributed in tutor group. 

Receiving a Distinction:

Samuel Mayson Year 8 (97th Percentile)

Dusty May Year 9

Jack Walker Year 9

Credit:

Chloe Mini Year 8

Simone Keen Year 7

Stephanie Rogers Year 7

Merit:

Kundi Mutyiri Year 9

Lachlan Doran Year 9

Jordan Geddes Year 9

Lily Clift Year 9

Marley Weaver Year 7

Assessment Timetable Term1

Cecilia Swift | Leader of Learning 

Mudgee Health and Medical Careers Day

On Wednesday 19th March, 20 students from years 11 and 12 at St Matthews attended the inaugural Mudgee Health and Careers Day held at CUC Mudgee. Our students heard from many Medical and health professionals in their journey, career paths and experience in the health Industry. The presentations included doctors, physiotherapists, medical students, psychologists, nurses, the Royal Flying doctors and pharmacists. Students also had the opportunity to learn about future careers, study pathways, scholarship and more. It was a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable insight into their chosen careers.

We would like to say thank you to the wonderful guest speakers, CUC and Dr Tim Jones for organising this amazing event.

Medical Information Night- 1st April

Interested in a career in medicine?

Join the CSU Medicine Information Night to discover everything you need to know about studying medicine.

When: Tuesday 1 April 2025

Time: 6.00–7.30pm- Online

Get ready for a rewarding career and make a positive difference in your community with our five-year undergraduate entry degree, Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) / Doctor of Medicine.

Based on our Orange campus, Charles Sturt University offers the Joint Program in Medicine in partnership with Western Sydney University. You can expect to study for two years, followed by three years of rural and regional placements.

Whether you're in high school, looking for a career change or keen to take the next step in your health career — this information night is for you!

What to expect

• We'll start with an overview of the course, our facilities, entry requirements, and how to apply.
• Get info on clinical placements, career opportunities, support services, scholarships, and more.
• Learn about the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) and hear about the experiences of rural and regional doctors.
• Get to know our School of Rural Medicine team, have all your questions answered and hear from current students about their experiences studying medicine.

CSU Medical information night

Booking Link

Upcoming events:

UOW- ST Matthews School Visit Friday 28th March

On Friday the 28th March, representatives from the University Of Wollongong will be visiting St Matthews to host a Study Skill workshops with our current year 10 students. Students will be learning about study techniques to help them achieve success, as well as being able to ask questions in regards to future careers pathways and study options.

 

UOW- Information evening Thursday 29th March CUC

 

REGISTER NOW: https://www.uow.edu.au/study/events/info-evening/

UOW - STEM

Are you...

• A future STEM-INIST?
• A female student in Years 10, 11 or 12?
• Want to raise the STEM-bar for girls?

The University of Wollongong, with support from Bluescope, is excited to announce the return of the EmpowerHER STEM Summit in 2025!

Students will explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) at UOW's Wollongong Campus enjoying interactive activities, and a Bluescope Steel site tour alongside faculty, current students, and local industry representatives.

Date/Time: Tues April 22- Wed 23 April

Who:  Fierce females in Years 10 to 12 interested in STEM

Location: UOW Wollongong campus

Cost: $110 (Some sponsored places available for students who meet eligibility criteria)

Apply now: https://future-students-events.uow.edu.au/EmpowerHERSTEMSummitSenior2025

 

Get the most out of ANU Open Day

The Australian National University (ANU) Open Day 2025 on Saturday 29 March has lots on offer to help you experience the best of studying and living at university. 

It's an opportunity to meet your future lecturers, talk to current students, take part in fun activities and get to explore our campus.

Register here now!

Open day clips

 

Jacinda Tink | Transition Coordinator

 

 

The St Matthews P&F will be holding their amazing Easter Raffle again this year. The raffle will be drawn at the Primary Campus on Thursday April 10.

Secondary students will have the opportunity to bring home a book of of 5 raffle tickets to sell. Tickets are $1 each and can be collected in Tutor Group or from Student Services in the office.

We ask that tickets sold please be returned to the office by Tuesday April 8.  Please write name and tutor group or name and contact phone number on all tickets sold.

For those families who would like to sell more tickets, these will be available for collection from the office.

Thank you for your support!

St Matthews P&F

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 contact me via the office if you have any queries regarding the canteen.

Mary Holdsworth | Canteen Manager Secondary