I was looking back over our Semester 1 school calendar last week reflecting on all the amazing things that have happened in our school community in the first half of this year. Across our K-12 school, there have been endless excursions, camps and sporting trips; retreats, carnivals and gala days; guest speakers, leadership days and feast day celebrations; opportunities for various types of training and study skills workshops; spelling bees, creative arts events and fundraisers. Oh, and there has been some great learning and teaching occurring along the way too!

As we come to the end of Term 2, when everyone tends to be feeling a bit tired and ready for a break, it is worth remembering that the reason we feel tired is that we have all (students, staff and families) been doing lots of wonderful, enriching things that help us live life in all its fullness. I hope that during the coming break from the routine of school, you are able to find a little time for yourself and your family so that you can replenish your energy levels for the second half of the year. 

With the cold days having well and truly kicked in, I thought you might enjoy reading this reflection from Ben Crowe, founder of Mojocrowe, that I shared with all our staff a couple of weeks ago.

THE CHALLENGE IS, WE JUDGE OURSELVES ON OUR INTENTIONS, BUT WE JUDGE EVERYONE ELSE ON THEIR BEHAVIOURS - BECAUSE WE CAN’T SEE THEIR INTENTIONS.

BEN CROWE

Here in the southern hemisphere, winter's creeping in. The days are getting shorter, colder, darker. And the funny thing is, people can often follow suit – a bit more closed off, heads down… Wrapped up in our own worlds

It's only natural. We're all just trying to keep moving, to do our best, to get through the day.

But here's the thing: when someone seems a little short, distracted, or distant on a cold Tuesday morning, it's pretty easy to fill in the blanks with our own story about what that might mean.

Maybe they don’t like me. It must have been something I said…

Or they’re in a mood, again!

But what if they're just cold, exhausted or overwhelmed? What if they're rushing to get their kid to school before racing to work? What if they're carrying something heavy, behind the scenes?

Every generation has its struggles, but we're arguably living through one of the most judgemental periods in history. It certainly feels this way, especially when we find ourselves being drawn into the depths of social media, doom scrolling amongst a sea of keyboard warriors.

The challenge is, we now have an intense amount of insight into one another's lives… And yet, it's never the full picture. Whether we're interacting with one another online, or face-to-face, we're often only seeing a snapshot of a complex (and imperfect) human experience. And being the natural pattern-makers and storytellers that we are, we draw all kinds of conclusions. Conclusions which are not always the most accurate, or conducive to deep connection.

Put simply, our brain's negativity bias has helped us evolve through the centuries. But left unchecked, it can really hinder us, too. In a world dominated by negative news media and scarcity-based advertising… It's easy to assume the worst about everything and everyone. But, what if we did the opposite?

What if we could celebrate compassion, and harness the power of radical empathy? What if we could give away love like it's free?

Maybe winter's actually the perfect time to practice this. When it might feel harder to be open-minded, when we're all a bit more wrapped up – because that's exactly when generous assumptions matter most.

Remember, as the great Robin Williams once said,

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about… Be kind. Always."

It's amazing what can happen when curiosity – rather than criticism – becomes our default.

Be kind to yourself and to all those you meet.

God bless 

Angela Myles | Executive Principal 

As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, I want to acknowledge and  thank all our students, staff, and families for their continued dedication, energy, and support throughout the past weeks.

This term has been filled with learning, growth, and meaningful moments both in and beyond the classroom. Whether it was through academic achievement, co-curricular involvement, or acts of Service and community spirit, our students have shown great commitment to living out the values of the ‘St Matthews Way’

As we head into the winter holidays, I encourage all students to take this opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends. A good break is essential—not just to relax, but to return next term refreshed, refocused, and ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities. It is particularly important for our Year 12 students as they use these holidays as a chance to prepare for their upcoming HSC Trial examinations.

I wish every student and their family a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back for another term of learning, growth, and success on Tuesday 22 July.

Last Day of Term - Friday ‘Winter Warmers’ Mufti Yrs 8 - 12

Supporting the Vinnies Winter Appeal

On Friday 4 July students from Years 8 - 12 are invited to wear ‘winter warmers’ mufti (no pajamas) and make either a gold coin donation or a warm item of clothing towards our Vinnies Winter Appeal. This is a wonderful initiative that helps so many Australians in need - and those in our own community. St Matthews is always generous in supporting the Vinnies winter Appeal and we thank you in advance for your support.

Year 7 Maths Escape Room - Friday 4 July -  Sports Uniform

On Friday 4 July our Year 7 students will be participating in the Diocesan Maths Escape room hosted here at the Secondary campus. Our Year 6 students will be travelling up to our Bruce Rd campus to participate alongside our Year 7 students and other schools in the Diocese and region. The Maths Escape room is a fun way to engage students in mathematics - a great way to finish off the term! Students in Year 7 have been asked to wear their sports/ PE uniform on this day. All Year 7 students are still invited to donate generously, and contribute to the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

Year 12 Prayer Partner Mass

I had the privilege of attending the Year 12 ‘Prayer Partner’ Mass last Wednesday. What a wonderful event that celebrates the wonderful connection to our parish -  our students are truly blessed. We are thankful to all parishioners who have volunteered to be a prayer partner and for their generosity in providing a wonderful morning tea. We look forward to hosting a Mass and morning tea next term at our Secondary campus.

Year 12 Night Study - Commences for 2025 in Term 3 Week 1

We are happy to announce the commencement of our night study program for Year 12 students in Week 1 next term. This will be available to Year 12 students only as an opportunity to have a quiet place to study, distraction free (no siblings, fridge, phone or TV) in the lead up to their HSC Trial exams.

A letter will be sent home to Year 12 families outlining the program’s expectations and logistics.

CEDB Revision Program for HSC Mathematics Extension & Advanced courses

Parent Webinar on AI and Digital Generation

Please use the QR code to register for the event.

Blaney McCarthy-English | Head of Campus - Secondary

Thank You for Supporting the Vinnies Winter Appeal

A heartfelt thank you to the St Matthew’s community for your generous donations to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Your contributions of canned goods will make a real difference, ensuring that local families have food on the table during these challenging times. Your compassion and generosity truly embody the spirit of service.

A Special Morning with Our Parish Prayer Partners

What a beautiful morning it was as our Year 12 students gathered with their parish prayer partners to celebrate Mass and share morning tea. We are deeply grateful to our parish partners for their ongoing prayers and support throughout this important final year. The presence of Fr Owen, Fr Cong, and Fr Garry—who co-celebrated the Mass—made the occasion even more meaningful. The morning tea was a wonderful opportunity for connection and community.

Whole School Thanksgiving Mass – Thursday 3 July

On Thursday 3 July, all students will come together to celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass. This special occasion provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on and give thanks for the many achievements and blessings of Semester One.

Belinda Redden | Leader of Mission

The Raising Healthy Minds app is a free, personalised, pocket resource to help parents and carers raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, Raising Healthy Minds aims to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing with evidence-based information.  

You’ll find information on topics like dealing with worries and making friends, as well as ideas for day-to-day life, like creating family routines, looking after yourself as a parent, and building strong relationships.  

The app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12 years. You can tailor information to the age of your child and opt-in to receive helpful tips.  

Raising Healthy Minds provides simple-to-use information at your fingertips with clear actions you can start today.  

Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhm to learn more and raise a healthy mind.

Dillon Price | Leader of Wellbeing 

Western Sydney Careers Expo - Year 10

On Wednesday 26th June, Year 10 students from St Matthews Catholic School attended the highly anticipated Western Sydney Careers Expo at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. This annual event is a cornerstone in the career education journey of students, offering a valuable opportunity to explore a wide range of career, study, and employment pathways.

The Expo serves as a one-stop-shop for students, job seekers, and career changers, with exhibitors representing universities, TAFEs, private colleges, apprenticeship networks, and a variety of industry sectors from across NSW. With interactive displays, career advice sessions, and expert insights, the event helped students gain a clearer understanding of the many options available after high school.

For St Matthews students, the visit was both inspiring and informative. Many took the chance to ask questions directly to industry professionals and education providers, gathering essential information about prerequisites, course structures, and future job prospects.

Attending the Expo helped Year 10 students begin to think more critically about their subject selections for Year 11 and 12, and how these choices can shape their future career paths. Whether interested in trades, university degrees, the defence force, or creative industries, students left the event with new motivation and a clearer sense of direction.

St Matthews staff accompanying the group commended students for their engagement, curiosity, and thoughtful questions. The Careers Expo continues to be an invaluable part of the school’s commitment to helping students prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Our students also had the opportunity to attend the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque to help consolidate knowledge learnt in Religion as well as helping our students prepare for their year 11 studies.

Charles Sturt University Inspires Future Pathways at St Matthews

On Tuesday 1st July, St Matthews Catholic School had the pleasure of welcoming representatives from Charles Sturt University (CSU) as part of their annual CSU Roadshow. This visit provided a valuable opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to explore university and career options, and gather tailored information to support their future planning.

The day was filled with engaging presentations and conversations, beginning with Year 10, who attended a session focused on understanding what CSU has to offer, including career pathways, job opportunities, university life, and the importance of making informed subject selections in preparation for Years 11 and 12. This session was especially timely as Year 10 students begin considering their senior study options.

Year 11 students explored a deeper level of university preparation, learning about scholarships, course options, early entry programs, and accommodation at CSU’s various campuses. Students gained insight into how their current studies and choices can impact their future university applications and career trajectories.

All students in Years 11 and 12 had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with CSU Roadshow representatives during their visit. This open forum allowed students to ask questions and receive personalised advice about future careers, course structures, campus life, financial assistance, entry pathways, and more.

The visit from Charles Sturt University was incredibly well received by students and staff, and formed an important part of St Matthews’ ongoing commitment to supporting students through the career exploration and post-school planning process. It also highlighted the strong connections between secondary and tertiary education, and the many opportunities available to students within regional and national universities.

We thank the CSU Roadshow team, Lily and Daniel, for their time, expertise, and enthusiasm in helping our students take confident steps toward their futures.

Early Entry at the University of New England - closing soon

• Friday, 04 July 2025 — Last day for students to submit their applications
• Friday, 25 July 2025 — Last day for institutions to complete their assessments and submit to UNE
• Friday, 12 September 2025 — Offers and outcomes for current round of Early Entry are released to students

Academy of Interactive Entertainment

Find out more at aie.edu.au

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) is Australia's most awarded 3D animation, game design, film and visual FX educator. Created as a non-profit organisation to grow the creative digital sector, AIE pioneered the development of specialist game qualifications and continues to innovate through industry partnerships and cutting-edge courses. Our Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates are practical, career-focused and delivered by industry experienced teachers in a seriously fun and creatively-demanding studio environment.

Industry Experience Day – 16 July

Learn about careers in games, animation and visual effects industries in this free day of practical workshops. Designed for students in years 10, 11 and 12, students will get creative with industry-standard software. Find out what career pathways are in demand and studios are looking for when they are hiring!
Register at: https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/industry-experience-day/

Film Production Workshop - 18 July

Find out what it takes to plan and produce a film shoot in this one-day intensive film workshop. Participants will get hands-on with cameras, lighting, and the latest in virtual production LED screens. Industry-experienced filmmakers will fast-track the film production process by choosing one scene and taking it through the pipeline from idea to finished shots.

Free event (16 years+) registrations are essential: https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/film-production-workshop/

Open Day – 17 August

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Open Day. AIE's Open Day is a great opportunity to meet our teachers, staff and students. The day will cover everything you need to know about the:

• careers in games and VFX that we train students for;
• studios and industries that we work with;
• courses we offer - from beginners to professional mastery, and;
• the software, skills and knowledge we teach.

AIE's Open Day will also include presentations on entry requirements and how to apply. Find out how AIE can get you into a creative career. If this sounds like you, you can find out more here: https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/open-day/

UC Sydney Hills Open Day

The University of Canberra Sydney Hills Education Open Day is on Saturday, 9 August, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with a new and exciting addition to the program specifically relevant for students considering a career in early childhood education.

This event is a valuable opportunity for students to explore a profession that is in demand, deeply rewarding, and vital to the wellbeing and development of young children. 

New Highlight: Special Career Pathways Presentation

“Early Childhood Career Pathways”

Presented by Ms. Andi Kandia – a respected industry professional with many years of experience in early childhood education and founder of Anila Recruitment, a specialist agency supporting careers in the sector.

This session is designed to help students:

• Understand the wide range of roles in early childhood education
• Learn how the degree supports progression into leadership and specialist roles
• Hear real-life stories of educators and their career journeys
• Gain insights into employer expectations and post-graduation opportunities
• Engage in a live Q&A with a recruitment and career expert 

The Open Day gives students and families the chance to:

• Learn about the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5)
• Explore the 3-year full-time study pathway for school-leavers
• Meet university staff and ask questions in a welcoming, supportive environment
• Understand how early childhood education aligns with personal and community impact 

Event Highlights: 

• Career-focused presentation with real-life examples
• Live Q&A with university academics and industry professionals
• Campus tours and hands-on info about course structure and support
• Advice on applying and what students can expect from a career in early childhood

Reserve Your Spot

ACU - Australian Catholic University

Applications for our early offer program, ACU Guarantee, open on 21 July and close on 15 September.

ACU Guarantee is designed to help Year 12 students secure a place at ACU before they sit their final exams.

While successful applicants must still complete their Year 12 exams, they can do so secure in the knowledge that their results from Year 11 meet our entry requirements. Students can also enhance their selection rank by including short personal statements that give us an insight into their personal circumstances and motivation for university study.

ACU Guarantee Early Offer and Pathways webinar

Applications Open - 21st July, Close 18th August 

Jacinda Tink | Transition Coordinator 

A huge thank you to all involved in the successful Year 11 Drama Production of Hitler’s Daughter. The show was well received by the audience and the Drama and VET Entertainment students should be incredibly proud of their achievement.

Thank you in particular to Mr Dan Hull for his tireless work with the production elements of lighting and sound which added to the triumph.

The following photographs were taken at the dress rehearsal by Ms Freeman’s Year 11 Photography students. 

Mrs Kirsty Skinner | Drama Teacher

This week Year 8 have been working hard on how we feed ourselves and go from paddock to plate.

Their hunger in the kitchen was satisfied with a self designed yummy burger!

Warren Barrett | TAS Teacher 

Year 7 Dramatic Performance

In Week 9, Year 7 English C and D classes dramatised and performed a section of the novel they had completed studying, “The Rocket Powered Racing Caravan”.

All students channelled their inner thespian and enacted accurate and often funny scenes from the book.

All our students are to be commended for demonstrating compositional skill in transferring a novel into playtext and their bravery in performing for their peers’ enjoyment.

Ms Starick and Miss Allsop | English Teachers

Ally Lusty | Uniform Shop Manager