Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers
This week our Year Six children have been attending camp at the Sports and Recreation Camp at Jindabyne. The camp runs for three days and two nights, starting on Wednesday morning and concluding on Friday afternoon. The camp is essentially held outdoors and is structured around physical activities which require the children to take some risks and build their resilience. The other central feature is the development of team building skills.It is a fabulous opportunity for the children that encourages them to work cooperatively with their classmates and teachers. For most children it is the highlight of the school year.
Thank you to our staff who are attending; Mrs Cole, Miss Beissner, Mr Hunt, Mr Payne, and Mrs Hogan. You can well imagine that the care of these children over three days is a big responsibility, which our staff take very seriously. I thank them on your behalf for their generosity.
Think U Know
This outstanding presentation, which has been offered in schools for many years, was delivered to the parents of our Years Five and Six children last Tuesday evening.
The following outline which gives a good summary of their work, appears on their website.
ThinkUKnow Australia is an evidence-based education program led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), delivered nationally in partnership with police and industry partners to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
The program incorporates up-to-date research, real case studies and examples from reports made to the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
The program is pro-technology and addresses topics including self-generated child abuse material, online grooming, sexual extortion, and importantly encourages help seeking behaviour.
The program is a partnership with the AFP, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Datacom and Microsoft Australia, and in collaboration with all State and Territory police and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia.
Volunteer’s Survey
A survey asking for volunteers to assist in the running of our community functions was sent home via Compass on Monday. The survey also asked for any ideas as to initiatives which could be undertaken to make our community stronger during this year.
Please complete the survey and return it as soon as possible. The results will be discussed at our next Community Council meeting later this term.
Staffing
Mr Hunt will be taking some Long Service Leave over the next four weeks to travel overseas. During this time Mrs Farhadi, who is well known to our school community, will be teaching Year 6B.
I know you will join with me in wishing Daniel safe travels and a happy holiday.
May God bless you and your families this week.
Graham Pollard
Principal
On Friday 17th February we celebrated our first whole school liturgy for 2023. It was such a joyous occasion to come together as a school, present with each other and invite God into our hearts and minds. The liturgy focused on hope. The students learnt about four visible ways to see hope in us and each other through strength, trust, being the face of God to others and happiness. We will continue to focus on hope this term and the students will explore the scripture of the Transfiguration, The Annunciation and the Last Supper as different grades begin to lead these liturgies once a fortnight.
The next liturgy will be held by Year 5 on Friday 10th March, Week 6. All parents are invited to come along and share in the liturgy with our community.
Ash WednesdayLent prepares us for the season of Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar. By praying, fasting and giving alms, we are reminded of Jesus’ 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) As we live into that fullness, may we also be challenged to act with love and hope, now and for all future generations.
We look forward to our whole school re-enacting the events of Holy Week in Week 10. More details will be put in the Newsletter in the coming weeks so keep an eye out and come along to join in our Easter Liturgies.
Reconciliation
Thank you to those parents that have enrolled their child into the sacrament of reconciliation. If you haven’t and wish to do so, please contact Aurora Lukass the Sacramental Coordinator and Parish Secretary on belconnensouth@cg.org.au.
Term One School Fees are due by the end of Week 5 (March 3) unless payment is being made by instalments.
Please contact the front office If you haven’t received your fees or you have any questions.
All families have received their log in details via email for our new Compass Parent Portal. The Compass Parent Portal is an online portal that allows you to interact with the school and access up-to-date information. Once you have your log-in credentials and download the app, you’ll be able to:
- Enter absence notes for your child
- Give consent for excursions
- View school reports
- Communicate with your child’s teacher
- Book parent-teacher interviews
- Receive communication from staff
If you didn’t receive log in details, please contact our Front Office (office.stmatts@cg.catholic.edu.au) or check your “junk” mailbox.
Click here to install Compass on Apple devices
Click here to install Compass on Android devices
When prompted: Search “St Matthew’s P” and then you’ll see “St Matthew’s Primary School – Page” as a drop down.
Please note that this week the clothing pool will open on Thursday 23rd February, NOT Friday.
Happy birthday wishes to , Mikayla P, Valentina A, Laura M, Terro M, Lucas R, Jonathan G, Eva J, Grace M, Rubie W, Sophia A, Aysha S, Payton M, Jaxon D, Eliana D, who recently celebrated birthdays.
