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Dear Parents and Carers
Every year, during August the Federal Government conducts a census of the school’s population. The numbers are critically important because they are linked to the various forms of funding for which the school is eligible.
Equally important, the numbers provide a snapshot of the diversity of our community which has changed dramatically during the past ten years. It also provides an insight into how schools attempt to meet the needs of all children, particularly those who may have challenges accessing an area of the curriculum.
At St Matthew’s some of this funding is used to support an extremely experienced Learning Support team, comprised of four teachers (Ms Talbot, Mrs Quinane, Mrs Williams, and Mrs Cole) plus six Learning Support Assistants.
For your information:
Total Enrolment: 346 children
Children on Personalised Plans: 69
Children whose first language is other than English: 67
Children who identify as Indigenous: 8
District Athletics Carnival
Next Tuesday approximately forty children will represent our school at the Belconnen District Athletics Carnival. The children gained selection by placing at our carnival two weeks ago. They will be accompanied by Mrs Powell and myself.
Congratulations and best wishes to all our representatives.
Students Leaving St Matthew’s
Could you please inform our Front Office on office.stmatts@cg.catholic.edu.au if your child is leaving St Matthew’s to attend another school in 2024. Our school is under enrolment pressure in some grades, and it is important that we give prospective families accurate information.
Year Six families (2023) need not respond.
Rostrum Public Speaking
Congratulations to Millie Fletcher who has successfully moved to the Semi Final stage of the Rostrum Public Speaking competition. Millie will next speak at Harrison School on Wednesday 16th August.
Congratulations Millie and good luck in the next round.
Vandalism
Unfortunately, the vandalism, which was occurring at our school, in the form of broken windows, is reoccurring once again. You can appreciate how disruptive, and potentially dangerous these attacks can be for our children.
You may have noticed that sensor lights have been installed around the building to dissuade our “visitors”. The Police have been alerted to the damage and would welcome your call if you notice any suspicious activity.
May God bless you and your families this week.
Graham Pollard
Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Tell Them From Me: Your Questions Answered - Homework
Our recent survey indicated to us that there are some issues which are proving to be confusing, or which require clarification for some of our families. This term, I’ll be addressing these in my fortnightly newsletter inclusion. This week, let’s clarify our Homework Agreed Practice.
Late in 2022, our Homework Committee distributed a survey to parents, students, and staff to find out how our community engages in homework. Overwhelmingly, reading and numeracy skills were seen as a priority. Families who participated in the survey also let us know that they have limited time each night to dedicate to homework. While there is not much research on the benefits of homework, we know that homework can be a positive experience for students if the tasks are achievable and can be completed independently. Homework can help to build skills in time management and organisation. It also assists students to retain information, improve their study skills and demonstrate learning outside of school. We also recognise the importance of family life and the need for children to participate in family and community activities. The committee developed an agreed practice, and this was presented to staff and to the Community Council for their approval.
At St Matthew’s, we believe that homework:
- creates an important link between school and home;
- develops personal responsibility, time management and organisational skills; and
- provides opportunities to consolidate classroom learning.
Families can find a copy of our Agreed Practice for Homework on our school website, and it is included in this newsletter.
Please get in touch with me if you have any other questions about our Agreed Practice for Homework.
Parenting Principles for our Digital Natives: Free Webinar August 17 at 7:30pm (AEST)
If technology is crashing into your life, or your want a roadmap to help guide your family’s digital choices, this is the webinar for you!
Raising children with a device in hand and access to the world introduces many challenges into homes. Coping with the necessary protections, managing screen-related behaviours and having a plan for all eventualities matters.
Having worked for 30 years with children and their families, Claire Orange invites you to join her in this practical webinar at no cost, as she guides parents through what's actually happening in the online space and how to manage their child's access effectively. It's a no-nonsense 45 minute exploration of the big issues we're facing and the most practical ways to start tackling them. In this webinar, join Claire for an exploration of setting off as you mean to continue, with some easy-to-apply digital parenting practices that work.
Click here to register.
Petra Cole
Assistant Principal
petra.cole@cg.catholic.edu.au
Petra Cole
Assistant Principal
petra.cole@cg.catholic.edu.au
Samuel Hornby
Acting Religious Co-ordinator
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.
Term 3 School Fees are due by August 18 (Week 5) unless payment is being made by instalments.
Please contact the front office if you haven’t received your fees or have any questions.
Happy birthday wishes to Emily P, Dylan R, Zachary M, Aiden T, Jayvir S, Devansh P, Hamish R, Veer K and Iv C, who recently celebrated birthdays.
