Welcome Back to Term 3!

Welcome back to all students, staff, and families! We hope you had a restful winter break and are feeling refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning and community.

A special welcome to our new staff members joining us this term: Mr Roberts, Mrs Marzano, and Mrs Sciacca. We’re thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the wonderful contributions they’ll bring to our school.

Our Term 3 Calendar has now been distributed, and it’s packed with exciting events and activities. Highlights this term include the Sacrament of First Eucharist, the Active Attitudes Gritty Kids Program for Years 3 and 4, our Science Fair, St Matthew’s Feast Day, a Music, Dance and Arts Show, the School Disco, various class excursions, Book Week, Father’s Day celebrations, and Kindergarten 2026 Interviews—plus lots more!

We’re looking forward to a term filled with learning, creativity, and community spirit. We can’t wait to share the term with you and your children.

Congratulations, Miss Moore – 2025 Emerging First Nations Program Recipient

We are very proud to share that our wonderful Classroom Support Assistant, Miss Moore, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Emerging First Nations Program through the Canberra Centre.

As part of this amazing opportunity, Miss Moore will travel to Darwin from August 4th to 8th to attend the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAFF) and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA). This experience will allow her to connect with First Nations artists, designers, and cultural leaders from across the country, and we know she will return inspired and full of ideas to share with our school community.

Congratulations, Mickey. We can’t wait to hear all about your experience!

Morning Supervision Reminder

We’d like to remind all families that morning supervision at school begins at 8:30am. For the safety and well-being of all students, no child should at school before this time unless they are enrolled in the Before School Care program.

The school does not have a duty of care for students prior to 8:30am, and staff are not rostered for supervision before this time. Arriving early can pose safety risks, as there is no formal supervision to ensure students are safe and supported.

If you require care before 8:30am, we encourage you to make use of Team Kids our Before School Care service, which provides a safe and structured environment for students in the early hours.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep all students safe.

St Matthew’s Primary School Science Fair – Friday 25 July

Last Friday, St Matthew’s Primary School was buzzing with excitement as students showcased their creativity and curiosity at the annual Science Fair. The event, organised by Miss Judd, brought together budding young scientists from all year levels, each presenting hands-on experiments, innovative projects, and fascinating discoveries.

From erupting volcanoes and homemade circuits to environmental studies and robotics, the fair highlighted the students’ enthusiasm for exploring the world around them. It was wonderful to see many of our families touring the exhibits, engaging with the students, and celebrating their achievements.

Thank you to our parents and carers for supporting their children in preparing for the fair, and to Miss Judd for her impeccable organisation and dedication in bringing this event to life.

Swimming Program Update for K–2 Students

We would like to inform families that swimming lessons will no longer be offered as part of our learning programs. This decision follows a careful review of the program’s alignment with the Australian Curriculum (Version 9), which does not include swimming instruction.

While we recognise the importance of water safety, the current program—costing approximately $18,000 annually for lessons and transport—provides only five lessons over five days for students in K-2, which is insufficient for students to learn to swim effectively. Additionally, the time taken out of the classroom impacted valuable learning opportunities.

We also know that many families already engage in learn-to-swim programs outside of school, which are better suited to delivering consistent and comprehensive swimming instruction.

Families interested in sourcing swimming lessons can do so through the following links: Belconnen CISAC - https://www.clublime.com.au/swimschool/learn-to-swim-programs/pre-school-and-school-age-classes/ Stromlo Leisure Centre: https://www.stromloleisurecentre.com.au/learn-to-swim/goswim-swimming-lessons 

Please be assured that classes will still cover Water Safety as part of their Health Program.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we focus on delivering the best possible educational outcomes for our students.

Medications Reminder

Please ensure that all student medication is delivered by an adult to the front office for administration. For the safety and well-being of all students, no medication is to be sent in school bags or self-administered by students under any circumstances.

If your child requires medication during school hours, parents/carers must complete the attached Medication Authorisation Record. This form gives consent for school staff to administer prescribed medication in line with our Medical Welfare of Students Policy.

Please note the following important requirements:

• Medication must be in its original packaging with a dispensing label that includes the child’s name.
• Expired medication will not be administered.
• A separate form must be completed for each medication.
• Wherever possible, medication should be administered outside school hours and first given by the parent/carer with a 24-hour observation period before returning to school.
• Long-term medication must follow the child’s Medical Management Plan.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safe administration of medication at school. If you have any questions, please contact the front office.

Medication Authorisation Form

Winter Uniform Reminder

As we settle into the cooler months, a reminder that all students should now be wearing the full winter school uniform.

School Winter Uniform (not sports) (Monday, Wednesday, Friday):

• Tracksuit pants or leggings are not part of the winter uniform
• Students should wear dress pants or a tunic
• Joggers, skateshoes or sandshoes are not permitted with the regular uniform — joggers are for sports days only

Outerwear & Accessories:

• All students should bring their fleece jacket and wear long sleeves
• If purchasing a coat, please ensure it is navy blue
• Gloves, scarves, and beanies may be navy blue or maroon

Uniform plays an important role in creating a sense of belonging and pride in our school. Thank you for your support in maintaining our high standards.

2026 Dates

Yours in Truth and Love,

Mrs Sarah Lowe

Term 3 School Fees will be distributed via email this week.

Term 3 2025 Fees are due by week 4 (15th August) unless payment is being made by regular instalments.

Please contact the front office if you haven’t received your fees or have any questions.

Child Safeguarding Corner

The Child Safe Standards provide us with tangible guidance about how to create cultures, adopt strategies and act to put the interests of children first, to keep them safe from harm. Each fortnight, I present one of the standards, and ask you to reflect on how you think we’re addressing the recommendations. We welcome ideas and feedback from our families and community!

Child Safe Standard 6: Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse (or other concerns) are child-focused

The aim of this standard is to ensure that our students are the priority when responding to complaints of abuse. This standard is important because children are safer when complaints are addressed quickly, thoroughly and transparently, and where the family and community are supported. When the complaint process is child-focused, children feel more comfortable and empowered to make a complaint.

Our aim is to prioritise this standard for child safety in what we say and do:

• We have created a culture where complaints are taken seriously and all adults take responsibility for the safety of children. 
• Leadership have clearly explained the Code of Conduct.
• Complaints are handled confidentially. 
• Complaint handling procedures are publicly available. 

If we are addressing this standard successfully, we would expect our children to say: 

• I know who to talk to if I feel uncomfortable, unsafe or unhappy. 
• I know who to talk to if someone asks me to do something I don't want to do. 
• I will be believed if I speak up about something that is concerning me, and action will be taken because of it. 
• I will not get in trouble if I speak up. 

We now have a page on our school website dedicated to Child Safeguarding, and we encourage you to view it. 

If you have any questions or feedback about how we are addressing this Standard, or about our new Child Safeguarding page, please email me (petra.cole@cg.catholic.edu.au). 

Proudly supporting Bullying No Way: National Week of Action

This year, St Matthew’s will be participating in the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, 11 to 15 August 2025.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying. 

The theme for this year's campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.

It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.

Students can be bold, kind, and speak up to support others who are being bullied, while trusted adults are there to help children and young people learn how to be kind to each other and report bullying.

This Bullying No Way Week, we’re asking you to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone. Be proud to speak up against bullying.

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

Petra Cole

Assistant Principal

Welcome Back!

We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another wonderful term at St Matthew’s. This term brings a number of special events that celebrate and strengthen the Religious Life of our school community.

Throughout the term, students will participate in Parish Masses, Prayer Celebrations, Youth Ministry sessions, Make Jesus Real groups, preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist, and our celebration of the Feast Day of St. Matthew. These faith-filled moments are at the heart of who we are as a Catholic school.

Our theme for Term 3 is “Strengthening our Faith Community”. We hope that through these events, we can bring families and students together as we continue to grow in faith, hope, and love. We warmly invite you to join us in prayer and celebration as we journey together as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year.

Please make note of the following dates:

Upcoming Events

• Week 2: Year 5 and Year 1 attending Mass – Friday 1st August at 9:30am
  
  
• Week 3: Year 6 Prayer Celebration – Friday 8th August at 2:15pm
  
  
• Week 6: Year 4 Prayer Celebration – Friday 29th August at 2:15pm
  
  
• Week 8: Year 4 and Year 2 attending Mass – Friday 12th September at 9:30am
  
  
• Week 9: St Matthew’s Feast Day Celebration – Friday 19th September (Morning Mass and whole-school activities)

Sacramental Program – Eucharist 

This term, our Year 4 students will begin their preparation to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist. This is a deeply sacred milestone in their faith journey as they come to understand the meaning of the Eucharist and how, through consecration, it becomes the Body of Christ.

Eligible Catholic students who have previously received the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take part in this program. They will learn the rituals and significance of receiving Holy Communion and, at their final celebration, will receive the Eucharist for the first time.

The program is run in partnership with the South Belconnen Parish, bringing together students from both St Matthew’s and St Vincent’s, along with children from the School of Religion. 

We pray for and support all our Year 4 students as they prepare for this sacred step in their spiritual journey. Please note the important dates below. Additional details, including sign-up information and links, will be shared shortly.

Key Dates:

• Week 4: Parent Information Night - 14th August @ 6pm via Zoom Link
• Week 4: Commitment Mass Weekend - 16th or 17th August
• Week 7: Commitment Mass Weekend - 6th or 7th September
• Week 8: Retreat Day - 11th September @ St Vincent’s Primary School
• Week 8: Celebration of the Sacrament - 13th or 14th September

Sophie Murdock

Religious Education Coordinator

Over the winter break, NAIDOC Week 2025 was celebrated across Australia. This year marked a significant 50‑year milestone in honouring the history, culture, and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The national theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” honours the legacy of Elders and trailblazers who paved the way, while celebrating the promise, leadership and cultural vision of emerging generations. NAIDOC Week offers all Australians an opportunity to engage in rich cultural activities—such as storytelling, music, art exhibitions and local events—that foster education, mutual respect, and reconciliation. More than a week of celebration, it is a call to action: to support Indigenous self‑determination, amplify First Nations voices, and continue building an inclusive and just society grounded in strength, shared vision, and lasting legacy.

Last Friday, the Catholic Education community gathered at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka with special guests to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a Mass and recognise those who have made a significant contribution to Aboriginal education in the Archdiocese.

The service began with a smoking ceremony by the Wiradjuri Echoes that welcomed attendees into the Church for Mass celebrated by Father Paul Nulley. Aunty Selina Walker, a Ngunnawal Elder, opened the Mass with a special Welcome to Country, inviting all First Nation students forward to support her welcoming ceremony. It was truly a very special Mass to be a part of. 

Daniel Hunt
ATSI Education Contact Teacher

Welcome to The Sports Stop with Miss Beissner! 

As of this term, I will slowly be transitioning into the Sports Coordinator role, ready for 2026. I’d like to thank Mr Payne for all he has brought to this role and sports at St Matthew’s over the past couple of years. 

This semester, we slow down in the world of sports, with the Belconnen Regional Athletics Carnival in Week 5. A note was sent home with your child last week regarding their selection and events. Please check Compass for further information, or feel free to contact either Mr Payne or me if you have any questions.

Sporting Stars!

This week, we celebrate the skiing achievements of Hana (6B) and Jacob Garner (4B), who have been training and competing in various events over the past few weeks. Their hard work and dedication have paid off — not only did they achieve multiple podium finishes, but both students have also qualified for the NSW/ACT/QLD State Interschools Championships and the National Interschools Championships later this year.

Well done to you both — we wish you all the best in your upcoming competitions!

If your child has a sporting achievement or good news story to share, feel free to send an email to hannah.beissner@cg.catholic.edu.au with a photo and a short blurb to feature in the next newsletter.

In sporting spirit, 

Hannah Beissner

Smartwatches School Policy

At St Matthew’s, we recognise that many families rely on smart watches for communication and safety, particularly when students are travelling to and from school. However, while students are under our care during the school day, we aim to create an environment that minimises distractions and supports students’ focus on learning.

A smart watch is any watch that has messaging, calling, gaming, or internet capabilities. While some smart watches can be placed in ‘parent mode’ or restricted settings, managing which devices are in this mode would place a significant responsibility on teachers. To ensure consistency and fairness for all students, St Matthew's has implemented a blanket rule across the school.

Students are welcome to wear their smart watches to and from school. Upon arrival, we ask that they check in with parents if needed and then place their smart watches in their school bags for the remainder of the day. This approach enables us to prioritise both learning and student safety while maintaining the convenience these devices offer for families.

In addition to reducing distractions, this guideline is in place to support student wellbeing. Constant connectivity can sometimes lead to anxiety, social pressures, and interruptions to learning. By limiting access to smart watches during the school day, we encourage students to be present in their learning, engage in face-to-face interactions, and develop independence in problem-solving and communication. Furthermore, it enables us to uphold our duty of care by ensuring that all communication between students occurs through appropriate school channels, rather than unmonitored personal devices.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing this expectation with your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Daniel Hunt

ICT Coordinator

Book Week - August 17-23

Each year, many schools and public libraries across Australia spend a week in August celebrating books and Australian authors and illustrators. This term, we have some wonderful opportunities for our students to participate in to celebrate Book Week. 

Author visit

In Week 4 (Tuesday, August 12), we are very lucky to have a visit from Katrina Nannestad for our Year 3-6 students. She is the author of The Travelling Bookshop series, The Girl, the Dog and the Writer series, Silver Linings, and several historical fiction novels, including We Are Wolves, Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief, All the Beautiful Things, and Waiting for Storks.

There will also be an opportunity to purchase signed copies of Katrina’s books.

Book Week Dress Up and Activity Day

As our aim is to bring students and books together, we invite all students to come dressed as a book character, either fictional or real, or as something relating to the Book Week theme ‘Book an adventure’ on Friday, August 22.  We will begin our day with a short assembly and then progress into Book Week-related activities. Could your child also bring along the book or a picture of the book cover (attached to a lanyard or pinned to their costume) to let others know the book their character is from? This year, we will be asking students to bring along a gold coin donation as part of our dress-up day. All money collected will be going to the World Literacy Foundation, which is partnering with Reading out of Poverty. This year, they are supporting early literacy in disadvantaged communities across Australia.

If any students choose not to dress as a book character, they will wear their normal school uniform. Please note that the costume does not need to be elaborate or expensive.  We would encourage parents to use dress-up clothes from home for the event. There are also many simple DIY ideas on the Internet.

As a Christian community, we are asking parents to assist us in selecting appropriate characters that complement our values and beliefs.  We would ask that characters who are violent or scary (i.e., ghosts, vampires, or those involving weapons) be avoided.  If you are unsure and would like to clarify this further, please speak to your child’s teacher.

The teachers and I look forward to seeing our students come dressed as their book character of choice.

Book Week Competition

This year, we are holding a Book Week competition. Students, if they choose, can decorate a paper plate to represent their favourite book – it could be a scene from the book, a character, or the cover of the book. There are some ideas below. If you need a paper plate, please collect one from Miss Judd. Students will need to write their name and class on the back of their paper plate. This activity will need to be completed at home. Entries need to be given to Miss Judd by Monday, August 18th, and winners will be announced at our Book Week dress-up day.

Upcoming Book and Author Events

If you are looking for some things to do with your children, please check out these upcoming events at The Book Cow (https://www.bookcow.com.au/events). Also, remember to check out what’s available at your local public library.

Book Club

Sally Judd

Teacher Librarian

Thanks, Parents and Carers! Save the date

Free Parent Workshops and Webinars

Team Kids Term 3 Events

MISSION POSSIBLE: STEM CLUB ADVENTURE SERIES
This term will be OFF THE CHARTS with our STEM Club Adventure Series ????
Join us as we EMBARK on an EPIC four-part mission, where we'll ACTIVATE new STEM realms by CRACKING codes, SOLVING puzzles and INVENTING clever ways to SUCCEED in each mission ?️‍♂️
Our ADVENTURE starts HERE – www.teamkids.com.au/venues