Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers
It would come as no surprise to you that the number of students with complex needs enrolling in all schools has increased. I am proud that the funding support for these students has grown incrementally in an effort to support all of our students. I feel confident in telling you that St Matthew’s School places a very high priority on supporting students with complex needs, as we are morally and legislatively bound.
Complex needs can be difficult to recognise and understand on first inspection. The needs may present themselves as a form of anxiety, an inability to maintain relationships, outbursts in unfamiliar or challenging situations or withdrawal if the child’s senses feel overloaded. This behaviour might easily be misconstrued as noncompliance or poor behaviour.
A significant proportion of our school staffing is drawn from Meeting Student Needs. This is generally allocated towards the staffing of Classroom Support Assistants (CSA’s) and Classroom Support Teachers (CST’s). The CSA’s and CST’s provide support for all children in the classroom and on the playground.
Ms Cathy Talbot leads the Classroom Support Team at St Matthew’s. She spends the majority of her time in the Kindergarten to Year Two section of the school. Cathy is supported by a highly skilled team which includes Mrs Mary Quinane (2 days, Years 3 and 4), Ms Ana Zaja (2 days, Years 3 and 4)) and Mrs Petra Cole (3 days, Years 5 and 6).
By any measure this is a strong indication of the importance St Matthew’s places on reflecting the Catholic values which define our school. We are proudly inclusive and we strive hard to meet the needs of all children whilst keeping everyone safe.
Enrolment Period
A reminder that the official enrolment period for next year’s intake runs from May 3rd until May 28th. Please go onto the Catholic Education Office website https://cg.catholic.edu.au/ to access an enrolment form.
Thank you to Ante Susic for his help in placing enrolment signage around our local district. Thank you also to our Years Five and Six children who assisted by letterbox dropping houses in our region. This Friday afternoon our staff will letter box drop Strathnairn to advertise opportunities for visiting our school during the enrolment period.
Have you considered a Catholic Education for your child?
St Matthew’s Primary is enrolling now for 2022
OPEN SCHOOL MAY 6: 5PM - 6PM
INFORMATION EVENING MAY 6: 6PM
OPEN MORNING MAY 12: 9.30AM - 11AM
62542653
May God bless you and your families
Graham Pollard
Principal