School Vision

St Matthew’s School empowers children to embrace life-long learning, and grow and develop as God intends.

First Week of Advent

During the First Week of Advent, we watch and pray, awaiting the Lord’s coming.  As we enter the Church’s new year, cycle B, the season of Advent reminds us that we can look forward to and prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. It is a season of so many things: of expectation, reflection, hope and trust. We are constantly in a state of expectation, always in advent, so much so that we can miss the present moment where,
inevitably, God will be.

We have to wait, and Advent reminds us that we are waiting for God. How strange it is to think that in a way God also waits. He always waits for us to come to him for he never forces himself on us, and when we do come to him, he is delighted and will give us many graces.

Almighty God, we begin this Advent Season as an ‘Advent People’ – people of hope, ready to do your will.

Let your blessing come upon us; may it turn our hearts to you in the
days ahead.

Grant us the peace and joy we long for, as we await the coming of your Son with patient
hearts.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Dear Parents & Carers,

Last Tuesday night, St Matthew’s held it’s ACM. At this meeting, the following important information was shared:

Finance

• We have not had to utilize any cash reserves (term deposits)
• We have sufficient funds to cover expenses for January 2021
• Student numbers have increased
• With consistent scrutiny have been able to manage finances within budget and in some cases better than budgeted.
• Fees will remain the same for 2021 – ie. NO fee increase
• We have planned several capital improvements for early in 2021: upgrade of the basketball court surface, replacement of the primary playground softfall, creation of a Bush Tucker garden and installation of a small nature play area. We also intend to upgrade the Kindy/Pre-Primary play area by the end of the year.
• Student numbers have increased which has resulted in a more positive fee income estimate for 2021. This also directly affects Government funding income. 
• We will need to continue a diligent and conservative approach to financial management
• Continued Focus is on maintaining a high level of educational outcomes and programs

2021 School Improvement Plan

• Specialist support programs to respond to the diverse needs of students – introduction of English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) Progress Maps to develop plans and reporting proformas for identified students
• A strong commitment to living out our Catholic values – modification of the current Behaviour Management Policy to adhere to Positive Behaviour Management protocols and practices
• Student performance data used to drive decision making – analysis of PAT Maths data to identify areas of strength and concern; professional Development Day on Maths; continued use of Brightpath Narrative Tools

As we begin the last few weeks of the school year, I would like to acknowledge all the staff and parents who have contributed to the myriad of exciting events we have held this year. From school excursions to morning reading to sporting carnivals to assemblies to Busy Bees and musical extravaganzas, we have been so blessed to have dedicated and talented community members helping us along the way.

2021 Staffing

Farewell

• Mrs Ashleigh Marjoram
• Miss Stephanie Boyer
• Miss Hannah Chitty
• Mrs Meredith Beckwith

 Karen Evans will be on leave for 2021.

Time to Party!!

After an incredible year, the P&F would like us all to celebrate together on Friday 4 December at 5:00pm.

Volunteers’ Morning Tea

On behalf of all the happy St Matthew’s staff and students, I would like to invite all of our hard-working and generous volunteers to a Thank You Volunteers’ Morning Tea at 10:45am on Wednesday 2 December in the Undercover Area. We look forward to thanking you all in person.

School Band Performance

We are very fortunate at St Matthew’s to be able to offer music extension to our senior students by having a school band. On Wednesday 2 December, all our students will have an opportunity to see the band perform at 2:30pm in the Sr Isabel Hall. All families are welcome to join us.

P&F Recipe Book

By now, many families will have received their P&F Recipe Books. Thank you to the wonderful Committee members who volunteered their time to process all of the orders. For those families who are yet to support the school by purchasing a copy, these will continue to be available from the front office until the end of term. Alternatively, they will be available at the P&F Disco and Sundowner this Friday night.. Thanks again for all of your support!

Pixie Post

It’s that time of year again!! Our beautiful Pre-Primaries invite all students to post a Christmas card via Pixie Post. It is important to remember that the pixies will only deliver cards that do not contain any lollies or candy canes. All cards must also be clearly labelled with the recipient’s name and year level. The Pixie Post letter box is located outside the Pre-Primary classroom door.

Class Transition

On Monday 7 December, our students will be visiting their new teachers for 2021. Teachers will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and outline the special features of their year level. We will also meet our two new teachers, Carrie English in Year 1 and Jessica Newman in Year 2.

Captains 2021

2 weeks ago, I was fortunate to join Mr Collins, Mr Tenney and Mr Quartermaine to hear the wonderful leadership speeches presented by our Year 5 students. They spoke very well, and will no doubt, make fine leaders for their peers to look up to as they are all leaders of the school and will have significant responsibilities throughout 2021.

The captaincy positions will be announced at the Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday 9th of December at St Matthew’s Church. Mass begins at 9:30am.

Wishing all of the beautiful St Matthew’s families a safe and loving Christmas and new year. Thank you so much for your kindness and support this year. May 2021 be filled with love and laughter for all.

Mrs Susan Milton

Principal