Dear Parents and Carers,
As we head into the final weeks of this school year, I have been reflecting on the year we have had. It has been a very emotional year for us all. Mr. Brown’s passing affected us all and it took a while for us to get used to the idea that he would not be here with us. I am very proud of the staff and students, their resilience during this difficult time was amazing. The care and compassion that was shown to each other was a true testament to the legacy left by Mr. Brown.
This year we were able to return to all of the events and celebrations that the school experienced prior to those COVID years when the restrictions were in place. Our school concert, school sports day and family fun day were examples of these special events that had been missed. We look forward to 2024 and being able to do more activities like these.
Year 6 Graduation
The Year 6 students will be farewelled on Thursday December 14th. The Year 6 students will finish at 1.40pm on this day to give them time to prepare for the Graduation Mass at 6.00pm. As a final farewell gesture the students from all other levels and staff will form a guard of honour as the Year 6 students leave the building and exit through the William Street gate at 1.40pm. Year 6 parents will be able to meet their children at the end of the guard of honour outside the school office.
I was recently approached by the Let Them Flourish Foundation. The founder of this organisation, Michael Mahoney, is a former student of St. Matthew’s (he finished 50 years ago). The foundation is newly established and as part of their work they are providing scholarships to our school to support 2 students as they transition to secondary school. The foundation’s motto is We Grow, We Nurture, They Flourish.
Information from the foundation about the scholarships
The Scholarships offer $500 Officeworks Cards to 2 students at the end of Year 6 for the benefit of the students providing some assistance going on to secondary school. The students chosen will have passed all subjects in Year 6 and have demonstrated a positive involvement in school and community activities. The Let Them Flourish Foundation Scholarship Awardees are selected by the school’s teachers.
St. Matthew’s Annual Carols night
The Carols will be on THURSDAY DECEMBER 7th
The school gates between the Church and the Parish House will open at 5.00pm for access to the Food Trucks. If you don’t want food from the Food Trucks you can bring your own dinner from home or the local Fish ‘N’ Chip or Pizza shops.
The carols will commence at 6.30pm and go to approximately 7.45pm/8.00pm.
The students will sit with their class and teacher. Parents are asked to collect their child from the teacher at the end of the Carols.
The stage will be the verandah that faces the Soccer Field. Parents can bring a picnic rug or low chairs to sit on. The performing and seating areas will be sectioned off with cones.
If the weather is way too cold or wet we will hold the Carols in the hall with all the seating set out beforehand.
The Carols will still go ahead on the 7th no matter what the weather is like.
Final assembly for 2023
Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to move our final assembly for this year. It will be on Tuesday December 12th at 2.40pm. This will be an assembly presented by the Year 6 students as their farewell to primary school. We will also be presenting the final Principal's Awards for this year.
2024 School Fees and Levies
There has been a slight increase in the School Fees and Levies. This increase is necessary as all resources, excursions etc have increased in price. In 2024 the Fees and Levies structure is:
2024 Prep Orientation
The first of our 2 2024 Prep Orientation sessions will be this Friday from 9.30 - 11.00.
2024 Orientation for this year’s Prep - Year 5 students
The 2024 classlists are currently being organised. The children will have an opportunity to meet their 2024 teacher on Thursday 14th December.
Starting dates for 2024
Monday 29th January - Staff start - The office will be open 10.30 - 3.30 for fee and levy payments. The Uniform Shop will also be open between 10.30 and 3.30 to purchase any items of uniform.
Tuesday 30th January - Students in Years 1 - 6 begin (Prep students stay at home)
Wednesday 31st January - Prep students stay home and will come in to school for an individual assessment appointment with the classroom teacher.
Thursday 1st February - Prep students begin
Not returning in 2024
If your child is not returning to St. Matthew’s next year please let me know as soon as possible. We will begin the process of organising class lists soon.
