St Matthew's Catholic Primary School

Term 2, June 21st 2023, No.10

Parish Priest: Fr Florentino (Boy) Galdo

Acting School Principal: Mrs Rachael Spooner

Acting Deputy Principal: Mrs Helen Howden

School Email: admin@smfawknernth.catholic.edu.au

School Phone: 0393595423 

St Matthew's Primary School is committed to creating an environment where the safety, wellbeing

and participation of all children within our care is paramount. 

Acting Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we finish up this second term, I would like to give you an update on Mr Brown. I was speaking to him last week and he had been resting after having a lovely long weekend away with his family. He is comfortable and resting well. He has been spending his time catching up with family and friends. 

The process for appointing a new principal has officially begun with the position being advertised. The closing date for applications is Monday July 10th so then the next stage in the process begins. 

Trading Cards

Many of the students are currently collecting football/soccer/pokemon trading cards. A reminder to all families that the children at St. Matthew's are not permitted to trade with each other at school. 

Congratulations to Mr John Kavanagh

Mr Kavanagh (4A) received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in last week’s King’s Birthday Honours List. John was awarded this honour for his service to local government and to the community. Congratulations John!!

Change of date for end of 2023 School Year 

As you would have seen in the letter I sent home on Monday, school will finish for 2023 on Friday December 15th at 3.15pm. This is to allow us to accommodate the Time in Lieu requirements that we have for all staff. 

Casual Clothes Day - TOMORROW Thursday 22nd June 

To celebrate the end of Term 2, the Parents and Friends Association will be holding a casual clothes day for all students. Students are invited to wear casual clothes and provide a gold coin donation. 

End of Term 2 early finish - No After School Care available 

School will finish at 1pm on the last day of term, Friday June 23rd. After school care will not be available from 1pm. 

Reports

The reports will be available for parents and carers to access on Wednesday June 21st. Please keep an eye on your email inbox where you will receive information about how to access the reports. If you have any issues with the access please contact the school and speak to either Helen Howden or myself. If you have changed your email address recently please be sure to let us know so that the email reaches you correctly.

Dates To Remember

  • Wednesday June 21st - Semester 1 Reports home

  • Friday June 23rd - Whole School Mass 11.45am

  • Friday June 23rd - End of Term 2 - students will finish at 1pm

TERM 3

  • Monday July 10th - Term 3 begins
  • Wednesday July 12th to Friday July 14th - Prep 2024 Interviews
  • Friday July 14th - Whole school mass at 12pm
  • Tuesday July 18th - Confirmation Faith night (with sponsors) for Confirmation candidates
  • Wednesday July 19th - Parent/Student/Teacher conversations - Students finish at 1.00pm
  • Friday July 21st - Sacrament of Confirmation at 6.00pm

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

A PRAYER FOR THE END OF TERM

Loving Father,

As we come to the end of another term we turn to you in confidence and place any difficult relationships into the healing hands of Jesus, your Son.

Enable us to leave behind any pain of the past and any regrets or bitterness, entrusting the past to your mercy, the present to your love, and the future to your providence.

Help us appreciate more the need to keep a good balance in our lives.

May the holiday be for us a time of rest and recreation to help restore us and re-create us in your image and likeness, as we enjoy more of the love and presence of our families, on whom we ask your blessing. 

Amen

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

CONFIRMATION

I would like to thank the four families who came to the Confirmation Commitment Mass at 5.30 pm on Saturday night. Sienna, Dante, Harrison Luke and their families then joined the local parish members in the church foyer, enjoying the lovely refreshments and having a chat with Father Boy and the parishioners.

I was stopped by a parishioner who wanted to say that the children, who read, read very well and wanted to pass on their compliments to all of us at the school.

It was a lovely opportunity for the school and parish to come together, the parishioners to see whom they are praying for, and the children and families to show their commitment to their Sacrament.

 

Confirmation families, please remember that all information is shared via SEESAW – so please keep an eye out for any notices via this method.

 Mrs Helen Howden

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Scienceworks Excursion - By Auni

Last Tuesday June 13th, 4B and 4A went to Scienceworks to learn about Earth and it included a trip to Williamstown Beach.

First, we went to Scienceworks which was in the suburb of Spotswood. The drive was 45 minutes long to Spotswood. When we arrived at Scienceworks, we ate our brainfood and snack.

Next, we went to the Planetarium where we watched a movie called Tilt and it it showed us how the seasons are made by the tilt of the Earth. The other film was based on star constellations.

After that, we went to Sportworks where there were many robotics to play with and we even versed the other schools on a race track! We went to “Thinking Ahead” where there were many activities to see and play with and we saw the first Aussie computer!

Afterwards, we went to this place called “Beyond Perception”. It had very hallucinating and creative images to play and look with! It was the last thing that we did at Scienceworks before going to Williamstown Beach.

Finally, we were dropped off to Williamstown Beach

Where we saw LOTS of shells! The seaside was very beautiful there but it had to end so, we hopped on the bus, drove back to school.

This definitely had to be my favorite excursion of all time!

SCIENCEWORKS

THE GREEN TEAM

Tip 1: Why not swap those unhealthy snacks in plastic packaging for a homemade healthy treat?

“I make a batch of spiced pear muffins and store them in the freezer. I pop one into Alexander’s and Skylar’s lunch boxes at night and then they are ready to eat at recess the next day. I use wholemeal flour only and 100% Canadian maple syrup instead of sugar to make them healthier.”

Mrs Mazzone

Tip 2: Save money and reduce plastic waste! Buy a bigger pack and fill your own reusable ecopocket or container. 

“I buy large sized packs of crackers, nuts and other healthy treats. I then place a handful in Aliyah’s lunch box in a reusable ecopocket.”   Mrs Valastro 

Tip 3: No need for plastic wrap - Use a Bento box or container for your sandwiches, rolls and wraps!

“If you’re looking to use less plastic and for a chance to be more creative with lunches, I encourage you to make your own focaccia! There is minimal waste and it’s delicious for school lunch boxes. Follow my recipe here.”  Mrs Spina

Semester 1 Reports and Parent/Teacher/Student Conversations

The reports will be available for parents and carers to access later today  (Wednesday June 21st).  Please refer to the information sent through Audiri (Skoolbag) yesterday which explains how to access the reports through the nForma Parent Portal.

If you have any issues with the access please contact the school and speak to either Helen Howden or myself. If you have changed your email address recently please be sure to let us know so that the email reaches you correctly.

Parent/Teacher/Student conversations will be held in Week 2 of Term 3 (Wednesday 19th July). More information about this will be shared with you very soon.

COMMUNITY NEWS

YMCA - School Holiday Program

YMCA SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS - FAQ

Please find attached an information flyer.
Download

SONGWRITING WITH SARAH

KIDS KARATE

The SkoolBag app is the easiest way keep up with school events, last minute notices, newsletters and all school communications.