Parish Priest: Fr Florentino (Boy) Galdo
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.
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have had an extremely eventful fortnight since our last newsletter.
After the Melbourne Cup long weekend, last week was a short but busy week! Thursday was our annual School Sports Day and it was a fantastic day for all involved. I would like to thank Mr B for his thorough planning and preparation of the day. The students were amazing, fully participating in all aspects of the day. Congratulations to the Blue House for their win!
Last Saturday was our Family Fun Day. We were blessed with the perfect weather, there was no rain and it was not hot like Friday had been. I would like to thank the Parents’ and Friends’ Association and in particular a special thanks to Corinna Makdesi for her dedication to getting this event up and running and ensuring that it was the success that it was. To see so many of our families come together and enjoy a day of fun was very heartwarming.
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.
Ready Set Prep
Our Ready Set Prep sessions have been fantastic. It is so lovely to see the enthusiasm and excitement of the incoming Preps and their parents. This week we have our third session on Friday 17th November from 9.30 - 10.15
Additional staffing changes for 2024
Mrs Alex Matzaris (our Literacy Leader) will be leaving St. Matthew's at the end of this school year. She will be taking a position at another school in a similar role. I have advertised for a new Literacy Leader, applications close on Friday. I will let you know when we have appointed someone.
Mrs Howden and I interviewed for a classroom teacher last week and we are very happy to report that we have appointed Miss Mariana Khoshaba. Mariana will begin next year.
I will be able to let all families know about teacher placements in the coming weeks.
We are beginning the process of creating classlists for next year. The students in Prep to Year 5 will have an opportunity to meet their 2024 teacher at our Orientation morning on Thursday December 14th.
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.
Extended absences for the end of the year
It is the time of the year when many families head overseas to celebrate Christmas with their relatives. Please make sure that if your child will be finishing earlier this year due to travel that you have completed the absence information in the Audiri APP or you have spoken to Almoza.
Take care,
Rachael
This is a reminder that all outstanding School Fees and Levies are to be finalised immediately. If you have any queries or need to set up a Direct Debit Payment to assist with paying the balance of your account, please contact Natalie (Bursar) via email: admin@smfawknernth.catholic.edu.au.Payment methods available to settle your account with St Matthew's Primary School are:
Cash - Directly paid over the counter at the officeCredit Card - By phone or in person at the officeDirect Payment to School Account: BSB: 083 347 Account: 540 385 132 Reference: Account code (as per Statement) and Family Surname
Please note, that any CSEF credits will be put through by mid-September, 2023.
Kind Regards,
Natalie Moreira (Bursar)
TERM 4
TERM 1 2024
The teachers are in the process of preparing the Semester 2 Reports. The reports will be completed and sent home via the nForma parent portal in the last week of this term. Further information will be provided closer to the time.
