I came across adolescent psychologist @DrCamCaswell on Instagram recently and was interested in some of what she shared about the teenage brain. I hope you might also find some of her insights helpful as you navigate the ups and downs of parenting your teenagers. 

Dr Cam writes:

We often look at our teens and see what’s wrong. The messy room. The impulsive choices. The eye rolls. And it’s easy to think:

• They’re not ready.
• I need to step in.
• I need to fix this.

But what if the problem isn’t that they’re falling short? What if it’s that we’re not giving them enough space to rise? The teen brain is at its peak for learning, adapting, and becoming. It’s faster than ours. More flexible than ours. More wired for growth than at any other time in life. They’re not broken. They’re building. But here’s the catch - That growth doesn’t happen if we do it all for them. It doesn’t happen when we jump in to correct every misstep or protect them from every fall.

• It happens when we guide, not control.
• It happens when we let them struggle, try again, and build their own wiring.
• It happens when we trust the masterpiece in progress.

The teen brain is incredibly neuroplastic - it can form habits, shift perspectives and recover from setbacks faster than most adult brains. As parents we can focus on growth, not perfection. When they mess up (and they will) we can guide them to reflect and reset. Their brain is actually built to bounce back.

The teen brain is designed to question everything - rules, beliefs, even us. This isn’t rebellion. It’s the foundation of independence, critical thinking and identity formation. Welcome their questions. Create space for disagreement. Let them stretch their thinking without shutting them down. You’re helping them become who they are.

The emotional centre of the brain develops before the reasoning centre. That’s why our teenagers' feelings run so deep. Try not to minimise their feelings, rather, help them to name emotions, regulate their reactions and turn intensity into meaningful action.

Teen brains are in the process of sharpening the connections they need to use the most, becoming more efficient with every choice they make. Let them practice real-life skills - managing time, making decisions, owning their mistakes. The more they use it the more it sticks. Independence isn’t instant - it’s built.

God bless

Angela Myles | Executive Principal 

Assistant Principal and Leader of Mission Retreat

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend the annual AP and REC conference in Dubbo. The facilitator this year was Phil Glendenning AM. Phil has been a pivotal figure in Australia's social justice landscape for over three decades, dedicating his career to advocating for the rights of refugees, Indigenous peoples, and communities affected by climate change. As the founding Director of the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education (ERC) since 1996, he has led initiatives that intertwine research, education, and advocacy to address pressing societal issues.

During the 2 days we were humbled to hear of the amazing work that Phil and his colleagues have done, and the difference they have achieved both here and globally. I was energised by the overarching theme of  - from ‘small things big things grow’. Whilst Phil’s own contributions have been large, on a global scale he was clear on  never underestimating a change in the right direction - no matter how small. Social justice issues can be tackled from the ‘grassroots’ level - and the small actions we can do here at school, and in our own small communities can have a big impact. 

Our value of Service is foundational to the power of change we can initiate here at school. I am proud of the initiatives our students are consistently involved in, and committed to ensuring we continually work to advocate for those in our community that need fairness, support and compassion - which is central to our faith and Catholic Education.

University of Wollongong Visit

James from the University of Wollongong spoke to our Senior Students about pathways, University entries, accommodation, scholarships and much more. It was a great opportunity for St Matthews to learn more about what the UOW has to offer.

Thank you James for sharing your valuable knowledge.

Apprenticeship Intake Information Night

UCAC Early Offer

While most uni offers are released in December after ATARs, some Year 12 students in NSW and ACT can receive early offers. UCAC Early Offer JUNE 2025

Early Offers Through UAC

Steps to uni guide

Early entry schemes let you demonstrate your potential by using Year 11 results and school recommendations - before your ATAR is available. To be considered for early offers through UAC, apply for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) when you submit your UAC application. The first SRS offers will be released on 13 November 2025. These offers can be unconditional (no ATAR needed) or conditional (you’ll need to meet extra criteria like a minimum ATAR). Apply for SRS through your UAC application by selecting the option and submitting any extra info required.

Direct Offers from Unis

Some universities also offer early entry directly, not just through UAC. To apply, visit each uni’s website and follow their instructions. Applications usually open midyear, and no offers will be made before September. You can apply for both UAC and direct entry at the same time to keep your options open.

How-to-apply guide for Year 11 and 12 students

Steps to Uni for Year 11 and 12 Students provides information for 2025 Year 11 and 12 students about applying for tertiary study through UAC. It explains the process of applying to university, managing an application and accepting an offer.

Steps to Uni for Year 11 and 12 Students can be downloaded from the UAC website and will be available at expos.

Want to find out about upcoming admission dates to another interstate university? Contact the Tertiary Admissions Centre in the relevant state or territory. All of the links are posted on the year 12 administration classroom.

VTAC – Victoria QTAC – Queensland SATAC – South Australia and NT TAS - Tasmania TISC- Western Australia

Macquarie Leaders and Achievers 

Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme is Macquarie University's unique early entry program that recognises students' initiative and commitment as well as their Year 11 academic results.

Students can find details about eligibility and the application process via our website. For more information and to have their questions answered we encourage students and  parents to register for our Early Entry webinar on Tuesday, 17 June.

KEY DATES

Applications open: 3.00pm Monday, 16 June

Round 1
Applications close: Friday 25 July
Offers released: Monday 1 September

Round 2
Applications close: Tuesday 2 September
Offers released: Thursday 25 September

Actuarial Studies Co-op Program

Students interested in the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies with Bachelor of Professional Practice (Honours) (Actuarial Studies Co-op Program) must apply via the Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme and preference the single degree Bachelor of Actuarial Studies.

Visit our website for more information including key dates, eligibility and application details.

UniReady Program

For students aged 17 or older who have already completed their schooling, UniReady is an exciting first step on the journey towards studying a Macquarie bachelor degree. The fee-free pathway program – designed specifically for domestic students – will provide the university-level skills students need to commence a bachelor degree. For more information regarding eligibility and how to apply visit here.

OPEN DAY: SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 2025

Our Open Day is coming up on Saturday, 16 August. For more information and to register visit:
mq.edu.au/open-day

TAFE NSW is one of Australia’s leading vocational education and training organisations and we support high school students to be job ready with practical skills and industry-specific knowledge.

TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses offer your students a head start on their career to build real world skills and valuable experience while they’re still at school. These nationally recognised qualifications count towards their school outcome, with some courses contributing towards an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

TAFE NSW has delivery suitable for all students with face-to-face, online or virtually delivered options to suit their learning preference.

High school students can also study a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) which includes paid on the job training and study all while working towards becoming a qualified tradesperson. Students could gain at least two units of credit towards the HSC and will complete a minimum of 100 days of paid work as specified in the relevant Vocational Training Order.

One Year 11 Advanced English student, Sophie Coe, has written a poem that many of us can relate to - the beauty of life in the Mudgee region.

Kirsty Skinner | English Teacher 

Life on the Farm 

The clear sky above

Reflects the water below.

All the laughter and splashes

Off the mountain it echoes.

Sun kissing our skin, 

The first of many goodnights.

The moon chasing it’s kin,

As the Ibis take flight

Over grassy paddocks of marigold,

And Angus that bellow;

This never gets old,

The birds fade to yellow.

Alone in my bed

Though I don’t feel lonely.

Night-birds surrounding my head,

Eyes closed, drifting slowly. 

Through the shutters I see

The mountains that loom.

The stars are a sea

Of flowers in bloom. 

At ease, I drift off to sleep,

And there’s no need to count;

The bleating of the sheep,

Silence any and all doubt

In my dreams I reminisce

Of wild days and nights so calm.

When I leave I know I’ll miss,

Everyday of a life on the farm.

~ Visiting the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes at the Art Gallery of NSW.

~ Pulling meaning out of artworks. 

~ Meandering through the CBD to experience VIVID light installations.

~ Participating in a memorable Studio A portraiture workshop with esteemed artist Thom Roberts. 

~ Making inferences about the incredible Blak Douglas survey exhibition ‘The Halfway Line’ at Penrith Regional Gallery. 

Thank you to all involved in executing such a wonderful and inspiring Elective Art excursion! 

Ms Elise Freeman | Visual Arts Teacher

Blind date with a book

On Friday the 14th of July we hosted the blind date with a book launch party. Students put in their book preferences based on genres, likes and dislikes and they were then matched with their perfect book match. It was a great afternoon full of book talk and share the love of reading with each other.

Term 2 Student Book Group

The Student book group met in Week 7 to discuss the books from the 2025 Children’s Book Council Book of year awards list.

The group engaged in lots of discussion about the books and there were some mixed responses to the books to do with characters and plot.

The books and their rating out of 5 are below;

- A wreck of seabirds by Karleah Olson 3 and a half stars

- White Noise by Raelke Grimmer 4 out of 5 stars

- Into the mouth of the wolf by Erin Gough 3 out of 5 stars

- The Skin I am in by Steph Tisdell 3 out of 5 stars

Our term 3 book is Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey.

If you are interested in joining our student book group please see Mrs Sugden.

Jacinda Sugden | Teacher/Librarian

Ally Lusty | Uniform Shop Manager

Call health direct campaign

NSW Health is pleased to share with you the new call health direct Campaign toolkit. The campaign aims to promote the health direct number as the first step to access health advice, care and treatment for non-life threatening conditions.

When you call health direct, you’ll speak to a registered nurse who will help you get the care you need. They can find you a nearby doctor, pharmacist, urgent care service, or even connect you to specialist virtual care. We’re encouraging people to save this number, 1800 022 222, for free, easy access to health advice and care whenever they need it.

 The key links are:

• For more information about health direct: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/Pages/healthdirect.aspx
• Campaign launch Ministerial media release: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250521_01.aspx

Thank you for your support to help protect the NSW community.