On Tuesday of this week, students from Ozanam House spent the afternoon celebrating one of our House Patrons, Frederic Ozanam. 

Frederic Ozanam was born in Milan, Italy in 1813. As a young student in Paris, Frederic had to walk through the poorer areas of the city on his way to university lectures. He became deeply moved at the hopeless state of families who had been left without income and support after the cholera epidemic in 1832. As a devout Catholic, he was taunted about his faith and service by an anti-religious debating society opponent: ‘You are right Ozanam when you speak of the past! In former times Christianity worked wonders, but what is it doing for mankind now? And you, who pride yourself on your Catholicity, what are you doing now for the poor? Show us your works.’ This prompted Frederic into action and, on 23 April 1833 he gathered a small group of friends to decide what they could do to help the poor. After the meeting, Frederic and his flat mate took the rest of their winter wood supply and gave it to a widow.

The group he formed adopted the name the Society of St Vincent de Paul, after the Patron Saint of Christian charity. They were introduced to people they could assist and met weekly to strengthen their friendship and respond to the needs of those they served. As others noticed the charitable works of the students, the Society grew in membership and expanded across the city and eventually throughout Europe and the world. The compassionate outlook, enthusiasm and vision of the St Vincent de Paul Society continues today with over 45,000 members and volunteers across the country sharing their time, care for humanity and energy to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged people. 

Our four House Patrons - Frederic Ozanam, Mary MacKillop, Eileen O’Connor and Oscar Romero were all ordinary people. Ordinary people who made extraordinary decisions about how they would spend their time, talents, energy and resources. Their choices were based on a desire to be more like Jesus and thus, to find ways to reach out to others with compassion, kindness and love. Each time we pause to remember and celebrate our House Patrons, we are challenged to find ways that we can do the same in our own lives. We are challenged to ‘answer the call to be more’.

God bless

Angela Myles | Executive Principal 

Welcome Back to Term 4

Opportunities for students

Welcome back to all our students and families for our final term for 2025. I trust everyone had a restful and enjoyable break and is renenergised for another term, packed with activities, experiences, camps, retreats, spiritual days, final exams and quality learning in the classroom. We hit the ground running with many of our Agricultural students attending our first ‘Beef Bonanza’ event in Scone. This experience is only possible due to the inclusion of our cattle yards and cattle into our agricultural program, and the dedicated staff who have introduced ‘Cattle Club’ in addition to classwork to ensure our students, and cattle are ready. We look forward to hearing of the results and all about this new experience from the students, Mrs Kimberley White and Nr Neaverson - Smith on their return.

At the same time our elective Drama and Music students will be heading to Sydney for their excursion. This is an amazing opportunity with workshops for our drama students at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) whilst the elective music students will be engaging in workshops at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM). Again, we look forward to hearing all about these experiences.

It is with great pleasure that the Year 8 Boys Leadership - Rugby program  is continuing this term with the inclusion of Year 7 students. This has been a great inclusion into our suite of wellbeing initiatives and a big thank you to Mr Dillon Price our Leader of Wellbeing, and Mr Jack Elston from our PE department for leading this wonderful program.

School uniform

As we start off the term I ask families to support students in meeting our uniform expectations. This includes ensuring that girls skirts are the correct length (should be longer than when they have their arms stretched alongside their body), there are no fake eyelashes, nails or make up worn and that boys hair is neat, tidy and presentable.

Year 11 reminders - attendance & driving permissions

A reminder to families of Year 11 students that driving forms with permission to drive and escort passengers MUST be submitted to student services before they drive to school. Students have been reminded that driving to school is a privilege that can be evoked if expectations are not met.

Year 11 students were also reminded that they do not have permission to arrive or leave early - even if they have a study lesson. All study lessons are to be completed in the Learning Centre or a timetabled classroom.

Year 11 end of course Parent Teacher Interviews & Year 12 Information Night

A letter is going out this week with information in regards to the upcoming Year 11 end of course Parent Teacher Interviews to be held on Wednesday 5 November. The Parent Teacher Interviews will be followed by an information session in regards to the HSC rules and regulations. This is a compulsory event for all 2026 Year 12 students and their families.

NAIDOC Day Celebrations

Last week we celebrated our first nations peoples in a  ‘NAIDOC Week’ liturgy and assembly. NAIDOC Week is formally observed in July, however many schools and organisations continue to recognise the culture and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout the year, particularly as it falls in the school holidays.

As a Catholic community it is important St Matthews recognises NAIDOC Week. It gives us the opportunity to honour the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — the First Custodians of this land. And reminds us of our call to live out the values of Excellence, Respect, Compassion, Courage and Service which we know as the St Matthews Way.
We show Respect by listening to and valuing the stories and wisdom of First Nations peoples. Compassion moves us to walk alongside them in the ongoing journey of reconciliation. Courage inspires us to confront injustice and seek truth. Through Service, we act to build a more inclusive and just community. And in all we do, we strive for Excellence, ensuring our learning and actions reflect the Gospel message of love, dignity and hope for all.
Together, NAIDOC Week calls us to celebrate, to learn and to grow as a community united in faith and respect for the world’s oldest living culture. Our beautiful liturgy and Assembly organised by Mrs Ash McNaughton our Secondary Aboriginal Education Officer, and  beautifully run by our first nations students here at secondary was a fitting celebration.           

Blaney Mccarthy-English | Head of Campus - Secondary

St Matthews Way Value Term 4:

SERVICE

The proof of love is deed -

Catherine McAuley

Ozanam Feast Day

On Tuesday November 21, we celebrated Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, a man who loved Jesus by loving and serving people in need. He began the St Vincent de Paul Society, which continues to bring kindness, hope and care to people all over the world, including here in our community.

Mission Frolic

On the final day of Term 3, our school community came together in for Mission Frolic, raising over $5000 for Catholic Mission. The afternoon began with a St Matthews Day Mass, where we celebrated our patron and reflected on our call to serve others. Through the generosity and enthusiasm of our students, staff, and families, the funds raised will help ensure that families in Zambia will have access to regular and nutritious food, support sustainable farming initiatives, and provide parents with opportunities to earn a stable income. Together, we lived out our mission to make a difference in the lives of others.

RISE Youth Festival – Faith, Friendship, and Fun!

During the recent school holidays, a number of St Matthew students took part in the RISE Youth Festival, held at Ridgecrest Christian Education and Convention Centre.

RISE is a dynamic event for young people in Years 6 to 9, with Years 10 to 12 students invited to serve as youth team members. Oliver O’Brien in Year 10 was a youth team member this year. Led by the Diocesan Youth Ministers, the festival offered an action-packed program filled with music, workshops, games, small group challenges, and opportunities for prayer and reflection.

Our students returned inspired and energised after a weekend of faith, friendship, and encounter with Jesus.

Pope’s Prayer Intention

October 2025 Intention

For collaboration between different religious traditions

Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.

Term 4 Liturgies and Events

Belinda Redden | Leader of Mission 

Rural Youth Mental Health 

Rural Youth Mental Health is a wonderful program run by the Benevolent Society. They are able to provide high quality mental health support for teenagers. Please reach out for more information on the referral process.

Dillon Price | Leader of Wellbeing 

As our senior students gain independence through driving, it’s important to reinforce the value of safe and responsible behaviour behind the wheel. Students are reminded that their actions impact not only their own safety but also the wellbeing of others in and around the school community. We encourage all drivers to adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions, and remain vigilant in the student car park and surrounding areas. Families can support this by having open conversations about safe driving habits. 

It is essential that any student intending to drive to school completes the Application to Drive to School form and submits it to the front office before using the student car park on school grounds. Additionally, students wishing to transport passengers must complete the Passenger Permission forms, which must be signed by both sets of parents/guardians before approval is granted.

Together, we can help ensure that every journey to and from school is a safe one.

Emma Kurtz | Stage 6 Wellbeing Coordinator

Last week at St Matthews, students and staff have embraced the celebration of NAIDOC Week, coming together to recognise and honour the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As part of our PDHPE program, students participated in a series of Traditional Indigenous Games that highlighted the important role these games played within First Nations communities. Traditionally, these games were more than just a form of recreation — they were used to teach essential skills such as communication, strategy, agility, and teamwork. They also played a vital role in building community connections and providing opportunities for fun and enjoyment.

Across all year groups, students showed great enthusiasm and respect as they engaged with the different games. They demonstrated an understanding of the cultural significance behind each activity and adapted quickly to new rules and strategies. It was fantastic to see students working together, showing curiosity, and reflecting on how these games connect to modern sports and physical education.

The celebration of NAIDOC Week through PDHPE has provided a meaningful and engaging way for students to learn from and about First Nations culture while being active and having fun. A huge congratulations to all students for their respectful participation and willingness to embrace this important week.

Jack Elston | PDHPE Teacher 

Year 9 Geography students finished their studies of the Sustainable Biomes topic by experiencing some foods featuring native Australian ingredients. Each class had a healthy discussion about how foods that are Indigenous to Australia are ‘exotic’ flavours, whereas other flavours that are not native have become part of our staple diets.

Mrs Grech prepared fresh bruschetta featuring wattleseed, and Mrs Thorn created lemon myrtle scones and finger lime macarons. All three recipes got the tick of approval!

Students were then challenged to create their own recipe featuring native ingredients, with the Geography teachers volunteering to cook the best creations at the end of Term 4.

Thank you to Year 9 for embracing the opportunity to expand their palate and to Mrs Grech and Mrs Thorn for preparing wonderful dishes to showcase Indigenous ingredients. What a treat!

Rochelle Grech & Emily Thorn | Year 9 Geography Teachers

Lauren Allsop and Maria Starick | English Teachers

Congratulations to Lilly in Year 10 who successfully competed in the Mudgee Rotary Sunrise Public Speaking competition. She went on to represent St Matthews in Dubbo at the Area Level delivering her speech on the rights of women to feel safe. While Lilly didn’t progress to the next round, her speech was so impressive, she has been invited to speak at another event, "Reclaim the Night", in late November. 

Additionally, congratulations to Alyra in Year 7 who also represented St Matthews presenting an excellent speech on “Aerials as a Competitive Sport” in the same Rotary Sunrise Mudgee Public Speaking competition. Although she was too young this year to compete, the adjudicators were very impressed with the standard of Allyra’s speech and strongly encouraged her to compete next year. Well done to both competitors.

Another success was Bronte in Year 11 who presented her speech at the Parliament of NSW’s Public Speaking Competition in Orange. An non-competitive event, designed by State Parliament to provide regional students with a voice, Bronte selected to present on the topic “First Encounters” in a personal and heartfelt manner.  

Congratulations to all students who either participated or competed in the Public Speaking Club; it’s exciting to see such considered and eloquent young adults in our school and local community.

Maria Starick| English Teacher 

“Youth Parliament is the Y-NSW’s flagship youth leadership and civic engagement program and has been operating for over 20 years in NSW. The program enables students in years 10 to 12 to build confidence, develop leadership skills, engage with civic leadership, policy development, community advocacy and democratic parliamentary debate.

Each year’s cohort receives training over a six month period that includes in-person camps and online workshops. Participants create Youth Bills with policy solutions on issues impacting young people in NSW. These are debated during a Youth Sitting Week in NSW Parliament House with Members of Parliament invited to chair. It’s an incredible opportunity for young people to advocate, grow skills and make life-long connections.” (Youth Parliament website)

Students in Years 10-12 are invited to apply to be the electorate member chosen to share your voice in Parliament. Applications are open for students in years 10-12, and applications remain open until January 8. The attached link provides more details, and applicant information. If you would like any further information, please see Ms Starick during break times Weeks 2-3.

In 2025, Year 12 student, James, had the privilege of representing our electorate at Youth Parliament, with much success. James can be spotted in the first 50 seconds of the highlights video provided by the organisation. James is to be congratulated on his fine achievement and we wish him continuing success in pursuing his goals. 

Maria Starick | English Teacher 

This week marked the launch of the Year 7 Rugby Leadership Program, with students taking part in their first session. The focus was on introducing the aims of the program and exploring how the St Matthew’s Way and its core values — Courage , Compassion , Respect , Excellence , and Service  — apply both on the rugby field and in the classroom.

The boys showed excellent engagement and enthusiasm throughout the session, setting a strong foundation for the term ahead. This program aims to build not only sporting skills but also leadership qualities, teamwork, and a commitment to upholding school values in all areas of school life.

We look forward to seeing the group continue to grow and develop over the coming weeks.

Jack Elston | PDHPE Teacher and Rugby Program Coordinator 

EFTPOS only, no cash

Enjoy the convenience of online shopping. Save time and energy by ordering your uniforms online in six easy steps:

1. Go to midford.com.au
2. Select St Matthews Catholic School from the Online School Shops tab
3. New users to click the ‘Register New Account’ button
4. Start the registration process by selecting St Matthews Catholic School from the drop-down menu and add the unique school pass phrase: “Matthews1912”
5. Add your personal information, create a username and password
6. Order the items you need, select pick-up in store/deliver to school.

If you have any queries please contact the uniform shop directly:
Phone: 0439 442 509 or by email

Katie Ruth | Uniform Shop Manager