Welcome to St Matthew’s Primary School - Page
St Matthew’s Primary School, located in Page, Belconnen, is a vibrant, newly renovated, two-stream Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, serving students from Kindergarten to Year 6. With an enrolment of around 330 students, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every student is supported and valued. Our diverse school community reflects a range of backgrounds and experiences, enriching the school culture and offering all students a sense of belonging and community connection.
Our approach to education at St Matthew’s is centred on evidence-based teaching practices. By implementing quality programs rooted in high-impact teaching methods, we aim to maximise learning outcomes for all students. Teachers at St Matthew’s continually engage in professional development to ensure that our methods reflect the latest research and best practices. This commitment to educational excellence enables our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, providing a strong foundation for future learning and personal growth.
In addition to academic rigour, St Matthew’s provides a well-rounded and balanced education that caters to students’ varied needs. We emphasise holistic development, recognising the importance of nurturing students’ intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, resilience, and respect. Through this balanced and inclusive approach, we strive to empower students to reach their full potential and to cultivate values that will guide them throughout their lives.
Enrolments are encouraged from families residing in the surrounding suburbs of Page, Hawker, Weetangera, North Molonglo, Belconnen Town Centre, Strathnairn, McNamara, and Scullin.
HISTORY
St Matthew’s, Page, was opened in January 1972 with an initial enrolment of 360 children and twelve staff members. In response to a request from the then Archbishop of Canberra Goulburn, Archbishop Cahill, the Sisters of St Joseph took charge of the new school. Sister Leo Ryan became the Foundation Principal. By 1977, St Matthew’s enrolment reached its peak of 912 students.
The last Principal appointed by the Sisters of St Joseph was Sister Anne Moylan (then Sister Peter Julian), who left St Matthew’s at the end of 1987. In 1988, the first lay Principal was appointed, and by 1989, the school was entirely staffed by lay teachers. The community is greatly indebted to the Sisters of St Joseph, who worked so tirelessly to establish and nurture the growth of Catholic Education at St Matthew’s. A plaque commemorating their role in establishing the school has been placed in the foyer.
This is what education is all about.
This is the meaning of life ...
To know Jesus as a friend,
As someone who cares about you
And the person next to you,
And all the people here and everywhere.
POPE JOHN PAUL II
