Easter Message

As we approach the end of a busy and productive Term 1, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families a safe, peaceful, and blessed Easter.

Easter is a time of hope, renewal, and reflection. As we journey through Holy Week and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded of the power of love, compassion, and new beginnings. May this season bring you and your loved ones moments of rest, joy, and renewal. 

We look forward to welcoming students back for the start of Term 2 on Tuesday, 29 April.

Easter Services

We invite all families to join the St. Matthew’s Parish community for the upcoming Holy Week and Easter services:

2025 National Assessment Program NAP Information and Communication Technology Literacy

In 2025, as part of the National Assessment Program, a sample of Year 6 and Year 10 students from across Australia will take part in an online sample assessment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy.

What is the NAP–ICT Literacy sample assessment?

The NAP–ICT Literacy (NAP–ICTL) sample assessment is a test in Information and Communication Technology Literacy that is given to a sample group of Year 6 and
Year 10 students.
The assessment monitors and reports on the overall progress being made towards achieving high standards of ICT literacy in Australia.

Why is NAP–ICT Literacy undertaken?

The purpose of the assessment is:
• to inform schools, education ministers and the community about levels of achievement in ICT education among Year 6 and Year 10 students
across Australia
• to support improvement in teaching and learning of ICT literacy.

Who will be assessed and when?

A random sample of schools in each state and territory across Australia is selected, and a sample of students within each of these schools take part. Around 12,800
Year 6 and Year 10 students from approximately 640 government, Catholic and independent schools in metropolitan, rural and remote locations participate in the NAP–ICTL main study. Our St Matthew's Year 6 cohort has been selected to sit this assessment.

The main study will be held between Monday, 5 May, and Friday, 23 May 2025. 

Information Flyer for Parents and Carers

Enrolment & Publicity

Our official enrolment period commences at the beginning of next term, and we would love your help in spreading the word about how great St. Matthew’s is!
If you live in Page, Scullin, Hawker, Weetangera, Strathnairn, North Molonglo or the Belconnen Town Centre areas, consider volunteering to do a letterbox drop in your neighbourhood over the holiday break. It’s a simple way to share what makes our school such a wonderful community.

If you’re able to help, please call the Office 6254 2653 and we will send home some flyers for you to distribute. 

In Week 2 next term, we will hold school tours. Please encourage anyone interested in learning more about St. Matthew's to come along. Tour bookings can be made by calling the office on 6254 2653.

ANZAC Day – Lest We Forget 

This year, ANZAC Day falls during the school holidays on Thursday, 25 April. While we won’t be at school to mark the occasion together on the day, it remains an important time for all Australians and New Zealanders to reflect and remember those who served—and continue to serve—our countries in times of war, conflict and peacekeeping.

ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on the shores of Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I. It is a day of national remembrance where we honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who have fought for our freedoms and values.

Attending a Local Service

We encourage our families to consider attending one of the ANZAC Day services held around Canberra. Some significant events include:

• National Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial – commencing at 5:30am

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association Commemorative Ceremony at 7.30 am

• National Commemorative Service at 9.30 am

• Last Post Ceremony at 4.30 pm

These services offer powerful opportunities for children and families to reflect on our shared history and show gratitude for those who serve.

https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day

St Matthew’s ANZAC Commemorative Service

Our school will hold a special ANZAC Day Commemorative Service on Tuesday, 30 April, at 2:15pm in the school hall. This service will be led by Miss Sophie Murdock and our Youth Ministry Team and will include prayer and reflection in remembrance of those who have served and sacrificed.

We warmly invite all families to join us for this time of community reflection as we say, together, “Lest we forget.”

Understanding DIBELS – Literacy Assessments 

At St. Matthew’s, we are committed to ensuring every student is supported on their learning journey—especially in the critical area of literacy. As part of this commitment, all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 participate in DIBELS assessments three times each year.

What is DIBELS?

DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. It is a research-based assessment system used across our Catholic Education system to measure the development of early literacy and reading skills.

These short, one-on-one assessments help us identify:

• How students are progressing in key literacy skills such as phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency and comprehension

• Which students may need additional support or extension

• How to target classroom teaching and interventions more effectively

How We Use the Data

The data collected from DIBELS assessments allows our teachers and support staff to:

• Monitor student growth over time

• Plan and adjust intervention and extension programs

• Ensure all students receive the right support at the right time

This system-wide approach is an important part of how we provide high-impact, evidence-based literacy teaching across all year levels.

Parent Information Evening

We invite parents and carers of students in Kindergarten to Year 6 to join us for a DIBELS Parent Information Session on Thursday, 1 May, at 5:30 pm in the St. Matthew’s School Hall.

This session will explain how DIBELS works, what the results mean, and how we use the data to support your child’s learning. There will also be time for questions and discussion.

After the session, you will receive a copy of your child's Term One DIBELS results and a take-home activity that can support their development.

Please RSVP to the Information Session here. 

We look forward to partnering with you as we continue to support every child’s growth in reading and literacy.

Election Day Fundraising Fun – Join Us on Friday, 3 May!

St Matthew’s will be a polling place for the upcoming election on Saturday, 3 May, and our School Community Council, led by Mick Shelton, is organising a fantastic fundraising event to make the most of the day!

We’ll be running a Sausage Sizzle, Cake Stall, Raffle, and Book Stall right here at school—and we’d love your support to help make it a big success!

Here’s how you can get involved:

Bake for the Cake Stall

We welcome donations of homemade cakes, biscuits, muffins, slices and cupcakes.
Please ensure:

• Items are clearly labelled with ingredients

• No fresh cream or items that require refrigeration

• Baked goods can be dropped off on Friday, 2 May, or the morning of the election

Donate a Raffle Prize

We’re collecting items for our raffle—gift vouchers, hampers, small goods or experiences are all welcome! If you can help, please send the items to the front office.

Browse the Book Stall

There will also be a pop-up Book Cow stall coordinated by Miss Judd and hosted by our staff on the day.

Volunteer Your Time

A huge thank you to those who have already offered to help—we’re so grateful!
If you’d like to lend a hand on the day, please sign up here. 

Thank you to Mick Shelton and our School Community Council for coordinating this event.

New Direct Debit Payment Option Coming Soon!

We are pleased to announce that St. Matthew's has recently introduced the BPoint Enterprise Solution to manage direct debit arrangements for the payment of school fees.

What is BPoint, and What Do You Need to Do?

BPoint is a secure Commonwealth Bank payment processing platform designed to facilitate online payments while ensuring the highest security standards. This system safeguards your financial information using industry-leading security measures.

Our new direct debit platform will allow you to pay school fees using either a bank account or a credit card (excluding AMEX). Please note that payments made via credit card will incur a 0.5% surcharge.

Establishing Direct Debits.

Families will receive an email outlining estimated weekly, fortnightly, and monthly repayment options to ensure all fees are paid by the end of the year. These amounts will also include any outstanding 2024 balances.

What next?

You will receive an email that will provide a start date for direct debits and options for selecting your preferred payment frequency. Once a payment frequency is selected, you will be directed to enter your bank/credit card details. Once the information is entered, you will receive an email from no-reply@bpoint.com.au . The email will contain two links,

1. The first link requires confirmation of the direct debit arrangement. Please note that the link will expire within 7 days.

2. The second link provides a copy of the eDDRSA for your records.

While using the direct debit payment option is not compulsory, many families find it helpful in staying up to date with their financial obligations.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact our Finance Office.

The Power of Showing Up: Attendance Matters!

At St Matthew’s, we know that every day at school counts — and we’re excited to share that our school attendance rate has risen to 93% this term, a big improvement from 89% at the end of last year. Thank you to all our families for your support in making this happen. Together, we are building strong habits for learning and success.

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s education. Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to succeed academically, build strong friendships, and develop a positive attitude towards learning. Missing even one day of school a fortnight adds up to more than a month of lost learning over the year!

Our Goal: Keep Attendance in the 90s

We are aiming to keep our attendance rate well above 90%. As we move into the cooler months, we absolutely encourage you to keep your child home if they are unwell or contagious. However, if they are at the tail end of an illness and are no longer contagious, they are very welcome to return to school. Every day of learning and connection matters!

How You Can Stay Informed

Parents and carers can check their child’s attendance at any time through the Compass app. It's a great way to stay aware and keep track of how your child is travelling.

As part of our duty of care and school protocols, families will receive a letter if a student’s attendance falls into the chronic absenteeism category (below 80% - e.g. more than 10 days of absence in a term or 40 absences in a year) without a prior discussion about the reason for the absences. This is not a punishment but a way of keeping communication open and working together to support your child’s learning.

Winter Uniform Reminder – Term 2

As we prepare to welcome students back for Term 2, a reminder that all students are expected to return wearing their winter school uniform.

The winter uniform includes:

• Long pants for both boys and girls or the winter tunic for girls

• Broad-brim hats are still required during Terms 2 and 3, in line with our SunSmart policy. During cold weather, beanies can be worn instead of the school hat.

If you are purchasing any additional warm items for your child, please ensure they are in line with our uniform expectations:

• Beanies, scarves and gloves must be navy blue or maroon only

• Winter coats must be navy blue only

Please ensure all clothing items are labeled with your child's name.

We understand the weather can be unpredictable at the beginning of Term 2. For this reason, students will have a two-week transition period to move into their full winter uniform if the weather remains warm.

Why Do Children (and Siblings) Fight? 

The school holidays are upon us, and you may be anticipating disagreements and sibling fights at home. 

Did you know that research has found that students at school experience an average of one conflict every three minutes during play times? Causes for fights include difficulties sharing resources or when children see a situation as unfair, are trying to assert their rights, feel that others don’t see their point of view, or view the same event in different ways.

Disagreements happen mostly when children organise play by themselves, which is encouraged during recess and lunch, as it promotes self-directed executive functioning, which regulates thoughts and behaviours to support goal-directed actions. It’s also important to give students a chance to sort out their disagreements by themselves. We teach and use Friendology strategies for this very reason. 

These disagreements are opportunities to learn. Disagreements can be a good opportunity for your child to practise the social skills they’ll need as adults. When disagreements among children are worked out fairly and without anyone getting hurt, children start to build problem-solving skills, such as negotiating. They also learn the importance of seeing another person’s point of view and respecting other people’s rights, feelings, and belongings.

Children are born with their own temperaments, which determine how they respond to the world. They might be flexible or persistent, sociable or shy, or more or less likely to negotiate, argue, or avoid conflict. Temperament might also explain why some people are quicker to anger than others or find it harder to calm down. It’s not always easy for grown-ups to resolve conflict peacefully, so imagine how much harder it is for children.

Modelling positive behaviours is helpful. Children learn how to sort out differences from a very young age by watching and copying the behaviour they see around them. You can model positive behaviours like:

• staying calm or walking away to calm down if you’re overwhelmed
• listening to other people’s points of view
• checking the facts before you act
• calmly discussing possibilities for compromise
• agreeing to think about it for a while and come back later if you need to.

Children learn from negative behaviour too. Children are more likely to choose to fight if they: 

• see people – particularly their parents, older siblings or friends – being aggressive towards each other
• get what they want by pushing, shoving or fighting
• don’t have consistent limits on fighting or aggression
• see a lot of violence on TV, in movies, on YouTube or in video games, particularly if their temperament makes it harder for them to control anger

Read more about how to handle sibling disagreements here: https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/family-life/siblings/handling-fights

(Adapted from information found on www.raisingchildren.net.au)

Petra Cole

Assistant Principal

petra.cole@cg.catholic.edu.au 

Thank you, Denise!

Our school community is very generous, and one person in particular deserves our sincere gratitude. Denise, grandmother of  Elsie, James and Annabelle, has donated a huge number of National Geographic magazines to our school. Reading nonfiction texts helps students build background knowledge and understand real-world concepts, enhancing their critical thinking skills. Resources like National Geographic expose students to diverse cultures, scientific discoveries, and environmental issues through engaging visuals and factual content. This type of reading also improves vocabulary and comprehension, especially in informational and academic contexts. 

Thank you, Denise, for supporting our students’ literacy achievement through your amazing donation!

Petra Cole (Assistant Principal) and Sally Judd (Teacher Librarian), on behalf of the teaching staff

Lenten Reflection: An Integral Ecology

“The Catholic Church here welcomes everyone.” This quote is attributed to the Christian apologist G K Chesterton. We saw something of the truth of that comment played out in our parish this week. Outside each of our churches, a banner was placed by Vinnies (of which we have two parish conferences) drawing our attention to the annual Palm Sunday Rally for the support of refugees.
Another banner outside St Vincent’s called for climate action, ‘Protect Creation—No
new coal & gas’. A parishioner protested about that banner, stating, “there are a number of views on this issue in the community and the timing during an election gives the impression the Parish of St Matthew’s and St Vincent’s supports the policies of a particular political party.” Perhaps, but it might also be seen as a proactive comment in a consistent ethic of life that opposes abortion and euthanasia and supports refugees. Later that day, the banner had been folded in half so that you could not read it. The next day, the banner was found in the bin of the parishioner who is a member of the parish's Laudato Si’ group and who helped put it up. The group takes its name from the ‘Laudato Si’ encyclical of Pope Francis (2015) calling for ‘an integral ecology’, which might be summerised as respect for God, oneself, others and all creation as it is connected. The vast majority of peer-reviewed scientists acknowledge the anthropomorphic impact of climate change and the need to address it. However, there are differences of opinion as to how best to do that -to
transition to clean energy in a timely and considerate manner. Some will
argue for the necessity of more carbon-based fuel sources in the transition; others
will oppose that. Again, some will point out that Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are relatively small. Others will agree but point out that per capita, they are
among the very highest in the world. Pope Francis has noted that the poor are the
hardest hit by climate change. Finally, some would have it that the Church should stay out of politics. The fact that the Church has always been political –affirming that which fosters human flourishing in a consistent ethic of life– but it is another matter altogether for the Church to be partisan or to overtly support a political party or independent candidate when there is legitimate diversity of opinion about a matter. Besides, religion is always mediated through culture, and when it comes to partisan politics, Oscar Wilde's comment is surely apt: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple”. With the foregoing in mind, it is timely to draw attention to the Australian
Catholic Bishops Conference Election Statement 2025, “Called to Bring Hope in the Year of Jubilee”. Copies of the online Statement are available in the foyer. The Statement offers a summary of Catholic Social Teaching to assist in the discernment of proposed partisan policies on various topics, mindful that no policy stands in isolation. Who will promote individual and communal flourishing is the question addressed at the ballot box. Catholics and, indeed, all Australian citizens will
vote in a variety of ways in good faith. Meanwhile, might we all seek to foster
informed and respectful dialogue and, on occasion, beg to differ while continuing the conversation. That is how democracies operate. In process, that is what the notion of ‘synodality’ or ‘walking together’ is all about. It is all connected, and we forget that at our peril.

Download the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Election Statement

 Fr John

South Belconnen Parish Priest

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the recent celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

We are grateful to Fr. John for his guidance and leadership throughout the preparation.

A special thank you to our Year 3 teachers, Domenica Laria and Sam Hornby, and all of the parents and carers for assisting with the preparation of the children.

Congratulations to all our students who received the Sacrament. May this experience always remind you of God’s endless love, mercy, and grace.

Project Compassion

As we close the term, so too does our Project Compassion Fundraising for the year. Our school community has been incredibly generous, and we have been amazed by your support. Throughout Lent, our students brought in donations to place into their class jars, raising a total of $1024. We also had our 'Wear it Purple' fundraiser day, which raised $532. Our Lenten Read-a-thon brought in $1306, and online donations totalled $1130. This brings our final total to $3992! We are truly amazed by this, and we know it will make a significant impact on small communities around the world.

Holy Week

We now look forward to Holy Week and Easter. Our students ran our Holy Week Reflection to commemorate each stage of the Easter story. We were so impressed with their reverence and dedication in sharing this story. 

Holy Week is the most significant week in the Christian calendar, commemorating the final days of Jesus' life, his sacrifice, and his resurrection. It begins with Palm Sunday, marking Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The Last Supper follows, where Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples, instituting the Eucharist. The Garden of Gethsemane recalls Jesus' prayer and agony before his arrest. On Good Friday, Christians remember the Crucifixion, when Jesus was sentenced to death on the cross for humanity's sins. Finally, Easter Sunday celebrates the Resurrection, when Jesus rises from the dead, triumphing over sin and death, offering hope and renewal to all believers.

We would love you to join our Parish in commemorating each part of the story at Mass.         

                                                 

Please see Mass times above.

We pray that over the holidays, you all have a safe and restful break, spending quality time with loved ones.

See you all for Term 2!

Behaviour Management at St. Matthew’s

At St. Matthew’s, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every child thrives socially, academically, and emotionally. Our Behaviour Management Program is an integral part of achieving this goal. By incorporating the elements of Restorative Justice principles and Ian Luscombe’s Behaveability Framework, we aim to create an environment where children develop respect, responsibility, empathy, and self-regulation. Research strongly supports this approach, highlighting its importance in fostering both academic success and emotional resilience.

Setting the Scene for Success

One way we set students up for success is by creating a calm, structured environment. You may have noticed that we ask children to walk silently to class in the mornings and maintain calm during transitions. This may seem like a small, perhaps old-fashioned request, but it’s part of a broader strategy to help children mentally prepare for the challenges of the school day. Starting the day in a peaceful manner allows children to regulate their emotions, focus, and approach learning with a clear mind.

For many of our neurodiverse students, noise and chaos can be overwhelming. With over 350 students in the school, it is essential that we consider how sensory overload can impact those who are sensitive to the noise and bustle of a busy school environment. Research indicates that students who feel connected and safe in their school environment are better able to regulate their emotions, focus, and engage with their learning. By promoting quiet transitions and creating a calm, welcoming environment, we support all students, particularly those who need a quieter, more structured start, to feel ready and able to succeed.

The other thing that teachers at St. Matthew’s focus on with the children is greetings. Teachers will greet students in the corridor or on the playground by using their names and asking them how they are. The expected response is that students will answer, using the teacher's name, and then in turn ask them how they are. This fosters connection and good relationships between teachers and students. You may want to reinforce this at home when your children greet your friends and neighbours. Encouraging this kind of respectful, reciprocal communication not only builds social confidence but also helps children develop empathy, manners, and a sense of belonging in their community. 

The power of approaches like these in building connection within a school is supported by research: Protecting Adolescents from Harm (1997), a National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health, found that the largest factor in protecting young people from emotional distress, drug abuse, and violence, other than the closeness they were able to achieve within their families, was "perceived school connectedness." In other words, students who feel a sense of belonging at school are more likely to thrive emotionally and academically.

This sense of connection to school is something we deeply value at St. Matthew’s. Teachers work hard to build flourishing relationships with each student. These relationships are grounded in trust, respect, and understanding. Teachers take the time to get to know each child as an individual, supporting their emotional needs, interests, and learning styles. We believe that when students feel connected to their teachers and peers, they are more likely to engage positively with their learning and with each other.

Responding to "Hands On" Behaviour

We understand that children, at times, will make mistakes. When a child engages in "hands-on" behaviour, such as hitting or pushing, our first response is to help them reflect on their actions in a calm and constructive way. In the first instance, we ask the child to sit out during playtime for a period equal to their age in years. For example, a six-year-old would sit for six minutes to reflect on their behaviour and its impact on others.

If the behaviour is repeated or becomes extreme, particularly when it compromises the safety of others, we will remove the child from the physical space until the situation is resolved and everyone feels safe again. This time away from the group allows the child to reflect on the incident and work through the restorative process. By using restorative practices, we give students the opportunity to make amends and restore relationships rather than simply imposing punishment. This approach helps children develop empathy, understand the impact of their actions, and learn how to repair relationships in a positive, supportive way.

Our Commitment to the Whole Child

At St. Matthew’s, we are committed to the development of the whole child. This includes fostering a child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Our behaviour management program is designed to support this holistic development, guiding students to become resilient, empathetic, and responsible individuals. By combining structured routines with restorative practices, we help children build self-regulation skills, manage their emotions, and develop healthy relationships with others.

We know that school connectedness is key to helping children thrive. When students feel that they belong, are supported, and are part of a caring community, they are more likely to make positive choices and feel confident in their ability to navigate life’s challenges. We are committed to creating a school environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us provide the best possible experience for our students.

At St. Matthew’s, we deeply value the positive relationships we build with parents and carers. We understand that when something happens at school involving your child, it can elicit a strong emotional response. This is a completely normal reaction. Please remember that we are all on the same team, working together to support your child’s growth and wellbeing. One of the most powerful things you can do for your child is to model safe and respectful relationships. This includes approaching staff with kindness and understanding, even when concerns arise. When we work in partnership and communicate respectfully, it helps create the best possible environment for your child to thrive.

If you have any feedback for the Leadership Team regarding our Behaviour Management at St Matthew’s, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me via email or phone. 

Rachel Powell

Curriculum Coordinator 

rachel.powell@cg.catholic.edu.au

Young People and Technology

How do young people connect to the internet?

How do young people use the internet?

Apps: Each ‘app’ is a program that can do different things. 

Social Media: Social media is described as different websites and apps where you create a personal profile to communicate with others. Examples include Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

Gaming: Gaming can be a great way for young people to have fun. Games can help children:

• Learn problem-solving skills
• Work with others
• Grow confidence

Downloading or file sharing: Downloading is when you copy data, files or information from one device to another.

Instant messaging and ‘chat’: Instant messaging (IM), and ‘chat’ are messages sent (and received) in real time over the internet. You can also video chat if you have a computer or mobile device with a webcam or camera. Young people might talk to friends or family that live far away. 

Image and video sharing: For young people, image and video sharing can be a fun way to communicate with friends. Even though some apps may claim that content ‘disappears’, remind your child an image can still be copied, saved or stored. Once an image or video is sent, you can lose control over where it ends up. 

How can I help my child search the internet safely?

Children under 10

It’s a good idea for adults to supervise children under 10 and explore technology with them. You can also use filtering software, parental controls and safe searching controls. 

Tweens (11 and 12)
Tweens may want more freedom to explore the internet in private. Safe searching tips and parental controls should still be used. With your child, discuss safe internet use and talk to your child about what they should do if something upsets them online. 

As we draw to a close of a busy Term 1, I would like to say thank you for the amazing support from the parents of St. Matthew’s, whether it be the school carnivals, the regional level carnivals, or the gala days. Helping out with setting up, packing up and transporting equipment, I am very lucky to have such a supportive and helpful parent community.

Thank you, everyone!

Here is a quick snapshot of what has happened in Term 1 regarding sport:

• St Matthew’s Swimming Carnival at Stromlo Leisure Centre.
• Rugby League Touch Football coach-led clinics run by Wests Rugby and ACT Touch Football. 
• ACT Brumbies Q&A and signing visit.
• Belconnen Regional Swimming Carnival at the the AIS.
• St Matthew’s Cross Country Carnival at the Stromlo walking track.
• ACT FUTSAL Years 3-4 and 5-6 Gala Days.

Term 2 will be another busy one with lots on! Stay tuned.

Sports Superstars!

Recently, the Little Rippers u6/u7 Mixed Oztag team won their Grand Final at the Kaleen competition. The team is made up of children from a variety of schools, including Annie S., Stella B., Rubie, Grayson, and Xavier from Year 1 at St Matthews. They had a ‘ripper’ of a season, only conceding one match and winning the GF 8 tries to 4.  

Dillon Payne

Mr. Dillon Payne
Sports Coordinator

Election Day Book Fair