CALENDAR DATES

TERM 4

Oct 13

Thur

Meeting about farewell & end of

year celebrations for Year 6 2:15 pm. All Year 6 parents

welcome.

Oct 14

Fri

Diocesan Mission Mass

St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta

Depart St. Matthew’s 8:00 am

Oct 17

Mon

“Sock it to Poverty” Day

Gold coin donation 9:00 am Mission Liturgy

Assembly 2:45 pm

Presented by Stage 3

Oct 19

Wed

School Photos

Full summer uniform

Oct 24

Mon

Assembly 2:45 pm

Presented by Kinder

Oct 25

Tue

Kinder Orientation

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Oct 28

Fri

Walk-a-thon

Dress up theme “Super Heroes”

Oct 24

Mon

Assembly 2:45 pm

Presented by Year 4

Nov 1

Tue

All Saints Day

Basketball Gala Day Stage 2 & 3

Nov 2

Wed

All Souls Day

Year 6 Mini Fete

Nov 8

Tue

Kinder Orientation

9:00 am - 11:00 am

St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School

12 Tebbutt Street Telephone: (02) 4577 3463 PO Box 406 Facsimile: (02) 4577 6461 Windsor 2756 Email: stmatthews@parra.catholic.edu.au Web Address: www.stmatthewswindsor.catholic.edu.au

NEWSLETTER WEEK 1 13th October 2016

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

A warm welcome back to the new school term and I trust that all our families enjoyed a rest-filled break. It is another busy term and again the invitation is extended to all members of our school community to join with us at the planned events to continue nurturing the children in their faith and learning.

It is fitting to recall that the 4th October was the Feast of Francis of Assisi. Assisi is a place of great significance to many and one of the places I had the privilege to visit during a Pilgrimage in 2014. One of his most famous prayers is sometimes called “The Peace Prayer”, which has been included below.

“While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully

in your heart.” St Francis

Let us pray: Lord, make me an instrument of

your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning

that we are pardoned, and it is in dying

that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

In partnership let us continue to work to develop in the children strong minds and gentle hearts

Peace & best wishes Tim Vane-Tempest, Principal.

Year 3 Regan Turnbull - For always showing qualities of Mercy, demonstrating compassion towards her peers, well done. Nano Sansahachok - For displaying great sportsmanship at the Touch Footy Gala Day Rylan Sheridan - For displaying great sportsmanship at the Touch Footy Gala Day Molly McClymont For displaying great sportsmanship at the Touch Footy Gala Day

Year 4 Hannah Xerri - Improving the length and quality of her writing Madaleine McDonald - Clearly explaining her solutions in maths Leila Parry Smith - An excellent understanding of contact and non contact forces in Science Isabella Stanford - Showing great recall and comprehension skills when reading the 13 storey treehouse.

Stage 3 Blue Keiara King - For her enthusiastic approach to learning in all Key Learning Areas Clio Williams - For working independently and always using her time effectively Nastazija Stipic-Zalac - For always taking pride in the presentation of her work

Stage 3 Gold Charlie Burton - For a more focused approach to his learning. James O'Neil - For using sophisticated language features in his poetry writing. Annalise Dimech - For consistently immersing herself in her learning and always maintaining her focus.

Stage 3 White Willem Machin - Cooperating in class Kaitlyn Touma - For all her hard thinking in mathematics

Kindy Gabriella Lupi

Year 1 Sophie Roberts

Year 2 Jamie Biviano Daniel Su Alexis Glasheen-Smith

Cooper Howlett-Boyd

Year 3 Owen McDonald Lincoln Burgess Brendan Russell

Regan Turnbull

Year 4 Linkin Cowled Stephanie Dimech Joel Seget

Year 5 Aden Hili Monique Toth

Year 6 Phelan Morris

October - The Month of the Rosary.

We started off Term 4 with a prayer reflection on the Rosary, as we gathered around the Mary tree. We explained the Rosary and why we pray the Rosary, especially in the Month of October. Rosary beads were then distributed to each child to pray the Rosary in class for the Month of October.

Diocesan Mission Mass

This Friday 14th October, our four student leaders along with Mr Vane-Tempest and myself will be attending the

Diocesan Mission Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta for the launch of Mission month.

Sacrament of Penance

Please keep in your prayers those students within our St Matthew’s community who will be receiving the

Sacrament of Penance for the first time on either the 26th October & 27th October at 7:30pm.

Monday 17th October - “Sock it to poverty” day

Next Monday, we will begin the day with a short Mission liturgy. To raise money and awareness of the work of Catholic Mission, we will be holding a “Sock It to Poverty” Day. On this day we ask student’s to wear silly socks with their school uniform and bring in a gold coin donation. This donation will go to help those less fortunate through Catholic Mission.

St Matthew’s WALK-A-THON Friday 28th October 2016

We will once again be holding our annual school walk-a-thon. The children of St Matthew’s school will be taking part in the walk-a-thon on Friday 28th October 2016. We are inviting parents, friends and other members of the community to sponsor the children for this event. Our St Matthew’s walk-a-thon will be a great way to have fun, share our community spirit, raise money for school resources, encourage fitness and spend time with friends. This walk-a-thon as well as being a fundraiser, is intended to be a day of fun and excitement for the children. Before the holidays the children were given a sponsorship card so that they can gather sponsors in anticipation of the walk-a-thon. We have chosen NOT to have children sponsored per lap, but rather a fixed donation for participating. A number of prizes will be awarded:

A prize for the student in each class that raises the most

A prize for the student in the school who raises the most The money raised from our walk-a-thon will be used towards updating our class & library reading resources. Money and completed forms need to be back at school by Friday 4th November.

DRESSUP THEME IS “SUPER HEROES”

Kiss & Drop Zone Yesterday parents using the Kiss & Drop zone in the afternoon would have seen one of our local police officers present. The officer was there to monitor how effectively this service is working, in particular looking at the aspects of safety and traffic flow. He noted that there were a number of parents who arrived well before the Kiss & Drop was operating and that these parents were double parked or stopped in the traffic lane waiting for their child/ren to arrive to be picked up. It is important that all users of the Kiss & Drop are aware that it is against the law to block the traffic flow in this way. Police will be randomly present during the afternoon pick up time and will be enforcing the law in regards to illegal parking or blocking of traffic flow in Little Church St. I urge all parents to ensure that they use this service in accordance with the road rules for the safety of our school community and out of respect for our neighbours.

Kindergarten 2017 The orientation days for Kinder 2017 will be held on Tuesday 25th October and Tuesday 8th November. All families for Kindergarten children starting in 2017 have already been or will be contacted with details of these days. We look forward to welcoming our new Kinder children and a number of new families to our school community.

Enrolments for 2017 The enrolments continue to be open for Kindergarten 2017. If your child turns 5 before the 31st July, 2017 and you would like them to start at St Matthew’s please contact the school office to pick up or have an enrolment pack sent to you. If you know of any family who are seeking enrolment for 2017 and are not yet connected with the St. Matthew’s please pass on this information. We look forward to welcoming you to St Matthew’s in the near future.

School Photos St Matthew’s school photos will be taken on Wednesday 19th October. Children are expected to wear full summer school uniform. Photo envelopes are now due.

Regular Attendance at School Regular and continuous attendance at school is essential for all children to maintain continuity with their learning and assist with sustained progress. The school day begins with certain routines and activities e.g. prayer, roll call etc. so it is essential that children arrive at school by 8.55 am. The school grounds are open to pupils from 8.30 am each morning and the playground gate is locked at 9:0o am. In the afternoon the gate is opened at 3:10pm and remains open to pupils until 3.35pm. Children are not supervised prior to 8.3o am each morning and after 3.35 pm. Parents are requested not to bring children prior to 8.30 am or pick them up after 3.35pm. We start each day with a morning assembly to ensure that all students are greeted and that any important information is shared. It is important that all children are on the assembly with their class and not waiting at the classroom door to meet the teacher. If any parent needs to share information with their child’s homeroom teacher this should done before the morning assembly. Alternatively, if the matter requires more than a quick chat, all staff are more than happy to make an appointment to discuss matters in detail. Once the assembly has started, all teaching staff have taken responsibility for the care and learning of the children and need to be fully focused on this very important task.

Protocols if your child arrives after 9:00am

If your child arrives after the school day has begun please accompany them to the school office to sign them in. Children should not attend the school office unaccompanied if they arrive after 9:00. If your child is absent from school for any reason it is appreciated if contact is made with the school to notify of the absence. On return to school, it is necessary that a note or doctor’s certificate is sent explaining the absence For planned absences please apply well in advance by sending a note to principal, including the dates, so that request can be considered.

Following Up on Absences In relation to absences it is the responsibility of schools to follow up on unexplained absences. To assist with this each week we will send home a note listing any absences for which teachers have not received an explanation. Parents are asked to complete the details for the absence, sign and return the note to school. This note is a backup procedure for our records and should not be viewed as a replacement for a note from parents in the first instance to explain any non-attendance. Once again I thank all parents for your assistance with these matters.

Summer Uniform At the beginning of the term children should be in their summer uniform. The Uniform is available by ordering online through Oz Fashions. If you require information on how to order online please contact our Office staff for assistance. The Summer uniform for all students is as follows: Girls: Check dress, sky blue socks, black leather shoes Boys: Grey shorts, short sleeve blue shirt, grey socks, black leather shoes Sports (girls & boys) School sports shorts, school sports shirt, white socks, sports shoes

Sports Days Term 4

K - Wednesday and Thursday Yr 1 - Thursday and Friday Yr 2 - Thursday and Friday Yr 3 - Tuesday and Friday Yr 4 - Wednesday and Friday S3 - Tuesday and Thursday

Staffing Update Miss Trefoni has informed me that she will be leaving St Matthew’s at the end of 2016 to take a permanent teaching position at St Christopher’s Primary School Panania. We thank Miss Trefoni for her 7 years of dedicated service to students, families, staff and the wider parish community, and wish her every success in her new position. We will have the opportunity to farewell Miss Trefoni in an appropriate way at the end of the school year. The process to find a suitable replacement for Miss Trefoni will begin in the near future. In further staff news Mrs Climpson will extend her leave of absence to continue caring for her daughter who is under-going intensive medical treatment. Mrs Peare has agreed to continue in her role in Year 4 and we thank her for her commitment to the class and the continuity of the children’s learning. As a community we would ask all families to continue to remember Mrs Climpson and her daughter in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy and full recovery to health.

Head Lice We have had reported cases of head lice. Anyone can get head lice …. Mainly through direct head-to-head contact but also from sharing hats, brushes and other personal items. Head lice are a problem in many communities and do not reflect poor hygiene or social status. Please do your part to prevent the spread of this communicable condition by checking your child(ren) daily for the next few weeks, and on a regular basis thereafter. Lice infestation is much easier to treat if caught early.

SPORTING NEWS

Congratulations to all of our Stage 2 Touch teams who played excellent footy at their gala day last term. They not only proved themselves to be good competitors but they also once again represented St Matthew's with beautiful sportsmanship and teamwork! Thank you to the many parents who helped get the children there on the day, you make these days happen so smoothly.

We have three final gala days which will take place in weeks 4 & 5. With this we have a busy schedule ahead of training days. If you could arrange to pack a pair of runners on non sports days for your child on their specified training day that would be appreciated.

If your child is attending the Basketball Gala day and you are able to assist with managing a team on the day. Could you please contact Mrs Brand or Mr Vane-Tempest.

Stage 2 Training Days

Basketball - Boys Tuesday's at recess

- Girls Thursday's at recess

League Tag - Friday's at lunch

Stage 3 Training Days

Basketball - Boys Monday's at recess

- Girls Friday's at recess

League Tag - Tuesday's & Thursdays at recess

Gymnastics Training Days

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday's at lunch

Our gala days are being held on the following days.

Basketball - Tuesday November 1 2016 - transport: BUS

Gymnastics - Friday November 4 2016 - transport: PRIVATE CAR

League Tag - Wednesday November 9 2016 - transport: PRIVATE CAR

Mrs Brand, Sports Co-ordinator.

Bishop Office

Position vacant: Administrative Assistant

Applications, including CV, should be addressed to: The Judicial Vicar, Regional Tribunal of Sydney (NSW & ACT), PO Box 2576, North Parramatta, NSW, 1750. Applications close 28 October 2016.

Holy Hour for Vocations: 20 October

Everyone is welcome to join the Holy Hour for Vocations from 7pm-8pm for adoration, prayer, music and quiet time in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Marist Plc, Parramatta.

Annual CCD Mass: 21 October

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv together with priests of the Diocese will celebrate the 2016 CCD Mass at 11am at Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore Park. The Mercy Cross and Relics will be part of our celebration as we give thanks for blessings in our special religious education ministry. All are welcome.

The Way of Mercy Pilgrimage

Pope Francis has called for a more merciful and inclusive church in “which we are all called to give consolation to each man and each woman of our time”. In response, the relics of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and St Teresa of Kolkata accompanied by a Mercy Cross are on a pilgrimage through the Diocese of Parramatta. Everyone is welcome to these regional gatherings.

22-23 October: hosted by The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton, with St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill; Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt; and Sacred Heart Parish, Mt Druitt South.

30-31 October: hosted by St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith, with Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook; St Jo-seph’s Parish, Kingswood; Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys; and Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair. 4-5 November: Mt Schoenstatt Way of Mercy Gathering & Procession. Friday: 6pm-10pm adoration and reflection in the Shrine. Saturday: 9am Stations of Mercy from the Valley up to the Shrine or Anointing of the Sick in the Shrine; 11am Mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv; afterwards lunch available or BYO for an en-joyable afternoon on the grounds of Mt Schoenstatt Spirituality Centre, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Details: tel (02) 4773 8338,manager@schoenstatt.org.au

5-6 November: hosted by St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, with Sacred Heart Parish, Blackheath; St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish, Upper Blue Mountains; and Our Lady of the Nativity Parish, Lawson.

12-13 November: hosted by St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta, with St Monica’s Parish, North Parramatta; St Bernadette’s Parish, Dundas Valley; Christ the King Parish, North Rocks; and Holy Name of Mary Parish, Ry-dalmere.

To find out more about the Way of Mercy, visit www.mercyhasaface.org.au or contact the Pastoral Planning Of-fice, tel (02) 8838 3460, pastoralplanning@parra.catholic.org.au

The Regional Tribunal of Sydney (NSW & ACT) is seeking to appoint an experienced Administrative Assistant. The Regional Tribunal of Sydney processes applications for nullity of marriage (annulment) cases. The Administrative Assistant is responsifor providing administrative and secretarial support to the Judicial Vicar and the local offices throughout NSW in the smoothning and daily activities of the Regional Tribunal. This part-time role is for three days per week. The office is located in Parra-matta. For more information tel (02) 9630 6260.

YOUNGER WIDOWED SUPPORT GROUP CCSS Solo Parent Services’ Younger Widowed Support Group is held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The Support Group is for men and women widowed at a younger age whether you are a parent or not. Next gathering: Tuesday 18thOcto-ber. Venue: DAC, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown. Time: 7pm – 9pm Cost: $5.00. Registration: Rita Ph. 8822 2222 or Email: soloparentservices@ccss.org.au

STEPPING BEYOND: SUPPORT FOR THOSE SEPARATED OR DIVORCED CCSS Solo Parent Services “Stepping Beyond” Support Group, is held on the last Tuesday of each month for those navigating their way through a separation or divorce. Next Gathering: 25th October Venue: CCSS Centre, 38 Prince St, Black-

Diocesan Family Sunday: 23 October Theme: ‘Family – An Oasis of Mercy’. Afternoon family gathering with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv and St Teresa of Kolkata’s Missionaries of Charity. From 2pm-5pm at the Shrine of the Holy Innocents, 8 Greyfriar Place, Kellyville. Be part of the Way of Mercy with the Mercy Cross and relics of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and St Teresa of Kolkata. Hosted by the Life, Marriage & Family Office, Parramatta. Family Sunday will be celebrated at Masses throughout the Diocese of Parramatta. Inquiries: tel (02) 8838 3441, lmf@parra.catholic.org.au

Couple Evening: 28 October Everyone is warmly invited to attend the Life, Marriage & Family Office Marriage Enrichment evening entitled ‘Communication 101’. This DVD presentation features Dr Gary Chapman, the well-known author of the Five Love Languages. This event is free and a light supper will be served. Starts 7.30pm in St Paul the Apostle Parish Hall, 40 Buckleys Rd, Winston Hills. RSVP to Life, Marriage & Family Office: tel (02) 8838 3460, lkeane@parra.catholic.org.au

Celebrating 25 Years of Consecrated Life: 29 October You are invited to join three Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth – Sr Paula, Sr Grace and Sr Margaret – as they celebrate 25 years of consecrated life. Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will celebrate Mass at 11am on Saturday 29 October in the Polish War Memorial Chapel, 128-132 Quakers Rd, Marayong, to be followed by a light lunch.

A Night in the South Pacific: 29 October Put on your most colourful dress or shirt for an evening in the South Pacific. Tickets: $35 or $30 conc. Includes finger food on arrival, two-course buffet, live band, island dancers, photo booth and entertainment for the kids, lucky door prizes for the best island dress and much more. Starts 7pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall & Cloister, 1 Marist Plc, Parramatta. Tickets available after Mass or tel (02) 8839 8400. All proceeds for St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish.

Thanksgiving Mass for RCIA & Sacraments of Initiation teams: 4 November Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv will celebrate the annual Thanksgiving Mass for RCIA and Sacraments of Initiation teams and facilitators. Mass at 7.30pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. RSVP 2 November: Office for Worship tel (02) 8838 3457, MLWalsh@parra.catholic.org.au

Come and See: 5 November An invitation to young women who might be searching for a new direction in their lives. This is an opportunity to pray, reflect and share conversation about a call to religious life as a Sister of the Good Samaritan. Join us for a day of prayer, reflection, and conversation and find out more about us. From 10am-4pm at 591 Merrylands Rd, Greystanes. For more information visit www.goodsams.org.au or contact Rita Fitt SGS tel 0419 169 400, rfitt@goodsams.org.au or Geraldine Kearney SGS tel 0438 465 668, gkearney@goodsams.org.au

Bringing Laudato Si’ to Life – From Vision to Action: 10 November With Fr Sean McDonagh SSC, Irish eco-theologian and Columban missionary, who will contribute to bringing the vision of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’ to life and action in churches and the wider community, in dialogue with other faiths and with environmentalists. Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start – finishes at 8.30pm, Australian Catholic University, Gleeson Auditorium, Barker Rd, Strathfield. De-tails: www.columban.org.au Bookings: cmi@columban.org.au

‘Leading an Energised Life’: 11-13 November This weekend workshop is for those who are interested in exploring and developing their spirituality in ways that energise their lives. Facilitated by Br (Dr) Barry Donaghue, Director Emeritus of Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Cedar Rapids, US. Venue is the Edmund Rice Retreat & Conference Centre, Winbourne, 1315 Mulgoa Rd, Mulgoa. Information: www.winbourne.org Bookings: (02) 4773 5555.

Fr Laurence Freeman OSB to lead Meditatio Outreach on Meditation & Ageing: 20 November A Meditatio Seminar with Fr Laurence Freeman OSB, Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation. Fr Laurence will lead this Meditatio Outreach on Meditation & Ageing with keynote speakers, a panel, personal testimo-nies and small reflection groups, interwoven with meditation and contemplative practices. Registration 10am, first presentation 10.30am, Eucharist will conclude the day. Morning tea provided – BYO lunch. Details:http://www.christianmeditationaustralia.org/ Bookings: acmcmeditatio@gmail.com

For more events please go to: http://catholicoutlook.org/event/