It has been 100 days of schooling like no other for this year’s Kindergarten class of 2020!
As parents dropped their little ones off at ‘big school’ for the first time earlier this year after much excitement and anticipation, with their shiny shoes, oversized uniforms and the promise of learning and new friendships, no one could have predicted what was to come in those first 100 days of school.
At St Matthew’s Primary Windsor, Kindergarten teacher Alicia Madden said it has certainly been an unusual start to the year for new students settling into school life.
“The first year of schooling for 2020 Kinder students, has been like no other year. They just started to get comfortable, learn about how to be at school and make friends when COVID happened,” Alicia said. “It was challenging teaching Kindergarten through online learning and not being able to see them face to face and give them instant feedback. Many students in the class still didn’t even really know each other.”
According to the students though, chances to share new learning with family members was a popular perk of the COVID lockdown.
“I liked practicing my sight words with my Mum,” said Kindy student Alexa.
“Reading at home with my Mummy was the best part,” added Blake.
Since returning to school, Alicia said the experience is still not yet back to normal for students who have had to miss out on a number of important events traditionally held throughout the year including Grandparents Day, assemblies, excursions and even extra time with their friends as their parents used to chat during drop off and pick up.
“I do believe when this is over, Kindergarten will be able to really see what an uninterrupted year of schooling is like,” she said.
She paid particular tribute to the way teachers and parents have worked together in those first 100 days to support the children.
“I was conscious that they still didn't even know all the children in the class in the early stage, but the parents did such an amazing job and were very supportive and committed through such a challenging time,” Alicia said.
And what did the Kindy students think of their first 100 days? Most agree it has actually been great!
“I was a little bit nervous to begin with but now I have made friends so I feel better,” said Kindergarten student, Tora.
“I like having fun with my teachers,” Oliver said.
Most of all, they said being at school, learning and seeing their friends was the best part about Kindergarten.
“I can definitely say that these students have done an amazing job at settling into school and being the best learners they could possibly be,” Alicia said. “I am very proud!”
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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16 Jul 2026
From Facebook
๐๐งถ Kindness is Contagious ๐งถ๐ As part of B Kinder Week, Elora wanted to spread a little joy throughout our school community. She came up with the wonderful idea of holding a Beanie Colouring-in Competition in the lead-up to our annual Vinnies Scarf and Beanie Winter Appeal. Students from every grade enthusiastically joined in, creating fantastic and colourful entries that made choosing the winners a very difficult task! A huge thank you to Eloraโs family for generously donating four beanies as prizes for our lucky winners. We are so proud of Elora for showing such wonderful initiative, creativity and compassion. Her thoughtful idea brought smiles to so many faces and reminded us all that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference. Kindness really is contagious! ๐โจ #BKinderWeek #KindnessIsContagious #ChooseKindness #StudentLeadership #MakingADifference #VinniesWinterAppeal #SchoolCommunity #CompassionInAction #ActsOfKindness #ProudMoment #PrimarySchool #LearningThroughService
14 Jul 2026
From Facebook
๐ฑโป๏ธ Year 3 Science โ Sustainable Table Organisers โป๏ธ๐ฑ Our Year 3 students have been busy in Science, designing and creating their own table organisers using recycled materials. The challenge was to create something that is practical, functional and easily accessible while helping to keep their desks organised. It has been wonderful to see their creativity, problem-solving skills and commitment to sustainability shine through in their unique designs. Well done, Year 3, on your innovative thinking and fantastic creations! #Year3 #Science #STEM #Sustainability #Recycling #CreativeThinking #ProblemSolving #HandsOnLearning #FutureFocused #LearningThroughDoing #CatholicEducation #PrimarySchool #SchoolLife #ProudSchoolCommunity
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๐ฑโป๏ธ Year 3 Science โ Sustainable Table Organisers โป๏ธ๐ฑ Our Year 3 students have been busy in Science, designing and creating their own table organisers using recycled materials. The challenge was to create something that is practical, functional and easily accessible while helping to keep their desks organised. It has been wonderful to see their creativity, problem-solving skills and commitment to sustainability shine through in their unique designs. Well done, Year 3, on your innovative thinking and fantastic creations! #Year3 #Science #STEM #Sustainability #Recycling #CreativeThinking #ProblemSolving #HandsOnLearning #FutureFocused #LearningThroughDoing #CatholicEducation #PrimarySchool #SchoolLife #ProudSchoolCommunity
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๐จ๐๏ธ Year 6 Art Exhibition ๐๏ธ๐จ Last week Year 6 proudly hosted their Art Exhibition, showcasing a stunning series of artworks inspired by renowned Australian artist Sidney Nolan. Throughout the term, students explored Nolanโs distinctive style by experimenting with simplified shapes, visible brushstrokes and bold colours, while incorporating a personal theme that gave each series unique meaning. It was wonderful to see students confidently share not only their creative talents but also the deeper stories and inspiration behind their artworks. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, creativity and thoughtful reflections throughout this project. Congratulations, Year 6, on a truly inspiring exhibition! #Year6 #ArtExhibition #SidneyNolan #CreativeArts #StudentCreativity #VisualArts #AustralianArt #LearningThroughArt #StudentVoice #CreativeLearning #ProudSchoolCommunity #PrimarySchool #FutureArtists #StMatthewsWindsor
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๐๐ค Vinnies Encounter Day ๐ค๐ Last Monday, our school representatives attended the Vinnies Encounter Day, where they explored the realities and causes of homelessness through a range of interactive scenarios and activities. The day challenged students to develop a deeper understanding of the complex issues that can lead to homelessness and inspired them to think about how they can make a difference. Our students returned filled with enthusiasm and compassion, sharing their ideas with Mr Ticehurst about ways our school community can support the work of Vinnies. We look forward to putting many of these ideas into action as we continue to live out our Gospel values of service, empathy and justice. #VinniesEncounterDay #VinniesNSW #FaithInAction #ServiceLearning #CatholicEducation #LivingTheGospel #Compassion #Empathy #SocialJustice #MakingADifference #StudentLeadership #CatholicSchools #SchoolCommunity #TogetherWeCan #ServingOthers
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