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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22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🎤 🏆 Voice of Youth Grand Final 🏆 🎤 Today, our Year 6 students proudly travelled to support Priya as she competed in the Voice of Youth Grand Final, where she spoke passionately about the importance of empathy. Priya delivered a wonderful speech and was named Runner-Up among the six finalists! We are incredibly proud of Priya and this outstanding achievement. She is the first student from St Matthew’s to compete in the Voice of Youth Grand Final, making this a very special milestone for our school community. Selected from more than 2,600 students across the Diocese, Priya represented St Matthew’s with confidence, courage and pride as she competed against five other finalists. Congratulations, Priya! Your voice, passion and commitment have truly made us proud. You certainly let your light shine! #StMatthewsWindsor #VoiceOfYouth #PublicSpeaking #StudentVoice #Empathy #Leadership #LetYourLightShine #ProudMoment #StMatthewsProud #CatholicEducation #CSPD #Year6 #WindsorNSW22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🏅⭐️ The Cassidy Award ⭐️🏅 In 1835 James and Esther Cassidy were the first educators and staff of St. Matthew's Primary School. By 1838 100 children had been educated by them at St Matthew's Primary School. Their efforts laid the foundation for Catholic education in the region. To honour the memory and work of James and Esther Cassidy, the first staff of St Matthew's, each year on St Matthew's Day we recognise the contribution and commitment to excellence of one of our staff members. A tradition that recognises the importance of our staff and the value of their presence. The Cassidy Award recipient is selected by all staff members nominating who they believe meets the criteria of the award. The award recognises an outstanding individual who exemplifies the mission of St Matthew's Primary School, Windsor, in the Parramatta Diocese, while demonstrating excellence in their role. This award is open to all staff members, teachers, administrators, support staff, and other personnel. The recipient of the award shows exceptional dedication to their work and a remarkable ability to contribute positively to the school community, including students and their families. We would like to Congratulate Karen Brand on receiving this award today and thank her for all she does for the St Matthew's community 💙💛 #StMatthewsWindsor #CassidyAward #StMatthewsDay #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #ParramattaDiocese #StaffExcellence #SchoolCommunity #CelebratingOurStaff #FaithInAction #LetYourLightShine
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22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🎤 🏆 Voice of Youth Grand Final 🏆 🎤 Today, our Year 6 students proudly travelled to support Priya as she competed in the Voice of Youth Grand Final, where she spoke passionately about the importance of empathy. Priya delivered a wonderful speech and was named Runner-Up among the six finalists! We are incredibly proud of Priya and this outstanding achievement. She is the first student from St Matthew’s to compete in the Voice of Youth Grand Final, making this a very special milestone for our school community. Selected from more than 2,600 students across the Diocese, Priya represented St Matthew’s with confidence, courage and pride as she competed against five other finalists. Congratulations, Priya! Your voice, passion and commitment have truly made us proud. You certainly let your light shine! #StMatthewsWindsor #VoiceOfYouth #PublicSpeaking #StudentVoice #Empathy #Leadership #LetYourLightShine #ProudMoment #StMatthewsProud #CatholicEducation #CSPD #Year6 #WindsorNSW
22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🏅⭐️ The Cassidy Award ⭐️🏅 In 1835 James and Esther Cassidy were the first educators and staff of St. Matthew's Primary School. By 1838 100 children had been educated by them at St Matthew's Primary School. Their efforts laid the foundation for Catholic education in the region. To honour the memory and work of James and Esther Cassidy, the first staff of St Matthew's, each year on St Matthew's Day we recognise the contribution and commitment to excellence of one of our staff members. A tradition that recognises the importance of our staff and the value of their presence. The Cassidy Award recipient is selected by all staff members nominating who they believe meets the criteria of the award. The award recognises an outstanding individual who exemplifies the mission of St Matthew's Primary School, Windsor, in the Parramatta Diocese, while demonstrating excellence in their role. This award is open to all staff members, teachers, administrators, support staff, and other personnel. The recipient of the award shows exceptional dedication to their work and a remarkable ability to contribute positively to the school community, including students and their families. We would like to Congratulate Karen Brand on receiving this award today and thank her for all she does for the St Matthew's community 💙💛 #StMatthewsWindsor #CassidyAward #StMatthewsDay #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #ParramattaDiocese #StaffExcellence #SchoolCommunity #CelebratingOurStaff #FaithInAction #LetYourLightShine
22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🕺⭐️ St Matthew’s Day Talent Show! ⭐️🤸♀️ What an incredible showcase of talent at our St Matthew’s Day Talent Show yesterday! Our students took to the stage with confidence, creativity and enthusiasm, sharing their amazing talents with our school community. From dancing and musical acts to gymnastics and creative artworks, there was something for everyone to enjoy! A huge congratulations to all our talented performers and artist! You truly let your light shine! ⭐️ #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsDay #TalentShow #LetYourLightShine #StudentTalent #CreativeExpression #SchoolCommunity #FaithInAction #ProudToBeStMatthews #OurStudentsShine
22 Sep 2026
From Facebook
⛪️✨ Saint Matthew’s Day ✨⛪️ Today our school community came together to celebrate the Feast of Saint Matthew with a beautiful Mass led by Father Ranning. Through joyful singing, prayer and reflection, we honoured the life and example of Saint Matthew and celebrated the gift of faith that brings our community together. #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsDay #FeastOfSaintMatthew #FaithInAction #CatholicEducation #SchoolCommunity #LetYourLightShine #LivingOurFaith #FaithAndCommunity
20 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🪴🥬 Gardening Club Produce Sale 🥬🪴 Tomorrow, after the Talent Show, Mrs Worrall and the Gardening Club will be selling fresh produce they have been growing throughout the term! Produce will be available to purchase for $2 (no cash). Please remember to bring a bag! All money raised will go towards materials and composting tools for our Gardening Club. We thank you for your continued support! #StMatthewsWindsor #GardeningClub #GrowingTogether #Sustainability #LearningThroughNature #SchoolCommunity #GardenToTable #FaithInAction
19 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🥾 ⛰️ Day 2 on Year 5 Camp ⛰️ 🥾 Nobody told us what we signed up for!Between climbing SO many hills and hiking everywhere we went, camp definitely gave us a workout! Adrenaline-pumping activities like the Giant Swing and Laser Tag were definitely the winners! We even made a new feathered friend, Clinton the curious magpie! He seemed very interested in what we were up to and quickly became part of our camp adventures! From challenging ourselves and discovering hidden talents to enjoying Game Night and making memories with friends. Day 2 was 100% fun, 100% adventure and maybe 100% too many hills! - Katy P Our Year 5 students have now returned home with plenty of stories to share, new experiences under their belts and memories they’ll treasure for years to come. A huge thank you to our staff for making camp such an incredible experience for our students! #Year5Camp #CollaroyCamp #CampAdventures #MakingMemories #Teamwork #Friendship #GiantSwing #LaserTag #AdventureAwaits #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsCommunity
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
☀️ 🏕️ Year 5 Camp 🏕️ ☀️ What an incredible first day Year 5 had at camp! Our students stepped outside their comfort zones, challenged themselves and created some fantastic memories along the way. From Initiatives Challenge activities that encouraged leadership, communication and teamwork, to the excitement of laser tag, rock climbing and the giant swing, there were plenty of opportunities to try something new and support one another. Of course, we also enjoyed some yummy food and plenty of laughs along the way! It was wonderful to see our Year 5 students showing courage, resilience, teamwork and leadership today. We are so proud of the way they encouraged each other and embraced every challenge! #StMatthewsWindsor #Year5Camp #CourageAndResilience #Teamwork #Leadership #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #MakingMemories #SafeRespectfulResponsibleLearners #BeTheLight
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
☀️ 🏕️ Year 5 Camp 🏕️ ☀️ Our Year 5 students have arrived at camp and are ready for an exciting day filled with fun activities, new experiences and plenty of adventure! #StMatthewsWindsor #Year5Camp #CampAdventures #LetYourLightShine #MakingMemories
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
☀️ 🏕️ Year 5 Camp 🏕️ ☀️ Our Year 5 students headed off this morning for an exciting camp adventure! We wish them an incredible time filled with new experiences, challenges, laughter and wonderful memories with their friends. Have an amazing time, Year 5! We can’t wait to hear all about your adventures! #StMatthewsWindsor #Year5Camp #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #MakingMemories #LetYourLightShine
09 Sep 2026
From Facebook
⭐️ 📸 St Matthew’s Students Become Honour Judges! 📸 ⭐️ What a wonderful evening for some of our St Matthew’s students who were invited to attend the Hawkesbury Camera Club Photography Night. Our students had the special opportunity to view a wonderful collection of photographs and take on the important role of honour judges, helping to select photographs to be displayed in the a Hawkesbury Children’s Hospital. 🏥📷 It was fantastic to see our students carefully considering each photograph, discussing what caught their eye and making thoughtful decisions about their selections. A huge thank you to the Hawkesbury Camera Club for welcoming our students and providing them with such a unique and engaging experience. We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented St Matthew’s and embraced this opportunity to contribute to the wider community. #StMatthewsWindsor #HawkesburyCommunity #HawkesburyCameraClub #Photography #StudentVoice #CommunityConnections #HawkesburyHospital
08 Sep 2026
From Facebook
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🌎 🌿 Year 5 Exploring Darug Country 🌿 🌎 Our Year 5 students have been exploring the rich history and geography of Darug Country through their English and Geography learning. As part of our Geography focus on “Factors that change environments,” students investigated how people have influenced and changed the natural environment over time. Through the Windsor Convict Walk Trail, students visited St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Windsor Courthouse, Macquarie Arms Hotel, Thompson Square, The Doctor’s House, the Hawkesbury River (Dyarubbin) and Old Windsor Hospital. Students explored how Darug Peoples have cared for and sustainably used Country for thousands of years, before examining how European settlement changed the landscape through farming, land clearing, roads, buildings and other infrastructure. They also considered how the Hawkesbury River provided food, water, fertile land and transport, while flooding influenced where people built and settled. This learning encouraged students to consider different perspectives and understand how people and the natural environment have shaped Windsor over time. #Year5 #DarugCountry #DharugCountry #LearningOnCountry #Geography #English #History #FactorsThatChangeEnvironments #Sustainability #FirstNationsPerspectives #DarugPeoples #Dyarubbin #HawkesburyRiver #WindsorNSW #WindsorHistory #LocalHistory #PlaceBasedLearning #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #LearningBeyondTheClassroom
31 Aug 2026
From Facebook
❄️ 💙 Winter Sleepout for the Vinnies Winter Appeal 💙 ❄️ Last Friday night, our school community came together for our Winter Stayout, helping to raise awareness and support for the Vinnies Winter Appeal and those experiencing homelessness in our community. A special thank you to the Bede Polding College student leaders who joined us and spoke with our families about their experiences supporting people who are homeless. Their stories were a wonderful reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity and looking out for those who are most vulnerable. Thank you to all of our students, families and staff who braved the cold, showed solidarity and helped shine a light on an important issue. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. #VinniesWinterAppeal #WinterSleepout #WinterStayout #Vinnies #CommunitySupport #CompassionInAction #KindnessMatters #HelpingOthers #HomelessnessAwareness #CommunitySpirit #Solidarity #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary #StMatthewsCommunity
29 Aug 2026
From Facebook
🌿 🌏 Year 3 at Brewongle! 🌏 🌿 On Tuesday our Year 3 students became environmental detectives during an exciting day at Brewongle Environmental Education Centre! They investigated the mysterious “Tawny Tragedy”, exploring food, water and shelter while learning about habitats, native animals and ways we can care for our environment. It was a fantastic day of hands-on learning, teamwork and discovery! #Year3 #Brewongle #EnvironmentalEducation #EnvironmentalDetectives #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughDiscovery #Habitats #NativeAnimals #CaringForOurEnvironment #Teamwork #OutdoorLearning #StMatthewsWindsor #StMatthewsPrimary
28 Aug 2026
Our schools are cracking the reading code
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