Principal's Message
To say that the data has varied during the past ten years is to understate the changing face of St Matthew’s. I have listed below several facts which I believe give strong insights into the composition of our school population.
Where we live
- Our children reside in 32 ACT suburbs
- 17 children reside in NSW
- Far flung suburbs include Narrabundah, Calwell and Moncrieff
- 10 children now reside in Strathnairn
Population
- The school now has a population of 335 children comprised of 164 boys and 171 girls.
English as a Second Language
- 19 children have a language other than English as their first language
Religious Background
- 57% of children identify as belonging to the Catholic faith.
Indigenous background
- 11 children identify as being from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage
Personalised Plans
- 66 children are working from a Personalised Plan which includes adjustments so that the child can access the curriculum more equitably.
By any measure the composition of the school population has changed dramatically since its formation 50 years ago. Clearly the large number of locations poses an ongoing challenge in our capacity to build community.
I believe however that in many respects the data reflects a more inclusive school which aims to meet the needs of children from many varied backgrounds. Our school is undoubtedly richer as a result of their inclusion.
May God bless you and your families
Graham Pollard
Principal