WINTER 2026 | Mid-Western Living | 25 Powered by Kandos Public School Playgroup Our new school playgroup is designed to support local families by providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for young children. It’s more than just playtime - it’s a chance for children to explore, build confidence, and develop early social skills through guided activities and free play. For parents and caregivers, it’s an opportunity to connect with others in the community, share experiences, and build meaningful friendships. In a busy world, having dedicated time to interact with other families can make all the difference. Join us every Monday 9:30 - 10:30am as we create a supportive space where children thrive and families feel connected. Each session includes a variety of engaging activities such as story time, arts and crafts, music, and outdoor play, all carefully planned to support early learning and development. Our welcoming environment encourages curiosity and creativity, helping children feel comfortable and excited to participate. Alumni Spotlight: From St Matthews to the World It is always a joy to witness the incredible journeys our students embark upon after they walk through the gates of St Matthews Catholic School for the last time. This quarter, we catch up with three remarkable alumni—Jorja, Felix, and Emily—who are making waves in law, veterinary medicine, and healthcare. Jorja Whale: A Future in Law Jorja, a “St Matts” original from Kindergarten through to the Class of 2020, has been busy in Newcastle. After graduating with a Bachelor of Criminology, Jorja recently completed her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Diploma of Legal Practice in late 2025. Now working as a Law Graduate, she is preparing for her admission as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of NSW this April. Felix: Global Veterinary Pursuits Currently in his third year of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney, Felix is honing his skills in equine medicine. His journey has already taken him across the globe; he recently completed a placement in South Africa, immobilizing wildlife from helicopters and participating in community vaccination programs. Felix credits his passion for research to his time at St Matthews, specifically the Science Research Project in Vietnam. Emily: Supporting Communication Emily is entering her final year of Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. Driven by a passion for helping others find their voice, she recently traveled to Cambodia to implement language support in a local school. Emily fondly remembers her Year 12 teachers, whose commitment sparked lifelong interests in music and history, providing her with the perfect foundation for university life. From the Supreme Court to South African plains and Cambodian classrooms, our alumni continue to embody the spirit of St Matthews. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing where their careers take them next! stmattsmudgee@bth.catholic.edu.au (02) 6372 1742 Dangar St, Kandos (02) 6379 4201 We welcome families from all backgrounds and aim to create an inclusive space where everyone feels valued and supported as part of our school community. Our playgroup was made possible through the generous donation from Kandos Rotary, whose support provided valuable resources for our community.
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