40 | Mid-Western Living | SPRING 2026 SCHOOL NEWS The Bird Trio Have Landed at Kandos Public School! Our 2026 Kandos Public School Playground Beautification Project has taken flight with a beautiful trio of bird murals now adorning a wall in the main playground! We were thrilled to collaborate with Jessica Leffley from Bird Girl Creations, who created three stunning murals of birds. Jess worked closely with our school to develop resources and learning experiences that will allow our students to connect with and enjoy these artworks throughout their schooling journey. First, Jess designed and painted two murals featuring native birds important to our town and the local Aboriginal community: the Wedge-tailed Eagle and the Black Cockatoo. Then, students and staff took part in a whole-school voting process to choose the third mural—a Kookaburra. The unveiling of the three murals took place during the NSW Public Education Week Open Day Assembly, with students, staff, families, and community members all in attendance. Our Kandos Public School students also participated in a school drawing competition. Congratulations to our winning artists, who were lucky to attend an engaging art workshop with Jess! Jessica read her book, Curious Cockatoo, to all students from Kindergarten through to Year 6. We thank Jess for sharing her creativity, knowledge, and passion for birds with our school community. We can’t wait to see our students continue to learn from, interact with, and enjoy our beautiful new bird murals for years to come! Dangar St, Kandos (02) 6379 4201 Revolting Children, Remarkable Talent: A Look Back at St Matthews Matilda Jr. This past May, the stage at St Matthews Catholic School’s Secondary Campus was transformed into a world of magic, mischief, and empowerment as our talented students presented Matilda Jr. on May 8th and 9th. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book and the smash-hit Broadway musical, the production proved that even the smallest voices can make the biggest impact. The show followed the journey of Matilda Wormwood, brilliantly portrayed by Natalie, an extraordinarily gifted young girl who uses her sharp intellect and telekinetic powers to take a stand against injustice. Navigating the neglect of her comical parents and the terrifying tyranny of headmistress Miss Trunchbull—brought to life with formidable energy by Grace— Matilda found warmth and encouragement in the gentle Miss Honey, also played with incredible grace and heart by Grace. Months of relentless rehearsal paid off as the cast tackled the show’s quick-witted dialogue, intricate harmonies, and high-energy choreography. From the rebellious excitement of “Revolting Children” to the heartwarming hope of “When I Grow Up,” the performers captivated audiences at every turn. Beyond the spotlight, an equally dedicated student crew worked seamlessly behind the scenes, managing inventive sets and lighting to create a truly immersive experience. Dramatic Director Kirsty Skinner praised the extraordinary effort of everyone involved: “Watching our dedicated cast and crew bring the world of Matilda to life has been a privilege. The sheer scale of the production, from the inventive sets to the exhilarating numbers, showcases our extraordinary talent and reminds us all that even the smallest voices can create the biggest change.” The unforgettable two-night run was a triumph for St Matthews, leaving the community inspired, entertained, and immensely proud of our bright young stars. stmattsmudgee@bth.catholic.edu.au (02) 6372 1742
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