A Brief History
St Matthew’s Catholic School, Mudgee, is a Kindergarten to Year 12 Catholic school within the Bathurst Diocese. Our first Year 11 cohort began at the school in 2015 and completed their Higher School Certificate in 2016. Catholic Education in Mudgee has existed since 1861.
In 1874, the Sisters of Mercy arrived, and the Convent was built in 1879. The original St Matthew’s school was built in 1912 with additions in 1936, 1957, 1965, and 2011. In September 1992, the entire pre-1965 section of the school was destroyed by fire. The recent school additions were blessed and opened by Bishop Michael McKenna on Friday, 30th March 2012.
Due to the school’s rapid growth, plans began in 2016 to determine the best scenario to accommodate future enrolment demand. The school grew from an enrolment of 450 in 2012 to almost 1000 students in 2020 across K-12. As a result, a proposal to build a new secondary campus at the corner of Bruce and Broadhead Roads was approved. In January of 2023, students from Years 7 to 12 relocated to the new secondary campus, thus starting a new and exciting phase in the history of our school.
Principal’s Message
At St Matthew’s, we believe that all students can grow in their learning and achieve at high levels. We work collaboratively to create an environment that celebrates our faith, encourages students to strive for excellence, and supports wellbeing. As a Catholic school, we embrace the St Matthew’s Way, which calls all in our community to Excellence, Compassion, Respect, Courage, and Service.
The St Matthew’s Way aims to articulate how we as a school community hope to be in community together – staff, students, and families. Grounded in the example of our patron, St Matthew, and foundress, Catherine McAuley, the St Matthew’s Way challenges us to “be more” in the way we respond to Jesus.
The St Matthew’s Way has become the foundation of our school community’s vision and mission and, as such, permeates all aspects of school culture. It is defined by the values of Excellence, Courage, Compassion, Respect, and Service, which are rooted in the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy. By living out these values, students are supported in becoming the best people they can be, so they can ultimately make a tangible, positive difference in our world.
Mrs. Angela Myles
Principal