Principal's Welcome Message
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14
It is with great pride and joy that I share the continued journey of St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School, a vibrant and faith-filled learning community that first opened its doors on Monday, May 3rd, 2010.
As someone who had the privilege of being a teacher when St. Matthew first welcomed its students, I am especially honored to now serve as the Principal of this exceptional school. Being part of its foundation and now its leadership is a blessing that deepens my commitment to our mission and vision.
St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School serves students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, offering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where children grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Our Catholic faith is central to all we do, guiding our students through Gospel values and encouraging them to live out their faith in meaningful ways—whether in the classroom, on the playground, or in the wider community.
We are blessed with a dedicated and talented staff who work collaboratively to create rich learning experiences and foster a culture of excellence and compassion. Their commitment to student success is evident in every lesson, activity, and interaction.
Our students shine in many ways—through academics, the arts, athletics, and leadership. They actively participate in stewardship initiatives that extend beyond our school walls, including local and global outreach efforts such as support for Haiti Relief. These experiences help them develop empathy, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility.
We are also fortunate to have strong parental involvement and community support. Whether through the Catholic School Council, classroom volunteering, or sharing talents and time, our families play a vital role in shaping the heart of our school.
Additionally, St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School is proud to be a L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Our "green" features are a testament to our care for God’s creation and our responsibility to future generations.
Together, we continue to build on the foundation laid in 2010, growing in faith, learning, and love.
Furthermore, the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic Separate School Board is pleased that St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School is a "L.E.E.D." (Leading in Energy and Environmental Design) SCHOOL. The following are some of the 'GREEN' PROVISIONS:
LANDSCAPE
A large number of trees intended to shade 'heat generating' paved areas.
Bicycle racks and pathways to encourage 'walkers' and 'riders'.
ARCHITECTURAL
Lots of windows for natural light and views to the outside.
Windows that open to natural ventilation whenever possible or preferable.
Sunscreens to reduce heat gain, and light shelves at the interior to bounce natural light into the classrooms.
An improved system of collection for recyclable and compostable waste.
High windows at the centrally located gymnasium acts as a light shaft lighting the gym and the interior corridors of the school.
A white roof reflects the heat, thus reducing energy use on hot days.
An outdoor classroom beside the second storey 'green' roof.
A monitoring station, visible to the students in the corridor, showcasing the operating systems.
Added insulation within the walls and 'super glass' to improve energy performance.
MECHANICAL
Heated air is brought in near the floor, and as hot air rises it will naturally pass over occupants
A mechanical unit serves each classroom, so that each can adjust to their comfort level, or consumption.
Solar collectors to heat water and a solar wall to help heat air coming in from the outside.
Energy efficient mechanical systems and equipment.
ELECTRICAL
Light fixtures automatically adjust to the amount of natural light available.
Light fixtures turn off automatically when there is no movement.
A meter in each classroom so that students can monitor or observe their energy consumption.
"School Climate is an effective ingredient to an effective school. Community Building is an effort to create intentionally, a positive climate where individuals are treated with respect and consideration, and where Christ is at its' centre. This process involves leading a classroom through virtues-based team building, and relationship skill building activities."
We at St. Matthew School are excited to implement a process that achieves this school climate.
TRIBES Is A PROCESS FOR LEARNING AND BEING TOGETHER.
ITS'MISSION: To develop a positive learning environment that promotes human growth and learning.
ITS' GOAL: To engage all teachers, administrators, students, and families in working together as a learning community that is dedicated to caring and support, active participation, and positive expectations for all students.
ITS'PURPOSE: To call forth the unique potential of every student.
The TRIBES process uses 4 AGREEMENTS that are essential to building a safe and caring community for learning.
Attentive Listening
to pay close attention to one another's expression of ideas, opinions and feelings
to check for understanding
to let others know they have been heard.
Appreciation / No Put Downs
to treat others kindly
to state appreciation
to avoid negative remarks, name calling, hateful gestures or behaviours
Participation /The Right to Pass
to have the right to choose when and to what extent you will participate
to observe quietly if not actively participating
to choose whether to offer observations later to the group
Mutual Respect
to affirm the value and uniqueness of each person
to recognize and appreciate individual and cultural differences
to offer feedback that encourages growth
RESTORTATIVE JUSTICE
In order to move from punishment to reparation, our Catholic schools require a consistent and inclusive model of justice that:
Develops strategies to teach moral and/ethical behaviour
Teaches youth to accept consequences of their behaviour and the impact their actions have on others
Develops a strong sense of empathy and identification with the victim and a way to make amends
Teaches youth to feel empowered not 'powerless as victims of the system'
The Restorative Justice philosophy includes the values of responsibility, inclusiveness, openness, trust, hope and healing
ADVANTAGES OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE APPROACHES
A safer, more caring environment, a more effective teaching and learning environment
A greater commitment by everyone to taking the time to listen to one another
A reduction in bullying and other interpersonal conflicts
A greater awareness of the importance of connectedness to young people, the need to belong and feel valued by peers and significant adults
Greater emphasis on responses to inappropriate behaviour that seek to reconnect, and not further disconnect, young people
Reductions in fixed term and permanent exclusions
A greater confidence in the staff team to deal with challenging situations
An increased belief in the ability of young people to take responsibility for their choices, and more people giving them opportunities to do so
St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School is a place that puts a smile on our faces as we come to school every day.
Our hope is that you will feel the school spirit every time that you walk through our door way.
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." St Matthew, 6. 21
Marc Trotta