Bus services provide easy access to St Matthew's for many students
throughout the Wairarapa. A Trinity bus travels from Featherston arriving at
St Matthew's at 8.10am and leaving at 3.20pm and 5.00pm. All students move to
their classrooms and from there to assembly, chapel service or their form
time.
Year 12 and 13 students travel by bus each day to Senior College on the Rathkeale site. There they have their own common room. Pastoral care is in the hands of a Chaplain or Guidance Counsellors. The bus leaves at 3pm to return to St Matthew's for the girls' sporting practices. In the event of them being a member of a cultural group, the debating team or jazz band for instance, they may have the evening meal at Rathkeale when required. Transport between the sites is always provided on these occasions. Girls have a Dean who is responsible for their academic and pastoral welfare. Regular meetings with Deans provide an opportunity for sharing of concerns and discussions related to year group matters.
Day students and boarders share identical facilities during the day. A cafeteria style lunch is provided in the dining room of Main House.
The library, computer and music rooms
are available for the use of all the girls during breaks and after school. Prep is set each day
and day students are counselled to help them organise their time effectively.
All students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities. When these involve after school practices or evening classes, day students may stay at school for tea. They may wish to stay overnight, (an increasingly popular option), at a minimal charge. All girls may have two weekly sports practices after school and Saturday sport fixtures. In addition, teams play a number of Sunday fixtures with other schools.
Day students are expected to take part in the house music and drama
competitions and be present for all school functions such as athletics,
swimming sports, carol service and a year group chapel service. Many girls
participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which develops qualities of
maturity and responsibility. Girls follow their chosen programme in their own
time including service, expeditions, social and practical skills and physical
recreation.
St Matthew's promotes the philosophy
that a balanced involvement in academic and co-curricular activities is healthy and fulfilling.
Our co-curriculum, with wide ranging opportunities in sport, the arts, music, drama, debating,
outdoor education, inter-school exchanges, community service and work experience extends the
educational experience. All girls are encouraged to take part.
