"Mater Dei Matters"

Principal's Address

ADVENT - OUR TIME OF PREPARATION

The season of Advent began last Sunday and it seems that Christmas is quite suddenly just around the corner. In the rush to complete the long list of unfinished jobs before the year ends, we might feel we are too busy to find time to reflect on what we are actually commemorating. It is so easy to be swept along with the popular messages we see and hear all around us - that preparing for Christmas is about buying the gifts and attending the end of year parties.

 

The Three Wise Men seem to have had the true understanding of the Christmas event. They spent many weeks in anticipation as they travelled from their homeland to Bethlehem. When they arrived, their purpose was to honour the newborn child and out of courtesy they brought one gift each.

 

We, too, will have the opportunity for a period of anticipation in the Season of Advent. We are reminded that within our own lives we are continuously waiting to become, to discover, to complete, to fulfil. Advent is a time to “Rejoice, let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is nigh.” St Paul Phil 4:4,5

 

AN ADVENT PRAYER

Lord, you fashioned our hearts to be satisfied with nothing less

 than your love which overflows for us in Christ. 

As we journey through Advent, rekindle within us your gift of hope,

and turn our expectant waiting into readiness to welcome Him in all persons we meet. 

We make this prayer to you in the name of Jesus, your Son.  Amen.

 

CELEBRATING CREATIVE ARTS/LANGUAGES WEEK

AND SPORTING EXCELLENCE 

Congratulations to Ms Keough and the Creative Arts / Languages Department on another very successful week of celebration. The outstanding display in the hall is testimony to both the talents and the efforts of our students and staff.

 

Congratulations to the students whose sporting excellence and achievements was recognised during Wednesday night’s Sports Awards Evening in the Hall surrouded by the Artworks. This was another opportunity to recognise the talents and commitment of our students and staff.

 

ORIENTATION MEETINGS

We are enjoying meeting new students for next year at the respective orientation days. Thank you to the many parents who joined us this week for the Year 7 2020 Information Evening. We look forward to your engagement with College life next year as we welcome our new cohort.

 

COLLEGE LITURGY AND AWARDS EVENING

A letter has been sent home inviting families to attend the upcoming Christmas liturgy and Awards Ceremonies next Wednesday 11 December from 6.00pm in the Courtyard. Details are as follows:

 

6.00pm            Family BBQ in Peace Garden Courtyard

7.00pm            Liturgy and Awards Ceremony in Hall

8.00pm            Homegroup Presentations in Classrooms

8.30pm            Conclusion of Evening

 

All students are required to attend the Christmas Liturgy and Awards Ceremonies wearing their summer uniform and we warmly encourage parents/carers to join us for this special evening. As this is a compulsory College event, any student who is unable to attend is required to submit a written explanation to their House Leader.

 

Normal classes will continue until the final day of term for all students, which is Friday, 13 December.

Staff will be undertaking Professional Learning during the following week and the Office will remain open until 4.00pm on Tuesday, 17 December.

 

2019 COLLEGE YEARBOOK

The Year Book will be made available as a soft copy to Year 7-11 students and families. Parents/carers will be advised when it can be downloaded from the College website. Year 12 will receive a hard copy of the Year Book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS, MASTER PLANNING UPDATE AND 2020 FEE SCHEDULE

I am pleased to announce that the project to replace evaporative cooling with refrigerated air conditioning in the classrooms has now been completed, just in time for the summer heat. Further upgrades are planned for next year.

 

Last term the CEDWW engaged architects in master planning the College to ascertain and plan for future educational needs. This will incorporate the planned upgrade to our sporting facilities and onsite storage.

 

To support the ongoing development of College facilities, a small increase in tuition fees for 2020 is necessary and details can be found here. I thank parents/carers for their support with the timely payment of fees, which ensure that together, we can provide the best possible learning environment for our students.

 

2020 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded scholarships:

  • The Kerrie Matthews Scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to learning to enrich learning opportunities in Year 11 and Year 12. The 2020 recipient is Molly Baron.
  • The Music Scholarship is awarded to talented musicians entering the College in Year 7, to allow them to contribute to the Performance Music Program at the College. The 2020 recipients are Ella Saxon and Peter Sobolewski.
  • Academic Scholarships for Year 7 and Year 11 are offered on the basis of academic merit. The 2020 recipients are:  Allen Zhou and Sophie Williams (Ye