We have reached the midpoint of Term 2 with the arrival of some wintry weather but nothing has dampened our Mater Dei spirit as we enjoy a number of celebrations this fortnight. Last week we were part of a number of Sports finals and our community gathered for the traditional Founders’ Day Mass, followed by Mater Dei Day Trivia in the afternoon. It was a perfect way to finish the week!

In this Easter season, we also recently celebrated two pivotal events: the Ascension of our Lord and the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. These feasts, though distinct, offer us insights into our faith.

The Ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God's heavenly domain. After instructing his apostles, Jesus ascended to heaven, promising the Holy Spirit. This event signifies not an absence, but a new form of presence. As the angels said, He "will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven".

The Visitation reveals Mary's humble service and the power of faith. Upon hearing she would conceive Jesus, Mary travelled to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also with child. This journey demonstrates Mary's "unlimited readiness" to serve others. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognised Mary as "the mother of my Lord". Mary’s faith, expressed in the Magnificat, shows her profound connection to God. Mary holds a special place in our hearts as “Mater Dei”, the mother of God and the Patron of our College. As we journey towards Pentecost Sunday, we are called to live out the 2025 theme of the Church at Pentecost, which stresses the need for all of us to live a life worthy of our calling. At Mater Dei, that is guided by our Founders and the Cardinal Virtues of Justice, Prudence, Temperance and Fortitude and lived out in our mission as a Catholic Learning community.

As partners in your children’s education we share the responsibility for showing young people the importance of being caring, respectful and compassionate. A consistent approach (and regular reminders of expectations when needed) ensure that the Catholic values that our College is built upon are lived out each day by all at Mater Dei. We are sending a clear message that respect is at the heart of our interactions so that we foster a learning environment that is harmonious and inclusive where our students apply themselves diligently to their studies and engage fully in College life.

These themes of being unified in our commitment to promoting a spirit of love around the young people in our care fits comfortably into the Church’s message at Pentecost, the conclusion of the Season of Easter on Sunday. The Holy Spirit at Pentecost brings gifts that unify us as families, as friends and in all kinds of relationships and communities. In this world where we see disunity expressed in ways that include war, domestic violence and vilification, we pray that the gifts of the Spirit build community, heal division and foster reconciliation:

For the Spirit of Peace that calms our mind and stills our life, we give you thanks.

For the Spirit of Love that touches hearts and reaches out,we give you thanks.

For the Spirit of Joy that lifts our soul and gives us faith we give you thanks.

For the Spirit of Power, that gift of grace for this Your church,we give you thanks. Amen.

Sorry Day on 26 May and National Reconciliation Week Last Week

The message of Pentecost is especially poignant in the context of this year’s theme of National Reconciliation Week, which is Bridging Now to Next, reflecting the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Mount Erin Boarding Attending the Wagga Boarding School Expo

As a Day and Boarding College, we are proud to support Mount Erin Boarding who will have a stand at the Wagga Boarding Expo at the Bolton Park Stadium on the afternoon of Friday 20 June and morning of Saturday 21 June. If you are considering the boarding option in 2026 for your child, or know someone who is, please come along to talk to the Head of Boarding Mr John Bussenschutt on either day. We will have a College presence at the Expo to showcase the Mater Dei day school experience as well.

Congratulations and Thank You

Thank you to parents/carers who attended Parent/Student/Teacher Meetings during the first half of this term. The meetings are an invaluable component of our partnership in your child’s learning journey at Mater Dei.

Thank you as well to everyone who attended the recent Music Performance evening and the inter-school Sports Competitions, transported students and assisted in a myriad of ways. We really value your support and commitment as our educational partners.

Finally, congratulations to our students involved in performance, community events and representative sporting teams during the last fortnight and best wishes to those playing in upcoming Tracey Gunson Netball finals.

While we celebrate excellent results, let us also remember that success is not just measured by the final score, it is also measured by the spirit in which the games are played. They support and affirm each other to be the best they can be on the stage and on the field and I am so very proud of all our students for embodying the Mater Dei spirit, as fine ambassadors for the College. And I know that you, as parents, will feel exactly the same way as I do as we reflect on the achievements of this last fortnight.

Pupil Free Day Reminder - tomorrow Friday, 6 June

A final reminder that the Staff Faith Formation Day will be held tomorrow, Friday 6 June and accordingly the College will be closed. Best wishes to all our families for a relaxing long weekend.

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal

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