Principal's Message

The HSC is nearing its conclusion and the graduating class will gather with their parents and the staff on Friday next week to celebrate the conclusion of their 13 years of education. Our incoming Year 12’s have commenced the HSC Course and Year 10 are undertaking Work Experience this week. Our students are working hard as the end of the year approaches and a number had the opportunity to engage in the gifted and high potential program Inquisitive Minds Program. Students in all year groups are completing their practical projects and undertaking assessment tasks in preparation for the finalisation of the Semester 2 Reports in the coming weeks. These first weeks of the term have also been filled with activities including Socktober, which raises awareness and funds for Catholic Mission and a number of representative sporting competitions. 

Celebrating our Heritage - Nano Nagle 

A very significant celebration at the College occurs each year on 21 November as we acknowledge the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the Feast Day of the Presentation Sisters, who have played a significant role in the history of Catholic Education in Wagga and continue to support our community to imbue the College with the spirit of their foundress, Venerable Nano Nagle.

On Wednesday, 25 November we will welcome the Presentation Sisters to our College Liturgy and Assembly to celebrate the legacy of Nano Nagle. It will be an opportunity for us to thank the Sisters for their service to our Wagga community over the years. As we reflect on the Presentation charism and spirituality, we remember with gratitude the pioneering spirit of the early Sisters who brought the message of love and hope from Ireland and we give thanks for all those who continue their work in new ways in our contemporary world. We pray:

NANO NAGLE – WOMAN OF HOPE

In the face of fear, she chose to be daring,

In the face of anxiety, she chose to trust,

In the face of impossibility, she chose to begin,

To universal misery, she proposed ministry to persons;

To ignorance, knowledge; to disillusionment, tenacity of purpose;

And to multiple vexations, singleness of heart.

Faced with failure, she held fast to hope;

Faced with death, she believed in a living future;

A programme for the future she gave in one word; 

LOVE.

Raphael Consedine, PBVM Melbourne

College Council 

The College Council has met for the final time for the year.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the retiring Chair, Mr Andrew McIntosh for his strong leadership, support and commitment to the College over the past 6 years and Chair for the last 4 years.

I also acknowledge the contribution of all the members of the College Council;  Mrs Emma Peterson, Mr Andrew Michel, Mrs Kathy Meldrum and Mr Shaun Ellis and thank them for their commitment to Mater Dei. I also take this opportunity to thank Mrs Cindee Mallise who provides executive support to the Council. The Advisory Council plays a vital role as representatives of our College families and embodies the strong partnership between home and school in the education of our students.

Renewal of Our  Vision and Mission Statements

The process of renewal of our College Vision and Mission Statements is drawing to a close. This has been a project over almost two years that has incorporated the voice of Fr Grace as Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Kooringal, College staff, students through the SRC and parents through the Advisory Council. We look forward to sharing our new Statements with the community when they are finalised.

Save The Date - Welcome to New Students and Families for 2027

Two Orientation Days are taking place for incoming students. New enrolments for Year 8 to Year 11 2027 will join us on Friday, 27 November for the day and Year 7 2027 will attend their Orientation Day at the College on Friday, 4 December. We are looking forward to two fantastic days as we welcome our new students to Mater Dei.

As well, Year 7 2027 parents/carers together with new students from all year groups are warmly invited to attend a Parent and Student Information in the Hall on Tuesday 1 December from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. Come along to meet key staff and learn more about Year 7, which commences on Monday, 1 February 2027 with Year 12 and Years 8 to 11, who commence on Tuesday, 2 February. 

A reminder that the Uniform Shop will be open on both Friday 27 November and Friday 4 December to assist new families, as well as the regular advertised hours.

End of Year Celebrations – Responsibilities for Parent Organised Functions

Parents are reminded that the College does not organise or endorse any end of year Parties.  This includes a Year 10 Formal. In past years, confusion has arisen with parents incorrectly assuming that any Year 10 Formal is a College organised event. However, this is not the case and any celebration, if it was to take place, is a privately organised gathering.

Parents are not to use the College name not be used in any booking or publicity material. There is no legal indemnity / insurance / duty of care from the College or CEDWW over this event and no responsibility can be taken for anything that may occur at the event or on the night. Thank you in advance to parents/carers for their commitment to keeping their sons and daughters safe at private social events.

World Teachers’ Day

We celebrated World Teachers’ Day last Friday, which provided an opportunity for students and the College to acknowledge the contribution and commitment  of our wonderful teaching staff at Mater Dei. Thank you, teachers!

A highlight of the day was the Student Leader initiated staff morning tea and a beautiful affirmation video to thank the staff. The staff really appreciated the warm messages from our students and the delicious morning tea that we shared with our Student Leaders.

Fee Reminder

A reminder that all 2026 School Fees are due and payable prior to the end of this term. CEDWW reminds us that the timely payment of fees is an obligation of families who enrol their children at a Diocesan School and that failure to meet that obligation may result in your child’s enrolment being cancelled.

Is Your Child Departing Mater Dei at the end of this year?

If your child/children are departing the College please advise the College as soon as possible and complete the formal Clearance process. This ensures that families on the Waiting List can be offered a place for 2027.

Prayers Please

Please keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they prepare for their Graduation on Friday night 13 November at The Range. A full report of the Graduation will feature in the next newsletter on 10 December, which will be the final publication for 2026.

As we journey towards the end of our Liturgical Year with the Feast of Christ on 22 November, the words of Pope Francis offer us great inspiration. Speaking of this great Feast, he urged us forward in “our commitment to imitating Jesus, our King, making present his kingdom with acts of tenderness, compassion and mercy.” Pope Leo will mark this Solemnity with a Mass in St Peter’s Square.

Inspired by the work, heart and spirit of Nano Nagle at this time, we pray for all members of our College community that each of us may live the message of the Gospels every day in our words and in our deeds.

Ms Val Thomas | Principal