Principal's Address
This is the final newsletter for the school year and an opportunity to thank our families for your support throughout 2017 and to wish our College community every blessing for the Christmas season.
Christmas Liturgy and Awards Evening
6 December
Last Wednesday evening, our College community was joined by Fr John, Fr Plunkett, retiring Director of Catholic Schools Mr Alan Bowyer, CSO Staff, Sr Barbara Webber and the Presentation Sisters and invited guests for the Christmas Liturgy and Semester 2 Awards Ceremony. The Peace Garden courtyard was a perfect venue to gather before a beautiful celebration of Advent, our preparing together for Christmas. The evening was also an opportunity to congratulate our students on their achievements this year and to thank all those who contributed to the success of the night.
HSC Results
Congratulations to the Class of 2017 on their HSC results, which were released today. We are so proud of their achievements! A summary is included in this newsletter and will be published in the Daily Advertiser. The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) used by the universities to offer course places will be released to each student tomorrow. As well as using social media, ATAR information will be published in the Daily Advertiser on Saturday and outstanding achievement will be recognised in the Academic Assembly, which will be held on 1 February 2018.
Farewell to Students and Staff Leaving
Mater Dei
We gathered on Tuesday for our final Assembly. An important focus was the presentation of the St Vincent De Paul Christmas Hampers to the local Conference. I would like to thank Mrs Bright for coordinating the appeal and staff who have encouraged student involvement. Thank you to all our families for your generous response to this vital appeal. This supports the extraordinary work done by the local members of St Vincent De Paul to allow Wagga families in need to celebrate Christmas.
The Assembly was a last opportunity to prepare for Christmas together, and to farewell staff and students who are leaving the College. We wish them every blessing for 2018 and beyond.
Farewell Mrs Seaman
Mrs Bev Seaman advised the College last week that she has decided to conclude her time at Mater Dei and will be commencing her retirement at the end of term. I would like to thank Mrs Seaman for her contribution to the College Uniform Shop and wish her every blessing for 2018 and beyond.
New Staff for 2018
I congratulate each of the following new members of staff for 2018 and look forward to welcoming them to our College community:
Mrs Catherine Banks will join the staff as Leader of Students from 2018. Catherine is currently the Acting Leader of Academic Care at Kildare Catholic College and a member of the Leadership Team.
Ms Tess Lawrence has been appointed as a Mathematics teacher for 2018.
Ms Courtney Langtry who is a Casual Teacher at Mater Dei will join the staff on a full time basis for 2018 teaching PDHPE and other subjects.
Mrs Sharon Ruthven has been appointed as a Mathematics teacher from 2018.
Mrs Rebecca Saxon will join the staff as a Year 7 to Year 12 Music Teacher.
Mrs Aimee Chapman has been appointed as a full time Teacher Assistant.
Mrs Emma Filippi will join the staff for 2018 as a part time Teacher Assistant.
Mr John Smart has been appointed as TAS Assistant (Wood, Metal and Agriculture).
This week, the new Leader of Webber House was announced and I congratulate Mrs Pauline Streckfuss on her appointment to this significant Leadership role at the College. I also take this opportunity to thank Mrs Bright for her outstanding contribution as Webber House Leader over the last 8 years as she prepares to take on her new role as KLA Leader of Religosu Education.
The appointment of our full time Psychologist will take place during the holidays and details will be published at the beginning of the new school year.
I was involved in the selection of a new Leader of Boarding at Mount Erin Boarding School earlier this month and I am pleased to share the following excerpt from a letter by the Principal of Kildare Catholic College Mr Rod Whelan to Boarding Parents of both Colleges:
I am writing to inform you of the employment of Mr Kris Wheeler as Leader of Boarding at Mount Erin Boarding House. Kris come to us from St Paul’s Walla Walla where he was Head of Boarding. He has a long history in boarding schools and is very excited at the prospect of leading Mt Erin Boarding House.
Thank you to outgoing Boarding Leader Mr Brendan Ashby and all the best to the Ashby family who are moving to the South Coast of NSW.
We join with Mr Whelan in thanking Mr Ashby and wishing him well for the future.
Members of the College Council Concluding Their Terms
We value the voice of parents/carers, who are the first educators of our students, and a vital part of the learning journey through adolescence. The College Council plays an important role in providing that parent voice, supporting our direction, programs and improvements as we strive to provide the best possible learning environment and opportunities for our students.
Members of the College Council are initially elected for a term of two years but many have stayed beyond that to complete up to the maximum two further terms (or six years) of service.
This year we have five departing members who have all generously given their time and energy to the College and I thank each for their contribution to Mater Dei:
Mr Daniel Donebus
(Member 2014-2017 and Chair 2015-2017)
Mrs Kester Damme
(Member 2012-2017 and Secretary 2012-2014)
Mr Sean Daly
(Member 2014-2017)