Principal's Address
Dear Parents/Carers,
Since the publication of the last edition of the newsletter, we have celebrated a very successful Webber Day, held our much anticipated MDIFA competition and the Year 12 students have taken another step towards the end of the HSC Course by undertaking the Trial Examinations. At the same time, we have hosted more than 200 Year 5 students from our local Catholic Schools, who experienced their first taste of educational life at Mater Dei. It has been a busy and eventful fortnight.
ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP AND MARY MOTHER OF GOD
In August each year, we celebrate two women of faith, whose commitment to love and learning are powerful models for our own learning community. This week, the Patron Saint of our Diocese and Australia, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, whose Feast Day on Tuesday 8 August, is our focus.
Next Tuesday we will hold our own College celebrations to acknowledge Mary, the Mother of God on the Feast of the Assumption. Together with the Mater Dei Primary School community, we will gather in the College Hall for Mass, which will be celebrated by Fr Plunkett and Fr John. This will be followed by morning tea and games for the primary students.
The significance of this occasion at Mater Dei is reflected in our College motto, which invites us all to respond as Mary did, to “live God’s message”. Mary’s love and devotion is captured in the Magnificat, the beautiful song from the first chapter of Luke:
My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
Because he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid;
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;
Because he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name;
And his mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm,
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of his mercy
Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever. Amen
The Magnificat represents for us the very human Mary, full of love for God and of great compassion, so concerned about the needs of others. Mary has much to offer us as we search for justice through our own faith.
We keep Mary in our hearts and minds as we pray the Rosary, which is an important part of our Catholic tradition. This too offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of discipleship and the place of Mary in our own lives.
2018 SCHOLARSHIPS – APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 16 AUGUST
Scholarship details were published in the last newsletter and parents/carers are reminded that they are also available on the College website.
It is hard to believe that we are approaching the midpoint in this term. Next week Year 12 complete the Exit Survey, signaling that the end of their time at the College is approaching. Please pray for them in these coming weeks and for our Year 11 cohort who are preparing for their End of Preliminary Course examinations in Week 8 and 9.
Best wishes and God Bless
Mrs Val Thomas
Principal