"Mater Dei Matters"

Principal's Address

Hi Everyone,

 

Culture

I had the pleasure of interviewing many new potential parents during the Year 7 2024 application process. During one of these interviews, I was asked how I would describe the school culture at Mater Dei? What a great question. It would be easy to just refer to the Vision Statement which states that we are a nurturing community that;

  • is founded in Catholic faith, justice and love
  • is inclusive
  • is learner centred
  • seeks excellence and wisdom

This is an excellent statement but it does not create the culture by itself. The Mater Dei Culture is built on the back of the actions of those within the community. The actions of its parents, students, staff and community members. At times it is the small things done on a daily basis that all add up to create an environment or culture that really shapes a school.

 

For example; It is the care and kindness shown by our front office staff when a child is sick or unwell. It is the staff who give up their time and energy to coach sporting teams or a musical ensemble. It is the laughter of students at recess and lunchtime who are either playing handball or basketball on the courts. It is our Maths staff who give their time and expertise to help students during Wednesday afternoon tutorials. It is our parents who are so actively engaged in our parent-student-teacher interviews. It is the positive energy of our teaching staff who go above and beyond every single day to create engaging learning within the classroom. It is the staff that come together to celebrate special occasions and really care for each other. It is the friendly smiles and laughter from the groundsmen who look after our amazing environment. It is the special treatment that our Catering Staff provide for our visitors from The Grange.

 

These are just a few examples. The culture at Mater Dei is collaborative, respectful and encouraging and is created by actions and not by words alone. 

 

I feel privileged and grateful to work in a community that symbolises ‘Our Community - Our Culture.’

 

Live and Loud

The Performance Arts team have been working tirelessly in developing a Live and Loud performance that will showcase some of the exceptional musical talent that is at Mater Dei Catholic College. Led by Director of Music, Mr David Saxon and supported by fellow music teacher Mrs Rebecca Saxon, the students have been working hard to fine tune their performances. 

 

To witness how talented our students are in the Performing Arts area is so inspiring.  Providing opportunities for our students to excel in areas in which they have talent, skill and passion is critical to the continued growth of music and performance at the College. It is opportunities like Live and Loud that allows our students the platform to work collaboratively and to create a truly spectacular event. 

 

The Live and Loud performances will be held at the Riverina Playhouse  on Wednesday 17 May through till Friday 19 May. 

 

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬:

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟕 𝐌𝐚𝐲 - 𝟔.𝟑𝟎𝐩𝐦

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟖 𝐌𝐚𝐲 - 𝟔.𝟑𝟎𝐩𝐦

𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟗 𝐌𝐚𝐲 - 𝟔.𝟑𝟎𝐩𝐦

 

Mothers Day

With Mothers Day soon to be celebrated on Sunday May 14, I would like to take a moment to reflect on how significant this day is. In Catholic tradition, the month of May is dedicated to Mary. Chosen by God above all other women, Mary’s faith and obedience paved the way for the Incarnation. Her example teaches us faith, obedience, humility and most of all, how to love. 

 

As St Thomas of Villanova said, “If in this world any creature ever loved God with whole heart, with whole soul, and with whole mind, she was the creature.”

 

I would like to extend my heartfelt good wishes to all the mothers in our lives. Your selflessness, your understanding and your unconditional love are all reminders of what is so good in this world. Thank you for all you do and I hope you are celebrated not only on Sunday but everyday.

 

Leave

I would like to remind everyone that College Principal, Mrs Val Thomas is on leave and will return to the College on Wednesday June 7. We wish Mrs Thomas a restful and relaxing break and look forward to her return later in the term.

 

 

Keep smiling,

 

Mr Daryl Lawrence | Acting Principal