Principal's Address
Welcome to Term 2.
I hope all our families have had a relaxing holiday break and a Happy and Holy Easter. I would like to thank Mr Lawrence for his leadership of the College while I was on Leave during the last weeks of Term 1 and to also acknowledge Mrs Bright in her role as Acting Assistant Principal, Mr Ellis and Miss Fonte who joined the Leadership Team and all staff who took on Acting Roles in my absence.
We took time on our return to school to commemorate ANZAC Day as it fell during the holidays. It is important that we take time to remember with gratitude all who have made sacrifices for us. Lest we forget.
This Sunday, 12 May we will celebrate Mother’s Day, which is a recognition of all that is achieved in a motherly and nurturing role and an opportunity to show our gratitude for this contribution to our lives. Mother’s Day occurs in the month of May, the traditional time for the recognition of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In our own life, we can gain wisdom, inspiration, faith and energy from Mary, the first disciple and a model of fidelity. We know that Mary, like all mothers, was faced with great challenges in her life. Her response was one of great joy, reflected in the beautiful words of the Magnificat, which captures her inner peace in the face of great change in her life:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.
Glory be to the Father to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
The Magnificat also shows us the importance of seeing God in the little things, of “making the common holy”, a daily experience for many who “mother” and nurture. It is these special experiences and times with those we love and care for that build our strongest memories and become some of the greatest treasures of our hearts. Let us ask our Mother Mary to guide us all to be people of love, hope and peace.
I wish all our mums a wonderful day of love and spoiling by your children on Mother’s Day.
Naplan
All students in year 7 and 9 will participate in NAPLAN next week. Information was made available to parents/carers last term about the tests and further details are available atwww.nap.edu.au.
Enrolments for 2020
Places for Year 7 2020 have been offered and accepted. Any families seeking enrolment next year who have not yet finalised a place are asked to contact Mrs Michelle Clarke at the College urgently.
Staff Professional Learning Days 2019
In past years, the Friday before the June Long Weekend has often been a Staff Professional Learning Day. However, this year it will be a normal school day as the Staff Spirituality Day will take place on Monday, 22 July. In summary, the remaining pupil free days for 2019 are as follows:
· Monday 22 July
· The final week of Term 4 2019. The last day for students will be Friday 13 December.
Today, we celebrated our annual Founders' Day Mass, led by Fr John. This was an opportunity to acknowledge the Presentation Sisters, Christian Brothers, Clergy and Lay Staff who have been foundational in establishing and nurturing Catholic education in Wagga and particularly, at Mater Dei. Staff and students particularly enjoyed the stirring homilies delivered by House Patrons Sr Barbara Webber and Br Carl Sherrin. Photos from the Mass have been included in this edition of the newsletter.
Please keep all our College families in your prayers as we commence the new term. We particularly remember and pray for Mrs Jan Hall, whose anniversary is 17 May, and her family. May Mary, our mother and the Patron of our College, watch over us all.
Mrs Val Thomas | Principal