Principal's Address

Dear Parents/Carers,

I am so pleased to be back at the College after a second bout of serious illness and would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Lawrence, Ms Cramp, Mr Fitzpatrick, Mrs Gill and Mr Ryan for their leadership in my absence during these past weeks. I also acknowledge members of staff who stepped into Middle Leadership roles and thank everyone for their prayers and best wishes.

As well as focusing on my recovery, the time away provided me with the opportunity to reflect on the caring and generous spirit of our Mater Dei community. Being on the receiving end of the love and support from our community during these past weeks has made me even more grateful for the spiritual nourishment we provide to each other in tough times through a prayer, smile, kind word or some practical assistance. 

As partners in your children’s education we share the responsibility for showing young people the importance of being caring, respectful and compassionate. A consistent approach and regular reminders when needed ensure that the Catholic values that our College is built upon are lived out each day by all at Mater Dei. We are sending a clear message that respect is at the heart of our interactions so that we foster a learning environment that is harmonious and inclusive where our students apply themselves diligently to their studies and engage fully in College life.

These themes of being unified in our commitment to promoting a spirit of love around the young people in our care fits comfortably into the Church’s message at Pentecost, the conclusion of the Season of Easter last Sunday. The Holy Spirit at Pentecost brings gifts that unify us as families, as friends and in all kinds of relationships and communities. In this world where we see disunity expressed in ways that include war, domestic violence and vilification, we pray that the gifts of the Spirit build community, heal division and foster reconciliation:

For the Spirit of Peace that calms our mind and stills our life, we give you thanks

For the Spirit of Love that touches hearts and reaches out, we give you thanks 

For the Spirit of Joy that lifts our soul and gives us faith we give you thanks

For the Spirit of Power, that gift of grace for this Your church, we give you thanks

Amen

National Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day on 26 May

The message of Pentecost is especially poignant in the context of this year’s theme of National Reconciliation Week, which is More than a Word. Reconciliation Takes Action. It urges each of us to be an active part of the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Focus on Palliative Care 

Our families received Bishop Mark’s Pastoral Letter on Palliative Care on Monday. It commends the role that Palliative Care plays in end of life care and in giving people quality of life even with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. Palliative care can address the physical, spiritual and existential pain and help to preserve and restore dignity and hope in those who are sick and dying. (Dr Michael Casey, PL Glynn Institute, ACU) Palliative care exemplifies the gifts of the Spirit and we pray for all who work to provide this ministry and for those who receive its blessings.

Congratulations and Thank You

Congratulations to our sporting teams, coaches and managers on the achievements of so many our College Sporting Teams in recent winter competitions and best wishes to those teams participating in their competitions in the coming weeks. Together with strong results, we are so proud of their skills, talent and sportsmanship and for being outstanding ambassadors for the College in our local community. 

Thank you to Parents/Carers who attended Parent/Student/Teacher Meetings during the last fortnight. The meetings are an invaluable component of our partnership in your child’s learning journey at Mater Dei.

Response to Net Promoter Survey

CEDWW recently engaged a marketing company to gain feedback from parents/carers across the diocese about schools. Customer perception was based on the question - How likely is it that you would recommend this school to a friend or colleague? 

Thank you to parents/carers who responded. 

Attached is our response to the survey feedback for your information.

COVID-19 Update

We have received information this morning from Catholic Schools NSW regarding the COVID situation in Victoria, and are mindful that this is an unfolding situation. Information has been forwarded to families via Compass today. Please note the exclusion requirements for those who have recently traveled within the Greater Melbourne area. Any excursions to Victoria are on hold. Please remind your children to continue to maintain COVID hygiene practices. 

Prayers

We pray for the repose of the soul of Mr David McNamara, a past Maths teacher at the College, who passed away recently and for his family at this sad time. Please keep Year 12 in your prayers as they undertake their Retreat this week at Warrambui. 

May Mary Help of Christians, the patroness of Australia whose Feast Day was celebrated on Monday watch over and guide us all. We pray that with her intercession God will “grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens”, so that “under her protection Australia may be granted harmony, justice and peace”.

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal