Principal's Address
Easter Blessings
As the term comes to an end, I wish all our College families a Happy and Holy Easter. Easter is a time of new beginning and new life, a time of hope and of possibilities.
Can we prolong the Easter season? Not necessarily the Easter eggs and chocolates – though some may wish for that – but rather the message and joy of the resurrection. The liturgical season of Easter lasts for 50 days so I take this chance to highlight one important aspect - peace.
From the risen Lord we ask the grace not to succumb to the pride which fuels violence and war, but to be people of mercy and peace. We ask Jesus, the Victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence. For all people, we pray:
Life anew
Father, we praise you for Christ our living Lord.
His death has destroyed death for us.
His rising has given us the promise of everlasting life
which begins here on earth.
This Easter season may we reach out to be agents
of peace and mercy in our world.
Praise you Father, for your goodness to us
in Christ. Amen.
Athletics Carnival
During the last fortnight we held our College Athletics Carnival under the expert organisation Mr Nathan Irvine. The Athletics Carnival was again an enjoyable and successful College event. I congratulate students who excelled and those who assisted their House by entering into the many events. I also thank parents/carers who assisted on the day and were present to support our students and cheer them on.
Year 7 2023 Enrolment Offers
Enrolment Offers for a place at Mater Dei in Year 7 in 2023 are currently being emailed to families. Any current Mater Dei family with a child commencing Year 7 next year who has not submitted an application form, should contact Mrs Michelle Clarke at the College urgently to be placed on the Waiting List.
With very strong interest in places for next year, families who receive a Letter of Offer this week are asked to sign and return the Enrolment Acceptance Form to secure a place for their child.
NAPLAN
Parents/carers of Year 7 and Year 9 students are reminded that the NAPLAN tests will take place in May and are invited to visit ACARA’s parent information page regarding the tests here.
ANZAC DAY
This year ANZAC Day occurs prior to our return for Term 2 and therefore well before the publication of the first College newsletter. With this in mind, we encourage our students and families to commemorate the day by attending the Dawn Service and the ANZAC March on Monday, 25 April.
We will commemorate ANZAC Day at the College in a special way during Homegroup and take time to acknowledge the sacrifices made by servicemen and women 100 years ago.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Lest We Forget
College Musical - Rock of Ages
We are excited to announce that tickets are about to go on sale for this production next month. I invite all our families to support the talented students of Mater Dei by coming along to the Civic Theatre to see 'Rock of Ages'. Ticketing details are included in this edition of the newsletter.
Staff News
Best wishes to Ms Kate Nolan who is commencing Parental Leave for the remainder of the year.
Thank you to all our College families for your support this term as partners in your child/children’s education. Thank you as well for your support of our College Lenten projects; The Flood Appeals, Project Compassion and the Easter Egg Raffle for St Vincent De Paul.
May the renewal of life at Easter bring us all new blessings of love, hope, peace, good health and happiness. Best wishes for a relaxing holiday break.
I would like to remind parents/carers that there is no Staff Professional Learning Day to commence Term 2. All students will return to school on Tuesday 26 April.
Save the Date
The College will be closed on Friday 10 June for the Staff Spirituality Day.
Mrs Val Thomas | Principal