Principal's Message

We have reached the midpoint of our eleven week term with the arrival of some wintry weather but nothing has dampened our Mater Dei spirit as we enjoyed a number of celebrations during this past fortnight. As well as the highly successful and enjoyable Musical Popstars, our students have participated in a number of Sports finals and I congratulate our teams who were grand finalists and winners in recent inter school competitions. Today our community gathered for the traditional Founders’ Day Mass, followed by Mater Dei Day Trivia in the afternoon. It was a perfect way to finish the week!

During the Easter season we recently celebrated two pivotal events: the Ascension of our Lord and the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. These feasts, though distinct, offer us insights into our faith, especially with our focus on Mary as “Mater Dei”, our spiritual mother.

The Ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God's heavenly domain. After instructing his apostles, Jesus ascended to heaven, promising the Holy Spirit. This event signifies not an absence, but a new form of presence. As the angels said, He "will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven".

The Visitation reveals Mary's humble service and the power of faith. Upon hearing she would conceive Jesus, Mary travelled to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also with child. This journey demonstrates Mary's "unlimited readiness" to serve others. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognised Mary as "the mother of my Lord". Mary’s faith, expressed in the Magnificat, shows her profound connection to God. Mary holds a special place in our hearts as “Mater Dei”, the mother of God and the Patron of our College. As we reflect on the meaning of Pentecost Sunday, our focus is on living a life worthy of our calling. At Mater Dei, that is guided by our Founders, whom we acknowledged at our recent Mass and the Cardinal Virtues of Justice, Prudence, Temperance, and Fortitude.

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 of expectations 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.

The Church celebrated what is affectionately known as ‘its birthday’ at Pentecost, last Sunday and in this spirit we pray:

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

Sorry Day on Tuesday 26 May and National Reconciliation Week

The message of Pentecost is especially poignant in the context of this year’s theme of National Reconciliation Week. “All In” is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. Reconciliation is not passive or occasional, it asks each of us to be fully engaged in the work of healing and justice.

It means:

Listening deeply to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices
Building authentic relationships grounded in trust and respect
Strengthening our understanding of history, including the impact of colonisation and the Stolen Generations
Taking meaningful action toward justice, equity, and healing

Mount Erin Boarding Attending the Wagga Boarding School Expo

As a Day and Boarding College, we are proud to support Mount Erin Boarding who will have a stand at the Wagga Boarding Expo at the Bolton Park Stadium this afternoon, Friday 29 May and tomorrow morning, 30 May. If you are considering the boarding option in 2027 for your child, or know someone who is, please come along to talk to the Head of Boarding Mr John Bussenschutt on either day. We will have a College presence at the Expo to showcase the Mater Dei day school experience as well.

Congratulations and Thank You

Congratulations to Sophie Donelan who was a Finalist in the prestigious Riverina Training Awards, announced this week. Sophie has successfully balanced her studies with high-level technical training in her Business Services Course.

Thank you to parents/carers who attended Parent/Student/Teacher Meetings during the first half of this term. The meetings are an invaluable component of our partnership in your child’s learning journey at Mater Dei.

Thank you as well to everyone who supported Popstars and the inter-school Sports Competitions, transported students and assisted in a myriad of ways. We really value your support and commitment as our educational partners.

Finally, congratulations to all our students who have been involved in performance, community events and representative sporting teams during the last fortnight. I am so proud to have our Netball and AFL Teams as Grand Finalists again this year in their respective competitions and congratulations to our winning Tracey Gunson Junior and Senior teams and the Carroll Cup side who played brilliantly on Monday evening.

While we celebrate excellent results, let us also remember that success is not just measured by the final score, it is also measured by the spirit in which the games are played. They support and affirm each other to be the best they can be on the stage and on the field and I am so very proud of all our students for embodying the Mater Dei spirit, as fine ambassadors for the College. And I know that you, as parents, will feel exactly the same way as I do as we reflect on the achievements of this last fortnight.

Staff Update

Ms Maddie Willis has resigned her Teacher Assistant position to take up her first appointment at Kooringal High School as a graduate teacher. We congratulate her and wish Maddie all the best as she begins her teaching career.
Best wishes to Mrs Mikka Bolitho who commences Parental Leave on 9 June. We wish Mikka and Mark every blessing for the upcoming arrival of their baby.
I will be on Leave from 15 June for the remainder of the term and Mr Ellis will be Acting Principal. Mrs Gill has been appointed to the role of Assistant Principal and Ms O’Brien will be Leader of Faith Formation and Mission during this time.

Pupil Free Day Reminder - Friday, 5 June

A final reminder that the Staff Faith Formation Day will be held on Friday 5 June and accordingly, the College will be closed on that day.

As we celebrate Trinity Sunday this weekend, we thank our God for the many blessings received by our College community.

Ms Val Thomas | Principal