Principal's Message
CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE - NANO NAGLE
A very significant celebration at the College occurs each year on 21 November as we acknowledge the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the Feast Day of the Presentation Sisters, who have played a significant role in the history of Catholic Education in Wagga and continue to support our community to imbue the College with the spirit of their foundress, Venerable Nano Nagle.
On Wednesday, 26 November we will welcome the Presentation Sisters to our College Liturgy and Assembly to celebrate the legacy of Nano Nagle. It will be an opportunity for us to thank the Sisters for their service to our Wagga community over the years. As we reflect on the Presentation charism and spirituality, we remember with gratitude the pioneering spirit of the early Sisters who brought the message of love and hope from Ireland and we give thanks for all those who continue their work in new ways in our contemporary world.
We pray:
NANO NAGLE – WOMAN OF HOPE
In the face of fear, she chose to be daring,
In the face of anxiety, she chose to trust,
In the face of impossibility, she chose to begin,
To universal misery, she proposed ministry to persons;
To ignorance, knowledge; to disillusionment, tenacity of purpose;
And to multiple vexations, singleness of heart.
Faced with failure, she held fast to hope;
Faced with death, she believed in a living future;
A programme for the future she gave in one word; LOVE.
Raphael Consedine, PBVM Melbourne
COLLEGE COUNCIL
The College Council will meet next week for the final time this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chair, Mr Andrew McIntosh for his strong leadership, support and commitment to the College during the last year.
I also acknowledge the contribution of the members of the College Council; Mrs Emma Peterson, Mr Andrew Gill, Mrs Cath Banks and Mr Shaun Ellis and thank them for their commitment to Mater Dei. I also take this opportunity to thank Mrs Cindee Mallise who provides administrative support. The Council plays a vital role as representatives of our College families and embodies the strong partnership between home and school in the education of our students.
SAVE THE DATE - WELCOME TO NEW STUDENTS AND FAMILIES FOR 2026
Two Orientation Days are taking place for incoming students. New enrolments for Year 8 to Year 11 2026 will join us on Friday, 28 November for the day and Year 7 2026 will attend their Orientation Day at the College on Friday, 5 December. We are looking forward to two fantastic days as we welcome our new students to Mater Dei.
As well, Year 7 2026 parents/carers together with new students from all year groups are warmly invited to attend a Parent and Student Information in the Hall on Tuesday 2 December from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. Come along to meet key staff and learn more about Year 7, which commences on Monday, 2 February 2026 with Year 12 and Years 8 to 11, who commence on Tuesday, 3 February.
A reminder that the Uniform Shop will be open on both Friday 28 November and Friday 5 December to assist new families, as well as the regular advertised hours.
END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS -
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PARENT ORGANISED FUNCTIONS
Parents are reminded that the College does not organise or endorse any end of year Parties. This includes a Year 10 Formal. In past years, confusion has arisen with parents incorrectly assuming that any Year 10 Formal is a College organised event. However, this is not the case and any celebration, if it was to take place, is a privately organised gathering.
Parents are not to use the College name not be used in any booking or publicity material. There is no legal indemnity / insurance / duty of care from the College or CEDWW over this event and no responsibility can be taken for anything that may occur at the event or on the night. Thank you in advance to parents/carers for their commitment to keeping their sons and daughters safe at private social events.
WORLD TEACHERS' DAY
We celebrated World Teachers’ Day last Friday, which provided an opportunity for students and the College to acknowledge the contribution and commitment of our wonderful teaching staff at Mater Dei. Thank you, teachers!
A highlight of the day was the Student Leader initiated “affirmation notes” written by students from across the year groups to thank their teachers. Staff appreciated reading the notes at recess, while they enjoyed a delicious morning tea provided by the Student Leaders, who joined the staff for the celebration.
STAFF UPDATE
Meg McDonnell has resigned from her position as a Teacher Assistant to commence as a teacher and we wish Meg every blessing as she begins this new role.
Jackie McEwen has resigned her position as Finance Officer after 18 years of service to the College. We thank Jackie for her contribution and wish her every blessing for the future.
We welcome Rebecca Neyland, who has been appointed to the role of Finance Officer and will commence at the College on 17 November. Beck brings her experience in this field in her current role as Finance Officer at CEDWW and previously in the area of payroll and employee services.
We have a number of staff changes for 2026. A full update, including resignations/retirements and appointments, will be included in the final edition of the newsletter for this year.
FEE REMINDER
A reminder that all 2025 School Fees are due and payable prior to the end of this term. CEDWW reminds us that the timely payment of fees is an obligation of families who enrol their children at a Diocesan School and that failure to meet that obligation may result in your child’s enrolment being cancelled.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
CEDWW has asked Principals to share the following reminder with families:
We understand that family dynamics can evolve. Unless informed otherwise, we'll operate on the assumption that both parents share equal parental responsibility and are jointly involved in decisions about their children's education. We recognise that each parent has an equally important role in matters related to the school.
If any changes in your family relationships could affect your interactions with the school, please inform us promptly. Sharing any relevant court orders, AVO’s will help us ensure the best support for your child.
IS YOUR CHILD DEPARTING MATER DEI AT THE END OF THE YEAR?
If your child/children are departing the College please advise the College as soon as possible and complete the formal Clearance process. This ensures that families on the Waiting List can be offered a place for 2026.
PRAYERS PLEASE
Please keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they prepare for their Graduation on Friday night 14 November at The Range. A full report of the Graduation will feature in the next newsletter on 12 December, which will be the final publication for 2025.
As we journey towards the end of our Liturgical Year with the Feast of Christ on 23 November, the words of Pope Francis offer us great inspiration. Speaking of this great Feast, he urged us forward in “our commitment to imitating Jesus, our King, making present his kingdom with acts of tenderness, compassion and mercy.” Pope Leo will mark this Solemnity with a Mass in St Peter’s Square, coinciding with the conclusion of the Jubilee of Choirs. Inspired by the work, heart and spirit of Nano Nagle at this time, we pray for all members of our College community that each of us may live the message of the Gospels every day in our words and in our deeds.
Ms Val Thomas | Principal