Year 7 History

This term our Year 7 historians embarked on an adventure investigating the ancient past. They honed their history skills by learning about chronology, creating timelines, and understanding the nature of historical sources. We also delved into the fascinating world of archaeology, uncovering the secrets of Ancient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artefacts. It has been a term full of discovery and hands-on learning, including recreating an archaeological dig on a choc chip cookie.

Year 8 Geography

As part of their unit on Water in the World, at the end of last term students from Year 8 took part in a practical exercise to better understand the daily struggles faced by children in developing countries that experience water scarcity.

Carrying large containers of water around the school oval, students simulated the long and often difficult journeys many children must make each day to collect water for their families. This hands-on activity sparked meaningful reflection, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the resources we often take for granted. It was an inspiring demonstration of empathy in action.

Year 8 History

Year 8 students finished off their study of the Viking Age with a traditional Scandinavian game of Kubb.

Year 10 Geography

Our Year 10 Geography students recently embarked on an enriching excursion to the Marrambidya Wetlands and Kurrajong Recycling, providing them with invaluable real-world insights into environmental change and management. This hands-on experience brought classroom learning to life, deepening their understanding of crucial geographical concepts.

At the Marrambidya Wetlands, students delved into how these vital ecosystems function and sustain diverse life. They applied essential geographical skills, including field sketching, to observe and record the unique features of the wetland environment. A significant part of this visit included exploring the Aboriginal perspective of the wetlands, offering a rich cultural and historical understanding of the landscape's significance.

The learning continued with a visit to Kurrajong Recycling. This stop provided students with a practical look at waste management and resource recovery, highlighting the challenges and solutions involved in environmental sustainability. Witnessing the recycling process firsthand helped students grasp the tangible efforts being made to manage environmental change.

The excursion was a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage directly with their curriculum, apply practical skills, and gain a broader perspective on environmental issues and management strategies within our local community. A big thank you to all staff and volunteers who made this educational trip possible!

Commerce

Students in Years 9 and 10 took over recesses in term 2 for “Commerce in the Courtyard”. As part of the Promoting and Selling unit, students used surveys and observations as market research to better understand the wants and needs of Mater Dei consumers. Their business received a $20 investment, which had to cover all of their costs. Groups created logos, slogans, posters and videos to promote their products leading into the sales days, and worked together to prepare their product for sale.

Over 4 days, students ran their market stalls, serving customers and handling cash and card payments. Their promotions worked - all groups sold out as students and staff eagerly bought up cupcakes, slices, hot chips, sausage sandwiches, lollies, hot chocolates, biscuits, thick shakes and pizza.

Our Year 9 class nominated Country Hope to receive their $655 donation, while Year 10 raised $786 for Riverina Bluebell. A huge congratulations to all students involved for their creativity, teamwork and effort.

Stage 6

With Year 12 concluding their final days at the College, the HSIE staff would like to wish them all the best in the upcoming HSC exams and their future endeavours. We can’t wait to hear all of the wonderful things that you achieve.

Here are some messages from the teachers of Year 12:

To the Geographers,

From stiflingly hot excursions to classroom banter, handstand competitions, and our ever-evolving “rules,” these past two years have been unforgettable. You’ve survived the heat, the essays and each other—with humour, resilience, and more inside jokes than I can count.

I’m so proud of you all, and honoured to have been your teacher. Thanks for the laughs, the learning, and the memories - you’ve truly “mapped” your place in my heart.

Mrs Barnes

As you stand at the threshold of your future, remember that the power to shape it lies entirely with you. As Abraham Lincoln famously said, "The best way to predict your future is to create it." Your hard work, your choices, and your dedication every day are not just about achieving a grade—they are the very act of building the life you want to lead. Keep creating, keep pushing, and go out there and build something truly great.

Mr Buik - Society and Culture

A huge thank you to my Legal Studies class for making the past two years such a great mix of learning and laughs. It’s been a joy to teach you and to share in all the little moments along the way. As you head into exams, remember it’s not about being perfect – it’s about giving your best so you can walk out with no regrets. Work hard, trust yourselves, and know that all the effort you’ve put in will pay off. I’m so proud of you all and can’t wait to see what comes next for each of you!

Mrs Graham

To my Modern History class,

Thanks for the laughs, banter, and a great two years of exploring the past together. It has been my privilege to be your teacher and you have all taught me something too. Good luck for the HSC exams and for whatever the future holds. I hope you continue to make history.

Miss Rudd

To the Ancient Historians,

I hope you all take a little of Agrippina’s shrewd intelligence and Augustus’ commitment to his beliefs with you into your future. May the Minoans' love of nature and beauty and the wonder of the glimpse beyond the curtain of the past that Pompeii affords us linger long in your lives. Augustus is credited as saying, ‘Have I played the part well? Then applaud as I exit’. I’m giving you a standing ovation.

Mrs Sadler

2025 My First Speech Competition

The My First Speech competition is run by the Australian Parliament for students in Years 10-12 from around Australia. Imagining themselves as a newly elected Member of the House of Representatives, students write a short speech about issues they are passionate about. The winners present their speech in the House of Representatives and participate in a program at Parliament House.

Year 10 student Hazel Girgin wrote an excellent entry on the topic of children’s rights and safety:

I stand here as a young Australian fortunate enough to have opportunities that many are denied. I'm lucky enough to have access to education and learning opportunities, excellent health care, and the freedom to shape my own future. But then I take a moment to think about another child my age, across the world, and their life is completely different. They can only dream of going to school. Even accessing the most basic medical care is impossible. I cannot stand here and ignore the reality that hundreds of millions of children are facing violent struggles, living in war zones and occupied territories, where survival shapes their childhood.

No political issue should ever put children's lives at risk. No matter the conflict, religion, politics, or war at play. Killing children does not strengthen a cause. Children are not leverage; they are not weapons and they are not targets in a war. When homes, schools and hospitals are caught in violence, this is against humanity, and these are signs of injustice and genocide.

Yet I believe our generation has the power to create change. Change begins with courage to demand action and to hold leaders accountable. Governments must put humanity first and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

I stand here today for the children who have no voice. I stand here because every child, no matter where they’re born, what language they speak, and what side of the border they’re on, has the right to grow up safe, to learn, and dream of a better future.

The future is in our hands. Silence is not an option. Change begins when we speak up and refuse to accept a world where children suffer because of conflicts they never chose. So I ask you this: If not us, then who? If not now, then when?

Mr Rod Buik | HSIE KLA Leader

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 9 · 26 Sep 2025

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