Principal's Message
This is the final edition of the newsletter for Term 1. As we journey towards the Easter holidays, we can look back with pride on the many achievements of this first term. It is an excellent opportunity for parents to take some time to unpack their children’s learning journey with them, guided by the feedback so readily available through Canvas. This ensures that every student is well prepared to commence Term 2 with clear goals and intentions for their learning.
I take this opportunity to thank our families for your support during the term. We have appreciated the huge commitment made to attending the House breakfasts and the Year 11 and Year 12 Parent Teacher interviews. Thank you for supporting the various sporting competitions held this term, coming along to the Athletics Carnival this week and for supporting our fundraising for Caritas through Project Compassion and Vinnies through the Easter Egg raffle. The strong partnership between the College and our families is at the heart of our educational mission as a Catholic learning community.
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION - 25 MARCH
The Feast Of the Annunciation, which was celebrated recently, plays a central role in my own faith and those who have been in my office will know that a framed print of The Annunciation by Fra Angelico looks down on the table where many of our meetings take place. It is both a source of inspiration and great comfort to me.
This particular Feast has a special place in my faith because it is a clear reminder of Mary’s role as a mother and nurturer and it links me at a personal and professional level with the parents of our College community. After all, at the heart of our Mission as a Catholic College, is the holistic education of our students and from that, our partnership with parents in the journey through secondary education. At a personal level, it also expresses my deep commitment to family and family values.
The Feast of the Annunciation celebrates God’s entrance into the human world through Jesus and Mary’s willingness to accept God’s command. I pray that we may all feel Mary’s motherly love and support as we go about our daily life as parents.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK AWARDS
Last week was Catholic Schools Week and an opportunity for the schools in our Diocese to promote our communities, the educational offerings and outcomes offered by Catholic Education. At Mater Dei, we marked the occasion with our Year 9 Camps, special prayers during the week and the Boarders’ Mass at Mount Erin. A highlight of the week was the Catholic Schools Week Mass, celebrated by Bishop Mark Edwards and priests of the Diocese. This was followed by the Catholic Education Awards Dinner, where staff were recognised for their contribution. Congratulations to Marie Potter and Nicole Lane who were each acknowledged for 25 years of service to Catholic Education.
FEDERAL ELECTION - 3 MAY
With the announcement of the upcoming Federal Election on 3 May, the National Catholic Education Commission has provided information to parents/carers about the position of each party in regard to funding Catholic Education.
More details can be found here.
YEAR 7 2026 ENROLMENT OFFERS
Enrolment Offers for a place at Mater Dei in Year 7 in 2026 will be made prior to the end of this term. 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.
UPGRADE OF PLUMPTON ROAD
I attended an information session with Wagga Wagga City Council this week where the plans to duplicate Plumpton Road from Lake Albert Road to Lloyd Road were shared and discussed. The project will get underway this month, with completion planned mid next year. Details and plans are available on the Wagga Wagga City Council website.
ANZAC DAY
ANZAC Day will be commemorated during the holidays. The College student will participate in Wagga and we encourage students to take part in this important day.
TERM 2 RESUMES FOR ALL STUDENTS ON TUESDAY, 29 APRIL
Monday 28 April is a Staff Professional Learning Day and the College is closed on that day.
In the spirit of Harmony Day, which we celebrated recently, we pray:
Send us courage, we pray, O Lord,
That we may follow your ways closely.
May our decisions be thoughtful and our actions kind
that we might live in loving harmony with others.
We ask these prayers in Jesus’ name. Amen.
As we look towards the Season of Easter, I pray that having given our hearts to our Lenten preparations, our Risen Saviour will bless each of our families abundantly and continue to be our loving guide.
Mrs Val Thomas | Principal