Welcome to our first newsletter for Term 2.

This is always a special time as we focus during the month of May on Mary, our College Patron and in this spirit, celebrate the gift of mothers and all who nurture, as we acknowledge Mother’s Day last Sunday.

We pray:

Loving God, we pray for our mothers, who have given us life and love, that we may show them reverence and love, and others who show us a mother’s love.

We pray for adoptive mothers and for the women who wish to give birth

but experience challenges, that they know your care.

We pray for mothers who have lost a child through death,

that their faith may give them hope,and their family and friends support and console them.

We pray for those who wish to serve as mothers,but are not able to do so,

that they know your comfort.

We pray for mothers who have died, that God may bring them

into the joy of his kingdom. Amen

I want to take a moment in this Newsletter to reflect on and celebrate the incredible achievements of our students since our last newsletter. Their contributions across a broad range of pursuits continue to be a source of great pride for our College community.

In faith and spirituality, our students showed a deep commitment through their support of Caritas and Project Compassion, as well as St Vincent de Paul through our Easter Raffle. Their creative work in developing the beautiful prayer at our last assembly that focused on Lent and Easter with its liturgical movement deserves special mention. We also thank students who have committed to taking an active part in this weekend’s Parish Schools Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Kooringal.

In the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) a number of our talented students showcased their musical ability in the Music Performance evening this week and in the academic realm, teams of students in Years 7 to 10 demonstrated their knowledge with outstanding achievements in the Da Vinci Decathlon.

On the sports field our students are excelling at both team and individual level, representing the College across a range of sports including Swimming, Athletics, Rugby League, AFL, and Netball. We also recognise those who have pursued their passions at State and National levels, demonstrating dedication and perseverance.

In service, we extend heartfelt thanks to the students who generously gave their time and energy as ambassadors at local ANZAC services and marches during the holiday break.

There is so much to be proud of, and I thank each and every student who has contributed to the life of our College during the first part of this year. Your energy, generosity, and commitment continue to shape Mater Dei Catholic College into a vibrant, faith-filled community.

Year 7 2026 Enrolment Applications

I am pleased to share that Mater Dei has offered our places for Year 7 students commencing in 2026. This is an important and exciting time for families of current Year 6 students to look forward to the next stage of each child's educational journey.

At Mater Dei, we are deeply committed to educating the whole person – mind, body and spirit. As a Catholic College built on the foundation of the Presentation Sisters and Christian Brothers, our mission is to nurture young people to become thoughtful, compassionate and resilient individuals who live out our mantra of “living God’s message” in their words and deeds. This guiding principle shapes every aspect of College life – from our academic programs to our co-curricular offerings and pastoral care.

Choosing the right secondary school is a significant decision, and we believe that Mater Dei offers a unique opportunity for students to thrive in a values-based community that supports excellence, growth and service.

Year 11 2026 Enrolment Applications

A reminder that applications for Year 11 enrolment in 2026 are open with families invited to attend an Information Night on Tuesday, 29 July. Interviews for prospective students and their families will be held at the College during August.

With very limited vacancies in some other year groups, we warmly encourage interested families to contact the College Office in regard to the availability of places and look forward to welcoming new members into our Mater Dei College community.

Staff News

Congratulations to our Assistant KLA Leader of PDHPE Mrs Courtney Dodds and her husband Andrew on the safe arrival of baby Audrey Rose.

Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA)

This week I am attending the NEAA Staff Conference in Melbourne with several other staff and appreciative of dedicated time to focus on the charism of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters who founded our College.

We also recognise the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice on 5 May and give thanks for the contribution of the Christian Brothers to the dual foundation of Mater Dei.

As we journey as Pilgrims of Hope, we pray that our lives and our hearts may be filled with joy. In the first words of Pope Leo XIV, our newly anointed leader of the Church may “peace be with you all.”

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 4 · 16 May 2025

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