Welcome to Term 2

Happy Mothers’ Day to all those who hold a motherly role in our lives. Almighty God, on this Mother's Day, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of mothers. Let us start with a prayer for motherly people in our community.

Almighty God, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of mothers.

We thank you for their unwavering love, their endless patience, and their fierce devotion. They are the nurturers, the comforters, the guides who lead us by the hand through life's joys and sorrows.

We especially remember mothers who are no longer with us. Grant them eternal rest and peace in your loving embrace.

Bless all mothers with strength and wisdom. May they know how deeply loved and appreciated they are.

Grant them the joy of seeing their children flourish and the peace of knowing they are cherished gifts in your eyes.

Through the intercession of Mary, our Blessed Mother, watch over all mothers and shower them with your abundant blessings. Amen

Year 9 Boys Take on a Challenge at Community Building Camp

Term 2 kicked off with an adventure for our Year 9 boys! They embarked on a four-day Community Building Camp, starting with a preparation day on Tuesday, 7 May.

On Wednesday, May 8, these young men traded their usual routines for the fresh mountain air of Geehi Flats Campground, nestled between Khancoban and Thredbo in Kosciuszko National Park. This wasn't just any camping trip – it was a program designed to push them beyond their comfort zones.

Leaving Comfort Behind:

Social media and devices were left behind, encouraging the boys to connect with each other and their environment in a deeper way. This digital detox allowed them to build self-confidence in a new setting and hone their collaborative skills.

Exploring Masculine Spirituality:

The camp activities fostered key elements of masculine spirituality. From building resilience through physical challenges to fostering strong social relationships, the boys explored their strengths and gained valuable self-awareness.

Building Independence:

A critical focus of the camp was fostering independence. The boys learned valuable life skills like cooking, cleaning, and planning for themselves, taking a big step towards self-sufficiency.

This Community Building Camp provided our Year 9 boys with an unforgettable experience. It challenged them to grow, connect, and discover their potential, all while setting the stage for a successful Term 2!

We would like to thank the College staff who went away with Year 9 boys, and in particular Mr Scott McAuliffe and Mr Sam Bailey who organised and lead the staff and students on this most valuable experience.

Year 9 Girls at Home Schedule

While the Year 9 Boys were away at their Camp the girls were at home attending a week free of routine classes and activities that were not the normal classes. This gave the girls an opportunity to be part of a Vinnie’s Homelessness workshop, an outdoor education orientation excursion, a makeup session - Less is More run by our very own Mrs Meg McDonnell, an excursion to the Vinnie Earn and Return and the Wagga Shop, along with many more in-class activities run by Year 9 teachers.

Vinnie’s Workshop

On Tuesday 7 May, some Year 9 girls participated in a Vinnie's Homelessness Workshop led by Ana Suarez, School and Youth Engagement Officer for St. Vincent de Paul Society. The girls learned about the vital services Vinnies offers the Wagga Wagga community. The workshop not only enlightened them on ways young people can volunteer and help those less fortunate but also featured two local volunteers sharing their experiences. This firsthand perspective offered the girls a powerful understanding of the impact volunteering has, not just on those in need, but also on the enriching experience it brings to the volunteers themselves.

Following a thought-provoking activity exploring the workings of charity at local, state, and federal levels, the Year 9 girls joined forces with the Year 12 Studies in Catholic Thought class. Together, they put their knowledge into action by packing essential care packages for those in need. Filled with snacks, toiletries, and socks, these "Homeless snack packs" will bring a touch of comfort to those seeking assistance at Micah Hub and Edel Quinn.

Vinnie’s Excursion

Last Friday, the Year 9 girls embarked on a rewarding excursion to the local St. Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) shop and Return and Earn depot. This experience offered a multi-faceted view of Vinnies' contributions to the Wagga Wagga community.

At the Return and Earn depot, the girls delved into the importance of sustainability, recycling and an understanding of the process. They discovered how this initiative not only benefits the environment, but also directly supports Vinnies' community programs.

The Vinnies shop visit offered a glimpse into the vital role volunteers play in assisting those in need and the reward of giving back through volunteering. The girls learned about the diverse opportunities available to get involved and contribute directly to the lives of vulnerable community members.

This visit sparked a sense of inspiration within the Year 9 girls that we hope will be something possible in the future.

Term 2 Calendar Dates

Looking through the calendar for Term 2 we have some significant events in our Catholic faith life at the College. We look forward to celebrating these events together as a Catholic Community together.

These celebrations are as follows:

This weekend is the Kooringal Parish School Mass, Saturday 18 May 5:30pm. All families and students are invited to attend to celebrate mass as a Kooringal Parish Community with our primary school Sacred Heart and Mater Dei Primary schools.

The Presentation Sisters' Sesquicentenary

The Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga are celebrating 150 years since their arrival in Wagga Wagga on 29 May 1874. There will be celebrations marking that milestone from 30 May to 1 June, 2024. There is a school-based celebration on Friday 31 May, this will be held at Kildare Catholic College with other Presentation Schools from around the Riverina who have been part of our story over those 150 years.

The Sesquicentenary is a time to celebrate the immense contribution of the Presentation Sisters to Wagga Wagga. Their unwavering faith, dedication to education, and commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark on the Wagga wider community and of course laid the foundations for our Catholic Vision and Mission. The Sisters' legacy continues to inspire us all at Mater Dei and we look forward to celebrating this achievement.

Founders’ Day Mass

We will continue to celebrate our 20th Anniversary in Week 6 with our Founder’s Day Mass on Wednesday 5 June commencing at 9:30am. This will be a celebration for all to attend and invitation has been sent to parents via Compass.

A reminder that Friday 7 June is a pupil free day as Staff will be attending the College Formation day.

Pentecost Prayer

O Holy Spirit,

As we celebrate the coming of Pentecost, we open our hearts to your presence. Descend upon us with the power of wind and fire, rekindling the flame of faith within us.

Fill us with the gifts of tongues, allowing us to bridge divides and share the Good News in a multitude of ways. Weave us together in a tapestry of unity, transcending differences and fostering a spirit of true community.

May we, like the Apostles, be ignited by your presence, empowered to go forth and proclaim your love. Guide our steps and inspire our actions, so that we may be instruments of your peace and justice in the world.

We pray this through Christ our Lord, Amen

Mrs Pauline Streckfuss | Acting Leader Mission

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 4 · 17 May 2024

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