Principal's Message

Dear Mater Dei Community,

Today’s newsletter correlates with the last week of formal schooling for our Year 12 students. It has been an action packed last week for our Year 12 students that has been full of fun as 13 years of formal schooling come to an end. On Monday evening they held a Games Night and Wednesday and Thursday were great days of celebration, which saw a two‐fold farewell for the Class of 2024.

The week of celebration continued with families joining Year 12 for their Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday. We were fortunate to have Fr Grace celebrate Mass and to have Director Dr Andrew Watson from CEDWW, the Presentation Sisters, Mr John Bussenschutt, Mount Erin Boarding and College Council Chair Mr Andrew McIntosh with us. Congratulations to the Year 12 students who were recognised for their outstanding achievement and their commitment to their studies. Details of the Mass and Awards Ceremony are included in this edition of the Newsletter.

On Thursday, Year 12 attended their special breakfast and final Homegroup. After morning tea the College community gathered with Year 12 and their parents for our annual Farewell Assembly. As Leader of Students, Ms Cramp spoke on behalf of the staff about the contribution of the class of 2024 and College Captains, Emily Saeki and Charlie Schneider recalled memories of by-gone days and also expressed the future hopes of their peers.

One highlight of the gathering was the manner in which the students received their “Mater Dei Cross” and their House Prayer Card. The cross serves to remind our Year 12 students what it means to be a member of the wonderful community at Mater Dei Catholic College; that Jesus is a constant source of forgiveness, hope and compassion; and, to be a disciple of Jesus and to live their lives marked by the words and deeds espoused in the Gospels. Also, the Mater Dei Cross is a symbol that epitomises what the prophet Micah encouraged us all: ‐

“To act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God.” The House Prayer Card is a reminder of their enduring relationship with the College as an expression of faith.

After I spoke to Year 12 and wished them well for their upcoming HSC Examinations, the gathering concluded. Immediately afterwards, the graduating class were gifted with individually boxed Graduation Cupcakes before the students and their families departed the College at lunch time.

The morning offered an opportunity to reflect upon the contribution that the Graduating Class has made as student leaders of the College. The Class of 2024 has been an excellent example to the students who will follow their pathway. Year 12 will be remembered as a spirited and energetic cohort who have been committed to caring and supporting each other as they embraced the many opportunities that 2024 has offered. Their commitment to work right up until the last day has been noted and appreciated with many already receiving early entry to university courses of their choice and offered apprenticeships.

On behalf of the College community I thank Year 12 for their unique contribution to the College. Year 7, 2019 has all too quickly become the leaving class of 2024. In recognising the efforts of our Year 12 students I also thank our parents and families for all they have done, with and for the College, over their time as part of the wider College Community. The powerful three way partnership between teachers, students and parents has ensured that our Year 12 cohort is ready for the impending HSC exams.

I ask you to join me in praying that our loving God will be a source of comfort and calm for the Class of 2024 as they approach the impending Higher School Certificate examinations, which commence on 15 October, and another step into the future:

Bless our Year 12 students as they prepare to sit for their exams

We ask that they especially feel your closeness during this time

Surround them with love and hold each one in the palm of your hand

Give them calm hearts and quiet confidence in these final weeks

Holy Spirit send them your gifts of wisdom and knowledge.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

Announcement of 2025 College Captains, Boarding Captains and House Captains

An important part of farewelling our Year 12 students is the handing on of the “light” from the Class of 2024 to the Class of 2025. At the commencement of the Year 12 Farewell Assembly, I announced the incoming College Captains, Boarding Captains and the House Captains.

It is with pleasure that, after an extensive appointment process which involved applications, presentations, voting by both staff and students, and consideration by the College Leadership Team, I confirmed the following appointments for the 2025 school year:

Carroll House Captains – Charlotte Worrell-Barry and Charlie Doherty

Kennedy House Captains – Philomena Grigg and Nicholas Woods

Rosarie House Captains – Stella McGarry and Neo Murtagh

Sherrin House Captains – Isabel Edmunds and Edward Fitzgerald

Webber House Captains – Imogen Carey and Clyde Kerr

Mount Erin Boarding School Captains – Chelsea Thomas and Mac Drummond

2025 College Captains – Lily Stansfield-Smith and Kade Lyons

Congratulations to the student leaders for 2025.

I also thanked all the students who nominated for a leadership position. We are blessed with a talented and generous year group in Year 12 next year and while not all could be successful in being appointed to a Captain’s role in 2025, I know that all our nominees will go on to lead in other ways next year at the College.

Staff News

Mr Phil Bastow concluded in his part time Grounds and Maintenance role last week and we wish him every success as he moves to Brisbane.
Mr Damian Quinn has resigned his position as KLA Leader of English from the end of this school year and we wish him well in his new leadership role at Assumption College, Kilmore.
Mr Ben Brooke, who is on leave this year, has resigned his position as TAS Teacher and Leader of Carroll House.
Ms Christine Jolley has been appointed to the role of temporary CAPA/ Hospitality Assistant until July 2025.

Snowy Hydro Powering Up the Future Competition

Congratulations to Year 7 student Holly Umback. Holly entered the Snowy Hydro - Powering up the Future Competition with a solution to promote energy conservation and reduce emissions in a renewable world.

She won the Community Choice category and her prizes include an overnight stay at Roar and Snore for the family, plus a behind-the-scenes tour of Taronga’s Institute of Science and Learning and Immersive Classroom as well as a $500 gift card from Core Electronics.

We are so proud of her wonderful achievement!

Congratulations to Samuel Thomsen from Year 9 who has placed Runners Up in the Senior Community category for the Snowy Hydro - Powering up the Future Competition.

Sam created a way to generate sustainable power by utilising existing outdoor public gyms. He has won a Taronga Zoo family pass, plus a behind-the-scenes animal experience and a $250 gift card from Core Electronics. Well done Sam!

Term 4 – Commencing on Monday 14 October for Staff and Students

A final reminder that students commence on Monday 14 October, as the Staff Professional Learning Days are held at the end of the term. Please note that there is no longer a requirement for students to wear the full summer uniform from the beginning of Term 4 as the winter uniform remains an option year round.

Best wishes to all our families for a relaxing holiday break.

Best wishes,

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal