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 2026.
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 the Executive Director of CEDWW Dr Sandra Harvey and Education Improvement Leader Mrs Carmel Spry, representatives from the Presentation Sisters and the 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 their final Assembly. It was a joyous occasion. As Leader of Students, Mrs Priest spoke on behalf of the staff about the contribution of the class of 2026 and College Captains, Lucy Halloway and Ben Devries 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 2026 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 2026 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, 2021 has all too quickly become the leaving class of 2026. 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 2026 as they approach the impending Higher School Certificate examinations, which commence on 13 October, and another step into the future:
Loving God,
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 2027 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 2026 to the Class of 2027. 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 2027 school year:
Carroll House Captains - Carter Quarmby and Ruben Smith
Kennedy House Captains - Sienna Fekeila and Joe Stone
Rosarie House Captains - Joella Creasy and Cody Cotterill
Sherrin House Captains - Mollie Clarke and Don Darrell Asare-Darkwa
Webber House Captains - Jeslin Lalu and Xavier Nixon
Mount Erin Boarding School Captains - Ainslie Campbell and Samuel Thomsen
2027 College Captains - Sienna Heffernan and Harrison Uphill
Congratulations to the student leaders for 2027.
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 2027, I know that all our nominees will go on to lead in other ways next year at the College.
Staff News
Ms Mel Cramp has extended her Long Service Leave until the end of the school year. Mrs Bern Priest will continue in the role of Leader of Students and Mrs Harriet Brennan will continue as Webber House Leader during next term.
We welcome Mrs Sophie Munro back from Parental Leave next term.
Congratulations to Mrs Rebecca Gill who has been reappointed to the role of Leader of Faith Formation and Mission. This is a requirement for senior school leadership roles, which are appointed by the Bishop.
We welcomed Mr Shaun Ellis back from pilgrimage this week and thank Mrs Gill and Ms Anna O’Brien for their leadership as Assistant Principal and Leader of Faith Formation and Mission during his absence.
Best wishes to Mr Darcy Kelly who will be on Parental Leave next term.
Congratulations to Ms Mackenzie Taylor, who will be married in Townsville during the holidays.
Term 4 Dates
Students return on Tuesday 13 October as Monday is a Staff Professional Learning Day.
Term 4 concludes for students on Thursday, 10 December as Friday, 11 December is also a Staff Professional Learning Day.
In response to queries received recently from parents, there is no requirement for students to wear the full summer uniform from the beginning of Term 4, as the winter uniform remains an option for any cooler days ahead.
Best wishes to all our families for a relaxing holiday break.
Ms Val Thomas | Principal