Principal's Address
Dear Parents / Carers,
Welcome to Term 3. I hope that all our families have had some time to relax during the holiday break.
COVID-19 Update
As we begin this new term, we return to COVID restrictions and requirements that are likely to impact on many of our planned activities. We appreciate that the rapidly changing situation and consequent government response can be difficult for our families. We ask that you appreciate that it is similarly challenging for us as we respond to the changing directives from Catholic Schools NSW, who are in turn directed by NSW Health.
Please be aware that all our decisions around COVID restrictions and requirements are in response to these statutory bodies and are not being made at a local level, with the safety of the College community remaining the highest priority. This has become even more critical with the more recent resurgence of the virus in Melbourne and pockets of cases arising elsewhere, including NSW.
Groups of parents/carers and visitors are still not permitted on site so this impacts directly on parent/student/teacher meetings, award ceremonies and information nights. Students are also limited in the off site activities they can attend.
While it is too early to make any firm decisions about the end of term celebrations with Year 12, options are being considered in line with the likely restrictions. We will keep our families as we are advised of further changes by Catholic Schools NSW, CEDWW and NSW Health.
Investiture of Bishop Mark Edwards
I was privileged to attend the Liturgical Reception and Mass of Welcome for our new Bishop Mark Edwards OMI last Wednesday, the Feast of Mary Magdalene, in St Michael’s Cathedral.
While attendance was limited by COVID-19 restrictions, the investiture was live-streamed. It was a very moving and warm welcome to Bishop Mark as he officially commences his pastoral role in the Diocese. In his note of gratitude included in the Mass Booklet, Bishop Mark offered the following:
Being a bishop is, in an important sense, a part of my journey as a disciple. I thank all those who have shared their faith and their journey with me, especially my parents, who are unable to be here today, my Oblate family and all the people and clergy of Melbourne.
I look forward with excitement to the faith adventure that I begin with the diocese of Wagga Wagga today and thank those I have already met for their warm welcome, encouragement and support.
Please pray for me and for all in the diocese that we may draw closer and closer to God in Christ.
Acknowledging our Founders and Celebrating Mater Dei Day
This year we celebrated Founder’s Day and Mater Dei Day in a very different way. While it was not possible to gather for Mass or to have special guests on site, the occasion was still marked with a beautiful liturgy created by Mrs Bright during Homegroup as well as Homegroup Trivia to conclude the day.
It was an opportunity to give thanks for the contribution of the Presentation Sisters and the Christian Brothers to the College and to acknowledge the spirits of Venerable Nano Nagle and Blessed Edmund Rice, which remain very much alive in our College today.
Commitment to Study
On Tuesday students who achieved outstanding academic results in Semester 1 were recognised. While we could not gather as the College community students were acknowledged in their House groups. I would like to congratulate those students whose grades and efforts were acknowledged. At Mater Dei we place a high priority on strengthening student achievement and fostering a love of learning and engagement with each course of study. The follow ‘learning tips’ capture the characteristics of successful learners:
- Successful students persist. They concentrate on the task and work on it until they have completed it successfully. They ask for help when they get stuck.
- Successful students have self-control. They act thoughtfully.
- Successful students listen with understanding. They are open to hearing another point of view.
- Successful students think flexibly. They are able to view a situation from many perspectives and their minds are open to change.
- Successful students use problem-solving and decision-making skills. They can make a plan, monitor their thinking, evaluate their progress and work out new ways to proceed and learn.
- Successful students strive for accuracy and precision. They know what level they need to reach and are not satisfied with sloppy work.
- Successful students ask questions. They are curious and seek evidence. They analyse ideas. They use lots of strategies to solve problems.
- Successful students think and communicate clearly and accurately, both in speech and in writing. They avoid dismissing new ideas.
- Successful students create, imagine and innovate. They look for different ideas and can think of original ideas of their own.
- Successful students respond with wonderment and awe. They are fascinated with the world around them and are open to discovering new things.
- Successful students co-operate. They know how to work together with others.
- Successful students are open to continual learning. They admit when they do not know something and are eager to find out. They are always growing and learning.
This is a time for all students to reflect on the achievements of Semester 1 and if necessary, to make a recommitment to goals set earlier in the year. The Semester 1 Reports provide clear areas of focus for improving results in each course of study. Research shows that student learning outcomes are improved when parents and teachers work in partnership to support learning. Parents play a vital role in complementing and reinforcing classroom learning by encouraging their children to develop effective research, organisation skills and self-discipline and study habits.
It is well documented that students benefit from regular revision, consolidation of knowledge and communication of this knowledge to others. The College encourages all students to establish an independent study program. The Resource Centre is open after school from every day for student access and teachers are also available on some afternoons to provide subject specific support.
Student Attendance and a Commitment to Learning
As we begin this new term, it is also an ideal opportunity to again promote the importance of regular attendance. Research shows a clear link between attendance/absence from school and academic outcomes. As well, students who attend school regularly feel a stronger sense of belonging and support within the College community. At Mater Dei we are committed to very high rates of student attendance because this maximises learning opportunities and outcomes so that all students are encouraged to reach their potential.
2021 Scholarships and Bursaries
Parents/carers of students in Year 7 and Year 11 in 2021 are reminded that applications for the following scholarships and bursaries are now open and close on Wednesday 12 August:
- Academic Scholarship for two Year 7 students in 2021 at 50% reduction in fees. This will apply for 4 years.
- Music Scholarship for two students from Year 7 at 50% reduction in fees. This will apply for 4 years.
- Pauline O’Brien Bursary for one student in Year 7 2021 based on the Bursary criteria.
- Academic Scholarship for two Year 11 students in 2021 at 50% reduction in fees. This will apply for 2 years.
- Kerrie Matthews Scholarship for one Year 11 student at 50% reduction in fees. This will apply for the final two years of schooling.
- Mater Dei Catholic College Bursary for one current student in 2021 based on the Bursary criteria.
Details of all scholarships and bursaries are available on the College website in the Scholarships and Bursaries sections of the Enrolment page.
Prayers
Please pray for our new Bishop Mark Edwards; a shepherd who will lead us to be Christ’s heart of mercy, voice of hope, and hands of justice.
We pray for all members and past members of our College community, especially those who are unwell and families grieving loved ones. May our Mother Mary guide and keep us all safe in these COVID times.
Mrs Val Thomas | Principal