Dear Parents/Carers,

The new school year has begun very well with our cohort of Year 7 students commencing last Thursday with Year 11 and Year 12 and the remaining year groups returning on Friday. In addition to our Year 7 students, we welcomed a number of new students into other year groups as well as our new staff for 2021 and those who have been on leave.

NEW AND RETURNING STAFF

We have welcomed the following staff returning from Leave:

Mrs Gill, who is the Leader of Mission and teachers;
Mrs Curran
Mrs McRae

We welcome to Mater Dei:

Mr Dean Cartwright from St Anne’s Temora, who is joining us as a Maths teacher
Mr Andrew Guertsen from Corowa High School who has been appointed as a TAS teacher in 2021
Mr Lachlan Harland who has come to us from St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill as a Maths/Science teacher
Mr Mitchell Harpley, a new graduate who has been working at Kooringal High School and is a TAS teacher at the College in 2021
Mr Daniel Larkin is a Maths teacher who was employed at Loreto College in Ballarat prior to moving to Wagga
Mrs Jenna Larkin has been appointed as a Literacy Instructional Teacher and previously worked at Loreto College in Ballarat.
Mr David Kennedy, who is undertaking training as a TAS teacher, joins the staff as a Teacher Assistant in 2021
Mrs Meg McDonnell, who has taught at TAFE and in Vanuatu, joins the staff as a Teacher Assistant in 2021

We offer each of our returning and new members of staff a very warm Mater Dei welcome.

As the term has begun, I have really enjoyed welcoming the students as they arrived at school and farewelling them in the afternoon whenever I am able. At our gathering assemblies on Thursday and Friday morning, it was important to remind them of the College’s high expectations around uniform and appearance, behaviour and commitment to learning. Research shows that high expectations are one of the vital factors for success and students benefit when there is a strong three-way partnership with parents, students and teachers that is underpinned by a commitment to College standards and requirements by all stakeholders. We value that strong partnership, which we see in action every day.

Mater Dei has a proud reputation as a vibrant learning community. Our emphasis on the use of technology as a learning tool ensures that students are exposed to contemporary learning strategies and Year 7, Year 10 and new students have already received their laptops.

The beginning of a new school year presents opportunities for all of us to refocus our attention on our purpose and priorities as a Catholic College. Our Vision Statement captures this succinctly:

Mater Dei Catholic College strives to be a nurturing community which

is founded in Catholic faith, justice and love
is inclusive
is learner centred
seeks excellence and wisdom

We are now in Week 2 and a number of very significant College events are taking place. As explained in the parent letter sent home last week, COVID restrictions that do not permit parents on site for the High Achievers’ Assembly and Opening Mass will mean that our traditional events and celebrations will look different this year. Spectators are not permitted at this evening’s Swimming Carnival at the Oasis and a quota placed on the venue means that parents and some students are unable to attend. We appreciate that our Mater Dei families share our disappointment that Catholic Schools NSW COVID Guidelines require these changes to be implemented and we look forward to the return to holding future events with everyone present when this is permitted.

Congratulations to the graduates who were recognised during yesterday’s Academic Assembly, especially our 2020 Dux Lucy Walsh. Our Opening Mass will be celebrated next Tuesday. Highlights of the Mass will include the Year 7 Candle Ceremony, which looks forward with hope to our new students growing as members of the faith community; and the installation of the Student Leaders for 2021.

Year 12 2020 Academic Assembly

This year’s Year 7 Parent Transition Information evening will not take place on site. Instead, the information about ConnecTED Learning, Year 7 Maths Pathways and CANVAS will be provided as an online presentation early in the term.

COLLEGE COUNCIL - NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTED MEMBERSHIP

Nominations are invited from parents/carers for election to the College Council. The College Council supports the Principal in the fulfilment of his or her educational responsibility and helps the School meet its obligations to the local parent and diocesan and parish communities. The Council meets each term and is comprised of ex-officio, appointed and elected members, who serve for a period of two years.

Further information about the role of the College Council and a nomination form are available from Mrs Cindee Mallise at the College. Nominations will close at 4.00pm on Monday, 15 February.

Congratulations to our Diocesan Director of Catholic Schools Mrs Elizabeth O'Carrigan who was recognised in the 2021 Australia Day honours list, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to Catholic Education in New South Wales.

A warm welcome to Mr Chris Browne, who has commenced as Principal at our sister school, Kildare Catholic College.

Best wishes to all our families for a wonderful year.

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 1 · 04 Feb 2021

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