Principal's Address

Dear Parents/Carers,

Lent and Our Journey to Easter

During Lent we are encouraged to seek God’s Divine mercy through prayer, penance and good works. At Mater Dei, we put an emphasis on all three of these important aspects, which will be reflected in the newsletter this term. We pray:

A Lenten Prayer for Families

Lord, as we journey through this holy season of Lent,

Grant us a change of heart that we might

turn away from sin and follow your Son’s Gospel.

We ask you to fill us with a hunger for what is just.

May our lives become more grace filled through prayer,

self-sacrifice and a willingness to share.

We ask you this, through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Enrolling for Year 7 at Mater Dei for 2021

We welcomed a huge crowd of prospective students and their families to the Open Night on Tuesday this week. This is an exciting time for families and the College, and students and staff enjoyed showcasing all that is on offer at Mater Dei. Families saw learning in action across the curriculum – from Science practicals, to Religious Education, ConnecTED Learning, Wood and Metalwork, Music, Hospitality, Maths, English, STEAM, the Marian Centre and lots more.

As well as experiencing learning in action through the tour of the College, families were able to learn more about all facets of life at Mater Dei at the parent meeting in the Hall, including the following aspects:

Mater Dei is a Catholic College filled with rich Christian traditions;

~ We encourage a balanced approach to life that integrates the spiritual, academic, sporting, cultural and community based spheres of the College;

~ We seek to build a learning community where all students feel a strong sense of belonging, know success or achievement in some aspect of College Life and feel acknowledged for it;

~ We want students to love learning and thoroughly enjoy their time at Mater Dei.

~ The College community insists on high standards of dress, behaviour, appearance, commitments and relationships, and makes no apologies in doing so; and,

~ We strive for academic growth and improvement through a sustained engagement in a stimulating teaching and learning program that is data and evidence informed so each student has a personalised approach to their learning;

The Open Night was an evening for seeing students engaged in learning across a range of subjects and experiencing first-hand the advantages of our excellent educational facilities, amidst the warmth and friendliness of the entire College community. It was also an opportunity to hear in more detail about the wonderful learning opportunities at the College in Year 7 and beyond.

The next step in the process will be the Enrolment Interviews with students and parents, which are scheduled for 17, 19 and 25 March. They are booked online and information on this process is available in the Enrolment packages, on the College website or from the Office. Please encourage any prospective families you know to book their interview. There is very strong interest for places for Year 7, which will be formally offered at the end of this term.

~Click on images to enlarge~

College Council Annual General Meeting

The College Council AGM was held last Thursday evening. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the Council Members in 2019 who supported me in my role as Principal and contributed to College life in so many ways. The Council provides a vital link with the parent body and I thank the following six parents who will be members of the College Council in 2020:

Elected Members: Mr Kym Holbrook, Mrs Liz Kelleher, Mr Andrew Leigh – Cooper and Mrs Angela McGill.

Appointed Members: Mrs Liz Kelleher and Mr Jason Jolley

Ex Officio Members: Mrs Val Thomas (Principal) and the Bishop’s Representative (Mr Vincent Powell)

Congratulations to Mr Kym Holbrook, who has been re-elected Chair of the College Council for 2020.

Prayers Please

Please remember all our families in your prayers, especially those who are battling injury, illness and loss. May God give them healing, strength and courage.

In this sacred season of Lent we pray that God prepares a place in our homes and hearts

for silence and solitude, so that we may rediscover the grace of a prayer filled life.

Best wishes,

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal