Principal's Address

Dear Parents / Carers,

Welcome to Term 3. I hope that all our families have had a relaxing and renewing holiday break.

The end of last term was very busy with NAIDOC activities and Year 10 Work Experience and the new term began with the HSC Visual Arts and Design and Technology Major Works on display in the Marian Centre last week. I would like to thank parents/carers who came along to view the works and offer the students some feedback and encouragement as they complete their projects in the coming weeks. We also had a number of students involved in sporting competitions over the past weeks and I congratulate them all, particularly the girls’ AFL Team who won the Open Girls’ School of Excellence Cup in Canberra during the holidays.

This week I have had an enquiry from a parent about CCI Student Care, which is a student accident insurance policy specifically designed for kindergartens, schools, colleges and universities. Student Care provides benefits for a range of (non-Medicare) medical services, such as dental and physiotherapy, resulting from personal accident injuries. Our Diocesan policy provides a contribution towards accident or injury costs that occur during a school activity. Details are included here for interested parents/carers.

Commitment to Study

On Tuesday students who achieved outstanding academic results in Semester 1 were recognised at the Academic Assembly. 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. We shared a number of ‘learning tips’ at the Assembly:

This is a time for all students to reflect on the achievements of Semester 1 and if necessary, to make a re-commitment to goals set earlier in the year. The Mid Course and Semester 1 Reports provide clear areas of focus for improving results in each course of study. Students are encouraged to maintain the areas identified as being learning strengths and to put into place explicit strategies to address the areas listed as recommendations.

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.

Save the Date -

Thursday 26 September

Year 12 Farewell College Assembly (day) and Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony (evening).

2020 Scholarships and Bursaries

Parents/carers of students in Year 7 and Year 11 in 2020 are reminded that applications for the following scholarships and bursaries are now open and close on Wednesday 14 August:

1. Academic Scholarship for two Year 7 students in 2020 at 50% reduction in fees. This will apply for 4 years.
2. Music Scholarship for two students from Year 7 at 50% reduction in fees. This will apply for 4 years.
3. Pauline O’Brien Bursary for one student in Year 7 2020 based on the Bursary criteria.
4. Academic Scholarship for two Year 11 students in 2020 at 50% reduction in fees. This will apply for 2 years.
5. Kerrie Matthews Scholarship for one Year 11 student at 50% reduction in fees. This will apply for the final two years of schooling.
6. Mater Dei Catholic College Bursary for one current student in 2020 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.

Staff Professional Development Day

On the first day of term staff gathered for their annual Spirituality Day. This formation experience focused on the theme of “foot washing”, a symbol of service for others. Staff were nourished and led through a reflection of their own faith journey as Catholic educators that was inspired by the scriptures and the faith story of Sr Mary Bruggy from Lismore. She spoke about her experiences as a primary and secondary teacher and her work as a parish leader and a school counsellor.

Prayers

Please keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they prepare for their Trial Higher School Certificate Examinations in Week 3 and Week 4 and pray for all our students and staff as they commence this new semester.

Best wishes and God bless,

Mrs Val Thomas |