Principal's Address

The Feast of the Sacred Heart, celebrated on 28 June this year, is a very significant day in the life of our College and in Sacred Heart Parish Kooringal, the Parish where Mater Dei is located.

 

The Sacred Heart is a reminder of God’s unconditional love for us all and the importance of sharing that love, care and hope with those we meet in our everyday encounters. It is about giving our time to the anxious and the lonely, about putting people before things and using our gifts and resources for the common good.

 

The Sacred Heart is also a reminder of the importance and value of faithful service to God. It held a special place in the faith life of Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters, which is an important link with the College’s foundation. The Sacred Heart is a call to put aside our own prejudices and preference and to work with all people selflessly to make a real difference in our own and the global community.

 

At this special anniversary, we take time to acknowledge and give thanks for Fr John, the Clergy, Religious and Laity who have lovingly and faithfully served the Church over many years and those who continue in this important work today. This spirit is captured in the Sacred Heart Parish Prayer:

 

We come together as Kooringal Parish under the patronage of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We pray together with love and trust in the Sacred Heart.

May we listen to and understand Jesus voice.

May the Holy Spirit give us strength and courage so that we can be as loving and outgoing as His heart.

We pray this and all our prayers through Christ our Lord.

Amen

 

Remembering Illaria Donebus

On Tuesday 11 June, Carroll House and the Mater Dei Community held a memorial in the Peace garden to remember Illaria Donebus,  a much loved member of our community. Our prayers and thoughts go to the Donebus family.

 

Communication through COMPASS

Parents/carers have received a number of communications about COMPASS, the new Diocesan system that is currently being introduced across all schools. Like any change, it involves new processes at a school level and we appreciate your patience during this introductory phase.

 

COMPASS will streamline communication between home and the College, initially providing greater accessibility for parents/carers contacting the College around student attendance. As more features come online, we look forward to incorporating events like excursions into the system and to offering parents/carers more opportunities to engage online with us across the breadth of College life.

 

Staff Professional Learning Day on Monday 22 July

Parents/carers are reminded that the College will be closed on the first day of Term 3 for the Staff Spiritually Day. School resumes for all students on Tuesday 23 July.

 

Starting Time of the School Day

We are seeking the support of all parents/carers in ensuring that students are onsite for the commencement of the school day at 8.45am. Research shows a clear link between school attendance and academic progress and we know that young people feel a greater sense of belonging when they are involved in their community. Being at school every day on time and engaging in all elements of the day gives our students the best opportunities for learning growth, reflected in our goal to create independent, collaborative life-long learners at Mater Dei.

 

We hope to see you at the Parish Youth Mass on 30 June at 9.00am at Sacred Heart Church Kooringal when the three Parish school communities gather to honour the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

 

 

 

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal