Dear Parents/Carers,

I welcomed families to Term 3 in my letter, which was sent home via COMPASS last week and we are all looking forward to an enjoyable and productive term with our students. That letter highlighted the value we place on students being present every day at school (unless they are ill) and being fully committed to their learning every lesson.

At Mater Dei we place a high priority on strengthening student achievement and fostering a love of learning and their engagement with each course of study. We want every student to flourish and to adopt the following attributes:

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 Mid Course and Semester 1 Reports and feedback on CANVAS 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. Congratulations to students whose Semester 1 achievements and dedication to their studies were recognised this week in the House Assemblies.

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 maximizes learning opportunities and outcomes so that all students are encouraged to reach their potential.

Celebrating our Foundation and Spirit

Last Friday morning’s Founders Day Liturgy was a beautiful recognition of the heritage of the Presentation Sisters and Christian Brothers and the formative role that both have played in developing our Mater Dei spirit. We give thanks for the role of all men and women who have contributed to Catholic education and especially those whose spirit has breathed life into our Mater Dei community.

We pray that all who lead and learn,

All who teach and serve,

Those who seek goodness, truth and beauty

Will know great inspiration, caring community

And deep, abiding hope.

May we all continue to respond steadfastly each day

To the call that our founders heard to be people of action in love and mercy.

Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

We were grateful to have a number of Sisters with us on Friday morning for the liturgy.

The afternoon celebration of Mater Dei Day was a fun filled Homegroup trivia experience and enjoyed by staff and students alike.

Year 11 Enrolments for 2022

Enrolment interviews for new students to Year 11 next year are underway and are scheduled now to ensure that incoming students have the opportunity to participate in the Year 11 Course Selection processes at the same time as our Year 10 students. Prospective families are asked to contact the College as soon as possible to ensure that they are included in this process.

There are limited places in some other year groups for 2022 and applications should be submitted now.

Census 2021

Preparations are underway for Census Day on 6 August. Each year the Commonwealth Government collects a range of data from schools and education systems for a range of purposes. It is a requirement that parents/carers are provided with a Privacy Statement about the Census, which is available here.

Prayers Please

Please keep Year 12 in your prayers as they complete their last weeks of coursework before the Trial HSC exams. We also pray for our Mater Dei students and family members who are seriously ill at this time and for all that are impacted by COVID across our nation.

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 11 · 22 Jul 2021

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