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

Catholic Schools Week 2019

The theme for Catholic School's Week 2019 (3 March – 9 March) is 'We are Greater Together' which is an acknowledgement of the contribution that the entire community makes to the success of Catholic Education in our Diocese. In recognition of the importance of community and partnerships in our students’ learning, we chose Catholic Schools Week to celebrate with:

· The Blessing and Opening of our new Marian Centre

· Year 7 2020 Open Night

· Grandparents’ Day

We know that we can achieve great things for our students’ learning together as partners in their education.

Blessing and Opening of the Marian Centre

On Tuesday morning, invited guests, parents, staff and students gathered for the Blessing and Opening of our new Religious Learning space. Our College Captains Harris Mitter and Gabe Shaw were MC’s and the Liturgy of Blessing was led by Fr John, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Kooringal, who was assisted by Fr Wilf Plunkett. The Marian Centre was opened by the Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga, Mr Mark MacLean. After the vote of thanks a celebratory morning tea was held in the Pear Tree Café.

I would like to thank the invited guests who attended and staff and students assisted with the preparations and in the ceremony, particularly the College Captains, Mrs Bright and the Leadership Team and Mrs Bryce, Mr Cutler and the Management Team.

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The Ceremony was an opportunity to acknowledge those who made this project possible; Mr Andrew McIntosh, Diocesan Finance and Resource Manager of the Catholic Schools Office, Project Officer Mr Neil Mangelsdorf from Regional Project Managers Australia Pty. Ltd., CCA Architects from Canberra and Mr Terry Mullins of Terry Mullins Constructions, Wagga.

This project was funded by solely by the Mater Dei Catholic College Community and the Marian Centre consists of an open and contemporary prayer/liturgy/learning/meeting space, a meeting room with kitchenette facility, disabled toilet, Psychologist’s Office and outdoor breakout area. The design of the new spaces allows for flexible use, which is well supported by technology in the form of several interactive televisions.

A special LED lit coloured glass cross, commissioned from a Catholic College in Perth is a striking feature of the Centre. Its design reflects the College’s link to Sacred Heart Parish, Kooringal and its location on traditional Wiradjuri lands. It also acknowledges the College’s heritage as a Marian College shaped by the Presentation Sisters and Christian Brothers and honours the five Houses, which are pivotal to life at Mater Dei.

Enrolling for Year 7 at Mater Dei for 2020

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, our new 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, physical, 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;

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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, which are scheduled for 19, 21 and 27 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 beginning of Term 2.

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 2018 who supported me in my role as Principal. 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 2019:

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 (TBA)

Congratulations to Mr Kym Holbrook, who has been elected Chair of the College Council for 2019 and Mrs Liz Kelleher, who was elected as Secretary.

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 V

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 3 · 08 Mar 2019

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