Welcome back for Term 2

Term 2 began for staff with their participation in the Systems Conference, Nourish2Thrive, which was held here and at Mater Dei Primary School for almost 1000 employees of Catholic Schools in the Wagga Diocese last week. I would like to especially acknowledge staff who assisted with the Conference and the team of enthusiastic student volunteers who did a wonderful job over the two days.

Founders' Day Mass

The celebration of Founders' Day Mass yesterday was a beautiful and prayerful liturgy led by Fr John and Archbishop Carroll, with representatives of the Presentation Sisters and the Christian Brothers and other invited guests, including Diocesan Director Mr Alan Bowyer, joining us for this special day. Details are included in this newsletter, including the special commissioning by Bro Paul Oakley cfc, which formally admitted the College as an Associate Member of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) in honour of the foundational role of the Christian Brothers in the history and tradition of Catholic secondary education in Wagga.

Focus on Learning

Learning is our core business at Mater Dei and the term has begun with a strong focus on Assessment. This includes the Year 9 and Year 10 Semester One Examinations, which have been held earlier due to the College Musical this month. Parent/Student/Teacher Meetings are also taking place and are a valuable way to maintain communication and obtain feedback about learning.

College Musical

Miss Cramp and the Production Team have been working hard with our talented students to create Popstars - The 90's Musical and their huge commitment over the past months has been rewarded with the Musical shaping up to be a fabulous show. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets if you have not already done so. It is sure to be a sell out! Further details are included in this edition of the newsletter.

Honouring Mothers

On Sunday, which is also the Ascension of the Lord, we will celebrate Mother’s Day. This is a recognition of all that is achieved in a motherly and nurturing role and an opportunity to show our gratitude for this contribution to our lives. Mother’s Day occurs in the month of May, the traditional time for the recognition of Mary, the mother of Jesus and Patron of the College. In our own life, we can gain wisdom, inspiration, faith and energy from Mary, the first disciple and a model of fidelity. We know that Mary, like all mothers, was faced with great challenges in her life. Her response was one of great joy, reflected in the beautiful words of the Magnificat, which captures her inner peace in the face of great change in her life:

My soul magnifies the Lord,

And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.

For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden.

For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with His arm:

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

and exalted those of low degree.

He has filled the hungry with good things;

and the rich He has sent empty away.

He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;

As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.

Glory be to the Father to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

The Magnificat also shows us the importance of seeing God in the little things, of “making the common holy”, a daily experience for many who “mother” and nurture. It is these special experiences and times with those we love and care for that build our strongest memories and become some of the greatest treasures of our hearts. Let us ask our Mother Mary to guide us all to be people of love, hope and peace.

I wish all our mums a wonderful day of love and spoiling by your children on Sunday.

NAPLAN

All students in Year 7 and 9 will complete NAPLAN next week. Information has been sent out to parents about the tests in the last few weeks and further details are available at www.nap.edu.au

Year 7 2017 – Round One Acceptances Due Now

Offers have been emailed to parents and acceptances are due by phone or email to Mrs Anne Sullivan at the College Office sullivana@ww.catholic.edu.au today. Any family who is yet to book an Enrolment Interview for 2017 is asked to contact Mrs Sullivan urgently at the College.

I thank all students who nominated for a position on the Student Representative Council, and congratulate all those who were successful. We are so fortunate to have so many capable and talented student leaders who are willing to put themselves forward to serve the College community in a variety of leadership roles.

Thank you to all those students who participated in the commemoration of ANZAC in the local community and led our own College ceremony last Thursday as we gathered to remember all those who have served our country.

We have a number of winter representative sporting competitions commencing and I encourage parents/carers to come along to support our students when they can.

Prayers please:

Illaria Donebus in Year 7 and her family as she undergoes major surgery next Wednesday in Sydney.

Henschke Primary School Community, who are experiencing great sadness following the death of Tim Jones, son of Michael and Carmel Jones.

The people of Ecuador in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

Best wishes and God bless,

Mrs Val Thomas

Principal

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.