Principal's Address
This past fortnight has been a celebration of so many wonderful aspects of a Mater Dei education. The College Musical Rock of Ages has been a spectacular success, showcasing the extraordinary talents of our cast and crew and acknowledging the expertise and commitment of our dedicated staff. We played to very appreciative audiences, including students from our primary schools and the Year 7 cohort. I have received so many compliments and congratulations, including a beautiful letter of appreciation from our own Diocesan Director Dr Andrew Watson who attended Rock of Ages as an invited guest, together with CEDWW staff, Fr Paddy, College Leadership and the Presentation Sisters.
That same spectacular level of achievement is recognised in the sporting success we enjoyed in the Combined Wagga inter-school Netball and AFL competitions, which concluded last week. The College entered six teams and achieved three first places in Senior Girls’ Tracey Gunson Netball, Open Girls’ AFL and 15’s Girls’ AFL. As well, our Senior Boys placed second in the Carroll Cup and the Junior Girls’ Netball Team was placed 3rd. They are brilliant results and I congratulate the members of all our College sports teams on their achievements.
While we celebrate the excellent results, let us also remember that success is not just measured by the final score, it is also measured by the spirit in which the games are played. In the same way as the students work together creatively to perform the Musical, our students work tightly together in a sports team. They support and affirm each other to be the best they can be on the stage and on the field and I am so very proud of all our students for embodying the Mater Dei spirit, as fine ambassadors for the College. And I know that you, as parents, will feel exactly the same way as I do as we reflect on the achievements of this last fortnight.
As partners in your children’s education we share the responsibility for showing young people the importance of being caring, respectful and compassionate. A consistent approach (and regular reminders when needed) ensure that the Catholic values that our College is built upon are lived out each day by all at Mater Dei. We are sending a clear message that respect is at the heart of our interactions so that we foster a learning environment that is harmonious and inclusive where our students apply themselves diligently to their studies and engage fully in College life.
These themes of being unified in our commitment to promoting a spirit of love around the young people in our care fits comfortably into the Church’s message at Pentecost, the conclusion of the Season of Easter on Sunday. The Holy Spirit at Pentecost brings gifts that unify us as families, as friends and in all kinds of relationships and communities. In this world where we see disunity expressed in ways that include war, domestic violence and vilification, we pray that the gifts of the Spirit build community, heal division and foster reconciliation:
For the Spirit of Peace that calms our mind and stills our life, we give you thanks.
For the Spirit of Love that touches hearts and reaches out, we give you thanks.
For the Spirit of Joy that lifts our soul and gives us faith we give you thanks.
For the Spirit of Power, that gift of grace for this Your church, we give you thanks. Amen.
National Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day on May 26
The message of Pentecost is especially poignant in the context of this year’s theme of National Reconciliation Week, which is Be Brave. Make Change It urges each of us to be an active part of the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.
Reconciliation is a journey for all Ainustralians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Mt Erin Boarding Attending the Wagga Boarding School Expo
We currently have around fifty boarders at Mater Dei, while another fifty attend Kildare Catholic College. Mount Erin Boarding will have a stand at the Wagga Boarding Expo at Bolton Park Stadium Friday 3 June. The expo runs from 12.30pm to 6.00pm on Friday and on Saturday, 4 June from 9.30am to 2.30pm. If you are considering the boarding option in 2023 for your child, or know someone who is, please come along to talk to the Leader of Boarding Mr John Bussenschutt on either day. We will have a College presence at the Expo on both days to showcase the Mater Dei day school experience as well.
Thank You Parents
Thank you to everyone who attended the Musical and the inter-school Sports Competitions, transported students and assisted in a myriad of ways. We really value your support and commitment as our educational partners.
Baby Congratulations
Congratulations to Kate Nolan on the arrival of a healthy baby boy, Luke Matthew, last week.
Staff Farewell
Mrs Diana Lloyd, who is currently on Long Service Leave, will officially retire from the College today after many years of service as a Library Assistant and Teacher Assistant. I take this opportunity to thank Diana and to acknowledge her contribution to the College during this time. We wish Diana every blessing on her retirement.
Professional Learning Day Reminders
As per the COMPASS notification last week, the College will be closed for Staff Professional Learning on Friday, 10 June and Tuesday, 14 June. MEBS has contacted boarding families about the schedule for returning to school on Wednesday 15 June.
School/Parent Partnership Meeting Reminder
Year 8 parents are reminded about the Zoom Meeting next Wednesday 8 June. This is a repeat of the earlier session led by Dr Andrew Fuller and offers 60 minutes of practical and hands-on advice about supporting young people with their learning. Details and the Zoom link will be forwarded to Year 8 families via COMPASS next week.
Prayers
Please keep Year 12 in your prayers as they undertake their Retreat this week near Canberra. May this be a special time to grow as friends and companions on their Year 12 journey. In the spirit of the Ascension, which was celebrated last week, let us look to Jesus for our courage and fidelity, reminded of his life, passion, death and resurrection as we await the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
And finally, amidst the turmoil of our world may Mary Help of Christians, the patroness of Australia whose Feast Day was celebrated last week, watch over and guide us all. We pray that with her intercession God will “grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens”, so that “under her protection Australia may be granted harmony, justice and peace”.
Mrs Val Thomas | Principal