Welcome to Term 2. I hope all our families have had a relaxing holiday break and a Happy and Holy Easter.

It was so heartening to see so many families participating in the celebration of Easter at Parish churches and the commemoration of ANZAC Day during the holidays, after the impact of the pandemic in the past years. The little steps towards normality are being put into place at the College too; the opportunity to gather parents on site in outdoor venues, the return to our vertical Homegroups each morning and the ability to attend sporting events and our upcoming College Musical, Rock of Ages to support our talented and hardworking students.

We are still mindful of the need to follow COVID safety and hygiene protocols so as to keep our community safe and your support with overseeing RATs at home and ensuring that your children stay home if they have respiratory symptoms, is really appreciated. With cases continuing in our local and College community, please remain vigilant.

It is our great hope that our students can access the many opportunities that we have planned for them this term without the disruptions and disappointments that we have all experienced during the last two school years. I look forward to journeying with you all during these next ten weeks.

Today, 5 May is the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers. The Brothers have played a very significant role in establishing Catholic Education in the Wagga area, having established St Michael's Regional High School which was located opposite the Cathedral until it closed in 2003.

We give thanks for Edmund and the Christian Brothers and cherish the links that we have with their spirit through our associate membership of Edmund rice Education Australia (EREA) and particularly our own Brother Sherrin, Patron of Sherrin House.

Yesterday, Mrs Bright and I attended a Diocesan Mass of Thanksgiving for the Presentation Sisters. Details of this special celebration are included in the Mission section of this newsletter.

This Sunday, 8 May we will celebrate Mother's Day, which 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. 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 several 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 Mother's Day.

Enrolments for 2023

Places for Year 7 2023 have been offered and accepted. Any families seeking enrolment next year who have not yet finalised a place are asked to contact Mrs Michelle Clarke at the College urgently. A Waiting List is being established.

Staff news

Congratulations to Lachlan and Rachel Harland on the arrival of baby Lewis during the holidays.

Congratulations to Stacey and Mitch Curran on the arrival of baby Ted.

Welcome to Darcy Kelly who is replacing Kate Nolan while she is on Maternity Leave.

Please keep all our College families in your prayers as we commence the new term.

With the anniversary of the death of Venerable Nano Nagle last week and the Mass of Thanksgiving, we remember and pray for the Presentation Sisters. We also pray for the Christian Brothers as we remember Blessed Edmund Rice on his Feast Day.

May Mary, our mother and the Patron of our College, watch over us all.

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 6 · 04 May 2022

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