Principal's Address
We will be at the midpoint of Term 3 next week and the past fortnight has been very busy at the College. The Year 12 Trial HSC Exams are drawing to conclusion, Year 11 are finishing their coursework in preparation for upcoming exams and Year 10’s are engaging in their subject selection process for 2023. The elective selection process for Year 8 is beginning, with the cohort selecting two electives for Year 9/10 and an interest elective for Year 9 only. As well, a number of sporting competitions are underway and several excursions are taking place. In the background, the final preparations for hosting the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia (NEAA) National Student Conference are being made and we look forward to hosting 80 students and staff from Presentation heritage schools here next week for four days. Finally, it would be remiss not to mention the very successful STEM High Tea held last week for Year 9 and Year 10 girls with activities and local mentors raising awareness about careers and options in this important area.
At this time of the year, students are often thinking about the future; especially if they are selecting courses for 2023. While this can be an exciting time, it is timely to highlight the importance of supporting young people as they anticipate and engage with change. The optional subject selection interviews organised by the Leader of Curriculum, Mr Fitzpatrick, are an excellent opportunity to talk through the options and students have also been talking with their Homegroup and class teachers during this process. The Transition and Pathways Specialist Mr O’Connell and College Counsellor Ms Shearer are other valuable supports that are available to students by appointment.
I am very proud of the Acknowledgement of Country that has been written by our Aboriginal School and Community Workers Mr Jolley and Ms Rooke and professionally recorded to showcase our ATSI students. It will be launched at the NEAA Conference and used on an ongoing basis for significant College events.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Year 8 parents who have engaged in the Parent Partnerships program, which has been undertaken as part of a Diocesan initiative. I hope that the expert advice this has provided has been helpful for parents in supporting their children and further enhanced our learning partnership with parents. We look forward to continuing the work begun in this important area.
ST MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP AND MARY MOTHER OF GOD
In August each year, we celebrate two women of faith, whose commitment to love and learning are powerful models for our own learning community. This week the Patron Saint of our Diocese and Australia, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, whose Feast Day was last Monday, 8 August, is our focus.
Next Monday 15 August we will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, which celebrates our College patron Mary, after whom our College is named. Mater Dei in Latin means Mother of God. Each year we honour this significant day in the life of our community by celebrating the Marian Mass with Mater Dei Primary School. COVID safety will limit the cohorts attending the Mass from both schools, with Year 7 and Year 11 representing the College this year.
The importance of the Feast of the Assumption at Mater Dei is reflected in our College motto, which invites us all to respond as Mary did, to “live God’s message”. Mary’s love and devotion is captured in the Magnificat, the beautiful song from the first chapter of Luke:
My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
Because he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid;
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;
Because he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name;
And his mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm,
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of his mercy
Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever. Amen
The Magnificat represents for us the very human Mary, full of love for God and of great compassion, so concerned about the needs of others. Mary has much to offer us as we search for justice through our own faith.
We keep Mary in our hearts and minds as we pray the Rosary, which is an important part of our Catholic tradition. This too offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of discipleship and the place of Mary in our own lives.
ENROLMENTS FOR 2023
Enrolment interviews are currently taking place for next year, with limited places in some year groups. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the College urgently to enquire about the availability of a place for 2023.
STAYING COVID SAFE
With COVID cases and other respiratory illnesses still impacting the College and local community, please continue to follow the NSW Health requirements around COVID hygiene and isolation during periods of illness.
PRAYERS PLEASE
Please keep our families battling with serious illness and loss in your prayers at this time. May God give them strength and comfort during these challenging times.
We also pray for the student delegates who will travel to Mater Dei next week from across Australia for the NEAA Conference. May this time together inspire these young people to grow in their faith and commitment to service in the spirit of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters.
We pray that Mary, our spiritual Mother and College Patron guides and protects us all.
Mrs Val Thomas | Principal