Principal's Address

Blessed Nano Nagle 

Next Monday,  21 November is a special day in the life of the College as we acknowledge the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the Feast Day of the Presentation Sisters, who have played a significant role in the history of Catholic Education in Wagga and continue to support our community to imbue the College with the spirit of the foundress, Venerable Nano Nagle.

 

On Thursday next week we will welcome the Presentation Sisters to our Liturgy and Assembly to celebrate the legacy of Nano Nagle. This will be the first time since 2019 that the College community can gather together in the Hall for this celebration.

 

It will be an opportunity for us to thank the Sisters for their service to our Wagga community over the years. As we reflect on the Presentation charism and spirituality, we remember with gratitude the pioneering spirit of the early Sisters who brought the message of love and hope from Ireland and we give thanks for all those who continue their work in new ways in our contemporary world. 

 

We pray:

Nano Nagle – Woman of Hope

In the face of fear, she chose to be daring,

In the face of anxiety, she chose to trust,

In the face of impossibility, she chose to begin,

To universal misery, she proposed ministry to persons;

To ignorance, knowledge; to disillusionment, tenacity of purpose;

And to multiple vexations, singleness of heart.

Faced with failure, she held fast to hope;

Faced with death, she believed in a living future;

A programme for the future she gave in one word; 

Love.

Raphael Consedine, PBVM Melbourne.

 

College Council 

The College Council has met for the final time for the year. This year we farewell Mrs Lisa Simpson, who has led the Council as Chair for two years and has been a member since 2019.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lisa for her strong leadership and commitment to the College during those four years. While we have had limited opportunity for attendance at face to face meetings and at official functions during the last two years, Lisa’s support and advice as a parent voice has been absolutely invaluable, especially during the challenges of these past years.

 

We also farewell Mr Steve Bloomfield, who has been a Council Member for two years and has been a dedicated member during this time, offering support and advice across a range of areas. I thank Steve on behalf of our parent community for his voice on the Council.

 

I also acknowledge the contribution of the remaining members of the College Council; Mrs Angela McGill, Mr Andrew McIntosh, Mr Andrew Nicholson, Ms Rhena Geraghty and Mr Vincent Powell during 2022 and thank them for their support and commitment to Mater Dei. The Council  plays a vital role as representatives of our College families and embodies the strong partnership between home and school in the education of our students.

 

Parent/Carer Engagement Survey

Thank you to parents who have already responded to the short online survey sent to families via Compass this week. In Post COVID times, we are keen to hear parent preferences around forms of communication, engagement in College life and access to our platforms. The College Council is a part of this consultation process, with the staff and student leaders also providing a voice and your feedback is really appreciated. The survey is open until next Monday, 21 November.

 

Welcome to New Students and Families for 2023

Two Orientation Days are taking place for incoming students. New enrolments for Year 8 to Year 11 2023 will join us on Friday, 25 November for the day and Year 7 2023 will attend their Orientation Day at the College on Friday, 2 December. We are looking forward to two fantastic days as we welcome our new students to Mater Dei.

 

Parents/carers and new students from all year groups are warmly invited to attend the on site  meeting on Tuesday, 29 November at 6.00pm to 7.00pm. Come along to meet key staff and learn more about Year 7, which commences on Monday, 30 January 2023 with Year 12 and Years 8 to 11, who commence on Tuesday 31 January.  The first part of the meeting will also be videoed for boarding families and those unable to attend in person.

 

A reminder that the Uniform Shop will be open on both Friday 25 November and Friday 2 December to assist new families, as well as the regular advertised hours.

 

Year 7 book packs can be collected on 2 December by parents/carers or, for anyone who cannot come to the College on that day, they will be available on the first Transition Day for Year 7, which is Monday 30 January.

 

Prayers Please

Please keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they prepare for their Graduation tomorrow night at The Range. A full report of the Graduation will feature in the next newsletter, which will be the final publication for 2022.

 

As we reach the end of our Liturgical Year with the Feast of Christ on Sunday, the words of Pope Francis offer us great inspiration. Speaking of this great Feast, he urges us forward in “our commitment to imitating Jesus, our King, making present his kingdom with acts of tenderness, compassion and mercy”. Inspired by the work, heart and spirit of Nano Nagle at this time, we pray for all members of our College community that each of us may live the message of the Gospels every day in our words and in our deeds.

 

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal