Dear Mater Dei Community,

Today’s newsletter correlates with the last week of formal schooling for our Year 12 students. It has been an action packed last week for our Year 12 students that has been full of fun as 13 years of formal schooling come to an end. On Monday evening they held a Games Night and Wednesday was a great day of celebration, which saw a two‐fold farewell for the Class of 2022.

For the first time since COVID-19 impacted our lives, families joined the graduating class on site for their Year 12 Liturgy and Awards Ceremony. We were blessed to have Bishop Mark Edwards, Fr Jomer, representatives of the Presentation Sisters and CEDWW and our College Council chair Mrs Lisa Simpson with us for this very special morning of celebration. It was made so much more meaningful by gathering as our Mater Dei community in person, instead of virtually as we have had to do for the past two years. Family members who could not attend were also accommodated, with the events being live streamed. Congratulations to the Year 12 students who were recognised for their outstanding achievement and their commitment to their studies. Details of the Liturgy and Awards Ceremony are included in this edition of the Newsletter.

After morning tea the College community gathered with Year 12 and their parents for our annual Farewell Assembly, which was also live streamed to families. It was a joyous occasion. As Leader of Students, Ms Cramp spoke on behalf of the staff about the contribution of the class of 2022 and College Captains, Oscar Mitter and Amber Hallam recalled memories of by-gone days and also expressed the future hopes of their peers.

One highlight of the gathering was the manner in which the students received their “Mater Dei Cross” and their House Prayer Card. The cross serves to remind our Year 12 students what it means to be a member of the wonderful community at Mater Dei Catholic College; that Jesus is a constant source of forgiveness, hope and compassion; and, to be a disciple of Jesus and to live their lives marked by the words and deeds espoused in the Gospels. Also, the Mater Dei Cross is a symbol that epitomises what the prophet Micah encouraged us all: ‐ “To act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God.” The House Prayer Card is a reminder of their enduring relationship with the College as an expression of faith.

After I spoke to Year 12 and wished them well for their upcoming HSC Examinations, the gathering concluded. Immediately afterwards, the graduating class were gifted with individually boxed Graduation Cupcakes that had been expertly baked and decorated by Mrs Hazelwood, before the students and their families departed the College at lunch time.

The morning offered an opportunity to reflect upon the contribution that the Graduating Class has made as student leaders of the College.

The Class of 2022 has been an excellent example to the students who will follow their pathway. While their previous two years were impacted by COVID, they have fortunately not been affected so significantly this year, with many College events and activities able to go ahead in their traditional form.

Year 12 will be remembered as a spirited and energetic cohort who have been committed to caring and supporting each other as they embraced the many opportunities that 2022 has offered. Their commitment to work right up until the last day has been noted and appreciated with many already receiving early entry to university courses of their choice and offered apprenticeships.

On behalf of the College community I thank Year 12 for their unique contribution to the College. Year 7, 2017 has all too quickly become the leaving class of 2022. In recognising the efforts of our Year 12 students I also thank our parents and families for all they have done, with and for the College, over their time as part of the wider College Community. The powerful three way partnership between teachers, students and parents has ensured that our Year 12 cohort is ready for the impending HSC exams.

I ask you to join me in praying that our loving God will be a source of comfort and calm for the Class of 2022 as they approach the impending Higher School Certificate examinations and another step into the future:

Bless our Year 12 students as they prepare to sit for their exams

We ask that they especially feel your closeness during this time

Surround them with love and hold each one in the palm of your hand

Give them calm hearts and quiet confidence in these final weeks

Holy Spirit send them your gifts of wisdom and knowledge.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

Announcement of 2023 College Captains, Boarding Captains and House Captains

An important part of farewelling our Year 12 students is the handing on of the “light” from the Class of 2022 to the Class of 2023. At the commencement of the Year 12 Farewell Assembly, I announced the incoming College Captains, Boarding Captains and the House Captains.

It is with pleasure that, after an extensive appointment process which involved applications, presentations, voting by both staff and students, and consideration by the College Leadership Team, I confirm the following appointments for the 2023 school year:

Carroll House Captains - Ruby Doherty and Flynn Collins

Kennedy House Captains - Aspenne McMahon and Ivan Sokolov

Rosarie House Captains - Elora Guirguis and Mark George

Sherrin House Captains - Charlotte Priest and Henry Cluff - Freemantle

Webber House Captains - Evie McIntyre and McKinley Hamblin

Mount Erin Boarding School Captains - Zara English and Katherine Oakes

2023 College Captains - Ellie Clarke and Joshua Shaw

Congratulations to the student leaders for 2023.

I also thank all the students who nominated for a leadership position. We are blessed with a talented and generous year group in Year 12 next year and while not all could be successful in being appointed to a Captain’s role in 2023, I know that all our nominees will go on to lead in other ways next year at the College.

Term 4 – Commencing on Monday 10 October for Staff and Students

A final reminder that students commence on Monday 10 October, as the Staff Professional Learning Days are held at the end of the term. Please note that full summer uniform is to be worn from the beginning of Term 4. The Uniform Shop opening hours during the holidays have been advertised in the newsletter.

Best wishes to all our families for a relaxing holiday break.

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 16 · 23 Sep 2022

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