"Mater Dei Matters"

Principal's Address

Dear Parents/Carers,

I would like to welcome all our families to the 2019 school year. I hope you enjoyed the blessings of the Christmas season and that the New Year brought with it some time for rest and relaxation.

 

The year has begun very well with our new cohort of Year 7 students commencing last Wednesday with Year 11 and Year 12. The remaining year groups returned on Thursday.  In addition to our Year 7 students, we welcomed several new students into other year groups and our new staff for 2019, who were listed in the final newsletter last term.

~ Click on image to enlarge photo ~

 

As the term has begun, I have really enjoyed welcoming the students as they arrived at school and farewelling them in the afternoon. At our gathering assemblies on Wednesday and Thursday morning, it was important to remind them of the College’s high expectations around uniform and appearance, behaviour and commitment to learning.  Research shows that high expectations are one of the vital factors for success and students benefit when there is a strong three way partnership with parents, students and teachers that is underpinned by a commitment to College standards and requirements by all stakeholders. We value that strong partnership, which we see in action every day.

 

Mater Dei has a proud reputation as a vibrant learning community. Our emphasis on the use of technology as a learning tool ensures that students are exposed to contemporary learning strategies and Year 7, Year 10 and new students have already received their laptops.

 

The beginning of a new school year presents opportunities for all of us to refocus our attention on our purpose and priorities as a Catholic College. Our Vision Statement captures this succinctly:

 

Mater Dei Catholic College strives to be a nurturing community which

  • is founded in Catholic faith, justice and love
  • is inclusive
  • is learner centred
  • seeks excellence and wisdom

We are now in Week 2 and a number of very significant College events are taking place. Congratulations to the graduates who were recognised during last Friday’s Academic Assembly, especially our 2018 Dux Bridgett Dill. We appreciated the attendance of our invited guests and parents/carers and acknowledge the work of Mr Fitzpatrick and staff in their organisation of this special celebration of success.

 

The Opening Mass on Tuesday was a beautiful celebration of “new beginnings” by Fr John, assisted by Fr Plunkett.  A number of Presentation Sisters, the Mt Erin Leader of Boarding Mr Kris Wheeler and parents and friends joined us for this special occasion.  Highlights of the Mass included the Year 7 Candle Ceremony, which looks forward with hope to our new students growing as members of the faith community; and the installation of the Student Leaders for 2019. I congratulate them all and encourage you to read all about the Commencement Mass in this edition of the newsletter.

 

Thank you to the many Year 7 parents/carers who attended the Information Night on Tuesday. It was a great opportunity to learn more about Inquiry Learning and the ConnecTED Learning Program, Year 7 Maths Pathways, cybersafety and the safe and appropriate access to technology for learning. The evening concluded with House gatherings and light refreshments in the Hall.

 

As this newsletter is published, we are about to begin our twilight Swimming Carnival, which is a compulsory event for all students. It will be a great celebration of community as the five Houses battle for supremacy in the pool. Please come along to support your children. I would like to remind parents/carers that this is a compulsory event from 3.00pm to 9.00pm, in lieu of school tomorrow. The College will be closed tomorrow, Friday 8 February.

 

Other upcoming events include:

  • Thursday 14 February at 5.30pm -Deanery Mass at St Brendan’s Church, Ganmain.  All parents/carers welcome.
  • Tuesday 19 February to Friday 22 February - Year 12 Retreat at Warrambui

Details of all upcoming events can be found on the online College calendar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marian Centre

Construction of the Marian Centre is complete and we will be using this religious learning space this term for prayer, liturgies, classes and meetings. The Marian Centre will be Solemnly Blessed and Opened on Tuesday 5 March at 10.00am and parents/carers are warmly invited to join us for this special occasion.

 

College Council – Nominations for Elected Membership

Nominations are invited from parents/carers  for election to the College Council. The College Council supports the Principal in the fulfilment of his or her educational responsibility and helps the School meet its obligations to the local parent and diocesan and parish communities. The Council meets each term and is comprised of ex-officio, appointed and elected members, who serve for a period of two years.

 

Further information about the role of the College Council and a nomination form are available from Mrs Cindee Mallise at the College. Nominations will close at 4.00pm on Tuesday, 19 February.

 

Staff Resignation

Mrs Caitlin Enever who has been the Resource Centre Manager, has resigned from her position and we are currently in the process of appointing a temporary part time member of staff to that role for the remainder of 2019. We thank Caitlin for her contribution to the College in this important management role and wish her every blessing for the future.

 

I look forward to seeing parents/carers at the Swimming Carnival this evening. We value the strong relationship between families and the College and I encourage parents to contact the Homegroup or subject teachers, or the KLA and House Leaders, with any questions or concerns throughout the year.

 

Best wishes for a wonderful year and God Bless,

 

Mrs Val Thomas | Principal