Term 2, Week 8 (17 June 2025)

PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS

In the stillness of Winter

The past weeks have certainly brought the chill of winter with frosty mornings, a drop in temperature and snowfall in the not too far distance! It can be easy to feel frustrated and irritated by the inconvenience of the cold and the shortening of daylight hours, however, winter offers us a natural rhythm to slow down and rest. The quiet landscapes remind us of the beauty in simplicity, with the bare trees, crisp air, and frosty mornings urging us to slow down and notice the intricate details of God’s creation. Even the shortest days are filled with light if we choose to see it, reminding us that God’s love is ever-present, even in times of darkness. The slower pace of winter provides space for us to look inward and reflect on the blessings in our lives, with gratitude having a way of warming even the chilliest of days, reminding us of God’s generosity and grace. We are invited to embrace winter.  Not to see it as an inconvenience or a time to endure, but as a gift from God; a season that calls us to rest, connect, reflect, and prepare—to find beauty in the quiet and hope in the promise of what is to come.

Heavenly Father,

In the quiet of winter, we are reminded of the beauty of Your creation and the gift of stillness. Just as the earth rests and renews in this season, may we also find moments to reflect, rejuvenate, and grow in Your love.

In the crisp air and quiet landscapes, remind us of Your presence, 

ever constant and ever faithful. 

Just as the earth rests and prepares for new growth, 

help us to find rest in You and trust in the renewal You bring to our lives.

In this season of shorter days and longer nights, be our light. 

Guide us through moments of difficulty or coldness, 

and warm our hearts with Your love and grace. 

As we journey through winter, fill us with hope for the seasons ahead. 

Renew our faith, strengthen our spirits, 

and prepare us for the growth You have planned for us.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Athletics Carnival 

Our recent athletics carnival was a wonderful reflection and celebration of school spirit. There is much joy in witnessing our students participate in the range of track and field events and encouraging each other to do the same. There was a great atmosphere of support from our parents and carers cheering from the stands and, as always, our staff were right there alongside the students joining in.  Thank you to Mrs Hanrahan for her organisation on what was a very successful day.

Ms Sharnelle Ram has submitted her resignation as classroom teacher and is relocating interstate with her husband due to his work commitments. I take this opportunity to thank Ms Ram for her work with the classes that she has taught during her time at Mater Dei since joining us in 2023. On behalf of Mater Dei students, staff and families I wish Ms Ram and her husband all the very best as they embark on this new journey together. 

Mater Dei Alumni

A few weeks ago, Nakeita Lewis dropped by the school to say hello to some of the Mater Dei staff who were instrumental in her final year of school last year. It was great to see Nakeita, who was able to share what she has been doing since graduating. She is certainly keeping very busy.

What are you doing now you have finished school?

Attending Functional Foundations and Holiday Programs 

Currently working at Camden Markets on Wednesday and Thursdays 

SLES with “Scope” on Mondays and Tuesdays

What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

Arts, particularly drawing 

Going to the Movies

Do you have any words of advice for students at Mater Dei?

Work hard and have fun.

Nakeita pictured with Ms Fahey, Kim and Mrs Robinson, who were all very excited to see her.

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, I reflect on all that has been achieved with much gratitude. The quality of teaching and learning that I am privileged to witness in classrooms and across the school assures me that our students are both engaged and challenged in their learning, and this has been aptly captured and celebrated in the Semester One Reports that parents and carers will receive at the end of this week. Thank you to our Mater Dei staff for their efforts across this first half of the year, both in and out of the classroom, and I wish them a well deserved mid year break. I also wish all families an enjoyable mid-year break from school and I have no doubt that our students will be ready to return as we head back on Monday 21 July, ready for all we have planned for the second half of 2025.

JENNIFER FOLDES
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Mater Dei Driveway Safety

A reminder to all those who use the Mater Dei driveway that the speed limit is 40km/hr.

As drivers approach the fork in the road speed needs to be lowered further to 20-30km/hr.

Remember! Safety is everyone’s business at Mater Dei.

Year 5/6 MacKillop Snack Shop

Year 5/6MacKillop have been working hard on a project that has included Mathematics, English and Personal Development. As a culmination of this project they have organised a Snack Shop. 

This is an opportunity for all students to experience the exchange of money to make a small purchase.

Primary Classes: Thursday 19 June @ 10.00 – 10.30am. Students can spend a maximum of $1.50.

Secondary Classes: Thursday 26 June @ 10.00 – 10.30am. Students can spend a maximum of $1.50.

Students can purchase a snack and a drink OR 1 drink OR 1 snack.

The 5/6 MacKillop Snack Shop Menu is below. 

Semester One Reports:

Teachers have been working hard writing each student’s report for Semester One. This semester will see the new and improved version of our school reports being used for the first time. The improved structure of the reports came from input from all stakeholders including parents and students.

The overwhelming feedback was that the report needed to reflect the progress and growth of each individual student. Therefore, the report aims to be a much more positive and personalised reflection of student learning.

The report is designed to be read in conjunction with your child’s Personalised Plan for Students with Disability (PPSD). The report speaks to progress, growth and achievement whilst the PPSD outlines goals, supports and future learning.

The scale used for the reports is known as the Personalised Reporting Scale and reflects the learning achievement, growth and progress of the student within each of the NESA  Learning Areas studied through the semester. This scale is used to reflect the personal progress of your child in their learning. 

P – Personalised 

Personalised reports are provided for students who receive a more personalised daily program within the classroom. Generally, a personalised report will be provided for students where a high level of adjustment and assistance is required.

P1 – Beginning 

The student has some existing prior knowledge and/or necessary pre-skills for the task. The student is beginning to participate in a task with maximum teacher assistance. The student uses skills and knowledge in a single setting.

P2 – Occasional 

The student understands information, concepts and/or can perform skills. The student often relies on physical or verbal assistance when participating in a task. The student has begun to demonstrate the skills in selected, familiar settings. 

P3 – Frequent 

The student relies on partial prompts to complete a task. The student can regularly perform the skill or demonstrate knowledge. The student uses the skills or knowledge in a variety of familiar settings and situations.

P4 – Independent 

The student can complete a task independently, without assistance. The student maintains the skill or knowledge over time. The student generalises the skill or knowledge to new settings, people or materials.

The report will still indicate a Commitment to Learning in each of the NESA Learning Areas and contain an overall comment from the teacher about your child within the school environment.

We are excited to be able to release the reports to parents and caregivers at the end of this week. This will be an opportunity for you  to celebrate the achievements, progress and learning growth of your child.

Personalised Plan for Students with Disability (PPSD)

 Term 3 Meetings

The process of personalised learning, through PPSD, aims to ensure that effective personalised support measures are provided in learning environments that maximise academic and social development.

A second collaborative meeting will be organised in Term 3 where the student, class team and parents/carers meet to discuss achievable goals for the student. Goals can be academic, social or well being focused.

Collaborative PPSD meetings for Term 3 are scheduled for:

• Primary Grades: Monday 28 July - Wednesday 30 July

• Secondary: Monday 4 August - Wednesday 6 August

Each meeting is scheduled for 30 minutes and parents are encouraged to attend in person. However, if this is not possible, a zoom meeting will be offered.

On Friday 27 June parents/carers will receive a TryBooking link to reserve a time for their child’s PPSD meeting. All parents/carers are asked to reserve a timeslot.

Please note that these meetings now run throughout the school day.

School Holidays and eSafety

Once the school term has ended and holidays come around it is easy to relax the rules about screen time and eSafety at home. 

A recent (September 2024) survey by the eSafety Commissioner found that most 8 to 12-year-old children in Australia have used social media or messaging services.

The survey revealed that 84% of children aged 8 to 12 had used at least one social media or messaging service since the beginning of the year. This was despite being under the age limit of 13+ (except for children using Family Link YouTube accounts, who are not breaching the age policy).

The research found:

• 40% of children who had used social media or messaging services had their own account on at least one of these services.
• Many children (80%) who said that they currently had a social media or messaging account(s) had help setting up their account(s) – with this help mostly coming from parents or carers.
• Only 13% of children who currently had an account had one or more of their accounts shut down by a social media or messaging service in 2024 for being under the age limit of 13+.
• Most children owned or had access to an internet-enabled device.

Students at Mater Dei School are not an exception to these findings. Many of our students report some alarming amount of usage of devices whilst at home, impacting sleep patterns and moods and peer relationships. 

Here’s some tips for parents and carers to consider and take action with:

• Get involved with your child’s online activities as a family. Play games together. Talk about favourite apps, games or websites
• Reassure your child they can always come to you, no matter what. Your child may not communicate openly about things that worry them online if they fear being in trouble if they tell you. Let them know you will not cut off internet or device access if they tell you they’re feeling uncomfortable or unsafe online
• Set rules for devices and online access, with consequences for breaking them. As they grow in online skills and maturity you can review your rules together
• Choose apps and games carefully, and visit the App Store or Google Play for age ratings and consumer advice
• Take an interest in younger teens’ online activities to encourage them to keep sharing with you. Have an ‘open door’ policy when devices are used in bedrooms, and check in with them regularly to see what they are viewing
• Stay engaged. Ask about their online experiences, who they are talking with online and whether they are having any issues
• Reinforce the importance of protecting their personal information and privacy. Remind them to create screen names or IDs that do not indicate gender, age, name or location and are not sexually suggestive. 
• Be clear about where and when devices can be used – for example, not at mealtimes, not in bedrooms or not until after chores or homework are done. 
• Agree on a plan that fits into family routines – for example, more screen time on the weekend when they have less schoolwork
• Use parental controls you feel are right for the age and experience of your child – see parental controls.
  

More information can be found on the eSafety Commissioner’s website. Take a look and stay informed.

TONI SILLIS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

P&F INFORMATION

STRONGER TOGETHER: Parent Learning Hub

You’re Invited! 

Please join CCSP’s Cyber Safety Webinar, presented by the Esafety Commissioner Team.

Register Using The Link below - See You Online!

Regards,

Cath Garrett-Jones
Executive Director

Parental Controls - Using Parental Controls To Help Protect Your Child Online

Thursday 19 June 2025
12.30 – 1.15pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A reminder about other upcoming CCSP webinars 

PARENTAL CONTROLS - USING PARENTAL CONTROLS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR CHILD ONLINE

For parents and carers of primary school students

Presented by eSafety Commissioner Team

Thursday 19 June 2025
12.30 – 1.15pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PARENTAL CONTROLS 

PARENTING TWEENS: WHAT KIDS NEED NOW, BEFORE THE TEEN YEARS

For parents and carers of primary school students 8+

Presented by Michelle Mitchell

Tuesday 24 June
7pm - 8pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PARENTING TWEENS

SCHOOL NEWS

MISSION & VISION

Liturgical Season 

Ordinary Time is the longest season in the Catholic Church's Liturgical year, lasting 33 weeks. It's divided into two periods: one after Christmas and the other after Pentecost. During this time, the Church focuses on the teachings and ministry of Jesus, encouraging reflection on how to live as a Catholic. The Liturgical colour for Ordinary Time is green, symbolising growth, life and hope.  

Vinnies Winter Appeal

Mater Dei Staff have recently gathered many items for this important community event.  Donations of blankets, non-perishable food and winter clothes were collected and donated to our local Vinnies in Camden.   Thank you to all the staff for their kindness and generosity. 

Professional Development Day

Our teachers and teachers’  assistants recently  participated in Artificial Training (AI)  training from the  CeChat team, from Cenet  Wollongong.  CeChat informed us about how to use this AI bot. The CeChat team demonstrated to our staff how to use this AI tool to enhance our planning, programming and teaching.  All CeChat exploration has a Catholic lens over it.  It's exciting to see staff explore  new technology that can help them connect with students and make teaching and learning even more engaging. Thanks to the CeChat team for introducing us to this innovative AI tool!

Midnight the Musical

Today, Stage 3 classes attended this wonderful production presented by a combined St Patrick’s College and St Gregory’s College.  Midnight the Musical was an engaging display of singing, music, dancing and humour. All the characters were a delight to watch and  our students were fortunate to have a photo with many of the main cast members after the show!  Congratulations to all the Musical cast who were involved in this brilliant production! Mrs Gorey also sneaked a selfie with the Prince!!

CURRICULUM

Multilit Summit – Advancing Effective Education 2025

On 30–31 May 2025, Toni Sillis, Nicole Robinson, and Jen Twine attended the Multilit Summit: Advancing Effective Education 2025 in celebration of Multilit’s 30th anniversary. The summit brought together national and international keynote speakers, offering a rich program of workshops, panel discussions, and insightful presentations focused on advancing effective, evidence-based education.

Attendees explored the latest research in reading, writing, oral language, and numeracy, and gained valuable insights from educational change-makers on leading transformation at both system and school levels. Practitioners also shared real-world experiences of translating theory into practice, further grounding the summit's themes in practical application. 

The summit proved to be an excellent professional learning opportunity. The knowledge and strategies gained have since been shared with staff at Mater Dei, reinforcing the school’s commitment to the whole-school implementation of this evidence-based approach to literacy and learning.

SPORTS & EVENTS

Representative Cross Country

On Wednesday 11 June, we had four students represent Mater Dei and the Wollongong Diocese at the Combined Catholic Colleges and Mackillop Cross Country Championships at Sydney International Equestrian Centre.

The students were amazing, Lilly-Rose completed the 2km course in 14:26 finishing in 1st place in the 12-13 year old Multi Class.

Cooper, Corrado and Hayden completed the 3km course. Cooper in 18:02 (2nd), Corrado 18:46 (6th) and Hayden 23:09 (10th).

Lilly-Rose and Cooper have been selected to represent Catholic Schools NSW at the NSW All Schools Championships in July.

Athletics Carnival

On Friday 13 June, we held our annual Athletics Carnival at Narellan Sports Hub. The weather was chilly but the sun was shining and the students and staff were excited. The day started with the march pass, as the students and staff proudly marched in their house colours. Next, we had the 800m, our 800m runners were fantastic, showing their endurance by completing two full laps of the course. 

Next up, was the 100m starting with our 18-19 year olds and finishing with our Kindergarten students. Some of our wonderful staff participated in the hotly contested staff race, with Elliot being the standout winner. 

We then moved into the rotations, where the students had the opportunity to do 200m, high jump, long jump, shot put, discus and novelty events.

WORKPLACE LEARNING 

Semester 1 of Workplace Learning is coming to a close in Week 9.

Throughout the semester, students have demonstrated remarkable growth and development, acquiring valuable hands-on skills that will undoubtably benefit them in the future. Their hard work and commitment to learning have been truly impressive, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.

We are excited to see how they will continue to grow and develop in the second semester.

We will have the opportunity to congratulate and reflect on the incredible efforts and dedication shown by all our students at the upcoming Workplace Morning Tea. This also allows us to extend our appreciation to the amazing host businesses who have welcomed our students into their work places, supported them, and provided this valuable experience.

Semester 2 planning for Workplace Learning is currently underway. Further information and documentation will be sent home with students over the coming weeks.

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS

EVENTS

MATER DEI CHARITY FUN NIGHT!

WOW — what a night! Thanks to the fantastic support of McDonalds in Macarthur and our amazing community, together we raised an incredible $6,776 for the children, students, and participants of Mater Dei!

So many of you came out to enjoy a meal that made a difference, and we are so grateful.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us, and an extra special shoutout to McDonald’s in Macarthur for their generosity, community spirit, and delicious support!

You have all made a real impact. Thank you!

Mater Dei Bunnings BBQ

Experience the Fun at NextPath These School Holidays!

Looking for an engaging and supportive school holiday experience for your child? NextPath Continuous Learning’s popular Holiday Programs are back this July with something for everyone!

Our Holiday Program (ages 16+) and Teen Holiday Program (ages 12–15) offer fun, supportive days filled with exciting activities that help build confidence, independence, and social skills, all while making great memories!

It’s also a fantastic opportunity to experience a day at NextPath Continuous Learning, perfect for families considering post-school options.

Pick the days that suit you! Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!

Learn more and register:
Holiday Program (ages 16+) – nextpath.org.au/holidayprogram

Teen Holiday Program (ages 12-15) – nextpath.org.au/teenholiday

If you have any questions, please email funding@nextpath.org.au or call (02) 4654 8727.

Please note: NextPath holiday programs are not exclusive to participants of Mater Dei. Participants from other programs are welcome and encouraged to join.

SAVE THE DATE - TRIVIA NIGHT

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MAISY'S CORNER

This year’s Athletics Carnival was a huge success, filled with colour, competition, and community spirit, and once again, we were lucky to have Maisy, our much-loved school support dog, joining us for the day.

Throughout the day, she moved between events, offering quiet encouragement and comfort to students who were feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or just needed a little moment of calm.

She provided sensory breaks, emotional support, and plenty of smiles as she visited different age group areas. Her presence helped many students regulate their emotions, settle pre-race nerves, and rejoin the day’s activities with confidence.

2025 IMPORTANT DATES

FORMS & PROCEDURES

PARENT FORMS AND SCHOOL DOCUMENTATION

School documentation and common forms are stored in Compass for parents to access at any time.  Parent Forms can be found by following these steps on your Compass App:

 (Steps 1-3 are for App users only)

1. Click on the student
2. Click on the 3 lines in top left corner
3. Click Open in Browser
4. Click on Community Icon (2 heads)
5. Click on School Documentation
6. Click Parent Forms

ATTENDANCE EXEMPTION FORMS 
Any families who wish to apply for attendance exemptions to attend therapy services in 2025, please download the Application for Leave Exemption form on Compass, complete and return to schooladmin@materdei.org.au 

2025 SCHOOL DROP OFF / PICK UP PROCEDURES

COMMUNITY

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Saturday 21 June 

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to head along to a production with their families and friends. Campbelltown Theatre Group is hosting a relaxed performance where people living with disabilities can enjoy a theatre production without the stress that can often go with these types of experiences.

📅 Saturday 21 June
🕒 2pm 

📍Town Hall Theatre, 297 Queen Street, Campbelltown

 🛜https://www.ctgi.org.au/charlie-brown 

RELAXED PERFORMANCE

A Relaxed performance of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown will occur on Sat 21 June 2025 at 2:00 PM and is open to everyone, including people who are autistic, people with disabilities that create sensory sensitivities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. There is an open-door policy allowing for movement in and out of the venue, house lights will be kept on at a low level, elements of the show that might include loud noises or sudden bright lights will be toned down or removed.

School Holiday Events for Young Carers hosted by little dreamers

School Student Concession Cards

If you're a student aged 16 years or older and eligible for concessions, the Transport Concession Entitlement Card serves as proof of entitlement when using a Child/Youth Opal card within the Opal network or when traveling on child or concession fares in NSW. 

The Transport Concession Entitlement Card replaces the following cards:

1. Senior Secondary Student Concession Card (16 years and over) – also issued to Mature Secondary Students (18 years and over), Distance Education Students and Home School Students.
2. Proof of Age card (when a student under 16 years of age looks older)
3. Boarders Rail Pass

To travel on a Child/Youth Opal card or a child/concession ticket, students must carry a concession entitlement card.

Children aged between 4 to 15 years do not require a proof of entitlement for concession travel. However, if they look more mature, they can get a Transport Concession Entitlement Card to verify to authorised officers that they are under 16 years old.

Please contact Mater Dei School Admin on schooladmin@materdei.org.au if you are interested in applying for a Concession Entitlement card.

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