Term 3, Week 1 (22 July 2025)
PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS
Welcome back to the start of our new school term following what was hopefully a period of rest and a time to reenergise.
As we start this term together, it is a good opportunity to re-establish the routines that help to support learning, wellbeing, and overall success. The transition back to school can be both exciting and challenging, and we can all assist our students to settle into a positive rhythm for the term ahead with a little preparation. At home, re-establishing sleep patterns that may have become irregular during the holiday break to ensure a good night’s sleep is vital for focus, energy, and mood. Likewise, a predictable morning routine sets a positive tone for the day.
This Friday we will acknowledge and celebrate the Feast of St Benedict, whose teachings and values hold deep significance for our School community. His life and legacy serve as a guide for fostering a nurturing, faith-filled, and purpose-driven community.
Through embracing the teachings and example of St Benedict, we develop a strong sense of faith, purpose, and unity, living out the Gospel values in daily life across Mater Dei. As is tradition, the St Benedict Hospitality Award and Community Award will be presented to deserving members of the Mater Dei community following our Feast Day Mass which will be celebrated by Fr Michael Williams. I look forward to welcoming our visiting schools, invited guests, parents, carers and friends of Mater Dei who will join us for Mass on Friday morning.
Heavenly Father
We come together as a school community at the beginning of this new term, filled with hope and anticipation. We thank You for the gift of education, our teachers, classmates, and the opportunity to grow in knowledge, faith, and love. Walk with us, Lord, as we embark on this new journey, and guide us to do our best in all things. As St Benedict taught us:
- May we approach our work with diligence and humility.
- May we treat one another with kindness, patience, and respect.
- May we seek Your presence in the ordinary moments of our day, remembering that all we do can bring us closer to You.
Help us to live as Your disciples, always striving to reflect Your love in our words and actions. Bless our efforts and help us to support one another as we journey together as a community of learners and followers of Christ.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
St Benedict, pray for us.
Amen.
Term Three certainly promises to be filled with learning opportunities along with several important school events to be celebrated. Please keep a close eye on our School Newsletters and Compass posts for important dates and information.
Communication will be sent to families in the next fortnight regarding payment of school fees which should now see the balance of First and Second Term fees paid. If you are experiencing financial difficulty in making payments, I urge you to contact me at the school to discuss arrangements for this. Likewise, if you have questions regarding the use of Compass Pay to make regular payments of school fees, please contact the school office to be connected with the relevant staff member who can assist with this.
I have included information below about the CCSP Parents and Carers Conference, “Supporting Families: Working Together in A Modern World”, on Saturday 25 October. In support of parents and carers attending this Conference, please email schooladmin@materdei.org.au expressing your interest in attending and the School will cover the $30 ticket cost for one member from each family to attend.
TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE for the CCSP Parents and Carers Conference!
SUPPORTING FAMILIES: WORKING TOGETHER IN A MODERN WORLD
This special one-day event will bring Catholic school parents together from across NSW to explore how they can support and strengthen families in a rapidly changing world. With thought-provoking keynotes, breakout sessions and opportunities for connection, it’s set to be an amazing day.
Find out more about the program, speakers and session details on their website:
ccsp.schoolzineplus.com/2025-conference
When: Saturday 25 October 2025
Where: Novotel Parramatta, Sydney
What time: 8:30am – 3:30pm
JENNIFER FOLDES
PRINCIPAL
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Welcome back to the new term!
Term Three is packed with learning opportunities each day in our classrooms at Mater Dei. The students will be able to look forward to celebrating St Benedict’s Feast Day, Father’s Day, Foundation Dinner, Book Week, Science Week not to mention excursions and community based instruction experiences that are planned to support learning.
Personalised Plans for Students with Disability (PPSD)
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.
The PPSD aims to complement the Semester Report that you received for your child last Semester. The report highlighted the achievements across the Semester while the PPSD allows for a collaborative meeting 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 are scheduled for:
- Primary Grades: Monday 28 July - Thursday 31 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.
You should have received a TryBooking link for your collaborative PPSD meeting. If you have not received a link or have had difficulty accessing it, please contact the administration team admin@materdei.org.au or phone 46557481.
Please note that these meetings will now run throughout the school day.
Social Media Minimum Age Legislation
Recently, you would have heard the debate about social media and young people. Below are some important messages from the eSafety Commissioner.
Swimming between the digital flags
The relationship between social media and children’s mental health is one of the most important conversations of our time. That's why, from mid-December, the Australian Government will require certain social media services to take steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts.
Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner, has outlined how Australia plans to take this bold action forward, in a speech delivered at the National Press Club.
Here's what parents need to know right now:
- It’s not a ban, it’s a delay. We’re giving kids more time to build digital skills and resilience before facing the pressures of social media.
- The responsibility lies with the platform. There are no penalties for children or parents— only for platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts.
- You’re not alone. eSafety offers trusted resources for parents and carers, educators, young people and kids. We’ve got the flags, the swimming lessons, and the safety tips to help you support your kids. And our protective powers in areas such as cyberbullying and image-based abuse will still be there to help if things go wrong.
Australia is building a culture of online safety – just like we’ve done on our beaches. Because the internet, like the ocean, is not going away – and our kids are already dipping their toes in. To stay up to date on social media age restrictions, visit eSafety.gov.au
Watch the eSafety Commissioner’s message.
YouTube and the Social Media Minimum Age legislation
Minister for Communications Anika Wells, published eSafety’s independent advice recommending that YouTube not be excluded from new legislation. If the Minister chooses to accept eSafety’s advice, YouTube would be subject to the same rules as other platforms, aimed at preventing children under 16 from creating accounts. This will affect many of our students at Mater Dei School.
Importantly, this would not restrict access to educational content, which remains available via school links or in a logged-out state.
It is important to note that Mater Dei School staff have access to another platform, ClickView, for educational content.
If your child currently uses YouTube with an account, you may wish to discuss these changes with them and explore ways to access content without an account.
Read eSafety’s full statement here.
Student Diaries:
A reminder to all parents and carers of the importance of the student diaries coming to school each day. The diaries are the most effective and efficient means of daily communication for our students between home and school.
TONI SILLIS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
P&F INFORMATION
P&F Meeting - Monday 4 August
The next P&F meeting is scheduled for Monday 4 August.
All are welcome to attend
Father's Day Stall - Wednesday 3 September
Notes will come home with all students via diaries closer to the date.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Father's Day Stall please email - pandf@materdei.org.au
Canteen News:
- The P&F held two very successful canteen days in Term Two for students. Thank you to our families for supporting the P&F Canteen Days.
- The P&F Canteen Volunteers are an amazing group of people and so generous donating their time to benefit all students.
- The P&F Canteen Volunteers need your help to make their job easier as they are losing a considerable amount of time rewriting lunch orders. From Term 3, orders that aren't written out correctly i.e.: in 2 separate bags (recess and lunch) or that come in envelopes or zip lock bags, will receive a canteen notice. The notice will outline what needs fixing and how to do it. If you are unsure of what is required, please send an email to pandf@materdei.org.au
- The BEST OPTION for orders is the stickybeaks reusable lunch wallets or 2 x brown paper bags available from Woolworths or Coles.
- DO NOT use staples on orders as they create a safety hazard for students and volunteers. If you want to seal the bag please use sticky tape or put money inside a zip lock bag inside the paper bag.
Mark your calendars!
P&F Canteen for Term 3!
- Friday 15 August
- Friday 19 September
Thank you to the P&F Canteen Coordinators Michelle and Tracey and all the volunteers who give up time on Thursday and Friday to make it all possible!!!
A special thank you also goes to Amanda for completing the Food Safety Supervisor Training enabling the Canteen to operate throughout the school year.
P&F Second Hand Uniform Sale
Looking for a pre-loved uniform for the Summer months ahead? Or you may be able to grab a bargain for Winter next year. The next P&F Second Hand Uniform Sale is on Friday 29 August.
STRONGER TOGETHER: Parent Learning Hub
Raising Healthy Minds
The Raising Healthy Minds app is a free, personalised, pocket resource to help parents and carers raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, Raising Healthy Minds aims to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing with evidence-based information.
You’ll find information on topics like dealing with worries and making friends, as well as ideas for day-to-day life, like creating family routines, looking after yourself as a parent, and building strong relationships.
The app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12 years. You can tailor information to the age of your child and opt-in to receive helpful tips.
Raising Healthy Minds provides simple-to-use information at your fingertips with clear actions you can start today.
Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhm to learn more and raise a healthy mind.
SCHOOL NEWS
MISSION & VISION
St. Benedict's Feast Day is celebrated on 11 July. He is the patron saint of Europe, students and those seeking spiritual guidance. St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-547 AD) stands as one of the most influential figures in Christian history. Born into a noble Roman family, Benedict chose a life of prayer and simplicity over worldly success. After experiencing a profound spiritual awakening as a young man, he retreated to a cave in Subiaco, Italy, where he spent three years in solitude, prayer and reflection. St Benedict went on to write the Rule of St Benedict. This work emphasised moderation, community and the importance of both prayer and physical work. Mater Dei school has seven Benedictine Values embedded into our daily school life.
The Sisters of the Good Samaritan, founded in Australia in 1857 by Archbishop John Bede Polding OSB, embody the Benedictine tradition of service and education. These remarkable women have dedicated their lives to education, healthcare and social justice, particularly focussing on the needs of women and children. The Good Samaritan Sisters founded Mater Dei school in 1957. St. Benedict's wisdom remains relevant for us all today. The Rule's focus on community teaches us the importance of working together, supporting one another, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
CURRICULUM
K Samaritan spent last term developing their fundamental movement skills by experiencing games developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Throughout the term, the students focused on achieving the following skills: participating in movement safely with awareness of people, space and objects; moving their body for a specific purpose and developing timing skills in movement contexts.
Some of the games included Walbiri, Segur etug, Wabbyn, Wingara, Wittchim and Yongar Ngardongin. Mostly, these games were adapted by using modern day equipment including bean bags, hoops, basket balls, cones and tennis balls.
SPORTS NEWS
Good Luck to Lilly-Rose and Cooper who will be competing at the NSW PSSA and NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships this week.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Important Dates for Parents
Friday 25 July - St Benedict’s Feast Day Mass**
Monday 11 August - Friday 15 August - National Science Week (Student only event)**
Monday 18 August - Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 19 August - K-6 Book Week Author Visit (Student only event)
Friday 22 August - K-6 Book Week Parade**
Friday 5 September - Father's Day Celebration**
** - More information provided below.
EVENTS
ST BENEDICT'S FEAST DAY MASS
Friday 25 July at 9:30 in the Sr Carmela Ritchie hall.
NARELLAN BUNNINGS BBQ
We’re firing up the BBQ at Narellan Bunnings on Saturday, 26 July and we’d love your support! Bring your friends, family or workmates and grab a sausage to help raise funds for the NextPath Continuous Learning program. Every bite counts!
TRIVIA NIGHT
Looking for a fun night out? Come along to our Trivia Night on Friday, 1 August!
Food, drinks, laughs, and a little friendly rivalry – what more could you want? Get a table together and take on the reigning champion who is eager to take the trophy once again. Book your tickets online now, $20 a ticket with a limited number of 100 tickets available.
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK (Student only event)
Monday 11 - Friday 15 August
K-6 BOOK WEEK PARADE
Friday 22 August
Father's Day Celebration
On Friday 5 September, Mater Dei School will be celebrating our wonderful Fathers and father figures.
FOUNDATION DINNER
The Annual Mater Dei Foundation Dinner is being held on Saturday, 13 September at The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club. This year we celebrate the 25th year of the event, which will not only be a fantastic night out, but a celebration of the vibrant Mater Dei community. We would love to see as many families as possible join us for this special evening. To purchase tickets, please complete the booking form which was sent home in student diaries.
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)
- Click on the student
- Click on the 3 lines in top left corner
- Click Open in Browser
- Click on Community Icon (2 heads)
- Click on School Documentation
- 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 AFTERNOON ARRANGEMENTS
In the event of either of the following:
- Student needs to be collected by a different family member or family friend over 18 years of age
- Student needs to be collected by parent INSTEAD of usual taxi arrangement for a specified day
Parent/Guardian is required to advise the school of the change, and MUST include the full name of person collecting, PRIOR to 2:30pm on the day of the change. This may be done via one of the following options:
- Noting change in student diary
- Phoning School Reception on ph. 4655 7481
- Emailing schooladmin@materdei.org.au
If your child needs to be collected by a service provider - a Parent/Guardian is required to complete a Collection by a Service Provider form (available on Compass) and email it to schooladmin@materdei.org.au
This form must be received PRIOR to 2:30pm on the day before the new arrangement is to take place.
If unable to provide the full name of the staff member collecting, the Parent/ Guardian is required to arrange the Service Provider to notify the school via schooladmin@materdei.org.au email by 2:30pm on the day the student is to be collected.
2025 SCHOOL DROP OFF / PICK UP PROCEDURES
COMMUNITY
YERONGA SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP – Camden
Please see below the Trading Hours for Yeronga School Uniform Shop, Camden, during Term 3.
Monday – 12pm-5pm
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 9am-2pm
Thursday – Closed
Friday – Closed
Saturday – 9am-12pm
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:
- 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.
- Proof of Age card (when a student under 16 years of age looks older)
- 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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