22 March 2021 (Term 1, Week 8)

CEO/PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are very quickly approaching the end of Term One and I am pleased to report that 2021 has had a much better start than last year. The forthcoming Easter holidays are important for multiple reasons. At the most basic level, we all need a break from routine and day-to-day work to recharge our batteries and prepare for what comes next. The staff work tirelessly during the term to create a wonderful learning environment, and as much as they might love the children and being at Mater Dei, they deserve their down time with family and friends to unwind before they are needed to wind up for the next term. The students, too, need a break from routine and to step away from school for a couple of weeks. This contributes to better learning outcomes when they then return to school for the next term.

At a deeper level, my Catholic faith reminds me that in this season of Lent we are preparing for the peak moment in the Church’s year when we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. Growing up Catholic, the focus of Lent was always about fasting, self-sacrifice and temporarily giving up something we like. Some say that an endless number of former smokers attribute their quitting to being Catholic and giving up cigarettes as part of their Lenten preparation! Whilst fasting and self-sacrifice is fine, I have come to understand that a better way to experience Lent is to find extra time to see things from a different perspective. We expect all of our staff to engage in reflective-practice, to honestly consider their work performance and to be self-motivated to make small improvements. We all know we can always do better – as employees, as friends, as neighbours, as partners, as parents – and it is healthy to reflect and see things from a new angle.

When Jesus went into the desert for forty days to reflect and pray, I believe he modelled for us the importance of taking quiet prayerful time to renew and think about things in a fresh way. The traditional Lenten theme of “repent” really means to turn around and see things differently, which then leads to different attitudes and actions. It is not about fear of punishment or consequences, but about insight and wisdom. This Lent I am challenged to reflect on gratitude and how I need to be more grateful for this privileged life I have in Australia, and for those who walk it with me; and when Easter Sunday comes I will once again celebrate the new life and hope that the resurrection of Jesus creates for us.

This is a perfect segue to announcing that part of the “new life” that will come after Easter is that our Assistant Principal, Eryn Lonergan, will be returning to Mater Dei after the birth of her second child. As a transition to eventually returning to her senior role, Eryn will take on the temporary part-time role of Manager of School Improvement reviewing school policies, procedures and a range of other accountabilities we have with regulatory authorities. Kylee Laugesen will continue as Acting Assistant Principal, as will Jake Elvin as Acting Leader of Pastoral Care. I look forward to having Eryn back in the Mater Dei community.

Kind regards

Mark Raue

CEO/PRINCIPAL

GENERAL

PALM SUNDAY

The Palm Sunday meaning is derived from how the people of Jerusalem laid palm leaves on the path as Jesus passed.  Today,  Palm Sunday celebrations involve a procession of faithfuls carrying palms, willows or olive branches.

In the Christian calendar, Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter and the final Sunday in Lent.  Palm Sunday marks the first day of the Holy Week.  The day commemorates the day Jesus arrived in Jerusalem riding on a donkey.  It was only a few days before one his disciples Judas Iscariot, would betray him, putting Jesus on trial and ultimately sentenced to death by crucifixion.  

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

Mother Mary is the greatest among the saints. At the Annunciation, Mary said “yes” to God and became the Mother of Jesus, the eternal Son of God incarnate. We believe in Mary’s Immaculate Conception (that she was without sin from the moment of her conception and she remained “full of grace” by the saving work of the son she was to bear) and that, because of her sinless state, she was assumed bodily into heaven.

Hail, favoured one! The Lord is with you,” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. (Luke 1:28-33)

Catholic Schools NSW has provided us with a recent update based on changes to COVID-19 restrictions.  The following can now occur at Mater Dei School:

• Students can now commence singing at Mass and Assemblies - Choir must be 5 metres from the audience when performing.
• The choir will recommence practise from the beginning of Term Two.
• Parents and carers will be able to attend Assemblies however, to meet our COVID Safe requirements including the square metre rule, we have had to make some changes. Assemblies have now been split into Primary and Secondary Assemblies and dates have been added to the school calendar to reflect this. See separate article with dates for each class who is presenting at the Assembly. 

UPDATED ASSEMBLY DATES

Please see updated Assembly Dates for Primary and Secondary Assemblies from Term Two onwards. 

PBIS FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS

The PBIS Fortnightly Focus is Being Kind, Safe and a Learner in the breakout areas. Students are working on showing personal space in this area as well as walking safely and making sure they look, listen and do.

CONFIRMATION OF ENTRY

Confirmation of Entry notes have been sent home to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. Please prioritise the return of a copy indicating any changes in student details.

UPCOMING EVENTS

PROJECT COMPASSION

As part of our ongoing support to Caritas during Lent, students are asked to bring in GOLD COINS for a donation on Wednesday, 24 March.   These monies will be donated to assist Project Compassion and all the ground work and hands on work they do with people in Australia and with our close neighbours. Thank you in advance.  If you wish to, please watch the clips of Project Compassion - BE MORE  https://lent.caritas.org.au/  

INFANTS WATER FUN DAY

On Friday. 26 March Infants students (Years K-2) will participate in a ‘Water Fun Day’ at school. Students will be supervised by Mater Dei staff.

Students will NOT actually be swimming but will participate in a variety of structured indoor and outdoor water themed activities throughout the day including craft, games, relays and sensory experiences. Staff will monitor the weather and if it is too cold/windy, activities will be modified.

What to wear:

• Sun smart casual/mufti clothes (please ensure students have sleeves on their tops)
• Closed in shoes
• Sunscreen – please apply sunscreen to your child before they come to school

What to bring:

• Recess, lunch and water bottle (there will be no canteen on this day)
• A hat (some students may already have their Mater Dei hat at school which they can wear)
• A towel
• A dry change of clothes (including underwear) as students will likely get wet during Water Fun Day

Please ensure all clothing is clearly labelled with your child’s name.
 
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate visitors or family members to watch or assist with this event. Photos will be shared with families on Compass.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Our Annual Swimming Carnival is this Friday, 26 March. Thank you to all parents and carers who have provided consent online via Compass. If you have not yet done so and wish your child to attend please contact the school. Please make sure your child has the following on the day:

• Dry underwear to change into at the end of the carnival
• A towel and a plastic bag to store all of their wet gear at the end of the carnival
• Please clearly label ALL garments with your child’s name
• Their regular recess and lunch and water bottles
• Children are encouraged to wear their house colour shirt and sports shorts.  Check diaries for their house colour. 

TREK FOR OPPORTUNITY FUNDRAISER

All welcome to pop by and support the Trek for Opportunity trekkers before they head off to Tasmania at their Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, 27 March at Gregory Hills Bunnings.

STAGE ONE SYDNEY ZOO EXCURSION

Unfortunately, we had to postpone our Stage One excursion to Sydney Zoo last week due to the weather. Luckily, we have been able to reschedule for Wednesday, 31 March. All of the staff and students are keeping their fingers crossed for better weather!  As the date has changed, we ask families to please give consent again via Compass by Friday, 26 March.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.

YEAR 6 POLO SHIRT

This year, we have decided to introduce a Year 6 polo shirt.  All Year 6 students and staff will have the opportunity to purchase this school polo.  Students will be allowed to wear the polo shirt during 2021 as an optional part of their sport uniform. An order form has been sent home with Year 6 students and orders and payment are due by Monday, 29 March 2021.  No orders will be accepted without payment.

YEAR 11 AND 12 SENIOR JERSEYS

Year 11 & 12 students have received an order form for a Seniors’ Jersey.  The Jersey is NOT a compulsory purchase.  However, if you would like to order a jersey, order forms and payment are due by Monday, 19 April.  However, if all orders are received prior to the end of this term, the order can go in sooner.  No orders will be accepted without payment.

END OF TERM 1 AND TERM 2 INFORMATION

A reminder that all staff and students finish on Thursday, 1 April 2021.

Staff and Students return to school on Monday, 19 April.  

An important reminder that ALL students will need to be in full Mater Dei winter uniform, including blazers for all secondary students for the commencement of Term Two.  There is a grace period PRIOR to Mother’s Day to allow for full summer uniform to be worn if some hot days remain.

CANTEEN - TERM 2, WEEK 1

Just a reminder that the Canteen will be open on Friday, 23 April 2021 (Term 2, Week 1).  

SACRAMENTAL MASS

Bishop Brian’s office has confirmed that the Bishop will be attending our Sacramental Mass on Saturday, 14 August at 3pm in the Mater Dei Chapel.  Students in Year 3 or above and who have been Baptised into the Catholic Church are eligible to make their First Eucharist.  Students who are in Year 6 or above and who have made their First Eucharist are eligible to make their Confirmation. 

More information will be available on Compass soon.

PAST EVENTS

REPRESENTATIVE SWIMMING CARNIVAL - CORRIMAL

On Friday 12th March, 12 Secondary students represented Mater Dei at the Wollongong Diocese Swimming Championships at Corrimal Pool. All students represented Mater Dei with pride and determination.

We had some amazing results including:

• Maya Badawi 1st place Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke
• Breanna Durrant 2nd place Freestyle, 3rd place Backstroke and Breaststroke
• Sommer McClelland 3rd place freestyle, 2nd place Backstroke and Breaststroke
• Justin Buda 2nd place Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke
• Jacob Celan 2nd place Freestyle and Backstroke
• Jack Conroy 3rd place Freestyle and 2nd place Breaststroke 
• Zac Leone 3rd place backstroke and Breaststroke
• Charbel Chaghoury 3rd place backstroke

Special mention to Breanna, Maya, Justin and Jacob who have been selected to move onto the Combined Catholic College Championships in Homebush on Monday, 29 March.

STAFF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Last Friday, 19 March, all school staff participated in our Managing Actual Potential Aggression (MAPA) training which occurs every two years. This training was presented by the Association of Independent Schools of NSW.  MAPA teaches skills for assessing, managing, and responding to risk behaviour and intervention techniques to help staff cope with escalating behaviour in a professional and safe manner. The focus is on verbal de-escalation, prevention, and early intervention. The philosophy of this program is Care, Welfare, Safety and Security for all.