26 April 2021 (Term 2, Week 2)
CEO/PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last Friday, our secondary students commemorated Anzac Day with a moving assembly in the school hall. We often miss celebrating Anzac Day properly because of when it falls in the calendar, but this year the timing was perfect. On Friday, we reflected upon the school motto of peace and how sometimes we need to stand up for people who are being hurt so that we all can enjoy a peaceful and fair life. We also reflected upon the importance of the words “lest we forget” – that we should always remember those who have gone before us and helped create the lives we now have.
The students were wonderfully respectful and demonstrated a prayerful reverence during the Last Post and minutes’ silence. It was also great to welcome back parents to the assembly. Life is gradually returning to normal.
May we always remember those who have gone before us and be grateful for their sacrifice. Mater Dei is a magnificent community and similarly has benefitted from generous people who have created the place we now enjoy.
Yours sincerely
Mark Raue
CEO/PRINCIPAL
GENERAL
COVID UPDATE
Recently there has been a significant reduction in COVID restrictions which has allowed us to welcome families and visitors back into Mater Dei for modified events. Please keep up to date with our fortnightly newsletter and Compass Calendar regarding events which families can attend.
UPDATED ASSEMBLY DATES
Please be reminded that the Principal's Assembly dates for Primary and Secondary assemblies have changed from this term onwards and families are encouraged to attend. Please ensure you sign in with the Service NSW QR code on entry.
PBIS FORTNIGHTLY FOCUS
This fortnight students are focusing on being kind, safe learners in the classroom. Students are discovering that many of our schools’ rules can be applied to multiple areas of their learning. They are still using the focus phrases “Look, Listen and Do” and “Have a go” when participating in learning.
AWARD WINNERS - 23 APRIL 2021
Congratulations to the following award receipients who received their award at our last Principal's Assembly:
Gold Award Winner
- Nathan D (9/10 Polding)
Bronze Award Winner
- Dominik K (11/12 MacKillop)
Playground Positive Behaviour Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Winners
- 7/8 Benedict (Secondary Class Winners)
MEDICAL CERTIFICATES AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES
Just a reminder to families that when your child has been absent from school for 4 or more days, the school requires a Medical Certificate from your doctor before your child can return to school.
If your child has been admitted to hospital or had any type of medical procedure, the school requires a Medical Clearance before your child can return to school.
Please remember to also communicate any special requirements advised by your doctor to your child’s Stage Leader.
COVID INTENSIVE LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAM
Selected students in Years 3-8 will be participating in small group instruction as part of a government funding initiative to support students following remote learning and impacts of COVID-19. These students will be withdrawn from class 3 to 4 times a week for short intensive Minilit lessons with the aim of improving literacy outcomes. A specific staff member has been employed and trained to take these groups and collect data on this initiative. Students will be selected based on data and assessments, in consultation with our Leader of Curriculum, Stage Leader and Classroom Teachers.
UPCOMING EVENTS
LIFE EDUCATION
Students in Years 3-8 will be participating in the Life Education program this week and next week. Students in Years K-2 will be focusing on making healthy friendships, Years 3 to 6 will be looking at maintaining good friendships and Years 7 and 8 will be looking at how we respect and relate to other people.
CANTEEN - FRIDAY, 30 APRIL
A reminder that Canteen is this Friday, 30 April 2021. See menu below.
P&F MEETING
There will be a P&F Meeting on Monday, 3 May 2021 from 7pm to 8pm in the School Hall. Parents and friends are welcome to attend. Please see below for dates from our School Calendar for additional P & F meetings:
- Monday 7th June
- Monday 2nd August
- Monday 6th September
- Monday 1st November
- Monday 6th December – Christmas Dinner
MOTHER'S DAY STALL 2021
The Mater Dei Mother’s Stall, hosted by our P&F, is on Tuesday 4th May. Gifts cost $7.00 and $5.00 and cards will be $1.00 each. Please remember to send money in an envelope via school diaries with your child’s name, class, gifts and prices and the total money enclosed.
LIPSTICK LUNCHEON
Students in 1/2 Gregory and Mater Dei’s Dance Troupe will be performing at our Annual Lipstick Luncheon at The Cube, Campbelltown on Friday 7th May. These students will also be attending a rehearsal on Thursday 6th May at The Cube, Campbelltown. Please logon to Compass and provide consent if your child is in 1/2 Gregory or Mater Dei’s Dance Troupe. Due to COVID restrictions on event venues, the event will be smaller than previous years so we have decided to offer a virtual ticket for families who wish to be involved or see their child perform. See Compass post or attached flyer for more information on how to purchase a Virtual ticket.
SCHOOL PHOTOS - FRIDAY, 14 MAY
School Photos will take place on Friday, 14 May (Term 2, Week 4). Photo envelopes will be sent home this week, including a sibling envelope for relevant students. Envelopes with payment indicated or included need to be returned before the day. Students are required to wear their full winter school uniform as usual. This includes blazers for Years 7-12 students.
PAST EVENTS
2021 SWIMMING CARNIVAL
On Friday the 26th of March our students in Years 3-12 participating in our Annual Swimming Carnival. The day was a huge success and all students tried their best. Our House Captains were fantastic leading the way with chants of support for their House colours. Fingers crossed that next year our parents can come along and view the swimming talent we have at Mater Dei.
INFANT'S FUN DAY
On Friday the 26th of March our K-2 students participated in their Water Fun day. All students had a fantastic time and learnt a little about water safety along the way. The day began with some craft, followed by running through sprinklers, playing with bubbles and getting messy with water, slime and jelly.
Below is a link to the Mater Dei website to view photos of these events.
REP SWIMMING CARNIVAL
On Monday, 29 March, six Mater Dei students represented the Wollongong Diocese at the Combined Catholic College State Swimming Championships. Maya Badawi, Jack Conroy, Jacob Celan, Sommer McClelland, Breanna Durant and Justin Buda made our school very proud. Justin received a Bronze medal for the 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke and Breanna received a Bronze for the 100m Freestyle. Congratulations to all our representatives.
YEAR 7/8 BOTANIC GARDENS MOUNT ANNAN VISIT
As a part of the Year 7/8 Science unit for Term 1, both 7/8 classes visited the Botanic Gardens at Mount Annan for a fieldtrip. The unit of work focused on Classification of Living Things. Visiting the Botanic Gardens supported the students learning through first hand observation and identification of plants according to their scientific names. The students had a great time being ‘scientists in the field’.
ANZAC DAY
Our School Captains, Patrick and Sommer together with Mrs Gorey represented Mater Dei School in the ANZAC Day March in Camden. The students did a wonderful job in fulfilling their roles. Lest We Forget.
NCCD AND CENSUS AUDIT
Last week we participated in our annual audit with external contractors from the NSW Government for our 2020 Census Data. During this process they reviewed our systems and documentation relating to students with disability. The feedback from the auditor was overwhelmingly positive, including the school's use of Compass to collate student information.
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Last week’s Staff Professional Learning was presented by our PBIS Team to gain feedback from our School Team on current PBIS Lessons and resources, Rewards and Consequences and gain future ideas on how to improve Positive Behaviours throughout Mater Dei School.
COMMUNITY NEWS
COVID-19 VACCINE
Please see below link to the Association for Children with a Disabilty with information regarding eligibility for the COVID-19 Vaccine.
THE JUNCTION WORKS - POST SCHOOL OPTIONS
Please see flyer attached.