Term 3, Week 10 (19 September 2022)
CEO/PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS
Dear Parents and Carers,
The recently held Mater Dei Foundation Dinner was another great success and highlighted how much community support there is for Mater Dei. Our students were wonderful in the choir performing with great enthusiasm and excitement. Every time a Mater Dei student gets on the stage people’s hearts melt with affection and gratitude. There were other Mater Dei students involved in the journey performance, and our School Captain, Wade, did a brilliant job as co-host for the night with Sarah Ryan. All in all the night was as good as it gets and was a great credit to our staff, especially the Development Team.
Money raised on the night will go towards supporting Mater Dei’s new Companion Animal program. We have contracted Cornerstone Companions to train and provide a wellbeing Support Dog and a trained handler for four days a week in 2023. They will be spending some time at Mater Dei in Term 4 getting to know the place and understanding the needs of our students. More information will become available in due course as we plan for the introduction of the wellbeing support dog next year. I am hopeful that this first venture will grow and that companion animals will eventually become part of the day-to-day life of our whole organisation.
MARK RAUE
CEO/PRINCIPAL
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Dear Parents & Carers,
For the safety of our students and staff, please be reminded of taxi protocols during morning drop off and afternoon pick up.
When you are waiting in the taxi line before the entry bollard, please be mindful that normal road rules apply and you should adhere to these rules while in the queue. All passengers are to wear a seatbelt at all times and be in an age appropriate car seat.
Please also ensure that you are entering and exiting the taxi line at an appropriate speed and that mobiles phone must not be handled while driving a vehicle.
As we near the end of Term 3, I would like to wish you all a happy and safe term break. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Term 4.
Kind regards,
KAREN YOUNG
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
COVID-SMART MEASURES
SCHOOL NEWS
MISSION & VISION
THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
2022 Theme: End racism. Build peace.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. One of our Benedictine Values is Peace. The word sits in conjunction with our Mater Dei symbol.
“And let them first pray together, that so they may associate in peace.”
― St. Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict
The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.
WORK PLACE LEARNING
There will be no WPL during Week 10 due to Senior Retreat Week. Workplace Learning will start again Week 1, Term 4. great subject with variation and opportunities!
PEDAGOGY
7/8 BENEDICT
In class lessons our students focus on explicit instruction learning new skills and knowledge. Mrs Musso has been teaching 7/8 Benedict about money and making decisions about purchasing.
Their Learning Intention was to compare the prices of different products available for purchase, and make decisions based on a given budget. The students discussed how different branded products (with the same purpose) are available for purchase and how important it is to purchase items that are the best value for money. So, if a person has a specific amount of money, they need to purchase items that they can afford. At school the students looked through shopping catalogues and explored online shopping. Then to apply their class learning the class went to Woolworths at Oran Park for Community Based Instruction where they had to make a decision on what can be purchased from Woolworths for home.
The students searched the aisles to locate their items, checked the prices, scanned their items at the self-serve checkout, paid with cash, waited for their change and receipt. Well done 7/8 Benedict you are becoming expert shoppers who can make decisions and manage your money.
PBIS FOCUS
Our school mascot Sammy helps us learn our school rules at last weeks assembly our infants and primary students spoke about the different places we can find Sammy.
Samaritan Awards are awarded to students during recess and lunch, transitions, on the playground or during community access. Once Samaritan Awards (wristbands) are awarded, they are cut-off on return to the classroom and placed in the class jar. The class with the highest number of awards is rewarded with a perpetual class trophy.
We woud like to congratulate 2 Gregory on winning the PBIS class trophy this term.
WELLBEING
R U OK? Day is a day dedicated to inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them by asking the simple question “Are you OK?”.
Our students participated in activities to help make it easier for them to ask “Are you OK?” and support someone in the event that they are struggling. Students also identified people in their lives that they can go to for support.
CURRICULUM
Students in 3/4 Polding have been working very hard during Mathematics this term. One of their Learning Intentions has been in relation to learning strategies to use simple maps and grids with one of their Success Criteria being to describe the position of an object using more than one descriptor. Ms Sullivan has designed some exciting Learning Experiences to build students' skills and assist them with working towards their Success Criteria including whole class activities on the Interactive Whiteboard as well as individual activities with lots of hands-on opportunities. Learning to use a map and give directions are practical skills which students can use in their everyday life and something that 3/4 Polding have really been enjoying.
Great work 3/4 Polding!
SPORTS NEWS
Combined Catholic College Athletics Championships
On Monday, 12th September, six Mater Dei Students represented the Wollongong Diocese at the Combined Catgolic College Athletics Championships at Homebush. The students achieved amazing results and were fantastic representatives of Mater Dei.
Leishiya: 2nd 100m, 2nd 200m, 3rd Long Jump, 4th Discus and 4th 800m
Breeana: 3rd 100m, 3rd 200m and 3rd Shot Put
Jack: 1st 800m, 3rd Long Jump, 4th Shot Put, 4th 200m, 4th Discus and 6th 100m
Cooper: 4th 100m, 4th 800m, 5th 200m and 5th long jump
Justin: 1st long jump, 2nd 200m and 4th 100m
Maya: 4th shot put, 9th 100m and 8th 200m
Mackillop Athletics Championships
This Wednesday, 21st September, seven Mater Dei students will compete at the Mackillop Athletics Championship in Homebush.
We wish Maria, Joshua, Corrado, Marco, Ian, Nate and Austin the best of luck.
CHANGE OF DATES - TERM 4 ASSEMBLY
Please note that there has been a change to the dates of the Term 4 Primary and Secondary Assemblies.
The Primary Assembly will now take place in Week 2 on Friday, 21st October. The Secondary Assembly will now take place in Week 3 on Friday, 28th October and include Leadership Speeches. Compass Parent Calendar has been updated to reflect the new dates.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Thursday 22nd September 2022
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared a national public holiday on Thursday, 22nd September 2022 for the National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
All schools in the Diocese of Wollongong will be closed and your child will not be required to attend on this day.
LAST DAY OF TERM 3
This Friday, 23rd September will be our last day of Term 3.
School will resume for Term 4 on Monday, 10th October 2022 (in Summer uniform).
2022 SCHOOL PHOTOS
School photos for 2022 have now been sent home to families. If you would like to order copies, please get in touch with The School Photographer via the link below:
https://www.theschoolphotographer.com.au/contact-us-2
STUDENT BIRTHDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
A reminder to families, we are currently not able to share any food at school including birthday cakes. If your child is celebrating a special event, we kindly ask families not to send in homemade treats or birthday cakes.
We understand these are important milestones and are more than happy to distribute individually wrapped, pre-packaged items such as lollipops, freddo frogs and cake bars.
EVENTS
PAST EVENTS:
All of our staff were treated to a presentation by Mrs Jody Musso, Mrs Michelle Fogarty and Mrs Kellie Andersen. These teachers attended the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference 2021. They shared important information with staff about the Uluru Statement From The Heart. The presentation also focused on recognising how we can include more teaching and learning opportunities within our school to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their history.
DR BREE JIMENEZ VISIT
On Friday 9th September we were fortunate to welcome a special visitor back to Mater Dei, Dr Bree Jimenez. Bree is now an Associate Professor of Special Education at University of Texas at Arlington. Bree was eager to show two of her colleagues around Mater Dei, Pam Mims and Ginevra Courtade. Pam is a Professor and Associate Dean at East Tennessee State University. Ginevra is a Professor at University of Louisville. During their visit they observed a Science and Engineering lesson in 2 Gregory with Jema Hielman, spent some time with Primary Samaritan and engaged in conversations with 11 MacKillop and Nicole Robinson about their Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction.
FOUNDATION DINNER 2022
The 2022 Annual Foundation Dinner was held at The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club on Saturday, 10 September, and raised an incredible amount of $356,000. This year’s theme, “It’s the Journey That Matters”, was about taking our guests on a journey and showcasing how Mater Dei Organisation has grown to include programs that support families from birth to young adulthood.
The Mater Dei choir were our star opening performers of the night, who beautifully performed “The Climb”. They were followed by a poignant and moving performance to the soundtrack song from the movie Amelie. This performance included students and staff from MDECE, Mater Dei School, NextPath Assessment & Therapy and NextPath Continuous Learning.
Special thanks to our dedicated committee, to the 500+ guests who attended, plus those who supported by buying raffle tickets, making pledges & bidding on auction items.
The Foundation Dinner would not be possible without the support of our Platinum, Gold, Silver & Corporate Sponsors as well as the wonderful staff and volunteers who together contribute so much to allow the night to be a wonderful occasion.
PROJECT 5 AASE CONFERENCE
On Sunday, 11th September, at Darling Harbour. Year 11 teacher Nicole Robinson and Stage Leader, Jaqueline Gorey presented at the Australian Association of Special Education 2022 Conference, their Research Project; Project 5.
This Action Research project looked at the Self-Determination Learning Model of Instruction. Our students identified goals to achieve at their Workplace. With input from parents, students and Dr Rachel Perry from the Association of Independent Schools, staff assisted students to achieve these goals. The presentation was very well received by the attendees at the conference. We will continue to broaden the Project during 2023.
K-6 PRIMARY CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
Thank you to all the family visitors to Mater Dei for our recent Primary Celebration of Learning day. Our students and staff enjoyed the opportunity to showcase the great learning in classrooms as well as enjoying a picnic lunch before a wonderful assembly presentation by 3/4 McCabe.
The assembly also celebrated many Principal’s Awards.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PRIMARY AWARDS WINNERS!
* Aryan P
* Hayden R
* Kristian R
* Alegra A
* Nate F
* Jacob O
SENIOR RETREAT WEEK
On Monday, 19th and Tuesday 20th of September, Years 11 and 12 will attend Wedderburn Christian Campsite for some outdoor fun and challenges!
On Wednesday 21st, The Sydney Youth Mission Team will be attending Mater Dei to complete some activities with our Years 10, 11 and 12 students. Students can wear their sports uniform on this day, not their school uniform.
FUTURE EVENTS:
Y7-12 SECONDARY CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
Friday 23rd September will be Celebration of Learning Day for Secondary classes, 7-12. Please see Compass for more information and complete the Insight if you will be attending for a classroom visit, picnic lunch and/or Assembly.
MOVE IT 4 MATER DEI IS BACK!
With spring in the air it is perfect time to get moving….. And why not do it with purpose!
In just 2 weeks’ time we can join together and “Move It 4 Mater Dei”, an online fundraising event to help motivate you, your children, friends and families.
It is really easy to be involved. Sign up as an individual or create a team, and from the 1 – 14 October move as much as you like or a little each day.
Share your page with those who support you, and together we can raise money for Mater Dei.
Scan the QR Code or click the link to join - https://moveit4materdei2022.raisely.com/
If you need any help or have questions, please call Sarah on 4654 8708. Thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you all moving soon!
NEW PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
MATER DEI COUNTRY FAIR
HELPFUL REMINDERS
PARENT FORMS AND SCHOOL DOCUMENTATION
Just a reminder that Compass now has a range of forms and Compass support documents for parents to access. Parent Forms are now located on Compass using the following steps:
(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 2022, please download the Application for Leave Exemption form on Compass, complete and return to schooladmin@materdei.org.au
AFTERNOON ARRANGEMENTS 2022
In the event of either of the following:
- Student to be collected by a different family member or family friend over 18 years of age
- Student to be collected INSTEAD of usual taxi arrangement for 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 3pm 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.
COMPASS CALENDAR TO YOUR PHONE
Any parents or carers wishing to sync the School Compass Calendar to their iPhone will need to set up a Google account and then following the below steps:
You can sync Google Calendar with the Calendar app that comes on your iPhone or iPad.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open your device settings.
- Scroll and tap Passwords & Accounts.
- Tap Add account Google.
- Enter your email address Next.
- Enter your password. If you don't have the latest operating system and you use 2-Step Verification, enter an app password instead of your regular password.
- Tap Next.
- Emails, contacts, and calendar events will now sync directly with your Google Account. To sync only your calendar, turn off the other services.
- Open the Calendar app on your iPhone to find your Google Calendar events.
To sync with an existing account, tap the account and turn on Calendars.
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