Term 2, Week 8 (13 June 2023)
CEO/PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS
Dear Parents, Carers and friends of Mater Dei,
In the past week we have had the pleasure of welcoming a number of parents and family members to our school for celebration of learning for both the primary and secondary students.
It was great to see so many people visit the school and interact with their class teachers and support staff.
Thank you to the parents and family members who attended the School. This is an important part of building our parent/carer school relationship that supports the students’ learning, development and wellbeing, Parents/carers and family members please do not underestimate the impact of visiting our school for such events and the positive impact this has on students and in particular their wellbeing.
As we hasten to the end of Term 2, I wish to express the sincere thanks of the school for all your support, co-operation and involvement during the first half of the 2023 School Year.
We wish you a peaceful, restful and safe school vacation and look forward to our student return in Term 3.
Regards,
PAUL McCANN
INTERIM CEO/PRINCIPAL
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Education is often one of the most highly scrutinised professions, often in the spotlight, regularly in the media and, rightly so, held to the highest account for the great responsibility of ensuring that quality learning and teaching is happening in schools. Over the past two weeks, Mater Dei staff have willingly opened their doors and welcomed visitors into their work space for a Celebration of Learning. I struggle to think of any other profession that does this.
While the Celebration of Learning provides an opportunity for our wider school community to come together, the joy of learning happens everyday. At Mater Dei, our staff know and value that learning matters! We know that learning is important and is not restricted to the classroom. We know that learning growth and achievement is measured in many different ways, and importantly, we acknowledge and celebrate this diversity.
I support the belief that it takes a ‘community’ to educate a child, and I acknowledge all Mater Dei staff for the genuine commitment and care that they show every day to quality learning experiences for our students. In my work and ventures during each day, I see and hear these learning experiences and I witness the joy of learning from our students that takes place in every aspect of their school day. And, because of this, our students are always aiming to achieve their best, in the classroom, on the playground, during Carnivals, at Workplace Learning, during assemblies and masses, singing practice and choir – the list goes on. It was wonderful to have so many visitors join us on each day to acknowledge the fantastic learning experiences happening at Mater Dei.
We are all looking forward to our first Athletics Carnival off site next week at the Narellan Sports Hub. Please ensure that you have read the notices on Compass regarding the organisation for this day including taking your child home from the venue. Celebrating Gratitude Day on Friday 23 June is a wonderful way to finish this term, particularly as we are able to come together to share in the Eucharist at Mass. I look forward to seeing many visitors at these two events.
A few important reminders for all visitors to Mater Dei:
- Parents, carers and any visitors to our school are not permitted to take photographic or video footage during school events, including assemblies and masses. Our Development Team carefully documents each event and also ensures that we have permission to publish photos of students.
- The safety of our students and everyone within our Mater Dei Organisation is imperative, especially around moving vehicles. Recently we have seen an increase in driving speed during morning drop off and afternoon pick up as cars approach the entry where staff are positioned to control the traffic. As this is a designated school zone, the speed limit is 40km.
Last Wednesday after school, during our weekly professional learning time, our staff gathered for ‘Sabbath Time’ led by Mrs Musso. This time allowed us to stop, step away from our work and spend time together in prayer and meditation. Our focus was ‘gratitude’ and I was certainly grateful for both the time and experience. I recommend the practice of committing to ‘Sabbath Time’ in the busyness of life. As a staff, we will continue to commit time to stopping each term.
Finally, thank you for the wonderful response in support of the Vinnies Winter Appeal. I have no doubt that our local St Vincent De Paul Society will be most appreciative of the donations of warm clothing and socks that have come from all areas of the Mater Dei community. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship and provide future support where possible.
I wish everyone a well deserved rest during the upcoming holiday break. Stay well and safe.
JENNIFER FOLDES
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL NEWS
MISSION & VISION
HOW TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBOUR
You can have lots of theories about love, but what does it actually mean in practice? St Martin of Tours was a young soldier in the fourth century. He was riding his horse in the coldest part of the winter when he met a beggar sitting at the side of the road by the city gate. He had nothing to give him, but in a moment of inspiration he drew his sword, cut his cloak in half, and gave one half to the beggar.
That night, St Martin had a dream. In the dream, Jesus was wearing the half of the cloak that Martin had given away. Jesus said to the angels, “See how Martin has clothed me with his robe.” It’s a true story, and a beautiful symbol of the love of neighbour that all Christians are called to.
Jesus said to his followers: “You must love your neighbour as yourself.” Then he went further and said, “Love one another, as I have loved you”. And he went even further and said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
It’s a radical call to love without conditions, without calculation, without expecting any reward. It’s tough! And let’s admit that sometimes we do not like this teaching. We are called to a sacrificial love that seems to go beyond the normal call of duty and even beyond what seems reasonable.
But it doesn’t mean we become everyone’s doormat. Sometimes we need to stand up for ourselves, to stand up for others, and to stand up for justice. And it doesn’t mean that we are without joy. So many of the encounters that Jesus has with others are filled with joy. There is a lovely phrase. It goes like this: “Life grows by being given away.” We receive more, in unexpected ways, when we give more.
Reflection by Fr Stephen Wang
YEAR 6 STUDENTS
Today, our Year 6 students gathered with fellow students from around the Macarthur area to celebrate the Eucharist with Bishop Brian, at St Justin’s Catholic Primary School. Our students were very attentive during the Mass and answered the questions the Bishop put before the gathering. Well done Year 6s!
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
Last week we celebrated National Reconciliation Week at Mater Dei School.
This is a time of great significance to us and through education we reflect, learn about and celebrate the culture, history and immeasurable contributions of First Nations peoples.
To educate our students about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation, each of our classes took part in a number of activities, including creating these ‘Hand in Hand’ displays.
We have an ongoing commitment to reconciliation and we acknowledge the role we can play in sparking conversations with our children and families to achieve reconciliation in Australia.
CURRICULUM
During this semester, Stage 6 students have actively participated in two units led by Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Fahey, and our Teacher Assistant, Cass. These units have provided them with a unique opportunity to create their own café and experience working as employees. In the 'Design and Technology' unit, students delved into the principles of design and technology, applying them throughout the process of constructing their café. They undertook various activities, including research, design, and hands-on construction.
On Thursday 1st June, Stage 6 proudly launched the new café, named 'Mater Dei's Cup of Peace Café.' As part of the launch, they extended invitations to the staff, offering them an opportunity to enjoy the café's offerings and excellent service. The event was a success, providing students with a platform to showcase their hard work.
In the second unit, 'Work in the Community,' students gained valuable practical experience and firsthand knowledge of actively participating in both a workforce and a community. By working in our real-life café, students not only developed their communication skills but also acquired other essential life skills necessary for successful employment.
Overall, these units have empowered Stage 6 students to engage in meaningful learning experiences, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world contexts while fostering a sense of responsibility within a community setting.
SEMESTER ONE REPORTS
K-12 Semester One Reports, Personalised Plans, Swimming Reports (participating students only) and In-Class Therapy Reports (participating students only) will be issued via Compass on Friday, 23 June 2023 (Term 2 – Week 9).
A Compass post will be sent to advise when they are available with instructions on how to access them.
SPORTS NEWS
REPRESENTATIVE SWIMMING
On Friday 2nd June, Mischa and Maya represented the Combined Catholic College team at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships at Homebush. While the day did not go to plan, both the girls represented themselves and Mater Dei with pride. Congratulations Mischa and Maya.
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Our Athletics Carnival will take place on Tuesday, 20 June at Narellan Sports Hub. All details have been distributed on Compass.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
MUFTI DAY
The next Country Fair mufti day will be Friday, 16 June. Students can wear practical casual clothes for accessing normal school activities and need closed in shoes.
Donations of new toiletries and laundry items greatly appreciated.
CANTEEN
Canteen will be running this Friday, 16 June 2023.
All orders must be in by 9am the day prior via the student diary. Unfortunately, no late orders can be accepted.
END OF TERM
Next Friday, 23 June will be our last day of Term 2.
School will resume for Term 3 on Monday, 17 July 2023 (in winter uniform).
COVID - CURRENT MEASURES IN PLACE
Given we are a high risk, disability setting, we wish to remind families of the mandatory 7 day isolation requirement remains in place at Mater Dei for all staff and students who test positive to COVID (including if you are a close contact).
Students should not attend Mater Dei if unwell or displaying COVID symptoms and only return after completing isolation and/or when symptom free.
2023 SCHOOL DROP OFF / PICK UP PROCEDURES
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.
MAISY'S CORNER
Celebration of Learning was the official launch of our Responsible Pet Ownership sessions that are taking place weekly in the Primary School and will start next term in the Secondary School.
Before Maisy interacts with the students in the classroom the students undergo Responsible Pet Ownership sessions.
The key takeaways from this fortnight's sessions are;
- Maisy is a working dog
- How to greet Prue and Maisy
- How to approach safely and pat Maisy
During the celebration of learning gatherings Maisy was able to meet the whole school community.
EVENTS
Mrs Rebecca Hanrahan recently conducted a staff meeting at the Narellan Sports Hub, the location for this years Athletics Carnival. As all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 will be attending the day, the staff had the opportunity to visit the site to become familiar with the location. Mrs Hanrahan also went through the organisation for the day with staff then being able to prepare their students back in the classroom leading up to the event. We are looking forward to an exciting Athletics Carnival this year including running races and field events such as shot put and long jump.
THANK YOU WESTS TIGERS
Wonderful supporters of Mater Dei, the Kirk family, as well as our friends at the Wests Tigers football club, kindly donated 4 family passes to last Friday night’s Tigers Vs Raiders game.
Families were asked to add their name into the draw, and at the Primary Assembly the following were announced as the lucky winners:
- Chase (1/2 Gregory)
- Bruce (3/4McCabe)
- Joshua (5/6 MacKillop)
- Tobias (9/10 McCabe)
It ended up being a really close match, with the Tigers going down by 1 point in the final few minutes. The students and their families who went along to cheer had a great night.
GRATITUDE DAY
Grandparents, Godparents and Good friends are invited to join us to celebrate mass, followed by a picnic on Friday 24th June. Mass will commence at 9.30am in the school hall.
IMPORTANT DATES
HELPFUL REMINDERS
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 2023, please download the Application for Leave Exemption form on Compass, complete and return to schooladmin@materdei.org.au
2023 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.
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