Term 2, Week 2 (7 May 2024)
PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS
Having a ‘Pivot back to purpose’ mindset
For the first three days of this term I was in Brisbane where I commenced a professional learning course on Leading with Integrity for Excellence: Governance for Catholic Schools. I was joined by Catholic school leaders from around the country and over the course of the three days we had opportunities to hear about the rich and varied school contexts, and the unique and common nature and challenges that exist across the schools. The course facilitator frequently reminded us to ‘pivot back to purpose’, i.e. the importance of ‘knowing your WHY’, as an anchor or reference point in our work.
The question “what is my purpose?” aligns with “what do I value?” What guides the way I live and what I prioritise. Purpose often involves connecting with others who share similar interests, so being an active community member can contribute to a greater sense of purpose in life. I recently posed this question to our staff, suggesting that having a ‘pivot back to purpose’ mindset can be helpful when met with interruptions or challenges in our lives.
You may recall that during our first staff Professional Learning Day at the start of the year, we focussed on 2 important documents that currently frame and guide the spiritual and educational direction for our School; the Mater Dei Strategic Plan Towards 2025 and Good Samaritan Education 2024 Formation for Mission. These documents were formed through the lens of Benedictine values and have provided an alignment in naming our goals and priorities for 2024. Following extensive planning and reflection, and a strategic planning day during the recent school holidays, using feedback provided by our staff, the school leadership team have identified the following priority areas for 2024 with a number of clearly defined goals and focussed strategies under each one:
- Formation and Culture inspired by the Benedictine tradition
- Student Learning and Wellbeing
- Family Engagement
We are confident that these priorities capture the importance of our work at Mater Dei and the significant partnership with our families, and, most importantly, we believe that these will have the greatest impact for our students. I welcome your feedback and suggestions on any or all of these priority areas. A more comprehensive overview of these priority areas, goals and strategies will be provided via the newsletter throughout the term.
Thank you to everyone who came and persevered through the cold and rain last Friday for our Athletics Carnival. While it was disappointing to suspend the carnival at midday, I was grateful that our students all managed to compete in their 100 and 200 metre races. The Mater Dei ‘can do’ attitude certainly shone through with every student taking to the track, eventually. The students had been practising their field event skills throughout last term with the help of the ‘Mini-Fit’ instructors who also joined us on the day, and had nothing but praise for the level of participation from our students. I acknowledge the time and effort from Mrs Hanrahan for organising the carnival and ensuring that it ran smoothly.
I received many responses from parents and carers who are keen to be involved in the Mater Dei Parents & Friends Association, or who would like to support the different events across the year. Our next P&F meeting is on Monday 20 May in the school hall at 7pm. I encourage you to please consider coming along and meeting other parents and carers and finding ways that we can all assist each other in supporting Mater Dei for the students. It is hoped that we will fill the following positions for the 2024 committee during this meeting:
- President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Canteen Coordinator
- Country Fair Coordinator
Further information about the meeting can be directed to pandf@materdei.org.au
This coming weekend, we celebrate motherhood and all of the women in our lives who play, or have played, a role in our lives. I recognise that motherhood takes on many forms and I acknowledge all women who nurture, guide, support and love us. I particularly think of Mary, ‘Mater Dei’, and her selfless and courageous response to God’s invitation, facing an unknown future. I pray for Mary’s blessing on all the mothers and mother figures in our Mater Dei community and thank God for the blessing that you are.
Prayer of Gratitude for Mothers
Dear Lord,
On this special day, we show our gratitude for all mothers and mother figures in our lives.
We thank them for their all-encompassing love, for their commitment, care and kindness.
We thank them for their wisdom, for helping us grow and flourish.
We thank them for their strength, for their sacrifices, and for being there in times of need.
And we thank them for their encouragement, for being our cheerleaders and celebrating our achievements.
Lord, help these significant women know how much they are loved and appreciated.
We ask that you bless all mothers, including those who are no longer with us today.
Amen.
JENNIFER FOLDES
PRINCIPAL
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK
ANZAC Day:
On ANZAC Day Mater Dei students and staff marched in the Camden RSL Sub-Branch March down Argyle St. This was a great occasion for our students to represent their school. The response of those who lined the streets was encouraging as our students proudly held our banner and laid the ANZAC wreath along with other schools across the area.
Many thanks to those parents who brought their children along to the march. A big shout out to the students who participated - they made us all proud to be a part of Mater Dei School.
eSafety:
Over the last couple of weeks we have read and heard about many disturbing incidents across our wider community. As adults, we are able to somewhat process this information however our children are often left vulnerable to the images and dialogue of the media and social media.
The eSafety Commissioner has made a strong stance to have images removed from accounts such as X (formerly Twitter). In addition, the eSafety website gives parents and carers valuable resources that aim to enhance the online safety of our young people.
One such resource is dedicated to Distressing Content. Below is a Fact Sheet to support your approach to managing social media and media content within the home.
Safety during Arrival & Dismissal:
Safety during arrival and dismissal of students is everyone’s business. Students, parents and staff can only be kept safe if everyone is vigilant about their actions when using the driveway and the carpark. It is every parent/caregiver’s responsibility to exercise safe actions during arrival and dismissal. This includes:
- Stopping at the entry and exit as indicated by the ‘Stop’ signs
- When arriving to drop off or collect students, drivers must turn engines off once the vehicle is stationary
- A safe speed of 40km/hr when driving into the Mater Dei site
- Speed is then reduced to 10km/hr when approaching the Mater Dei Pre-School (shared zone)
- Do not exit your vehicle when dropping off or picking up students
- Students only enter or exit vehicles when the flag has been raised by a staff member
- Ensure students have safely entered the car, closed the door and are seat belted when picking up
- There is no pedestrian access to the carpark when taxi/car lines have begun in both the morning and afternoon
- Taxi/car lines begin at 8:30am each morning and conclude at 9am
- Taxi/car lines begin at 3pm each afternoon and conclude at 3:30pm
Thank you to those parents and caregivers who continually exercise the utmost care when accessing the school.
Every student’s safety is everyone’s concern.
TONI SILLIS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL NEWS
MISSION & VISION
12th May - Ascension of the Lord
19th May - Pentecost
At the end of Jesus’s earthly ministry, he ascended into heaven. Then shortly thereafter, we have the descent of the Holy Spirit, both which we celebrate in the Catholic faith. These are known as the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost. There’s an intertwining here of the missions of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Out of love for us, the Father sent Jesus but he also sent us the Holy Spirit.
The Easter Season finishes with the celebration of the Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit, descended upon the Apostles gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem. This event marks the beginning of the new community, the Holy Catholic Church. This is the day the Apostles left the upper room, where they had been hiding for fear and went out fearlessly to preach the Good News to the world. They could not have done this, if they had not received power from on high, that is the Holy Spirit. We too need the Holy Spirit to live as the followers of Christ.
St Patrick’s College Visitors
We welcome again this term, our visitors from St Patrick’s College Campbelltown. The girls visit a class each week, on Tuesday afternoons. We welcome Hannah, Skyla and Amelia for Term Two.
Father James
Today we were fortunate to have a visit from Fr James Arblaster. Fr James has recently joined St Paul’s Parish, Camden. Fr James enjoyed his tour of the school and a number of students recognised Father James from attending Mass at St Paul’s. We look forward to welcoming Fr James again to Mater Dei!
WELLBEING
Life Education Van was at our school from Tuesday, 30 April to Thursday, 2 May. During this time, classes K to 8 attended a Life Education session being involved in a wide range of health and drug related topics including how the human body works, healthy eating and nutrition, medicines and drugs, bullying, resilience and social skills.
The Life Education sessions are always fun and the students thoroughly enjoyed their interactive lesson in the van, complete with a special appearance by the much-loved giraffe, Harold.
CURRICULUM
7/8 Gregory and 7/8 Benedict participated in a field study at Warragamba Dam for the Geography unit ‘Water in the World. In class, students had been learning about the importance of the natural water cycle, stormwater drains in our local area and dams.
Students enjoyed the field study, travelling down to the dam and watching the deluge flow through the gates, learning about the pumps and pipes and walking through the tunnels.
Afterwards, Stage 4 travelled to the crest of the dam and overlooked Burragorang Lake before moving into the classroom. In the classroom, students discussed what was observed during the study of the animals, plants and structure of the dam, and even created their own little catchment!
All the students looked forward to the excursion and enjoyed the experience.
SPORTS NEWS
Athletics Carnival
On Friday 3rd May, we held our annual Athletics Carnival at Narellan Sports Hub. While the weather was not kind to us, the students still had a great day, with the students getting the opportunity to compete in the 100m and 200m sprint races. There was colour, smiles and lots of fun. Special thanks to the students from Magdalene Catholic College and St Benedict’s Catholic College for their assistance in running the day.
WORKPLACE LEARNING
Workplace learning has returned with students continuing in the same placements from Term 1.
A new cohort of Year 10 students have commenced their work placement at Meals on Wheels.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Mothers Day Stall
Just a reminder our Mother's Day stall is this Thursday 9 May. All students who wish to participate will visit the stall at their allocated time. Money and order details are due by Wednesday 8 May.
Lipstick Luncheon
This Friday 10 May, 38 students will represent Mater Dei at the Lipstick Luncheon at the Campbelltown Catholic Club.
The students will perform as part of either the School Choir or Dance Troupe.
School Photo Reminder
Just a reminder that school photographs will take place on Friday 31 May.
Photo envelopes have gone home. Sibling photo envelopes went home with the oldest student.
Envelopes must be returned on or by 31 May.
2024 SCHOOL DROP OFF / PICK UP PROCEDURES
SPECIAL EVENTS
MOTHERS DAY LITURGY AND CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
On Friday 17 May, we will be holding our Mother’s Day Liturgy and Celebration of Learning. This special occasion will include a High Tea for Mums, a picnic morning tea where students will join their family, a whole school Liturgy and a classroom visit!
High Tea: 9.30am – 10.30am
Location: Cup of Peace Café
The Mums are invited to join together for a High Tea in the Cup of Peace Café. The High Tea will be an opportunity to come together and share a delicious treat that has been created by your child.
Due to space restraints, one adult per student, will be invited to attend the High Tea.
To RSVP by Friday 10th May and book your spot, click on the link https://www.trybooking.com/CRLBA
Picnic Morning Tea: 10.45am – 11.15am
Location: School Playground
Families are invited to join their child for a picnic morning tea on the playground.
Please bring along a picnic blanket and/or chairs.
Please do not bring nut or egg products.
Liturgy: 11.15am – 12.00pm
Location: Sr Carmela Ritchie Hall
Families are invited to join us for a Mother’s Day Liturgy, where we will celebrate ‘Mary the Mother of God’.
Open Classrooms: 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Location: Primary and Secondary classrooms
Following the Liturgy, you and your family will have the opportunity to visit your child's classroom to view their learning. This is an opportunity to celebrate the individual learning of your child, with your child!
Parents are welcome to take their child home following the Open Classrooms. Please note that all students must be signed out at Reception, prior to leaving the school.
We look forward to celebrating all Mothers and special female figures in the lives of our students!
National Simultaneous Story Time
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 24th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the Curriculum.
This year NSS takes place on Wednesday 22 May 2024. Our Kindergarten to Year 2 students will be participating in this experience at school. The chosen book for this year is Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker.
Sacramental Mass
Please see information below regarding Mater Dei's 2024 Sacramental Program, as per the Compass post this morning.
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As we head into Term 2, the professional learning of staff will be diving into the data we hold on our students’ wellbeing and learning. We will be looking at how effective and efficient our systems of data collection are and how the data informs our teaching.
We will also explore how the data is used to show student progress over time. This is an exciting period of learning for the staff as we approach our work with a growth mindset of continual improvement.
MAISY'S CORNER
Maisy is not just a classmate; she is a social superstar! From impromptu playdates in the playground to collaborative training sessions in the classroom, Maisy our woof-tastic companion brings students together.
2024 IMPORTANT DATES FOR PARENTS
**Please Note - School photos are now being held on Friday 31 May**
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 2024, please download the Application for Leave Exemption form on Compass, complete and return to schooladmin@materdei.org.au
2024 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.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Camden Careers Expo
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