Term 3, Week 3 (6 August 2024)
PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS
It was extremely fitting to commence the new Term with our Feast Day celebrations where we acknowledge and celebrate St Benedict, whose feast day is celebrated on July 11th in the Catholic Church. As the founder of the Benedictine Order, Benedict is renowned for his contributions to monastic life and the development of Western monasticism through his Rule, which guides the spiritual and communal life of monks. In celebrating St Benedict’s Feast Day, we honor his legacy and ongoing influence on our Mater Dei students, staff, families and community. As is tradition on our Feast Day, two significant awards are presented, the Community Award and the Hospitality Award.
The Community Award particularly acknowledges the contribution to the Mater Dei community without expectation of individual reward, as exemplified in the Benedictine tradition, where qualities of mutual service, openness and generosity are shown in a consistent manner. The recipients of this award, listen to others in the spirit of St Benedict’s words, ‘Listen with the ear of the heart’, while also giving of their time to contribute to Mater Dei committees and/or various fundraising events. The 2024 recipients of the Community Award are Ian and Leanne Wolf, of Tony Wolf & Son Printers. Unfortunately they were unable to join us for our Feast Day and I look forward to presenting the award to them at a future opportunity.
The Hospitality Award is awarded to a Mater Dei student who exemplifies St Benedict’s teaching of seeing Christ present in all, particularly in welcoming the visitor. Recipients of this award regularly offer hospitality, they sustain a spirit of welcome, responsibility and reliability in a consistent manner, and have a cheerful demeanor always trying to cheer others especially when times are tough. The 2024 Hospitality Award was awarded to Zack Patterson from Year 11. Among the reasons given by staff for Zack’s nomination were recognition of his approach to student life with excitement and enthusiasm, and being a role model to his peers. Congratulations Zack.
I recently attended the GSE Principals’ Conference in Melbourne with a common theme of ‘story telling’ thread throughout the three days. We know that stories are a fundamental part of human experience. They shape our understanding of the world and our place in it, influencing both individual lives and collective cultures. Stories help us connect with others by sharing experiences, emotions, and perspectives. They foster empathy by allowing us to step into someone else’s shoes and understand their point of view. They are a way to pass down knowledge, values, and traditions from one generation to the next, and, through stories, cultural norms and historical events are remembered and preserved. It was a privilege to hear about the legacy of John Bede Polding and our relationship with Indigenous Australia, and the Origin story of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan by Sr Jill O’Brien sgs. I remind our staff that as we continue to ‘pivot to purpose’, it is the early footsteps and actions of these courageous pioneers that continue to guide and influence us in our work today.
During the Conference we visited the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where I spent time in the ‘Spirit of the Animals’ exhibition, a collection of artworks highlighting the significance of animals in the cultural life of Victorian First Peoples, establishing connection to Place and Country, and strengthening clan and cultural identity. I was particularly taken by one piece “Feather Flowers’ by Glenda Nicholls, a Wadi Wadi, Yorta Yorta and Ngarrindgeri artist. Glenda watched her mother and Grandmother make feather flowers and has continued this herself, more recently influencing her niece Emma Stenhouse, a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and contemporary indigenous artist. What piqued my interest in particular was the women in the family learning the skill of making feather flowers by watching. It reminded me of the importance of recognising the influence our actions have on others, those who watch and learn from what we do and how we behave. I return to my earlier comment about the courageous pioneers in whose footsteps we walk and whose actions we find inspiration and guidance.
Our next pupil free day is on Monday 19 August for our Staff Spirituality Day. Our day will focus on Benedictine Spirituality, as we purposely take time away from our usual work day to reflect on the parable of the Good Samaritan and the continuing work of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.
Thank you to the parents and carers who have indicated their availability to assist with our Country Fair on Sunday 27 October. There is still a need for other parents and carers to assist in the lead up to the Country Fair or on the day of the Country Fair. Please keep an eye out for a follow up letter being sent home via the student diary.
JENNIFER FOLDES
PRINCIPAL
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK
The Feast of Mary MacKillop of the Cross
Thursday 8 August, we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop - Australia’s first saint. Mary MacKillop was a trail-blazer in her lifetime, leaving a culture of exemplary living for her followers to emulate. Mary paved the way for education of poor children and a variety of ministries which addressed the needs of 19th century Australia.
Her legacy continues today in countless ways. Education in its many facets is still a strong ministry for the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Mary’s work continues today with a myriad of ways of bringing healing and hope through spirituality, counselling, supervision and mentoring.
Mary MacKillop’s legacy encourages us to be people of justice and ecumenism.
Mary inspires us to be courageous and hopeful and to have a deep faith in our God who provides.
Mary MacKillop has shown us how to forgive and how to be compassionate; she teaches us about spirituality and is a saint for all of us today.
The life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop demonstrated the deep commitment that was shown to her faith and the Church. She stood for others believing that her work was for the good of others; that those around her would live lives that were fulfilled and filled with prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Mary is remembered by many quotes, and I leave this one with you this week to reflect upon.
“If disappointed, don’t say hard things. Only think a little, pray a little, and try to remember that God will bring about what is best in God’s own time.”
Mary MacKillop, 2 September 1873
A Reminder!
Our school masses are such wonderful opportunities for our students to display their reverence as a school community. Their participation in our masses and celebrations is always a privilege to witness.
As parents we always want to capture the moments of our child, however parents, caregivers and guests are reminded that not all students have permission to be photographed/filmed. For this reason, parents, caregivers and guests are asked not to film or photograph students as a whole group.
These occasions are always captured by the Development Team on behalf of the school. Photographs and videos are posted to social media ensuring that only those students with permission are shown.
Keeping Our Students e-Safe!
The eSafety Commissioner has excellent resources to support parents when their child is navigating the online environment. Many of our students talk about the online games they are accessing.
This term the eSafety Commissioner has a series of parent webinars around consenting and online boundaries and understanding how to support children with online gaming.
Mark your Calendars!
Mater Dei Country Fair:
The Mater Dei Country Fair is on Sunday 27 November. The Country Fair is always a great day to show your support for our school.
Student Semester Reports
As part of our continuous school improvement planning process, parents and caregivers are invited to give feedback regarding the current format of the Student Semester Reports.
This survey will remain open until Friday 9 August.
TONI SILLIS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL NEWS
MISSION & VISION
On Friday 26 July, Fr Michael from St Paul’s Parish in Camden celebrated St Benedict’s Feast Day, with the Mater Dei community. The students, as always, sang with vigor and were reverent in their manner. It was wonderful to have staff and students attend from Good Samaritan Education Colleges, including St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Wollongong; St Patrick’s College, Campbelltown and Stella Maris College, Manly. We were also fortunate to have staff and students attend from our local Catholic Colleges, including St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park; St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown and Magdalene Catholic College, Narallen. The announcement of our St Benedict’s Hospitality award was presented to a deserving winner, Zack, a Year 11 student.
Last week our Year 12 School leaders, with Mrs Gorey and Kim, attended the Prophetic Voices Student Forum. The first day consisted of the Mater Dei staff and students joining up with fifty students and twenty staff from Good Samaritan Education from Colleges, in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. There were guest speakers informing us of different social issues that affect society as a whole. The Mater Dei students also presented a video focusing on Homelessness and how the cycle continues. The students received generous praise from their peers for their presentation. The second day, Mater Dei School welcomed over sixty guests to visit our classrooms and explore the unique grounds and buildings that we are so fortunate to have here, at Mater Dei.
PEDAGOGY
At Mater Dei we are on a journey of continuous school improvement. Central to this journey is our work around student learning and wellbeing. Staff have been exploring the importance of using student learning data to inform the next steps in a child’s learning.
Data is just a form of information but when the right data comes together teachers have evidence of student success and progress as well as their next steps in learning. The aim of collecting student learning data is to improve, and gain consistency, of our evidence-based practices within our classrooms.
CURRICULUM
During Mathematics lessons 1/2 Benedict have been learning about mass. The students have been investigating mass using an equal-arm balance. To do this they place objects on either side of an equal-arm balance to obtain a level balance then predict the action of an equal-arm balance before placing particular objects in each pan. Predicting allows students to explain their reasoning. They then use the equal-arm balance to compare the masses of two objects and record, which is heavier or lighter. Miss O’Riordan and Donna have guided the students through hands on learning and exploring by the student’s selecting objects from around the classroom to weigh and compare the mass. The students have become confident in identifying which objects are heavier or lighter and even finding some that are equal in their weight.
Great work 1/2 Benedict
SPORTS & EVENTS
Wollongong Diocese Secondary Athletics
On Friday 2nd August, 11 students represented Mater Dei at the Wollongong Diocese Secondary Athletics Championships. The students competed in the 100m, 200m, long jump, discus and shot put. The results were amazing, with Ian winning Junior Boys Multi Class Champion, Ruby winning Junior Girls Multi Class Champion, Leishiya winning Senior Girls Multi Class Champion and Juston winning Senior Multi Class Champion. Maya, Torey, Cooper and Maria were runners up. 9 of our students have now been selected to represent Wollongong Diocese at the Combined Catholic College Championships, in Homebush in September.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
School Fees
A gentle reminder about school fees.
If you are yet to pay your school fees, please make arrangements to do so.
For families currently experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the school immediately via email at schooladmin@materdei.org.au to arrange a time to discuss further with Ms Foldes.
9 August - P&F Canteen Day and Country Fair Mufti Day: Car Care & Gardening item donations
Week of 12 August - Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences.
Semester Two Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 August 2024.
The purpose of the conference is to meet with your child’s Classroom Teacher/s and to collaborate on your child’s Personalised Plan (PPSD) including individual learning goals and supports. The conference will also assist in maintaining communication with your child’s Teacher/s. As well as best practice, collaboration with the Classroom Teacher/s and Parents/Carers is a requirement under the National Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD).
As your contribution to your child’s PPSD is both valuable and essential, all families are asked to prioritise their time to be available for the Parent Teacher Conference.
- Conferences are 15 minutes for each student
- Students are encouraged to also attend
- An executive member of staff may attend this conference or request an additional conference to discuss and review particular student support plans.
Bookings have been made available via a Try Booking link which has been posted on your child’s Compass Class Dashboard on Thursday 25 July 2024.
Parents are asked to select a day and time between 3:45pm and 6:15pm.
Parents will also be able to select their preferred method of meeting as either a phone call, zoom or face to face meeting at Mater Dei School.
If you select a zoom the class teacher will provide the zoom link closer to the day.
Parents are requested to answer all questions in the Try Booking link.
Any families who have not booked by Thursday 8 August will be allocated a time and advised via the diary on Friday 9th August then called on the phone at the allocated time.
Mater Dei Teachers are looking forward to meeting with their class parents.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact school during school days between 8:30am and 4pm.
13 August - Year 6 Mass
On 13 August, our Year 6 students will join together with their Diocesian peers at Holy Family Catholic Parish Primary School, Ingleburn, for the Year 6 Mass. We will celebrate Mass with Bishop Brian and other local priests. After the Mass, the students have time to interact with other students from the many schools. It’s a wonderful day to be part of! More details to follow.
19 August - Staff Spirituality Day (PUPIL FREE DAY)
Staff from Good Samaritan Education will lead our school staff in meaningful and reflective conversation. 2024 is the Year of Holy Audacity, through the lens of Hospitality and Peace.
Staff will explore how we can strive and attain these values in our daily lives here at Mater Dei.
31 August - Sacramental Mass
On 31 August, there will be seventeen students making their Sacrament of First Holy Communion and /or Confirmation, in our beautiful Mater Dei Chapel, with Bishop Brian. What a special time for these students and their families /carers. Students started their prepartion last week and will continue to do so, up until the end of August. Next week, students will bring home some readings to share with their families, to assist with their preparation for the Sacramental Mass.
2024 SCHOOL DROP OFF / PICK UP PROCEDURES
EVENTS
St Benedict's Feast Day
From Father Michael's Weekly Message:
Friday 26th July: Feast Day Mass at Mater Dei
"Great work from our teachers to prepare the children and teenagers for Mass. This school has such a special place in our hearts and in our parish. Mater Dei is the Latin for Mother of God. And may Mary always insist to her Son that divine love and blessings will forever shower upon this wonderful school which is surely one of the most beautiful and precious across our whole nation".
National Tree Day
National Tree Day was Sunday 28 July so on Monday 29 July our Kindergarten students joined the fun by planting four new trees in our Infants Playground. Before planting the students talked about what they will need and what the trees will need. They came up with a plan to dig the holes with spades, hold the seedling carefully, push the dirt carefully then water. The students also talked about how these little seedlings will grown up big and tall and give us shade and homes for animals like birds. Our Kindergarten students will have the pleasure of watching these trees grow alongside them for years to come.
Thank you Camden Council for generously donating these beautiful trees to us.
Kindergarten 100 Days of Learning
Friday 2 August marked 100 Days of Learning at Mater Dei School for our Kindergarten students. K Samaritan students looked a little older when they dressed up to help celebrate this milestone. Mrs Keepence, Linda and Chelsey organised a fun day of celebrating all things 100 with number counting, sticker counting, making crowns and craft.
VOTE FOR US! – Mater Dei Marvels
We are excited to announce that our short film, Mater Dei Marvels, has been entered in the 2024 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival!
To win we need your support! Please take a moment to vote for our video and help showcase the incredible talents of our fantastic students. Your vote can make a huge difference.
VOTE HERE: https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/filmCategories.html (find us in the School Entrant - Short Film category)
When the Batmobile is stolen, Batman enlists the help of Mater Dei School's students and their super abilities to help him find the culprit! – View the video here: https://youtu.be/bprIE5XwtT0
Voting opens tomorrow (Wednesday, 7 August), and closes on Tuesday, 13 August.
Please share this wonderful news far and wide – every vote counts!
Thank you for your support!
Country Fair Mufti Day – Friday, 9 August
To support the Mater Dei Country Fair on Sunday, 27 October 2024, our second Country Fair Mufti Day is Friday, 9 August (Week 3).
- Donations of Car Care & Gardening Items are being requested.
- Students can wear casual clothing to school on this day for making a donation. They are still required to wear closed in shoes and should wear appropriate clothes for accessing normal school activities.
- All donations are used to make our baskets for the Chocolate Wheel.
Thank you for your amazing support of our donation days!!!
Book Week
Reading is Magic
Book Week will be celebrated across the nation, during 17 August - 23 August.
Mater Dei will also join in the festivities, with our Book Parade on Thursday 22 August at 11:30am.
Father's Day
Save The Date!
Foundation Dinner Tickets
The Annual Foundation Dinner is fast approaching and there are still tickets available for purchase.
The form to purchase tickets went home in students diaries last term. A copy is attached below.
The details are: 6pm start on Saturday, 7 September at The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club.
If you wish to purchase tickets, please reply to Alison McManus.
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As mentioned, our next Staff Professional Development / Pupil Free Day is on Monday 19 August for our Staff Spirituality Day.
MAISY'S CORNER
Maisy is very proud to show off her 2024 School Photo!
2024 IMPORTANT DATES FOR PARENTS
FORMS & PROCEDURES
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.
PARENT TO PARENT
This new section of the school newsletter is designed to provide advice from Parent to Parent.
Have you heard of the Companion Card?
The NSW Companion Card program is for people with significant and permanent disability who need a high level of care in the community. The Companion Card allows a cardholder's support person free entry into participating venues and events.
How do I know if I am eligible for the Companion Card?
The NSW Companion Card program is for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for attendant care support when accessing the community.
The Companion Card allows a cardholder’s support person free entry into participating venues and events.
To be eligible for a NSW Companion Card:
- You are a person with significant and permanent disability; and
- You must provide medical or allied health reports that confirm a lifelong need for attendant care support when accessing the community; and
- Aids and other technologies do not meet your needs; and
- You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and live in NSW.
Note: Eligibility for NDIS does not mean you’ll meet the NSW Companion Card criteria.
Head to the Companion Card website to find out more details.
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