Term 3, Week 9 (19 September 2024)

PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS

Mater Dei has been a hive of activity in recent days as our students and staff have been busy preparing and rehearsing for PAN 2024!

Our school hall was transformed into a movie set this morning with lights, cameras and an array of colourful props just waiting for our talented Mater Dei performers to take the stage.

I have had small glimpses of what is in store for us all when our stars hit the red carpet in November.

Keep a look out for important details early next term regarding ticketing and event details. 

Our recent Mater Dei Foundation Dinner was a huge success and I acknowledge the extensive ‘behind the scenes work’ of our staff, both in the lead up and during the night, to assist our choir and dance troupe shine. Hopefully you have managed to see the many photos captured and shared on our website and social media. I thank Ms Michelle Noble for sharing her experiences as a Mater Dei parent on the night during a Q & A session with Mrs Jacqueline Gorey and Sarah Ryan. 

The athletic ability of our students was on display again this week as six students who had been selected to represent the Wollongong Diocese competed in the Combined Catholic Colleges Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush. Congratulations to these students on their representative selection and amazing results across the day in both track and field events. I was lucky enough to see some of the gold, silver and bronze medals back at school this week.

We are now close to one month out from our Country Fair on Sunday 27 October. Thank you again for your generosity in providing a variety of items that will contribute to the success of the day.  As we head towards the final stage of our arrangements for the Country Fair, a Parent Volunteer form will go home in student diaries tomorrow asking for parent/carer/family volunteers to assist on various days:

• During the school week prior to the Country Fair (Monday 21 October to Friday 25 October).
• Setting up on Saturday 26 October.
• Helping throughout the day at the Country Fair (various times are needed).

The volunteer form has been included in this newsletter for your information. The printed forms can simply be returned to school via the student diary. I know that everyone is looking forward to the Country Fair, however the successful running of the day is only possible by the generosity of volunteers on the day. 

During our staff communication meeting this week, staff from Stage 4 shared the following prayer that I asked to include in this newsletter. I personally found this prayer to be very centering, with an invitation to focus on inner calm and peace. I have kept this in my diary for the week as a reminder each day. I hope that the words resonate with you as well.

We pause from our work for this time, aware that God’s presence is here. As we let go of our urgent things, we find that we are held by Him. (pause)

Replace my restless doing with inner calm, and help me, like Mary, to sit at Your feet in quiet adoration, even if there are a million things fighting for my attention.

Just as You spoke over the tumultuous sea and storms, so speak over my heart Your peace.

Your peace is the perfect gift and blessing, especially when I have a hard time pausing. But help me to do just that. To pause in your peace at this very moment, and to keep returning again and again. You are always right with me.

Help me cultivate a quiet heart, no longer coming to You with a “give me” spirit but instead calmly nestling against Your heart. Help me find quietness and happiness in intimate communion with You. You will be exalted over all the earth, and You have the details of my day covered. I can rest in You. Amen

Likewise, I hope that the upcoming holiday period provides a time of rest and calm, particularly as the busyness of the end of the year approaches. Thank you again for your support of the school and our staff throughout another wonderful school term. As we return for Term Four please note that the school newsletter will be published in Week 1, Week 4, Week 7 and Week 9.  

JENNIFER FOLDES
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Being Ready to Learn!

Please be reminded that students must be at school by 9am to begin classes for the day. The first few minutes of the day set the students up for successful learning and a positive day.

This also requires students to be ready for their Assisted Transport at the allocated time each morning. Taxi transport drivers have been advised of the same.

Your support is greatly appreciated as this will allow all students to arrive at school on time for their learning to begin.

National Child Protection Week

This term National Child Protection Week was recognised across Australia. The theme this year was ‘Every Conversation Matters’. 

Conversations are powerful tools to keep children and young people safe and well.

Conversations can help us understand issues, craft solutions, value community knowledge, and build the brains and social connections of children and young people.

Conversations between
…children and their caregivers matter (from the very earliest days)
…children and their peers matter
…families with teachers, doctors, and other professionals matter
…friends or neighbours matter
…decision-makers and the communities they serve matter.

And, of course, conversations in the public realm and media matter…

For our students at Mater Dei our conversations with students promote the importance of feeling safe, heard and valued.

Keeping eSafe during the holiday break

As we approach the school holidays, it is important that parents and caregivers  remain vigilant about how their child is operating whilst online. This link will take you to the eSafety website. You will be able to access downloadable resources to help you start, or continue, the chat about online safety issues and strategies with your child.

Excursion Policy Review

At Mater Dei School, opportunities for students to put their knowledge and skills into practice is an important part of the learning process. Learning outside the classroom provides our students with increased opportunities to express and challenge themselves or engage with the broader community.

In order to ensure that the experiences have sound educational, social benefits and are assessed for all necessary risks we are currently undertaking a review of the Excursion Policy, processes and procedures.

Summer Uniform

Students are now able to wear their Summer uniform until the end of the school year. Parental discretion is always recommended at this time of year as we move to the warmer days of Spring and Summer.

TONI SILLIS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

SCHOOL NEWS

MISSION & VISION

St. Vincent de Paul: A Life of Service and Compassion

St. Vincent de Paul (1581–1660) was a French Catholic priest who dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalised. Born into a humble farming family, Vincent initially pursued the priesthood for personal advancement but soon experienced a profound spiritual transformation. His compassion for those in need grew, leading him to establish various charitable organizations and initiatives that continue to inspire today.

Among his many achievements, St. Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission (also known as the Vincentians), a group of priests committed to evangelizing rural communities and serving the poor.  Vincent’s efforts extended beyond spiritual guidance. He worked to provide practical help, including education, healthcare, and food for those in need.

Today, St. Vincent de Paul’s legacy endures through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a global charitable organisation that continues his mission of helping the poor. His feast day is celebrated on September 27, a reminder of the power of compassion and selflessness. Here at Mater Dei, we have annual drives for Vinnies, whether it is for their winter drive or their annual Christmas Hamper drive. Vinnies supports many people in our community and we will continue to support them.

GSE Visitors

During Week 8, we had visitors from Lourdes Hill College, a fellow Good Samaritan Education school in Brisbane. Ten students and three staff members embraced the daily magic here at Mater Dei. Our visitors loved lining up each morning and afternoon to engage with our students. The LHC girls visited many classrooms, joined in sports, went on Classroom-Based Instruction outings, attended Early Childhood Education sessions, and enjoyed spending time with the students on the playground. Additionally, the visitors donated educational toys and gross motor resources for the Infants' playground.  The students and staff enjoyed their visit immensely. 

The Magic of Reading Together

Our Kindergarten and Year 1/2 students recently enjoyed the company of our Year 5 friends from St Gregory's College Campbelltown.  These visits occurred during weeks 5 and 6 which included Book Week!  It was wonderful to see the joy and engagement from all the students as they explored together, the magic of reading! 

PEDAGOGY

Data Conversations Continue

This term our teachers have engaged in professional learning about student learning data and how this data is then used to inform the teaching and learning cycle. 

As a result of these conversations, teachers are adjusting their approach to learning experiences in order to target student learning needs. We are beginning to see terrific success with many of our students in their reading skills. 

We are excited to be able to see where the data can take us in the future at Mater Dei.

CURRICULUM

Primary Buddies

K Samaritan and 5/6 MacKillop have started to join together for a Friday afternoon of learning and leadership. The two classes are meeting together to spend quality time in the school library borrowing, reading and sharing books based on their own personal interests and reading levels. This includes students choosing picture books for the 5/6 students to read to their Kindergarten buddies or even choosing information texts about pets. Not only are the students sharing their enjoyment of reading but also learning how to socialise and how to use the library. The 5/6 students are also learning how to be a positive role model and a leader by supporting their Kindergarten buddy.

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Zoo Visit

During English this term, 3/4 Polding students have been learning how to compose informative texts on zoo animals.  This, in conjunction with our Geography outcomes, which focused on animals’ habitats, resulted in a trip to the Sydney Zoo!  The class had a wonderful time, exploring all the different aspects of the zoo.  At the end of the day, we’re not sure who was more exhausted, the staff or the students!

Stage 5 Students Lead Mater Dei's New Composting Program

This term, Stage 5 students from 9/10 Polding and 9/10 McCabe have proudly launched a whole-school composting initiative at Mater Dei, as part of their unit of work, Guardians of the Earth. This unit; combining English, Geography, and Science, focuses on sustainability and highlights the responsibility we all share in taking care of our planet.

Throughout this project, students have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the environmental benefits of composting and its role in reducing waste. After exploring how composting can transform food scraps into valuable nutrients for the soil, they worked together to design and build a compost bin on campus. A major part of the learning experience involved discovering what types of food are healthy for worms to eat, ensuring the composting process is effective and safe for our environment.

To engage the whole school community, students created informative labels for each class compost bin to teach their peers about what can be composted and what is harmful to worms. Every day after lunch, students are responsible for collecting compost from all classes, checking for any incorrect items, and making sure the bins are well-maintained.

The students have been enthusiastic about their role as environmental leaders and have found great joy in taking ownership of this project. They are excited to continue exploring new ways to be guardians of the earth and can’t wait to see the positive impact their efforts will have on our school’s sustainability journey. This composting program is just the beginning, and the students are already thinking about what more they can do to make Mater Dei a greener, more eco-friendly place for everyone.

Ms Sharnelle Ram and Mrs Katherine Power
Stage 5 Classroom Teachers

SPORTS & EVENTS

Secondary Representative Athletics

On Monday 16th September, six Mater Dei students represented Wollongong Diocese at the Combined Catholic College Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. The students performed amazingly well, winning a number of medals across the 100m, 200m, shotput, discus, 800m and long jump.

Congratulations to Justin, Ian, Maya, Ruby, Maria and Cooper.

PAN Filming

Filming for our 2024 PAN has started today and will conclude tomorrow.

The students are amazing as always and we can’t wait for our Families and Friends to see the final product in November.

WORKPLACE LEARNING

WPL concludes in Week 9 of Term 3 for students in Years 11 and 12.

Meals on Wheels will conclude in Week 10.

WPL will re-commence in Week 1 of Term 4.

All students are to be commended on their outstanding dedication to their work placements.

Please advise the school as soon as possible if you know your child will not be attending school on their day of work placement.

This allows us to give our valued business hosts as much notice as possible.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

EVENTS

Foundation Dinner 2024

“World of Imagination”

The 2024 Annual Foundation Dinner, held on Saturday, 7 September, at The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club, was nothing short of magical. The evening whisked guests away to a World of Imagination, leaving everyone inspired and uplifted.

The stars of the night were none other than the incredible Mater Dei Choir. Their performances were truly captivating as they signed the enchanting tune of "Pure Imagination" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and then filled the room with joy as they sang "Shine Bright Like a Diamond." Following them, the talented Dance Troupe took to the stage, performing "Try Everything," a powerful display that celebrated the students' visions for their futures, beautifully captured through accompanying video clips.

Thanks to our generous Entertainment Sponsors, Perich Group/Leppington Pastoral Co and Wests Group Macarthur, the evening reached even greater heights with the sensational Vika and Linda Bull. Their soulful performances had the audience spellbound, adding an unforgettable touch to the night.

This year, our guest speaker was the inspiring Jacqui Gorey, Leader of Mission and Vision, who has been a cornerstone of Mater Dei for 15 years. Jacqui was joined on stage by Michelle Chisholm, the mother of Year 10 student Deegan. Together, they shared heartfelt stories of their journeys at Mater Dei, touching the hearts of everyone in attendance.

Thank you to all the staff who supported the event, and to our incredible community who continue to support Mater Dei so generously.

Mater Dei Caregivers Connect

Dear Parents and Carers of Mater Dei,

Mater Dei Caregivers Connect is a new support network for parents and carers across all programs at Mater Dei. This group is a relaxed space where parents and carers can come together to enjoy a cup of tea, socialise and support one another in a warm and welcoming environment.

Facilitated by our own Sister Gerry, and with the support of Mater Dei parents Verity, Kate and Jenna, this group gathers each Monday from 9:30am-11am at Wivenhoe House (Next to the Chapel).

All parents and carers are welcome – please come and join us for a chat and a cuppa!

If you have any questions or would like to chat, please feel free to reach out to Sister Gerry directly.

Carols at Mater Dei – Thursday, 21 November 

We are delighted to share that we will be hosting Carols at Mater Dei again in 2024.

This wonderful family event is confirmed for Thursday, 21 November (Week 6) at Mater Dei School (A date of Friday, 22 November was previously communicated to some families).

Carols at Mater Dei is a chance for families across all Mater Dei programs to come together, relax and socialise while also listening to some gifted performers sing your favourite Christmas hits.

More information is to come, so please lock it in your diaries. We hope to see you then!

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2024 IMPORTANT DATES FOR PARENTS

Please see Term 4 Week 1 Newsletter for all upcoming dates for 2024.

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)

1. Click on the student
2. Click on the 3 lines in top left corner
3. Click Open in Browser
4. Click on Community Icon (2 heads)
5. Click on School Documentation
6. 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 SCHOOL DROP OFF / PICK UP PROCEDURES

COMMUNITY

School Student Concession Cards

If you're a student aged 16 years or older and eligible for concessions, the Transport Concession Entitlement Card serves as proof of entitlement when using a Child/Youth Opal card within the Opal network or when traveling on child or concession fares in NSW. 

The Transport Concession Entitlement Card replaces the following cards:

1. Senior Secondary Student Concession Card (16 years and over) – also issued to Mature Secondary Students (18 years and over), Distance Education Students and Home School Students.
2. Proof of Age card (when a student under 16 years of age looks older)
3. Boarders Rail Pass

To travel on a Child/Youth Opal card or a child/concession ticket, students must carry a concession entitlement card.

Children aged between 4 to 15 years do not require a proof of entitlement for concession travel. However, if they look more mature, they can get a Transport Concession Entitlement Card to verify to authorised officers that they are under 16 years old.

Please contact Mater Dei School Admin on schooladmin@materdei.org.au if you are interested in applying for a Concession Entitlement card.

NextPath Continuous Learning Teen Holiday Program (For ages 12 & up)

NextPath Continuous Learning Holiday Program (For ages 16 & up)

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