Term 4, Week 4 (7 November 2024)

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Welcome to Kindergarten 2025!

Over the last two weeks we have been welcoming our new Kindergarten students and their parents to Mater Dei School. The orientation process has involved the children coming to Mater Dei each Monday morning over four visits. The children have enjoyed being in the classroom with the class team and also having the opportunity to play on the playground.

Whilst the children have been in the classroom, their parents and carers have been welcomed into the Mater Dei cafe with Year 12 students hosting Morning Tea. In addition, the parents have been able to learn more about the work we do at Mater Dei, including Assessment & Therapy and Continuous Learning, to support students.

The orientation process is such an important element when starting school. We are looking forward to welcoming these children in 2025 as they begin their primary school journey.

An Invitation:

Parents and Carers are invited to come along to the next orientation sessions to have morning tea with the 2025 Kindergarten Parents as a welcome to our Mater Dei School community.

Monday 18 November 9:30-11am 

Monday 25 November 9:30-11am 

All are welcome to join us.

Semester Two School Reports:

Semester Two reports will be distributed to parents on Friday 29 November. The school report is a ‘snapshot in time’ of your child’s learning across the semester. 

This will be the final report you will receive about your child  in its current format. School staff have been reviewing the reports taking into account the feedback of all stakeholders across the school. 

We are very excited about the revised report which will become available at the end of Semester One 2025. The revised report will concentrate on the achievements of your child across the semester. It aims to be a more holistic personalised report highlighting social, academic and physical achievements.

Personalised Plans:

The tool that is used at Mater Dei for housing the Personalised Plans for Students with Disability (PPSD) has also undertaken a redevelopment by Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW). The upcoming Professional Learning Day will take staff through the personalised planning process with the redeveloped tool. Again, the aim of the redevelopment is to make each student’s PPSD more personalised and individual.

It is for this reason that you will not receive your child’s Personalised Plan with the Semester Two report. However, a comprehensive Personalised Plan will be available towards the end of Term One 2025.

K-12 Meet & Greet:

Mark the Dates in Your Calendar!

On Wednesday 26 February 2025 Mater Dei will hold a Parent Teacher Meet & Greet BBQ at 5pm. All parents/carers and students are invited to come along to meet their child’s class team (teacher and teacher’s assistant) along with other parents and carers and their children. 

This is an informal opportunity to get to know the people who will work closely with your child across the school year. 

Parent Teacher Conferences:

From 2025, the collaborative process of setting goals within the PPSD for each student with their class teacher will change. Each student will be allocated 30 minutes where the parent or carer, the student and the class team will meet to formulate personal goals. The class teacher will then use the PPSD to document the supports and adjustments needed in order for the student to meet the goal.

PPSD Parent Teacher Conferences will take place in Term 1 for primary students from Monday 31 March - Thursday 3 April and for secondary students from Monday 7 April - Wednesday 9 April. These conferences will be offered as face to face, telephone call or zoom. Further details will be sent early in Term 1.

In Term 3, PPSD Parent Teacher Conferences will take place for primary students from Monday 28 July - Thursday 31 July and for secondary students from Monday 4 August - Wednesday 6 August.

It is extremely important that parents/carers make time available for these conferences.

eSafety Update:

eSafety is always front of mind when children and students have access to mobile devices, online games and computers. As parents and carers, setting clear boundaries is very important. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking ‘It won’t happen to my child’ however all children and young people are vulnerable when it comes to online use. The eSafety Commissioner has many resources to support parents, one of which is 4 Things You Need to Know about Online Abuse. 

Many of our Mater Dei students talk about their use of YouTube. According to YouTube the minimum age for access is 13+ years. Whilst the watching of online videos may seem harmless, parents and carers need to remain vigilant about what their children are accessing through this platform. The eSafety Commissioner has further information to support families in keeping children and young people safe online.

TONI SILLIS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

SCHOOL NEWS

MISSION & VISION

The Benedictine Values are inspired by the rich traditions of the Benedictine ethos, emphasising Community, Hospitality, Stewardship, Prayer, Love of Christ and Neighbour, Discipline and Peace. 

Founded in the teachings of St. Benedict, these Values promote a spirit of generosity and compassion, urging individuals to serve others with humility and love. In practice, they encourage a commitment to social justice, the responsible use of resources and the cultivation of a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

By embracing these principles at Mater Dei, we foster a sense of belonging and purpose, nurturing the growth and well-being of all members of our community. 

Term Four can be an emotional time for our families. By staying true to our Values we will celebrate all the students’ achievements and successes, from Kindergarten to Year 12. It’s going to be a wonderful term! Enjoy!

Vinnies Christmas Cheer

This Friday, 8th November is the first collection day for our Vinnies Christmas Appeal!  A list of goodies for donation is provided.  Please assist Mater Dei in supporting our local community by donating some Christmas Cheer! 

3 /4  McCabe St Clare's Visit

This term, 3/4 McCabe students are visiting their peers at St Clare’s Catholic Primary School. They are having three visits into classes to participate in some Literacy work and then out onto the playground to interact and play with their new friends! The students joined in basketball, football, climbing on the rope equipment and of course,  tip!  Our students thoroughly enjoyed their first visit and are looking forward to their next encounter during Week 6!

Choir and K Samaritan visit to Wivenhoe Village

Today, Thursday 7th, the Mater Dei Choir and our Kindergarten class visited our friends at Wivenhoe Village!  The Choir led by Mrs Musso, Ms Ferry and Tracey O, entertained our neighbours with a number of songs including some Christmas tunes! The Choir did a wonderful job singing with full hearts and plenty of enthusiasm!  Some of the students also participated in some Questions and Answers on the microphone for our audience! Our Kindergarten students also presented two songs to the residents using some musical instruments!  They also did a fantastic job and were led by Mrs Keepance, Linda Q and Chelsey H. It was a wonderful morning and we look forward to performing again during 2025!

CURRICULUM

New South Wales is currently undergoing a curriculum reform. The reform comes from the global challenges that are currently facing education. Each school in New South Wales aims to ensure that every student learns successfully and meets high expectations. At Mater Dei School, we aim to do the same.

The reform of the curriculum is underpinned by three guiding principles:

• Learning as personal

• Learning as holistic

• Learning as developmental

At Mater Dei, we are currently reviewing many of our processes and practices to ensure that learning for our students meets these three principles. 

On Monday we will have a Professional Learning Day which will concentrate on enhancing and understanding the skills required to deliver personalised plans for each of our students. The training will address the four key areas of the personalised learning process which are:

• Consultation and Collaboration
• Assessed Needs
• Adjustments
• Monitoring and Review

The curriculum reform aligns very well to the personalised planning process allowing Mater Dei school a high degree of flexibility around curriculum expectations whilst striving towards meeting the holistic needs of each student.

At Mater Dei we are looking forward to what the curriculum reform will mean for our teaching and, more importantly, student learning.

SPORTS & EVENTS

Stage Four and Five Sport

This week students in Stage Four and Five, started a four week tennis program at Doohan Reserve in Oran Park, as part of their weekly sports program. The students had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful facilities.

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Secondary Girls Soccer Gala Day

On Monday 28th October, our female students in Years 7-11 attending a Girls Soccer Gala Day at PLC in Sydney. The students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of soccer based activities with girls from PLC, Eileen O’Connor School and Denbank.

WORKPLACE LEARNING

That’s a wrap for Workplace Learning 2024 for our students in Year 11 and 12.

Students have participated in their work placements with enthusiasm and diligence. They have learned valuable hands on skills that can be transferred to future work and volunteering opportunities. Students have represented Mater Dei by being respectful, hardworking learners within our local and school community.

A big congratulations to all!

Upcoming WPL dates:

Wednesday 13 November – Workplace Learning Thank You Morning Tea

Wednesday 27 November – Workplace Learning concludes for Meals On Wheels (Year 10)

PARENT REMINDERS

Student Artwork - LAST CALL! 

We still have a number of one-of-a-kind Student Artworks available to purchase! 

We have reopened the bookings until Friday 29 November.

Please see information below to secure your masterpiece. 

EVENTS

Mater Dei Country Fair

This year’s Country Fair saw the sun shining, the sausages sizzling and lots of our families and staff turn out to enjoy the day. Some say it was our busiest to date. The feedback received has been wonderful and huge thanks must go to the parents who assisted in the lead up and on the day, as well as staff from across the Organisation, ensuring the children and families who attended had a fabulous day. Support from students from both St Patrick’s College and St Gregory’s College was also invaluable on the day.

Thanks also to families for contributing to the Mufti Day’s, there were so many amazing donations and lots of boxes of prizes for the chocolate wheel, which was popular on the day! Seeing the choir perform on the day was a highlight, along with the dance groups and music acts. The array of stalls to peruse, the rides and inflatables, petting zoo, Devonshire Tea and always popular BBQ were features throughout the day. The Cake Stall was another popular spot and thank you to everyone who baked or made something yummy to sell.

There was also a wonderful turn out for the Ex-Student reunion which was held in the Mater Dei Chapel. Led by Pamela Templeton, many ex-students, some who attended Mater Dei in the 70’s and 80’s, shared their stories and some accomplishments since leaving school which gave all who attended a sense of pride and joy.

Much appreciation to everyone for supporting the raffle this year as well, and to those businesses who sponsored or donated towards the day. Please support them if you can in the future:

Platinum Sponsors: Magnificent Nails Spa and TRN Group.

Gold Sponsors: United Realty, Woolworths Camden, Downes Wholesale Nursery and Macarthur Marble & Granite.

Silver Sponsors: The Meat Man – Wholesale Meats, Lolliland, You Pizza Mobile Woodfired Pizza and Helen Lupton.

Bronze Sponsors: Bunnings Narellan, Narellan Town Centre, The Mac Credit Union, Grima Bros Wholesale Produce, Pinot & Picasso Camden, Camden Mitre 10, Maximum Skating, Raging Waters Sydney, McDonald's In Macarthur, Crafty Creations by Kae, The Ashcroft Family, and the Camden Lions Club.

Thank you also to Camden Council, Fire + Rescue NSW Camden and Fire + Rescue NSW St Andrews, as well as to our amazing entertainers who dazzled the crowds with their talents: Everyone Can Dance, Dance Fever, Helzi Presents Dance Fitness, Rebecca's Dance Studio and School of Rock Macarthur.

Such an incredible day is not possible without this amazing support, and for that we are so grateful. Thank you!

If you would like to see great photos from the day, please visit: https://www.materdei.org.au/galleries-news-events/galleries/country-fair-2024/

Mater Dei @ The Movies - Friday, 8 November

Carols at Mater Dei – Thursday, 21 November 

Our incredible Mater Dei families are invited to come together and join us for an evening of festive cheer from 5-7pm on Thursday, 21 November.

Bring along your family, a picnic blanket and some snacks to enjoy a night of carols, laughter, and holiday spirit on the beautiful grounds of Mater Dei School.

The evening is FREE but to help our planning we would appreciate if families can register their attendance via the link below:

https://www.trybooking.com/CWYFG

We can't wait to see you there!

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.

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MAISY'S CORNER

Maisy’s Paw-some Impact!

Maisy creates a world of difference in our students' daily lives!

Maisy's presence fosters empathy, boosts self-esteem, and strengthens the school community. Students learn compassion and responsibility by caring for Maisy, while her playful nature brings endless joy.

Maisy truly enriches the lives of all students, adding a 'little sparkle' to her school community each day!

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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)

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

What Ability Day Sydney 2024

What Ability are hosting an event at North Sydney Oval and they're inviting the Mater Dei community to be a part of the day!
This is a free event put on for the Sydney disability community.
RSVPs are all free, and they're aiming to have clubs like GWS Giants, Waratahs and some of our favourite Netball teams there too!
There will be an activity zone to play sports, a chill out zone to hang out with friends and a media zone to see the athletes.

What Ability Day at North Sydney Oval 2024
Date and Time: Sunday 17th November, 10am - 12pm
Location: North Sydney Oval, 2 Fig Tree La, North Sydney NSW 2060
Dress code: Comfortable sportswear or your What Ability shirt if you own one!
RSVP: Click here! To secure your FREE ticket

* Please note this event will be filmed by the media so social media approval is essential for participants and families who attend.

Sally Quinnell MP - Annual Christmas Card Drawing Competition 

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.

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