Term 1, Week 8 (27 March 2025)

PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS

CELEBRATING OUR PAST STUDENTS

I recently contacted several Year 12 Mater Dei students from 2024 to find out what they have been doing since graduating at the end of last year. I have received some great responses and, with their permission, I will be sharing these with the community via our newsletters. I look forward to making contact with a few more ex-students next Term.

For our first “Spotlight on our Mater Dei Alumni” I am pleased to share Torey Franzman’s responses.

Thanks to Torey for sharing her responses and for the great photo - she is certainly looking happy and relaxed!

What are you doing now you have finished school? 

Since I have finished school I have started at Flagstaff. Mondays we do fun outings and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I do a school to work program. They teach us travel training, cooking, workshops and how to be interviewed at jobs, and next term I will be starting work experience.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

In my free time I watch the footy on tv and can’t wait for the season to start. I also like swimming in our pool.

Do you have any words of advice for students at Mater Dei?

Tell the students at Mater Dei to enjoy your time there because it goes so fast. Also learn as much as you can, you’re going to need it.

I miss Mater Dei and my teachers but I love what I’m doing now.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CONCERNS

I would like to bring to everyone’s attention my concerns regarding student attendance. I have noticed a recent increase in late arrivals and early departures of late, impacting both the individual student and the class as a whole. Under Section 22 of the Education Act 1990 (NSW), parents and carers must ensure their child attends school regularly and must have a reasonable excuse for their child's absence from school.

Regular school attendance is crucial for academic achievement,
social development, and overall well-being,
allowing students to engage in classroom activities and build relationships.

Daily attendance creates an uninterrupted learning experience, where each day builds on the previous one, reinforcing knowledge and understanding in a consistent manner. Importantly, regular attendance provides opportunities for students to interact with their peers and teachers, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging within the school community. When students feel connected to their school and peers, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviors and contribute to a supportive learning environment.

STRONGER TOGETHER - MILESTONES FOR LEARNING & BEYOND

Have you noticed the new ‘Parent Learning Hub’ section in our newsletter? This is where parents and carers will be able to find helpful tips and information about important milestones in their child’s journey through school and beyond with a particular focus on navigating the NDIS and accessing disability services. We  have revised our parent information sessions and post-school preparation and transition, with greater emphasis on self agency and pathways, and are working closely with Alycia O’Neill (Program Manager, Next Path Continuous Learning) to draw on her expertise and experience in this area. There are some exciting new initiatives planned as well. Keep an eye on this section of the newsletter and help to spread the word amongst other Mater Dei parents and carers.

PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

Our recent Parents and Friends AGM was well attended by parents and carers from across Kindergarten to Year 12 and it was great to welcome some new faces. I expressed my thanks to those who were present and acknowledged the importance of the P&F meetings in providing an opportunity for parents and carers to catch up, share experiences and knowledge. The meeting resulted in the successful election of the 2025 P&F committee members. 

P&F President: Mrs Karen Witherspoon
P&F Treasurer: Mrs Laurie Cuthbert
P&F Secretary: Ms Karen Arthur

Subcommittees:
Canteen Coordinators: Ms Michele Noble and Mrs Tracey Patterson 
Mothers Day/Fathers Day Stall Coordinators: Mrs Amanda Abou-Rjeili and Mrs Melissa Faulder
Thank you again to all of the parents and carers who were able to join us for the AGM. 

TERM ONE FEES DUE

I have received some positive feedback regarding the ability to access and pay school fees on the Compass Parent Portal. If you have any questions regarding accessing this on Compass please reach out to our School Admin Team who will be able to assist with this. A reminder that Term One fees need to be finalised before the end of the school term.

LAETARE SUNDAY - REJOICE! EASTER IS NEAR

As we reach the midpoint of Lent, which falls on the fourth Sunday known as Laetare Sunday, we are in a time for reflection and a reminder of the journey towards Easter. The name "Laetare" comes from the Latin verb meaning "to rejoice" or "to be glad". Priests in many churches may wear rose-colored vestments and the altar may be decorated with flowers as a symbol of joy and hope.

Loving Creator,

As we feel the pace quicken, the time drawing nearer,

we are filled with joy as we move toward Easter and the promised reconciliation with you.

Teach us to follow the example of your Son, to be worthy of being called Christians.

Help us to live each day as he did, turning hatred to love and conflict to peace,

as we await the Easter experience with eagerness, faith and a deep gratitude.

Amen

JENNIFER FOLDES
PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Personalised Plan for Students with Disability (PPSD) Conference Preparation

Over the next two weeks, parents and caregivers will attend the PPSD Conference for their child. At the conference the class team will walk you through the adjustments that are currently being made in order for your child to successfully access the curriculum. 

As a collaborative process, your child will have input into the meeting. Your child may attend the conference for the initial part of the discussion however this will be at the teacher’s discretion. If you would prefer your child not to attend, as it may confuse him/her that you are at school and not taking them home,  then please let the teacher know via the student diary.

This 30 minute conference is an opportunity for collaboration around the goals that you and your child’s class teacher can see as beneficial for their progress.

The goals set may include:

• Academic
• Social/emotional
• Safety 
• Movement 
• Personal Care

Usually two short term, realistic and achievable goals are set within the meeting.

Teachers are looking forward to working with you during these conferences. You will receive a summary report of the conference before the end of the term.

National Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

The period of preparation for the NCCD has begun. A major part of this is the PPSD conferences and ensuring that the correct adjustments are in place for your child to be able to learn within the school environment.

Further information is attached below.

TONI SILLIS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

P&F INFORMATION

Easter Raffle:

Thank you to all families who have been able to support the Easter Raffle with the donation of eggs and the purchase of tickets. Some great hampers have been made and the winning students will be very excited to take something home on Friday 4 April when prizes are drawn.

Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased by clicking this link.

STRONGER TOGETHER: Parent Learning Hub

This year we are introducing a parent engagement initiative called Milestones for Learning & Beyond.

The aim of this initiative is to support all parents as the students journey through Mater Dei. Throughout the year there will be information sessions, individual parent, student and staff goal setting meetings as well as staying informed about NDIS whilst your child is at school and how the NDIS may be used to support your child beyond school. 

Below are some important Term 2 dates for you to claim in your calendar.

Years 11 & 12 

- Tuesday 29 April  

Collaborative School Based Transition Pathways: This will involve an individual session for parents and their child where post-school goal setting will be discussed. This will be a 30 minute meeting for each student. 

- Wednesday 30 April 6pm School Hall

Thinking Post School

• What options are here for my child post school?
• What do I need to understand about Adult Services and Systems?

Years 5 & 6

- Monday 5 May

Introducing High School

• Is the Life Skills curriculum right for your child?
• What changes do I need to manage in my child’s healthcare?

Years 5 to 12

- Friday 23 May

Join Mater Dei School parents at the Sydney Disability Expo

• Bus trip to Sydney ICC to attend the Sydney Disability Expo together

SCHOOL NEWS

MISSION & VISION

The Annunciation: A Celebration of Faith and New Beginnings

The Feast of the Annunciation, celebrated on March 25th, commemorates the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, announcing that she would conceive and bear Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This pivotal moment in Christian tradition marks the beginning of Jesus's earthly life and represents a profound act of faith, as Mary's response—"Be it done unto me according to thy word"—exemplifies humility and trust in divine providence. For our school community, the Annunciation reminds us of the importance of being open to unexpected callings and the courage required to say "yes" when faced with life's challenges.

As we reflect on this significant feast day during our Lenten journey, we are invited to consider how we might respond to our own ‘annunciations’—those moments when we are called to step beyond our comfort zones and embrace new possibilities. The Annunciation speaks to all of us about hope and transformation, showing how ordinary lives can become extraordinary through faith and willingness to serve others.

JOHN BEDE POLDING: Founder and Visionary 

(18 November 1794 – 16 March 1877) 

John Bede Polding, an English Benedictine monk who became Australia's first Catholic Archbishop, established a legacy that continues to shape our school community today. Arriving in Sydney in 1835, Polding quickly recognised the urgent need for education and social welfare in the struggling colony. His compassionate response to these challenges embodied the spirit of the Good Samaritan parable, as he worked tirelessly to serve those on the margins of colonial society, particularly women and children.

Inspired by the Rule of St. Benedict and driven by a profound commitment to social justice, Polding founded the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St. Benedict in 1857. This was Australia's first religious congregation, created specifically to address local needs. Polding's vision for the Sisters was revolutionary—he empowered them to work beyond the cloister, actively engaging with society's most vulnerable members through education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.

Polding's educational philosophy, which underpins our Mater Dei's mission today, emphasised the development of the whole person—intellectual and spiritual. He believed education should be accessible to all, regardless of social standing or circumstance, a radical position for his time. The Good Samaritan Education schools that grew from his vision continue his commitment to compassionate action, intellectual rigor, and the Benedictine values including those of peace, prayer, hospitality, and community. As we walk through the Mater Dei grounds today, we are walking in the footsteps of Polding's enduring legacy—a legacy that calls us to be modern-day Good Samaritans in our own communities.

WELLBEING

At the end of each school day, our students come together as a class for reflection time known as the “What Went Well”. This simple yet powerful routine allows students to pause and acknowledge their learning, achievements, and positive moments from the day.

During this time, students share something they have learned, a success they experienced, or a moment that made them feel proud. This practice helps to build confidence, encourage a growth mindset, and foster a supportive classroom community. By focusing on the positives, students develop an appreciation for their efforts and those of their peers, reinforcing the idea that every day holds valuable learning experiences.

We encourage families to continue these conversations at home. Ask your child, “What went well today?” and celebrate the wins together.

CURRICULUM

Primary: Physical Education

K Samaritan have been doing their Physical Education lessons in our new COLA, Covered Outdoor Learning Area. This has proven to be a great space specifically designed for PE and sport. Kindergarten students have been learning new skills in athletics including shot put. After an explicit demonstration the students were supported to hold the modified equipment using the correct technique. They enjoyed trying a new sport skill and were keen to try by themselves. It was great to see them trying hard to follow the steps for doing shot put.

Secondary: Mater Dei’s cup of Peace Cafe

The success of running our Mater Dei Cup of Peace Café has been truly heartwarming! Each week, we’ve had the pleasure of inviting different classes to join in this enriching experience. The café not only provides a warm, inviting space for students and staff to connect but also promotes mindfulness, cooperation, and a sense of community. It encourages students to slow down, savor their time together, and engage in meaningful conversations, all while enjoying delicious beverages and treats. The benefits of the café are far-reaching, fostering an atmosphere of peace and inclusivity, allowing students to practice gratitude and build relationships in a relaxed environment. It has truly become a weekly highlight for our school!

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS

EVENTS

GOLF DAY RECAP

On Friday the 7 of March, Mater Dei held its annual charity golf day which raised $100,000. Despite some wet weather, the event brought together an enthusiastic crowd of players putting camaraderie before competition as they enjoyed chatting with School Captains Maya and Ryan along the way.

At lunch, our guests had the privilege of hearing from Mater Dei parent Rene, who shared his heartfelt story of his son’s incredible progress since transitioning to our school.

The drive of the Mater Dei Golf Day Committee ensures this event continues to be well supported. Thank you to all the staff and students involved including Maya and Ryan, James and his father Rene, Mrs Hanrahan, and Mrs Gorey. Thanks to parent helpers Monica, Karen, Susie, and Kelly for giving up their time on the day as well.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MATHEMATICS

International Day of Mathematics is a worldwide celebration. Each year on March 14 all countries are invited to participate through activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums, libraries and other spaces. This year at Mater Dei School we celebrated by participating in a scavenger hunt. Classes were challenged to locate specific mathematical items around the school, take a photo and share it on a school display board. Some scavenger hunt items were easily found while others required students to think more creatively. The Big Idea was that Maths is everywhere, which took students on a journey throughout the school to locate specific items including the playground and Mini Woolies. Congratulations to the classes for joining in the Mater Dei Scavenger Hunt.

INFANTS WATER FUN DAY

Infants Water Fun Day was held on Friday 14th March 2025. Students from Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two were lucky to have beautiful weather for their event at school. They participated in an exciting day that started with water safety lessons and colouring in followed by outside water play including sprinklers, bubbles, water play tubs with animals and sifters, water painting with buckets and brushes and water themed sensory boxes. The students played well together sharing equipment and taking turns. There were plenty of smiles throughout the day with the students enjoying watching Octonauts in the afternoon.

Thank you to the staff for also joining in the water play fun.

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STATIONS OF THE CROSS PERFORMANCE - Friday 11 April

ANZAC DAY - Friday 25 April

LADIES LIPSTICK LUNCHEON         

Planning is coming together for the Ladies Lipstick Luncheon event, with the choir and dance troupe practising for their magic moments on stage.

For any parents or carers who would like to attend, please keep an eye out for the ticket order form in your child’s diary.

Please return your ticket order form by Wednesday, 9 April, or earlier, as there are limited tickets available.

McDONALD’S CHARITY FUN NIGHT

Make sure you mark your calendar for this years Macca’s Charity Fun Night. Mater Dei has been chosen to host this once again, so we look forward to seeing families enjoying their dinner in a local McDonald’s store on the Wednesday, 4 June.

More details to come.

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MAISY'S CORNER

Our school support dog is not just a classroom companion, she also plays an important role in the playground. During break times, our furry friend provides a calming presence for students, offering comfort, companionship, and a friendly face for anyone who may need a little extra support.

For some students, the playground can feel overwhelming, but spending time with the wellbeing dog helps them feel more at ease. Whether it’s a gentle pat, a quiet moment sitting together or joining in a game, the dog encourages positive social interactions and helps build friendships.

These supervised playground visits also give students the opportunity to learn about kindness, responsibility, and respecting animals. It’s wonderful to see the smiles and confidence that grow from these interactions.

2025 IMPORTANT DATES

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 2025, please download the Application for Leave Exemption form on Compass, complete and return to schooladmin@materdei.org.au 

2025 SCHOOL DROP OFF / PICK UP PROCEDURES

COMMUNITY

YOUR BEST HOLIDAYS YET START AT NEXTPATH!

If your teen is looking for fun and exciting activities these school holidays, then NextPath Continuous Learning’s Holiday Programs have you covered!

There are two programs on offer, based on your child’s age:

• Holiday Program – for ages 16+: https://www.nextpath.org.au/holidayprogram
• TEEN Holiday Program – for ages 12-15: https://www.nextpath.org.au/teenholiday

Each holiday program is packed with exciting activities designed to build independence, social skills, and confidence! Based at Wivenhoe on the grounds of Mater Dei, you can pick the days that suit your child and rest easy knowing they are in a safe, supportive, and fun-filled environment.

Follow the links for more information and to register. Places are strictly limited and FILLING FAST!

If you have any questions, please email funding@nextpath.org.au or call (02) 4654 8727.

Please note: NextPath holiday programs are not exclusive to participants of Mater Dei. Participants from other programs are welcome and encouraged to join.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

Weekly Inclusion Program Term 2 - Registrations are Open!

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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