Term 2, Week 2 (6 May 2025)

PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS

🕊️ Remembering Pope Francis: A Humble Leader of Faith and Hope

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, our beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88. He served as our 266th Pope from 2013 until his death, and his legacy continues to inspire millions around the world.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from Latin America, and the first non-European pope in over 1,300 years. He became known for his humility and he encouraged people of all ages to care for the poor, protect the environment, and treat others with mercy and respect. His well known encyclical Laudato si’ called on the world to take care of our “common home”—a message that has influenced climate and environmental education across the globe.

Pope Francis remained committed to spreading messages of peace, unity, and kindness right up until the time of his passing which has been met with great sorrow but also deep gratitude for a life dedicated to faith and service.

As we remember Pope Francis, let us reflect on his message:

 “The world tells us to seek success, power and money; 

God tells us to seek humility, service and love.”

Let his life remind us to be kind, care for others, and work together to build a loving world.

Heavenly Father,
In Your boundless love and mercy,
You called Pope Francis to shepherd Your people with humility, compassion, and courage.
Thank You for the gift of his life, his wisdom, and his unwavering devotion to the Gospel.

He walked in the footsteps of Christ,
Lifting the poor, healing divisions,
And calling the world to care for creation and one another.
Now, Lord, welcome him into the eternal joy of Your presence.

May his soul rest in Your peace,
And may his legacy inspire leaders and faithful alike
To build a world of justice, mercy, and love.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. 

Amen.

Last Monday we held our one-to-one post school planning meetings with parents/carers and students in years 11 and 12 in preparation for transitioning beyond school. While this can be quite a daunting time for parents/carers and students, experience shows that planning and being prepared for this important milestone is essential in ensuring as smooth 

a transition as possible. During these meetings, discussions about NDIS plans, goal setting and post school options are discussed. It is an important first step in the school partnering with parents/carers and students. The following evening we held our Post School Information Session for parents/carers and students in years 10 - 12. The focus of this information session was to provide information and support to assist with planning and preparing for transition beyond school. The main part of this information session and workshop was facilitated by staff from Next Path Continuous Learning and I am most grateful to Alycia O’Neill, Program Manager, Monique Ingram, Funding Manager, and Samantha McAuley, Senior Goal Facilitator, for their time and expertise in this area. 

This week we held an Introduction to High School Workshop for parents and carers with students in years 4 - 6. This forms part of our Mater Dei Transition Program with the focus on  supporting parents and carers in being familiar with the 7 - 12 Secondary School Curriculum. We also covered information from Services Australia regarding payments and services for parents/carers and children in their teenage years. 

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/teenage-years?context=60007

Happy Mothers Day 

Eastertide in 2025 spans from Easter Sunday, April 20th, to Pentecost Sunday, June 8th. This period is considered the fifty-day season following Easter, a time for celebrating and reflecting on the Resurrection. Mother’s Day falls within this same period on Sunday May 11th, and it is fitting to reflect on Mary, the Mother of Jesus, a model of faith, courage, and unconditional love. Mary is a source of inspiration for mothers and caregivers everywhere. In her, we see the beauty of a spirit filled with grace, humility, and unwavering faith. As we honor the mothers in our lives, let us also turn to Mary for guidance, prayer, and peace—and recognise her gentle presence in our lives today.

As we approach Mothers Day next weekend, I wish all our mums and those who are mother figures to children and families, a heartfelt thank you for the love and care that you provide. You deserve to be celebrated in appreciation for everything you do. On a personal note, my husband and I were recently blessed with our first grandchild and I am now the proud grandmother to our grandson. A new role as an extension of motherhood that I am absolutely loving. I look forward to gathering with the mums, mother figures, family and friends joining us for our Mothers Day morning tea, liturgy and celebration of learning next week.

Following a period of consultation and discernment, the decision has been made to take a break from the Mater Dei Country Fair in 2025. This ‘fallow year’ will provide us with the opportunity to recruit a team of parents and volunteers to focus on logistical planning to ensure the Country Fair’s long-term sustainability. This decision will also impact the ex-student reunion, which will also take a break in 2025. 

I acknowledge that this will be disappointing news for some but we have every intention of both the Country Fair and ex-student reunion returning in 2026 with renewed enthusiasm. 

A tentative date of Sunday 25 October 2026 has been set with further details and confirmation to be communicated. 

Ms Elizabeth Ferry will finish her role as classroom teacher (5/6 Gibbons) at Mater Dei on Wednesday 21 May. Ms Ferry commenced working at Mater Dei in 2022 and has decided to pursue her interests in parent advocacy and child behaviour support. We wish Ms Ferry all the best on this career change. 

Mrs Jema Langham commenced maternity leave in 2025 and recently welcomed the birth of a healthy baby boy Reuben Thomas Langham on April 9. Congratulations to the new family.

Newsletters

Our Term Two newsletters will be published in Weeks 2, 5 and 8. 

Spotlight on our Mater Dei Alumni

I am pleased to be able to share the responses from our second Mater Dei Alumni, Justin Buda, from the Class of 2024. Justin was Red House Captain and he was also the proud recipient of the Mater Dei Peace Prize. I hope that you enjoy reading below about what Justin has been up to since graduating from Mater Dei.

JENNIFER FOLDES
PRINCIPAL

What are you doing now that you have finished School?

Since finishing school last November, I have turned 18 years old and gained a new sense of independence. I had two big goals for myself after graduating year 12, and I'm proud to say that I've achieved both. I was offered a full-time job at Sydney Trucks and Machinery, which I started working at in January of this year. I'm currently working in the machinery service area. I've already acquired many new skills, working with power tools and on various parts of excavating machinery. This job has helped me develop better organisational skills, boosted my confidence in decision-making, and given me a whole new set of responsibilities. I am also making a lot of great friends along the way.

My second big achievement was getting my Learner Driver's Licence. I set this goal for myself a while ago and have been studying for the knowledge test ever since. When I finally sat for the test and passed, I was thrilled and eager to get behind the wheel. I’m doing great with my driving and have even started driving on main roads during peak hour traffic. My next set of  goals are working towards getting my P’s, saving up to buy my first car and Independent Living.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

When I'm not at work, I spend my free time either working on my Independent Living Skills or hanging out with my friends. I enjoy taking care of things around the house, like mowing the lawns and washing the family cars. I also like going for walks with my dog, Lando, and spending time with my mum cooking.  I’ve got a great group of mates, and over the summer we had fun taking the boat out on the Hawkesbury River and they have taught me how to go tubing, water ski and ride motorbikes on the farm.  I’ve also been following the soccer, but now that the NRL season has started, you’ll find me either at the games or watching footy on TV. I do love my sports. Go The Mighty Panthers!!

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

Set goals that bring you happiness, ask for assistance when needed, and take advantage of the teacher support available. Cherish your friendships and participate in the numerous activities that Mater Dei offers. I embraced every opportunity that came my way, which helped build my confidence, improved my social interactions (though my mum might disagree that I needed any more social encouragement!), pushed me outside my comfort zone, and taught me valuable lessons as I represented Mater Dei, both in sports and fundraising events, as well as in my daily school life.  

Above all, I’ve learned that everyone is capable of achieving great things. I used to get frustrated when people said I couldn’t do this or that. Until one day, I told my family, “Never tell me Never, because I can!” and with their support and their choice to stop shielding me, I’ve had some incredible experiences and accomplishments, with so many more to come. Trust in your ability to overcome obstacles as you navigate your own journey.

Best Wishes to all my Mater Dei Friends.  I will come visit you soon.

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Have you heard about Triple P Parenting?

Triple P Parenting is a free Positive Parenting Program open to all parents across Australia. Positive parenting is simply an approach to parenting that gives parents and carers tools and strategies to raise their child in an environment that is safe, loving and predictable. Triple P’s positive parenting program allows each person doing the program to decide what is important to them. So it’s not telling you how to raise children, but giving you the confidence and skills to build good relationships, set boundaries and rules calmly and in ways that kids understand, and follow up with consequences that are not harmful.

The program supports parents with strategies that:

• Build skills children need for life, like getting along with others, managing emotions, and becoming more independent.
• Learn simple, proven strategies to improve behaviour and feel calmer.
• Confidently create the best environment for their child’s development.
• Grow closer with their child, build a stronger bond and help their child grow up happy, capable and resilient.

The program includes a topic of Parenting children with disability.

Winter Uniform

All students, Kindergarten - Year 12 are to wear their full Winter school uniform from next Monday, 12 May.

Please note that the uniform changes occur across the year at Mother’s Day (Winter) and Father’s Day (Summer). There is also a ‘grace period’ prior to each of these times where parents are able to use their discretion based upon the weather.

Recognising Reconciliation Week

This year Mater Dei students will enjoy a concert by Zipporah Corser Anu to recognise Reconciliation Week 2025. Zipporah has a proud Torres Strait Islander heritage. She has performance running through her veins as the daughter of Christine Anu and Rodger Corser.

Zipporah has been using her love, knowledge and passion for Indigenous culture to educate and spread awareness through song, dance and storytelling. A perfect way for us to recognise Reconciliation Week!

Celebrating Student Birthdays

Each student’s birthday is a special time of celebration. In order for all students to enjoy one another’s birthdays, we ask parents and carers to send along a small party bag of treats - preferably individual wrapped. The party bag will be sent home following the class acknowledgement of the birthday. 

Please do not send in cakes or the like to be shared amongst classes. Lolly/Treat bags are much easier to manage.

TONI SILLIS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

P&F INFORMATION

STRONGER TOGETHER: Parent Learning Hub

Introduction to High School Workshop

On Monday evening, our first Mater Dei Introduction to High School parent workshop was held. The evening was an opportunity for parents to interact with school staff whilst listening to how Mater Dei School implements the Life Skills curriculum, the opportunity for VET (Vocational Education Training) for Mater Dei students and what government changes parents need to be aware of as their child enters high school.

This workshop is one of the features of Mater Dei School’s Milestones for Learning and Beyond as students journey from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Sydney Disability Connection Expo 2025

This expo is fast approaching. Join other Mater Dei School parents on Friday 23 May travelling to the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney. This is open for parents and carers of students in Years 5-12.

Please show your interest by completing this form by Friday 9 May. 

Following your registration of interest, further organisation details will follow.

The Post School Expo for Students with Disability is on Tuesday 13 May at Wests League Club Leumeah from 9.30am - 1.30pm with information sessions from NDIS (10.30am) and Services Australia Centrelink (12.00pm). The Expo will also be held at Revesby Workers Club (Wednesday 21 May) and Liverpool Catholic Club (Thursday 29 May) for any interested parents. Please note that this Expo is separate to the Sydney Disability Connection Expo that we are providing transport to for parents on Friday 23 May. 

SCHOOL NEWS

MISSION & VISION

The Church Season: Easter to Pentecost

As we move through May 2025, our Catholic community is currently in the Easter Season, a joyful time that began with Easter Sunday on April 20th and continues for 50 days until Pentecost on June 8th, 2025. Easter represents hope, renewal, and new life, marking the most significant celebration in our Catholic faith as we commemorate Christ's resurrection. 

This 50-day period is a time of joyful celebration of the Lord's resurrection and anticipation of the sending forth of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. During this season, our Liturgical colour is white, symbolising light, joy, and the resurrection. 

Pentecost, which will fall on Sunday, June 8th this year, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, who received the "gift of tongues" – the ability to speak in other languages – and immediately began to preach about Jesus 

Christ. This marks the birthday of the Church and the beginning of its mission to the world. After Pentecost, we will enter Ordinary Time, where we'll continue to grow in faith through the teachings of Christ throughout the remainder of the liturgical year.

Let us embrace this Easter Season with hearts full of joy and renewal as we journey together toward Pentecost!

Project Compassion

A heartfelt thank you to all our families and staff who generously contributed to this year's Project Compassion appeal. Your kindness and generosity will make a significant difference in supporting vulnerable communities both in Australia and in our Asian neighbours.

Together, the Mater Dei school raised $1200, which will help Caritas Australia continue their vital work aiding those most in need. Your donations directly support programs focusing on education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare and disaster relief.  Thank you for demonstrating our Benedictine Values of Community and Love of Christ & Neighbour. A special thank you to Carmen for her work and generosity  in supporting Caritas.

ANZAC March

Fifteen students from Kindergarten to Year 12, represented Mater Dei School at the ANZAC Day parade, accompanied by Mrs Gorey and Mrs Power. Our School Captains, Ryan and Maya, led our students with pride, carrying our school banner and laying the ANZAC wreath during the ceremony. Of Mater Dei's seven Benedictine Values, the Value of Peace was particularly significant, as we remembered those who served and sacrificed.  As Pope Francis said: "Let us pray for peace: peace in the world and in each of our hearts." Our students showed such respect and dignity whilst honouring this important day of remembrance.

WELLBEING

Healthy Harold Visit Report

This year, the students were excited to welcome Healthy Harold and the Life Education team for another fun and engaging visit. The mobile Life Ed classroom created a vibrant and interactive 

learning environment where students explored a range of important health and wellbeing topics.

The program focused on helping students develop the skills and knowledge needed to make safe, healthy, and respectful choices in their everyday lives. Each year level participated in age-appropriate sessions, including:

• Harold’s Online World – teaching students how to stay safe online, recognise safe and unsafe behaviours, and build respectful digital relationships.
• Relate Respect Connect – encouraging students to understand empathy, manage peer pressure, and build healthy friendships.
• The Inside Story – exploring the human body and how different systems work together to keep us healthy.
• Harold’s Friend Ship – focusing on emotions, friendships, and conflict resolution.
• Growing Good Friends – promoting healthy eating, personal hygiene, and how to be a good friend.
  
  

Students were engaged and enthusiastic throughout the sessions, enjoying the interactive videos, discussions, and of course, seeing Healthy Harold himself. Many students commented on how much they learned and how much they enjoyed the experience.

The visit from Healthy Harold continues to be a highlight of the school year and an important part of our commitment to student wellbeing. The positive messages shared during the sessions will support students as they grow and develop both inside and outside the classroom.

CURRICULUM

MultiLit

MultiLit Pty Ltd is a leading provider of effective literacy instruction in Australasia. MultiLit began as a research initiative of Macquarie University. Their programs are uniquely placed to be effective because they are all grounded in scientific evidence-based best practice. Mater Dei School has been implementing programs from MultiLit including PreLi and MiniLit over the past years. Ms Fahey has now begun teaching a new spelling focused program in 5/6MacKillop. SpellEx, MultiLit’s comprehensive whole-class spelling program. By growing and consolidating students’ phonological, orthographic and morphological knowledge, SpellEx helps students make the right decisions when spelling words. This will benefit their writing in all curriculum areas. SpellEx provides instruction in grapheme choices, useful rules and conventions, morphology and key spelling terminology. Incorporating assessment at regular intervals throughout the program ensures that teachers are keeping track of students’ progress, adapting instruction as needed.

Another addition in both 1/2 Gregory and 1/2 Benedict classrooms with  Ms Sullivan and Mrs Hooper is the InitiaLit Program. InitiaLit is an evidence-based whole-class literacy program providing all children with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers and writers. In the context of a Response to Intervention framework, InitiaLit is a Tier 1 program, designed to be delivered to whole classes by classroom teachers. InitiaLit provides schools with a reading program that incorporates a synthetic approach to the teaching of phonics alongside a rich literature and vocabulary component.

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SPORTS & EVENTS

Walk Safely to School Day

On Thursday 15th May, we will be recognising Walk Safely to school day, the students will participate in Pedestrian Safety activities during the school day. 

Mothers Day Celebration of Learning, High Tea and Liturgy

On Friday 16 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. 

https://www.trybooking.com/DBHEA 

RSVP’s close Thursday 8th May. 

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!

 
We look forward to celebrating all Mothers and special female figures in the lives of our students!

WORKPLACE LEARNING 

Term 2 is underway, and our Workplace Learning students are back in action!

We’re thrilled to see them settle straight back into their placements, eager to learn and grow. It’s exciting to see our students develop new work skills and we’re confident they will make the most of this valuable hands-on learning experience.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

EVENTS

School Photographs - Friday 30 May

McDONALD’S CHARITY FUN NIGHT - Wednesday 4 June

STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MAISY'S CORNER

Congratulations, Maisy!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news – Maisy, our beloved therapy dog, has officially passed her Public Access Test!

This is a wonderful achievement that recognises Maisy’s calm temperament, excellent behaviour in public settings, and her ability to safely and confidently support students across a range of environments.

Maisy brings comfort, connection, and joy to so many in our school community, and this milestone means she can continue her important work both within the classroom and beyond.

Congratulations, Maisy – we’re so proud of you and grateful to have you as part of the Mater Dei family! 🐾💙

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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

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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