NEW LIFE
SPRING 2013
MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
WALK IN NEW LIFE
A BIANNUAL MAGAZINE FOR PAST STUDENTS AND FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE 5 FOREST ROAD WARRIEWOOD NSW 2102 AUSTRALIA TELEPHONE 02 9997 7044 FACSIMILE 02 9997 6042 WEBSITE www.matermaria.nsw.edu.au
OUTBACK INDIGENOUS PILGRIMAGE In April, twenty students from Mater Maria Catholic College and St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly travelled on a unique indigenous reconciliation pilgrimage to Broken Hill in the far west of New South Wales. It included incredible visits to Cobar, White Cliffs and Broken Hill. The aim of the pilgrimage was for students to gain a boarder worldview of the lives of others in Australian indigenous communities and a deeper appreciation of indigenous issues and culture. Against this red dust backdrop many other skills were also uncovered as well as the students’ desire to know more: many students marvelled at the remarkable difference in terrain and the fact that they were still in the state of New South Wales! The students had the opportunity to visit significant indigenous sites and experience first-hand our State’s vast landscape. An amazing visit to Grenfell saw the students in awe of traditional aboriginal rock paintings, uncovering the natural wonder of bush tucker and the sighting of emus and feral goats! Another visit to the community of Menindee (population 450) highlighted for the students the challenges of remote living, employment and daily life across the region. One of the most significant and spiritual parts of each day was the yarning circle around the campfire and was an opportunity for prayer, reflection and thanksgiving. The pilgrimage was arranged by the Youth Ministry Coordinators from both Colleges along with the Aboriginal Education Officer, Mr David Ella, from the Catholic Schools Office, Broken Bay. The six days were an unforgettable experience which deepened for students a greater respect and recognition of this ancient land.
NEW LIFE WALK IN NEW LIFE
WELCOME Welcome to the Spring 2013 edition of New Life. I am absolutely thrilled to have accepted the position of Principal at Mater Maria Catholic College and I thank all the students, staff, parents and friends of the College who have welcomed me into the community. Mater Maria is blessed to be located on a beautiful site on the Warriewood Escarpment. I have most especially been impressed by the people of this community who make it such a special place. The College has a vibrant spiritual life and fantastic relationships with the local parishes and primary schools in the area. It is warm and friendly, with hardworking, dedicated staff who have each student’s best interests at heart. My prayer and hope for this community, going into the future is that our students are • mindful of their own spiritual journey, • use their talents to serve the community, • are thankful for the opportunities they have and consciously pursue justice for those less fortunate, • display hospitality and compassion for others, • are stewards of God’s creation by respecting self, others and environment.
JOIN US FOR OPEN DAY Sunday March 16, 2014 11.00am - 2.00pm
In this edition of New Life we report on some of the developments over the past six months. We acknowledge the outstanding service of Julie Terry during her period as Principal; we report on the College’s 51st Anniversary mass on the College feast day, Our Lady Help of Christians and provide a recount of our joint Outback Pilgrimage to Broken Hill with St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly. I invite you to stay connected to your College community and join us for any of the events detailed in this publication. Please remember to keep us informed of your journey and remember that you are always welcome at Mater Maria Catholic College. With best wishes
Marc Reicher Principal 02 NEW LIFE SPRING 2013
Our Catholic co-educational community is focused on learning, positive support networks and an infinite array of opportunities grounded in our shared values of Community, Hospitality, Justice, Spirituality and Stewardship. Our young men and women are called to be globally focused, confident collaborators who are engaged in their studies and model service to others. Enrolment Applications for Year 7, 2016 close on April 2, 2014.
SPRING 2013
MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
THE SOUND OF THE GOOD SAMS IS HEARD AGAIN! During 2012, Mater Maria’s fiftieth anniversary year, the old school bell was uncovered from storage and a proposal was prepared by Coco-Jasmine Howard for its restoration and placement near the Mater Maria Chapel - this would form the basis of her Year 12 HSC Design and Technology project in 2013. As part of the major project, Coco researched the origin of the bell. A remarkable story has since unfolded - one that commenced in the mid 1870s and links to the Sisters of the Good Samaritan’s very first convent, opened in 1857, in Pitt Street, Sydney. This bell was casted and produced by James Barwell of Birmingham, England at his foundry. They produced church bells to ship bells to table bells from 1842 until 1971, usually from an alloy of bronze and later brass and iron. Coco was intrigued: aware that the College was established by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, she then contacted Sister Lia van Haren the Congregational Archivist at the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, to establish its connection with the College at Warriewood. According to the Convent Happenings for Warriewood for 1971 on April 10 the bell was delivered from the Sisters of the Good Samaritan Convent/School on Albion Street in Surry Hills, Sydney where it is presumed it was used as a school or convent bell. The bell was erected near the Gilroy Building (Block A) entry and removed into storage in 2002 for building works. Further investigation uncovered that the bell has a link to where the Sisters of the Good Samaritan congregation began on Pitt Street, Sydney in 1857. The Sisters were required to vacate the Pitt Street site for the development of the Central Railway station. The bell was temporarily placed at St Francis School Haymarket which the Sisters of the Good Samaritan operated and moved again when St Francis School moved to the site of the Sisters’ Convent in Albion Street, Surry Hills. This opened sometime in August 1901 and was closed in 1969. Sister Lia reflected “The ringing of bells used to be an integral part of Convent life. Bells were rung to awaken the Sisters at the beginning of the day; to call them to prayer, work, meals, study, recreation and sleep. Whenever the bell rang Sisters were to drop whatever they were doing and go immediately to the particular activity as if it was the voice of God calling them.” SPRING 2013 NEW LIFE 03
NEW LIFE WALK IN NEW LIFE
THANKSGIVING MASS FOR MRS JULIE TERRY On Tuesday April 9, the College community gathered to give thanks for the outstanding service and leadership of Mrs Julie Terry. A special celebration of the Eucharist was con-celebrated in the Mater Maria Chapel by the local Parish Priests: Fr George Kolodziej sds, Fr Barry Nobbs and Fr Michael Sun Jae Hwang and was a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for the remarkable gift Julie has been to the Mater Maria community. Mrs Terry commenced at the College in January 2009 as Assistant Principal and two years later in January 2011 commenced in the role of Principal, which she has served with outstanding success. With her strong faith and trust in the Holy Spirit, Julie has developed so many areas of College life and leaves a wonderful impact on the religious, academic and pastoral programs of the College. Julie is the College’s first female Principal since the Good Samaritan Sisters left Mater Maria at the end of 1989 and has embraced so much of their 04 NEW LIFE SPRING 2013
heritage and charism as she has continued the Mater community’s story. During this time, Julie committed the College to ongoing improvement across all areas of College life. She has strengthened students’ call to serve in youth ministry and outreach. She has continued to focus on improving learning and her contributions to the pastoral care of families have been treasured. Julie has shared herself willingly to ensure students grow with dignity, justice and self-worth. Mrs Terry concluded her appointment at Mater Maria Catholic College at the end of term 1, 2013 after having accepted the position of Founding Principal at St Brigid’s Catholic College, Lake Munmorah which will open with Year 7 students in 2014.
SPRING 2013
MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
FAREWELL FROM MRS JULIE TERRY At Mrs Terry’s final address to the student community, she offered the following words to capture her wishes for the students of the College. My hope for each one of you is that you can be convinced about just how precious and important you are. I hope you really believe that you are made in the image and likeness of God and therefore have the potential to be magnificent. I believe that every human being is inherently good. Sometimes we make choices which sabotages that potential for goodness. If you don’t have that sense of worthiness about yourself then you won’t be at peace and will always be looking for something to fill that need. Content people don’t feel the need to put others down so they can feel better about themselves; they don’t need to prove anything and are happy to respect the norms of the community; they don’t need drugs or alcohol to numb the pain; and they can give love to others and be positive influences without shame or concern. It doesn’t mean that they are perfect. It is natural to make mistakes, but content people have no problem in admitting them, trying to make reparation for what they ave done and most importantly of all, forgiving themselves so that they can move forward. Sometimes it is easier to be mediocre, to not put our best selves forward, to shrink into the background. But you were put here on this earth for more than mediocrity. Your individual goodness is really only fulfilled when it is shared with others, when it is given to the community. We, together,
are like a magically woven spider-web. Each strand adds strength to the web as a whole. So, too, each individual adds strength to the community when they are their best selves. If one strand of the web breaks it doesn’t mean that the whole web is destroyed but it is certainly weaker. Never underestimate the impact that you can have as an individual on the whole community. If you break your strand of the web then the other strands around you have to take up the slack and work a little harder to keep it together. The good news is that the web can be repaired. If the strand is rebuilt then the web becomes stronger again and the other strands around can relax - the tension does not have to be as great. I have witnessed so much goodness here in the staff, your parents and in you, the students of our wonderful College, Mater Maria. It has been a real privilege to be the assistant principal and principal here and I hope that I have added a little strength to the web. When change happens sometimes it will feel like a loss. I am sad at leaving this wonderful place but I know that this place is one of great hope and that new leaders will take it from strength to strength. Please give your support to Mr Reicher and Ms Rae as they take on their new roles in the College. Thank you for your beautiful smiles, your hellos and your thank-yous. You don’t know what a difference these small gestures can make to the day and you have certainly brightened mine. Be good to your teachers and the other members of staff here - they work really hard to give you the best of themselves. Look after each other and tell your friends and family members just how much they mean to you every day. I wish you all the very best for what I know will be a bright future. Be happy, laugh a lot, be positive and hope-filled people because that is really what being a Catholic is about. Thank you for all you have taught me because you have enabled me to take on the next part of my adventure in the new school. You will always be in my heart. God bless.
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NEW LIFE WALK IN NEW LIFE
51ST ANNIVERSARY MASS OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS The Mater Maria community gathered in the Marana Complex for the celebration of the 51st Anniversary Mass on the Feast of Mary Help of Christians on May 24. The occasion was joy-filled and acknowledged the abundant blessings that continue to be bestowed on the community. Fifty one years ago, in 1962, the Good Samaritan Sisters established Mater Maria Catholic College, initially as a girls’ school. From 1962 until 1990, twenty-five Good Samaritan Sisters served at the College. In 1979 the College became co-educational and in 1980 the Sisters donated the land of the College in perpetuity. Responsibility for the College was later handed to the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay and in 1990 the first lay principal was appointed.
The five College values - Community, Hospitality, Justice, Spirituality and Stewardship - were celebrated at this special thanksgiving mass. The community also acknowledged the special way in which the College has been placed under Mother Mary’s protection. As the first disciple and our mentor and guide the community offered thanks and prayer. Julie Bell (College Bursar 1981-2010) and now College Board Co-chair was our special guest of honour and reflected on the remarkable contribution the Sisters of the Good Samaritan made to the area with the establishment of the College all those years ago. Each student was challenged to reflect on the charism of the Good Samaritan Sisters and find ways to care and assist others in our community.
OUTDOOR COURT SHADE STRUCTURE OPENS In August the College completed the construction of its new shade structure over the existing outdoor court. This impressive canopy provides over 400 square metres of sun protection and will greatly enhance the usability of the court on hot and wet days. The deep navy canopy is made from a commercial high quality knitted shadecloth. Principal Marc Reicher commented “Schools are an important setting for skin cancer prevention as adolescents are regularly outdoors during lunch times, when UV levels are high”. The ability to offer an additional area of shade protection in the College is a positive step in promoting strategies for sun protection.
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SPRING 2013
MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
A CONTEMPORARY ADAPTATION OF A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM In May, Years 10 and 11 Drama students performed a contemporary adaption of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Set in Sydney, the play revolves around Lysander and Hermia's relationship. The fairies of the original have been 'discovered' so they now disguise themselves as the city's homeless. Puck is at his mischievous best while the mechanicals (now limited to talented university actors) attempt to rehearse for Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding. The Years 10 and 11 students who performed were fantastic in their commitment to the rehearsal process and impressed the audiences with their energy, conviction and comic timing. Their professional standard in acting was heightened by the transformation of the Byrne Theatre into a bush setting. Our thanks are extended to Robyn Tarrant and Eli Faen who completed the set artwork and did a wonderful job. The play was a great showcase of the wonderful students at Mater Maria. A huge thank you is also extended for everyone who came along to enjoy the show.
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NEW LIFE
SPRING 2013
MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
WALK IN NEW LIFE
THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION Mater Maria students and staff had the opportunity to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 by attending morning mass at one of the College’s five local parishes in what is known at the College as the Back to Parish Mass. The mass acknowledges our belief that it is not just Mary’s soul that was admitted to God’s glory, but that at the end of her earthly life, Mary’s body as well as her soul was assumed into Heaven by the loving power of God. At the masses, Mater Maria students took roles in a number of ministries - including roles in the Presentation of Gifts, Gospel Acclamation, Eucharist ministers, readings and music. Mary is the patron of Australia and our College and remains a ‘sign of certain hope and comfort to the pilgrim people of God...’ (2Pt 3:10). We pray that Mary, our Mother, will continue to protect all those associated with Mater Maria Catholic College.
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