Mater Maria New Life Magazine - Autumn 2012

NEW LIFE

AUTUMN 2012

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

MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE CELEBRATING FIFTY YEARS In 2012, Mater Maria Catholic College celebrates fifty years. In this Golden Jubilee year, the staff and students will honour and celebrate the rich community spirit which was initiated by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and has been carried on by thousands of students, staff and parents who have contributed so greatly to the College community.

From humble beginnings on the grounds of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, with an initial enrolment of 38 girls, there have been many significant milestones. In 1979, the College became co-educational and in 1984 students sat for the Higher School Certificate for the first time at the College. It was around the same time that the Sisters of the Good Samaritan presented as a gift to the College community eight hectares of land and all existing school buildings debt-free for use by the community of Mater Maria. In 1990 the College welcomed its first lay Principal.

A focal point of the 2012 Golden Jubilee celebrations will be the Golden Jubilee mass on Thursday May 24, 2012 at 11.30am. In addition a dinner dance has been organised on Saturday August 4, 2012. Past students, past and present staff, past and present parents and friends of the College are invited for a visual and musical journey as the College celebrates the vibrant energy that has bonded it over its fifty year span. A special commemorative publication will also be released in 2012.

“Our College has a strong tradition of hospitality and service and I am very much looking forward to celebrating the special spirit of Mater Maria Catholic College with past and present families and friends” principal Julie Terry said.

NEW LIFE

AUTUMN 2012

MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE

walk in new life

WELCOME Welcome to the Autumn 2012 edition of New Life in this, the College’s fiftieth anniversary year. This Golden Jubilee year will be one of celebration for this vibrant community as we celebrate fifty years of excellence in Catholic education and acknowledge all those who have contributed to the College’s growth and development. It is important to be mindful of the generous gift of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, who not only saw education for children on the northern beaches of Sydney as crucial, but gave our site in perpetuity for this purpose to Mater Maria Catholic College. We warmly invite all past students and friends of the College to join in this year’s festivities and in particular invite all for the fiftieth anniversary dinner on Saturday August 4, 2012 more details are provided in this magazine.

Our Class of 2011 performed outstandingly in the Higher School Certificate. Our College received 71 distinguished achievers’ places for marks of 90 and above. We were delighted to announce that ten students achieved an ATAR over 90 with Matthew Garrett achieving our highest known ATAR

Julie Terry, Principal with 2012 College Captains, Brieanna Simons and Brae Fisher

of 98.60. Congratulations are extended to the Class of 2011 and we warmly welcome them to the mailing list of New Life with this edition.

In this edition of New Life, we mourn the passing of Mrs Ruth Mulholland. In October 2011, Ruth died following a long illness. We give thanks to God for the wonderful gift she was to our College community and our prayers and thoughts continue to be with her and her family.

I am delighted to introduce our new Director of Academic Care, Mr Philip Mau in this edition of New Life. In addition, we also profile our College Prefects for 2012 and provide you with many details about our Golden Jubilee celebrations.

I hope you continue to stay connected to your College community and are able to 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

Julie Terry Principal

INTRODUCING OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC CARE We are delighted to welcome Mr Philip Mau to the College in the role of Director of Academic Care. He comes to us from St Peter’s Lutheran College in Queensland and previously Knox Grammar and The King’s School in Sydney where he has held significant leadership roles.

Mr Mau has had a long period of leadership in curriculum, teaching and learning. In this new leadership role at the College, Mr Mau will have overall coordination and supervision of the College’s curriculum, working with the KLA Leaders and teaching staff to further enhance quality pedagogy and professional learning. One area of focus will be identifying and tracking the key sources underpining student performance in order to enhance student achievement.

Mr Mau is an Economics and Business Studies teacher, has also lectured part time at the Queensland Institute of Technology and is a published author in the field of Economics.

He has academic qualifications from Flinders University in South Australia.

Mr Mau holds a clear vision and personal drive for educating the whole student where students are challenged to grow and achieve to their potential. We warmly welcome Mr Mau to the College and look forward to many years of working with him.

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NEW LIFE

AUTUMN 2012

MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE

walk in new life

HSC RESULTS Our Class of Year 12, 2011 achieved 71 distinguished achievers’ places for marks of 90 and above in the following courses - Ancient History, Business Services, Chemistry, Drama, Earth & Environmental Science, English Advanced, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Information Processes & Technology, Information Technology, Mathematics (General), Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Music 1, PDHPE, Physics, Studies of Religion 1, Textiles and Design and Visual Arts.

78.5 per cent of two unit results were placed in the top three performance bands. 46 per cent of results in the same courses were either Band 5 or Band 6.

94 per cent of students studying English received a Band 4, 5 or 6. Our HSC students achieved 212 Band 5 results and 198 Band 4 results.

We are delighted to announce that Jack Howitt achieved second in the State in Information Technology. Ten students achieved an ATAR over 90 with Matthew Garrett achieving our highest known ATAR of 98.60. Congratulations are extended to Tasmin Witkamp whose Visual Arts body of work was selected for Art Express; to Luke Scali and Michael Sacco whose Industrial Technology projects were selected for INTech and to Teigan Barnfield who will perform her HSC core dance performance at Call Back. Michael Matthews was the recipient of the 2011 College Mission Award for embracing the opportunities encompassed in the Mission Statement of the College.

Students of Year 12 2011 have actively contributed to all areas of College and community life. They have exercised outstanding service through social justice campaigns, were publicly recognised in the creative and performing arts and have displayed superb leadership of our student body. They are young people of hope who have all, individually, achieved success in the 2011 HSC.

MATER MARIA MILESTONES Mater Maria Catholic College (known as St Joseph’s High) established as a Catholic girls secondary school by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in an old, wooden, two-roomed building set in the grounds of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School at Narrabeen.

30 students enrolled Principal - Sister Pius McMahon sgs

Principal - Sister Cecily Pullen sgs Principal - Sister Honorius Fitzmaurice sgs

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Official opening of Mater Maria College at our Forest Road, Warriewood site by Cardinal Gilroy, including the Convent and Gilroy Building (Block A)

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NEW LIFE

AUTUMN 2012

MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE

walk in new life

RUTH FRANCIS MULHOLLAND AUGUST 17, 1954 - OCTOBER 23, 2011 In late October, the College community came together to mourn the loss of our dear friend, colleague and teacher, Ruth Mulholland. Ruth was an inspiration to all as she continued to come to work despite ongoing ill health, and remained committed to the provision of excellence in education even, at times, from her sick bed via email. Ruth remained a tower of strength with a positive outlook right up until her last day. Her contribution to educating young people has been signified by creativity and commitment, always striving to get the very best from the students in her care. Her talent and work in textiles was exemplary. We remember Ruth as a woman of strength, with a delightful sense of humour.

At the Presentation of Awards in December 2011, the Principal’s Award for Staff Service was awarded posthumously to Ruth, in recognition of all that she had given to this College.

We give thanks for the gift Ruth has been to us here at Mater Maria Catholic College.

Poem for Ruth Don't grieve for me for now I'm free, I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone will stay that way, I found that peace at close of day.

If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh a kiss, Ah yes, these things I, too, will miss.

But not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life has been full, I've savoured much.

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief Don't lengthen it now with undue grief, Lift up you hearts and share with me, He set me free.

Annon

MATER MARIA MILESTONES

Opening of the Fitzmaurice Building (Block B) by Bishop Thomas Muldoon September 29.

220 students enrolled

Principal - Sister Therese Marie Fleming sgs

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Mater Maria becomes a co-educational with the first intake of boys Fr Amiel Sobb of St Joseph’s Parish, Narrabeen celebrates his Golden Jubilee

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NEW LIFE

AUTUMN 2012

MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE

walk in new life

2012 GOLDEN JUBILEE CALENDAR

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! In 2012, the College celebrates fifty outstanding years! In this Golden Jubilee year we honour the rich community spirit which was initiated by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and has been carried on by thousands of students, staff and parents who have contributed so greatly to our College community.

We are delighted to announce the following special events scheduled in 2012 to celebrate our Golden Jubilee.

Join us - past students, past staff, current and past parents, current staff and friends - for a visual and musical journey as we celebrate the vibrant energy that has bonded this community over its fifty year span. All are welcome.

Venue: Date: Dress: Cost:

Term 1 Fiftieth Anniversary Gala Performance Evening Tuesday March 27, 2012 7.30pm Byrne Theatre Featuring musical and dramatic performances from past and current students and staff

Dee Why RSL Club 932 Pittwater Road DEE WHY Saturday August 4, 2012, 7.00pm Semi Formal $50.00 (inc two course meal with drinks available at Club prices)

Term 2 Mater Maria Day - Golden Jubilee mass Thursday May 24, 2012 11.30am Marana Complex

Tickets on sale now from the Accounts Department - telephone 9997 7044 or email lyndsay.georgeson@dbb.edu.au.

Term 3 Fiftieth Anniversary Dinner Dance Saturday August 4, 2012 7.00pm Dee Why RSL Function Rooms All parents, past students, past staff and friends of the College are welcome Tickets on sale now!

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE BOOK On May 24, 2012 at the Golden Jubilee mass, the College will launch a special commemorative publication celebrating the College’s fifty year span. Former teacher, Mrs Pauline Byrne, is the editor of the publication.

Term 4 Presentation of Awards 2012 Thursday December 13, 2012 7.30pm

The College is collecting recollections from past and current students and past parents and friends of the College as well as College photographs, past College publications and memorabilia. For further information contact our Business Manager, Mark Suters, on 02 9997 7044 or email mark.suters@dbb.catholic.edu.au.

To RSVP for these events, please email our Business Manager at mark.suters@dbb.catholic.edu.au

Copies will be available for $30.00 from the Accounts Department at the College. To pre-order your copy please email lyndsay.georgeson@dbb.catholic.edu.au. or telephone the Accounts Department on 02 9997 7044 between 9.00am and 3.00pm

The Good Samaritan Sisters present as a gift to the school community eight hectares of land and all existing school buildings debt-free for the use of Mater Maria College.

The Sisters vacated the convent home to be used as an Administration Centre.

The Guringai Building (Block C) and Ducker Building (Block D) are opened on August 16

by Bishop Bede Heather 500 students enrolled

The first Year 12 class sits for their HSC

Opening of the Bush ‘log’ Chapel Principal - Sister Marie Julie Duffy October 29

Twentieth anniversary of the College

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Amiel Building (Block E) is opened on November 13 by Bishop Heaps The Senior School opens with the first Year 11 class

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Twenty-fifth anniversary of the College

Sister Therese (Marie Julie) Duffy sgs and Sister Elizabeth Carr sgs leave the College ending a twenty-seven year association of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan leadership of the community AUTUMN 2012 NEW LIFE 05

NEW LIFE

AUTUMN 2012

MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE

walk in new life

STUDENT LEADERSHIP It is our great pleasure to introduce the College Prefects of 2012. Each College Prefect has been elected to a specific area in which they can share their gifts and talents, contribute to the College in a significant way and make a difference. These students are supported by a teacher or group of teachers. We profile each of the portfolios below: COLLEGE CAPTAINS Our names are Brieanna Simons and Brae Fisher and we are the College Captains for 2012. As students we realise that we must continue the work laid down before us to build a bigger and better College. It will be our task, to nurture core values, in each individual, and to encourage all students to reach the fullness, of their potential. As College Captains we are willing to give of ourselves whenever and wherever, to best serve the College community. Thank you so much for this opportunity, we can’t wait for the coming year.

LITURGY As the College Prefects - Liturgy, our goals are to encourage student participation in liturgy and religious events. We hope to offer a greater variety of spiritual opportunities that the students can take part in. We are also aiming to make College masses more engaging and influential for the students’ religious journeys. To do this, we will join with the Liturgy Coordinator, Mrs Rushby, to bring new and exciting

ways of praying, singing hymns and spiritual exploration to Mater Maria. We hope to consolidate the College's already strong religious focus.

Jessica Warren and Trent Curtis College Prefects - Liturgy

Brieanna Simons and Brae Fisher College Captains COLLEGE VICE CAPTAINS In our role of Vice Captains we hope to strengthen the relationship between year groups. We are going to go beyond what is required of us to achieve this goal so that every student feels like they have a place within the community and feel valued. Over the next year as the College Vice Captains we look forward to working with the teachers and students to enhance College spirit.

Melanie Wheeler and Stephen Maiolo College Vice Captains

MATER MARIA MILESTONES Principal - Mr Bernard Edwards (First lay Principal) Murphy Building (Block F) is opened March 25 by Brother Norman Hart Sister Pauline Coll sgs leaves the College Principal - Mr Ross Cleary

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Principal - Mr Tony Bracken Thirtieth anniversary of the College

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NEW LIFE

AUTUMN 2012

MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE

walk in new life

COMMUNITY As the College Prefects - Community we have the duty to improve the community inside and outside the school environment. This will be achieved by introducing new plans to promote the College to the community. Our overall goal in being Community Prefects is to foster closer friendships between the younger and older year groups, and to encourage involvement in College events and activities using the facilities throughout the College.

Isabella Waugh and Elissa Anderson College Prefects - Community

PERFORMING ARTS We are both extremely passionate and are skilled within the performing arts and furthermore we are very excited, grateful and honoured to be given the opportunity for our ministry as the College Prefects Performing Arts. In 2012 our major intention and vision is to ensure and continue great enrichment opportunities for development of our extensive range of talented students involved in music, drama and the creative arts. This will be achieved throughout a variety of performance and showcasing opportunities.

Todd McGeachie and William Benton College Prefects - Sport

Nathan Stark and Jesse Williams College Prefects - Performing Arts

HOUSE As the College Prefects - House we will try hard to ensure that our leadership focuses on encouragement, participation and enthusiasm.

We recognise that the House system provides each student with a sense of belonging, fun and friendly rivalry and our aim is to continue the traditional Mater spirit. We plan to host a broader spectrum of House competitions in order to appeal to all members of the College. We look forward to working closely with Mr Harris to serve the community.

Danielle Frost and Ellen Kusturin College Prefects - House

SPORT Hello everyone, we are Todd McGeachie and William Benton and we will be your College Prefects - Sport for 2012. Our aims are to give back to the Mater Maria community the kind of sporting opportunities we have been offered and encourage those who aren’t so interested to at least have a go!

Participation is something we would like to rapidly increase and we hope that all of you could work with us to reach this goal of ours.

SOCIAL JUSTICE As the College Prefects - Social Justice, our goal is to raise awareness of many of the issues facing our society today and also to actively involve people in providing a solution to these issues. We also hope to provide opportunities for students to actively engage with our local community, and also for members of the community to have a positive impact on our College environment. It is important that all members of the College feel welcome and that they can all make a difference.

Sophie Emerson and Joseph Monk College Prefects - Social Justice

Fortieth Anniversary of the College Decommission and closure of the Bush ‘log’ Chapel

The Mater Maria Chapel is opened on June 21 by Bishop David Walker

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Principal - Mrs Julie Terry

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Principal - Mr Ray Werren Fiftieth Anniversary of the College Marana Complex, Byrne Theatre, Fleming Building and Slattery Field are opened on June 1 by Bishop David Walker

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NEW LIFE

AUTUMN 2012

MATER MARIA CATHOLIC COLLEGE

walk in new life

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CAMBODIA HOUSE BUILDING TRIP In November 2012, students, staff and past students from Mater Maria Catholic College will be embarking on a house building trip to Cambodia with the Catholic Parish of Pittwater. This will be the third time that the Parish and College have sent a house building team.

The group will be building homes for some of the poorest Cambodian families. These families have typically been in the Tabitha savings program for four to five years in order to reach their dream of 'graduating from poverty'. As part of this savings program, each family has saved and will contribute US$30.00 towards the cost of the new house and land package.

The house building team is fundraising to pay for the remaining $1500.00 per house. When the group arrives they will work side by side with the Cambodians, under their leadership and guidance, giving them the opportunity to teach the house building team valuable life skills (building).

The more money that is raised, the more houses and safe wells our house building team will build and therefore the more families who can be helped.

Amazingly, within one year of a family moving into a new home with access to a well, they can expect their income to at least double!

Each volunteer in the house building team will fund all their own expenses and contribute to the cost of the materials. Every dollar donated will help extend the impact from their visit. With every dollar going directly to the project, it is an amazing way for everyone to help. We are calling on the community for their support - donors can contribute as little as a ‘single plank’ at A$25.00 each. Ten of these are needed to build each wall of each house.

For further information, please visit www.tabitha.org.au and go to the ‘donate now’ tab. Please ensure that you select the house building group ‘Pittwater Parish & Mater Maria - Nov 2012’

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