Mater Christi College - Belgrave

LOVING OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER ensures everyone in our community is included and has the opportunity to participate and be the best they can be.

Our YEAR 8 WELLBEING DAY was reimagined this year, with a full day of workshops and activities centred around BODY POSITIVITY and EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES and the DIFFERENCES IN OTHERS.

Students worked in small groups on personal and outward reflection activities. Then, in the afternoon, they enjoyed writing, design, art, or performance-based activities as a way to creatively express what they had learnt over the course of the day.

Not to mention, everyone had fun!

MORE EXCITING FOOTY NEWS!
CONGRATULATIONS to Lily (Year 7) who has been selected for the School Sports Victoria (SSV) Under 12 AFL Team. After three gruelling trials, Lily was placed in the Top 50 players then later selected for the team along with 26 others.

Lily will take part in a week-long SSV carnival, in Geelong in August! An amazing achievement! 👏 👏 👏

Mater Christi College is seeking a replacement PE & HHD teacher for the first 4 weeks of Term 3.

Part time load 0.52

This is an opportunity to join our collaborative and innovative team.

The successful applicant will be a talented and enthusiastic professional committed to delivering excellence in all-girls education. Graduates are very welcome to apply.

Applications close Monday 24 June 2024.

For more information or to apply visit > https://bit.ly/3VHO5df

PE & HHD TEACHER | Mater Christi College - Belgrave Mater Christi College, Belgrave is a contemporary Catholic School, established by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the order of St Benedict in 1963.

SAFE DRIVING SKILLS SAVE LIVES!
Our Year 10 PERSONAL HEALTH students recently undertook a two-day course at METEC Driver Education & Training. The students participated in two educational sessions and two driving lessons - working towards a safer driving future!

"Going to METEC was a great experience. I drove an automatic car and learnt all about merging lanes, breaking, controlling my speed as well as maintaining overall control of the car." Isabella 10B

&PE
Metec Driver Training Centre

FOOTY FEVER!
CONGRATULATIONS to Isabelle (Year 8), Jessica (Year 8), and Camryn (Year 9) who represented the U15 EFNL Div 2 team in the AFL Victoria Metro Junior Development Series over the long weekend. They were selected from an initial squad of over 100 girls, with Izzy having the honour of being named as Vice Captain. All three girls played amazingly well and their team came away with 3 wins from 3 games.

As part of their CAREERS EDUCATION program, our YEAR 10 students heard from representatives from Monash University, Deakin University, and Box Hill Institute today, during Home Group.

Our thanks to speakers, Jetta, Sid and Josephine who spoke about campus life, open days, and what each institution has to offer prospective students.

A great way to get students thinking and focused on their future!


Monash University
Deakin University
Box Hill Institute

CALLING FOR WINTER WOOLIES!
Our TINNIES FOR VINNIES weekly collection is doing really well and we are so grateful to all the families who have been adding an item or two to their shopping list each week to support local people in need this winter.

This is the last week of the collection, and we are looking for:
WARM CLOTHING ITEMS such as BEANIES, SCARVES, SOCKS and BLANKETS. These need to be NEW OR in AS NEW (washed) condition.


Good Samaritan Education Vinnies Victoria

It's great to see the popularity of women's AFL is well and truly on the rise!
58 students represented Mater Christi in the CGSAV DIVISION 1 AFL competition last week at Royal Park.

Our Intermediate and Senior teams put up a great fight, making it into the semi-finals and finishing 4th. Our Juniors finished 5th, achieving team-set goals throughout the day.

Mater Christi placed 4th overall! A great effort!

CONGRATULATIONS to Lucy (Year 9) who received an A - Pass with Honours for her Preliminary Piano Exam recently! This achievement represents Lucy's dedication and talent for piano and is a credit to her ongoing work with her piano tutor, Mieke.

If your child is interested in learning piano at the College, click here to find out more or submit an enrolment form -> https://bit.ly/4aXZDhu

It was the PERFECT WEATHER FOR RUNNING last Thursday for the CGSAV CROSS COUNTRY competition.

32 Mater Christi students ran at Yarra Bend Park against seven other schools with over 100 competitors in each age group.

A special shout out to Mya Collis (Year 7) and Coral Kratzmann (Year 10), who placed 4th and 6th overall in their races (respectively).

Everyone showed great team spirit and resilience, cheering on all the competitors as they ran past.

Our Cross Country team placed 5th overall and 3rd in the Intermediate Division.
GO MATER!

Did you know we have a CHARTER BUS that runs from - MT EVELYN - MONTROSE - KILSYTH SOUTH - THE BASIN - to MATER CHRISTI COLLEGE?

For more information on our CHARTER BUS and PUBLIC TRANSPORT options, visit > https://bit.ly/3U9Jw9F or contact our finance team - 9754 6611

Our YEAR 7s enjoyed a bit of healthy competition on Monday, with an INTER-CLASS BASKETBALL COMPETITION!

Sports activities at Mater Christi are designed to be fun and inclusive of all students and abilities. This competition gave the students a chance to create more connections and friendships, and every student had a role and was supported by their peers!

Congratulations to 7B who took out first place overall! 👏 👏

YEAR 12 isn't all hard work! The HOSPITALITY students took a visit to the YARRA VALLEY last week to experience food from field to plate, including picking and learning about seasonal fruits at Rayner's Orchard, cheese tasting at Yarra Valley Dairy, a tour of St Huberts Winery, and learning about the process of chocolate making at The Chocolaterie (with a tasting of course)! And it was a beautiful day to top it all off!


Good Samaritan Education

There are 2 WEEKS TO GO in our TINNIES FOR VINNIES drive! Don't forget to add an item or two to your shopping list from this week's category (below).

THIS WEEK WE ARE COLLECTING: HYGEINE ITEMS.
For example deodorant, tissues, band-aids, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and sanitary pads (no tampons, please).


Good Samaritan Education

Last Friday, our SOJUST Group and Year 11 & 12 Catholic Action Program (CAP) class participated in the VINNIES SCHOOL SLEEPOUT, which raises awareness of the challenges of homelessness.

Taking part in this important initiative hasn't been possible at the College for the last few years due to the pandemic, so we were grateful and excited to be able to offer this opportunity once again.

The students sought sponsorship from friends and family in the form of donations of warm clothing and hygiene products to be distributed to The Good Samaritan Inn (a refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence) and the Vinnies City Soup Van. They slept in sleeping bags on the floor in the Hall to symbolise the experience of what it would be like to sleep rough.

Thanks to Mr Sarris for supporting this event and to the other teachers who joined the students for this event.

“The Vinnies School Sleep-out provides students with an opportunity to experience what it is like to be homeless by ‘sleeping rough’ for one night. By providing participants with an example of what it feels like to sleep out for the night, we’re encouraging them to understand the problem they’re helping to solve acutely. This is especially relevant to schools since, in addition to giving something back to the community, the School Sleep-out can also be used as an educational tool.”
St. Vincent de Paul Society


Good Samaritan Education
Vinnies Victoria

Our College FIRE Carriers were proud to be invited to a Yarra Valley Water & Melbourne Water RECONCILIATION WEEK event earlier this week.

Along with the other attendees, the students heard from Stacey Piper, a proud Wurundjeri and Irish woman who spoke about the importance of continuing our reconciliation learning journey together, and singer songwriter and proud Yorta Yorta man Scott Darlow.

Our FIRE Carrier Captains, Charlotte and Ashlee, delivered a personal acknowledgement to Yarra Valley Water and Melbourne Water delegates and all the students were invited to participate in a smoking ceremony.

"I found the diverse set of activities and speakers created a really engaging day that made me rethink what National Reconciliation Week means to me and how we can continue to advocate for First Nations People as allies in the FIRE Carrier program." - Elida (12E)

"We heard from the incredible Scott Darlow, a Yorta Yorta man, who is a singer/songwriter from Shepparton. He spoke about the important history of Australia and shared insightful information about the beautiful Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander culture around this Country." - Isabella (10B)

*The Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education (FIRE) Carrier Project aims to promote respect, fairness, and inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Victorian Catholic schools. Students volunteer and are commissioned into the program, then work within their school to raise awareness and promote reconciliation in their community.


Good Samaritan Education

Our YEAR 11 OUTDOOR & ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES students learn about perceived risk vs real risk in outdoor experiences and how competence in their skills can reduce their perceived risk to more closely align with the actual risk.

Last week, the students had the opportunity to put this concept into practice by doing MOUNTAIN BIKING in Lysterfield. They were challenged to push themselves out of their comfort zones in a safe environment, and by the end of the day, they felt much more confident with their biking skills.

Mater Christi College has limited places available in Years 8 - 9 - 11. Contact our Registrar to organise a PERSONAL TOUR or APPLY NOW here -> https://bit.ly/3ILyqSS

Our thanks to presenter SONYA KARRAS who spoke first at our PARENT's BREAKFAST and later to our STUDENTS about VA**NG today - equipping them with the facts, including what e-cigarettes are, health risks and harms associated with va**ng, common myths and misinformation, and harm minimisation strategies.

Sonya is the creator of Whole New World and presents to tens of thousands of young people, parents, teachers, and organisations every year with her informative and engaging safe partying, consent, drugs, and alcohol seminars.

A highly valuable presentation!

At Mater Christi College, we are committed to working towards reconciliation on a daily basis through our actions, words, curriculum, pastoral activities, events, and our FIRE (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carriers.

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK is a significant time to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in our country.

Today, staff and student delegates joined together to represent the College in a FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY, symbolising our commitment to unity and deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.


Good Samaritan Education

REMINDER!
For those who have booked, our Friends of Mater Association (FOMA) PARENTS & CARERS BREAKFAST and GUEST SPEAKER morning is TOMORROW.

We look forward to seeing you there: 7.10 am ARRIVAL for a 7.30 am start in CAFE BENE!

Fostering development and growth in others is in Denise Raven’s DNA. With over a decade of experience in education, Denise embodies a passion for fostering student growth and success, particularly in Science and STEM education. Likewise, her recent appointment as Professional Growth Leader at the College represents her belief in the importance of continued learning and development for our teachers.

Denise has had a diverse career that began outside the education sector. She previously held management roles in human resources and recruitment and worked in child and family welfare in the Department of Human Services.

Eventually, however, a desire to positively impact young people's lives through education took hold, and Denise found her true calling in teaching and education leadership.

Denise's teaching journey began at Mooroolbark College, where she quickly rose to hold various leadership roles over a span of nearly a decade. Her expertise extended to Science, Pedagogy & Practice, STEAM, and Year 7 Transition. After a successful stint at Wesley College, where she led the Science department at the Elsternwick campus, Denise joined Mater Christi at the beginning of 2023 as the Science Domain Leader, injecting her passion for STEM and all things Science into the role.

“I love the vibrant sense of community and shared dedication to fostering student growth at Mater Christi. There is a collaborative spirit among the staff members who are passionate about making a positive difference in students’ lives, every day”.

Denise lives and breathes Science and STEM. She thoroughly enjoys teaching and demonstrating everything these subjects have to offer in the classroom and for future careers.

"I love Science and STEM for their ability to spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and cultivate problem-solving skills. Both fields present limitless opportunities for exploration, innovation, and positively impacting society.”

As a teacher, Denise works hard to empower students to reach their full potential and relishes the opportunity to help them develop academically, socially, emotionally, and morally.

“I strongly believe that students’ well-being and sense of belonging directly impact their learning. I teach students how to listen effectively, consider their thinking, question, and pose problems. It is important for me to build a rapport with my students so they know I am committed to supporting them.
Having been appointed as Professional Growth Leader at the beginning of this year, Denise is excited about the impact she can now have on continuing and inspiring a culture of excellence among teachers at the College.

“As Professional Growth Leader, I can cultivate an environment where teachers are supported to explore innovative teaching practices and adapt to evolving educational trends. This, in turn, enhances student learning outcomes and enriches the overall educational experience at Mater Christi.”

This step is a natural extension of Denise’s passion and expertise for developing our students' personal and academic growth. She now has the opportunity to nurture the development and growth of our educators.

Our INDIGENOUS GARDEN has been completed just in time for NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK, thanks to the efforts of our Facilities Team.

The garden was born from a grant application submitted by a previous Catholic Action Program (CAP) class and designed by the students in consultation with members of the local Indigenous community.

Its layout includes a series of rusty corten steel planters and gravel, which, when seen from above, look like the dotted Australian desert landscape. Our Facilities team installed the planters, which were then filled with soil and planted out by CAP students with a range of edible plants, including lemon myrtle, warrigal greens, and Midyim berries.

Our College Art Club, under the direction of art teacher Melissa Muller, created and glazed ceramic plaques identifying the various plants.

Our Facilities crew recently completed the garden's finishing touches, installing upright poles at the entry made from recycled wood from around the College. They also installed a beautiful corten steel statue of ancestral being Bunjil the Eagle and seating around the statue, from which the garden can be enjoyed.

7A was already making use of this special place today, learning about Reconciliation Week during their RE class.

Thank-you to everyone who has been adding an extra item to their shopping list each week to support our TINNIES FOR VINNIES WINTER CAMPAIGN.

This week's item is TOILET PAPER.

Collection tubs are located in every Home Room.

REMINDER - BOOKINGS CLOSE TODAY!
Limited seats are still available for our Friends of Mater Association (FOMA) PARENTS & CARERS BREAKFAST and GUEST SPEAKER morning - on THURSDAY 30 MAY.

This is a fantastic opportunity for parents to hear from guest speaker Sonya Karras, who will share up-to-date information about va**ng, and trends in use among young people, while connecting with other parents/carers and enjoying a delicious start to the day.

BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment -> https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1203452?

Our VET HOSPITALITY students are so lucky to be able to complete their courses right here on campus, gaining hands-on food and beverage preparation and service experience in our kitchen and Sunny Siesta Cafe.

Students practised and honed their skills on Wednesday, preparing and serving a delicious luncheon to 17 staff, led by our passionate Hospitality teachers, Mr Zito and Mrs Mugridge!


Good Samaritan Education

WOW! WHAT A WEEK!
Our YEAR 9 WORLD OF WORK program delivers a huge range of crucial information and useful tools that students need as they prepare to enter the world of work.

This invaluable program includes Morrisby testing and interviews, career portfolio development, virtual reality career experiences with Mindflight7, information about developing financial independence (understanding rights at work and how to manage superannuation and tax) with Talk Money with Ecstra Foundation, and mock job interviews.

And, for a bit of fun, a Dress for Success (what to wear and what not to wear for an interview) fashion parade, including a section on how to leave a lasting impression with the perfect handshake!

Our Year 9s are sure to feel prepared and ready to go after all of that!

We have LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE IN YEAR 9. If you would like to arrange a personal tour, contact our Registrar or APPLY NOW -> https://bit.ly/3ILyqSS


Good Samaritan Education

'I'M in MACHU PICHU, WHERE ARE YOU?"
'I'M DOING OPEN HEART SURGERY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?'
'I'M GOING TO GIVE SOMEONE A HAIRCUT.'

As part of WOW week, our YEAR 9s were able to try out different jobs via VIRTUAL REALITY, thanks to Mindflight7.

Some found a new and interesting potential career path, others discovered what they definitely don't want to do for a job - but everyone certainly had fun. There are sure to be lots of minds ticking after today's experience!

We have limited places available in Year 9. To book a personal tour or enquire, contact our Registrar or APPLY NOW here -> https://bit.ly/3ILyqSS


Good Samaritan Education

It's not too late to head on down to our SENIOR DRAMA PERFORMANCE TONIGHT at Burrinja Cultural Centre's Lyre Room.

By attending this FREE event, you will be supporting the endeavours of young performing arts students.

The PERFORMANCE STARTS at 7.00 PM and for those who are going, you are in for a treat. Here's a sneak peek!

Arts

As part of their WORLD OF WORK (WOW) WEEK our Year 9 students spent today in a program called 'The Pitch' - delivered by Tripod Enterprise Education.

Students explored the range of enterprise skills that all future workers will need including critical thinking, creativity & innovation, digital literacy, presentation skills, problem solving, teamwork, financial literacy, and communication skills

As part of the program, students had the opportunity to participate in an individual pitch and a group pitch. In the final pitch, they were presented with an exciting real-world challenge, where they worked in small groups to apply their critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills to craft and deliver their ultimate pitch!

REMINDER - BOOKINGS CLOSE MONDAY 27 MAY!
Limited seats are still available for our Friends of Mater Association (FOMA) PARENTS & CARERS BREAKFAST and GUEST SPEAKER morning - on THURSDAY 30 MAY.

This is a fantastic opportunity for parents to hear from guest speaker Sonya Karras, who will share up-to-date information about va**ng, and trends in use among young people, while connecting with other parents/carers and enjoying a delicious start to the day.

RSVP by Monday, 27 May, unless booked out beforehand.

BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment -> https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1203452?