This year marks 25 years since Mater Dei College first opened its doors on February 4, 1993 to 108 students. Since then, a number of significant changes have occurred:
- In 1993, Archbishop Barry Hickey and Director of Catholic Education, Therese Temby officially blessed and opened the College to 108 students and seven staff, with Mr Bernie Boss as the foundation Principal.
- In 1994, the School Board was elected by the community for the first time. Stage Two of the building program was completed. Stage Three construction of Science Lab additions and a new Administration Block commenced and the Year 11's hosted exchange students from Edogawa Gakuen Toride High School in Japan for the first time.
- In 1997, enrolments had climbed to 810 students, with 52 teaching staff and 10 support staff.
- In 1999, the College was a maximum six stream school with an accredited Vocational Education Course and catered for students with disabilities. Construction commenced on the hall and gymnasium, which we now know as The Bernie Boss Hall, named after the Inaugural Principal.
- In 2003, vertical homerooms were introduced into the House System and the Board developed a Capital Development Plan to enhance the learning environment for the students.
- By 2007, alterations to the Salvado Block and extensions to Music and Technical Arts rooms were completed, with construction beginning on extensions to the Yellagonga Building.
- In 2009, Mater Dei was recognised as a Centre of Excellence in Languages and a dedicated Languages facility was incorporated into the College.
- In 2010, Year 7 students became part of the Mater Dei Community for the first time, with two new Houses formed.
Now, in 2018, the campus holds 840 students, 105 staff and a substantial curriculum shift has taken place with the enhancement of already existing programmes and the introduction of several new initiatives.
Although the College has definitively changed in the 25 years since its inception, the spirit of community and good will is something that is still very strong at Mater Dei. It is this spirit that identifies Mater Dei in the community and we look forward to sharing with our families in years to come.
The College will be celebrating this 25th Anniversary milestone event throughout the school year with a special program of events that we look forward to sharing with you.
Annette Morey
Principal