Mater Dei

Mater Dei offers a number of programs aimed at developing personal, physical, spiritual, academic, social, emotional and vocational development. Students are provided with opportunities to undertake studies in all Key Learning Areas as outlined by the NSW Board of Studies. Community access is an important way of developing personal and social skill... s and students undertake activities in this area on a weekly basis. The concept of inclusion for all is one that we take very seriously and we see as an essential part of all that we do at Mater Dei. It is for this reason that we place such strong emphasis on our Inclusive Schooling Program, our Community Access Program and our Structured Work Placement Program. Each program provides Mater Dei students and our school and business communities with opportunities to learn together. It also provides opportunities for each of us to learn from each other and to develop as good citizens and caring people. Mater Dei School is involved in a number of specialised programs. We offer a transition program aimed at moving young children from a special school setting into a regular school environment on a full-time basis. This program, called School Starters, aims to prepare children in their first or second year of schooling to transition from Mater Dei into a mainstream school setting. We have enjoyed much success with this program and it is one that appears to fill a great need in providing students with disabilities with the skills and the knowledge to cope in a regular classroom. Mater Dei has recently established a satellite class in partnership with the Wollongong Diocese for students in Years 11 and 12 who wish to complete a Life Skills HSC. This class is based at John Therry Catholic High School, Rosemeadow, for three days per week and at Mater Dei for the two remaining days. As part of this course of study, students are involved in formal courses of study, the Work Placement Program, the Community Access Program and the Business Studies VET course that is offered from ...Read More