Our Cocktail Party

Our Mater Dei Cocktail Party was held on Thursday November 19, in the grounds of Wivenhoe Historic House and despite the heat, it was a lovely night. Our Cocktail Party is held by the Board of Directors as a way of saying thank you to the many and varied supporters of Mater Dei and the Mater Dei staff. This year's Cocktail Party was an extra special occasion in that it was also an opportunity to thank and farewell our current CEO/Principal, Mr Frank Pitt who will take up the role of Principal at St Mary's Star of the Sea College, Wollongong in 2010.

Sr Patty Fawkner and Chair of the Mater Dei Board, Mr Rob Burns thanked Frank for his hardwork, dedication, compassion and commitment to the students, families and staff of Mater Dei over the nine years of his tenure. Rob then presented Frank with a framed item of student artwork, which was named after one of Frank's favourite sayings, "Miracles do happen at Mater Dei".

Rob thanked those present for their ongoing and valuable support of Mater Dei and also took the time to introduce the new CEO/Principal Mr Tony Fitzgerald to the Mater Dei Community. Frank responded by saying that Mater Dei had simply captured his heart, like it had done for so many of those present.

Guests were treated to a performance of the Mater Dei School Choir who serenaded us with a beautiful rendition of "Over the Rainbow". Another highlight of the night was a one off performance of the specially formed Mater Dei Staff and Board Choir who chose to sing one of Frank's favourite songs, Sister Golden Hair by America.

The formal events of the night were rounded off by the drawing of the Mater Dei P&F Inaugural Car Raffle. The raffle was won by Mater Dei family, the Weatherlys and it was to the delight of all present that Mrs Weatherly was in attendance to claim the prize!