Dear parents, carers and students, 

This coming Friday, 8th August, we celebrate the feast day of Australia’s first (and only) Saint, Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Born in Victoria in 1841, she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866, an order committed to offering free education to impoverished children, especially in rural areas, and caring for the vulnerable. Despite facing significant opposition from church authorities, including a temporary excommunication, she persistently established numerous schools, orphanages, and homes for the needy across Australia and New Zealand. Her legacy continues to inspire current generations as an enduring symbol of compassion, resilience, and social justice. Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Pray for us. 

Of course within our school community we also acknowledged the Feast Day of Saint Mary Magdalene across two days of celebrations last week. On Thursday, we gathered for a celebration of the Eucharist for our annual Feast Day Mass. I would particularly thank and acknowledge Fr Michael Williams for leading this celebration, as well as the many special guests who joined us on the day including our Local Member, Mrs Sally Quinell, Mayor of Camden, Mrs Ashley Cagney, Principals from our local feeder schools and family and friends of the College. On Friday we then gathered for the Magdalene Feast Day Fair which saw students engage in a range of rides and activities throughout the day and, in the process, raised funds to support members of our local community who are experiencing hardship. I also thank and acknowledge the many parents who joined us on Friday and cooked the bbq or served at one of the various food or activity stalls. This support was very much appreciated. 

If you have been following our social media platforms over the last couple of weeks, you would be aware that we have had a group of 10 students travel to the Kennedy Space Centre in Orlando, Florida to compete in the International Space Station Design Competition. This is after the Magdalene team took out the Australian title in Brisbane earlier this year. After landing in the United States and having a rest day at Universal Studios, the first day of competition included a tour of the Kennedy Space Centre and they were also fortunate enough to see a SpaceX rocket launch and, shortly after, see it reenter the Earth's atmosphere in this once in a lifetime opportunity. As expected, the team represented Magdalene, and Australia, with distinction on the world stage. Having only landed back in Australia yesterday, we look forward to hearing more of their adventures in the days and weeks ahead. 

I would like to take the opportunity this week to wish our Year 12 students and their families all the very best as they prepare to sit their Trial HSC Examinations from this coming Monday. This two-week period is the final ‘rehearsal’ for the HSC exams that are held in Term 4. In meeting with the cohort during the week, I assured them of the prayers and best wishes of all within our community as they prepare for this significant assessment period. 

Finally this week, a reminder that our next College Parents and Friends Meeting will be held on Tuesday 12th of August at 7pm in the College Library. All parents and carers are welcome to join us for this Term 3 gathering and to share your voice in the ongoing development of the College. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal

Year 12 HSC Trial Exams

The HSC Trial Exams will commence next week. This is a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge, build exam confidence, and identify areas for final revision. Students are reminded to follow the expectations outlined in their Exam Handbook (available from the Curriculum Website), namely to ensure that they arrive on time, bring all necessary equipment, and maintain a calm, focused mindset.

Students, remember that your hard work and preparation have brought you this far. Believe in your ability and give each exam your best effort. Stay organised, look after your wellbeing, and please do not hesitate to reach out to your teachers for support.

Year 11 Preliminary Exam Schedule

The schedule and guidelines for the upcoming Year 11 Preliminary Exams have now been made available to students, parents and carers via the Curriculum Website. Students are encouraged to access the schedule and to use the upcoming weeks to prepare for the exams ahead. 

Stage 5 2026 Elective Information Evening

The Stage 5 2026 Elective Information Evening will be held on 20 August from 6pm. This is a compulsory night for students in Year 8, and an optional evening for those in Year 9. Information regarding the Stage 5 electives will be communicated and an opportunity to speak with Leaders of Learning and course teachers regarding the options on offer will be available. More information will be distributed via Compass in the coming weeks. 

Upcoming Formal Assessments:

Term 3, Week 3

• Year 12 Trial Exams commence
• Year 11 Health and Movement Science
• Year 10 Drama
• Year 7 Visual Arts

Term 3, Week 4

• Year 12 Trial Exams continue
• Year 10 Photographic and Digital Media
• Year 9 Food Technology

St Mary Mackillop of the Cross

St Mary Mackillop’s Feast day is August 8. Mary was truly a remarkable woman of great compassion and faith, with a love for the poor and needy, a heart for education, especially for those less fortunate, and a courageous love that would not back down from a fight, even when she was excommunicated from the Catholic Church for a time. 

Feast Day Mass:

Last week we celebrated our Feast Day Mass in honour of Mary Magdalene, our patron saint. We are blessed to have Mary Magdalene, a woman who actually listened to Jesus, followed him, provided for him, stood at the foot of his cross, kept vigil at the tomb when he was buried, went to the tomb on Easter Sunday, and was the first witness to the resurrection and the first person ever to utter the words: “He is risen”. 

Her loyalty, love and generosity are incredibly inspiring to all of us in the Magdalene Catholic College Community. 

Prayer:

Lord, we pray that we may be inspired by the faith and life of St Mary Mackillop of the Cross and St Mary Magdalene, and that their love, courage and compassion for those in need may inspire our own lives as we walk this earth.

St Mary Mackillop

Pray for us

Saint Mary Magdalene

Pray for us

Magdalene Feast Day Mass - Musicians

Term 3, Week 1 was a busy and rewarding time for both Music staff and student musicians as they prepared for the Magdalene Feast Day Mass, held on Thursday 24 August.

Students returned from holidays with great enthusiasm, attending lunchtime rehearsals from the very first day of term. Leadership roles within the Music Ensemble were quickly and confidently established, demonstrating initiative and teamwork.

Vocalists who are to be acknowledged for their contributions include Diana Adamovic, Charlotte Cornett, Josephine Gunner, Tara Baragry, Emilia Keramea, Eleana Siutz, Monique Azzopardi, Rose Georgeson, and Alice Jobst.

These talented singers were preceptively accompanied by instrumentalists: Jasmine Sly and Benjamin Adamovic on keyboard, Connor Spiers on bass guitar, Dominic Adamovic and Dylan Teuma on electric guitar, and Tomasz Koryzma on the drum kit.

Their collective commitment and musicianship contributed greatly to the success of this special school celebration, thank you!

Magdalene Feast Day – Music Performances
In the lead-up to our Magdalene Feast Day celebrations on Friday 25 August, a dedicated group of Music students took the initiative to create a vibrant playlist of repertoire designed to entertain our school community. 

Demonstrating leadership and teamwork, students and staff collaborated to transport staging and rock band equipment to D Block, transforming the outdoor area into a lively and welcoming performance space. 

A heartfelt thank you to the following student musicians for their energy, enthusiasm and commitment to making the day such a success: Charlotte Cornett, Diana Adamovic, Josephine Gunner, Tara Baragry, Jade Truong, Tomasz Koryzma, Lachlan Kaiser, Emilia Keramea, Jasmine Sly, Benjamin Adamovic, Connor Spiers, Dominic Adamovic, Dylan Teuma, Jayden De-Andrade, Charlotte Cossins, Samantha Alcoriza, Clare Brooker, Justin Avery, Rose Georgesen and Monique Azzopardi.

National Anthem Volunteers

Our Creative and Performing Arts Councillors for 2025 Diana Adamovic and Charlotte Cornett, currently alternate the duties of leading the singing of the National Anthem at official school functions. However, all students at the College are invited to lead the singing at College events and any inspired vocalists are asked to register their interests with Ms Curtis.

Cheryl Curtis

Music Teacher

Last week, our Year 11 Health and Movement Science students had the exciting opportunity to take their classroom learning into a real-world environment during a full-day excursion to the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE). The visit was designed to deepen students’ understanding of key syllabus content through hands-on testing and practical application of energy system concepts. The morning session saw students participate in a series of physical assessments aimed at identifying the contribution of the body’s three energy systems. Beginning with the standing jump, sprint, and 505 agility test, students tested the capabilities of their ATP-PC system—responsible for short, explosive bursts of power and speed. Next came the Wingate Test, a high intensity cycling test used to measure anaerobic capacity and the impact of lactic acid build-up in the muscles. This was followed by the most physically demanding component of the day: the VO2 Max Test. This test measures aerobic capacity and endurance through a progressive treadmill protocol. A special congratulations goes to Luke Severin, who showed exceptional determination and aerobic efficiency during this gruelling test—well done, Luke! In the afternoon, students turned their attention to strength and muscular endurance training through a range of bodyweight and gym-based circuit exercises. Working in small groups, they designed and participated in circuits that targeted different muscle groups, applying their classroom knowledge of training principles and physiological adaptations. Throughout the day, students were highly engaged, eager to challenge themselves, and enthusiastic about making connections between theory and practice. The experience provided valuable insight into the practical application of energy systems and training methods, and reinforced key concepts in an engaging and supportive environment. A big thank you to ACPE for hosting such an enriching day.