The Old Testament makes numerous references to rules that suggest that when a person makes another suffer, then they too must also suffer. If someone causes another to lose an eye or a tooth, then they too should suffer the same consequence. This Sunday's reading was taken from the Gospel of Matthew and recounts another portion of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches his disciples to not only refrain from retaliation by matching evil deeds with evil deeds, but to also ‘turn the other cheek’. The message here is not to allow evil forces or actions to succeed, but to encourage us to both recognise that, as the saying goes, ‘two wrongs don’t make a right’. In doing so, He challenges us to consider ways that we can overcome negativity through positive actions, just as He did throughout his ministry and in no better example than at his crucifixion, praying for the soldiers, “Forgive them father. They do not know what they are doing”. 

It seems as though the College year has only just begun, and we are already starting to turn our attention towards next year, with preparations for the 2023 Open Afternoon now well underway. Earlier this week I had the pleasure of visiting St Clare’s in Narellan Vale, St Paul’s in Camden and St Anthony’s in Picton, accompanied by our outstanding Year 8 SRC members. While I was pleased to be able to speak to the various Year 6 cohorts, I was most impressed with how Cayliah, Sienna, Henry and Dylan from Year 8 spoke so positively about their experience of the Magdalene Way and how the community assisted their transition from primary school into high school. 

I remind all the families and friends of the College that our 2023 Open Afternoon will be held on Monday 27th February from 3:45pm - 7:45pm, with tours operating for the duration of the event, and a presentation taking place in the Alan McManus Hall from 6pm. Registration is essential so please visit the College website for more information. Enrolment packages can be collected from the front office or at the enquiries counter outside the hall on the night and are due back to the College by Friday 31 March. 

Towards the end of last week, students in Year 12 participated in their Senior Retreat, with the groups spread between Tahmoor and the Blue Mountains. Having had the opportunity to visit both sites over the three days, I was pleased to see the level of maturity, camaraderie and cohesion among the cohort. These qualities are invaluable in creating a dynamic across the group that will aid a successful and rewarding HSC journey. I am conscious of the fact that when students reflect back on their Year 12 experience, the memories forged on retreat will feature prominently. For this reason, I extend my sincere thanks to the many teachers who gave up their time over the three days so that the students could be afforded this opportunity. 

Finally this week, I remind our community that the first P&F meeting for the year will be held this coming Tuesday 21st February in the College Library from 7pm. You are all invited to join us for this gathering which will also double as our AGM for 2023. I look forward to seeing you, and meeting you then. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal