This coming Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates in the Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The season of Easter is acknowledged as the most important of all liturgical times, where we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead, after he was crucified for the sins of the world. His resurrection marks the ultimate triumph of good over evil, sin and death and is the single event that represents the fulfilment of God’s promises to mankind, and the ultimate proof of Christ’s divinity. As we enter into this most sacred time as a Magdalene community, I extend my thoughts, prayers and genuine sense of gratitude for the support and partnerships that have been evident over the past term. I hope that the coming holiday break provides an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after a busy and challenging, yet hopefully rewarding Term One. 

Last Thursday, the College hosted our annual Careers Day for students in Year 10. Whilst focusing on careers beyond school, the day was part of our broad approach towards both Stage 6 subject selection processes and post-school preparations. Over 20 volunteers from within and beyond our local community gave up the day to support our students with resume preparations, interviewing skills and a mini careers expo. At the conclusion of the day's event, I was approached by one of our presenters, Senior Constable Mandy Weiling who works for the NSW Police Force in the area of recruitment. She explained that she had been working in this field for 35 years and that this particular group of students was the best she has ever worked with. Certainly high praise from a credible member of our community with extensive experience working with young people. I congratulate our Year 10 students for their enthusiastic engagement in the program, and thank Mrs Jones, Mrs Power and Mrs Hayden for all the work that went into such a worthwhile day. 

Over the past few weeks, Mrs Forner and I have been liaising with Picton Buslines and Transport for NSW, advocating for an extra service of an afternoon to cope with the increase in demand from students coming from the Picton area. We are pleased to confirm that this process has been successful and we now have an additional express service from the College to St Anthony’s at Picton each afternoon. 

As parents of our Year 7 students would be aware, our newest cohort attended their first high school camp experience this week at Teen Ranch in Cobbitty. I had the great pleasure of attending the camp on both Tuesday and Thursday this week and on both occasions, I was so impressed that the wet weather did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm and eagerness of every student to make the most of this worthwhile experience. I particularly thank the many teachers who gave up their evenings to ensure that students had this opportunity, and especially to Mrs Cordina and Mrs Catanea for the time and effort that went into the organisation of the camp. Next week, our Year 9 students will be attending their camp at The Tops Retreat Centre in Stanwell Park and we certainly wish them all well. 

Finally this week, a reminder that as per the College calendar, we will be holding a Pupil Free Day on Monday 24th April where the staff will be looking at programs that target student engagement and our Positive Behaviours for Learning framework. Given that the following day is ANZAC Day, all students will officially return for Term 2 on Wednesday 26th April. 

Wishing you all the best for the weekend ahead, 

David Cloran

Acting Principal