On Tuesday this week, I had the great pleasure of joining our student leaders, student representatives and Mrs Phillips for the 2023 ANZAC Day March through Camden behind the Magdalene banner. I pass on my thanks to the many parents who supported this special opportunity that allowed a number of students to march proudly, adorned with the medals of their relatives who served our country in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions abroad. 

This was followed by our whole school gathering on Wednesday morning where, complete with our own catafalque party,  we paid our respects to friends and family members from within the Magdalene community at a most solemn ceremony. Again, I thank the students and teachers, particularly Mrs Phillips, who coordinated such a moving ceremony. 

God of love and liberty, 

We bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, 

which was won for us through the courage and devotion, 

of those who gave their lives in time of war. 

We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, 

but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. 

That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve, 

may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth. 

This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life 

for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord.      Amen.

Late last term, the Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev. Brian Mascord DD, published a new document on the nature and purpose of Catholic schools in our diocese. Titled Bearers of Christ’s Love — Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong, this document is the first of its type in our diocese since the 1970s. 

In it, Bishop Brian explores the purpose of Catholic schools as an expression of the Church experience, as well as the vital connection between schools, parents/carers, parishes, and the diocese itself.

Throughout the document, Bishop Brian reiterates:

• The significant role Catholic schools play in the evangelising mission of the Church and the nurturing of students’ faith.
• The commitment of Catholic educators to complement and support the educational rights and duties of parents as their child’s first educator.
• The essential requirement for Catholic schools to be places of educational excellence, where learning, wellbeing and actions of outreach and service are integrated in a holistic educational vision and practice. 
• That Catholic schools are places where those seeking a Catholic education are welcome, reflecting the diverse mix of cultures, nationalities and religious traditions that currently make up our school communities.

I encourage you to take the time to watch the short video from Bishop Brian and read this important document on the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong website.

Wishing all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran
Acting Principal