Last weekend marked the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, otherwise known as Trinity Sunday, where we proclaim the greatest mystery of our faith, our belief in the triune God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Unlike other celebrations throughout the year, Trinity Sunday centres on a doctrine (or teaching) of the church, rather than a specific event. It honours the most fundamental of Christian beliefs, and one that the human mind could never fully comprehend, that God is three persons in one nature. Beginning to understand this teaching is one that can only be achieved through the intercession of the Holy Spirit within us. It is fitting, therefore, that this mystery is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost, when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit First occurred. 

As you would be aware from media reports in recent months, schools across the state (and indeed the country) are having to respond to staffing challenges in ensuring that appropriately qualified teachers are recruited to fulfil staff absences that occur from time to time. While many schools, even in our area, are facing significant challenges in this space, it is one that we are not entirely immune. There have been occasions in recent weeks, particularly aligned with flu season, where casual staff have been difficult to engage, so we have condensed classes into the hall to be supervised in larger numbers whilst completing work left by their regular teacher. While such arrangements are used as a last resort, it is a strategy that we are using to ensure students are supervised and supported at all times. 

Last Monday, all students in Year 10 attended the Jewish Museum in Sydney as part of their History course. On Wednesday of last week, all students in Year 9 participated in their annual Reflection Day that was facilitated by renowned presenter Chris Doyle. On Wednesday this week, all of Year 11 attended the annual Macarthur Careers Expo in Menangle Raceway. Throughout the day today (Friday) all Year 8 students participated in their annual Reflection Day, also here at the College. As a College, we certainly value how these external experiences can contribute to the academic and/or pastoral development of students. For this reason, I thank the many staff members that have coordinated and led these experiences and for the students who have overwhelmingly engaged with them in such a positive way. 

As you would be aware, Magdalene has a proud history of students who represent the College in distinction. Another significant chapter of story was written last week when the Year 10 Boys and Year 10 Girls OzTag teams travelled to compete in the NSW Secondary Schools South West Championships. Please see the article further in the newsletter which outlines their amazing success on the day.

As you may recall, a few weeks ago, the College participated in its annual Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey cycle. While we have begun analysing some of this data, we have been informed by TTFM that five brief multiple choice (MC) questions were omitted from the survey tool. If you had a minute to spare, we would really appreciate it if any parents had the opportunity to respond to these 5 brief MC questions. We have been assured that this omission will not happen again. 

As I mentioned in our Newsletter earlier in the term, the College has 4 Pupil Free Days between now and the end of the year where staff will be undergoing a range of professional development opportunities. To assist with planning, please note the dates below.  

• Thursday 29th June (Term 2, Week 10)
• Friday 11th August (Term 3, Week 4)
• Friday 22nd September (Term 3 Week 10)
• Friday 17th November (Term 4 Week 6)

Wishing you all the best for the long weekend ahead, 

David Cloran

Acting Principal