In this Sunday’s Gospel reading we hear parable of the Unforgiving Servant, which recounts the story of a master granting mercy and forgiveness to a servant who had accumulated a significant debt, only to have that same servant not demonstrate such compassion and mercy to a fellow servant to which they were owed a debt. The message in this parable focuses on what can be a challenge for all of us at times - to forgive others in the same way that God forgives us. This is of course, not the only time that we are reminded of the need to act in this way. When we pray the Our Father, we are asking God to forgive us in the same way that we forgive others. Therein lies the challenge for us to forgive others in the same way that we would like to be forgiven ourselves. 

Last Thursday evening, I had the great pleasure of attending the annual Bishop’s Student Excellence Award’s in Wollongong. This award is given to one student in Year 12 from each school in the Diocese and is based on a criteria that requires the recipient to consistently demonstrate and aspire to personal excellence in all areas of their schooling. In a Year 12 cohort of such outstanding candidates for this award, it was my pleasure to announce Harrison Gill as the recipient of the award for 2023. On behalf of the College and Mrs Phillips who was also present at the awards ceremony, I congratulate Harrison on receiving such a prestigious award. 

Over the past fortnight, students in Year 11 have been completing their Preliminary HSC Examinations. These assessments mark the end of their Year 11 coursework as they commence Year 12 from the beginning of next term. I congratulate the students on the way in which they have prepared for, and completed, these examinations and for the teachers who have prepared the students over the past three terms. 

Next week marks a significant milestone in the lives of our Year 12 cohort as they prepare for their graduation and associated activities throughout the week. While there is still much work to be done in the lead up to the HSC Examinations, next week gives the students, their families and their teachers, a rightful opportunity to celebrate such a significant achievement in reaching the end of their secondary education. 

In farewelling Year 12, I take the opportunity to thank and congratulate the outgoing Student Representative Council for the outstanding work they have done over the past 12 months in support of the broader Magdalene student cohort. On Wednesday this week, our Captains and Vice Captains met with Bishop Brian Mascord in Wollongong for Mass and a ‘Thank you’ lunch to mark the end of their tenure. I thank all our student leaders, especially our Captains, Lily Sincek, Tim Wilson, and our Vice Captains, Stella Ryan and Marcus Attard. 

A reminder to all families that next Friday, September 22, is a designated Pupil Free Day so no classes will be running on this day so that staff can continue their work on preparations for 2024. I thank the families who are required to make alternate supervision arrangements on this day so that all staff can participate in this worthwhile opportunity. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal