This coming Sunday marks the end of the liturgical year, which falls the week before the commencement of Advent. The Gospel reading reminds us of how easy it is to become lazy in our life of faith, asking us to be wary of our “hearts becoming drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life”. Whilst there may be a relevant literal interpretation of this message, there is also a significant relevance that can be interpreted on a spiritual level. When daily challenges become overwhelming or burdensome, there is a natural tendency to look for a way out. This passage warns that such approaches can lead us to becoming spiritually drowsy, and encourages us to keep the truth in our minds, and our hearts and eyes on the will of God. 

Earlier this week it was with great pleasure that we welcomed the students and parents of the 2024 Year 7 cohort to the College for the first time, in preparation for their transition to Magdalene in the new year. Our new families were given an overview of the College programs, events and offerings, as well as some of the finer details in relation to the Orientation Day program that will be held in the coming weeks. We look forward to this new cohort and their families joining us at the start of February next year. 

As you may be aware, Magdalene has been an enthusiastic participant in the Duke of Edinburgh program for many years now. This year, our Year 9 Coordinator Mr Matthew Dowdell, reached a milestone of 15 years of dedicated service to the program. Fortunately, this milestone was reached in a period of time where the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, was in Sydney as part of a Royal Tour. As such, I congratulate Mr Dowdell on being presented with his service medal by Prince Edward at a ceremony at Government House on Wednesday evening, accompanied by our Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Mr Chris Whicker. 

Over the last few months, teachers and support staff have been busy preparing for the new school year in terms of various new curriculums being introduced, and numerous changes that are being implemented at a school level. One such change that I mentioned some time ago, was the significant move from a 4 period per day timetable of 75 minutes each, to a 5 period day of 60 minutes each. It is anticipated that the shorter periods will further improve student engagement in lessons, in addition to ensuring that all students will have each subject more often, albeit for 15 minutes less each time. We are also in the process of reformatting our processes and templates for semester reports with the intention of improving their clarity, ease of interpretation, detail and accuracy. 

As we enter into the last 3 weeks of term, I would encourage all students and parents to ensure that the focus and priority given to regular school attendance and punctuality is maintained. While the end of the year is certainly within sight, we are certainly committed to ensuring that quality teaching and learning experiences are maintained and that all students remain engaged until the end of the year. 

With best wishes for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal