This week marks the beginning of the new liturgical year, commencing with the season of Advent, which is the four-week period leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The season of Advent reminds us of the importance of Christ in our lives, while preparing us to celebrate His birth at Christmas. A symbol of Advent, the Advent wreath, consists of 1 pink and 3 purple candles that are arranged in a circular pattern and represent each of the four Sundays during Advent. The first candle, the Prophet’s candle, signals the coming of Jesus. The second candle, the Bethlehem candle, celebrates our faith and reminds us of the journey that Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem. The third candle, the Shepherds candle, is the only pink candle and is lit on Gaudete Sunday to celebrate Mary as the mother of Jesus. The fourth candle, the Angels candle, symbolises peace and is lit the Sunday before Christmas. While specific Advent traditions can vary among Christian denominations, its central message remains consistent to all - to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.

As the year begins to draw to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome all parents and friends of the College to join us for our End of Year Mass which will be held in the Alan McManus Hall at 9:30am on Tuesday 12th December. We are also delighted to be inviting parents of award recipients to join us at our Sports Awards Ceremony at 12:30pm on Tuesday 12th December and to our Presentation Day Ceremony on Wednesday 13th December commencing at 9:30am. Invitations to these award ceremonies were sent out during the week and we hope to see as many parents and families at these events as possible. 

As this newsletter is circulated, the final touches are being made in preparation for our MACFEST celebration here at the College tonight. Hundreds of young people from across the Diocese will be gathering here at Magdalene for an evening with Fr Rob Galea of X-Factor fame. This event has been a student-led initiative from representatives from a number of schools, however, I particularly thank Mr Peter Collins and Miss Sarah Neasy for their coordination of such a significant event.

Last week we hosted our students who will join our College community next year as members of our Year 7 cohort, across two orientation days. It is hoped that this opportunity to explore the College and participate in a range of activities and classes that they will engage in from next year, will support their transition from primary school into high school. I thank, and once again welcome, our new and returning families to Magdalene next year and thank Mr Bubb, Miss Azzopardi and Mrs Bell for their coordination of these days. 

Wishing all members of our community all the best as we continue to prepare for Christmas and enter into our final week of the school year. 

David Cloran

Principal