This coming Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week, which culminates in the Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The season of Easter is acknowledged as the most important of all liturgical times, where we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead, after he was crucified for the sins of the world. His resurrection marks the ultimate triumph of good over evil, sin and death and is the single event that represents the fulfilment of God’s promises to mankind, and the ultimate proof of Christ’s divinity. As we enter into this most sacred time as a Magdalene community, I extend my thoughts, prayers and gratitude to all members of our community for the support and partnerships that have been evident over the past term. Whilst this year we return for two weeks prior to the holiday break, I hope that this pause over the Easter weekend gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends and to rejuvenate in preparation for a successful end to the term. 

As you may be aware, enrolments for all year groups, including Year 7 students for 2025, have moved entirely online this year for all systemic schools in the diocese of Wollongong. As has been the case in recent years, interest in Magdalene has already far outweighed the available spots for 2025, we encourage all families who are interested in applying for a position, to submit their applications by the due date, which is Friday 5th April at 3pm. 

Yesterday we celebrated Harmony Day as a Magdalene community, commencing with a College assembly in the Alan McManus Hall. Harmony Day identifies and celebrates the multicultural nature of our nation, whilst promoting the themes of tolerance, inclusion and respect. In my address to the College, I spoke about how such values are necessary in any functional community, including our own College community, and how each of us have a role in promoting a safe, tolerant, inclusive and respectful environment here at Magdalene. 

As parents of our Year 7 students would be aware, our newest cohort attended their first high school camp experience this week at Teen Ranch in Cobbitty. I had the great pleasure of attending the camp on both Tuesday and Thursday this week and on both occasions, I was so impressed with the enthusiasm and eagerness of every student to make the most of this worthwhile experience. I particularly thank the many teachers who gave up their evenings to ensure that students had this opportunity, and especially to Miss Azzopardi and Mrs Doherty for the time and effort that went into the organisation of the camp. We look forward to Week 11 of term, when our Year 9 students will be attending their camp at The Tops Retreat Centre in Stanwell Park.

Wishing you the best for Holy Week and the celebration of Easter. 

David Cloran

Principal