This week’s Gospel reading takes place soon after Jesus first appeared before Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. It recounts him coming before his disciples for the first time as they gathered in a locked room, fearing for their own lives and the unknown intentions of the Jewish leaders. Jesus presented the wounds on his hands and side to his disciples before stating “ As the Father has sent me, so I send you”. There is often a temptation in our own lives to ‘lock the doors’ when times become difficult or stressful. This passage is a reminder that Jesus cannot be stopped by locked doors. He enters our lives in the midst of our fear, pain, doubt and confusion, and strengthens us to overcome our adversities or any obstacles that keep us from fulfilling the mission to which we are both called and sent. 

At our last College gathering, we were fortunate to have a number of students reenact the Stations of the Cross for us in a moving liturgy that saw the stations progress up the middle of the Alan McManus Hall here at Magdalene. I take this opportunity to thank the many students who participated in many hours of rehearsal for this gathering, under the expert guidance of Mrs Marino and Miss Neasy. It was really pleasing to incorporate the talent that is possessed by so many of our students with the liturgical significance of the season of Easter in such an important gathering for us as a faith-filled community. 

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of  joining our Year 12 Coordinator Mrs Rosanne Tacconne and our College Captains and Vice-Captains at a meeting with the Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and our Federal Local Member, Dr Mike Freelander at a reception for local student leaders. Among many topics discussed was the issues of adolescent mental health, housing affordability for young people and challenges facing the education systems across Australia. The ministers spoke openly and candidly about their intentions for these areas while affirming the leadership role that all our young people play in developing collaborative solutions to such critical issues. 

In recent times, the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong have been reviewing their approach to programs and initiatives that support student mental health and wellbeing. As part of this process, they are eager to seek input from our parent community with regards to their insights on this significant issue. Your contribution to the attached survey would be greatly appreciated. Students will also be given the opportunity to contribute to this study over the next week. 

While the coming week is sure to be a busy one for many, with Year 9 camp followed by our College Athletics carnival on Friday, I take the opportunity to wish all our students and staff a very well deserved, relaxing and enjoyable holiday period. I also thank the parent and carer community for the support that we have received throughout the term and for the ongoing partnership that we very much value as a College. I look forward to working with you all in the new term. 

Best wishes, 

David Cloran

Principal