Dear parents, carers and students, 

Last week’s Gospel reading recounts the ‘calming of the storm’, where the disciples, panicked and afraid, wake Jesus amidst the wind and heavy seas, confident, or faithful, that He may be able to intervene and save them from certain death. Their faithfulness is soon justified as they witness him issue a command for the wind to subside and the waters to return to a calmer state. This reading serves not only as a reminder that Christ is able to take control of the chaos in our lives and bring us peace, it also challenges us to turn to Him, as the disciples did, in times of trouble, to seek his love, healing and guidance. 

Last week saw the return of Magdalene Shines to the College calendar after a two-year hiatus. The evening saw over 100 students take to the stage in the Alan McManus Hall, in addition to the entire Year 12 cohort, in a major event that showcased the impressive array of talent that exists among the student population here at Magdalene. Guests were blown away from the quality of musicians, dancers and actors that kept us entertained from start to finish. I sincerely thank and congratulate each and every student that performed on the night, or assisted in its production. I also thank the significant number of staff here at the College, led by Ms Cheryl Curtis, who brought the entire production together for what will go down as one of our most memorable events of 2024. 

Last night, the College hosted the first of three parent, teacher, student interview sessions as we mark the end of Semester One. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity for students and parents to receive worthwhile feedback on their Semester One performances and to set goals to work towards throughout Semester Two. This coming Wednesday night, parents of students in Years 8 and 9 will have the chance to participate in these interviews, and an additional opportunity for all 7-10 students will be provided on Thursday 4th July. Details and booking instructions can be found on Compass. 

Earlier this week we circulated our offers of enrolment for our incoming Year 7 students in 2025. As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, we were once again inundated with record numbers of applications for one of the 210 spots at Magdalene next year. We look forward to welcoming these new students when our orientation program commences later this year. 

As this is the final newsletter for the term, I take the opportunity to thank all members of our Magdalene community for your support throughout Semester One. I look forward to building on, and strengthening, this partnership in the semester ahead. 

Wishing you all an enjoyable and safe pupil vacation period. 

David Cloran

Principal