Dear parents, carers and students, 

This past Sunday, we celebrated Father’s Day. A time to acknowledge and honour the fathers and father figures who play a pivotal role in our lives. They are often the pillars of strength, offering guidance, support, and love. Fathers teach us important life lessons, instil values, and shape our character through their actions and words. Their influence is felt in the big moments and the small, everyday acts of kindness and care. On this day, we take a moment to express our gratitude for the sacrifices they make, the wisdom they share, and the unwavering support they provide. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the unique bond we share with our fathers, whether they are with us or remembered in our hearts. It’s a day to celebrate their contributions, express our love, and acknowledge the profound impact they have on our lives. On behalf of the entire College community, I wish all the fathers and father figures in our Magdalene family, a very Happy Father’s Day. 

As many of you would be aware, we celebrated Father’s Day with over 250 guests at our inaugural Magdalene Father’s Day Breakfast last Friday. Once joined by their children and staff at the College, we had an incredible gathering of over 600 people who were treated to our hospitality and moving testimonies from a number of our students. I thank the many staff who worked to pull this event together and of course, extend my gratitude and best wishes to the many fathers, grandfathers and father-figures who joined us on the morning. 

Earlier this week, we had almost 40 of our Year 11 students join us for the 2025 Senior SRC Leadership Day. This day represented one of the final steps in the selection of the 2025 SRC, including the appointments of our College Captains and Vice-Captains. As is the case each year, I was simply astounded by the quality of candidates who put themselves forward to represent the College and its student population in 2025. I have little doubt that any of the students who put their name forward, could undertake this responsibility with distinction, and am most excited to be able to announce the students who have been appointed to various positions and portfolios in the coming weeks. 

I also extend this congratulations to the many students from Years 7 to 10 who have put themselves forward for an SRC role in our junior year groups for 2025. Each one of these students have demonstrated strong leadership skills simply by completing the application process and again, I look forward to announcing these students in due course. I most certainly look forward to witnessing firsthand the impact that they will have on their respective cohorts throughout 2025. 

Finally, I take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge Mrs Ivana Forner who has held the position of Acting Principal in my absence in recent weeks as I recovered from surgery. I also thank Mr Bubb and Mr Houghton who both stepped up into the role of Acting Assistant Principal during my absence in addition to their regular senior roles at the College. 

Wishing you all the best for the weekend and week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal