Dear parents, carers and students,

This week’s Gospel recounts a conversation between Jesus and a rich young man who asks what he must do in order to inherit eternal life. In response, Jesus tells him to sell all his belongings and give the money to the poor. After the man walks away, disheartened at this advice, Jesus turns to his disciples and reminds them that it is difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, comparing it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. This passage challenges us to evaluate what we prioritise in life. In a materialistic world, we are asked to trust in His provision and our eternal rewards. It emphasises the role of faith, sacrifice and a reliance on God’s grace in our lives. 

As we have returned to a new school term, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our Year 12 students on the successful commencement of their HSC examinations. These exams mark the culmination of 13 years of school and for most of them, the end of their 6 year journey here at Magdalene. We had a number of exceptional farewell celebrations in the final week of Term 3, which were highlighted by our Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremonies that took place throughout the day on Wednesday 25th September. I wish our students all the very best as their HSC continues over the next few weeks and ask all members of our community to keep them in your prayers at this time. 

It was a most significant occasion on Monday this week as we installed our 2025 Student Leaders at their Induction Ceremony. With such a wealth of potential leaders to choose from across all of our cohorts, it was with great pleasure that we badged our SRC from Years 7 to 11, including the leaders of each of our Year 12 portfolios, our House Captains and our Youth Ministry Leaders for 2025. The ceremony also saw the badging of our new Year 12 cohort as they assume their collective role as the Graduating Class of 2025. The full list of these students appear below, however, I congratulate our two College Captains, Sophie McMonigal and Oliver Bromley and our two Vice Captains, Bella Stevens and Cody Wooden. I also extend a sincere thanks to the many proud family and friends of our student leaders who were able to join us for this celebration. 

This week also saw two expeditions depart the College as part of our Duke of Edinburgh program. Our Silver students departed for the Blue Mountains on Tuesday morning under cloudy skies, while our Bronze students departed on Wednesday. Both groups met up on Wednesday afternoon where they spent that night in camp together prior to their safe arrival back to civilisation on Thursday. I thank Mr Dowdell, Mrs Harrison, Miss Bagot, Mr Cimino, Miss Cupillari and Miss Wang who accompanied our students on this incredibly unique experience. 

Finally this week, I would like to thank the many members of our College community who turned out for the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Walk last weekend. From the start of the walk at 10am on Saturday, through to its completion at 10am on Sunday morning, Magdalene was well represented by students, staff and parents for this very worthy cause. I particularly thank those who braved the cold overnight temperatures at the Campbelltown Athletics Stadium and the staff of the College who helped coordinate our involvement. 

Wishing you all the best for the weekend ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal