In this week’s Gospel, we hear of the moment when Jesus addressed his disciples and their fellow fishermen whilst they were washing their empty nets after a long, unfruitful night. Jesus tells Simon to go into deeper water and cast his nets again. Though doubtful, Simon obeys—and miraculously, the nets overflow with fish. Overwhelmed, Simon falls at Jesus’ feet, acknowledging his unworthiness. Jesus reassures him, saying, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be fishers of men.” Simon, along with James and John, left everything to follow Christ. This passage reminds us of the power of faith and obedience. Even when we doubt or feel unworthy, Jesus calls us to trust Him. Like the disciples, we are invited to step beyond our comfort zones, have faith in God’s will, and become instruments of His love whilst sharing His message with the world.

I take the opportunity this week to welcome all members of the community back to a new year here at Magdalene Catholic College. It has been wonderful to see our students return so positively over the past week and I thank our parent community for your support in ensuring that this has been the case. I particularly congratulate our newest community members to Magdalene, our new Year 7 cohort. With a week now completed in their secondary school journey, our Year 7 students have made a fantastic start to the year and I have no doubt that this approach will continue. 

Over the course of the year, we will continue to seek opportunities for parents and carers to be involved in events here at the College. The first of such events takes place this coming Monday evening at 6pm when we host the Year 7 2025 Meet and Greet evening for parents of all students in Year 7. Significantly, on the morning of Thursday 20th February, we will also be holding our combined Opening School Mass and 2024 HSC High Achievers Assembly from 9am in the College hall. All parents and carers are welcome to this significant event and further details will be circulated in the coming weeks. 

Earlier this week, the new Canteen at Magdalene opened and, as I mentioned in my letter to the community last week, we will commence the online ordering system this week. Students and families who would like to pre order their lunch on any day may do so by downloading the Flexischools App and placing their order before the start of school each day. Regular purchases will still be available each day from the counter, however, pre ordering gives the best chance that a particular item will be available. 

As you may be aware, the Magdalene P&F meets four times a year here at the College on a Tuesday evening in Week 4 each term. I would like to extend an invitation to our Term 1 meeting which will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 25th February in the College library. Being our first meeting, this will also double as the AGM for 2025 where we will elect a new president and executive. 

Wishing you all the best for the week, and year, ahead. 

David Cloran

Principal