This Sunday marks the third Sunday of the season of Lent. In the Gospel reading, Jesus shares a parable of the barren fig tree. In the parable, he tells of a man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard yet it bore no fruit for three years. When tempted to cut it down, a gardener pleaded for one more year to cultivate and fertilise it, hoping that it would bear fruit. The fig tree represents individuals and their spiritual fruitfulness, and the gardener's plea symbolises God’s mercy and willingness to give us time to change and grow. In this season of Lent, it acts as a reminder of God’s patience and grace so that we too may bear fruit and live meaningful, faith-filled lives. 

Yesterday we gathered as a College community to acknowledge Harmony Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the cultural diversity that exists among our communities here in Australia. In my address to the students, I spoke about the themes of respect, tolerance and inclusivity that lay at the core of what Harmony Day is all about. Significantly, as a school community, they are also themes that characterise what we are about and what we value as a Magdalene community. It was wonderful to move around the College yesterday and witness these values on display in one of a range of Harmony Day initiatives that we had running. Thanks to Mr Bubb and the wellbeing team for using this as an opportunity to further promote harmony here at Magdalene. 

Earlier this week I met with representatives from Transit Systems with regards to ongoing challenges regarding bus services to and from the College and the overcrowding that is evident on some services. Transit Systems are continuing to explore solutions and, where possible, secure additional services or reroute existing offerings. In the interim, the overcrowding on certain routes can be assisted by ensuring that students board a bus at their nearest bus stop, as opposed to driving part way to school and boarding a service that is designed to cater for students from a different area. 

A reminder that there are now just two weeks to go until the deadline falls for enrolments for Year 7 2026. It is essential that even if you are wanting to enrol a sibling of a current student at Magdalene, an application is complete prior to Friday 4th April. Once the deadline falls, a process will commence to coordinate the interview component of the application, most of which will take place in the last week of this term, or the first two weeks of next term. All enrolment offers will be circulated towards the end of Term 2. Finally this week, I take the opportunity to wish our Year 7 cohort all the very best as they depart on their Year 7 camp next week at Teen Ranch. This will be followed up in the coming weeks with the Year 9 camp which will take place at Stanwell Tops. I thank the staff involved in coordinating these major events and those who are attending in order to ensure that such opportunities can continue to be offered. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead. 

David Cloran

College Principal