Dear parents, carers and students, 

This week’s Gospel reading is taken from the Gospel of Matthew and recounts Jesus telling of the Parable of the Mustard Seed. Jesus commonly used simple parables that communicated clear messages that haven't been lost or diluted as a result of translations, cultural interpretations, technology or even the passage of time. In this parable, Jesus predicts the growth of the kingdom of heaven. The mustard seed begins quite small, yet develops and grows into a large shrub, highlighting how something that ends up so significant in size and influence can come from something so small and humble, just as He did. 

This coming Thursday will see the long-awaited return of Magdalene Shines, our annual showcase of student performing arts talent and only the second time we have been able to host such an event in the Alan McManus Hall at the College. We have over 100 staff and student performers who have been preparing for this event in recent months and we look forward to an evening of great entertainment. All members of our College community are welcome and tickets can be purchased via our Trybooking link here. 

As the weather has really become cooler in the last fortnight as winter settles in, I am so pleased to announce that as this newsletter is circulated to members of our community, we have over 100 students who are settling in at Magdalene for our annual St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleep Out. This event will be preparing resources and raising money and awareness for the marginalised within our community who sleep rough on a regular basis. I take the opportunity to congratulate the students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who have given up their comforts and luxury items tonight in support and solidarity of those who do it on a regular basis. I also thank the many teachers who are supporting tonight's event, especially to our Youth Ministry Coordinator, Miss Sarah Neasy, who has coordinated such a worthwhile event. 

Over the last week, we have been pleased to welcome parents of our current Year 10 students into the College for a one-on-one conversation with one of our senior teachers regarding subject selections for Year 11 2025 and the HSC in 2026. These conversations have been a really productive way of exploring options for specific patterns of study and a worthwhile investment in supporting a successful two years ahead. I thank all parents for making themselves available for these conversations and the staff who have also prioritised their availability to ensure this process could take place. 

Finally this week, while we still have three weeks to go this term, we have recently opened bookings for our Semester One Parent, Teacher, Student Interviews which will be held across Weeks 9 and 10 of this term. All parents are invited, and encouraged, to attend and to speak to their sons and daughters teachers about the achievements and challenges of the past two terms. Significantly, these discussions will also assist in setting goals and targets for each student to work towards throughout Semester Two. Please visit your Compass App for further information and instructions on how to book. 

Best wishes, 

David Cloran

Principal 

Congratulations to our Year 9 and 10 MISA debating teams, who this week competed in their respective semi-final debates. To qualify for the semi-final debates, our teams had to perform well in the first 5 rounds of the competition and win their quarter final debates. This is a significant achievement from Year 9 and 10 and demonstrates their abilities to work as teams to bring insightful, articulate, and complex arguments to the table, often under the pressure of time constraints.

Year 9 debated against Broughton Anglican College and their topic was “That every 15-year-old should have a part time job”. In only one hour, Year 9 formulated an argument focused on the safety and wellbeing of youth and their ability to balance work with other commitments. After successful rebutting Broughton, I am pleased to announce that Year 9 have secured a place in the Grand Final and will be competing next week. 

Public Speaking News! 

Congratulations to Alyssa Deville from Year 8 who was recently chosen as the Magdalene Catholic College representative in the Year 8 MISA Public Speaking Competition. On the day, Alyssa was commended for her clear speaking skills and use of voice, as well as the content of her speech about “The evolution of technology”. Alyssa has shared her experience of the day below.

“ On Thursday the 30th May, I participated in the Year 8 MISA Public Speaking Competition. I found the competition to be a really enjoyable experience. I learned lots more about public speaking and what I am capable of. I learnt new ways on how to write a speech, things I should include, and how to present a great speech. Leaving my comfort zone and doing something that changed me was an excellent experience. I felt like a winner even though I didn't win because I got up there and gave it everything I had. I consider myself grateful to have been selected for the competition in the first place, and I am proud of that. It was enjoyable to hear everyone's presentations and I made notes about the things I did well and what I should change for the next time. The event will return next year. I would be more than delighted to return and compete if given the opportunity, and I might even bring home one of the trophies this time! I was pleased with myself at the end and had a wonderful time. It's truly an incredible experience, so I definitely encourage public speaking!”

- Alyssa Devile

“Magdalene Shines”

Performance Evening

6.30pm, Thursday, 20th June, 2024

Alan McManus Hall

Magdalene Catholic College

101 Smeaton Grange Rd, Narellan

Tickets sales:  Online Tickets TryBooking Website: https://www.trybooking.com/CSDHZ

Tickets go on sale 8am, Monday 3rd June 2024 

Online bookings close 4pm, Tuesday 18th June 2024. 

Tickets will be also sold at the door on the night.

Over 100 students and staff will put on a spectacular show!

Ticket Prices:

Primary School Student - $5

Adult - $15                         

Pensioner/Senior Student - $10

Family - $30 (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children)

Please be aware that a BBQ and a raffle (Year 12 fundraiser) will be held before the show and at intermission. Tea, coffee and soft drink will also be sold at the venue. Please be aware that food or drink is not allowed inside the Hall.

There will also be an opportunity for you to support St Vincent de Paul by donating non-perishable food items at the door as you enter the hall.

Come and watch your friends and family shine!

Last week Year 12 Studies of Religion students visited the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Wollongong. 

Apart from being an important feature of studies for HSC students we are called upon by the Pope to engage in Interfaith Dialogue:...”interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and so it is a duty for Christians as well as other religious communities” (Pope Francis).

Please read Olivia Young’s (Year 12 student) recount of the Buddhist Excursion below:

On June 5th the Year 12 Studies of Religion II cohort were fortunate enough to have received an opportunity to visit Nan Tien, a Buddhist temple in Wollongong. The purpose of this excursion was to deepen our understanding of the Buddhist experience, gaining a new, firsthand perspective on their practice, especially regarding primary beliefs and rituals. This knowledge is applicable to our course work on Buddhist environmental ethics and pilgrimage. I especially enjoyed the tai chi and meditation sessions. The staff at the temple were incredible and insightful, with our tour guide sharing a plethora of information on the origins of Buddhism and its modern applications, as well as intriguing facts about the institute. Did you know that it is the largest buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere? 

We were able to identify a number of common motifs, such as the lotus flower, seeing how their meanings pertain to rituals and worship through their prevalence, with the idea of the lotus arising from mud directly correlating with the concept of Dharma. Although our tour was limited due to the poor weather, the site’s beauty was undeniable. We had an amazing day and appreciate the efforts of our teachers and the temple staff for the experience.

By Olivia Young

Mr Stephen O'Neill

Religious Education Leader of Learning

Assessment Schedules

The Mathematics Resource Centre (available through Compass, on the star dropdown menu) provides Assessment Schedules for all Mathematics courses. While students will receive Assessment Notifications for formal Assessment Tasks via Google Classroom, reviewing the Assessment Schedule in advance can help students to begin preparing for their tasks earlier and allow them to have more time to identify areas where they may need additional study or practice.

Additionally, students are encouraged to utilise the range of resources available in the Mathematics Resource Centre to supplement their learning in the classroom and further enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts.

Over upcoming weeks in Mathematics, students will be studying:

Year 7 - Fractions, decimals and percentages

Year 8 - Ratios and Rates

Year 9 -  Linear Relationships, Financial Mathematics

Year 10 (5.1) - Right-angled trigonometry

Year 10 (5.2) - Area, Surface Area and Volume

Year 10 (5.3) - Area, Surface Area and Volume

Year 11 Numeracy - Sport and Measurement

Year 11 Standard - Linear Relationships

Year 11 Advanced - Introduction to Differentiation
Year 11 Extension 1 - Further Trigonometry

Year 12 Numeracy - Rates and Ratios

Year 12 Standard 2 - Annuities, The Normal Distribution

Year 12 Advanced - Continuous Random Variables

Year 12 Extension 1 - Differential Equations, Projectile Motion

Year 12 Extension 2 - Mechanics

MATHS MARVEL:

2 is the only even prime number (since every other even number is divisible by two). 

MATHS MYSTERY - Course: Year 8 Mathematics

Families are encouraged to tackle this problem together. 

The height of a pool increases by 3 mm for every litre of water added. If the height of the pool increases by 7.5cm, how much water was added?

Stay tuned for the next edition to reveal the answer to this Maths Mystery. 

Answer from the previous MATHS MYSTERY - 2651 cubic centimetres

Mrs Broady

Leader of Learning - Mathematics

The HSIE faculty has been bustling with activity, engaging students through a variety of stimulating and educational projects- from analysing ancient civilisations to tackling modern environmental issues, our students are immersing themselves in learning experiences that enhance their understanding of the world around them. Currently in HSIE, some of our students are exploring the following areas of study:

Year 7 History: Ancient China

Our Year 7 students have embarked on a journey through the annals of Ancient China. Recently, they have been exploring the geographical features and intricate social structures that were instrumental in the rise of many great dynasties. By understanding the significance of the Yellow River, the Himalayas, and the vast Gobi Desert, students are gaining insights into how these natural features shaped the development of Chinese civilisation. 

Year 9 Geography: Tackling Environmental Change

Year 9 Geography students continue their critical examination of environmental change with some classes undertaking a focused analysis on the impact of waste in the fashion industry. The classes have been diligently researching the environmental consequences of fast fashion, from excessive water use to pollution and waste. Students are now stepping into the role of environmental advocates, pitching innovative strategies for more sustainable alternatives. These proposals include ideas for upcycling, sustainable fabric use, and consumer education programs aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of fashion. 

Year 9 and 10 History Elective: Exploring Family History

Our Year 9 and 10 History elective students have been undertaking historical research by studying their own family histories. This project has not only connected them with their heritage but also uncovered fascinating stories of their ancestors' lives. Students have presented research on parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great- great-great-grandparents who have served in the Macedonian armed forces, played cricket for Australia, caught some of Australia’s most wanted criminals, and fled from communist-controlled regimes post-World War II.

Year 11 Ancient History: Crafting a Yin Xu Archaeological Park Guide

Our Year 11 Ancient History students are currently studying the Shang dynasty from Ancient China, our studies centre around Yin Xu, one of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites in China. Tasked with creating a tourist guide for visitors, students are exploring the rich history of the Shang Dynasty, which once thrived at this site. 

Year 12 Modern History: Exploring Conflict in the Pacific

Year 12 Modern History students are continuing their in-depth study of conflict in the Pacific during World War II. This complex topic covers significant events and geopolitical issues from 1941 to 1945. Students are analysing the causes and consequences of this conflict, examining evidence, and engaging in critical discussions about the impacts on the region. 

We are proud of the dedication and enthusiasm our HSIE students are demonstrating in these diverse and challenging projects. 

The HSIE Faculty.

On Thursday, the 16th of May, Year 11 Photography students travelled by train to the NSW State Library in Sydney. Our visit was to view the new underground photographic gallery and visit the SHOTS exhibition featuring images from the past 3 centuries documenting the development of photography in Australia. 

The Shots exhibition was an impressive display of the Library’s extraordinary collection featuring 400 photographs by 200 photographers spanning three centuries between 1845 and 2022. The exhibition displayed Australia’s oldest photograph, the earliest examples of colour photography, iconic works by some of our most acclaimed photographers, contemporary images and commentary by over 30 living photographers. Students appreciated the immense history of Australian photography stretched out before their eyes. The excursion was highly beneficial to students providing them with the rare opportunity to see early daguerreotypes, glass plate negatives, and early examples of hand colour imagery just to name a few.

In the afternoon students took advantage of the many photographic opportunities around the city capturing hundreds of shots and further developing their photographic knowledge and refining their skills. The day inspired many new ideas and gave students valuable insight in guiding their theoretical and practical studies. 

Ms Tree

Macarthur Area Careers Expo

Last week some Year 11 students attended the Macarthur Area Careers Expo. This was an opportunity for them to ask questions and gather information from a wide range of Industry and University representatives.

TAFE Visit

This week 60 students from year 10 attended a visit/tour of Campbelltown TAFE. Here they were introduced to the various courses on offer at TAFE and were able to hear from some Course Coordinators re: their programs and the students were also given the opportunity to ask questions. Students also experienced the learning spaces that TAFE offers to get a sense of what it could be like to attend TAFE as a pathway post school.

 WORK EXPERIENCE: Lachlan Chadwick

I recently had the opportunity to attend a week of work experience with the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNSW. One of the highlights of my week was the opportunity to engage in discussions and activities related to diverse engineering fields, including chemical engineering, structural design, and innovative technologies.

From understanding the intricacies of sustainable water treatment processes to exploring the structural elements of iconic buildings like the Opera House, I was able to immerse myself in the multifaceted world of engineering. Participating in practical exercises, such as designing a bridge to withstand specific loads, was both challenging and rewarding.

Applying theoretical knowledge to real world scenarios faced in industry allowed me to grasp the importance of sustainability practices, material selection, and the human factors involved in engineering solutions. I found the experience very insightful, reaffirming my career aspirations in engineering. I look forward to future endeavours in this dynamic field, excited by the endless opportunities for innovation and growth that lie ahead.

YEAR 10 Work Experience

The College encourages students in Year 10 to complete work experience this year. If there are any Year 10 students interested in participating in Work Experience, please email or visit Mrs Dallene Jones for further information.

 JOBJUMP CAREERS BULLETIN

(https://bulletins.jobjump.com.au/907d5efd-c31c-4285-87c8-08a281d3f438/master)

Please find attached a link to Jobjump Careers Bulletin- a Careers Resource that we use at the College. This will give parents an up to date overview of what activities are coming up, such as University Visits, University Open Days, KLA specific competitions.

This fortnight, we added another 22km to our cumulative total - this means that we've travelled from Tanilba Bay to Jimmys Beach (as the crow flies), and have achieved a cumulative total of 217km so far.

As we enter into the cooler months, it may be a good idea to have a spare pair of dry socks with you as well.

Join us every Tuesday morning at 7:55am for an 8:00am start at the bottom of the Back Oval steps for a 1km walk (course may change due to weather and other conditions). This is a great chance to get outside, get moving, chat with your friends, and add some kilometres to a cumulative total which will take us as far as we can go! Don't forget a hat, and a water bottle. See Mr Cimino for more details.

The 2024 Spotlight Logo Competition is open to all students.

THE CHALLENGE!

Create a logo for Spotlight 2024's theme Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education.

Students are encouraged to use an AI tool of their choice to create all or part of their design. But we want to know what tool you used and how you used it. 

The top designs will win prizes and some will be used for marketing and promotional material. Your chance to be written into the history books as the designer for Spotlight 2024. 

Click here to enter