Dear parents, carers and students, 

Last week’s Gospel reading recounts the ‘calming of the storm’, where the disciples, panicked and afraid, wake Jesus amidst the wind and heavy seas, confident, or faithful, that He may be able to intervene and save them from certain death. Their faithfulness is soon justified as they witness him issue a command for the wind to subside and the waters to return to a calmer state. This reading serves not only as a reminder that Christ is able to take control of the chaos in our lives and bring us peace, it also challenges us to turn to Him, as the disciples did, in times of trouble, to seek his love, healing and guidance. 

Last week saw the return of Magdalene Shines to the College calendar after a two-year hiatus. The evening saw over 100 students take to the stage in the Alan McManus Hall, in addition to the entire Year 12 cohort, in a major event that showcased the impressive array of talent that exists among the student population here at Magdalene. Guests were blown away from the quality of musicians, dancers and actors that kept us entertained from start to finish. I sincerely thank and congratulate each and every student that performed on the night, or assisted in its production. I also thank the significant number of staff here at the College, led by Ms Cheryl Curtis, who brought the entire production together for what will go down as one of our most memorable events of 2024. 

Last night, the College hosted the first of three parent, teacher, student interview sessions as we mark the end of Semester One. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity for students and parents to receive worthwhile feedback on their Semester One performances and to set goals to work towards throughout Semester Two. This coming Wednesday night, parents of students in Years 8 and 9 will have the chance to participate in these interviews, and an additional opportunity for all 7-10 students will be provided on Thursday 4th July. Details and booking instructions can be found on Compass. 

Earlier this week we circulated our offers of enrolment for our incoming Year 7 students in 2025. As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, we were once again inundated with record numbers of applications for one of the 210 spots at Magdalene next year. We look forward to welcoming these new students when our orientation program commences later this year. 

As this is the final newsletter for the term, I take the opportunity to thank all members of our Magdalene community for your support throughout Semester One. I look forward to building on, and strengthening, this partnership in the semester ahead. 

Wishing you all an enjoyable and safe pupil vacation period. 

David Cloran

Principal

Magdalene Catholic College has two upcoming pupil free days:

Thursday 4 July - Catch up Parent/Student/Teacher interviews 

Friday 5 July - Staff Spirituality Day

Students return for Term 3 - Monday 22 July

In the recent College Assemblies this term I have spoken to the student body in reference to encouraging them to ‘win everyday’ and ‘starting the day on a positive note.’

The ‘win everyday’ philosophy focuses on working towards your goals in a positive manner each and everyday. I highlighted to students the importance of consistently working towards your goals which will not only see you move closer to achieving your goals. But also by doing something constructive towards your goal and through every small win, you will find motivation and a sense of pride and accomplishment. This will help build strong habits in our students and help develop our students.

I further spoke to students about the value of not only starting your day on a positive note but also the importance of starting each lesson on a positive note. This increases student motivation, confidence and engagement in the lesson and not only supports a positive learning environment for the individual student, but for others in the classroom setting. The example I provided to students was that if they arrive late, or they forget your belongings this impacts the lesson greatly and impacts learning opportunities for yourself and others. We need to ensure we are all being responsible and respectful in our lessons to ensure we all can work to our personal best. 

As we move to Term 3 we move our focus towards Leadership. In Term 3 we will be working through the process of determining our Student Representative Council for 2024-25, including new Year 12 leaders. This is a very exciting opportunity for students and we encourage all students to apply and be involved in this process. If any students have any questions about the process I would encourage them to speak to me or their Year Coordinators.

Lastly, I would just like to remind the College Community of our upcoming Magdalene Feast Day. This year, we will be celebrating the Feast of Mary Magdalene over two days, Thursday 25 and Friday 26 July. Our Feast Day Mass on Thursday 25 July at 9.30am.  Parents and Carers are invited to attend the Mass and celebrate the Eucharist with the College in honour of our Patron Saint Mary Magdalene, followed by a light morning tea. Please RSVP if you intend to attend, more information can be found on the communication via compass. The Magdalene Feast Day Fair will then follow on Friday 26 July, starting at 11.10am. Students will have the opportunity to facilitate and participate in Fair Activities in the spirit of community building. The Feast Day Fair will include rides, games and food stalls, followed by a College gathering in the hall at the end of the day. 

Parent and student volunteer nomination forms have also been sent to the College community via compass and we encourage as many people as possible to engage with the College event.

As customary, the currency for the Magdalene Feast Day Fair will be Magdalene Dollars and they can be pre - purchased on the COMPASS Portal. Purchases include  $5, $10, or $20 Magdalene Dollar Cards and Unlimited Rides Wristbands for $25. Students will also have the opportunity to purchase Magdalene Dollars and wristbands on the day of the Fair.  All money raised goes directly to the Magdalene Care Fund, used to support our families in need.

Please contact the College if you have any questions. 

Mr Matt Bubb

Pastoral Care Coordinator

Magdalene Shines was held on Thursday 20 June in the College Hall and our performers were welcomed by a warm and appreciative audience. The performing arts evening has become a tradition at the College and returned after the 25th Celebration showcase was held in 2023. A significant event requires a team effort and the recognitions below are a snapshot of the students that worked together to create a memorable College event.

Firstly, Year 12 CAPA Councillors Emilia Leopardi and Myah Donohue are to be commended for their significant assistance with many aspects of the event. Both students willingly gave their own time to assist staff with preparations, performed their own solo performances, were members of the College Band, Stage Managers during the evening and were significant in preparing our MCs. Our 2024 MCs Michael Zang and Zoe Gill were engaging hosts during the evening and effortlessly entertained the audience while the stage crew efficiently set the scenes for the impending performances.

Year 12 Music students Joseph Piefke and Alexander Cooper-Crowley are to be complimented for their solo performances, numerous accompaniments and Stage Manager responsibilities throughout the evening. The Year 12 Music students were supported by a hard-working Stage Crew including Luca Saprun, Dylan Teuma, Ryan Skelton, Corbyn Smith, Dominic Adamovic, Tomas Slater, Samantha Alcoriza, Clare Brooker and Rhiannon McHale.

Magdalene Shines 2024 was also supported by a knowledgeable and skilful team of Audio Visual students. The Year 11 students worked collaboratively to create a professional audio and visual recording of the show. Special acknowledgement to Adelaide Bell, Callum Donnelly, Benjamin Licina, Olivia Tadros, Christian Repinec and Abby Burrows for their patience, technical and creative contributions.

Finally, congratulations to each of the dance, drama and music performers, for their perseverance, commitment and willingness to share their talents with the Magdalene community. Our 2024 Magdalene Shines performers are dedicated individuals displaying strong technical skills, high levels of preparedness and increasing confidence. May each of you continue to be creative, connect people and transport audiences to magical places.

Ms Cheryl Curtis

Leader of Learning - Performing Arts

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are delighted to announce that our Year 7 students recently began participating in an inspiring initiative aimed at promoting mental health and resilience. Partnering with the Black Dog Institute and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), our school has been privileged to host the Mental Fitness Program.

This unique program is designed to empower young people by emphasising the importance of connection in enhancing mental fitness. Through interactive sessions led by elite athletes, our students learned valuable strategies to support their own mental health and that of their peers. The athletes, trained as mentors, shared personal experiences and practical tips during engaging 45-minute presentations which began with 7 Bruchhauser and will continue to take place with the remaining homerooms.

Following these sessions, students were encouraged to explore the comprehensive mental fitness hub provided by the Black Dog Institute. This resource hub offers a wealth of youth-specific mental health resources, ensuring our students have access to support whenever they need it. Access the hub by following this link: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/mental-fitness/ 

We are incredibly proud of our Year 7 cohort for embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and maturity. Initiatives like these are crucial in fostering a supportive environment where mental health is prioritised and understood.

Thank you to Ms Christodoulou for facilitating this program with Year 7.

Warm regards,

As we draw the term to a close, we celebrate the achievements of our Year 9 students, who have excelled in various areas, showcasing their talents and hard work. We have seen success on the sporting field, debating hall, performing arts stage, social justice initiatives and of course in the classroom. 

Congratulations to the students who have received Bronze, Silver and of great significance Gold Principal Awards this term. This is a testament to their ongoing commitment and what it means to be a Magdalene student.

We have had various mental health initiatives throughout the term which has played a crucial role, equipping students with essential self-help and help-seeking strategies, fostering resilience and emotional wellbeing. 

Our focus shifted to academic success in the second portion of the term, equipping students with the skills necessary to master the challenges of middle school. Through reflective activities and creating a SMART goal for the second half of the year, students will now become future focused and I imagine you have already started to have conversations with your children in regards to what their future holds. 

Semester Two will bring opportunities for students to continue this focus and really understand what it means to master middle school prior to starting their senior schooling next year.

I commend all Year 9 students who have activated their curiosity, elevated their skills and have started to replicate positive habits so far this year. I am looking forward to what the rest of the year holds. I wish all students and families a safe and wonderful break.

Miss Tahlia Cupillari 

Year 9 Coordinator

With five and a half years behind us and only one hundred days left of our high school journey, year 12 came together to celebrate this milestone with a variety of mixed emotions. Whilst we are all a bit apprehensive about our upcoming exams and some of the uncertainty that surrounds our future schooling and career pathways, we are also very excited to continue making lifelong memories as we reach these pivotal moments in our lives. We are all eagerly counting the days until graduation and the events that are occurring along the way, this one hundred day celebration encompassing our individual and collective pride we all have for how far we have come, as well as the anticipation of our amazing achievements yet to come. 

Jasmin Mihok and Ashleigh Lloyd (12M)

On Thursday, 30th May, the students of 10 RE2, accompanied by Mrs. Keith, participated in an environmental activity in the Gardens as part of Laudato Si Week. Laudato Si Week is an initiative inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si, which calls for care and stewardship of our common home, the Earth. In 2023, Pope Francis further emphasised this mission in his sequel letter, Laudate Deum, reminding people of the urgent need for environmental action.

As part of their commitment to these principles, 10 RE2 dedicated their time and effort to cleaning up the gardens surrounding the bottom quad. Over a span of just 30 minutes, students managed to collect approximately seven full bags of rubbish, each bag comparable in size to those used at Wool

worths. This activity not only contributed to the beautification and preservation of the school grounds but also served as a practical reflection of the teachings and values promoted during Laudato Si Week.

The involvement of the students in this clean-up effort highlights the importance of community engagement in environmental stewardship. By taking direct action, 10 RE2 not only helped improve their immediate surroundings but also set an example of responsibility and care for the environment, reflecting the broader messages of Pope Francis's letters.

10 RE 2 then participated in an educational environmental exercise on Wednesday, June 12. Their efforts were focused on improving the green areas of the school. One of the activities was clearing the gardens of any trash, which would enhance the area's general look and health. In order to give young plants the best chance to develop and thrive, the students also helped to replant seeds into the food garden. They also helped with plant repotting, which is crucial for the health and development of the plants. In addition to making the school grounds more visually appealing, this practical experience taught the kids important lessons about environmental stewardship and the value of preserving green areas.

A key component of Catholic doctrine is creation care, which emphasises the duty to manage the Earth as a gift from God. This dedication stems from the conviction that God has given humans responsibility for protecting the natural world, which is a reflection of God's glory. In his encyclical ‘Laudato Si' Pope Francis emphasises how all life is intertwined and advocates for an ecological conversion to stop environmental destruction. Catholics uphold the dignity of all people, particularly the impoverished who suffer the most from environmental degradation, and guarantee that future generations inherit a planet capable of supporting life and well-being by taking care of creation. A key component of Catholic doctrine is creation care, which emphasises the duty to manage the Earth as a gift from God. 

Mrs Melissa Keith

Religion Teacher 

In Term 2’s 7-9 MISA Girls Basketball season, the College was fortunate enough to have two senior students take on the responsibility of Coaching the junior team. The two students, Sienna Toweel and Olivia Lowe (pictured below) took on the responsibility for not only running the trials and selecting the team, but also coaching and managing the team throughout the duration of the season. 

This responsibility meant they were faced with a range of challenges, including managing substitutions and playing time, making strategic decisions throughout and between games (often in high-pressure situations), public speaking, mentoring, motivating and supporting/guiding the junior players each and every week. On behalf of the College and the MISA Junior Girls Basketball team, I would like to thank these students for their contribution to not only MISA Basketball, but for the leadership, mentoring and guidance they offered these junior students. Both Sienna and Olivia served as outstanding role models and leaders within our College Community and should be proud of their development and contributions throughout the term. 

The TAS department wish to express our thanks to generous families who have donated sewing resources such as fabric, sewing patterns, ribbons and buttons to our students. These items have been very useful in the textiles studio to create projects,  and on occasion our timber students too, to cover footstool cushions. We are very grateful and look forward to finding new uses for your lovely donations. 

If you have any sewing resources which you no longer need, please feel free to drop them into the school office for the attention of Mrs Rixon with your contact details so we can extend our thanks to you personally. 

Should you wish to discuss this further please do not hesitate to make contact via email RixonV01@dow.catholic.edu.au.

YEAR 11 TEXTILES AND DESIGN CUSTOM BAG PROJECTS

Our Year 11 class have been busy constructing! The Brief for this project was to design and make a bag for a specific purpose. Students were set the challenge to incorporate essential design features such as sturdy interfaced handles, a pocket, zipper and 2 decorative techniques for their intended end use. As you can see below a variety of bags including large beach totes, shopping bags, evening shoulder bags, a small duffle bag, and a makeup bag were designed and carefully crafted by our clever students. Decorative techniques included machine embroidery, quilting, beading and adhesive vinyl motifs adding that personal touch. We look forward to sharing the outcome of our next project with you all as we explore using commercial patterns, more complex fabrics and techniques to construct apparel items, such as corsets, sleepwear and simple dresses.

Well done Year 11!

Mrs Vivian Rixon 

YEAR 9 INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY TIMBER COURSE - FOOTSTOOL TASK

We are delighted to share the outstanding achievements of our Year 9 students in the Industrial Technology Timber Course, specifically their remarkable work on the Footstool Project. Our Timber students have demonstrated exceptional skill and precision, manufacturing footstools that exhibit a high level of accuracy and craftsmanship. Throughout the project, they have expertly utilised a variety of power tools, including the Domino Machine, Orbital Sanders, Disc Sander, Nail gun, and Staple gun. Their proficiency with these tools has enabled them to create sturdy and well-constructed footstools that reflect their dedication and hard work.
In addition to mastering the construction techniques, the students have also excelled in applying the finishing touches, showcasing their ability to upholster and apply a professional-grade finish. Using the staple gun for upholstery and a spray gun for the final coating, they have produced footstools that not only meet but exceed quality standards. The high-quality finish achieved by our students is a testament to their attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

Mr Danny Avalos
Class Teacher
Leader of Learning – Library Services
Leader of Learning – Educational Technologies

HTA Day

On Saturday the 25th of June, Year 12 Modern History students were given the opportunity to go to the HTA (History Teachers Association) study day at the University of Sydney. This gave students a chance to hear from teachers who they otherwise would not have through lectures on different aspects of modern history from writing essays to the rise of dictatorships. Whilst at the university, students were able to learn how to improve their results as well as being provided with resources from lecturers which they can use throughout the rest of the Modern History course. Myself and the other students who went to this day feel that we have gained a lot from this experience, know that this will be incredibly beneficial for our trial and HSC exams and would highly recommend it to anyone who will be doing the HSC Modern History course in the future.

Legal Studies excursion

Year 12 Legal Studies is currently studying the core topic of crime for the HSC course. To coincide with this study the class was taken on a ‘Legal Day Out’ excursion to the Downing Centre. The Downing Centre is one of the largest courts in the Southern Hemisphere and it provided students with an incredibly valuable experience which we definitely won’t forget. Throughout the day we were able to sit in different courtrooms and hear magistrates make decisions on cases for things such as sentencing and bail. As well as this we were given the opportunity to hear from a magistrate with over 30 years of experience who works in both local and district courts. This helped students to expand their knowledge of this aspect of the Legal Studies course, as well as the legal system as a whole, in a unique manner.

Congratulations to our Year 9 MISA Debating Team who won their grand final debate against Mount Carmel Catholic College last week, making them the 2024 Year 9 MISA Debating Champions!

In a passionate and challenging debate, our team expertly argued that “Failure is our greatest teacher”. The three adjudicators unanimously chose Magdalene as winners of the debate, stating that our team presented a well-articulated and united argument. Well done Valentina, Taylor, Madeline and Laura!

In Term 3 & 4 our Year 7 & 8 MISA debating teams will participate in their competitions. We look forward to updating our College community on their progress and successes. 

Magdalene Shines 2024

Magdalene Shines recently featured a fantastic showcase of dance performances by our talented students across years 7-12.

A highlight of the night was the much anticipated MISA Dance performance consisting of 32 dancers. This was a high-energy tribute to female empowerment and the iconic women who have revolutionised the music industry. Featuring a vibrant mix of powerful anthems from legendary artists like Madonna, Beyoncé and Rihanna, the choreography showcased the strength, resilience, and fierce spirit of women in music. 

From bold and energetic expressions to heartfelt and dynamic movements, "GRL PWR" celebrated the diversity and influence of female voices in music. A big thank you to student choreographers Myah Donohue, Ella Presti, Ainslie Saliba and Leila Saliba who have worked tirelessly throughout the semester.

Solo and small group performances were equally impactful and entertaining and it is a testament to their ongoing commitment to dance.

Congratulations to the following students:

• Ella Presti of Year 10 who performed a lyrical piece titled Lung
• Kara Hocking of Year 9 who performed a contemporary piece titled Who’s afraid of little old me
• Olga Macris of Year 8 who performed a contemporary piece titled Skyfall
• Amelia Gravina(yr7), Makinlee Ward(yr7), Summer-Rose Browning(yr 8) and Charli Muscat(yr 8) who performed a Jazz and Tap piece titled A little Party

The Dance Elective class also featured on the night and performed a piece titled Introspection. This was the first time this class had performed together and for some of the students it was their first time in a long time since they have performed on stage and I was particularly proud of all dancers on the night. Well done to the following students: Lily Ahern, Tiffany Caldwell, Lacey Geary, Kara Hocking, Indianna Keegan, Alyssa King, Mackenzie Lake, Sienna Nash and Leila Saliba. In Term 3, the Year 9 Dance Elective class will feature at two external dance competitions. More information to come to parents in regards to these events.

M.I.S.A Dance Festival 2024

On Tuesday 25th June our M.I.S.A Dance Troupe travelled to The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club to perform their 8 minute dance titled GRL PWR.

The M.I.S.A Dance Festival has provided a valuable opportunity for many years for outstanding students to develop and display their skills in Dance. It was great to see 13 of our M.I.S.A schools celebrate the talents of our creative individuals across many styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary and it was also great to see cultural dance up on stage. 

Our Magdalene dancers were the utmost professionals on the day and represented the College exceptionally. I am incredibly proud of the encouragement and support they all displayed to the other schools when they were performing and I am lucky to continue to share so many wonderful experiences with such talented individuals. It was an incredible day of dance and we look forward to 2025.

Miss Tahlia Cupillari

Dance Teacher

Wednesday, the 19th of June, saw the opening of the Magdalene European Cup, where Year 10’s, 11’s, and 12’s competed against each other in a spirited and competitive display of football. In this exciting new knockout tournament, students formed teams named after various European countries of their choice (some not so European), adding an element of international flair to the event.

The enthusiasm and dedication shown by all participants were truly commendable. Each match was filled with intense action, showcasing the incredible talent and sportsmanship of our students. From stunning goals to impressive defensive plays, the tournament highlighted the high level of skill present within our school.

This event is set to become an ongoing competition, with teams battling it out each week for the coveted championship title. The European Cup not only focuses on a sense of camaraderie and school spirit but also encourages students to stay active and engage in healthy competition.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in this new exciting sporting event for great sportsmanship and showcase of skill. Thank you to all the students who volunteered their lunch time to referee the game and the helpers for the setting up and packing up. We look forward to seeing how the tournament unfolds in the upcoming weeks and who will emerge as the ultimate champions of the Magdalene European Cup. 

Round One Results:

Poland vs Macedonia: Draw 0 - 0

England vs Albania: England Won 2 - 0 

France vs Spain: France Won 5 - 0

Kazakhstan vs Vatican City: Kazakhstan Won 1 - 0

Italy Vs Colombia: Draw

DRAW Rematch: Friday 21st June

Colombia vs Macedonia : Colombia Won 1 - 0

Italy vs Poland: 2-2 Italy won in Penalties (3-2)

Round Two Draw: Wednesday 26th June

France (Bye)

Colombia VS Kazakhstan

Italy Vs England

Congratulations to the following Year 7 students on their recent gymnastics success.

Sienna Novek recently competed for Australia at The 9th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Hanoi, Veitnam. She was the youngest on the Australian team, and acheived an amazing score of 16.1 out of 20. Sienna is currently competing at Australia Championships on the Gold Coast

Eloise Williamson is also competing at the Australian Championships on the Gold Coast, representing NSW. Congratulations Eloise!

Both students are hoping in July to qualify for the World Championships in Italy. Watch this space!

This fortnight, we added another 23km to our cumulative total - this means that we've travelled from Jimmys Beach to Bombah Point (as the crow flies), and have achieved a cumulative total of 240km 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 top 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.