Dear parents, carers and students, 

In last weekend's Gospel reading, Jesus asked his disciples, “who do people say that I am?” Whilst the responses were many and varied, it was his next question of all of us which was at the heart of his message, “who do you say that I am?” We are each called to answer this fundamental question of our faith, free from our secular environments, and focused on our own personal conviction about who He is. In this brief exchange, He teaches us that if we were to truly accept him as our Lord, we must share in the experience of His life, to share in His suffering and to indeed, carry our own cross. It was in carrying His cross that He demonstrated his love, charity and generosity for all of us, and this passage challenges us to find ways of doing the same in our lives. 

Consistent with the message in this reading, I had the great pleasure of recently attending the launch of the 2024 Catholic Mission Project with two of our Year 10 representatives, Bridget Malone and Lachlan Chadwick, along with our Youth Ministry Coordinator, Miss Sarah Neasy. At this event, Bishop Brian spoke of the challenges faced by the people of Mongolia, a country of 3.5 million people nestled between Russia and China, and with a Catholic population of around 1,500. Bishop Brian repeatedly reminded us of the small acts of charity and kindness that we can each employ in order to realise our baptismal promise of making Jesus known and loved among populations that haven’t come to know Him yet. Over the course of October we will be arranging a number of initiatives so that students can each participate and support the work of Catholic Mission in our community and beyond.  

Each year, every secondary school in the diocese has the opportunity to nominate one Year 12 student for the prestigious Bishop’s Excellence Award. On the evening of Thursday 5th September, I had the great pleasure of presenting William Thomas of Year 12 to Bishop Brian Mascord and the Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill as the recipient of this award. William was joined by his family for this special occasion where a detailed citation of his work, effort and focus on social justice and outreach was celebrated by all who were present. Congratulations William on this outstanding achievement.

As many would be aware, Year 11 students have been sitting their Preliminary Examinations over the past two weeks, marking the official end to their Preliminary (Year 11) Course. From the beginning of next Term, they will officially commence Year 12 and their Higher School Certificate. I take the opportunity to congratulate our students on how well they have approached this assessment period, and in doing so, laying a strong foundation for a successful start to their final year of study. 

Finally this week, I would like to invite all members of our community to remember our Year 12 cohort in your thoughts and prayers over the coming week as we celebrate their graduation. A number of significant lead up events will culminate on Wednesday morning when we gather together as a College community to celebrate their Graduation Mass which will be followed by their Graduation and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday night. I have no doubt that each celebration will be a fitting acknowledgment for such a significant occasion. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal

Social media plays a huge role in the lives of young people today. It’s a platform for self-expression, connecting with friends, and discovering new interests. While it offers opportunities for creativity and community, it also presents challenges like cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and the pressure to maintain a certain image. Young people often navigate this complex landscape by curating their online presence and finding ways to balance their digital and real-life interactions. 

The College does its best to educate students about the importance of ensuring that they have a positive digital footprint and how to remain safe online.  We have recently been informed by Camden Local Police that there is an increase in young people becoming victims of image-based abuse and sextortion.  In response to this they have asked that we publish the attached flyer in our newsletter.  

Websites that can help with cyber safety information include:  

• www.thinkuknow.org.au 
• https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people
• www.carlyryanfoundation.com/resources/fact-sheets
• www.cyber.gov.au - Australian Cyber Security Centre (linked to State and Territory Police)

I am excited to invite students to participate in the 24-Hour Fight Against Cancer walk, taking place on October 12th and 13th at the Campbelltown Athletics Centre. This event is a meaningful opportunity for students to come together, raise money for cancer research and treatment, and create awareness about cancer in our community. By walking laps and clocking up steps, students will be actively contributing to the fight against cancer, showing support for those affected, and helping to make a real difference. Feel free to join us in this important cause and be part of a movement that brings hope, strength, and support to those battling cancer. Let's walk together and fight for a cancer-free future!

The entry fee is $30 and this goes towards registration, event shirt and hat. This money contributes towards the funds raised to fighting cancer. Many families in our Magdalene community have been affected by cancer. This is a small way to give back. 

The event is quite social and generally has hundreds of people set up tents/marquees, bring food and music, walk laps and just hang out. Use the link below if you’d like to register to attend. More details will come as the date draws closer. https://fundraise.24hrfight.org.au/event_registration/register/5451

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at tacconer01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Kind Regards 

Rosanne Taccone

On Friday 13 September, Year 12 SiCT were fortunate to have the amazing opportunity of meeting Sister Kathryn Kingsley of the Missionaries of God’s Love. She told us about her life story and journey to the consecrated life. It was an enlightening experience and the stories she shared were very interesting. We even had time for questions which brought up some engaging conversations and offered us new perspectives about sisterhood and the religious life. It was a pleasure to be given this opportunity and we are extremely grateful.

Fiorella Vecchio, 12P

Students, teachers, and community members from the Wollongong Diocesan gathered at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Thirroul for the launch of the 2024 Catholic Mission initiative. This event serves as the official start of a campaign designed to deepen our understanding of the Church’s mission and to inspire us to actively share the Good News with the world. The focus this year is on Mongolia, a country where Catholicism is growing but faces many challenges.

Mongolia, known for its rich cultural heritage and vast landscapes, is also home to a small but steadily growing Catholic community. Currently, there are around 1,400 Catholics in Mongolia. Still, the Catholic Church plays a vital role in this country, providing spiritual guidance and much needed social services such as education, healthcare, and aid to the poor.

Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, and many of its people live in extreme poverty. Over a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line, struggling with unemployment, harsh weather conditions, and limited access to resources. Rural areas are particularly affected, with families facing difficulties in accessing basic services. The Catholic Mission initiative is particularly focused on supporting these communities, helping to alleviate their suffering and fostering the growing faith among the people.

The Catholic Mission campaign encourages us to remember that we are called to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world, supporting our brothers and sisters in need. Through prayer, fundraising, and education, the initiative aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate, not just in Mongolia, but globally.

As a College, we are proud to be part of this important mission. Let us respond to the call to engage with and support the Church’s outreach, both locally and internationally, and to spread the message of hope and love to all.

For more information about how you can get involved, please visit the Catholic Mission website or participate in upcoming events. 

Each year, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference releases a Social Justice Statement addressing a significant issue within society, inviting us to reflect on our collective and personal response. The 2024-25 statement, Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World, challenges us to explore the complexities of peace in a world filled with violence, misinformation, and division.

Our Diocese has a rich tradition of gathering secondary students and teachers to unpack the newly released Social Justice Statement, and this year’s event was a powerful experience for all involved.

The day began with an inspiring talk by a guest speaker who shared reflections from a recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Through the lens of this journey, the speaker vividly painted a picture of the stark contrast between the region’s deep spiritual significance and the ongoing tensions of conflict and division. This set the tone for the rest of the day, encouraging students to think critically about peace, justice, and the reality of living out Gospel values in challenging times.

In the second session, students delved into the Social Justice Statement in smaller groups, focusing on different sections and then presenting their reflections to the larger group. Several key themes emerged from these discussions:

• The prevalence of power, corruption, greed, and manipulation in today's world, and how misinformation has become a standard tool of influence.
• The deep challenge of living by God’s teachings, acknowledging that it is often harder to forgive and seek peace than to retaliate.
• The need to know oneself and seek truth leads to personal and collective peace.
• The importance of finding good even in bad situations and recognising that peace takes time.
• The significance of dialogue is based on encounters, where listening to others and acknowledging shared suffering becomes a pathway to reconciliation.
• A collective understanding that truth is everyone's concern no one person speaks the whole truth, and we must bridge the gap between truth and action.
• Reflecting on Jesus' approach to power, students noted how He often took back power, but not in the way people expected choosing humility, mercy, and non-violence.

The day concluded with a powerful and symbolic drumming session. This unique activity connected back to the themes discussed, emphasising the importance of speaking out when other voices are loud and working together in solidarity to communicate a vital message. The rhythm of the drums reminded participants of the need for unity and collective action in the pursuit of truth and peace.

As we reflect on this year's Social Justice Statement, we are reminded that the path to peace is not easy, but through understanding, dialogue, and action rooted in truth, we can make a real difference in our world.

Miss Sarah Neasy

I am thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of two of our year 12 students, Zach Ritchie and Michael Zhang, who competed in the Future Skills STEM MAD Competition in Wollongong on Wednesday 18 September. Both students entered their HSC Major Projects into the competition and set up impressive displays for judging.

Over the course of two and a half hours, Zach and Michael were required to answer questions about their designs and the development process to a team of industry judges, as well as other students and staff. They demonstrated exceptional knowledge and professionalism, engaging confidently with people from all walks of life.

I am incredibly proud of the work that Zach and Michael have completed and how they conducted themselves. Staff from other schools went out of their way to tell us how impressed they were with our students and the incredible work they have accomplished.

A special congratulations to Zach, who was named runner-up in the High School section of the Future Skills STEM MAD Competition. This is a significant achievement and a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Mr Danny Avalos

Leader of Learning - Educational Technologies

Leader of Learning - Library Services

TAS Teacher

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 - Angle Relationships

Year 8 - Perimeter and Area

Year 9 -  Area, Surface Area and Volume

Year 10 (5.1) - Probability

Year 10 (5.2) - Properties of Geometric Figures

Year 10 (5.3) - Properties of Geometric Figures

Year 11 Numeracy - Sport and Measurement

Year 11 Standard - Working with Time

Year 11 Advanced - Discrete Probability Distributions
Year 11 Extension 1 - Reviewing the Preliminary Course

Year 12 - End of Year Activities + HSC Preparation

MATHS MIC DROP: 

A new addition where numbers get the spotlight and formulas bring the fun! In this section, we’re dropping some light-hearted mathematical humour to prove that mathematics isn’t all serious equations and calculations.

MATHS MYSTERY - Course: Year 11 Mathematics Standard

Families are encouraged to tackle this problem together. 

The time in Melbourne is 11 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The time in Honolulu is 10 hours behind UTC. A plane departs from Melbourne at 7 pm on Tuesday and lands in Honolulu 9 hours later.

What is the time and day in Honolulu when the plane lands?

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

Answer from the previous MATHS MYSTERY - $1663.50

Mrs Broady

Leader of Learning - Mathematics

Year 12 Music students Joseph Piefke and Alexander Cooper-Crowley successfully completed their HSC Music Practical Examinations on Thursday 12 September. Elective options were also presented on this day with compositions and accompanying audio files submitted earlier in the week. The Music students have worked tirelessly in preparation for their external exams and are to be commended for both their enthusiasm and commitment.

The Music students were supported by outstanding ensemble accompanists, including Liam Donnelly - drum kit, Chloe Rice - vocals and Ethan Williams - bass guitar. Throughout the year and more recently Liam, Chloe and Ethan have been dedicated to regular lunch and sometimes recess and lunch rehearsals with the Yr 12 Music students. Thank you!

We would also like to thank members of the Yr 12 cohort, 9 Elective Music students and Ms Slender who supported the Yr 12 Music students on Wednesday 11 September by attending an informal lunch concert in PA5. The supportive audience enjoyed a range of musical styles from Jazz, Mozart to the sounds of Guns N Roses. 

Ms Cheryl Curtis

Leader of Learning Performing Arts

We are excited to announce that our 2024 Year 12 Drama class have received four OnSTAGE nominations!!!!

OnSTAGE is a presentation of exemplary performances and projects by HSC Drama students at the Seymour Theatre, presented by the NSW Education Standards Authority. To be nominated for this by the markers on the day of the practical examination, is a recognition that the students have been included in the small percentage of exemplary HSC performances in the state, to be considered for an inclusion in the prestige program.   

Our nominations are as followed;

Group Performance: ‘E-arth’

Performed by Liam Donnelly, Zoe Gill, Chloe Rice and Ethan Williams

Group Performance: ‘The Emu War’

Performed by Harrison Buck, Myah Donohue, Andraya Liebrand and Lara Kumar

Individual Performance: ‘Butter’

Performed by Zoe Gill

Individual Performance: ‘Beetlejuice’

Performed by Myah Donohue

Over the coming two weeks, we will film and submit videos to NESA of the works, for consideration in the final program for the showcase that takes place in February, at the Seymour Centre in Chippendale. Regardless of inclusion or not, the nominations are an incredible pat on the back for the hard work these students have committed to their studies. It is a recognition of their talent and the way they have collaborated, and created together. 

Congratulations to the Year 12 Drama class of 2024, this is an incredible achievement. They began this HSC journey with the class motto of ‘Ohana means family, and family means nobody is left behind or forgotten”, and have demonstrated an admirable ability to lift each other up, to ensure they all succeeded together.

They should be very proud of themselves. 

Mrs Ashlee Marino

Drama Teacher

The MISA sport grand finals took place on Tuesday, 10th September, with five of Magdalene Catholic College’s teams competing for top honors. It was an eventful day, filled with both triumphant victories and hard-fought matches.

A huge congratulations to our Year 7-8 Girls Netball team and Year 9-10 Girls Netball team, who both went through the entire season undefeated. These talented ladies displayed outstanding teamwork and skill, clinching dominant victories in their grand finals against St Patrick's College. The Year 7-8 girls triumphed with an impressive 38-11 win, while the Year 9-10 girls delivered a powerful 37-18 victory.

The Junior Boys Rugby League team showed tremendous heart and determination but narrowly missed out on victory in a tough grand final against John Therry Catholic College. In a close contest, they went down 12-8.

Similarly, the Year 7-8 Boys Soccer team had an unbeaten run throughout the season. However, in their grand final against John Therry Catholic College, they were edged out 2-1 in a nail-biting finish.

Finally, our Senior Boys Cricket team also had an undefeated season but faced disappointment in the semi-finals. They bounced back, though, securing 3rd place with a well-deserved 73-58 victory over John Therry Catholic College.

Congratulations to all teams for their hard work, commitment, and sportsmanship throughout the season. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and achievements!

This term, our Year 7 and 8 debating teams have been competing against other schools for the MISA Debating Competition. Well done to our students who have displayed enthusiasm, growth, and learning every round. 

Some of the topics that students have debated this term include:

• That we should should start the school day later
• That the grass is greener on the other side
• That we should raise the legal age to drive
• That we should selectively stream classes according to ability

All our debaters have diligently approached each topic, critically considering what arguments to present, researching statistics, writing, and then practising their speeches. Most of our debaters in these teams are new to debating, so they are commended for their efforts.

We look forward to updating the College as the competition progresses into Term 4! 

Miss Jia Wang

Debating Coordinator

Well done to the following Year 9 and Year 10 students who represented Magdalene Catholic College at their respective MISA Public Speaking Competitions.

• Taylor Young (9)
• Connor Spiers (9)
• Lachlan Chadwick (10)
• Sienna Beller (10)

All students spoke exceptionally well during the prepared and impromptu sections of their competitions in front of a panel of Toastmaster judges and other schools. At this level, students are not only expected to speak clearly, but also consider how they can use their manner, body language, and voice to communicate their ideas.

Our student representatives spoke about an important issue of their choosing, which included the failures of our criminal justice system, taking care of our rural communities, the cost-of-living crisis, and the ongoing effects of colonisation.

Here from our students below:

Connor Spiers and Taylor Young: “The MISA Public Speaking competition was a lot of fun. We were able to meet new people and experience an environment that we were not used to. It also helped to develop confidence and speaking skills in front of other people. We got asked challenging questions that let us think about our environment and society, which widened our thoughts on different scenarios.”

Lachlan Chadwick and Sienna Beller: “On Thursday the 5th of September we had the opportunity to take part in the MISA Public Speaking Competition. The competition consisted of 25 speakers from schools across the Macarthur region that all had compelling and interesting topics to. We found the day to be a great opportunity to meet with other passionate speakers from other schools and challenged us to push our limits in presenting our own insightful speech. Thank you to Miss Wang especially for her continuous effort during the process of this competition.”

Miss Jia Wang

Debating Coordinator

This fortnight, we added another 32km to our cumulative total - this means that we've travelled from Langley Vale to Bonny Hills (as the crow flies), and have achieved a cumulative total of 365km so far.

Join us every Tuesday and Thursday 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! See Mr Cimino for more details.

Private music tuition will be available for all students starting Term 4. The music lessons will be provided by Macarthur Music Academy and under the supervision of the Director Mr David Eaton. Tuition will initially be available on the electric, acoustic and bass guitar, piano, voice and drum kit. The cost of lessons are $35 per week and will be billed directly to parents each term. At this stage the lessons will begin in CAPA on Tuesday afternoons during SPORT. To register your interest please speak to Ms Slender (Music Teacher) or Ms Curtis (Music Teacher).

Cheryl Curtis

Leader of Learning Performing Arts

curtisc01@dow.catholic.edu.au