Dear parents, carers and students,

As many of you would be aware, today, November 1, we celebrate All Saints' Day, a significant occasion on our liturgical calendar. All Saints’ Day honours all saints, known and unknown, who have led exemplary lives of faith and are believed to be in heaven. It’s a day for Catholics to seek intercession from these holy figures and to aspire toward living lives modelled on their virtues. This day emphasises the hope of eternal life and the inspiration found in the lives of saints who have come before us.

This week has seen the completion of week 3 of the 2024 Higher School Certificate exams. I commend all our year 12 students on the way that they have prepared themselves and carried out these significant assessments. I also thank the parent and family members who have no doubt been their strongest supporters during what has been a significant period for all our students. I look forward to seeing the rewards for these efforts when the HSC results are released in December. 

In recognising the efforts of our outgoing Year 12 cohort, I also acknowledge our incoming Year 12 cohort who this week commenced their formal Year 12 Higher School Certificate courses. In recent weeks we have tried to impress upon the students that all their work from this point forward will contribute towards their final HSC mark and so conscientious and diligent study routines are essential. I thank all parents, Year 12 teachers and the pastoral team for their support of this cohort and look forward to a successful and rewarding year ahead. I particularly acknowledge the work of Mr Manns and Mrs Lapa who have supported our students so well throughout this significant time. 

Over the past fortnight, the College has participated in a School Cyclic Review process that assists schools in developing their strategic plans for the next 4 years. Parent feedback, including the findings of the 2024 Tell Them From Me Surveys were included in this process, so too was the feedback from a range of parent, student and teacher interview panels. I thank the parents who composed the parent panels and look forward to implementing the findings of the expert panel in the years to come, in conjunction with our parents, student and staff communities. 

In acknowledging the role that our parent community plays in informing the work of the College, I also take the opportunity this week to invite all parents to our final P&F meeting for the year. This will take place on Tuesday 5th November at 7pm in the College Library. Whether you have attended previously or not, you are most certainly welcome to join us on the night. 

Best wishes for the week ahead

David Cloran

Principal

Today, 1st November,  we celebrate the feast of All Saints.  At this time each year, we focus on the great communion of saints.

On All Saints Day, we remember and celebrate the wonderful company of saints. On All Souls Day, which is the following day, 2nd November – we think of those who have died – friends, colleagues, relatives …… others whom we have gone to school with …….whom we have known …worked with …laughed with …. wept with …walked with. 

Many of these people are not famous. Their statues are not in churches but their pictures are in our homes and their stories alive in our community, and in us. We know of their goodness and their struggles. We pray for them, and remember them with love, celebrating in faith their journey to God, now within the great communion of saints.

A Prayer for All Saints for Families at Home

Loving God, we remember all those great women and men, whose lives were so filled with love for you, that people’s lives were changed forever through them. Let us open our hearts to have the courage to say “yes” to you when we are called to do your will. We pray that we, like the saints, may live lives of courage and commitment to your way. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Litany of Saints

Litany of Saints is an ancient prayer where we ask the Saints to pray for us. This is a short version of Saints that are significant to our communities in the area. After each saint name you are invited to repeat - Pray for us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God- Pray for us 

Saint Clare

Saint Justin

Saint John the Baptist

Saint Joseph

Saint Peter and Paul

Saint Benedict

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Saint Francis

Saint Mary Magdalene

It is important to remember and celebrate the saints in our Catholic Tradition and the souls of those who have gone before us.

Mr Damian Sligar

Acting Religious Education Coordinator

Dear Parents/Carers,

We would like to inform you that on Wednesday, 6th November, our Year 8 students will be participating in a Diocesan Religious Literacy Assessment (RLA), which will take place during their regular classes. The Assessment aims to provide informative data concerning students' religious literacy based on the Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8) outcomes of the Religious Education Curriculum. Please ensure that your child brings their laptop fully charged, as it will be essential for completing the assessment.

Key Details:

Time: 50 minutes (plus 5 minutes reading time)

Date: Wednesday, 6th November

Format: Multiple-choice

Location: Regular classrooms

Content: Year 7 and Year 8 RE topics

Equipment: Fully charged laptops

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@mccdow.catholic.edu.au.

Kind regards,

Mr. Damian Sligar

Acting Religious Education Coordinator

On Friday, October 25th, our students and staff came together in colourful style for our Catholic Mission Socktober event, donning vibrant socks to “Sock it to Poverty!” The event raised both awareness and support for those facing poverty in Mongolia, showing the compassion and solidarity of our school community.

The day was filled with excitement and through our participation and contributions, we came together to stand in solidarity with our global neighbours, making a positive impact one step at a time.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this wonderful cause!

We were thrilled to welcome Fr. James, the newly appointed priest at St. Paul’s Parish Camden, to our Year 12 Studies in Catholic Thought class. His visit provided an inspiring and eye-opening experience as he shared his personal journey to the priesthood and the path that led him to devote his life to serving God and the community. Fr. James captivated our students with stories from his years of discernment and formation, describing the profound experiences and challenges that shaped his calling and commitment.

Following his talk, students were invited to engage in a lively and thoughtful discussion. Fr. James answered their questions right up until the bell, addressing a range of topics from the daily life of a priest to the deeper aspects of Catholic beliefs, traditions, and the role of the Church in the modern world. His reflections on the importance of faith, prayer, and community left a lasting impression, and students commented on how much they appreciated the chance to gain insight into a way of life often unfamiliar to them.

This session proved to be an invaluable experience, giving students a unique perspective on faith in action and offering an inspiring example of service.

We’re excited that Fr. James will be returning soon to speak with more of our Year 12 students. His visits promise to continue sparking curiosity and reflection among our students.

Sarah Neasy

Youth Ministry Coordinator & Religion Assistant Leader of Learning

The 2024 Year 7 Challenge Cup has officially begun at Magdalene Catholic College, sparking excitement and house pride across the campus. Year 7 students have enthusiastically taken to the fields, courts, and pitches to represent their houses in various sports, including Basketball, Netball, OzTag, Touch Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, and Soccer. With the first two weeks complete, students have demonstrated both skill and spirit as they compete in the name of house glory.

In Week 1, Dunne boys set the tone in Ultimate Frisbee, securing a strong 19-10 victory over Moore. The Touch Football game saw the Hogan girls triumph over Moore with a score of 10-5, showcasing impressive teamwork. Over on the OzTag field, the Hogan boys also came out on top, defeating Patrician 12-8. The girls’ Netball match between Chisholm and Bruchhauser was a hard-fought game, with Bruchhauser emerging victorious, 8-4. In Basketball, the Bruchhauser boys dominated, beating Chisholm 54-17. The Sedgwick girls shone in Soccer with a decisive 15-4 win over Patrician, while in Volleyball, the Dunne girls narrowly bested the Sedgwick boys, winning 21-17.

Week 2 brought even more intense competition and close results. The Hogan boys extended their winning streak in Basketball, scoring a remarkable 52-2 win against Dunne. The Patrician girls faced Bruchhauser in OzTag, edging out a 12-11 victory in a close game. Meanwhile, the Moore boys took control on the Soccer field, defeating Sedgwick 9-1. The Patrician boys showcased their Touch Football skills with a narrow 10-9 win over Bruchhauser. Ultimate Frisbee fans were treated to an exciting match between the Chisholm and Sedgwick girls, which ended in a rare 24-all draw. In Netball, the Hogan girls displayed their prowess with a convincing 28-10 win over Dunne, and in Volleyball, the Moore girls claimed victory over the Chisholm boys.

The Year 7 Challenge Cup is off to a thrilling start, with students showing exemplary sportsmanship and competitive spirit. As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on the next round of matchups as each house battles it out for the prestigious title. Stay tuned to see which house will emerge victorious in this year’s Challenge Cup!

Week 1 MVP's

Jordan Maembe - Ultimate Frisbee

Addison Agius - Touch Football

Matthew Lynch - OzTag

Imogen Whitney - Netball

Leonardo La Tella - Basketball

Lola Payne - Soccer

Amelia Beauchamp - Volleyball

Week 2 MVP's

Aston Muller - Basketball

Troy Smutek - OzTag

Jake Bitacurt - Soccer

Archie Sheehan - Touch Football

Eloise Willamson / Aurora Owen - Ultimate Frisbee

Samantha Preece - Netball

Izabella Chahda / Biance Colusso - Volleyball 

Mrs Krista Harrison

Congratulations to Maddox Mascari in Year 8, who has been succesful in being offered a scholarship in the South West Sydney Academy of Sport! Maddox was selected into the Wests Future Stars Program for 2024/2025 for his cycling. 

Get to know the SRC for the 2024-2025 academic year.

We’re excited to introduce the new Student Representative Council for the 2024-2025 academic year. These talented young individuals are dedicated to representing our student body and making a positive impact in our community. Please take the time to read a little about each of our students below:

Name: Dom Adamovic

Favourite Subject: Math and Music.

What I will do to help students in our year group over the next year: I will support and encourage my peers, in academics, sporting and extracurricular activities, and bring their ideas to meetings to make sure their voices are heard.

What I am hoping to achieve in the Magdalene Community over the next year: I am hoping to help the more senior leaders build a supportive environment and create opportunities for different avenues of growth in our community.

Motto to live by: You should never regret anything in life. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience - Victoria Holt

Name: Susana De Castro Pereira

Favourite Subject: English

What I will do to help students in our year group over the next year: Be a voice for those who can’t speak up for themselves 

What I am hoping to achieve in the Magdalene Community over the next year: Strengthen our school’s focus on faith

Motto to live by: 1 Corinthians 16:14 “Let all that you do be done in love”

Name: Jade Scott

Favourite Subject: English/ PASS

What I will do to help students in our year group over the next year: Be a student voice for all students and be open minded in taking on opinions and ideas for the future of Magdalene.

What I am hoping to achieve in the Magdalene Community over the next year: To create change for the better and be not only a leader but an approachable friend for all, striving to see Improvements in our School community.

Motto to live by: Be the change you want to see in the world.

Name: Dylan Teuma

Favourite subject: Music, followed closely by Mathematics.

What I will do to help students in our year group over the next year: I will organise or suggest events that will bring our cohort together, such as ideas for our Year 9 house cup.

What I am hoping to achieve in the Magdalene Community over the next year: Help organise and set up for college events and participate in the many extra curricular activities and opportunities our school provides.

A motto I live by: "Live life to the fullest, and focus on the positive." - Matt Cameron

Miss Tahlia Cupillari

Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Our Year 12 students have kicked off their final year of high school with an exciting Week 1 full of celebration, reflection, and unity. This milestone year brings a blend of anticipation and determination, as students embrace the last leg of their high school journey with the theme “The Rest is Still Unwritten.” This theme encourages students to see this year as a unique opportunity to shape their stories, step into their potential, and make lasting memories.

The excitement was evident as students gathered for their first official Year 12 class photo, capturing a moment they’ll look back on for years to come. This was followed by a symbolic activity in which each student potted a plant representing their personal growth and commitment to nurturing their strengths in this final school year. These plants, cared for individually, will serve as powerful symbols of growth, resilience, and the promise of what’s still to come.

A morning tea brought the students together to celebrate the start of Year 12. They shared laughs, stories, and the collective sense of pride in reaching this important milestone. The morning tea was a special moment to connect, as they acknowledged both the journey that has led them here and the journey still to unfold.

The entire week has been a celebration of unity, growth, and optimism. As Year 12 students embark on this final chapter, the support from family, friends, and the school community will be crucial in guiding them towards a year of learning, personal development, and achievement. Here’s to an incredible year ahead for Year 12, where they will write the final pages of their high school story!

Mr Manns

Year 12 Coordinator

Mrs Lapa 

Year 12 Assistant Coordinator

On October 24th, our Year 12 leaders gathered for a productive Planning Day, marking an important step in their leadership journey. This event allowed students to build essential skills in communication, presentation, and teamwork, all of which will help them positively impact their peers' learning, well-being, and spiritual growth.

The Planning Day focused on collaboration, emphasising that leadership is not a solo effort but a team endeavour. Our students worked together to set goals and develop ideas that will strengthen our school’s community spirit and values. This collaborative spirit sets a powerful example for younger students, showing how we can thrive when we unite and support one another.

Thank you to Mrs Lapa, Mr Bubb and Mr Cloran for supporting our incoming leaders. Your encouragement makes a meaningful difference, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of these Year 12 leaders throughout the school year!

Mr Tim Manns

Year 12 Coordinator

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 - Properties of Geometrical Figures

Year 8 - Linear Relationships

Year 9 -  Data Analysis

Year 10 (5.1) - Linear Relationships

Year 10 (5.2) - Non-Linear Relationships

Year 10 (5.3) - Non-Linear Relationships

Year 12 Numeracy - Life After School

Year 12 Standard - Trigonometry

Year 12 Advanced - Sequences and Series
Year 12 Extension 1 - Proof by Mathematical Induction

Year 12 Extension 2 - Introduction to Complex Numbers

MATHS MIC DROP: 

Why shouldn’t you ever argue with a 90 degree angle? 

Scroll down to see the answer

MATHS MYSTERY - Course: Year 7 Mathematics

Families are encouraged to tackle this problem together. 

Use the properties of special quadrilaterals to find the value of a, b and c.

Year 11 Earth and Environmental Excursion to the Australian Museum

In week 1, Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science students embarked on a rich excursion to the Australian Museum, delving into Australia's rich geological history and abundant natural resources. They explored exhibits on fossils, the movement of tectonic plates over time, and the environments that ancient dinosaurs once inhabited before their extinction. Interactive displays revealed the processes behind mineral formation and the origins of valuable geologic resources, giving students a deeper appreciation of Earth's dynamic changes. Tasked with linking their observations to broader environmental concepts, students engaged in activities designed to foster critical thinking and collaboration. With over 21 million scientific specimens and cultural artefacts, the museum provided an expansive learning environment, leaving students with new perspectives and sparking insightful reflections shared in their review comments below:

Charlotte Cornett

The Australian Museum visit was extremely engaging, and provided strong links to the geological timeline aspect of our Earth and Environmental course while also referencing the role of organisms in this timeline, which relates to our year 12 studies. The exhibits were well laid out, educational, and evoked an interest in learning more about the subject matter we explored in the different sections, especially in the Wild Planet exhibit (My personal favourite).

Tadanashe Mauwa

During the excursion visiting the Australian Museum in Sydney, we engaged in different sections, including the wild planet, shifting continents, dinosaurs and fossils, climate change and surviving Australia, Aboriginal, and minerals areas, minerals being my favourite. The minerals displays connected with our Module 1 lessons.

Matilda Post

I enjoyed the entire wild planet exhibit as I found learning about the different types of animals that were around the world thousands and even millions of years ago interesting, also how animals today have evolved due to changing climates and circumstances.

Scarlett Smit

Favourite exhibit - Wildlife, taxidermy was fun to look at

Experience - I enjoyed it, I have been there a million times. I love just reading fun facts about odd fossils and animals. My favourite was the Demon Duck of Doom!

Jessica Vida

I enjoyed the Australian Museum, and my favourite exhibit was the minerals, as it was fascinating reading about their formation and use. The dinosaurs were related to Earth's resources and the geologic timescale, and possibly linked to fossil formation (Earth's processes) in year 12. The minerals were related to Earth's resources, specifically the rocks, minerals and rock cycle section, and are possibly linked to changes in the geosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere (Earth's processes) in year 12. 

Students in Year 10 Commerce have been studying Law in Action. Throughout this topic, students investigated a range of situations in which individuals may come in contact with the law. They have examined the legal rights and responsibilities of individuals in society and the range of options available for dispute resolution. 

To apply their knowledge and skills students undertook a Mock Trial of the case of Spongebob Squarepants, who was accused of murdering Mr Krabs. Students worked in teams analysing the various pieces of evidence and witness testimonies. Students then presented arguments for the prosecution and defence. 

The students thoroughly enjoyed this learning experience and demonstrated skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Ms Helen Said

Acting HSIE Leader of Learning

This fortnight, we added another 21km to our cumulative total - this means that we've travelled from Port Macquarie to Ballengarra (as the crow flies), and have achieved a cumulative total of 405km 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.

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.