In this last week’s Gospel reading, Jesus warned against the scribes who seek attention and honour, yet exploit the vulnerable. He then contrasts their behaviour with that of a poor widow, who humbly offers two small coins at the temple. Though her contribution is modest, Jesus praises her for giving all she has, unlike the wealthy who give only from their abundance. This passage reminds us that true generosity is not measured by the size of our gift, but by the intention behind it. In our lives, we are called to give not only from what we have, but also from a place of compassion and humility. Jesus’ message challenges us to prioritise kindness and sacrifice over recognition, valuing the small acts of love that often go unseen.

As we reach the halfway point of term, it is clear that there is no slowing down in terms of the events that are taking place here at Magdalene. On Wednesday night, we celebrated the talented artists that we have here at Magdalene with the 22nd edition of Magdalene Impressions. The attendance of family and friends of the College surpassed all expectations and I pass on my thanks to Mrs Ashlee Marino and the CAPA staff for hosting such a wonderful event, and congratulate all students whose works were showcased. On Thursday night we celebrated the Year 12 Formal at the Campbelltown Catholic Club which gave the Class of 2024 one last opportunity to come together and acknowledge such a momentous occasion. Finally, later this evening, we are thrilled to have 7 Magdalene students nominated at the 2024 Annual CDF Sports Awards in Wollongong and I look forward to publishing further results from this in the coming weeks. 

Earlier this week, three of our senior students, Adelaide Bell, Dante Roldan and Santino Vecchio, accompanied Mr Manns to the Camden Remembrance Day Ceremony where they were invited to lay a wreath on behalf of the wider College community. A report on this event is seen later in this Newsletter. Back at Magdalene, the College paused for a minute's silence to honour the courage, sacrifice and resilience of those who have served, and continue to serve, in conflicts around the world.

In recent months, we have been investigating the opportunity to invite external companies to operate our College canteen. Since opening in the early years of Magdalene, we have been reliant on the availability of volunteers to run the canteen in its current format. In recent years, for many, varied and valid reasons, our supply of volunteers has made it more difficult to run the canteen in its current format. Should the decision be made to outsource the operation of the canteen to an external company, it would likely take effect from the beginning of the new year. We will keep our student and parent community updated as this process evolves. 

Last Friday, our Year 12 pastoral team led the coordination of our involvement in the World’s Greatest Shave, raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. Over 30 of our senior students volunteered to take part in the event, raising awareness of blood cancer and in support of Year 12 student Jack Dickson. I congratulate all students (and teachers) who took part and thank former student and now qualified barber, Bailey Ferns, who joined us on the day to lend his expertise. 

Last Tuesday, the College hosted our final P&F Association meeting for the year in the College library. As part of the meeting, the P&F agreed to provide generous financial support to Magdalene’s involvement in the 2025 Australian Space Design Competition in Brisbane next January. Magdalene has been invited specifically to participate in next year's event as a result of their performance last year, placing us in the top 10 schools across Australia. I thank all members of the P&F for your support throughout the year, and especially Mr David Cornett who has done an outstanding job as our President throughout 2024. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal

World Kindness Day was on Wednesday 13th November. At Magdalene, we do not just expect kindness from our students, we teach them. We teach our students to be concerned about the welfare of others; their peers, staff, family, local community and global community. We offer opportunities for students to help those who live in poverty especially through charitable works.

Kindness (or “kind” or “kindly”) appears dozens of times in Scripture. What does Scripture teach us about kindness? St Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthians that kindness is related to love, the greatest of God’s gifts and what it looks like in our everyday lives. How do we measure up to St Paul’s description of love?

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

St Vincent de Paul was known for his charitable work for the poor.  Today his followers  continue the good work of helping and supporting the poor and those experiencing  financial difficulties.  Many towns and parishes have a St Vincent de Paul Society, an organisation that helps the poor.  They collect food and clothing and provide meals for people in need. Magdalene shows kindness to the poor and needy in our area by helping our local St Vincent de Paul Society in their Winter and Christmas appeals.

Kindness is simply loving our neighbours as ourselves — putting others in our place. God allows us to see and respect the God-given dignity of our neighbour. Let us pray that we all may truly be “apostles of kindness” as we strive to live out the love of God in our daily lives. May everyday be “World Kindness Day”.

Mr Sligar

Acting Religious Education Coordinator

On November 11, three of our Magdalene students – Adelaide Bell, Dante Roldan, and Santino Vecchio – had the honour of attending the Camden Remembrance Day ceremony. They joined community members, veterans, and dignitaries in paying tribute to the brave servicemen and women who have sacrificed for Australia.

Standing in solemn remembrance, the students represented Magdalene College with pride and respect, wearing their uniforms with dignity as they participated in the wreath-laying ceremony. Their presence symbolised not only their own gratitude but that of our entire school community, honouring those who served and acknowledging the freedoms their sacrifices have made possible.

Remembrance Day holds profound significance as a time to reflect on the courage and selflessness of those who gave their all for the future generations. We are proud of Adelaide, Dante, and Santino, and grateful for their representation of our school on this important day.

In Term 4 our Year 7 and Year 8 MISA debating teams have been diligently working together as we move into the finals season. 

In Round 5 our Year 7 teams debated ‘That parents should not buy luxury items for their children’, against Broughton Anglican College and John Terry Catholic College. Our teams argued that parents should be teaching their children how to take care of valued goods, the importance of not being materialistic and selfish, and the value of some luxury items such as phones and laptops. 

Congratulations to one of our Year 7 teams who were successful in progressing to the Quarter Finals of the competition where they competed against St Francis Catholic College on the topic ‘That Minecraft should be allowed at school’, where they were arguing the negative. While they were not successful in progressing to the Semi Finals, our team raised insightful points such as the risk of distraction, building healthy learning habits and the dangerous imagery in Minecraft.

In their last debate of this season, our Year 8 MISA debating team debated against Mount Carmel Catholic College for the topic ‘That the media should give equal coverage to mens and womens sports’. Our team argued that women deserve equal rights to representation, growing participation in female sports, and the opportunity for advertising resulting in a higher salary. Their insightful arguments, team work and presentation won Year 8 their debate. 

Congratulations to all our debaters on a successful season!

The excitement is building as we edge closer to the conclusion of the Year 7 Challenge Cup. Students have been giving their all in every match, with the competition bringing out the best in sportsmanship and skill across a range of sports.

Week 3 Recap: The action in Week 3 was electrifying, with some standout performances across the board. In Ultimate Frisbee, Sedgwick boys secured a solid 8-4 victory against Bruchhauser. The Oztag field saw a nail-biter, as the boys from Dunne narrowly defeated Chisholm in a closely fought battle. Meanwhile, Moore boys put on a clinic in Basketball, overpowering Patrician 38-1. The Volleyball match between Sedgwick girls and Hogan boys ended in a tense draw, showcasing the impressive effort from both teams.

The girls’ games were equally intense. Bruchhauser girls claimed a 6-1 win over Hogan, while Patrician girls edged out Moore 9-6 in an exciting Netball clash. Dunne girls showed impressive strength and coordination in Touch Football, defeating Chisholm with a commanding 12-1 score.

Week 4 Highlights: Week 4 brought even more thrilling moments. Patrician boys clinched a hard-fought 5-3 victory against Chisholm in Soccer, and Moore boys displayed speed and skill to win 7-2 over Hogan in Touch Football. On the Basketball court, Bruchhauser boys outplayed Sedgwick 15-4.

Volleyball fans witnessed an exhilarating game, as Chisholm girls narrowly beat Dunne boys in a close contest, 46-41. The girls’ matches kept the energy high: Dunne girls secured a 7-2 win over Moore in Oztag, Patrician girls triumphed 35-28 over Hogan in Ultimate Frisbee, and Sedgwick girls dominated Bruchhauser in Netball with an impressive 15-2 victory.

Congratulations to all the players for their exceptional sportsmanship and participation. Keep up the incredible effort as we move closer to the final stages of the Challenge Cup!

Week 3 MVP's

Koby Bell

Eloise Williamson

William Jones

Ruby Fox

Indiana Grieve

Harper Billingham

Mia Bulyk

Jackson D'Silva

Emily Croke

Week 4 MVP's

Marko Bazdaric

Victoria Russell

Maddeline Vella

Montanna Lockell

Nash Hoppitt

Amelia-Maree Beauchamp

Kristijan Bosnjak

Autumn Byas

Challenge Cup Ladder

1st Patrician - 24 points

2nd Moore - 18 points

3rd Hogan - 17 points

= 4th Bruchhauser, Dunne, Sedgwick - 16 points

7th Chisholm - 12 points

In an exciting display of House spirit, Year 12 students teamed up with Year 7 during extended Pastoral Care on Thursday, the 7th, for a spirited House challenge. Each House designed their own unique horse and nominated jockeys for an energetic relay race. The event was filled with laughter, friendly rivalry, and a strong sense of community as senior students encouraged and led their younger peers with enthusiasm. Congratulations to Sedgwick House on their well-deserved victory!

Thank you to Year 7 who designed the flyers below for the Magdalene Cup Challenge!

On Thursday, 30th October, Oliver Bromley and Charlotte Cornett represented Magdalene Catholic College at the Year 11 MISA Public Speaking Competition where they presented both a prepared and an impromptu speech. 

Both students represented our school with pride and performed remarkably well, and the judges commended them on their presentation, speaking skills, and choice of topics. Oliver spoke about the importance of speaking up about mental health and seeking help when we are in need of support from others. Charlotte presented her speech on the pressures to achieve and the coping strategies we can employ to try our best. Oliver and Charlotte used a variety of engaging rhetorical devices and speaking skills to make their speeches captivating and thought provoking for their audience.

Congratulations to both Oliver and Charlotte for showing courage and pushing themselves to achieve their personal best! 

Hear from Oliver and Charlotte about their experience:

Public speaking is something I never thought I’d do competitively, but for the MISA Public Speaking Competition we were asked to write a 5-6 speech about a significant issue, and I decided to give it a go. It was extremely nerve-wracking to enter a room of highly talented 17-year-olds, but learning about a range of human experiences through listening to other people’s speeches, and gaining the confidence to speak in front of a room of people who were basically strangers, were memorable and inspiring aspects of a slightly stressful but overall incredible opportunity. Miss Wang was an incredible mentor throughout the preparation process, and her guidance and support made this an incredible experience. - Charlotte Cornett 

The competition was definitely challenging, impromptu speaking definitely isn’t easy, but we both persevered. It was really fun to visit St Francis and make friends with students from other schools in the local area. With big thanks to Miss Wang's guidance, we were able to put together a decent script, ultimately, making it a very worthwhile learning experience as speaking skills are essential for life. - Oliver Bromley 

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you for successfully completing your Higher School Certificate. This is an incredible achievement, and one that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and resilience.

The journey to the HSC has been anything but easy. It’s been a year of late nights, early mornings, intense study sessions, and balancing the pressures of exams with the demands of daily life. Throughout it all, you’ve demonstrated remarkable perseverance, adaptability, and maturity, qualities that will continue to serve you well no matter where your future takes you.

You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished. This milestone is not just about the exams or the marks; it’s about the growth you’ve experienced as individuals. Over the course of your studies, you’ve built skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork. You've faced challenges, celebrated successes, and learned valuable lessons that will continue to shape your personal and professional lives.

As you wait for your results, we hope you take the time to reflect on the journey, celebrate the victories, big and small, and recognise the progress you've made. While this may be the end of your formal school years, it is only the beginning of the exciting adventures that lie ahead.

Whether you're heading straight into further study, starting an apprenticeship, beginning a career, or taking some time to travel and explore your passions, we know that you have the potential to achieve great things. Your hard work and commitment have laid a solid foundation for whatever comes next, and the future is full of opportunities waiting to be seized.

On behalf of the entire school community, we want to wish you all the best of luck for your upcoming results and for the exciting journey ahead. No matter where life takes you, remember to stay curious, keep learning, and always chase your dreams.

Congratulations, Year 12 – you’ve earned it!

Celebrate your success. Embrace your future. Always BELIEVE!

Last Thursday, 7HSIE1 was honoured to welcome Mr. Veness into our classroom to expand our knowledge of climate graphs. Mr. Veness taught us a useful acronym that further expanded our understanding of how to create a neat and accurate climatic graph; this improved our graphing skills and reinforced the importance of having accurate data. In this session, we learnt how to visually represent precipitation and temperature on a climate graph.
We were given challenges to make our own graphs, which allowed us to become more familiar with reading and interpreting data. As well as noticing patterns in climate and weather in different environments—typically over the span of 12 months.  Year seven HSIE1 had an amazing time learning; we were very lucky to have Mr. Veness and Mrs. Russo guiding us throughout this lesson.

From Year 7HSIE1

In the Year 7 to 8 Technology Mandatory course, we’re exploring digital technologies and how they can be applied to our future-facing world. Areas of exploration that we’ve discovered include robotics and automated technologies that link to how our world is ever-changing with automated processes in fields such as search and rescue and medical areas. Throughout this course, we’ve worked together to achieve many wonderful experiences pushing us through the barrier of our imagination so we can achieve a greater world in the future. As part of our assessment task, we’re using a Sphero robotic device to demonstrate how robotic devices can contribute to ending world hunger in remote, third-world communities, such as the Philippines. Together, we’ve designed a route that will theoretically drive around neighbourhoods feeding the poor and those in need. Before we develop our final solution, we must complete a range of different challenges by using Spheros, RVR’s, and Codey Rocky’s to enhance our understanding of programming concepts and improve our problem-solving skills.

8TECA - Katelyn Kilby, Shayla Fairley, Liam Carver and Charlie Beeby.

Stage 5 Music Excursion - Sydney Opera House

On Friday 08 November Year 9 and 10 Elective Music students travelled by train to the Sydney Opera House to attend a concert presented by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The concert repertoire included the music of JS Bach with his Brandenburg Concerto No.3 and CPE BACH Flute Concerto in G featuring soloist Joshua Batty and Simone Young on harpsichord. However the highlight of the program was the performance of Mozart's Symphony No.41, ‘Jupiter’ Symphony. Mozart’s 41st and final symphony nicknamed ‘Jupiter’ displayed characteristics of the Classical style whilst looking forward to the Romantic era. 

Following the Sydney Symphony performance, students and staff participated in a one hour Sydney Opera House Tour. A highlight of the tour included visiting the Joan Sutherland Theatre, the second largest indoor venue in the Opera House with a seated capacity for up to 1507. The theatre features an extensive fly system, flexible staging and large orchestra pit. During our theatre tour, we had the privilege of sitting in on a dance rehearsal, offering us a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production process for the new ballet titled ‘Oscar’ based on the life and writings of Oscar Wilde. The students were delightful throughout the day, and Ms. Slender and Ms. Curtis would like to commend them for their respectful and engaging behaviour during both the concert and the Sydney Opera House tour.

Student Reflections

The excursion to the Opera House was an enlightening experience. We were allowed to sit behind the Orchestra and watch Simone Young conduct in the beautiful Concert Hall, where all the instruments were played acoustically and naturally amplified by the architecture and layout of the Hall. The tour showed us many amazing parts of the Opera House, and there were stunning views of the ocean through the windows surrounding the entire building.  

Dominic Adamovic

The excursion to the Sydney Opera house was a very exciting and vivid experience that was a highlight to my year 9 music year. The conductor, Simone Young was very talented and showed the level of skill and made the experience a truly wonderful and interesting exploration into the skill and absolute wonderful acoustics that the Sydney symphony orchestra possessed. 

Luca Saprun

The music excursion to the Sydney Opera House was a great experience that allowed us to experience Mozart's Jupiter Symphony conducted by International Conductor Simone Young. My standout of this excursion was the tour around the opera house with our guide Peter, who taught us about the history of the building and the artists who have performed there.

Dylan Teuma

National Anthem Volunteers

Our Creative and Performing Arts Councillors for 2025 Charlotte Cornett and Diana Adamovic currently alternate the duties of leading the singing of the National Anthem at official school functions. However, all students of the College are invited to lead the singing of the National Anthem at College events and enthusiastic vocalists are asked to register their interests with Ms Slender or Ms Curtis.

Private music tuition has begun at Magdalene Catholic College. The music lessons are provided by Macarthur Music Academy and under the supervision of the Director Mr David Eaton. Music tuition is available on the electric, acoustic and bass guitar, piano, voice and drum kit. The cost of lessons are $35 per week and are billed directly to parents each term. At this stage the student response to the lessons has been greater than the time available. The College is looking at additional times to extend the program both for the remainder of this term but also for 2025. To register your interest for 2025 please speak to Ms Slender (Music Teacher) or Ms Curtis (Music Teacher).

Ms Cheryl Curtis

Leader of Learning - Performing Arts

On Thursday 31st October, Magdalene's Opens Cricket Team played their second round match against St John XXIII at Stanhope Gardens in the Downie Trophy Cricket Competition. After being set a total of 220 runs to chase, our team only just went down by two runs, displaying great spirit and determination in all aspects of the game. 

Congratulations to all members of the team -  James Sinfield, James Tidy, Jake Murray, Koby Hamilton-Jones, Will Morris, Joel Parish, Harrison Sinfield, Zac Condon, Declan Donaghey, Bella Stevens, Sean Brazier, Christine Brazier and Harry Kirkman for their outstanding efforts in representing the College on the day (as pictured below).

All students showed excellent sportsmanship throughout the day and it was definitely a memorable performance from the Magdalene team. In particular, some great bowling and fielding efforts by James Sinfield (4/41) and James Tidy (2/26) as well as the positive attitude shown by all on the field. Our batting efforts were outstanding - James Sinfield (50), Jake Murray (25) and Koby Hamilton-Jones (105 - pictured below). Well done to the team for being part of such an entertaining and high quality match.

Finally, as some students are in Year 11 this year, this match was their last Downie Trophy competition match. Thank you for your contribution and leadership you have shown to the Magdalene Opens Cricket team, being positive role models to all and the College will look to continue the efforts in 2025.

With the holiday season approaching, our school is once again partnering with Vinnies to support families facing challenges during this time. We’re collecting donations to help Vinnies create Christmas hampers for families in need, and we’d love your help!

We’re asking students to bring in the following items and place them in the collection tubs located in the top quad next week:

Christmas Stockings (assorted)

Chips, Popcorn, or Pretzels

Lollies and Candy Canes

Custard

Cookies, Biscuits, Wafers, or Crackers

Popper Drinks, Cordial, or Juice

Nuts and Sultanas

Mince Pies

Christmas Napkins, Plates, etc.

Canned Fruit

Pancake Mix

Vinnies will pick up all donations on the 29th of November, please bring items in as early as possible! Thank you for helping us spread comfort and joy to families in need this Christmas season.

Sarah Neasy 

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Starting this week, our Justice and Mercy Councillors along with Youth Ministry Leaders will be selling candy canes during recess for $2 each as part of our Vinnies Christmas Appeal. This is a great way for students to spread holiday cheer by sending a candy cane to a friend, teacher, or even themselves! Candy canes come with a choice of pre-written messages, or students can personalize their own. All candy canes will be delivered in Week 9.

Every dollar raised will go towards supporting our efforts to bring joy to those in need this Christmas. We encourage students to get involved and support this meaningful cause! Thank you for helping us make the season a little brighter for everyone.

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Webinars

Building your future: architecture and the built environment | Wednesday 13 November 4 – 4:30 pm

Are your students interested in studying architecture and the built environment? In this webinar, we will explore how studying at the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning can help you develop transferable skills to pursue a variety of careers across architecture, urban planning and design, sustainability consulting, construction and property. Join us to see how our degrees can provide you with the skills and experience to build your future career. Register here.

Why study civil engineering at Sydney? | Wednesday 20 November 4 – 4:30 pm

Discover how our Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Civil Engineering) can equip you for the challenges and opportunities in the evolving world of infrastructure and development. You will explore a variety of specialised fields such as water, structures, geotechnical, humanitarian and transport engineering. Gain insights into our Professional Engagement Program, modern engineering precinct and career paths available to our civil engineering students. Register here.

Are you interested in being an Entrepreneur?

On the 3rd of December 2024 the University of Technology Sydney is running the UTS Startups Summit 2024.

The UTS Startups Summit brings students in year 9 and 10 at school together for a day of inspiration around entrepreneurship by hearing from young entrepreneurs about their work, who they are and how others can follow their example.  Students will hear from young entrepreneurs with backgrounds like their own, sharing what they’re doing, how they’re doing it, who they are and how those watching can take their first steps. 

The theme this year is 'AI in Action' and the keynote speaker for the day is the Canva co-founder Cliff Obrecht and they have a lineup of young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds sharing their inspirational stories with the students. 

In addition, there will be live demos of different tools that are available for the students to take action now, such as 'How to build a website in 10 minutes' and more. Students will also walk away with resource packs so they can start learning and building straight after the summit.

Here's the link to the event -  https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/opportunities/uts-startups/uts-startups-summit/2024-uts-startups-summit

UTS has now opened up registrations for parents to be able to bring their kids to the summit. Please see the registration link here - https://airtable.com/appIEKm8SoQikZMCS/shrF97jA9rWMLeaX3

We encourage you to consider taking your budding entrepreneur to this event. Please feel free to contact the Events Manager Jane Oja if you have any further questions on jane.oja@uts.edu.au or 0450128847.

Engineering Work Experience Opportunities with Jacaranda Flame Consulting 

Year 10 students are invited to join Jacaranda Flame Consulting for a work experience week from December 2-6, 2024. Hosted by the Faculty of Engineering at Sydney, this program is a great opportunity for your students to gain first-hand experience in engineering disciplines. Participants will collaborate with final year engineering students to solve real-world problems and engage with the industry where possible. Express interest at engineering.external@sydney.edu.au