Dear parents, carers and students,

This weekend marks the commencement of the season of Advent, one of the most important seasons on our liturgical calendar, marking the four weeks in the lead up to Christmas. Advent is a time when we are called to pause and reflect. Far from being simply a countdown to festivities, it is an invitation to slow down and consider the miracle of God becoming one of us in Jesus Christ. Taking the time to reflect on the season of Advent, realigns our priorities, grounds our identity, and opens our eyes to God’s presence in our lives. Advent gives us a unique opportunity to meditate not only on the birth of Christ, but also on how God has been actively shaping and guiding us throughout the past year. A well-prepared Advent leads to a truly meaningful Christmas, one in which we celebrate not only Christ’s birth but also His presence and work in our lives every day. 

Last week, the Diocese of Wollongong hosted its inaugural Illuminate event, which showcased a range of student talents in the area of creative and performing arts. Magdalene was proudly represented in both a drama act featuring a number of students from Year 10, and a musical performance featuring students from Year 9. These students, in addition to a large number of audience members, represented the College with pride and each contributed to the success of the event which I am sure we will see again in 2025. 

On Monday 18th November, we welcomed the parents of our 2025 Year 12 cohort to our Assessment Information Evening as the students began their final year of schooling. A presentation in the College hall was followed by time spent in our Year 12 Homerooms and I thank all parents for their attendance and in anticipation of their support in the busy year ahead. 

Earlier this week, we invited the parents and carers of our incoming Year 7 cohort to the College as we commenced our formal Year 7 2025 Orientation Program. The evening was intended to support the transition of our new students, in addition to introducing our families to a number of personnel at the College. All incoming students will attend the College for a full day on either Thursday or Friday this week where we look forward to meeting them all in readiness for the year ahead. 

Over the past few days, our College leaders for 2025 have been in Mittagong with the College leaders of every secondary school in the Diocese of Wollongong, hosted by Bishop Brian Mascord. I had the opportunity to join our representatives today for a session where they each presented to their fellow leaders on what it is that gives them their Magdalene identity. Each of our leaders spoke with pride and enthusiasm with regards to their experience at Magdalene and I am sure that these three days of formation will serve them in their leadership roles next year. 

Best wishes for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal

Magdalene Catholic College is proud to announce our upcoming Sports Ceremony, a special event to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students in 2024. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 10th December, from 1:00pm to 2:20pm in the school hall.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome Australian sprinter Josh Azzopardi as our special guest. Josh recently represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, competing in both the 100m sprint and the 4x100m relay, where he showcased remarkable skill and determination on the world stage. His presence will undoubtedly inspire our students as they reflect on their own sporting journeys and strive for future success.

The Sports Ceremony is an opportunity to honor the dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship demonstrated by our students throughout the year. From individual milestones to team triumphs, the afternoon promises to highlight the spirit of community and excellence that defines Magdalene Catholic College.

We warmly invite all parents and carers to join us in celebrating these achievements and to share in the joy of recognizing the hard work and talents of our young athletes. Your support plays a vital role in fostering their success and encouraging them to aim high in all areas of life.

We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event as we celebrate another fantastic year of sport at Magdalene Catholic College.

On Friday 15th of November, 14 of our students joined secondary school representatives from across the diocese for the Diocesan Youth Ministry Leaders Commissioning. This gathering celebrated the commissioning of new Youth Ministry Leaders and equipped them for their vital roles in fostering faith, community, and service within their schools and parishes.

The highlight of the day was the Diocesan Commissioning Mass, celebrated by Fr. James Arblaster. During the Mass, the students were formally commissioned and blessed for their ministry, reaffirming their commitment to serve as leaders in their faith communities.

In addition to the spiritual nourishment of the Mass, the day featured dynamic workshops and planning sessions. These activities gave the Youth Ministry Leaders practical tools and strategies to implement their ministry plans for the remainder of this year and the next. They also offered a unique opportunity for students to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with peers from other schools.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our new Youth Ministry Leaders! May they embrace this journey of faith with enthusiasm and courage, inspiring others and growing in their own relationship with God.

Let us keep them in our prayers as they step into this meaningful service and leadership role.

Sarah Neasy

Youth Ministry Coordinator

As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the outstanding contribution of Magdalene students who have volunteered at the Vinnies Camden Conference "Hub" on Elizabeth Street. Over the past months, our students have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to service, embodying the values of compassion and social justice.  

This term, many of our newly commissioned Youth Ministry Leaders joined the initiative, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the Hub’s vital work. Together, they assisted in stocking and rotating inventory, supporting the Camden/Oran Park Conference. 

Our students’ contributions have made a meaningful difference, helping to ensure these essential services reach those who need them most. Their dedication to volunteering has been a testament to their faith in action and their commitment to serving others.  

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students who have participated this year and encourage others to continue supporting the Hub in its mission. If you know someone who could benefit from these services, please direct them to the Vinnies Camden Conference "Hub" on Elizabeth Street.  

Together, let us continue to build a community where hope, dignity, and support are shared abundantly.

Sarah Neasy

Youth Ministry Coordinator

The Year 7 Challenge Cup continues to showcase incredible talent, teamwork, and school spirit as students compete for house glory. Weeks 5 and 6 brought thrilling matches across multiple sports, with all houses striving to secure valuable points.

In Week 5, the girls delivered strong performances. Dunne dominated the Netball court, defeating Chisholm 8-1 in a commanding display of skill and strategy. Over in Soccer, Sedgwick showcased their prowess with an 8-0 victory against Moore. The Touch Football match between Patrician and Bruchhauser was a high-energy game, with Patrician emerging victorious 8-4.

The boys’ games in Week 5 were equally intense. Moore crushed Sedgwick in Basketball with a remarkable 36-7 win, demonstrating sharp shooting and defensive control. Hogan excelled in Ultimate Frisbee, overwhelming Patrician 10-1 with precise passes and strategic teamwork. Meanwhile, Chisholm narrowly edged out Bruchhauser in a closely fought OzTag match, claiming a 10-8 victory. The mixed Volleyball game was a crowd-pleaser, with the Patrician boys narrowly defeating Bruchhauser in a high-scoring battle, 90-86.

Week 6 continued the fierce competition, starting with a dominant performance by Moore in Basketball, who defeated Hogan 21-2. In Touch Football, Patrician showcased their consistency with a 10-5 win over Chisholm. Bruchhauser, determined to make their mark, secured an emphatic 7-0 victory against Dunne in Soccer.

The girls’ games in Week 6 were just as exciting. Sedgwick displayed excellent teamwork in OzTag, outplaying Chisholm with a 15-4 win. Dunne delivered another impressive performance, defeating Bruchhauser 9-3 in Ultimate Frisbee. Hogan took control in Netball, claiming a decisive 14-5 victory over Moore. The mixed Volleyball match saw Sedgwick rise to the challenge, winning three sets to one against Dunne in a thrilling encounter.

Unfortunately, Week 7’s matches had to be postponed due to extreme heat. However, anticipation is building for the final games in Week 8, with the Challenge Cup standings remaining tight. Many houses are still in contention, and the excitement is palpable as students prepare for one last push toward victory.

Best of luck to all Year 7 participants as we head into the final round. The energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship displayed so far have been outstanding—let’s finish the Challenge Cup on a high note!

Week 5 MVP's

Ailish Fitzpatrick

Brielle Diamond

Cruz Calandra

Dean Georgievski

Alexi Sen

Alexis Casaol

Loretta Calleja

Eva Bastac

Amelia Nelson 

Week 6 MVP's:

Jordan Maembe

Amelia Calleja

Loretta Calleja 

Cooper O'Neill

Layla Smutek

Jacob Winder

Paige Campbell

Lucy Katon

Bianca Colusso

Mitchell Fuentes

Harrison Harley

Last week in Geography, Mrs Cordina’s 8HSI1 class spent the lesson outdoors demonstrating environmental stewardship by picking up litter and tidying the school grounds to promote a cleaner environment at Magdalene.

As a class, we highlighted the importance of caring for our environment in and around Magdalene and how small actions can contribute to a cleaner planet for everyone. As members of the school community, keeping the environment around us clean through acts such as correctly placing rubbish in the bin, is vital as it not only ensures a pleasant space for us all to be in but also fosters a sense of pride and respect within our school. 

Additionally, throughout the lesson, we further demonstrated how we can connect our in-class learning to real-world actions that promote a more sustainable, and healthier space around us. By working together as a class to tidy our environment, we lived out the core value of Discipleship and Service and showed how small acts of care can make a big difference in creating an inviting place for all at Magdalene.

By Liam Carver (Year 8)

For the Gift of Music and Our Musicians

Last Friday, 22nd November we celebrated the Feast of St Cecilia, the patron saint of music. 

St. Cecilia is believed to have lived in the 2nd or 3rd century in Rome. Her connection to music comes from the legend that she heard divine music in her heart during her wedding and she is often depicted in art playing a musical instrument, such as an organ or a harp. This image links her with the idea that music, like prayer, can be an expression of the soul's devotion to God. 

The following is a prayer is asking to follow the example of St Cecilia. We also thank God for the gift of our Music teachers, student musicians and singers at the College who stand up each assembly, Mass and performance evening to share their talents and gifts. May we all take their example to share our gifts whatever they may be.

In the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

Lord, 

We give thanks for the gift of music

• for the powerful way it allows us to connect with you and with each other;

• for the way it can lift our hearts, express our deepest emotions and unite us in prayer and worship;

• And for its ability to help us find comfort, joy, and peace.

Help us to use our talents to bring light to the world, to uplift hearts and to praise you. 

May we follow in the example of St Cecilia and fill our lives with faith and joy, and through the beauty of music, may we draw closer to you. 

We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord,

St Mary Magdalene ….. Par For Us.

Amen.

Mr Damian Sligar

Acting Religious Education Leader of Learning

Year 10 are currently completing their topic on 'Energy', where students have learnt about the power of elastic potential energy. An investigation was conducted for 10.5 and 10.2, where elastics were placed around watermelons to see how many were required to make them explode. Both watermelons exploded; requiring 580 and 672 elastic bands respectively. 

Mr Bailey Wray

This fortnight, we added another 22km to our cumulative total - this means that we've travelled from Lower Belmore to South West Rocks (as the crow flies), and have achieved a cumulative total of 464km 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.