Dear parents, carers and students, 

Yesterday we gathered as a full College community for the first time this year as we celebrated our Opening School Mass and High Achievers Assembly. We were delighted to once again welcome Bishop Brian Mascord to Magdalene to lead the celebration, along with Fr Michael Williams who once again concelebrated with us. Also in attendance was the Director of Schools for the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong, Mr Peter Hill, and a number of additional guests from neighbouring schools and organisations. We were also thrilled to have the very proud family and friends of our 2024 HSC High Achievers join us as we celebrated a range of exceptional performances from the graduating class of 2024. In his Homily, Bishop Brian spoke about 2025 being a Jubilee Year of Hope. He challenged all who were present to use the year to prioritise prayer and private reflection as a means of growing closer to God. He reminded us that even in our times of greatest challenge, God is there, acting in the people who are around us and offering us support. 

Following our Opening School Mass we held the HSC High Achievers Assembly from our graduating class from 2024. As part of this event, we acknowledged 14 nominations from NESA showcase events (up from 5 in 2022 and 1 in 2023), 29 Band 6 results coming from each faculty across the College and 14 students who achieved an ATAR above 85. The highlight of the ceremony was most certainly the speech from our 2024 College Dux, Laura Rixon, who spoke to our community about the HSC journey that she had travelled, whilst inspiring our current students in the audience to do the same. I congratulate all the high achievers for this well-deserved recognition.

As many of you would be aware by now, despite the new year recently getting underway, we are currently in the final stages of preparing for our Year 7 2026 Open Night which will be held next Thursday evening here at the College. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit each of our feeder schools and there is clearly once again a strong appetite for a position here at Magdalene next year. With positions for the evening filling rapidly, all interested families are encouraged to register early and join us for a tour of our College and to join us from 6pm for a presentation in the Alan McManus Hall. Registrations for the evening can be made here.

Earlier this week, we held our first Parents and Friends Meeting of the year, which also doubled as our Annual General Meeting.  As part of the meeting, Year 11 students Lachlan Campbell and Isibeal Abbey gave a presentation on their recent trip to Brisbane to compete in the Australian Space Design Competition where Magdalene placed first among a strong contingent of schools from all around the country. Following a nomination process for the new P&F Executive, it is my pleasure to announce and thank the new P&F Executive for 2025:

President: Melissa Moore

Secretary: David Cornett & Craig Harley (Term 1)

Treasurer: Byron Hillis

In welcoming our new Executive, I also take the opportunity to thank our outgoing Executive of Mr David Cornett, Mrs Sunny Abbey, Mr Craig Harley and Mrs Carly Cosmo. As was mentioned on the night, the work of this team over the past few years has had a significant impact on the students at Magdalene and the opportunities that many of our students have received. All parents and carers are welcome to join our next P&F Meeting which will be held on Tuesday 20th May in the College Library. 

All the best for the week ahead,

David Cloran

College Principal

What’s New?

The start of 2025 saw the launch of our new Curriculum Website. This page can be accessed via the Favourites (star) menu in Compass, and includes a large number of useful resources for parents, carers and students. Each year group can now access an up to date Summary of Assessments, Assessment Handbook and all of the Assessment Schedules for this academic year.

The 2025 school year is well underway at Magdalene, and it has been a pleasure to see our students settling into their learning with enthusiasm and focus. From the very first day, our classrooms have been places of engagement, curiosity, and challenge, as students and teachers work together to ensure that learning remains our core priority.

A key message that has been shared with all students this year is the importance of The Magdalene Way—respecting the learning environment and taking responsibility for their own growth. High expectations have been clearly outlined regarding classroom behaviour and learning practices. Students are encouraged to set personal goals, work diligently, and contribute to a learning space free from disruption, ensuring that both they and their peers can achieve their best.

At Magdalene, we firmly believe that one year of learning should mean at least one year of growth for every student. This is a collective responsibility—one that requires the commitment of teachers, students, and families alike. Learning is a relentless, ongoing process, and we are grateful for the strong partnership we share with parents in fostering a positive mindset in every lesson.

We are also excited to celebrate the achievements of our 2024 HSC High Achievers this Thursday at the High Achievers Ceremony. These students have demonstrated the power of dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. Their success should serve as motivation for all students, reminding them that consistent effort in the classroom today leads to future accomplishments. We encourage all students to be inspired by their example and strive to emulate their commitment to learning every single day.

We appreciate the support of families in reinforcing these values at home and encouraging students to approach their learning with determination and respect. By working together, we can ensure that every student at Magdalene embraces the opportunities before them and strives for excellence in their learning journey.

We look forward to a year filled with growth, achievement, and shared success.

Mr Shaun Houghton 

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Last week, our Year 12 students embarked on their much-anticipated Retreat, spending three days at either Mount Carmel Retreat Centre or Kiah Ridge Christian Conference Centre. The retreat provided an opportunity for students to step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in learning, reflection, and meaningful activities centered around the theme "Living Life to the Full." This tied in beautifully with the grade’s overarching theme, "The Rest is Still Unwritten," encouraging students to embrace their journey ahead with purpose and positivity. Throughout the retreat, students demonstrated incredible support for one another, forming stronger bonds and embracing the experience as a united cohort. Their maturity, kindness, and willingness to engage fully were truly commendable.

A big thank you goes out to all the staff who attended and supported the students throughout this journey. A special acknowledgement to Mr. O’Neil, Mr. Sligar, and Mrs. Lapa for their dedication in planning and facilitating the retreat, ensuring it was an enriching and memorable experience for all. Their hard work and commitment made this retreat a great success, leaving a lasting impact on our Year 12 students as they continue their final year of school.

Below are short reflections from some of our students.

My retreat experience was both refreshing and enjoyable, offering numerous opportunities to connect and socialise with peers I might not typically engage with. It provided a unique space for meaningful conversations that I wouldn't usually have, and through sharing both joyful and challenging experiences, I developed a deeper understanding of the importance of kindness. This experience taught me that we should always be compassionate, as we never fully know what others may be going through.

A highlight of the retreat was activities like the newspaper fashion parade, which allowed participants to build confidence—whether through walking the runway, announcing the next act, or cheering on peers. Throughout the retreat, I felt supported, heard, comfortable, and more connected to my year group. The lessons and shared experiences I gained will undoubtedly shape my perspective moving forward, encouraging me to adopt a more positive outlook on life and reminding me that there is always a rainbow after the storm.
- Adelaide Bell, 12M

It was very enjoyable and I would definitely do it again! I loved the small group sharing alongside the agree or disagree statements. I learnt the reality of judging a book by its cover, and that you truly have no idea what some people are going through. I am taking the fact that your choices make a huge impact on others lives, even if you don't personally remember them. Every interaction counts.
- Scarlett Smit, 12P

From going to Retreat I have felt like I have changed as a person. I reflected on myself and how I can change in a better way and be more faithful and have also considered people more around me because you don't know what they have gone through. Overall, I have enjoyed going to retreat and I have learnt from the experiences.
- Nicholas Cooper, 12D

Well done Year 12.

Year 12 Coordinator

On Monday, 18th February, the Year 11 Youth Ministry Leadership team participated in the Catholic Leadership Project Day for 2025. Below is Lachlan Chadwick’s experience of the day.

This experience allowed us to explore the significance of our roles in shaping the future of Youth Ministry at Magdalene Catholic College. Through discussions and collaborative brainstorming with students from Mount Carmel, St Francis and John Terry, we deepened our understanding of core values such as faith, service, and community engagement.

The day provided valuable insights into how we, as Youth Ministry Leaders, can foster a culture of spiritual engagement and leadership among students. We explored opportunities to enhance participation in liturgical events, promote consistent prayer, and encourage faith in action through initiatives that align with the College’s mission. By reviewing past student engagement and evaluating strategies for improvement, we reflected on how we can create a more inclusive and meaningful faith experience for our peers.

This experience reinforced the importance of community driven leadership and personal growth in shaping the spiritual life of Magdalene. Moving forward, we aim to implement creative and engaging approaches to Youth Ministry, ensuring that students feel encouraged to explore their faith and contribute to the ongoing development of Magdalene’s values and initiatives.

Miss Sarah Neasy

Youth Ministry Coordinator

As we enter the season of Lent, our school community has the opportunity to participate in a range of fundraising initiatives to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This annual campaign raises vital funds for communities in need, both in Australia and around the world. Here’s how you can get involved:

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser – Tuesday, 4th March
To mark Shrove Tuesday and support Caritas Project Compassion, students can pre-purchase delicious pancakes with syrup through Compass. There will be no sales on the day, so be sure to place your order in advance!

• One pancake with syrup – $2.50
• Two pancakes with syrup – $4.00
  

Students who have pre-purchased will receive a ticket during PC on the morning of the event, which must be presented to collect their pancakes. Pancakes will be available for collection from the Top Quad during Recess on Tuesday, 4th March.
This is a wonderful way to participate in a meaningful Lenten tradition while contributing to an important cause.

Caritas Project Compassion Boxes
Throughout Lent, Project Compassion boxes will be placed in every classroom, providing students with the opportunity to contribute to Caritas Australia’s life changing work. Every donation, big or small, helps create lasting change for those in need.

Year Group Fundraising Initiatives
Each year group will also be participating in various fundraising activities, including bake sales and other events. Keep an eye out for further details in the coming weeks!

Donate Directly
For those who wish to make a direct contribution, donations can be made by scanning the following QR code or via the link: Magdalene Catholic College Project Compassion Fundraiser 

Thank you for your generosity and support in making a difference this Lent!

Sarah Neasy

Youth Ministry Coordinator

MISA Dance Troupe 2025

Over the past two weeks, we have held auditions for our Junior and Senior dance ensembles, and we are thrilled with the talent on display. The juniors, in particular, were exceptionally strong this year, and we are excited to welcome many new students into our dance program for the upcoming school year.

A huge thank you to our Year 12 students, Ainslie and Ella, and Year 10 student, Leila, for their invaluable assistance in running the auditions. Their leadership and support helped make the process smooth and enjoyable for all involved.

With auditions now complete, our dancers are straight into rehearsals, working hard to prepare for our Open Afternoon Performance, where prospective Magdalene students will get a glimpse of our dance program. Parents and families will also have the chance to see our talented dancers perform at Magdalene Shines and the MISA Dance Festival in Term 2.

We can’t wait to see what this year brings!

I would like to congratulate the following students who were successful following our auditions this year. 

Year 10 Dance Elective - Callback Excursion

On Friday 14th February, the Year 10 Dance Elective students had the opportunity to travel to the Seymour Centre to watch Callback 2024, an inspiring showcase of top-performing HSC dance works from the previous year. This excursion provided students with firsthand insight into the high standard of excellence required for the HSC Dance course and offered a glimpse into the creativity and dedication of senior dance students across New South Wales.

The program includes exemplary works in the areas of Core Performance, Core Composition, and Major Study Performance, Composition, and Dance Film. Each piece demonstrates technical skill, expressive movement, and deep conceptual engagement, reflecting the rigorous process of study and refinement undertaken by HSC dance students. In addition to the performances, students had the opportunity to listen to a Q&A session with the dance students, gaining valuable insight into the creative process and technical aspects of the works.

For the Year 10 students, attending Callback was both an educational and inspiring experience. It allowed them to see what is possible at the senior level and encouraged them to think critically about movement quality, choreographic intent, and performance artistry. The diverse range of works on display sparked discussions about the creative process and provided valuable insight into the expectations of the HSC Dance syllabus.

This excursion not only broadened the students' appreciation for dance as an art form but also motivated them as they continue their own dance studies. With fresh inspiration from Callback 2024, the Year 10 dancers are eager to develop their skills and creativity, with many now considering the exciting challenge of HSC Dance in the years ahead.

Student reflections

"From the Q&A, I learned that you cannot just briefly think of a dance and have a theme that you slightly stick to; you have to spend hours choreographing and planning out everything before you can actually start really feeling the piece. You will change paths multiple times, but you will eventually find something that sticks with you, and that's when it will become easier because you actually enjoy it and find yourself in it.”

“My favourite performance was by Alyssa Faint, whose major study explored losing a loved one through denial, remembrance, and acceptance. From the Q&A, I learned the importance of research and asking lots of questions to improve my dance compositions and performances.”

“I really enjoyed the dance about losing a loved one, an evening I will not forget,  as well as the dance about a grandparent and granddaughters relationship after the grandmother was diagnosed with dementia and dealing with dementia. I think researching and finding the shapes of the motif to further imply the shapes and space of the idea is what I will take away from my experience of the day.”

“It was an incredible opportunity to see high-level performances and gain insight into the process behind them. During the Q&A session, I learned valuable insights for preparing for a dance exam and using feedback to enhance performance. I also gained a deeper understanding of how to convey emotion, which will help me in my own compositions and dance performances moving forward.”

“The excursion was really good. I learnt a lot of new things, and it has influenced me to choose elective dance for years 11 and 12. The whole day was spent showing the HSC callbacks from last year's HSC. My favourite performance was from Engadine High School, 'An Evening I Will Not Forget', By Elyssa Faint. This dance was about 'The human experience of losing a loved one is explored through the stages of denial, remembrance and acceptance' I believe that I really liked this performance as the performer had a lot of emotion and she really stuck to her brief, for example she had a chair as a prop in her dance which resembled the loss of a loved one (an empty chair). Some things that i learnt from the Q & A is that when doing year 10 film dance (this year term 4) when filming make the cameras a third dancer, this makes the audience feel like they are a part of the dance. This info will really help me this year when doing this assessment. Overall, the day was very entertaining and I learnt a lot of new things that will benefit me in the future.”

Thank you,

Miss Tahlia Cupillari 

Dance Teacher

DISCOVERY DAY

On Monday the 17th February, 60 Year 12 students attended The University of Wollongong (UOW) annual Discovery Days at the Wollongong campus. This event offers Year 12 students a firsthand experience of university life, allowing them to attend lectures, navigate the campus, and engage in social activities. Students expressed that the day was informative and provided practical insights into university life. 

Discovery Days aim to help students envision their future and demonstrate how UOW can support their academic and career aspirations.

The College hopes that the valuable experience will assist students in making informed decisions about their educational pathways.

UPCOMING EVENT: YEAR 10 CAREERS DAY- 28th February

Magdalene Year 10 Careers Day: A Valuable Step in Career Planning

Magdalene Catholic College’s Year 10 Careers Day is set to be an insightful and engaging event, providing students with crucial guidance as they begin planning their future pathways. The day will feature a range of industry connections and career-related workshops, designed to equip students with practical knowledge and inspiration for their journey beyond school.

A highlight of the event will be the contributions from Magdalene Alumni, who will share their diverse career experiences. These stories will demonstrate the many varied pathways available to finding a fulfilling profession, helping students understand that success can be achieved in multiple ways.

Students are reminded to wear their full academic uniform and bring a fully charged laptop, along with a pen and paper, for note-taking during the workshops. Lunch will be provided, so students only need to bring their recess. Any dietary requirements must be communicated to Mrs. Dallene Jones before the 24th of February.

This Careers Day is a valuable opportunity for students to explore potential career paths, gain industry insights, and be inspired by those who have walked this path before them. It marks an important step in their career planning and future aspirations.

Transition and Pathways Specialist (TaPS)/ Careers Google Classroom. 

Just a reminder that the TaPS Google Classroom page for Years 7-12 are regularly updated to provide students with not only career-related information but also notices on extracurricular activities and competitions across all Key Learning Areas. Students are encouraged to join the TaPS Classroom page if they haven’t already done so. Pastoral Care teachers can assist with the Classroom code. 

Mrs Dallene Jones -Transition and Pathways Specialist

This fortnight, we added another 12km to our cumulative total - this means that we've travelled from Donnellyville to Nambucca Heads (as the crow flies), and have achieved a cumulative total of 12km in 2025, and 496km all time.

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.

Transport relies on Opal data to plan service improvements. However, many school students have low compliance when it comes to using their School Opal card. As a result, Transit Systems do not have a good understanding of how students use our bus services. Students are required to use their School Opal card when getting on and off the bus, and, to encourage Opal Card usage, Transit Systems will be waiving the $10 replacement fee for lost School Opal cards for a limited period.

Magdalene Catholic College has been chosen for this program based on the number of Opal cards issued. Transit Systems will visit Magdalene on 24 Feb 2025. During the visit Transit System staff will remind students to use their School Opal card prior to boarding buses and provide information about how to replace a lost card for free. 

Key messages for students Transit Systems would ask you to share before the visit are:

• always tap on and off when using your School Opal card

• follow the Opal terms of use and only use your School Opal card to travel to and from school

• always follow the Student code of conduct when you’re on the bus

• To be polite and courteous to the Bus Driver and follow their reasonable instructions

It is in everyone’s best interest to understand how many passengers Transit Systems are carrying on the buses, so that they can better plan services to meet everyone’s needs.

Assessment Schedules

The Mathematics Resource Centre (available through Compass) provides links to 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.

Access to course Scope and Sequence

All students at Magdalene can access the Mathematics Scope and Sequence for their course of study via the Mathematics Resource Centre. This document provides students with a clear roadmap of what they will learn throughout their Mathematics course and help them to understand the progression of concepts and skills, allowing for better preparation and organisation. 

What topics are students learning about in Mathematics?

Year 7 - Computation with Integers

Year 8 - Pythagoras’ Theorem

Year 9 - Algebraic Techniques 

Year 10 - Path to Standard - Trigonometry

Year 10 - Path to Advanced - Trigonometry

Year 11 Standard - Formulae and Equations

Year 11 Advanced - Functions
Year 11 Extension 1 - Combinatorics 

Year 12 Numeracy - Life After School (current focus - Budgeting and Household Expenses)

Year 12 Standard 2 - Investments and Loans

Year 12 Advanced - Trigonometric functions, Integral Calculus

Year 12 Extension 1 - Further Calculus Skills

Year 12 Extension 2 - Using Complex Numbers

Mrs Broady

Leader of Learning - Mathematics

Mater Dei School is a coeducational setting in Camden for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 with a Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability. If you’re considering the schooling needs for your child, please join us at upcoming Parents Information Session or our Enrolment Open Day.

Enrolment Information Session (for Parents and Carers) – Wed 12 Feb – 6:00pm

Enrolment Open Day and School Tour – Sat 22 Feb – 10:00am

Our Parents Information Session will provide you with key information about our School and the enrolment process, meet our wonderful School Executive, and showcase how Mater Dei School can best serve your child. Our Enrolment Open Day is a wonderful chance for families to visit Mater Dei School, tour the facilities including our indoor swimming pool and Mater Dei Mini Woolworths store, and experience the broad range of opportunities that our Evidence and Research-based practices provide.

For more information and to register your interest, please visit https://www.materdei.org.au/enrolment or contact our Enrolment Officer on 02 4655 7481. We hope to see you there!