Dear parents and guardians, 

This week’s newsletter marks the final edition for Term 1 as we prepare for the final week of term and the beginning of the celebration of Easter. The season of Easter is the most significant season in the life of the Church, as it marks the cornerstone of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a Catholic community, Easter symbolises hope, renewal and the triumph of life over death. It offers us the opportunity to focus and reflect on the values of sacrifice, forgiveness and love, as exemplified by Jesus himself. I hope that the coming weeks provide all members of our community with the opportunity to reflect on the significance of this season, and to do so in the company of family, friends and loved ones. 

As many in our community are aware, today marked the deadline for enrolment applications for Year 7 in 2026 at Magdalene. Once again, we have received a record number of enrolment applications for one of 240 positions in next year’s cohort. The interviews for these positions commenced earlier this week and will continue well into next term before letters of offer for 2026 are distributed at the end of Term 2. As has been mentioned previously, applications that are received from this point will still be accepted, however, will join a waiting list to be processed later in the year.

As parents of our current Year 7 cohort would be aware, our students spent 3 days of last week at Teen Ranch as part of their Year 7 Camp. The camp is deliberately placed in Term 1 as a way of supporting their transition into high school and, from all reports, proved a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience. I take the opportunity to thank Mrs Grady and Mrs Murdoch who both spent the full week at Teen Ranch, and to all staff who supported our students last week. I also thank Mrs Cordina and the staff who will be departing with our Year 9 students next week as they head to Stanwell Tops for their camp from Monday through to Wednesday. 

Finally this week, I take the opportunity to thank all members of the Magdalene community for your continued support and partnership throughout the duration of Term 1. I hope that the upcoming holiday period offers the opportunity to relax and unwind after a busy start to the year and in readiness for Term 2. 

Best wishes, 

David Cloran

Principal

Monday 28 April - Students return for Term 2 (Athletics Carnival)

Monday 12 May - Students begin wearing full winter uniform

Some students are being turned away from boarding the bus in the morning as certain buses are reaching capacity. This is happening because students are not always catching the buses assigned to their specific addresses. For example, students who live in Spring Farm should be taking the Spring Farm bus, rather than the Narellan Vale bus that passes by St Clare's Primary School.

Transit Systems allocates buses based on the addresses provided in Opal Card applications. To help ensure a safe and smooth journey for all students, please remind your child to:
✅ Travel on the bus designated for their residential area.
✅ Carry and use a valid Opal Card when boarding.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us manage student transport effectively.

A quick reminder that the student car park is for student use only and should not be used for drop-offs or parking by parents.

If you're dropping your child off in the morning, please use the turning circle. If you need to come into the office, you're welcome to park in the visitor parking spaces.

Thank you for helping us keep our school grounds safe and running smoothly for everyone!

As Term 1 comes to a close, your sons/daughters will begin receiving their results and feedback from the assessment tasks they’ve completed. This is an important moment—not just to check marks, but to open the door to deeper learning and reflection. At our college, teachers dedicate time and care to provide meaningful, individualised feedback. This feedback isn’t just about what went wrong—it’s about how students can improve, refine their skills, and become more confident learners.

Unfortunately, it’s easy for students to look at a grade, file the paper away, and move on. But feedback is most powerful when students pause, reflect, and act on it. That’s where parents can play a big role.

Here are five simple ways you can support your child in making the most of their assessment feedback:

1. Ask to See It
   Start by asking, “Can you show me your task and the teacher’s comments?” This shows that you value more than just the grade—it’s the learning journey that matters.
   
   
2. Focus on the Comments, Not Just the Mark
   Say something like, “What does your teacher suggest you work on?” or “What did you do well this time?” Help your child identify strengths and specific areas for growth.
   
   
3. Encourage Reflection
   Try asking, “If you were to do this task again, what would you change?” or “What strategies worked for you while studying or preparing?” These types of questions promote a growth mindset.
   
   
4. Prompt Action
   Support your child in setting a goal based on the feedback. “What’s one thing you could do differently next time?” or “Do you need help from your teacher to understand a comment?” This step turns feedback into a forward-thinking plan.
   
   
5. Celebrate Effort and Progress
   Regardless of the mark, acknowledge the effort that went into the task. Progress takes time, and recognising improvement, resilience, or risk-taking builds confidence.
   
   
   

Teachers are always happy to clarify feedback or support students in acting on it. If your child is unsure about a comment, encourage them to follow up with their teacher.

Together, we can help students not just complete assessments, but learn from them—turning feedback into a powerful tool for growth.

Mr Shaun Houghton

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Progress reports provide students and their families with an overview of academic progress and effort throughout Term One. These reports are based on classroom observations and a review of students’ learning experiences, including their effort, application, contribution to the learning environment, and work completion. Importantly, they also reflect students' progress in their learning outcomes for each course.

Teachers, in collaboration with Leaders of Learning, make informed judgments about achievement using a standardised understanding of progress. This is determined through the submission of classwork to online platforms, bookwork, formative assessments, and informal measures such as student conversations and classroom observations. Judgments about student application are based on classwork submission, the level of detail and knowledge demonstrated, and the skills applied in tasks completed throughout the term.

While these reports do not include comments or specific feedback, they offer a clear indication of student performance and serve as a tool for reflection and goal-setting. Progress reports will be made available to students and parents/carers on Friday 11 April.  

Illness/Misadventure (Years 10-12)

A number of Illness/Misadventure forms have been submitted over recent weeks, as per our Assessment Procedure. Please note that there are two possible outcomes of these applications. Applications will either be ‘upheld’ or denied, depending on the evidence provided. If upheld, please be assured that the task will be marked and marks will be awarded for that task, despite its late submission.  

Upcoming Formal Assessments:

Term 1, Week 11

• Year 12 English Studies Task 2
• Year 12 Legal Studies Task 2
• Year 12 Mathematics Extension 2 Task 2
• Year 12 Society and Culture Task 2
• Year 11 Engineering Studies Task 1
• Year 11 Health and Movement Science Task 1
• Year 11 Photography, Video and Digital Imagery Task 1
• Year 10 Commerce Task 1
• Year 10 Dance Task 1
• Year 10 Music Task 1

Term 2, Week 1

• Year 12 Textiles and Design Task 2
• Year 11 English Studies Task 1
• Year 11 Visual Arts Task 1
• Year 9 IT: Timber Task 1
• Year 9 Visual Arts Task 1

Mrs Alison Kripal

Curriculum Leader of Learning

This week we celebrated the Feast of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be with child and her child would be known as “God is with us” or Emanuel. 

Luke1: 

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Thoughts: How good are we at saying YES to God? Can we look to Mary as a great example of how to listen and follow the Lord’s will?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

• We pray that we may imitate Mary in following Your Holy Will in our lives. 
• We pray for Peace in Ukraine and Gaza, for the souls of those who have died there, for those who have been injured and especially for all of the innocent women and children that have been killed. May they all be with you in Paradise.  
• We ask for your blessing upon all who died in the recent Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand: may they join you in heaven and may your peace and comfort be with their relatives and friends and those who are seeking to rebuild.
• We ask for your blessing of peace upon our Muslim brothers and sisters who are celebrating Eid Al Fitr (The Feast at the conclusion of Ramadan) that they and their families will be filled with your peace. 

Mary Magdalene

Pray for us.

On Tuesday, 25 March, Mr. Cimino accompanied a group of dedicated students to attend the Liturgical Ministries Training Day at the Xavier Centre and St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Wollongong. This special event provided an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist and explore ways to serve within the liturgy.

Throughout the day, students participated in prayer, keynote presentations, and interactive workshops, developing their skills in three key ministries:

Proclaimer of the Word: Learning to proclaim Scripture with clarity and reverence.

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Understanding the significance of distributing the Eucharist with faith and humility.

Music Ministry: Leading the congregation in sung prayer and worship.

The day concluded with a beautiful Mass celebration with Bishop Brian Mascord, which allowed students to reflect on their learning and commitment to serving in their faith communities. Here is what Sienna B had to say about her experience on the day:

On the Liturgical Ministries Training Day, my peers and I had the opportunity to interact with students from other schools as we came together for the unique experience to deepen our understanding of our faith and its application in our daily lives by each of the key ministries. Listening to Father James share his insights into Eucharistic Ministry was an honour as his teachings of the significance of distributing the Eucharist with reverence and humility resonated with me deeply. Throughout the day, I was able to engage in meaningful and active prayer, as we were informed about the importance of liturgical ministries and reflected on how each of us can contribute to our faith community. The day concluded with a lovely Mass led by Bishop Brian, where we had the chance to put our learning into practice, as the day presented a powerful reminder of the importance of serving others through our faith. Thank you to Miss Neasy for giving us this opportunity and to Mr Cimino for attending the day with us. 

It is truly inspiring to see young people so passionate about their faith and eager to share it with the College and broader community through these ministries. We look forward to seeing Angelina B, Dante R, Melina R, Oliver C, and Sienna B assist in future school Masses, helping to enrich our liturgical celebrations with their gifts and dedication.

Miss Sarah Neasy

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Last week, our Year 7 students embarked on an unforgettable journey at camp, filled with excitement, challenges, and plenty of laughter. From high-flying adventures to splashing fun, every moment was an opportunity to grow, connect, and create lasting memories.

The thrill-seekers among us took on the Giant Swing, soaring through the air with courage and cheers from friends below. Equally exhilarating was the High Ropes Course, where students tested their balance and bravery high above the ground.

Water lovers had a blast during the Wet Games, embracing the splashes and competitive spirit in a series of exciting team challenges. The Giant Slide was another highlight, with students racing down at top speed, their laughter echoing across the camp.

For those who love animals, Horse Riding provided a chance to connect with these gentle creatures, learning new skills and gaining confidence in the saddle. Meanwhile, the Crate Climb challenged students to work together, stack crates, and reach impressive heights before making their daring descent.

Evenings at camp were just as special. The warmth of the Campfire brought everyone together for stories, songs, and reflection after a day of adventure. The Bush Walk was a chance to explore nature, appreciate the surroundings, and take a moment of calm under the starry sky.

The fun continued with Games Night, where students competed, strategised, and laughed their way through friendly challenges. More importantly, the camp experience allowed Year 7s to bond with one another, make new friends, and build strong relationships with their teachers and support staff.

Year 7 Camp was truly a week to remember, filled with personal growth, teamwork, and unforgettable experiences. We can’t wait to see how these new friendships and skills carry through the rest of the year!

We extend our sincere gratitude to all staff and students for contributing to a successful and enjoyable week at Teen Ranch. A special thank you to Mrs Murdoch and Mrs Esber for their dedicated support throughout the week, ensuring the smooth running of the camp.

Laura Grady
Year 7 Coordinator

On Thursday 27/03/25 we competed in the Year 8 MISA Public Speaking Competition, we travelled to Macarthur Anglican College with Miss Azzopardi, this was an enriching and unique experience for us. Over the course of the day we learnt how to develop our communication and public speaking skills in a controlled environment. Learning from our peers, assisted us in honing our public speaking abilities helping us to further develop important skills that we can apply in our lives.

The topics of the day were, The Power of Storytelling and How it Shapes Our World, The Future of Work, Cancel Culture, and finally What Makes A True Leader. All the mentioned topics were represented very well throughout all the schools that competed. 

Caitlin:

My speech was about the Power of Storytelling and How it Shapes Our World. The main points were: The positive aspects of storytelling which include movies and how meaning can transcend generations. As well as the negatives, such as social media and the impact it can have on our self esteem and sense of self. The positive feedback provided in relation to the presentation of my speech was that I had good voice projection, was clear in my delivery and included good content and structure.

Ethan:

My speech was on What Makes A True Leader: Lessons From History. I spoke about many inspirational and influential leaders who made a significant impact on the world and how we see it today. Some leaders include Martin Luther King Jr, Winston Churchill and even the late Queen Elizabeth II. These people all had an impact in how we can act and how we treat others today. The judges had little to no negative feedback but the positive feedback was evident, some points included that I was easily heard, easily understood, and had good content/ structure.  

In conclusion, this day was a fun and enjoyable time. We shared many lasting memories as a school and hope that one day we have the chance to do this again. This opportunity also led to the making of many new friends and impactful people who made a change in the way that we write and present our speeches. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in placing in this competition, but this was a fantastic achievement that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. We will remember this moment for years to come and use the feedback and inspiration we have gained to not only grow as individuals but also look for opportunities to contribute to the College community. 

By Ethan Lynch and Caitlin Dowdell

Scientific Calculators

Students are reminded that a scientific calculator should be brought to class each lesson so that they may become familiar with the variety of features available and be confident in their use as they progress through higher levels of Mathematics. Short-term loan calculators are available from the Learning Resource Centre if students need to borrow one for the day, or until they are able to obtain a replacement calculator. For most students we recommend the Casio fx-82AU plus II 2nd edition. For students studying Year 9 & 10 Path to Advanced or Stage 6 Advanced and Extension courses, we recommend the Casio fx-8200 AU.

Assessment Schedules

The Mathematics Resource Centre (available through Compass) 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.

Edrolo

The online platform Edrolo is available to all students, with links provided through the Mathematics Resource Centre. The platform offers video explanations with immediate opportunities to check understanding via multiple choice problems. This program is a very valuable resource for both filling any gaps in knowledge, and also for looking into concepts before they are presented in class. Whilst links may be posted to Google Classrooms, students are also free to explore the platform at their will. 

For the remainder of Term 1 in Mathematics, our students will be studying: 

Year 7 - Indices

Year 8 - Perimeter and Area

Year 9 - Numbers of any Magnitude

Year 10 - Path to Standard - Financial Mathematics

Year 10 - Path to Advanced - Financial Mathematics

Year 11 Standard - Relative Frequency and Probability

Year 11 Advanced - Trigonometric Functions
Year 11 Extension 1 - Polynomials

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

Year 12 Standard 1 - Simultaneous Linear Equations

Year 12 Standard 2 - Simultaneous Linear Equations

Year 12 Advanced - Applications of Calculus

Year 12 Extension 1 - Further Area and Volume of Solids

Year 12 Extension 2 - 3D Vectors

Mrs Broady

Leader of Learning - Mathematics

UAC PINs ARE HERE: 

What Every Parent Needs to Know

Attention all parents! On April 2, the University Admissions Centre (UAC)  sent out UAC PINs to all students in NSW, which are essential for any student looking to apply for university in 2025. If your child is planning on pursuing higher education next year, this PIN will be their gateway to the UAC application system

What is a UAC PIN?

A UAC PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a unique code that allows your child to access the UAC website and submit their application for university admission. Your child will use it to apply for multiple universities and courses across Australia, making it a vital step for their future academic journey. Without it, they won’t be able to start their application process.

Why is the UAC PIN Important?

The UAC PIN is not just a code; it's a key that unlocks your child’s pathway to university. To apply for their desired degree programs, they must enter your UAC PIN when logging into their UAC account. Without it, they won’t be able to submit their preferences or access important details about their application. It’s also how universities will communicate important updates to your child, such as offers or requests for additional information.

Make sure your child doesn’t lose it and please encourage them to keep it secure—after all, this PIN is tied directly to their future! 

Early Entry Schemes in NSW

If your child is aiming to get a head start on university acceptance, NSW has several early entry schemes that could allow them to secure a spot before the official ATAR results are released. One of the most notable is the School Recommendation Scheme (SRS).

School Recommendation Scheme (SRS)

The School Recommendation Scheme allows high school students to receive early conditional offers to university based on their school’s assessment of their academic performance and potential. If your school participates (which Magdalene does) in the SRS, your teachers and school leaders will submit recommendations on your child’s behalf. These recommendations are considered alongside other factors, such as their Year 11 results and school performance, to determine whether your child might be eligible for early entry.

This scheme is incredibly beneficial for students who have demonstrated consistent academic achievement and are eager to secure a place at their preferred university before results come out. SRS offers students a sense of certainty and can reduce the pressure of waiting for final exam results.

Keep in mind that entry requirements and deadlines vary between universities, so make sure to check with your school and your desired universities for specific details about the SRS and how it applies to you.

What’s Next?

Once your child receives their UAC PIN on April 2, they’ll be able to start their application process, explore course options, and consider which early entry schemes they might be eligible for. Remember, securing a university place through early entry is a great opportunity, but it’s important to research all the available schemes and carefully follow the instructions provided by your school and universities.

Stay on top of deadlines, keep your child’s UAC PIN safe, and reach out to Mrs Dallene Jones (Transition and Pathways Specialist) if you have any questions or need guidance throughout the application process. Your child’s future university life is just a few steps away!

TEACHING SCHOLARSHIPS

Invitation to all Yr 11 and 12 students currently considering a career in teaching and interested in applying for a scholarship.

We invite you to attend an information session facilitated by representatives from Catholic Education to share  the various scholarship programs that are currently on offer for those students considering a career in teaching.
This session will be held in the College Library on Tuesday 13th May, 9:30am. 
This session will provide you with not only information about the scholarship offers which are valued at $20,000, but it will also provide information on the various universities that you may be deciding between to attend. We strongly encourage interested students to attend this session so that you don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity.

The Power of Portfolios (source: studyworkgrow)

When applying for jobs or university courses, you might find you’re asked to submit a portfolio alongside (or instead of) a resume or your academic results. But what exactly is a portfolio, and why does it matter? In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about portfolios, and provide some tips so you can start building your own right away.

What is a portfolio?

In simple terms, it’s a collection of your best work and achievement – a showcase of your skills, accomplishments, and experiences that allows others to gain insights into your abilities.

Why are portfolios useful?

Portfolios are great because they provide a broader understanding of your capabilities beyond traditional grades and test scores. They allow universities and potential employers to assess your potential based on real work you’ve undertaken.

Different types of portfolios

Portfolios come in two primary forms: physical and digital, and each has its advantages.

Physical portfolios

As you might have guessed, these are tangible collections of your work and achievements. They can take the form of a physical binder, folder, or even a custom-made presentation book. They’re well-suited for artistic and industrial disciplines, where the physical presence of your work matters, such as fine art, architecture, or fashion.

Digital portfolios

Digital portfolios, on the other hand, are virtual collections of your work and accomplishments, presented through online platforms or websites. They allow you to showcase multimedia content, including documents, images, videos, and interactive elements. They’re highly versatile and are particularly valuable for fields that emphasise technology and digital skills, such as web development, graphic design, or digital marketing.

Which one should I choose?

The decision to create a physical or digital portfolio depends on your goals and the industry you’re targeting. Physical portfolios can create a lasting impact in visual and hands-on fields, where the tactile experience matters. On the other hand, digital portfolios offer convenience and accessibility, making them ideal for showcasing tech-savvy skills and reaching a broader audience online.

And there’s nothing wrong with having one of each either!

Who might ask for a portfolio?

Portfolios are sometimes requested by universities during the admissions process, especially for creative or specialised programs, or for alternative entry pathways (including early entry).

In the professional world, industries such as design, marketing, media, technology, and engineering may require them when evaluating candidates for roles. And even if not explicitly asked for, having one can make you a more attractive candidate and set you apart from the competition.

What to include in a portfolio

To create an impactful portfolio, regardless of its form, you should try to include the following elements:

• Your best work: Choose samples that showcase your skills and achievements most effectively.
• Reflections: Add brief explanations or reflections on each piece, highlighting what you learned or gained from the experience.
• Recommendations: If possible, include letters of recommendation from teachers, supervisors, or mentors.
• Resume: Attach a resume that outlines your experiences and accomplishments.

When selecting work samples for your portfolio, consider the specific requirements and expectations of the job or course you’re pursuing. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design position, focus on showcasing your design projects, visual communication skills, and proficiency with design software.

Start building your portfolio

If you’re in high school and want to start building your portfolio, you can follow these steps:

• Identify your passions: Determine your interests and strengths to create a portfolio that aligns with your goals.
• Gather your work: Collect your best pieces, certificates, and awards that showcase your skills and achievements.
• Seek feedback: Share it with teachers, mentors, or friends to gain valuable insights and improve your presentation.
• Keep updating: As you progress, continue adding new accomplishments and works.

Building a portfolio is an ongoing process of growth and refinement. As you gain new skills, finish new projects, or receive feedback, continuously update and improve it. Regularly reassess the relevancy and impact of your work samples and make adjustments as needed.

This fortnight, we added another 5km to our cumulative total - this means that we've travelled from Urunga to Mylestom (as the crow flies), and have achieved a cumulative total of 31km in 2025, and 515km 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! There won't be any announcements this year - the rule of thumb is: if you see Mr Cimino at the Back Oval steps at 7:55am, then KM Club is ON!