Dear parents, carers and students, 

Last weekend marked the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, otherwise known as Trinity Sunday, where we proclaim the greatest mystery of our faith, our belief in the triune God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Unlike other celebrations throughout the year, Trinity Sunday centres on a doctrine (or teaching) of the church, rather than a specific event. It honours the most fundamental of Christian beliefs, and one that the human mind could never fully comprehend, that God is three persons in one nature. Even beginning to understand this teaching is one that can only be achieved through the intercession of the Holy Spirit within us. It is fitting, therefore, that this mystery is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost, when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit First occurred. 

As many within our community would be aware, last night, record numbers of parents, carers, staff, students and friends of the College gathered here for our annual Magdalene Shines event, a showcase of exceptional student talent in the performing arts. Audience members were blown away by the singing, dancing, drama and musical skills that were on display in what was such a professional and entertaining production. I particularly thank and acknowledge the work of Mrs Marino and the many staff members who coordinated this event, and extend this thanks to all our visitors who came in support of our very talented students. 

As you would be aware, we are in the process of finalising Semester One reports whilst also preparing for our Semester One Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews that are taking place in Weeks 9 and 10. With bookings filling fast, I would encourage parents and carers to secure their time slots via Compass. These interviews are a really worthwhile opportunity to reflect on each student's application and performance whilst also setting goals for the semester ahead. 

I’d like to remind our community that all staff at Magdalene will be involved in our annual Spirituality Day on Friday 4th July. As such, there will be no classes and the College office will be closed on this day. Due to the scheduled Parent/Teacher/Student interviews taking place on Thursday 3rd July, the final day of classes for all students will be Wednesday 2nd July. I thank those parents who will be making alternate supervision arrangements on these days in order for these two important events to take place. 

In concluding this week I would like to wish Mrs Forner all the best as she departs on a period of long service leave. Mrs Forner will be returning to the College at the beginning of Week 3 next term. Whilst she is on leave, Mr Bubb will be fulfilling the role of Acting Assistant Principal and Mrs Shortridge will be fulfilling the role of Acting Leader of Wellbeing. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal

Recently, Magdalene Catholic College hosted a special assembly and morning tea to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of a number of Year 12 students. These students were identified through careful analysis of assessment results, tracking data and academic reports. The College Leadership Team, alongside Mr Manns and Mrs Lapa, gathered to formally recognise their commitment to The Magdalene Way — demonstrating high expectations, personal excellence, and a spirit of relentless learning.

The students acknowledged are currently performing at a very high standard across one or more of their courses. Their achievements reflect not only their academic ability, but also the resilience, responsibility, and disciplined work habits that underpin sustained success. In living out The Magdalene Way, these students continue to embrace challenges with optimism, seek feedback, and strive towards their personal best.

As we approach the Trial HSC examinations in Term 3, we encourage all Year 12 students to maintain their dedication and continue their relentless learning. This is a crucial period where consistent revision, active engagement, and a proactive approach to learning will position each student for success in the HSC.

We are proud of how Year 12 are approaching their final year and look forward to celebrating their continued achievements.

Mr Shaun Houghton

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Calling for Volunteer Supervisors – Support our Year 12 Students During their 2025 Trial Exams

We are currently seeking volunteer supervisors to support our Year 12 students as they prepare for and undertake their 2025 Trial Exams. These roles are vital in ensuring the smooth running of the exams and in helping to create a calm, supportive environment where students can perform at their best.

Trial Exams will take place from 4 August until 18 August.

If you, or someone you know, would like to make a meaningful contribution during this important time in our students' final year, we’d love to hear from you.

Conflict of Interest Guidelines:

To maintain fairness and integrity, please note the following restrictions for prospective supervisors:

• No close relatives of students sitting the HSC at this centre
• No current staff of the College
• No current tutors or coaches of Year 12 students from any school

Alumni and recent school graduates are welcome to return as supervisors (Minimum age: 18 years).

For more information or to express your interest, please contact info@mccdow.catholic.edu.au

Please note that all volunteers must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC).

Ideal volunteers will have:

• Clear communication skills
• Patience, reliability, and sensitivity to student needs
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality

Your support can make a real difference in a student’s success. Thank you for considering this rewarding opportunity!

Year 7-10 Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

A reminder that bookings for our Semester 1 PTS Interviews are now open and will be held on the following dates:

• Years 7 and 10: Interviews will be held next Thursday, 26 June between 3:00pm and 8:00pm
• Years 8 and 9: Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 2 July between 3:00pm and 8:00pm

For those who have been, or will be unable to attend the interview night which are available, an opportunity to attend catch up interviews will occur on Thursday, 3 July between 8:30am and 2:30pm. Students in Years 7-11 are welcome to make appointments during this time. These interviews provide an important opportunity to discuss student progress, reflect on academic achievements, and set goals for the remainder of the year. 

Upcoming Formal Assessments:

Term 2, Week 9

• Year 12 Biology
• Year 12 Business Studies
• Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science
• Year 12 Investigating Science
• Year 12 Industrial Technology: Timber
• Year 12 Legal Studies
• Year 12 Numeracy
• Year 12 Physics 
• Year 11 Ancient History
• Year 11 Chemistry
• Year 11 Industrial Technology: Timber
• Year 11 Investigating Science
• Year 11 Legal Studies
• Year 11 Mathematics Advanced
• Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1
• Year 11 Studies in Catholic Thought
• Year 11 Studies of Religion I
• Year 10 Visual Arts
• Year 9 English
• Year 9 Visual Arts
• Year 8 Science
• Year 7 Catholic Studies

Term 2, Week 10

• Year 12 Ancient History
• Year 12 English Extension 2
• Year 12 Mathematics Extension 2
• Year 12 Visual Arts
• Year 12 Work Studies
• Year 11 Business Studies
• Year 11 English Studies
• Year 11 Society and Culture

World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is an international day organised every year on 20 June by the United Nations. It is designed to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world. The day was first established on 20 June 2001, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. We have some fairly famous refugees in Australia such as Ahn Do, Les Murray and Frank Lowy and even more famous - Jesus, Mary and Joseph, who fled to Egypt when Jesus was a baby.

Caring for refugees calls to mind the way we relate to other humans. We are called by God to relate with understanding and love, just like the Father, Son and Holy Spirit relate in the Trinity, which was celebrated last Sunday at Mass on Trinity Sunday. 

Prayer:

Lord , we pray for all refugees that they may find new homes in the countries to which they have fled. May they feel warmly welcomed by all.

Mary Magdalene

Pray for us

On Monday 26th May, our Year 11 Youth Ministry Leaders took part in a collaborative formation day with Youth Ministry Leaders from St Francis. Building on the energy and shared vision of Term 1’s Cluster Day, the students gathered once again—this time with a powerful focus on co-creating a Diocesan Prayer for 2025.

Guided by the Jubilee Year theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” students reflected on the importance of unity and a broader shared identity across our Catholic schools. Throughout the day, they explored how the values of our school patrons are brought to life in our communities, and how we are each called to notice and respond to God in the everyday moments of our lives.

Melina, one of our Year 11 Youth Ministry Leaders, shared her reflection on the experience:

“Our journey to the Emmaus Centre in Campbeltown with the youth ministry leaders from Saint Francis was a grace-filled time of prayer, reflection, and collaboration. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the space, we came together as pilgrims of hope, seeking to listen to the Spirit and discern how we can serve the young Church in our diocese.

Working together to create a diocesan prayer was a truly moving experience. Each voice contributed something unique, and together we shaped words that reflect our shared faith, our love for our communities, and our desire to walk with young people in hope and trust. It reminded us that we are not alone in this mission, the Spirit is alive among us.

As we return to our schools, we carry not only the prayer we created but also a renewed sense of unity and purpose. Our time at Emmaus strengthened our commitment to journey with young people as companions and witnesses, pilgrims of hope, in a Church that is alive, listening, and growing.”

Another one of our Year 11 Youth Ministry Leader, Sienna, also reflected on the day:

“It was a meaningful day of reflection, collaboration and spiritual growth. Through prayer, discussion and creative workshops, we came together to explore what prayer means to us and the many forms it can take. Inspired by our shared call to be pilgrims of hope, we achieved our aim of working as one to create a unified Diocesan Prayer for 2025. A prayer that reflects our collective faith, hope and vision for the future. Thank you to Ms Neasy for this opportunity.”

The day was rich with moments of reflection, gratitude, and guidance, offering students the opportunity to pause, pray, and consider the hopes and challenges of their own faith journey. The experience culminated in the creation of prayerful contributions that will shape the Diocesan Prayer an invitation to walk forward with courage, faith, and purpose.

We thank our Youth Ministry Leaders who have returned inspired and ready to enrich the prayer life of our school, bringing with them renewed energy and fruitful insights for the journey ahead.

A big thank you to all families who have already contributed to our St Vincent de Paul Society Winter Appeal. Your generosity is already making a difference in the lives of those in our local community who are doing it tough.

As we continue our efforts, we’re reminded that this is shaping up to be one of the most challenging winters in recent years, with the rising cost of living placing even greater strain on individuals and families in need. The Camden Vinnies Hub continues to serve as a vital lifeline, providing food, groceries, clothing, and essential items to those facing hardship.

Each grade has been assigned a donation category, with items to be packed and delivered as part of the College Winter Sleepout on the 27th of June. If you haven’t yet had the chance to contribute, we encourage you to send donations with your child to be placed in their Pastoral Care Class basket by the due date.

Together, as a school community, we can continue to offer hope, warmth, and support to our neighbours in need.

Thank you once again for your generosity and kindness.

Our Year 7 students have recently been exploring the unit Ways of Praying, an engaging and reflective journey into the significance of prayer in the Catholic faith. This unit encouraged students to not only learn about different forms of prayer but also to experience them firsthand.

A highlight of the unit was the opportunity for students to participate in praying the Rosary during class time. Students were invited to bring their own rosary beads and take part in this meaningful tradition. This experience was made even more special by taking place during the month of May, a time dedicated to honouring Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

Through this unit, students deepened their understanding of prayer as a way to connect with God, find peace, and grow in their spiritual lives. It was a beautiful way to reflect on faith and devotion in a hands-on, personal way.

Last Thursday, the Year 7 MISA debating team attended the Year 7 MISA Debating Workshop. We travelled to Broughton Anglican College in the minibus and participated in the day with 10 other schools from the Macarthur region. We learned about the three Ms: MATTER, METHOD, and MANNER. Matter being our arguments, manner being our presentation skills, and method being the rules of debating. 

We also had the opportunity to participate in a practice debate where we were put into 2 teams with 4 debaters each: Team A and Team B. Team A was Affirmative and Team B was Negative. Our topic was “That McDonald's should be banned”. We had 1 hour to plan out our ideas, model, team lines and write our speeches. We weren't allowed to use our laptops and worked as groups to come up with ideas that we could use in our debates, like pre-rebuttals. To end our day off, we were very lucky to have the senior debates put on a debate for us. The given topic was “Australia should become a republic in the next decade.” Before the debate took place, we were told to adjudicate their debate. We had to judge them on their manner, matter, and method (3 Ms). In the end, the affirmative team won. 

The workshop taught us that it is important to improvise and think critically on the spot. We learnt about the 3 M’s and how useful they are when debating and practiced our public speaking skills. We are all extremely lucky to be allowed to go to the MISA Year 7 Debating Workshop and learn all there is to know about debating in time for our competition next Semester.

Written by the Year 7 MISA Debating Team (Zoe Garvin, Sofia Berbis, Maverick Kelly, Maddison Holliday, Giuliana Moussally, Isabella Papalia, Claire Pasquel and Monique Pasquel)

This week marked the end of a fantastic MISA season, with several of our senior teams competing in Grand Finals and doing the College proud. Across the board, our students showed grit, sportsmanship, and school spirit, qualities that mean just as much as the scoreboard. Whether lifting a trophy or learning from a tough contest, every team represented Magdalene with heart.

Congratulations to our Senior Boys Softball, U16s Girls Rugby League, and Senior Boys Soccer teams who were all crowned champions after strong performances in their finals. Our Senior Girls Soccer and Senior Netball teams also deserve recognition for outstanding seasons both going through undefeated rounds and showing strength and unity in tough grand final matches.

Thank you to all our coaches, players, and supporters for your commitment throughout the season. The results speak for themselves, but more importantly, so does the spirit in which our teams played.

Senior Boys Softball 

8-2 Winners

The Year 10–12 Boys Softball team capped off an undefeated season to be crowned champions, showcasing skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the competition. Led by captain Fletcher Willard, the team dominated every game with strong leadership and relentless performance

U/16s Girls Rugby League

13-5 Winners

The Under 16s MISA Girls Rugby League team, coached by Mrs Cordina, delivered a dominant performance in the Grand Final against John Therry. The girls secured a 13-5 victory, claiming back-to-back championships. Their exceptional teamwork and strong defensive skillset were on full display throughout the match. Congratulations girls!

11-12 Boys Soccer

2-1 Winners

The boys played extremely well today taking on 1st placed Thomas Hassel. They were disciplined with a strong shape on the field, coupled with their consistent pressure in shutting down the other team. It was great to see our midfield take control and make some excellent opportunities. Well done to Max for scoring our 2 goals. Great win boys. Congratulations.

Senior Girls Soccer

0-1 Loss

Congratulations to our Senior Girls Soccer team for making it to the MISA Grand Final today! After an incredible undefeated season, the girls put in a brave performance but narrowly went down 1–0 to St Pat's. A huge well done to all players for their commitment and teamwork, especially to the younger players who stepped up and played above their age with confidence and skill.

Senior Netball

Unfortunately the girls didn't come away with a win, going down by 4 in a very tough and challenging game. The girls all played so well and every week they always give 100%, they are such a positive, happy team and very encouraging of one another. This team is full of some amazing young ladies and they should all be so proud of themselves. MVP - goes to Eva Hayward who has turned up to every game always giving 100%, she is always so happy on the court and has improved in every game that she plays. Well done Eva and to everyone in the team.

Mr Chris Ferry

MISA Sports Coordinator

Congratulations to Charlie Noble, Lucas Bentham, and Blessing Donvenekham on receiving their NSWCCC Rugby League jerseys at a special presentation evening!

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and wish them all the very best as they begin preparations for the upcoming Australian Championships.

Well done, your dedication and hard work continue to inspire our school community!

University Visits:

At Magdalene, Year 12 students have access to a wealth of resources to help them choose their Post-School pathway. One such resource is the University Lunchtime Visits. So far, representatives from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Torrens University have visited Magdalene and provided information about course availability, early entry and scholarships, along with answering student specific questions. These visits have proved beneficial for the students and we encourage more students to attend the upcoming visits. These include the University of Notre Dame on Friday, 20th June, and the University of Wollongong on Monday, 23rd June.

The 5 Most Important Questions to ask when on Work Experience. (Source: Study Work Grow)

Work experience is one of the best ways to test drive a career and see what working life is really like. But to get the most out of it, you need to do more than just show up and follow instructions. The people around you have years of experience and knowledge that could be incredibly valuable for your future – so here are 5 key questions to ask that will help you make the most of your work experience placement.

What does a typical day actually look like in this role?

Job descriptions can sound pretty formal and boring, but the reality of a job is often quite different. By asking about daily tasks and responsibilities, you’ll get a real picture of what working in this field is like.

You might discover that a marketing job involves way more spreadsheets than you expected, or that being a vet means a lot of paperwork between treating animals. Understanding the day-to-day reality helps you figure out if this career would actually suit your personality and interests.

How does what I’m learning at school connect to this job?

This is a great question to ask because it helps you see the bigger picture of your education. Maybe you’re wondering why you need to study chemistry if you want to work in business, or whether your art classes will actually be useful in a law career.

When you understand these connections, it can help motivate you in subjects that might seem irrelevant right now. Plus, you might discover you need to focus more on certain subjects or pick up new skills to reach your career goals.

What’s the most challenging part of this job, and how do you handle it?

Every job has its tough moments, and it’s better to know about them upfront rather than being surprised later. Maybe it’s dealing with difficult customers, working to tight deadlines, or staying up-to-date with constantly changing technology.

Learning how other people cope with these challenges can give you valuable strategies for handling stress and problems – skills that will be useful in any career path you choose.

How is this industry changing, and what should I be prepared for?

Industries evolve rapidly these days, especially with new technology constantly emerging. The job market your parents entered will look completely different by the time you’re ready to start working.

By understanding where an industry is heading, you can make smarter choices about what to study and which skills to develop. You might learn that certain roles are becoming automated, while new opportunities are opening up in other areas.

What resources or connections would you recommend for someone starting out?

This question can unlock a treasure trove of information. Professionals often know about industry publications, useful websites, professional associations, networking events, or even specific people who could help you learn more.

Building these connections early can give you a huge advantage when you’re ready to apply for jobs or further study. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the field and thinking ahead.

Make the most of your opportunity

Don’t worry about asking “dumb” questions – the people supervising you expect you to be curious and want to learn. Take notes during conversations, ask for contact details if appropriate, and always follow up with a thank you message after your placement ends – you never know when these connections might be helpful in the future.

Unlocking Scholarships: Application Tips and Advice.

( Source: Study Work Grow)

Thinking about your future? Scholarships might seem like something only for the elites, but the reality is that scholarships aren’t just for top athletes or academic superstars. They’re available to students pursuing all sorts of paths, from vocational training to apprenticeships, and they come in more varieties than you might imagine.

Over 1.8 million scholarships awarded every year in the US alone, and a regular high school student could eligible to apply for as many as 50 to 100 scholarships. You read that right – dozens of opportunities could be waiting for you right now. So read on to learn more about scholarships, where to find them, and tips on how to apply.

What exactly are scholarships?

Think of scholarships as free money for your education. Unlike loans, you won’t have to pay scholarships back, making them one of the best ways to fund your future studies and help you to get ahead. They’re essentially financial gifts from organisations, governments, universities, or individuals who want to invest in your potential.

Scholarships can cover anything from a few hundred dollars to full tuition fees, and some even include living expenses, textbooks, or equipment costs. Even a small amount of money could make a big difference to your educational journey.

The benefits go beyond the money

While the financial support is obviously fantastic, many scholarships offer much more than just monetary value. When you receive a scholarship, you’re often joining a community of like-minded people who can become valuable connections throughout your career.

Lots of scholarship programmes also offer mentoring, workshops, internship or other work opportunities, networking events, and access to professional development.

Plus, listing a scholarship on your resume could demonstrate to future employers or universities that you’re someone worth investing in. It shows initiative, achievement, and the ability to successfully navigate competitive processes.

Where to find scholarship opportunities

With so many scholarships out there, a simple Google search might yield an overwhelming amount of results, which means you’ll need to dig a bit deeper. The good news is there are excellent databases and platforms designed specifically to help students like you discover opportunities.

Here are some of the most comprehensive scholarship databases to get you started:

Australia and New Zealand scholarship databases

• Study Work Grow
• StudyAssist Australia
• Universities New Zealand

Global scholarship platforms

• Fastweb – for US domestic students only
• Scholarships.com – find US College scholarships
• UK Scholarships – for students studying in the UK
• International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) – for international students wanting to study in the US or Canada
• InternationalScholarships.com – for students from any country
• Scholarships Portal EU – high education scholarships from 47 countries
• Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships – search scholarships in 56 countries
• EduCanada Scholarships – for Canadian and International students

Where else to search

Each university or training organisation usually has their own scholarships page to search, so head directly there to learn about opportunities.

Don’t forget to check with your school’s careers counsellor, local community organisations, and any companies or industries you’re interested in.

And many businesses offer scholarships to students pursuing relevant fields – they often have less competition than national programmes too.

Types of scholarships available

Scholarships come in more varieties than you might expect, and they’re certainly not all about having perfect grades.

Merit-based scholarships

These scholarships primarily recognise academic achievement, but they also consider artistic talent, leadership skills, community service, or exceptional abilities in specific areas.

Need-based scholarships

As the name suggests, these scholarships are designed to help students from families with limited financial resources or facing other barriers to pursue their educational goals.

Field-specific scholarships

These scholarships are aimed at students entering particular industries or study areas, from healthcare and engineering to trades and creative arts.

Identity-based scholarships

These scholarships are designed to support students from specific backgrounds, whether that’s based on ethnicity, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics.

Activity-based scholarships

Similar to merit scholarships, these scholarships reward involvement in sports, volunteering, part-time work, or extracurricular activities.

Location-based scholarships

These scholarships are offered to students from particular geographic areas or those planning to study in specific regions.

How to apply for scholarships

It might seem daunting, but breaking your application down into manageable steps makes it much more achievable. Here are some of our tips to simplify the scholarship application process.

Invest your time

Research your options, be prepared to submit separate applications and take the time to tailor each one and make it unique.

Start early and stay organised

Create a spreadsheet to track deadlines, requirements, and application progress. Millions of dollars in scholarships remain unclaimed because students fail to apply for them, often simply due to missed deadlines.

Read the criteria carefully

Make sure you are eligible before spending time on an application. Pay attention to details like age requirements, field of study, and geographic restrictions.

Double check how and when applications need to be submitted, if you have the necessary technology, whether you need to submit copies of verified paperwork, and what might be expected from you if you’re awarded a particular scholarship.

Tell your story authentically

Scholarship committees want to understand who you are beyond your grades. Share your experiences, challenges you’ve overcome, goals you’re working towards, and why this particular opportunity matters to you.

Have strong references

Choose referees who know you well and can speak specifically about your character, achievements, or potential. Give them plenty of notice and provide them with information about the scholarship and why you’re applying.

Proofread everything

Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can seriously damage your application. Ask someone else to review your application before submitting it.

Tips to maximise your scholarship chances

With so many opportunities out there, what are your chances of actually receiving one? They might be higher than you think…

Apply widely but strategically

Around 1 in 8 students receive a scholarship, but your odds improve significantly with each quality application you submit. Focus on scholarships where you genuinely meet all the criteria rather than applying randomly.

Look for niche opportunities

Smaller very specific scholarships may have fewer applicants. That scholarship for LGBTIQA+ students studying veterinary science might have much better odds than the generic academic excellence award.

Don’t count yourself out

Around 30% of scholarships are given to students with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.4, and 5% are awarded to students with a GPA lower than 2.4. Many scholarship donors value character, potential, and other factors over perfect grades.

Scholarships exist for non-university paths

You can also secure scholarships for vocational training, apprenticeships, short courses, and other educational pathways, so don’t limit yourself to thinking scholarships are only for university degrees if you plan on taking a different pathway.

Reapply if and when possible

Some scholarships are renewable or allow multiple applications. So even if you’re unsuccessful initially, you might succeed in future rounds as your experience and qualifications grow.

The bottom line

Scholarships represent a great investment in your future in the time and effort in applying versus potential reward. With hundreds of thousands of opportunities available and a vast range of eligibility criteria for them, there’s likely funding out there that could help make your educational dreams more affordable.

Our tops tips for students looking for scholarships are:

1. Do the research and start looking now
2. Be organised and prepared to invest the time do each application as well as you can
3. Remember that scholarships aren’t just for the top 1% of students

Mrs Dallene Jones

After a short break, KM CLUB IS BACK AGAIN THIS WEEK!

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.