Dear parents, carers and students, 

This week’s Gospel reading recounts Jesus sending out seventy-two disciples to prepare the way for Him, instructing them to rely on God’s provision, offer peace, and proclaim the nearness of God’s kingdom. Their return was met with Jesus’ reminder to rejoice not in power, but in their names being written in heaven. This passage highlights the importance of mission, humility, and our dependence on God—principles still deeply relevant today. In a world of self-promotion and instant results, Jesus calls us to faithful service and trust in God's guidance. Like the seventy-two, we are invited to be bearers of peace and messengers of hope, especially amid division and despair. Ultimately, the passage reminds us that true joy comes not from success, but from our relationship with God and our eternal identity in Him.

Over the last fortnight, we have had a number of opportunities for parents and carers to attend the College to participate in our Semester One Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews. These events aligned with the release of our Semester One reports. I would like to thank all parents who took up this opportunity to meet with our teaching staff and I sincerely hope that these interviews were helpful in developing goals and target areas for focus as we prepare to commence Semester Two next term. 

As I mentioned in a number of newsletters earlier this year, in just a couple of short weeks, we will be sending a team of ten students to the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida USA. This team is not only representing Magdalene Catholic College, but after winning the Australian Space Design Competition earlier this year in Brisbane, they will be joining James Ruse in comprising the Australian team for this event. The team, accompanied by Mr Ferry, Mr Avalos and Mrs Hort, will depart Australia on Wednesday 23rd July. We are extremely proud of their achievements to date and will certainly keep the community updated with regards to their progress whilst in America. 

As you may be aware, the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene falls each year on July 22nd. We will be celebrating this occasion with a Mass at 9am on Thursday 24th July in the College Hall to which all parents are invited. If you are able to attend, please RSVP via the Compass event circulated earlier this week. On Friday July 25, our Feast Day celebrations will continue with our Magdalene Festival Event, featuring rides, food stalls and competitions commencing at 11am. We are certainly grateful to the Magdalene P&F who will be running the BBQ for this significant event on our College calendar. 

Finally this week, I would like to thank all the parents and carers for your continued support throughout this first semester. I hope that the upcoming holiday period also allows you some respite from the busyness of the year to date and I look forward to a successful and rewarding Semester Two once we return back after the holiday period. 

Best wishes, 

David Cloran

Principal

On Friday, the 27th of June, a group of passionate students gathered at the College for our annual Winter Sleep Out, an initiative held in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness and hardship during the colder months. Students took part in a range of activities, including packing winter hampers, engaging in meaningful discussions, and participating in games that helped highlight the challenges faced by those doing it tough.

The Sleep Out was part of our broader Winter Appeal, which saw our school community come together to donate non-perishable food items and essential toiletries. These donations are going directly to the Camden and Oran Park St Vincent de Paul Conferences, supporting individuals and families in our immediate community.

We were also privileged to hear from guest speakers from the Camden and Oran Park St Vincent de Paul Conference and the Catholic Education Office of Wollongong, who inspired students with stories of resilience, service, and the importance of advocacy and action.

Below are a few student reflections on the evening:

Melina Richardson 

The Vinnies Winter Sleepout at school provided a great opportunity to experience the challenges encountered by the homeless and marginalised in our community. Staying overnight in the cold made me realise how easily we can overlook warmth, comfort, and safety. It sparked significant discussions among students about the personal narratives behind homelessness, challenging stereotypes and fostering a deeper understanding. Joining forces for this cause allowed us to generate awareness and contributions that could truly make a difference. Ultimately, the experience highlighted that even minor efforts, when collectively embraced, can foster hope and dignity for those in greatest need.

Aaron Leopardi

Vinnies Winter Sleepout from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning was a rewarding experience. Some of our activities included packing winter hampers, discussing social justice issues, and playing games that raised awareness of daily struggles for those in need. The event was part of our wider Winter Appeal, which collected food and toiletries for local St Vincent de Paul Conferences. It reminded me how important it is to support those doing it tough and to be grateful for what we have.

Lachlan Campbell

The Vinnies Winter Sleepout was an important experience and opportunity for my friends and I to support people in need. It allowed us collectively to act on our values of compassion and empathy, as we actively support those who need it most. The most impactful moment for me was filling the number of bags and baskets full of food items and everyday products that we may take for granted at any given moment, while for others it may be somewhat of a luxury. I believe this experience was an opportunity for all of us to come together and support an important cause that we conjointly foster as a community.

Ella Presti
The Vinnies Winter Sleepout was an amazing opportunity for the Magdalene community to come together and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. We created new memories with our friends and built new relationships with our peers while completing the activities. In completing the Sleepout we were able to encompass a sense of empathy for those in this position within our community. Thank you to Miss Neasy for your support on the night as well as the teaching staff for offering their time and Mr Cloran who helped make everyone breakfast on Saturday morning!

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, participated, or supported this powerful initiative. Together, we continue to live out our call to serve with compassion and justice.

Miss Sarah Neasy

Youth Ministry Coordinator 

On the 26th of June, 9RE5 invited Mr Cloran into our classroom in the Brothers House. We were glad that, after weeks of having to reschedule, we could have Mr Cloran in our classroom, and it was worth the wait (not just because we didn’t have to do any classwork). 
Upon Mr Cloran’s arrival, he was asked, “If you were given the chance to come to school via horse or Harley-Davidson, what would you choose?” and “Why did you
become principal?” Which, while confused at first, quickly answered any question we threw at him with interest and enthusiasm, all in just under 2 minutes.
Mr Cloran then went on to ask us a thought experiment about what issues we would fix if we were the principal. He properly considered our ideas and opinions about the school environment, even asking students to take action on various issues that they proposed (e.g. College bell songs).
Everyone shared feedback with Mr Cloran, either talking to us about said feedback or even taking that into his own hands to deal with. It's safe to say the whole class enjoyed the lesson and appreciated the experience.

Last week, our student team representing Australia at the 2025 International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) welcomed a visit from the media team at our Premier Sponsor, Stile Education. The crew captured interviews with students, staff, and Principal Mr David Cloran, exploring how the College’s focus on engaging STEM experiences, from Year 7 engineering challenges to the program built around the Australian Space Design national competitions, has led to this incredible opportunity. 

Students reflected on their ISSDC journey, their achievements at the ASDC, and how classroom science has inspired their passion and direction. This content will feature in Stile’s Science Week campaign next term, celebrating schools creating real-world impact through science education. We look forward to seeing Magdalene’s story and student voices shared nationally across Stile’s social media channels in late July. 

After the visit, students shared their personal reflections on the competition and the role of STEM in their learning:

Christine Brazier 

“The Stile media day was an exciting experience where the team was able to come together and reminisce on the amazing memories we made in the National finals. We had the opportunity to tell our story and communicate what the competition meant to us. All of us have been on a journey together that has connected us to a little community of passionate science nerds. The Stile day allowed us to get competitive and work together to create a mini project simulating on a small scale the experiences we have had while competing in the space competition. It was able to remind us of why we are doing this and the awesome memories that are to come!”

Lachlan Chadwick 

“Yesterday was an exciting day filled with engaging interviews and a dynamic design challenge that brought everyone together in teams. We had the chance to share how Stile has inspired our passion for science and strengthened our connection and drive to the ASDC and our success to the ISSDC. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our achievements and explore creative ideas for the future.”

Isibeal Abbey 

“The Stile Media Day was such a fun and exciting experience, where Team Australia was interviewed and photographed while designing a Lunar delivery system in response to a Stile ‘company’ brief. Showcasing our achievement and reflecting on our win, being part of ISSDC and collaborating on a challenge made the day both inspiring and rewarding.”

ADF Information and Fitness Session.

Some Magdalene students had the opportunity to listen to a representative from the Australian Defence Force last Wednesday.

The session explored the various roles available in the ADF, while also providing students with an insight into the physical requirements for recruits. The presenter, who is also a serving member of the ADF,  offered many personal stories of his experiences within the ADF, which provided the students with an authentic insight into careers in the defence force.

I’d like to thank Mrs Lauren Agland for her assistance with running the fitness session of the presentation, alongside the ADF presenter.

TAFE Visit

Last Wednesday, approximately sixty year 10 students attended a Campus tour of Campelltown TAFE. The visit offered students an opportunity to explore the various teaching spaces TAFE has, as well as hear about some of the initiatives that TAFE has on offer. 

Torrens University - Bright Awards

Entries Close 8 August

A celebration of creative Year 10, 11 and 12 students, the Bright Awards recognise up-and-coming designers and tech enthusiasts, and supports the future of the arts in high schools across Australia. Whether you’re just tapping into your talent or keen to show off your well-developed skills, Billy Blue College of Design’s Bright Awards competition gives you the chance to have your work recognised by industry experts. Plus, monetary prizes for both students and schools go towards kick-starting creative dreams.

https://www.torrens.edu.au/studying-with-us/why-study-with-us/student-showcase/bright-awards

Australian Institute of Music - Music & Lyrics: The Songwriter’s Tool Kit 7-8 July 

Created for students in Years 9-12, AIM’s new high school music workshops provide incredible opportunities to explore songwriting, mentored by AIM’s own accomplished musicians and educators.

This songwriting workshop is essential for any high school students curious about writing songs and performing and is a golden opportunity to work with incredibly accomplished songwriters. Join us these school holidays and discover the songwriter and performer you were born to become.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/music-lyrics-the-songwriters-tool-kit-syd-july-tickets-1253997182329

National Youth Science Forum STEM HUBs - Register Now

14-18 July

If you are a year 10, year 11 or year 12 student in 2025 in Australia with an interest in STEM, we welcome you to the NYSF STEM Hubs!

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) STEM Hubs are designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage continued

studies in these fields.

A STEM Hub is a non-residential STEM experience where you can connect with STEM pathways and careers around Australia. You’ll join exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences typically inaccessible to the public and connect with STEM professionals—a crucial networking opportunity for your future.

Whether you’re passionate about robotics, biomedicine, astronomy, biology, or anything in between, there’s a STEM Hub waiting to show you what a STEM career is really like!

https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/nysf-stem-hubs/

These can be amended in Compass for 7 days after the date of absence. After this, please call or email the College Office to amend.

Please note: All unjustified absences after Semester Reports are generated are unable to be modified.