In this week’s Gospel Reading, we hear of Jesus observing a dinner party, noting how guests jockey for positions of honor. His parable places a focus on humility, urging us to take the ‘lowest’ seat. He suggests that true honor comes not from self-exaltation but from God's invitation. In our status-obsessed culture. Whether it's on social media, in our careers, or even at family gatherings, we often seek the "best seats" and public recognition. Jesus's message challenges this impulse, reminding us that genuine significance is found in selflessness and generosity, not in public praise. When we invite those who can't repay us—the poor, the marginalised, and the lonely—we reflect God's own grace and receive a deeper, more lasting reward.

Over the last few weeks, each cohort at Magdalene has been progressing through the 2026 SRC selection process. Late last week, candidates from our current Year 11 cohort who were seeking specific leadership roles, presented their leadership speech in front of their peers in the College hall. As I mentioned to them on the day, the staff were blown away by the quality of these presentations and the calibre of students that had the courage to put themselves forward in this process. These students then spent all day on Friday involved in an intensive leadership program which culminated in the final votes being cast that afternoon. We look forward to announcing the 2026 SRC shortly, and again, thank and congratulate all students who have taken part in this process. 

Last Thursday 28th August, I had the great pleasure of attending the 2025 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards which were hosted by the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong. These annual awards highlight and celebrate the best of our students and staff in a range of VET offerings across the Diocese. It is my pleasure to announce that Magdalene was recognised with two major awards. Congratulations to Year 12 student, Monique Gilchrist, who was named Business Services Student of the Year, in a very strong pool of nominees. I also congratulate and acknowledge Mr Cimino who has worked with Monique as her Business Services Trainer. Secondly, again in a field of exceptionally strong contenders, I would like to congratulate Ms Melissa Keith who was awarded Trainer of the Year in the Diocese of Wollongong. This is due recognition for the outstanding work she has done here at Magdalene, specifically in the area of Hospitality. 

Over the last couple of years, we have taken the opportunity to celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day here at the College and have appreciated the significant number of visitors that we have welcomed to the College on each of these occasions. We will once again be celebrating Father’s Day here at Magdalene from 7:30am on Monday 8th September in and around the College Hall. All fathers, grandfathers and father figures in our community are invited to join us for this event. Further information will be circulated in the coming week. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

College Principal

Please be advised that as of the 8th of September (Week 8) the College will transition into Summer Uniform. Please take the time to take measures to ensure the Summer Uniform expectations can be met for your child by this time. 

 If items are required for purchase from the uniform shop please find the opening hours below:

Noone Uniform Shop

Mondays:  7.30am - 12.30pm

Thursdays:  10.30am - 3.30pm

We would also like to recommend that parents and carers take this opportunity to ensure their child is responsibly following the College uniform expectations in all areas of student presentation. 

Please feel free to contact the College to discuss any matters further or if support is needed in meeting the expectations.

Mrs Alison Kripal

Curriculum Coordinator

In line with updated Work Health and Safety requirements from CeDOW, students are no longer permitted to bring drink bottles into Science laboratories. This measure is in place to prevent contamination and ensure a safe learning environment. We appreciate the support of students in helping us maintain safe and productive Science labs.

At Magdalene, we are committed to nurturing every child’s growth with a focus on faith, learning and wellbeing. As part of this commitment, this year we have embedded the LEARN Framework into classroom environments. Posters of the framework have been placed in all classrooms as a reminder to staff and students. Please see the posters below for your reference.

We strongly value all stakeholders in the College community in ensuring the success of this framework. With the consistent reference to these posters and use of the common language, we strongly believe the learning environment for all students will be optimised.

The framework allows for:

• high expectations for all students, which encourages every student to achieve their personal best. 
• engaged and purposeful Learning by creating meaningful learning experiences that connect with students' lives and future pathways. 
• collaborative and reflective practice which supports students and staff to work together in a respectful manner and reflect on learning.
  
  

We greatly appreciate the support of our parents and carers and look forward to continuing to work in partnerships in contributing to the development and success of your child.

Mr Matthew Bubb

Leader of Wellbeing

This term, our Year 7 students have embarked on an exciting journey through movement and culture in their PDHPE Dance unit. As part of the new NSW PDHPE syllabus, students are developing their understanding of movement concepts and exploring how dance can express identity, community, and culture.

To build confidence and engagement in the first weeks, students warmed up with Just Dance routines - a fun, familiar and inclusive way to introduce rhythm, coordination, and body awareness in a supportive environment. These sessions helped establish a safe space where all students could explore movement without fear of judgement.

With growing confidence, the unit will now transition into a focus on cultural dance traditions from around the world. Students will analysethe meanings, stories and social significance behind various dance styles, and will soon collaborate in small groups to choreograph and perform their own short dance sequences inspired by what they've learned.

This unit not only supports students’ physical development but also builds intercultural understanding and appreciation for diversity - key priorities in the new syllabus.

We’re incredibly proud of the energy and enthusiasm Year 7 has brought to the unit so far. We look forward to celebrating their creativity and movement skills in their upcoming performances!

Hello Magdalene,

We are excited to let you know about a special event happening on Saturday the 11th of October at the Campbelltown Athletics Centre: the 24-hour Fight Against Cancer Walk! This event is all about raising awareness for cancer and supporting people in our community who are living with, or are affected by it. Not only will we be showing our support, but we’ll also be raising funds that will go directly to cancer research and patient care.

The event is going to be fun and relaxed! It kicks off at 10am with an opening ceremony, and we will wrap up our involvement at 6pm. Throughout the day, you’ll be encouraged to walk as many laps as you can and hang out with your friends. There’s no pressure to walk a certain number of laps - just stay active and get those steps in while enjoying the atmosphere.

The main goal of this event is to bring our community together to raise awareness about cancer. But it’s not all about walking - bring a ball, cards, or music to help pass the time and have fun with your friends. You’re not expected to walk the entire 8 hours, so take breaks, chill out, and enjoy the event however you like! The cost is $30 per student. This cost is set by the organisation, not the school. It includes registration, a shirt and towel.

Please join using this link: https://www.mycause.com.au/event_registration/register/5855/joinGroupFromFundraisePage/33812

If you’re interested in joining, we’ll be forming a team, and we want as many of you as possible to be involved. All students from Year 7 to Year 12 are encouraged to attend. We will email you in the holidays with information and a reminder.

Kind Regards, 

Mr Cimino.