As many of you would be aware, the eyes of the Catholic world turned to St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday, to mark the canonisation of St Carlo Acutis, who became the first millennial saint. At the time of his passing in 2006, he was just 15 years old, yet had left a remarkable legacy that led to early calls for his sainthood. After teaching himself computer programming, he famously created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world, a project that has since been translated into multiple languages and used by parishes globally. His sainthood sends a powerful message that holiness is not only achievable in the digital age but can also be expressed through it. In marking this significant event, it was with great joy that the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong announced the establishment of a new K-12 school that will be opening in the coming years, St Carlo Acutis Catholic College in Leppington. 

St Carlo Acutis, Pray for us. 

Earlier this week, the College was delighted to host our annual Father’s Day Breakfast. Attended by over 200 fathers and father figures, the gathering also gave us as a College the opportunity to thank our parent community for their ongoing support. I take the opportunity to thank all those who attended and for the staff who led the arrangements for such a large event. 

On Thursday of last week, I had the great pleasure of attending the annual Bishop’s Student Excellence Awards in Wollongong which was hosted by Bishop Brian Mascord and Mr Peter Hill, Director of Schools. This annual event celebrates one student from every secondary school in the diocese based on a range of criteria including their commitment to learning, their contribution to the faith lives of their schools, and the way in which they express their values through the relationships that they foster within and beyond the school community. I take the opportunity to congratulate Adelaide Bell of Year 12 who was this year’s recipient from Magdalene. Adelaide has made exceptional contributions to all aspects of College life, particularly with regards to major College events and her leadership of a range of social justice initiatives throughout her time at the College. Congratulations Adelaide. 

By the time the next College newsletter is circulated, our Year 12 students will have officially graduated from Magdalene, with just their final HSC exams to follow in October. I ask all members of our community to keep these students in your prayers as they take their final classes in the days ahead. I would also like to pass on my thanks and gratitude to our College Captains Sophie McMonigal and Oliver Bromley, and Vice Captains Bella Stevens and Cody Wooden for their outstanding leadership this year and look forward to recognising their efforts further during Graduation Week celebrations. 

A reminder that the last day of Term 3, Friday 26th September, is a Pupil Free Day here at Magdalene. I thank the members of our parent community who will be making alternative supervision arrangements on this day so that staff can remain available to continue their preparations for the 2026 school year. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran

Principal 

Year 12 Reports

As we prepare for the graduation of our Year 12 students, please note that their final academic reports will be available on Wednesday 24 September. We hope that these reports will provide some final recommendations as students prepare for their upcoming HSC Exams. 

Year 11 Preliminary Exams

Year 11 Preliminary Exams will continue throughout Week 9 as per the schedule that is available to students and parents/carers. Results from these exams will be returned to students at the start of Term 4. 

Year 12 2025-26 Information Evening

Parents/carers and Year 11 students should now have received a reminder of the upcoming Year 12 2025-26 Information Evening which will commence at 6pm on 14 October. This night provides an opportunity to ensure that we have a shared understanding of the NESA expectations and support that is in place to ensure students are set for success as they commence their HSC year. 

Upcoming Formal Assessments:

Term 3, Week 9

• Year 11 Preliminary Exams
• Year 10 Industrial Technology: Timber
• Year 9 History
• Year 9 PDHPE
• Year 9 Visual Arts
• Year 8 PDHPE

Term 3, Week 10

• Year 10 Dance
• Year 10 Music
• Year 10 Textiles Technology
• Year 9 PASS

Carlo Acutis’ Canonisation:

First Millennial Saint: Carlo Acutis is the first person from the millennial generation to be declared a saint. Born in 1991, he died of leukemia at the age of 15 in 2006.

"God's Influencer": Acutis was known for his remarkable use of computer skills and technology to spread the Catholic faith. He created a website to document and catalogue Eucharistic miracles from around the world, earning him the nickname "God's influencer." He is now often cited as a patron saint for the internet.

Joint Canonisation: He was canonized alongside another young Italian, Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died in 1925 at the age of 24.

The Process: The canonisation process, which can take centuries, moved at a remarkably fast pace for Acutis.

• Venerable: In 2018, Pope Francis declared him "Venerable" after his heroic virtues were recognized.
• First Miracle (Beatification): In 2020, the Church recognized a miracle attributed to his intercession—the healing of a young boy in Brazil who suffered from a severe pancreatic disorder. This led to his beatification, making him "Blessed."
• Second Miracle (canonisation): In May 2024, a second miracle was approved by Pope Francis. This miracle involved the healing of a young woman from Costa Rica who suffered a serious brain injury after a bicycle accident. Her mother had prayed at Acutis's tomb in Assisi, and the woman made a full recovery. This paved the way for his canonisation.

Symbolic Legacy: Acutis's body is entombed in a glass coffin in Assisi, where he can be seen dressed in his everyday clothes—jeans, a sweatshirt, and sneakers. This serves as a powerful symbol of his "saint-next-door" status and a reminder that holiness is attainable in ordinary life.

Also, Carlos is a great example of how young people can live out their faith in the modern world and a wonderful inspiration for all of us to prioritise the Eucharist in our lives.

Prayer:

Lord , we pray that we may be inspired by the faith and life of Carlo Acutis, who demonstrated a profound love for you in the Eucharist and lived out your will in his young life.

St Carlo Acutis: Pray for us

Saint Mary Magdalene: Pray for us

This year, our school had the privilege of hosting the Wollongong Diocesan launch of the 2025 Catholic Mission initiative. It was a joyful and prayerful gathering of students, teachers, clergy, and community members, marking the official beginning of this year’s campaign. The theme for 2025 is “Missionaries of Hope,” celebrated in conjunction with the Jubilee Year of Hope.

The focus country this year is Zambia, where food scarcity is a growing concern. Corn, known locally as maize, is the staple food for most Zambian families. However, recurring droughts and poor harvests mean that many people do not have enough to eat. For families who rely on maize as their primary source of food, these shortages create daily struggles for survival.

This year's Catholic Mission initiative seeks to respond to this urgent need by supporting communities in Zambia with both practical assistance and the message of Christian hope. By working alongside local Church leaders, the mission helps provide nourishment and a sense of dignity for families, especially children, who are most affected by hunger.

As a college, hosting this year’s launch was a powerful reminder that we are called to be Missionaries of Hope, living out our faith by standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Zambia. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are invited to share not only resources but also encouragement, ensuring that those who are hungry know they are not forgotten.

Through prayer, awareness, and fundraising, we can play our part in offering hope to those who face food scarcity each day. Let us embrace this mission with open hearts, answering Christ’s call to “love one another as I have loved you.”

For more information about this year’s campaign and ways to be involved, please visit the Catholic Mission website. 

Over the past 3 months, our students had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Carrington: Through Our Eyes Program, a project that fosters meaningful connections between generations. Students were paired with residents at Carrington, building relationships, sharing stories, and learning from the wisdom of those who have lived through decades of life experiences.

Ella shared her reflections:

On the 9th of May, I received an email from Miss Neasy that I was accepted to do the Carrington: Through Your Eyes Program! Since that day, every week for 12 weeks, I had the uttermost pleasure of being able to get to know a lovely gentleman by the name of Charles. During our first meeting, he revealed to us that he was 98 years old, and I was honestly baffled. The overflowing wisdom, advice, and stories that he shared over the past few months are something that will stick with me forever. He taught me his advice for things like life and love, and made an effort to relate to me every single day, and I loved it. This program was just as rewarding in the last week as it was in the first. I couldn’t recommend this program more for people, and I can’t thank Miss Neasy and the Carrington staff enough for all they did.

As a final note, I’d like to share the advice he passed on:

About love - 'Love is always give and take. Sometimes you have to sacrifice something. And you have to put the effort in.'

About life - 'Do everything in moderation.'"

Isibeal reflected on the value of connection:

Volunteering at Carrington was a meaningful experience where we got to know the residents on a personal level. Over time, we built real connections through everyday conversations and connected with a different generation. It didn’t take long for those interactions to feel natural and genuine. I learnt a lot just by listening to the residents’ stories and being present. The atmosphere was warm and familiar, and it was clear that our time there mattered to them as much as it did to us. Overall, it was a very rewarding, memorable experience that taught the value of consistency and connection.

Over the course of the program, students documented the stories, passions, and shared moments with the residents and created a video celebrating their lives and experiences. The program concluded with a special presentation, which even coincided with the celebration of a resident’s 101st birthday, making the moment even more memorable.

The program provided benefits for both students and residents: students developed empathy, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for the wisdom that comes with age, while residents gained connection, companionship, and a sense of being valued and heard. Residents also learnt from students, gaining insight into contemporary perspectives, technology, and the energy and curiosity of youth.

Carrington: Through Our Eyes exemplifies the power of intergenerational learning, showing how meaningful relationships can be built when generations come together to share stories, celebrate milestones, and learn from one another.

Miss Sarah Neasy 

Youth Ministry Coordinator

We are excited to share the incredible work from our senior students in the Timber Products and Furniture Technologies Major Project. This capstone project is a culmination of their skills, creativity, and dedication developed over the course of their studies in Industrial Technology.

What is the Major Project?

The Major Project challenges students to design and construct a piece of furniture or timber-based product that reflects their personal interests, technical abilities, and understanding of sustainable practices. Each project is unique, requiring students to:

• Develop a design brief and research plan
• Create detailed working drawings and prototypes
• Apply advanced construction techniques
• Document their process in a comprehensive 80-page project portfolio

This hands-on experience not only strengthens their craftsmanship but also prepares them for future pathways.

Student Spotlight

Below, we invite you to explore the student projects. Each entry includes a photo of the finished product and a short bio written by the student, explaining their inspiration, process, and what they learned.

Name: William Cox

Project Title: Reading Nook

Description:

Created for a primary classroom, this project was manufactured using CNC machining to create an accurate and professional flatpack project that can be set up in an array of configurations to allow students a space to break out, relax and enjoy a quiet, safe space to read.

Name: Justin Motti

Project Title: Coffee Table

Description:

For my major project, I built a Coffee table out of Blackbutt, with the design focused on creating a functional piece to be the highlight of my living room. I particularly enjoyed working with my classmates as they made it more enjoyable for me, and I also enjoyed the hands-on nature of the project. I was heavily inspired by Mr Joyce and his involvement with my project. Thank you

Name: Maximilian Poppleton

Project Title: Chessboard

Description:

I built a chessboard made from Queensland Maple and American Walnut with a glass top and drawers. I really enjoyed working on it throughout the year; it gave me some nice challenges. I was very satisfied with the end product.

Name: Christian Repinec

Project Title: Coffee Table

Description:

For my major, I built a Coffee Table out of Tasmanian Oak and used a decorative inlay feature made out of Jarrah to create a stretcher bond pattern on the tabletop. This project was quite challenging, but it was always enjoyable throughout the production and I was ecstatic with the final product. A big thanks to Mr Joyce for helping keep me motivated while undertaking this project.

Name: James Skinner

Project Title: Buffet

Description:

My Blackbutt Buffet major work was challenging to build, but the process was highly rewarding and worthwhile. The feature I am most proud of is the weaved barn-style door, as it gives the piece a distinctive character and sets it apart from more traditional designs. I would like to extend my gratitude Mr Joyce for giving up countless hours after school, giving up his breaks and holiday time.

Name: Nicholas Skinner

Project Title: Coffee Table

Description:

​​I have made a coffee table out of Tasmanian Blackwood with alternating curved ends. I used kerf cutting with a carbide cutter on a router to make the curves on my project which is the major design feature and WOW factor. Overall, I'm happy with the outcome of my project, although the design was altered due to time constraints. The coffee table serves its purpose as a practical, high-end piece of furniture.

Name: Jarrod Stratton

Project Title: Epoxy River Coffee Table

Description:

For my major project, I built a custom coffee table with blackbutt timber. I also incorporated an epoxy resin pour on the tabletop. I enjoyed the process of creating the epoxy as it came with many challenges.  Thank you to Mr Joyce for the assistance throughout the project.

We are incredibly proud of the effort and creativity our students have shown. Their projects are a testament to the value of hands-on learning and the importance of design thinking in education.

Mr Joyce

2025 Yr12 Industrial Technology Teacher 

On the 20th of August, Year 9 Commerce students went to Sydney Police and Justice Museum and we got to participate in a mock trial, and to hear about the case of the pyjama girl. We then visited the NSW Parliament House where we got to sit in both upper and lower houses of parliament and experience what it would be like to pass a bill. Despite the rain it was a great day and we gained some very interesting insight into the legal system and how our government works. - Harvey Fletcher

Year 10 PASS Students Inspire Year 7 Through Coaching

This Term, Year 10 PASS (Physical Activity and Sports Studies) students stepped into the role of coaches, leading Year 7 students through practical skill development sessions as part of their assessment task.

Year 10 students were able to select a sport of their choice—ranging from NRL, Oz Tag, Netball, Basketball, or Cricket—and design engaging activities tailored to younger students. Their challenge was to teach, motivate, and provide constructive feedback to improve Year 7 students’ performance and understanding of the sport.

The sessions were a huge success, with Year 7 students showing great enthusiasm and energy as they participated. The younger students enjoyed learning in a supportive and fun environment, and many commented on how encouraging and approachable their Year 10 coaches were.

Our PASS students demonstrated outstanding leadership, communication, and organisational skills. They motivated Year 7 to persist with challenges, provided targeted feedback to refine their skills, and celebrated improvements along the way.

This experience not only enhanced the confidence of our Year 7 students but also gave Year 10 the chance to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real coaching setting—building both their teaching skills and their appreciation for the responsibilities of being a mentor.

A big congratulations to all our PASS students for their effort, maturity, and commitment. 

Year 9 Elective Music - Sydney Opera House Visit

On Thursday 4 September, the Year 9 Elective Music class travelled to the Sydney Opera House for a guided tour and to experience the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Chief Conductor Simone Young, one of Australia’s foremost interpreters of Richard Strauss’ music. The program included several works, notably Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Australian pianist Andrea Lam also featured, showcasing her accomplished technical skills alongside the virtuosity of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Special thanks to Ms Slender, Mr Aziz and Ms Curtis for accompanying the students on the day.

Student highlights of the Sydney Opera House visit included:

Emma Daniels

I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Opera House, especially the types of performances held there and the famous artists who have performed in the past. The Sydney Symphony concert itself exceeded my expectations, with my personal favourite being Thus Spoke Zarathustra. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this experience, but I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity.

Alyssa Devile

I had a wonderful first visit to the Sydney Opera House. The tour of the building was fascinating, with so many stories behind each room, wall, and painting. Simone Young was incredible as a conductor, and the orchestra sounded amazing. My personal favourite was the Thus Spoke Zarathustra. The performance was elegant, clear, and the instruments blended together beautifully. I also really enjoyed our free time and spending it with my friends. Overall, the whole day was an amazing and fun experience.

Kristijan Dumesic

It was a great day and I enjoyed being with my friends and the experience of going out with my friends. I also enjoyed visiting the Sydney Opera House for the first time and it was a great experience. I also learned a lot from the day and visiting the different Concert Halls, they  were amazing.

Mia Ruggiero

Our Music excursion was an unforgettable experience! The Sydney Opera House tour was fascinating, and I loved learning about its unique architecture and history. Listening to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra live was incredible, especially the beautiful sounds of the two orchestral harps and the powerful pipe organ.

Gabriella George

I loved visiting the Sydney Opera House! The world’s largest pipe organ was amazing, I didn't expect it to be so enormous. I really enjoyed listening to the harp during the performance! Andrea Lam, the solo pianist, was very talented.

Erik Carreno

I really enjoyed the final piece Thus Spoke Zarathustra and the way it was performed. I especially liked the sound of the pipe organ and the solo piano. I also admired Simone Young and how well she guided the orchestra.

Katelyn Kilby

The excursion was a great day. I enjoyed the performances and the harmonic sound of the orchestra. Andrea Lam's piano performance was amazing and I enjoyed getting out of the classroom, but still being able to learn.

Justin Avery

The day was so enjoyable! The Sydney Symphony Orchestra was absolutely exquisite and definitely a performance I would love to see again. The weather was perfect, which made the experience even better. We also learned about how the Opera House was built and the people who work there. Overall, it was a truly great day

Laura Glennie

I had a really good time. The tour that we had around the Opera House was extensive and I learnt a lot about the construction and inner workings of the establishment. The Sydney Symphonic Orchestra was masterful, all the instruments flowed together to make beautiful sounds. They were dutifully led by the conductor Simone Young. Overall the trip was amazing and we all had a really fun time, hanging out and listening to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra together.

Alicia McDivitt

Our visit to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was an extraordinary experience. The Sydney Opera House Tour and our enthusiastic leader ‘Peter’ was fascinating, and Richard Strauss’ work conducted by Simone Young was breathtaking. As a piano player, my highlight was Andrea Lam’s inspiring performance, which motivates me to keep improving. Thank you to 9MUSA for such an inclusive and fun day, and to our teachers for making it all possible—we are truly grateful.

Catholic Mission Launch - Musicians

A huge thank you and special acknowledgement to our Catholic Mission Launch musicians for their dedication during rehearsals and for sharing such a polished, inspiring and memorable performance — you were truly outstanding, a pleasure to work with! 

Musicians

Diana Adamovic - Vocals

Dominic Adamovic - Vocals

Emilia Keramea - Vocals

Eleana Siutz - Vocals

Benjamin Adamovice - Piano

Jasmine Sly - Synthesiser

Connor Spiers - Bass Guitar

Dylan Teuma - Electric Guitar

Luca Saprun - Drums & Sound

A special thank you also to our sound support team, Billy Cooper and Cayden O’Connor for their expertise and professionalism in ensuring event success.

Ms Curtis

Year 9 Music Teacher

On Monday 1st September, Magdalene Catholic College proudly showcased the talent and dedication of our Dance troupes and elective Dance class at the Inspire Arts Challenge. Competing against a wide range of schools from the performing arts, Catholic and public sectors, our students demonstrated not only technical excellence but also creativity and school spirit.

The competition was fierce, with exceptionally high standards across all performances. Despite this, our dancers rose to the challenge and delivered great results:

Lyrical (Elite Dance Troupe) - Highly Commended

Musical Theatre (Elective Dance & Elite Troupe) - Highly Commended

Hip Hop (MISA Dance Troupe) - Highly Commended

Beyond the results, our Magdalene dancers also displayed great sportsmanship, supporting and encouraging performers from other schools.

A sincere thank you to our dancers for their commitment and performances, and for proudly representing Magdalene on stage.

Thank you,

Miss Tahlia Cupillari 

Dance Teacher

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.

On 25 October 2025, the Council for Catholic School Parents (CCSP) is hosting a special anniversary celebration conference for all NSW/ACT parents and carers with children in Catholic schools! It’s going to be a value-packed day of connection and collaboration where their expert presenters will provide specialist advice on parenting in a modern world.

Dr Justin Coulson: co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au 

Michelle Mitchell: sought-after author and speaker on parenting tweens and teens

Daniel Principe: a passionate youth advocate and educator, and nominee for Australian of the Year.

This conference will cover areas such as managing technology with young people, consent and respectful relationships, cybersafety, building your child’s resilience, sleep, managing anxiety, screens and brain development, supporting your child’s learning at home and at school and more!

Date: Saturday 25 October 2025

Time: 8.30 am – 3.30 pm (doors open at 8.00 am)

Location: Novotel, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150

Parking is available at the venue, Novotel Parramatta, for a day rate. Please contact the hotel for more information: (02) 9630 4999. Other options include Eat Street Parking. Novotel Parramatta is offering special rates for conference guests. Please call the reservations team on 02 9890 0850 or email novotel@nmsp.com.au to book and advise them that you are attending the conference. Valid until 9 October 2025, subject to availability at the time of confirmation.

Find out more information here.

Buy a ticket here: Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World Registration.