LATEST LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY - 9 APRIL

This afternoon a joint-letter from Catholic Education Wollongong’s Director Mr Peter Hill and myself will be sent to the community to provide: (i) an overview of supports provided by both the Diocese and the College, and (ii) a brief update on plans for Term Two. I encourage you to read this.

THANK YOU

Once again, I thank our parents and carers and our student body for their tremendous support, encouragement and understanding during these trying times in which we live.

As one of my recent letters indicated, one of our own staff members, Mr Steve Bayliss was struck down by coronavirus only recently so we know that, while he posed no threat to our College community, this can be a very dangerous, painful and potentially life-threatening illness. The good news is that he is now out of hospital, but we do encourage your positive thoughts and prayers.

Obviously, COVID-19 came out of nowhere and has considerably impacted families within and beyond the Magdalene community. Its economic and social implications could last for years and we are aware of many in the community who have already been adversely affected. I once again encourage you to reach out to the College if you require Pastoral and/or fee assistance.

ONLINE LEARNING AND WELLBEING HUB

In terms of learning, the good news is that many of our staff have been working with a range of Information Technologies for years so collectively we are in a very good starting position to make the most of remote learning. This stated, we want your feedback. Our goal is to make our remote learning as meaningful as possible whilst also maintaining engagement and  social connections.

To this end, a new online College ‘Wellbeing Hub’ is just about to be released. Look out for communications from our Pastoral Care Coordinator, Mrs Ivana Forner. Various links for support will be provided and clear details about how our students can seek out online counselling will be included.

In the meantime, I include the following graphic which may be of use to helping us during the coming weeks. It’s entitled: “The Coping Calendar” and is aimed at us all keeping calm, staying wise and kind. It can be freely shared.

Interestingly, some of our students are very much enjoying their current learning independence in the present remote delivery of subject content, whereas other students are greatly missing school. Regardless, we all hope that the current COVID-19 situation can improve, and that we can return to greater routine and normality.

VISUAL ARTS ONLINE

The Visual Arts Faculty have recently created an online platform to showcase the amazing talents of our Magdalene students.

With students and staff currently remotely learning and teaching, they now don't have the luxury of pinning up work on the display boards or in the office space. Therefore, I commend the Faculty on being proactive and keeping alive the ‘buzz’ that our students feel when they see their work on show.

I  therefore encourage you to check out  the following link: https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/mccvirtualgallery/home

Obviously, it will be a work in progress over the coming weeks as the faculty gradually includes more and more pieces.

PRAYER

This week I have included two prayers. One is from Pope Francis seeking protection for us from coronavirus and the second relates to us moving into the events of the Last Supper, the Passion of Christ and the Resurrection.

EASTER WEEK: Of course, this time of year is most relevant to us here at Magdalene, not only because of the messages of redemption, forgiveness and Christ’s message of eternal love, but also due to Mary Magdalene’s close connection with all of the events surrounding Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.

I wish you all a safe, happy and holy Easter Break and I include here a beautiful prayer from Catholic Relief Services USA entitled: ‘Break open the Tomb’.

There is a  website and Facebook page live recorded celebration of Sunday Mass online with Bishop Brian Mascord.

These online Masses will continue on Sundays (while possible) giving parishioners throughout the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands (and everyone else watching from around the world) the opportunity to join with their bishop and make an act of spiritual Communion together as a diocese.

It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an act of spiritual Communion which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion means uniting one’s self in prayer with Christ’s sacrifice and worshipping him in his Body and Blood. Acts of spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

As Jesus said, "For where two or three gather in my name, I shall be there with them” (Mt 18:20). Imagine the grace that will abound if all 190,000 Catholics in the diocese gather online for Mass with their bishop. Please extend this invitation to all your family, friends and loved ones.

The premiere link will be posted on the website and Facebook page 24 hours prior to the online Mass.

Website address - https://www.dow.org.au/

Facebook Link - https://www.facebook.com/WollongongCatholic

These last couple of weeks at Magdalene have been nothing but interesting and challenging.  COVID-19 has introduced new terms such as social distancing and panic buying, and the media focus on the harmful impacts of COVID-19 causes anxiety among members of the community.

This week, Magdalene has shifted the focus to Wellbeing and the benefits of social distancing and staying home.  We invited the students to join a Magdalene Google Classroom and posted some wellbeing activities for the students to engage in.  It was heartening to see that the students displayed true Magdalene Spirit and proudly joined our remote College. The activities included:

• Mindfulness Monday
• Magdalene Virtual Sport Carnival on Tuesday
• Make-over Wednesday
• Holy Thursday.

Teachers are continuing to stay in touch with the students to see how they are going. Some students may find that remote learning and social distancing is extremely challenging and they might need someone to talk to.  Our CatholicCare counsellors are now working online, if your child would like to access the counsellor’s online, you can simply complete the attached referral form and email it to the Pastoral Care Coordinator, Mrs Ivana Forner  (forneri01@dow.catholic.edu.au).

Online Teaching and Learning Update

Through Week 11, Magdalene staff have completed a variety of professional learning activities to prepare for the online teaching and learning that will recommence at the beginning of Term 2. Employing technology to support learning is part of our established practice and the College has been well-prepared to move our teaching and learning online. We feel confident that we have the tools available to support our students through this period.

As we move into Term 2, please note some of the key processes regarding teaching and learning online.

Google Classwork

Teacher/Student/Parent Communications

At Magdalene Catholic College, we are proud to have many family members who have served, or are serving currently, in our Armed Forces.

They worked to defend our values and our freedom, and we honour them by name on our Magdalene Honour Roll of Military Service.

This roll can be found on our website, or by following the link - http://www.mchsdow.catholic.edu.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=382&Itemid=296

We also recognise the many men and women from our community who are currently serving.  For reasons of security, their names and details are not mentioned on the roll.

If you have a family member who you would like mentioned on our Honour Roll, please email Danielle Semrany at info@mccdow.catholic.edu.au 

Year 7 Pastoral Care – Online Learning

Wow, what a unique time we are currently living in. Online learning has definitely been a learning experience for both staff and students. I’m pleased to report that Year 7 are adapting very well and embracing the change to online learning. This form of adjustment develops character and resilience, as well as lifelong skills such as independence and organisation. An online learning survey was sent to Year 7 last week to gain valuable feedback for the Year 7 PC team and entire Magdalene staff. Approximately 150 students completed the survey and 94% reported the online learning experience is either going ‘excellent’ (17%), ‘good’ (27%), or ‘ok’ (50%). Students reported they enjoyed online learning because they were home with family and were happy to work at their own pace. However, students were concerned with the workload and missing the interactions with their teacher. As a College staff, we will address these concerns. 

A significant piece of the online learning puzzle is Pastoral Care (PC). During PC when at school, students are provided time to develop relationships and connect with their PC class and PC teacher. The PC teachers have been working diligently to provide Year 7 with a similar experience online. As a cohort, we came together for a Zoom year meeting, with over 170 students in attendance! This was a great re-connector. Below is a selection of what has been happening during Year 7 PC time:

 Sample ‘Check-in’ Questions:

• How is online learning?
• Do you need support with the work you are completing?
• What can you do to support yourself?
• What are you doing to keep active?
• Why is a balance between work, rest and play important?

 Themed Days:

• Thankful Tuesday/Talk up Tuesday
• Workout Wednesday
• Thoughtful Thursday/Teach me something Thursday
• Fun-time Friday/Free Friday/Friday journaling

 Online Activities:

• Zoom charades
• Riddles
• Video blogging
• Reaction timed games
• Online Uno
• Guess the word games
• Card tower challenge
• Doggos to brighten your day
• Design a mascot (7P)
• Online diary

 Zoom Meetings:

• PC class Zoom meetings
• Year group Zoom assembly

 On behalf of the Year 7 PC team, I would like to thank every student in Year 7 for the mature approach to online PC. We are very proud of your effort, flexibility and positive approach to online learning! To those students still finding this change difficult, it is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Please talk to your family and teachers – we are here to support you. Also, on behalf of the students and families, I would like to thank the Year 7 PC teachers for their ongoing support during this challenging time.

To finish, below are a couple of riddles posted to Year 7. Parents and carers, do you know the answers?

 1. If a lilypad doubles each day on a pond, and after 60 days it covers the entire      pond, on what day was the pond half-covered?

 2. What belongs to you, but is used by others?

Mr Tim Manns

Year 7 Coordinator

Sport News

Term 1 Week 11

All College (including MISA Sport), Wollongong Diocese and CSNSW Sporting Events have been cancelled or temporarily suspended until further notice. Information will be provided when the guidelines are reviewed for participation in sport. Please see the links below for Wollongong Diocese Sport and CSNSW Sporting Events with details for specific sports. 

Diocesan Events

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/events-secondary/

CCC Events

https://csnsw.sport/news/events-suspended

Get active - At home!

With the present situation, participation in physical activity is important and provides many benefits.  Information has been provided in the previous newsletter, the wellbeing week letter emailed to the College community and can be also found below.

Congratulations to all Magdalene students for their participation in the sporting activities of the College throughout Term 1. If there are any questions, please contact Mrs Andruschko.

Our Visual Arts department have created a new site to showcase the wonderful artworks of our students at Magdalene.

This site will be continually updated as students create new works. Please follow the link to access the new site - 

https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/mccvirtualgallery/home

GUESS WHAT'S COMING UP NEXT TERM…

National Careers Week 2020

18th -  22nd May

Celebrate by exploring all the post school options at Year 13 Expo.

During the week May 18-22, Year 13 Expo will feature online exhibits from universities, TAFE, training colleges and employers. Live chats, webinars and online booths will be presented by representatives of various industries with the aim of helping you to explore your interests and providing the information you need to plan your career path. Go to https://year13.com.au/expo for further information and registration.

What is Year 13?

Year 13 is an organisation aimed at presenting career options available to school leavers. The services provided are free to young people and partly funded by the Federal Government and Westpac. Year 13 also receives funds from the organisations that it promotes. These include universities, TAFE, and providers of vocational education, apprenticeships and entry level jobs. You can read more about Year 13 at https://year13.com.au/about