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This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day.
Father’s Day obviously means different things to different people! For some it is a time to celebrate and thank fathers, for others it is a time to reflect on father figures (grandfathers, other relatives) or significant males in the lives of young people.
This year is particularly challenging with so many people experiencing isolation with COVID-19 or even loss. Therefore, we recognise and thank all of those fathers and/or male figures who have made a difference and/or positively impacted on the lives of our young people.
In a General Assembly back in 2015, Pope Francis had the following reflection about the family, and in particular, commented on quality fathering and fathers who were present:
“To say “present” is not to say “controlling.” Fathers who are too controlling stifle the spirit of their children; they don’t let them develop.
The Gospel speaks to us about the exemplarity of the Father who is in Heaven who alone, Jesus says, can be truly called, “the good Father” (cf. Mk10:18).
Everyone knows that extraordinary parable of the Prodigal Son, or better yet, the Merciful Father (Luke 15:11-32). What dignity and what tenderness there is in the expectation of that father who stands at the door of the house waiting for his son to return!
Fathers must be patient. Often there is nothing else to do but wait; pray, and wait with patience, gentleness, magnanimity, and mercy.
A good father knows how to wait, and he knows how to forgive from the depths of his heart. Certainly, he also knows how to correct with firmness: he is not a weak father, submissive and sentimental. The father who knows how to correct without humiliating is the one who knows how to protect without sparing himself…
All of this is, of course, not easy, so Fathers need God. Without the grace that comes from the Father who is in Heaven, fathers lose courage and give up.”
—Excerpted from a catechesis on the family at a general assembly on 4/2/2015
So, we thank all fathers and/or father figures and we hope they have a restful and blessed day this coming Sunday.
PRINCIPAL’s APPRAISAL
I would like to thank all staff, students and parents/carers who were either involved in my appraisal on Wednesday or contributed to the various surveys that were sent around in the weeks prior. The Appraisal was led by external consultants and key members of Catholic Education Wollongong.
I am pleased to note that I received excellent feedback and also a number of ideas to integrate into my practice to enhance my Principalship over the following three years. I continue to be very grateful to be Principal at Magdalene Catholic College and I am ever keen to respond to feedback to continue to move Magdalene from good to great.
PRAYER
The following prayer, in honour of Father’s Day, is borrowed from The Catholic Telegraph.
God our father, we give You thanks and praise for fathers young and old.
We pray for young fathers, newly embracing their vocation; may they find courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith in joy and sacrifice.
We pray for our own fathers around the world whose children are lost or suffering; may they know that the god of compassion walks with them in their sorrow.
We pray for men who are not fathers but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love and advice.
We remember fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.
-Amen
Year 7 students have been making the most of their opportunities during this unique COVID-19 time by engaging positively in their learning and developing meaningful relationships. I’m pleased to report that the teacher feedback for Year 7 has been extremely positive. Teachers are impressed by the high level of maturity and enthusiasm demonstrated by the majority of the year group. Keep up the good work!
The emphasis during Pastoral Care Classes for Term 3 is ‘leadership’. Year 7 have taken part in leadership lessons, learning about the qualities that leaders possess. Students have also identified their own personal characteristics that will provide them the ability to one day lead. The leadership lessons have been designed to build towards the Student Representative Council (SRC) process. During Week 8, SRC candidates will deliver speeches on why they should be Year 8, 2021 student leaders. I wish all students delivering speeches the very best of luck. Be confident, do your best and enjoy the process.
The most recent leadership lesson involved a team building activity by building pasta towers. This activity required the use of effective communication, teamwork and resilience. It was great to see the students have fun with the activity and enjoy each other’s company.
Mr Tim Manns
Year 7 Coordinator
The 11 Industrial Technology Furniture class recently completed their dartboard cabinets. The aim of this task was to develop a range of practical skill, which involved students cutting a series of dovetail joints, rebate joints, finger joint, the construction and hanging of Framed and Panel Doors and the application of a high-quality gloss finish.
Students are now preparing for the upcoming Preliminary Higher School Certificate examination, then in Term Four, students will start designing and planning their Major Project for the 2021 HSC Course.
Industrial Technology Furniture class teacher
Technology Leader of Learning
Tuesday Afternoon Sport
Please see below the information emailed to parents and carers regarding the change in sport arrangements from Week 6 of this term.
Dear Parents and Carers,
With the updated NSW Health COVID-19 guidelines for schools on Monday last week, there have been some changes to Tuesday Afternoon Sport. We have received updates on sport and physical activity from the Catholic Education Office and will be using this, with approval from our College Principal, as we continue with sporting activities. It is important for students to continue with sport and physical activity, however, the safety of our students is a priority. The information below outlines the arrangements for Tuesday Afternoon Sport at the College for the remaining weeks of Term Three.
Year 7
For Year 7, students will continue to participate in the sport clinics conducted by Cricket NSW, AFL NSW/ACT and Netball NSW as well as sporting activities at the College.
Year 8
For Year 8, the sport afternoon will be split into two sessions. Students will participate in skill based activities such as basketball, soccer and modified OZ tag conducted by “Bring it on Sports” and also continue with the Elevate Study skills program.
Year 9
For Year 9, students will continue with skill and fitness based activities conducted at the College such as flag grid iron, touch football, fitness circuit, fitness games and ultimate frisbee. In addition to this, one class each week will travel via bus to Allsports Indoor Centre at Smeaton Grange to participate in activities conducted at the centre.
Year 10
For Year 10, most electives will continue as planned, with the exception of the students attending Campbelltown City Bowl and Revolutions Gym Smeaton Grange. Students in these groups will attend Beach Sports at Camden Bowling Club or fitness activities at the Australian Botanic Garden conducted by PDHPE teachers respectively.
Year 11
For Year 11, students will participate in study for the remaining weeks of this term. This will assist students to prepare for the upcoming Preliminary Examinations.
MISA Sport
Currently, MISA sport has been suspended until further notice, with an update to be provided on Term 4 sports in the coming weeks. The MISA website has been created to provide information about the Macarthur Independent Schools Association, including the sports offered and schools involved in Tuesday MISA Sport Competition. The link can be found below:
https://www.misaonline.org.au/
Diocesan and Catholic Schools NSW Sport
Further information for Diocesan and NSW Sport can be found using the links below. This includes the cancelled events for Term 3 and Term 4.
Further information on Term 4 MISA and Diocesan Sporting events will be provided in the coming weeks to parents and students via compass. If there are any questions about Tuesday Sport, please contact Mrs Andruschko via the College Office.
The Government has created a suite of materials for families that will assist them when looking for information relating to financial help after high school. It provides a range of information to help students learn more about payments they could be entitled to or claim.
Please note that all students will transition into the FULL SUMMER UNIFORM on Monday 7 September.
The uniform shop has a large number of summer items available, and will be open Friday morning 7:50-8:15am.