Greater Normality

As greater normality returns to College life it is great to see students giving their best and showing notable achievements. One need only read the remainder of this newsletter (and view the various images) to see how students are excelling in academic, cultural, extra-curricular and sporting domains. I therefore commend students on their aptitude and willingness to be involved in College life.

I also thank Mr O’Neill for his reflection later in this newsletter on how Mary Magdalene can inspire us to live a full life.

World Teachers’ Day

Today we celebrate all teachers on World Teachers’ Day and I thank all our staff for their wonderful commitment and ongoing outstanding work. I continue to be impressed by their hard work and their dedication to our young people.

College Uniform

I’m pleased to say that further information (and graphics) regarding the College Uniform (Yr 7 2021, Yr 10 2021 and Yr 11 2021) will be sent out by Compass in the coming week. Be sure to look out for this and contact the College if you have any queries.

Faith in the Future

Earlier today I attended a virtual conference on “Faith in the Future” run by the National Catholic Education Commission.

Following an introduction from Sydney’s Archbishop Anthony Fisher, the first speaker Dr Professor Carol Campbell, a Scot currently at the University of Toronto, filled me with great confidence in terms of what we are doing here at Magdalene. Indeed, it is clear that the College’s plans for the future are in keeping with international movements and research in the areas of quality learning and teaching.

In speaking about the importance of Professional Learning for teachers, Campbell would be impressed by the Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) that exist among our staff. Admittedly, the nature of this COVID-19 impacted year has stalled some of the achievements in 2020, but there is considerable momentum among our teachers (and our teaching) moving into 2021 which will bring about tangible improvements in the outcomes of our students.

Campbell’s focus on the importance of quality pedagogy and evaluation has definitely been accentuated during the period of remote learning, and it has been identified by our own staff in recent months as an area for attention. Our College document, “Students at the Centre” articulates what we hold as critical to quality teaching and learning and therefore quite rightfully becomes the focus for the Professional Learning and the subject matter of our PLT and staff meetings. So, all in all, I walked away from Campbell’s presentation thinking we are on the right track.

The second speaker Professor John Haldane, another Scot, but this one currently employed by the Australian Catholic University, spoke more from a faith dimension but included some fascinating insights. In particular, Haldane spoke about the distinction between optimism and hope.

Some of what Haldane stated might be regarded as slightly controversial, but he wanted to emphasise that, as the life of many young people is often a troubled reality, that sometimes society accentuates this through a flawed understanding that life is meant to be perpetually positive. He pondered about the messages that our young people are given and that messages of being overly optimistic is not always as helpful as it might initially be thought.

Being honest and open and speaking about realities of life, (chaos, loss, challenge) alongside the hope that faith provides, can be incredibly powerful. Haldane spoke about the idea that teachers in Catholic Schools, because they are ‘engines for faith’ and in helping young people discern their own values, are absolutely vital. Thus, fittingly, on World Teachers’ Day, Haldane commented on teachers playing a critical role in nurturing young people and helping them create their own identities.

Appropriately, as the College moves into 2021, an area that we will be exploring as a staff is the break down between evangelisation and catechesis and how we can continue to play vital roles in the lives of young people in our care. Our youth are craving positive role models and lifegiving / hope-filled messages – but, as Haldane stresses, the challenge will be to get right the balance between overly optimistic messages when we live in such an uncertain world. A tough but important task.

PRAYER:

In thinking about the future of Catholic schooling, and mindful of the fact that Catholic schools have now been in Australia for over 200 years, the following prayer gives thanks to all involved in our schools:

God of all time - yesterday, today and tomorrow,

For nearly two hundred years, in this great Southern Land of the Holy Spirit, You have inspired in generations of believers the vision for Catholic schools.

We give thanks to You, the Source of wisdom and inspiration, for the passion of teachers who spark the curiosity of their students; for those who open their students’ hearts and minds to the mystery and wonder of the world and nature.

We thank You for the passion and creativity of students in their search for truth and beauty, in their search for what is right and good.

We thank You for school leaders who ensure our schools are places where Catholic faith and learning go hand in hand.

We thank You for the passion and service of administrative and support staff who ensure our schools are well organised, friendly and welcoming to all.

We thank You for the passion of our priests, the bearers of the Good News leading and educating us to prayer and the celebration of the sacraments.

We thank You for the passion, love and sacrifice of parents, carers and local communities as they work together to ensure a Catholic education for their children.

We pray that our Catholic schools, today and tomorrow, will continue their work in God’s mission, spreading the Joy of the Gospel so we may know and love the world as God’s creation, cherish justice, live life in response to God’s call, and serve to ensure the common good in society, now and into the future.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen

What can we learn from Mary Magdalene?

Is it possible to get a few tips for living a positive faith-filled life from a woman who lived about 2,000 years ago? Well...yeah, it is. Let’s have a look at one example of how Mary Magdalene can be an inspiration to all of us to live out our Christian faith and also follow the College Core Values of Discipleship and Service.

Mark 16

16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

Reflection:

In this Gospel passage we see numerous qualities of Mary Magdalene, which can inspire us in our daily lives: (These points also match the College’s Core Values that we, as a community, hold close and strive to achieve)

How does Mary Magdalene inspire us to live out the College Core Values?

1. Show Compassion and Empathy and Support Those in Need: 

• 16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 

(‘Bury the Dead’ is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy for Catholics - we are called to pray for those that have died and to show compassion on their loved ones)

1. Know and Love God and Live a Faith-Filled Life: 

• 9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,...

(Obviously Mary had a close relationship with Jesus, since he chose to appear to her before any of the Apostles. We are called to have a close relationship with Jesus in our daily lives through prayer, reading the Bible, Eucharist, community and caring for our neighbour)

• Are Positive Agents of Change: 

• 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. 

(Mary was the first to bring the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection to the Apostles. The Apostles did not believe her at first but Mary demonstrated courage and resilience (also a part of the College Core Values) in persisting with what she knew to be right - that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. This is pretty much the biggest news story of all time and changed the face of the World forever - e.g., there are over 2.3 billion Christians in the world today)

Hopefully, we can begin to see Mary Magdalene’s life as a way of drawing inspiration for a life well lived. 

College Prayer

Jesus, you chose Mary Magdalene to be the first witness to your resurrection.

Help us to be filled with the power of your Spirit.

May we become witnesses to your love and healing, both within and beyond this community.

Saint Mary Magdalene

Pray for us.

In 2018, 14 senior students and 3 staff members along with Father Joseph Nguyen, participated in Magdalene’s Inaugural Vietnam Immersion Trip. This involved staying at a Catholic Orphanage and assisting the Sisters with maintenance tasks and helping out with daily activities. This experience forged our connection with the Sisters and children at Belem Orphanage, in the village of Hue.  

A second group of students was scheduled to visit this year, however given the current circumstances, were unable to do so. It has now been brought to our attention that Vietnam has experienced devastating storms and flooding this past month, and the village of Hue has been severely impacted. Many homes have been completely submerged and further storms are threatening lives and the health of the locals and orphans. Father Joe has been liaising with the sisters and other Catholic priests in Hue, to raise funds to provide care packs to hundreds of families who have had to flee their homes for safety.  $20 can provide packs of essential items including clean drinking water, rice, noodles and vegetables.

Please keep the Sisters of Belem, the families of Hue and surrounding areas, in your prayers as they brace for more catastrophic weather conditions.  If you are in a position to help and wish to support our connection with Hue, your generosity would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via this link https://tinyurl.com/yxl9lkdk to Father Joe’s “gofundme” page or in person at the College office. 

Please pray for Hue.

HSC Minimum Standard Testing

Year 10 students have completed their National Minimum Standards testing in Term Three. 

Students are able to access their results through the NESA Students Online portal or by speaking with their English and Maths teacher. 

Students are required to attain a Level 3 or 4 result in each test to be eligible for the HSC credential. Please note that NMS tests do not impact eligibility for an ATAR. 

Students who are yet to attain the NMS in reading, writing or numeracy will have the opportunity to complete their testing again through Term Four. 

Any questions regarding HSC National Minimum Standards Tests can be forwarded to Miss Stephanie Phillips. 

Term 4

• 11 November - HSC exams finish
• 23 November - Yr 11 Academic Reports available to parents (COMPASS)
• 18 December - HSC results released (ATAR release date TBC)
• 14 December - Yr 7-10 Academic Reports available to parents (COMPASS)

HSC Examination Timetable available on NESA website

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/key-dates-exam-timetables/hsc-written-exam-timetable

At Magdalene Catholic College, wellbeing is a significant priority that we strive to embed into our students as well as provide support. Over the last two weeks, the Year 12 wellbeing counsellors have worked collectively with Mrs Taccone to advocate the importance of mental health and wellbeing in young people, particularly within our school community. We have achieved this by implementing wellbeing awareness activities each Thursday during pastoral classes. This ongoing initiative works to create a supportive space in which students can relax, unwind and focus on the importance of their own wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of their peers. 

Below are some images of our most recent activities. As well as a wellbeing mood board available for our community to utilise as a bit of motivation, it may be even useful as a screensaver to kick start the conversation of wellbeing in our own lives. 

 Stay tuned for more exciting activities to come! Keep your eyes open Magdalene, watch this space !!!! 

“A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset” 

-Mrs Taccone, Ella Jordan, Harry Hayley , Brady Cottle  & Ellie Dagosto.

 

Year 8 Food and Agriculture Progress

Year 8 have been busy in both the kitchen and garden! Our plants have been growing wonderfully and we have been lucky enough to be able to begin using some of these vegetables within our food practical recipes! 

  

Year 10 Design and Technology have recently completed their Confectionery and Product Packaging Project. Students worked collaboratively to research, design and produce a confectionery product based on the theme of Australia, incorporating various native bush food flavours in their product. 

This year Magdalene has launched for the first time the new Science Extension course.  

In the new course students explore historic and cultural observations, the way scientific research has changed over time, and how ethical frameworks have influenced this process. They consider philosophical arguments in relation to the nature of science to deepen their understanding and refine their own views of and about science.   Students do this by completing their own research project.  

Madison Bassil, Christina David and Monica Ware.  Congratulations girls and good luck!

Year 7 Science

Students in Year 7 have been learning about the Rock Cycle; sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks.  At the end of this topic the students in 7SCI.1 formed groups and made a "rock song" video about what they had learnt.  You can see the results of one group's work.

Year 10 have been studying the science behind earthquakes and have been building earthquake resistant buildings.

Congratulations to William Kiss for his nomination by HSC markers as an exemplary performer 2021. The nomination is a significant achievement, however, it may also result in Will being invited to perform at the annual ENCORE Concert. Will, who plays the electric guitar, has recently completed his audition video and submission requirements for NESA.

ENCORE is a program of outstanding performances and compositions by students from the HSC Music examinations. Each year the NSW Education Standards Authority nominates exemplar HSC performances and compositions by Year 12 students. Nominated students are invited to submit an audition video so they may be considered for the showcase. Will would like to thank his guitar teacher Mr David Eaton and Mr Michael Mae, his class Music teacher for their support and guidance. Well done, Will!

Student's applied Cubist artmaking characteristics, by depicting multiple angles of a still life composition of a water bottle. These striking arrangements focus on geometric shapes and a contain a variety of tonal rendering techniques.

Sapphire Perkins - Cubism Work (Still Life Unit) - Chalk Pastel on Black Paper

Olivia Lowe - Cubism Work (Still Life Unit) - Chalk Pastel on Black Paper

Ameriah Sanchez - Cubism Work (Still Life Unit) - Chalk Pastel on Black Paper

Ella Hoppitt - Cubism Work (Still Life Unit) - Chalk Pastel in Black Paper

Year 7 House Sport Challenge

Congratulations to all Year 7 students for their participation in sport for Week 1 with the commencement of the House Sport Challenge. Year 7 students will participate in PC classes and play against other Year 7 PC classes, with the results being tallied throughout the term. The Week 1 results for the House Sport Challenge are listed below:

Reminders

All students are reminded to ensure they are prepared for participation in sport by having appropriate footwear, College hat, water bottle. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they have their own asthma medication and epipen to participate in Sport. If a student does not have this, they will not be able to leave College grounds and/or participate in Tuesday Afternoon Sport.

If a student is unable to participate in Tuesday Sport due to illness or injury, a note must be handed to Mrs Andruschko on Tuesday morning in the Top Quad from 7.45am to 8.15am.

Please contact Mrs Andruschko via the College Office if there are any questions about Tuesday Afternoon Sport.

MISA Sport

The MISA competition has commenced for Term 4, with teams playing John Therry Catholic High School this week. Congratulations to all students for their efforts in round 1, with the results outlined below.

Round 1 - 27th October (vs JTCHS)

School Sport

The Year 7 House Sport Challenge has continued in Week 2 with Week 3 not being completed due to the conditions of the school grounds. Results from Week 2 with the overall points table included below. 

Week 2 - 20th October

Overall Points Table

This year has seen the majority of sporting events cancelled due to COVID-19. As restrictions continue to ease, planning for 2021 has commenced for various sporting events at school, interschool (MISA), Diocesan and NSWCCC levels. Over the coming weeks, information will be communicated to students and parents and carers about these events. Please contact Mrs Andruschko via the College Office if there are any questions about sport at the College.
Upcoming Sporting Events 2021

From January onwards, there will be a number of School Opal cards expiring, as the physical card has reached its lifespan.

These are cards for students who will be in years 8 to 12 in 2021, and only those Opal cards which haven’t been replaced in the last five years.

Impacted students and/or their parent/guardian will be contacted directly by Transport for NSW via email or post. They will be asked to confirm their details online in order for a new School Opal card to be sent to the correct postal address in time for the new school year.

If contacted by Transport for NSW, details should be submitted online by December 1, 2020 at the latest. Affected students who do not confirm their details in time will have a new School Opal card posted to the address we currently have on file.

As indicated in Newsletters dating back to late 2019, the compulsory wearing of our new uniform will be for Year 7 2021 as well as Year 10 2021 and Year 11 2021. 

The wearing of this uniform in other years is possible but totally optional. The only caveat for students choosing to wear the new uniform in Years 8, 9 and 12 is that students wear it in its entirety.

Lowes at Narellan Town Centre currently have limited uniform stock remaining at a discounted price, with some items up to 50% off. Lowes will cease to sell the current uniform at the end of 2020.

Our second-hand Uniform Shop will be open Fridays 7:50 - 8:15am. Payment can be made by cash or EFTPOS.

School bags that display the old school crest can now be purchased at the College Office for the reduced price of $35.