EXTENSION TO LOCKDOWN

Uncertainty can bring about previously unknown identifiers of fear. The most important message for us all to hear is that things will work out, maybe to a different ideal than previously imagined, but at these moments of constant change we as a community need to know that we are not alone, we are supported, and all is well as it can be.

Considering the unknown is good for awareness of what to look out for or possible next steps to take, however, prolonged negativity inhibits our survival needs to move on and take steps to bring about our intended goals and more importantly our intentions of faith. 

It is a much-hackneyed expression, but that there are no certainties in life, does ring true. And, in our current COVID-19 Delta Variant Lockdown climate this is no more apparent. Given this, each of us are called upon to ‘dig deep’, support others and ourselves. With messages that seem mixed (and even contrary at times) looking for a space that will nourish our bodies, minds, hearts and spirit is priority. Be strengthened in knowing that God lives in and through the work we do. Although our journeys may look similar or different, within us we have a light that warms and filters our health and minds. 

As a close friend with a terminal diagnosis once advised: to stay the course; it is all about endurance. The Olympians all state in their media interviews the gratitude they have for all the support in their lives – it takes a village to build a child. The athletes are highly mindful that trust, determination, and perseverance don’t come without their pitfalls. Yet, the laser-like focus, the ability to compartmentalise and ultimately their lovingly strong network gets them there.

So, in this challenging time, stay the course, ask questions and reach out for support – whatever this might look like.

REMOTE LEARNING GUIDELINES

As Remote Learning Continues our College continues to tweak our advice to students and staff about how to make the most from lessons during this time. Please see the most recent advice to parents/carers which has been posted on Compass.

If uncertain about anything relating to remote learning contact the College Office or email the teacher directly who will endeavour to reply in a timely fashion. This stated, occasionally emails can go straight through to junk folders or teachers may not be working 5 days a week. If you do not receive a timely reply – usually within 24-48 hours - do contact the College Office (between 8am and 3pm) to follow up your query.

RETURN OF YEAR 12 STUDENTS

We continue to keep our Year 12 students in our hearts, prayers and minds during this remote learning / lockdown period. Many students are currently finalising Major Works or putting in final preparations for HSC Performances and/or finishing coursework/revising for upcoming examinations. On top of this, students have had to navigate the ever-changing circumstances and mixed media reports of what is happening in Greater Sydney and balance their own study and wellbeing. 

A letter covering recent announcements by the Premier was sent out on Thursday afternoon by COMPASS but overridingly, we want students to stay well and stay positive. Despite being easier said than done, we wish them absolutely every success in the coming weeks and months. 

Year 12 students can expect a revised HSC Trial Timetable to be sent out early next week and further information and guidance in the coming weeks.

VACCINATIONS

As a College community we encourage all adults over the age of 18 to get vaccinated. We appreciate the unavailability and/or wait times that can be associated in certain clinics and/or with certain vaccines – but the earlier NSW and Australia can get above the 80% vaccination rate (hopefully higher) the faster we will be able to get back to normality.

PRAYER:

Throughout this Lockdown give yourself a moment, permit yourself the opportunity to find comfort in the God that lives within you.

“The dignity of work is founded on Love. Our great privilege is to be able to love, transcending from what is fleeting and ephemeral.” (Christ is Passing By, 48)

Dear Lord, Grant that I also may learn to turn all the circumstances and events of my life into opportunities to love You and to serve all those around me with joy and simplicity, lighting up the paths of the earth with love and faith. (Saint Josemaria)

Please grant me the favour I request (mention your request here)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

 AMEN

Magdalene Feast Day

Last week we celebrated the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene.  Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection and the first person to tell someone else the good news about the resurrection. A bit of a superstar, really. She went to the tomb early on Sunday morning, in spite of being overwhelmed by grief at what had happened to Jesus. 

It also says in the Bible that Jesus healed numerous women, including Mary Magdalene:

Luke:

8 After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

We don’t know what sickness Mary Magdalene had. Was it physical, mental, emotional or was it demons? We do believe, from the scriptural account, that she was healed - I would say fully healed - because the number 7 means goodness and perfection in the Bible. 

In case we are thinking a person who has been besieged with illness cannot contribute to the Kingdom of God, we see in this reading that Mary Magdalene and the other women provided for Jesus and the Apostles out of their own money. 

What are we left with here? A woman who was ill but was healed by Jesus. A woman who was generous with everything she owned. A woman who gave of her time to help others, including those who mourn. A woman who loved so deeply that she went and told the Apostles the good news of Jesus’ resurrection even though they laughed at her. 

Mary Magdalene is a great example of what we can be as disciples of Jesus. She demonstrates that faith, love, healing, generosity, forgiveness and courage are aspects of our spirituality that we can access through a relationship with Jesus. 

And in a time of pandemic and isolation, a message of healing, love and strength is certainly welcome. 

Kind regards,

Mr Steve O’Neill

Religious Education  Coordinator

Magdalene Catholic College were challenged to complete activities around the house during their online learning. The completion of challenges earn each student points for their House and this competition will continue throughout Term 3. Students have the opportunity to be creative, sporty, learn new skills, stay connected via social media, as well as a lot more activities to keep busy and balanced.

Congratulations to Bruchhauser for taking the lead after the first two weeks. Good luck to all PC Classes for Week 3. Below is a sample of work from several awesome Year 8 students. Well done!

I encourage all students to get involved.

Mr Manns

Year 8 Coordinator

Christian Hoffman - 8D

Gabrielle Fergie - 8B

Georgie Halliday - 8M

Max Poppleton - 8C

Olivia Lowe - 8B

Tara Baragry - 8D

Santino Vecchio - 8P

Ainslie Saliba - 8C

Mr Manns

Year 8 Coordinator

Year 11 has transitioned well into remote learning this term. It has been great to see the resilient and versatile nature of the Year 11 students shine through during this testing time. We are very proud of how the Year 11 students continue to push themselves and strive for personal excellence. We have also been proud to see how they have reached out to others to offer their support and comfort.

Year 11 has been engaging well with the PC Olympics with some great examples below. Year 11 have also been engaging with some Fitness Challenges and Creative challenges. It was great to see Patrick Baragry juggle a soccer ball for an astounding 734 times. It was also great to see students complete 100 reps of an exercise, like push ups in a 24hr period. Credit also to Hogan's PC Teacher Mrs Sarah Bennett for her pushups. I was also intrigued by the creative entries such as asking Year 11 to create a ISO Olympic sport. I proposed hallway socker. Yes I spelt that wrong, as the game is rolled up socks playing in a hallway trying to kick into a goal. Nathan Sechany came up with a distance slide. In which you slide in your socks down the hallway as far as you can.

We really love the engagement from Year 11 students and it has been great to see the level in which you have applied yourself not only to these fun activities but to your subject expectations.

Keep up the great work Year 11.

Regards,

Mr Bubb and Mrs Moraghan.

Year 11 Coordinator and Assistant Year Coordinator