ECOLOGICAL INSPIRATION FROM LOCKDOWN

During these challenging Lockdown times it may be easy to feel flat and/or allow pessimism or negativity to set in. Yet we need to be mindful that this is something which is temporary and something that will pass.

As obvious as it seems, the more that we can live in the present and find positives out of challenging situations the better off our future will be. Furthermore, the degree of resilience and persistence which our young people will learn from these times, skills will come into greater use throughout their lives, will make them stronger.

Indeed, there are many positives which will eventuate from these remote, lockdown days. As I was looking for inspiration for this fortnight’s newsletter I couldn’t help but be impressed by yesterday’s article in The Scotsman, in which Scottish artist Annie Broadley, reflected on how nature can be both an artistic and intellectual inspiration (https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/covid-lockdown-reminded-us-of-how-nature-is-both-an-artistic-and-intellectual-inspiration-annie-broadley-3342189).

In the article, Broadley reflects on numerous inspirations for her art. She reminds the readers that the 19th and 20th Century poets, writers, and philosophers such as Wordsworth and Thoreau not only found great affinity in nature but wrote of the deep spirituality connected with their natural world.

Broadley comments on how during COVID-19, in the absence of ‘normal human activity’, there have been numerous accounts of nature regenerating “marvellously well without us” – in spite of (or rather due to) a global pandemic.

Additionally, and perhaps giving hope to humanity, she writes about how many animals have made amazing adaptations throughout time to survive extreme conditions. And so too will humans, as we continue to overcome challenging times (whether it be flood, bushfire, or disease) and ultimattely enhance our own existence, technologies, and circumstances.

This brings Broadley to one of her critical messages which we can learn from: “[i]t is vital that we cease to treat nature as an infinite resource which is at our disposal and ours to use at will. We should take from it only what it can sustainably give.”

Broadley conveys her feelings about her art in her landscape paintings and recognises how nature is pivotal to her own wellbeing: “the changing seasons with their colours, scents and sounds hav[ing] a unique impact upon my moods, thoughts and feelings … nature communicates with an immediacy unparalleled by anything else.”

Our current experience of Lockdown may certainly impact on our desire to connect with nature and perhaps this may help to emphasise its overarching importance. To what extent then do we need to reconsider our relationship with the natural world and reflect on ecological and environmental policies and actions going into the future? Can Lockdown broaden our connection with both spirituality and nature, and can it be an opening to further safeguard our natural world?

REMOTE LEARNING

I am very thankful for the ongoing work of the College Leadership Team, our teachers, and our Office Staff during this extended period of Remote Learning.

If you have any queries, please ensure that the classroom teacher is the first point of contact (via direct email or through the College Office) and then, depending on the issue, the Year Coordinator and Faculty Leader of Learning. Significant issues could then be elevated to the Pastoral Care Coordinator or Curriculum Coordinator.

ZOOM FOR YEAR 12 PARENT/CARER 

I would like to thank and commend the attendees (over 100) who sat in on last night’s Zoom regarding the upcoming Year 12 Online Trial HSC Examinations.

The new mode of examinations, while certainly different, complies with NESA and CSSA guidelines and we believe it will provide quite invaluable examination practice as students move towards Term Four.

A link to a recording of this Zoom will be sent to parents/carers through Compass.

PRAYER

This newsletter’s prayer (provided by CEO Wollongong) is actually a reflection surrounding Saint Mary MacKillop, for whom we recently celebrated a Feast Day.

Last Sunday we celebrated the Feast of Australia’s only saint, Saint Mary of the Cross, Mary MacKillop. Some suggest Mary was a woman ahead of her time, others believe just a resilient, hardworking dedicated woman who saw a need and actioned a response. “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

It feels very apt to pause and reflect on Mary’s life in the year we celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. Whilst Mary did not begin Catholic schooling in Australia her input was immeasurable. She recognised the fact that many children could not access this education for financial reasons and felt strongly that God’s love needed to be shared with all. So strongly that she begins the battle which would eventually enable many Australian children to access Catholic Education and give them a chance for a stronger relationship with their God.

To fulfill this plan, she surrounded herself with like-minded people who could assist with the workload. It was here that the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart first came to be. Many of our own Diocesan schools were begun by this same order and today we are blessed to have the continued support of these sisters in three of our schools. Mary saw a need and, with much courage, acted on it with the assistance of many others in tow.

Mary’s journey was not trouble-free. She fought many battles along the way and her faith was continually tested as she trod a path that upset many. Throughout this time and with these challenges she showed resilience and continued to fight for what she believed was right. Mary epitomised our Diocesan core values of Hope, Integrity, Justice, and Compassion. She modelled being faith-filled for us as she lived by “Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.” (1891)

As a diocese we continue to uphold what Mary fought for – that Catholic schooling is available to all, that Catholic schools be places where children gain access to knowledge and opportunities to allow for an encounter with their God. We learn from Mary how to stay true to our convictions, work hard for what we believe to be right and show resilience when obstacles are thrown our way.

Reflection questions:

Who do you surround yourself with when tasks just need to be done?

Where did you see a need this week and act on it?

How does Mary’s example help you to endure your daily struggles?

Mary modelled reaching out to those who were vulnerable and/or marginalised. This is a timely reminder for us as we live through the challenges that COVID-19 continues to bring. How are we reaching out to others?

Year 12 student, Libby Clapson, has won her second major trainee award.

Crowned the My Gateway School Based Trainee of the Year in December, she was recently announced as the NSW Training School Based Trainee of the Year for southern and south-western Sydney.

Libby began a business traineeship with Campbelltown City Council at the start of 2020 and was up against 147 applicants for the prestigious honour.

The Year 12 student finished a Certificate III in Business Administration as part of her traineeship well ahead of schedule and expects to complete a Certificate IV - which she enrolled in of her own accord - before receiving her HSC results later this year.

Unfortunately, the awards ceremony was canceled due to COVID restrictions, however, she was able to accept the award by Zoom on 30th June. Congratulations, once again to Libby on this significant achievement.

Year 9 Design and Technology have taken advantage of recyclable items during Remote Learning to complete the DIY Up-Cycled Jewellery Design Challenge. The students have developed concepts, researched and created their own unique designs! They are now working towards creating Packaging to promote their Jewellery range, inclusive of a wax carved ring, laser-cut designs and 3D printed models. Fantastic work Year 9, stay creative! 

Miss Di-Filippo

Australian Space Design Competition

The Australian Space Design Competition (ASDC) is designed for secondary school students with a passion for space, or are considering a future in STEM fields.

Teams of up to 12 students respond to an engineering Request For Tender (RFT) and design a futuristic space settlement, planning structural engineering, operations and infrastructure, personnel factors, automation, and business development.

The Team

Magdalene Catholic College has entered a team under the moniker of ‘Starr-Rice Exploration’ in the 2021 competition. Kathleen Creighton Starr Rice was born in Ontario in 1882. She rose to fame for her vast exploration projects, covering 800km on foot, dog sled and canoe to find zinc, vanadium, gold and nickel deposits throughout Canada.

The Canadian Mining Hall of Fame describes her as an “innovative dog trainer”, and an explorer with a strong respect for First Nations groups, who often worked with her on her journeys.

Rice made considerable contributions to mining projects once she had found deposits; she staked 16 nickel and copper claims on Rice Island in Weskusko Lake in central Manitoba between 1920 and 1922, which were valued at $5m in 1925. She then formed the Rice Island Nickel Company in 1928, in which she held a stake for the next 30 years. 

In honour of Rice, the Exploration company bears her name. Her tenacity, creativity and resourcefulness live on in Starr Rice Exploration.

The Scenario

The competition involves creating a technical tender for a theoretical space station. The year is 2087 and The Foundation Society has offered to provide funding to develop and operate a settlement in Venus orbit, from which they can send vehicles and drones to probe for business opportunities in the Venusian atmosphere and on the planet’s surface. Analyses show that vehicles can be built to survive on Venus by using alloys for high-temperature jet turbine blades in structural designs similar to research submarines that study Earth’s ocean depths.

The Progress

The team at Magdalene Catholic College have been working in earnest through Term 2 and Term 3. Whilst remote learning has been a challenge this has been just another problem to overcome for this impressive bunch of students. 

They recently completed their preliminary design review with an industry expert and experienced ASDC officials via Zoom. Some examples of  the positive feedback are below:

‘Impressive CAD work and thorough design this far. Thanks for having me at the PDR’

‘Impressive presentation and your designs look really interesting’

The team will continue to work to prepare their tender due on August 27th. The finalists will compete in a national competition, with international (albeit online) competitions held over 3 days to complete similar tender projects. 

We wish them all the best as they navigate through the hurdles to come. 

Mr Chris Ferry and Mr Alan Norris

Starr-Rice Board Members 

Industry Insights: Media and Telecommunications

This is the first in our new Industry Insights webinar series brought to you by myfuture and the Australian Business & Community Network (ABCN).

 The media and telecommunications industry employs almost 200,000 workers in Australia. In this webinar you will hear from a panel of representatives from technology and telecommunications companies. We’ll explore a range of occupations in the industry, essential competencies required for the work, emerging occupations and future challenges for this industry

Register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6295739125666074379

What's on at Western?

August 2021

With the lead up to the HSC trials and the majority of students undertaking online schooling from home, we have developed digital resources to support your online teaching delivery as you enter this busy period and navigate these uncertain times. We encourage students to register to attend the multiple online events and sessions coming up. 

Register for Open Day - This Sunday

Our virtual Open Day this Sunday 15 August, 2021 is a chance for students to discover everything Western has to offer. The event will include live academic and course presentations, live Q&A's with staff and students, live chat with admissions and support services, virtual campus tours, and live interactives of our campus and course facilities across the 10 campuses. 

We care about our students at Western and the Year 12 Student Info Hub - made for senior high school students - contains all the information they need to get started on their journey to university. Course information, upcoming events, how uni works – it’s all here in one convenient place. 

 To view the program and plan the day, students can register now at https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program

At Western, we're committed to providing higher education pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Students who do not have an HSC or equivalent qualification or have an ATAR lower than required for their chosen course can apply to study through our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program. Students will be required to attend two virtual assessment days (Literacy and Numeracy) for the opportunity to secure an early offer into their chosen course based on their Pathway Program results, not their HSC results or an ATAR.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, with the next assessment dates scheduled:

• Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 August 2021
• Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 November 2021 

The Pathway Program will be delivered virtually with required comprehension, essay, numeracy assessment and interview components completed online. These assessments will be completed under exam conditions with online supervision by Western staff. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Students Information Evening

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Student Information Evening is an opportunity for Indigenous students, families and teachers to hear about what courses are on offer and how Western can help students during their studies. Attendees will hear about the different pathways to study, the support services available, including our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Badanami Centres, scholarships on offer and life on campus. Visit the webpage for further information.

The next Future Student Information Evening will be held on:

Tuesday 7 September 2021

6.00pm - 7.30pm

Webinar (Online)

For more information, go to https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-student-support

Free HSC Study Sessions

Western is offering free online HSC Study Sessions run by highly qualified teachers and HSC markers covering 14 subjects. The online sessions, running from 20-24 September, will assist students with their final HSC preparation.

The following HSC subjects will be available for students to register and attend online: Standard English, Advanced English, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Family and Community Studies, Geography, Mathematics Standard, 2 Unit Advanced Mathematics, Legal Studies, Modern History, Physics and PDHPE.

Each online workshop is an invaluable addition to their school studies and will allow them to develop a solid understanding of HSC exam techniques, subject knowledge, and HSC preparation skills.

For further information, visit the HSC Study Sessions page. Students can also register now to secure their spot.

HSC True Reward Early Offer Program

HSC True Reward is for year 12 students completing their HSC. It provides them with an early offer into Western based on their year 11 or year 12 subject results instead of a scaled ATAR.

Students can register now for the HSC True Reward early offer program. If they apply by Sunday 15 August, they can be considered for an offer based on their year 11 results as part of the next round of conditional offers, which will be released on Thursday 19 August. 

For further detailed information on important key dates, subject band search, table of courses offered through the program with year 11 and year 12 subject band results and frequently asked questions, visit the HSC True Reward page.

Career planning and transition for young people on the autism spectrum| Thursday 2 September, 4.00pm (AEST)

 

In this 60 minute live and interactive webinar, our presenters, Associate Professor Marina Ciccarelli, Cheryl Mangan, and Brendan James will provide information for parents about:

• The Better Outcomes and Successful Transitions for Autism (BOOST-A)  research;

• The role of parents and supporters in youth focused, strengths-based career planning; and

• How myWAY Employability career planner can support young people on the autism spectrum to build a customised profile and goals to plan for future career pathways.

 

Based on six years of research, myWAY Employability is a smart web platform that helps autistic individuals plan and prepare for working life. Autistic individuals co-produced content, design, and usability of the website. myWAY Employability matches an individual’s interests and strengths to relevant careers and pathways. It encourages users to create big dreams, and smaller goals and tasks to track progress. 

Register now at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7768242481529133837

Did you know WesTrac offer Careers in Tech? Are you ready to be Made for More? As an industry-leading provider of autonomous mining equipment and solutions, WesTrac provides training and career paths that are supported by the WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie, which is one of only two Caterpillar® facilities in the world! Who are WesTrac? For more than 30 years WesTrac has set the benchmark in Cat® equipment management solutions, providing customers across Western Australia, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory with unrivalled support in the mining and construction industries. At WesTrac, our primary focus is our people. As we look to the future, we’re focused on harnessing the best talent and providing them with the support they need to achieve success. We have a range of career options within our business, employing lab technicians, mechanics, engineers, marketing professionals and everything in between. If you’re looking for career progression, award-winning training and the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art facilities with supportive workmates, then explore your opportunities at WesTrac today – contact details are listed above. What we have on offer Apprenticeships As a WesTrac apprentice*, you’ll receive world-class training in state-of-the-art facilities, working on industry-leading Cat equipment. WesTrac currently employs apprentices across WA and NSW and holds two apprenticeship intakes a year for the following trades: Plant Mechanic, Auto Electrician, Boilermaker, Machinists and more. *Apprenticeship applications will be opening in late-August 2021 Training and trade upgrades At WesTrac we pride ourselves on developing our team members and harnessing the best talent. The WesTrac Institute is our onsite registered training organisation providing nationally recognised industry courses, training and qualifications. The Institute offers trade upgrades (e.g. Light Vehicle to Plant Mechanic) or dual trade qualifications (e.g. Plant Mechanic and Auto Electrician). The diversity of our team We are on our journey to be a more inclusive employer and encourage people of all ages, sexual orientations, cultures, and backgrounds to apply. See for yourself our list of company benefits and why we are recognised as an Endorsed Employer for Women. We offer a range of opportunities. As a natural part of what we do, we always need talented people to fix and maintain Cat machinery and engineer the latest automated technology to keep our customers ahead of the game. These are fast-paced, exciting roles, where every day is different. As a large global company, we also need exceptional and talented people to work in our offices or in professional roles. This includes administration, human resources, legal, finance, marketing, IT, sales, business development, environment, insurance, risk… the list goes on!

Join our Lifeblood Team!

We’re proud to be part of Lifeblood Teams, the group donation program from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

Aside from saving lives through blood donation, Lifeblood Teams is about friendship, a little healthy competition and being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s a unique opportunity for all of us to band together and give something more powerful than money.

Donated blood can be used to help people in all sorts of life-giving ways. The need is constant and the person receiving it could be fighting cancer or going through a difficult pregnancy, or they could be someone who relies on regular transfusions to stay healthy — or even, stay alive. Now that’s something worth uniting for!

There’s nothing like knowing you’ve genuinely helped someone, and we’d love to share that amazing feeling with you.

Register and join Magdalene Catholic College Lifeblood Team!

What do you need to do?

• Register at www.donateblood.com.au and join the Magdalene Catholic College Lifeblood Team.
• Check that you can donate
• Find your nearest Life Blood Donation Centre
• Book a donation
• Track ow many donations Magdalene Catholic College has made.

See the User Guide below for more information

About giving blood as a team

• 1 in 3 people will need blood, but only 1 in 30 donate.
• Donated blood can be made into 22 medical treatments.
• About a third of all donations help people with cancer.
• You can donate together, in smaller groups or individually.
• You’ll be doing something genuinely life-changing – for you and the people you help.

We look forward to you joining our team!