As we come to the end of our second week of face-to-face learning it is important to acknowledge that our community has faced ‘head-on’ the very nature of challenge and embraced adaptability. We recognise the way in which our students have returned to their studies, and we commend them for the incredibly positive way in which they have done so.

Students have taken great enjoyment in reengaging in their various face-to-face subject classes and reconnecting with their peers in person.

As we move into the final two months of 2021 it is important that our students also reengage with the College values of loving learning, personal best and valuing quality relationships so that we can finish the year strongly.

While the challenge of remote learning may have impacted some positive study habits and the way we interact positively with peers – the College does not shy away from insisting upon high standards of behaviour, dress, and appearance.  We appreciate the ongoing support of our parents/carers in helping us work towards building our students to be the best they can be and to develop qualities in them which will hold them in good stead for their lives.

WORLD TEACHER’S DAY

Last Friday, 29 October, the College celebrated World Teacher’s Day. I believe you would agree with me that Remote Learning has highlighted the value of our teachers and especially the quality teachers that we have here at Magdalene.

On the day the College provided morning tea to our staff, and I thanked them all for their ongoing dedication. Sometimes teenagers can be forgetful to thank those in their lives who support and build them, thus World Teacher's Day is one way of saying thank you, acknowledging our staff and celebrating teaching in general.

UPDATED LEVEL 3 RESTRICTIONS

Please ensure you have looked at the latest COVID-19 restrictions. While there have been some relaxations in regard to requirements, our College remains committed and vigilant to provide a safe environment for our staff and students. High contact cleaning, indoor mask wearing and ‘cohorting’ arrangements for Year Groups stay in place. Also note that student drop off and pick-up arrangements will remain for the foreseeable future

PRAYER

With the United Nations Climate Change Conference still underway in Glasgow, Scotland until the 12th November, we are hopeful that further solutions for sustaining and protecting our environment can be created and sustained.

As such, the following words from the Pope’s encyclical Laudato Si are quite fitting:

God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.

Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live.

The poor and the earth are crying out.

O Lord, seize us with Your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of Your Kingdom of justice, peace, love, and beauty.

Praise be to You!

• Amen

(from Laudato Si, 246)

Since the 2020 HSC forward, all NSW students have been required to attain the National Minimum Standard in Numeracy, Reading and Writing to attain the HSC credential (National Minimum Standard testing does not impact a student's ability to attain an ATAR).  Our practice at Magdalene has been for Year 10 students to complete these tests in Term 3, however, disruptions to on site learning this year have forced a change in planning. As we have returned to learning on site, our focus has been firmly on supporting students to maximise their learning in all Stage 5 courses and it is our aim for this to continue until the conclusion of the year. 

When students return to school in 2022, National Minimum Standard tests will be completed in English and Mathematics classes, with students not studying Mathematics courses offered an alternative time to complete the Numeracy test. NMS tests are each forty minutes in duration.  

Students who attain the NMS in each domain have the skills to perform tasks such as:

• Follow safety instructions in equipment manuals
• Understand a mobile phone plan
• Complete a job application and
• Create a personal weekly budget.

Through the completion of Stage 5 Mathematics and English Courses, students develop the skills necessary for the successful completion of NMS tests. All Year 11 2022 students (aside from those completing Life Skills courses) will complete National Minimum Standards tests in Numeracy, Reading and Writing during early Term 1. Students who do not attain a Level 3 or 4 result can attempt the tests again and may work with teachers on learning interventions if necessary. Further test attempts can also be made through Years 11 and 12.

More detailed information will follow in early 2022.

For sample tests and information, please visit the NESA website:

Miss Stephanie Phillips

Leader of Teaching and Learning

The Macarthur Nature Photography Competition was open to residents who live in the Macarthur region to capture the local environment and highlight the beauty of our region through photography.

Congratulations to Georgia Stone from Year 7 who received Highly Commended out of 1500 plus entries for her stunning photo taken at the Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan.  Georgia is now in the running for the People's Choice Award which is voted by the public. 

Please support Georgia Stone #8 with your vote on the following link in the Native Flora High School Category.  Voting is open now and closes 5pm Thursday 11 November.

For the first time in 21 years, our annual exhibition, Magdalene Impressions, due to Covid, will not take place. The talents of our students will still be recognised through an award ceremony in the coming weeks, however, the physical exhibition will not be on offer for you to view. This virtual space aims to, in part, make up for this absence so that the talent, creativity, ideas and artmaking skill of Magdalene students can be appreciated by our Magdalene community.

Return of Tuesday Afternoon Sport

Tuesday Afternoon Sport will recommence for  students in Years 7 to 10 in Week 6 - Tuesday 9th November. We are receiving updates on sport and physical activity from the Wollongong Catholic Education Office and will be using this, with approval from our College Principal, as we proceed back into sporting activities. It is important to get students active and back into sport and physical activity, however, the safety of our students is a priority. All sport and physical activities will be conducted using the College facilities such as ovals, basketball courts and volleyball courts, with students participating in their year groups. At this stage, no external providers will be used to support the activities and will be conducted by Magdalene Catholic College Staff.

Students in Years 11 will remain in their PC Classes completing activities and study for the remaining weeks of this term.  

Reminders

Students are reminded to ensure they are prepared for participation in sport by having appropriate footwear, College hat, water bottle and other equipment such as asthma medication and epipen as required. If a student is unable to participate in Tuesday Sport, a note needs to be handed to Mrs Andruschko on Tuesday morning.

Diocesan and CCC Sport

• Diocesan Events

Further information can be found at:

• CCC Events

Further information can be found at https://csnsw.sport/. Term 4 sporting cancellations can be found at

• Other Information - 2021 NSW All School Championships (Athletics NSW)

Please find below details about the 2021 NSW ALL SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS to be held Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th December, 2021

All information and questions about this event can be directed to Athletics New South Wales.

Please contact Mrs Andruschko if there are any questions or information about Sport at the College. The sport email is mcc-sport-list@dow.catholic.edu.au

Lots to read, do and get excited about!!!!

Year 11 students sent an extra hug to their residents at Carrington - until they can visit them again!

With the changing of restrictions by NSW Health, the Noone Uniform Shop will re-open from Monday 8^th November. Orders placed online can be collected from the Noone Uniform Shop during opening times:-

Monday 7.30am-12.30pm

Thursday 10.30am-3.30pm

The shop is also open during these times for purchasing uniform items by students or parents/carers.

The shop will be operating under NSW Health orders which will include proof of double vaccination for parents/carers, sign-in using the NSW QR Code, wearing of face masks and social distancing.

Note:  Bookings for fittings are required for Year 10 2022 students going into the senior uniform.

Noone Uniform Online Shop

Ph: 7209 3736