Welcome Back to a new term.

This term is an important one as students work towards their final Semester Reports in Years 7-10 and commence their first HSC assessments in Year 11 (Year 12 2023).

I ask parents/carers and students to take note of the upcoming PUPIL FREE DAY on Wednesday 26^th October. This day will be a Spirituality Day for our staff. Obviously, HSC Examinations on that day will continue and there will be staff on-site to support our Year 12 2022 students completing examinations. Do note, however, that our College Office will be closed on this day. Year 12 students wishing to complete study on this day may choose to work from Studio 5 in Campbelltown. They are to contact Mr Bubb or Mr Houghton if they need more details.

HSC EXAMINATIONS GET UNDER WAY

Our 2022 Year 12 cohort commenced their HSC Examinations on Wednesday. There was a real mixture of feelings, from understandable nerves to quiet confidence and also a sense of ‘relief’ to finally start something which has been spoken about for so long.

I commend our Year 12 cohort, not just on the way they presented themselves and prepared themselves for these examinations but also for the way in which they ended their studies last term. The Graduation events were wonderful opportunities to celebrate their talents and achievements and our students entered into these events appropriately and with both joy and enthusiasm. Many students (and staff) participated in holiday classes over the past fortnight, and we continue to keep our students in our thoughts right throughout the HSC Examination Period. I encourage you to read the prayer at the end of my section.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2022/2023

On Monday just gone, the College was able to induct our new student leaders for Term Four 2022 and 2023.

The occasion provided an opportunity to pray for and celebrate those students who have been elected to Senior Positions of Responsibility, Senior Portfolios or as SRC Representatives (Years 7-10).

Many parents and carers were present and, as in recent years, all of our new Year 12 cohort (Year 12 2023) received a badge indicating that they are Year 12 students and therefore role models for our entire College community. I spoke about the importance of all students – whether they have official badges or not, recognising that they have roles and responsibilities to fulfil to work collectively for the betterment of our College, our College community and our Core Values.

I commend all students who have been named as part of the 2022/2023 Student Leadership Team:

PRAYER:

Before the commencement of the first HSC Examination, I was able to say the following prayer with our HSC students. May all of our students be in your prayers over the coming weeks.

The HSC and National Minimum Standard Tests - Years 10 and 11

Since the 2021 HSC all students have been required to attain the National Minimum Standard in Numeracy, Reading and Writing.

Current Year 10 and 11 students have been undertaking their  online tests in each of the above domains. Students must attain a level 3 or 4 result in order to obtain the National Minimum Standard and be eligible for the HSC qualification. Not attaining the NMS in any domain does not prevent students from completing HSC examinations or attaining an ATAR. 

After completing tests, students are able to access their results via NESA students online. Students who do not achieve a Level 3 or 4 result can attempt NMS Tests again and may work with teachers on learning interventions if necessary. Learning Support provisions are also available for eligible students. 

Up to six test attempts may be made each year. Students yet to attempt or complete their NMS Tests will be offered a time to do so through Term 4.

For sample tests, please visit the NESA website:

NESA Website NMS Testing

Miss Stephanie Phillips

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Stage 6 Updates

Year 12 concluded official classes as Term 3 drew to a close, and many students and staff attended further classes and tutorials in the recent term break. We commend the dedication of the Year 12 cohort and continue to keep them in our thoughts as they undertake their HSC Examinations.

As Year 12 moves closer to the conclusion of their time at Magdalene, Year 11 have successfully completed their Preliminary Examinations. We wish our Year 11 cohort focus and perseverance as they begin their HSC courses in the next few weeks. Reviewing study skills developed through the Preliminary course and refining their learning routines are critical steps towards becoming successful HSC students that students can undertake now. Year 11 are encouraged to engage with ATOMI, an online learning platform that students have access to until the end of the term. This program aims to support students to make the best start to their Year 12 studies, combining content and skill revision to support engagement and achievement. 

Progressive Achievement Testing

Students across Stage 4 and 5 have recently completed Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT), which assesses student growth in Reading and Mathematics. These results are used by teachers to define areas of strength and areas for development within students. In conjunction with this, NAPLAN and class achievement data is also analysed to ensure teaching and learning are effective. 

COVID Intensive Learning Program

The COVID Intensive Learning program began in Term 3 and continues into Term 4. Additional teachers and educators have been employed to provide support for students whose learning has been disrupted by COVID or who have not been able to demonstrate learning growth in the areas of numeracy and literacy in particular. The program involves small group tuition and class support during school hours. Students have been identified based on changes in various data including PAT, NAPLAN and 2022 Semester grades in English and Mathematics. The aim and purpose of the tuition program is to ensure students have full access to literacy & numeracy skills necessary for them to optimise their learning as they move towards senior studies.

Pope Francis, through his Laudato Sí encyclical calls us to Listen to the Voice of Creation as part of the Season of Creation from  1st September – 4th October 2022. Year 7 Religion have been completing a unit based on Caring for Creation and Stewardship. As part of this program of study 7RE4 held a Liturgy, in the turning circle garden, to celebrate God's creation and give thanks.