Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- A message from the Mäe Family
- From the Pastoral Care Department
- Lent & Project Compassion 2023
- From the Religion Department
- Class of 2012 Magdalene Reunion
- Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
- Year 11 News
- Literacy News
- Traffic around the school
- eSafety Commission Parent and Carer Webinars
- From the Career's Department
- Canteen Roster
- Busabout - SCHOOL BUS TIMETABLE UPDATED
- School Student Transport Scheme - Bus Pass Checking
- Ordering a New Compass Card
Last Wednesday, we celebrated the commencement of Lent with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Project Compassion Launch. The theme for this year is “For all future generations” and calls for a renewed commitment towards environmental stewardship and the ongoing care, concern and support for the less fortunate and marginalised within our community and beyond. I had the pleasure of accompanying Mr Collins and two of our Year 10 leaders, Adelaide Bell and Aaron Secheny, to the launch of Project Compassion in Wollongong last week. At the launch, Bishop Brian Mascord challenged those present to consider the role that they can play, big or small, in securing a brighter future for each generation beyond our own. He also delivered a powerful testimony recounting a recent visit to Fiji with his fellow Bishops from around Oceania, where they visited what was once a cemetery, yet is now located some 30m out from the shore and into the ocean as a result of rising sea waters.
God of all generations,
We thank you for those who have gone before us,
especially those who have cared for your earth
and who inspire us to help respect your creation and contribute to its healing.
We thank you for those with whom we share our lives today,
especially those who work for justice and peace.
May we welcome the opportunity that Lent brings to walk more closely with you,
especially through fasting, almsgiving and prayer.
We thank you for the challenge of the future.
May the cross of Jesus remind us that only love finds a way forward.
As we work with big hearts, may we join with Mary Magdalene in her hope and witness
that from now on all generations will experience the great things you will do through us.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
As you would be aware, earlier this week we hosted our Open Afternoon for Year 7 2024. As a College we were thrilled to host over a thousand guests who had registered to visit the College and take a tour of our great facilities. I am particularly grateful and would like to thank the 200 students who remained at school beyond their regular finishing time to either run faculty displays or lead tours throughout the evening. At Magdalene, we are conscious that our students are our greatest advocates and there was no better example of this than on Monday night.
I also remind parents and friends of the College that enrolment applications are now being welcomed via the College office. When you submit your application, you will receive a booking slip which will allow you to make an appointment for your enrolment interview. Booking opportunities are offered on a first come, first served basis so I would encourage you to return your forms as early as possible to secure your preferred timeslot. All enrolment applications are due back by 3pm on Friday 31st March.
Last week, we hosted the first P&F Meeting for the year, as well as the AGM for 2023. We had significantly more attendees than what has been typical over the recent Covid-impacted years which was pleasing to see given the return to face-to-face meetings. I particularly thank, congratulate and acknowledge the P&F Executive that were elected on the night:
President: David Cornett
Vice-President: Erika Astudillo
Secretary: Carly Cosmo
Treasurer: Craig Harley
The P&F have been instrumental in supporting countless initiatives over the years, including the provision of air conditioning in a number of rooms across the College, the purchase of a College minibus, sponsorship of a number of sporting and representatives teams and individuals, as well as hands-on support for a number of College events, such as Monday’s sausage sizzle at the Open Afternoon. Our next P&F Meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th May and all are welcome.
Over the last few weeks, the College has been considering ways that we can celebrate our 25th Anniversary Year. In order to select the most appropriate event to mark this occasions, I would invite any interested parents or carers to complete the simple Survey Form, offering a preference of one of two events:
- Magdalene 25th Anniversary Dinner, Friday 5th May (6pm-10pm) - $80pp. A sit down, three course meal in the Alan McManus Hall.
- Magdalene 25th Anniversary Twilight Showcase, Friday evening in Term 3 or 4 (6-8:30) - $15-$20. A showcase evening with finger food/canapé options and student major works and performances on display.
Please follow the link below to complete the survey.
David Cloran
Principal
Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday have seen the Magdalene Community prepare for and begin the season of Lent. Shrove Tuesday saw the annual Staff v Students Pancake Cook Off with both the staff and students fielding strong teams. In the end, there could be only one winner, and when the points were tallied up from the biggest, roundest and other cooking competitions the Students took out the challenge. Well done to all involved and to the Justice & Mercy Councillors, supported by Mr Collins and Mr Bubb for their leadership of this event.
The cook off signaled the start of our efforts to support Project Compassion and the work of Caritas globally to reduce poverty and increase living conditions for the most vulnerable. Our College focus will be on the people of Nepal, Turkey and Syria who have been left vulnerable from earthquakes and other geographical and political events. The aim is to improve living standards in these countries by supporting recovery efforts and by providing access to the basics of clean water, safe shelter and education to both restore these communities and indeed to help them thrive. We are asking the community to dig deep and support Project compassion through coin and online donations throughout lent. Donations can be made via the Caritas Project Compassion - Magdalene College Page - https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/magdalene-catholic-college-narellan or via the daily collections in Pastoral Classes (everyday except Tuesday). Our aim is to encourage as many students and families as possible to donate a $1 or more to help us reach our goal of $10,000 this lent for Project Compassion.
Staff and Students were introduced to Project Compassion for 2023 at our Ash Wednesday Liturgy with staff and students learning about Laxmi, from Nepal and her story of overcoming adversity through education and the support of Caritas. The liturgy also provided an opportunity for staff and students to focus on the challenge of lent, as we prepare for the season of Easter, an important time for growth and renewal in the Catholic Church and an opportunity for all Catholics to consider how they might grow by focusing on how they can bring ‘good’ to the world and follow the example of Jesus in their daily lives. Thanks to the Musicians and the Liturgy team led by Mr O’Neill, Mr Sligar and Mr Collins for this reverent way to commence lent.
Diocesan Project Compassion Launch
On Tuesday, Year Ten SRC Leaders Adelaide and Aaron, alongside Mr Collins the Youth Ministry Coordinator and our College Principal Mr Cloran, had the wonderful opportunity to spend the day at St Columbkille's Catholic Parish Primary School, Corrimal. Here we had the honour of attending the annual Diocesan Caritas Project Compassion Campaign launch, during which we had Bishop Brian lead us in Liturgy. Throughout the liturgy, it was encouraged to humbly provide support to those in less fortunate situations, such as the people in Syria and Turkey who are braving the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes. This year, the theme for Caritas Compassion Campaign is “For future generations,” our College will be contributing to this through the donation boxes that can be found in pastoral classrooms, as well as through other activities during lent. As it is lent, students should consider how they can help people in poorer scenarios.
Lent
Since the beginning of the school year we have had two major liturgical celebrations.
The Opening College Mass set the tone for the year in terms of our Christian life and liturgy at the College. The students were very respectful during Mass and the Music was beautiful.
More recently we held an Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Once again, the students demonstrated a high level of reverence and they also listened attentively to the stories from Caritas, such as the young woman Laxmi from Nepal who is helping her community. Hopefully, this will inspire students to give generously to the Project Compassion Appeal.
What do we want out of Lent? Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in order to discern more about who he was and the ministry that the Father had called him to. Hopefully, as Lent continues, we will be able to improve our relationship with God, with others and even with ourselves, as we seek to become more open in our prayer with God and more compassionate towards others.
Prayer:
Lord, may we, like Mary Magdalene, follow Jesus faithfully in our lives. May we live lives of courage and mercy, forgiveness and tenderness as we move through the Lenten Season.
Mary Magdalene
Pray for us
Amen
On Saturday 18th February, ex-students from 2012 gathered together to tour the College and then followed this with a meal and fun in Camden. The Class of 2012 were amazed at how much the College has improved and evolved. It was also a chance for us all to reconnect and talk about old times and our future. Some are married (to other Magdalene ex-students), some are not, while others have travelled the world and others studied or worked nearby.
The year group of 2012 were proud of their legacy which is the Remembrance Garden at the end of the Chapel. It was the Year 12 gift of work digging and planting the gardens (with the help of Mr Trimarchi) to the College and the 2012 Construction students who built the wall holding the brass memorial plaques for those members of the community who have passed away. A gift which will last long into the future. Their most important legacy are themselves and their desire to reconnect with each other, to rediscover their common roots with the College. Thank you to the organisers. Magdalene wishes you all well.
Year 11 have started the year off in true representation of their theme: BELIEVE!
They are ready to approach their PRELIMINARY HSC Year with self belief and preparation. The year 11 PC team provided seminars in pastoral this week to help them achieve success as they embark on the new phase of their educational journey. There were three seminars in organisation, planning, syllabus understanding, NESA guidelines and referencing tips. The students have been absorbing as much as they can to ensure absolute success over the next two years. Keep it up year 11 and always BELIEVE!!
Welcome to Week 6 and our extension on previous newsletter articles that consider the value of reading, in not only our lives but the lives of our young people.
Not only does Mem Fox, an Australian writer, offer us a lens on reading but more so on storytelling. As a Catholic College our stories are grounded on the experiences of Jesus and the storytelling we read in the Gospels, through parables and historical accounts, often support the foundations of learning experiences that guide our values and beliefs.
Another gifted storyteller, recently mentioned in conversation, was Inga Clendinnen, an historian and clever thinker, who enjoyed embellishing the drama of history. And this genre of historical fiction writing is storytelling that our 11-14 year olds love. Whether it’s developmental or something unfamiliar that sparks an intrigue or curiosity in them, our young people are often encouraged to work against the trend which often declines in the mid teens. When we introduce historical fiction to 11-14 year olds they just read. So for the purpose of this newsletter I have provided a list of supporting historical fiction books that might guide your child to continue to read and seek the wonders that storytelling invites us to engage.
Historical Fiction texts can be located in our Library and accessible digitally through Sora. Students can use Oliver and login to find a wealth of historical fiction books to read and enjoy. Follow the links for more information
Oliver
Sora
Premiers Reading Challenge
All students in Years 7 to 9 are invited to join the challenge and read 20 books from the PRC
list by August 18. The Library has a great range of PRC books plus you can now include up to
ten books of your own choice. See Library Staff to register and start reading!
To ensure the safety of our students at arrival and departure times, please keep in mind the following.
- The student car park is for Year 12 students only
- Cars are not to turn right out of the driveway between the hours of 7:30-8:30am and 2:30-3:30pm
- Please do not do a U-turn after dropping your child near the bus bay.
- For drop offs and pick ups at the roundabout, please move as far forward as possible before having your child get in/out of the car.
-
Please note that there can be no parking, pick ups or drop offs in the bus bay or bus zone areas along Smeaton Grange Road of a morning/afternoon.
The eSafety Commission has newly launched Parent and Carer webinars for Term 1 2023.
Please follow the link below to find out more information:
SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOP – SONGWRITING MASTERCLASS (SYD)
LEARN HOW TO MAKE AND PERFORM YOUR OWN ORIGINAL SONGS!
Created for students in Years 9-12, AIM’s new high school music workshops provide incredible opportunities to explore songwriting, mentored by AIM’s own accomplished musicians and educators.
This songwriting workshop is essential for any high school students curious about writing songs and performing and is a golden opportunity to work with incredibly accomplished songwriters. Join us these school holidays and discover the songwriter and performer you were born to become.
Over the course of the workshop, students will work with professional Songwriter/Composer/Producer Dominic Cabusi to expand their songwriting skills in a collaborative and inspiring environment. They will workshop harmony, melody, style, lyricism, basic arrangement and/or production and artistic performance. Under his guidance, they will use these new devices to write original music in collaboration with other students in the class to present in a performance for family and friends.
Please see Mrs Jones for further information.
| Monday 6 March | S Abbey |
| Tuesday 7 March | VOLUNTEER/S NEEDED |
| Wednesday 8 March | I Lapic |
| Thursday 9 March | T Lalich |
| Friday 10 March | K Sly & N Hull |
| Monday 13 March | K Vecchio |
| Tuesday 14 March | VOLUNTEER/S NEEDED |
| Wednesday 15 March | T Gimellaro |
| Thursday 16 March | T Lalich |
| Friday 17 March | L Street & M Sincek |
The School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) moratorium free travel period for 2023 has now expired. The moratorium period was provided to allow eligible students who have not yet received a student bus pass to receive one.
From Monday 27th February 2023, all students will be required to present to the driver their physical 2023 Picton Buslines School Bus Pass, for every trip. We will not accept photos of bus passes taken on students’ phones. Please have the pass ready to show to the driver as you board the bus.
If a bus pass is not presented, the students must pay the required cash fare.
- Students who have not yet applied for a 2023 Bus Pass, can still do so via the link here https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel.
- Students who are not eligible for free school travel via SSTS can pay for a Term Pass by contacting Picton Buslines https://pictonbuslines.com.au/contact-us/.
- Students who have applied, received the approval email but have not received a 2023 Bus Pass should contact Picton Buslines.
Further information and terms and conditions of School Bus Passes can be found via TfNSW, https://transportnsw.info/school-pass-terms.
For any questions or concerns that cannot be resolved via the TfNSW link above, please contact Picton Buslines directly.
Increasingly our students need to have a Compass card. They are used for signing in and photocopying. Please see the following link which explains how to get a new card.