On Tuesday this week, I had the great pleasure of joining our student leaders, student representatives and Mrs Phillips for the 2023 ANZAC Day March through Camden behind the Magdalene banner. I pass on my thanks to the many parents who supported this special opportunity that allowed a number of students to march proudly, adorned with the medals of their relatives who served our country in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions abroad. 

This was followed by our whole school gathering on Wednesday morning where, complete with our own catafalque party,  we paid our respects to friends and family members from within the Magdalene community at a most solemn ceremony. Again, I thank the students and teachers, particularly Mrs Phillips, who coordinated such a moving ceremony. 

God of love and liberty, 

We bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, 

which was won for us through the courage and devotion, 

of those who gave their lives in time of war. 

We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, 

but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. 

That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve, 

may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth. 

This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life 

for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord.      Amen.

Late last term, the Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev. Brian Mascord DD, published a new document on the nature and purpose of Catholic schools in our diocese. Titled Bearers of Christ’s Love — Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong, this document is the first of its type in our diocese since the 1970s. 

In it, Bishop Brian explores the purpose of Catholic schools as an expression of the Church experience, as well as the vital connection between schools, parents/carers, parishes, and the diocese itself.

Throughout the document, Bishop Brian reiterates:

• The significant role Catholic schools play in the evangelising mission of the Church and the nurturing of students’ faith.
• The commitment of Catholic educators to complement and support the educational rights and duties of parents as their child’s first educator.
• The essential requirement for Catholic schools to be places of educational excellence, where learning, wellbeing and actions of outreach and service are integrated in a holistic educational vision and practice. 
• That Catholic schools are places where those seeking a Catholic education are welcome, reflecting the diverse mix of cultures, nationalities and religious traditions that currently make up our school communities.

I encourage you to take the time to watch the short video from Bishop Brian and read this important document on the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong website.

Wishing all the best for the week ahead, 

David Cloran
Acting Principal

“I liked that we were able to choose how we wanted to learn. I also liked the class discussion, as when everyone shared their ideas I was able to gain insight into different things I wasn't thinking about before.”

“I absolutely loved the fact that we as students were able to take control of our learning, it gave me the opportunity to understand the marking criteria and aspects necessary when writing responses in class. I learned the importance of having a clear structure, being coherent, and reflecting back on the question when writing a response.”

“I learned how to properly edit my texts by referring back to the marking criteria and using sufficient terminology in my writing. I was able to edit other people's writing and understand how much to write and put into writing whilst aiming to answer the question and keep on track with the correct information and facts needed for the text.”

Photographs of learning in 9HSI2

Show your pride and leave your mark for current and future students of Magdalene!

As part of our 25th Anniversary celebrations, year 12 2023 have challenged themselves to improve the exterior appearance of the College’s Chapel as their gift to the school.  

They will be selling named pavers as a fundraiser to cover the cost of these improvements. These will be placed in a new garden area near the hall.

Your purchase of a $50 paver leaves a lasting legacy of your child’s attendance at the school.  You can have up to 3 lines, including name and year(s) of attendance on one paver.  You can also have several children’s names or a family name on the paver with their total years of attendance.  Note: only 48 characters per paver.  Names and dates only. Up to 3 lines per paver.

If you would like to purchase a paver, please fill in the information required on compass and make payment through the parent portal.

We thank you for your support.

The next P & F Meeting will be held on Tuesday 16 May at 7pm in the Learning Resource Centre (Library).

We look forward to seeing you there.