Last weekend marked the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, otherwise known as Trinity Sunday, where we proclaim the greatest mystery of our faith, our belief in the triune God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Unlike other celebrations throughout the year, Trinity Sunday centres on a doctrine (or teaching) of the church, rather than a specific event. It honours the most fundamental of Christian beliefs, and one that the human mind could never fully comprehend, that God is three persons in one nature. Beginning to understand this teaching is one that can only be achieved through the intercession of the Holy Spirit within us. It is fitting, therefore, that this mystery is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost, when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit First occurred. 

As you would be aware from media reports in recent months, schools across the state (and indeed the country) are having to respond to staffing challenges in ensuring that appropriately qualified teachers are recruited to fulfil staff absences that occur from time to time. While many schools, even in our area, are facing significant challenges in this space, it is one that we are not entirely immune. There have been occasions in recent weeks, particularly aligned with flu season, where casual staff have been difficult to engage, so we have condensed classes into the hall to be supervised in larger numbers whilst completing work left by their regular teacher. While such arrangements are used as a last resort, it is a strategy that we are using to ensure students are supervised and supported at all times. 

Last Monday, all students in Year 10 attended the Jewish Museum in Sydney as part of their History course. On Wednesday of last week, all students in Year 9 participated in their annual Reflection Day that was facilitated by renowned presenter Chris Doyle. On Wednesday this week, all of Year 11 attended the annual Macarthur Careers Expo in Menangle Raceway. Throughout the day today (Friday) all Year 8 students participated in their annual Reflection Day, also here at the College. As a College, we certainly value how these external experiences can contribute to the academic and/or pastoral development of students. For this reason, I thank the many staff members that have coordinated and led these experiences and for the students who have overwhelmingly engaged with them in such a positive way. 

As you would be aware, Magdalene has a proud history of students who represent the College in distinction. Another significant chapter of story was written last week when the Year 10 Boys and Year 10 Girls OzTag teams travelled to compete in the NSW Secondary Schools South West Championships. Please see the article further in the newsletter which outlines their amazing success on the day.

As you may recall, a few weeks ago, the College participated in its annual Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey cycle. While we have begun analysing some of this data, we have been informed by TTFM that five brief multiple choice (MC) questions were omitted from the survey tool. If you had a minute to spare, we would really appreciate it if any parents had the opportunity to respond to these 5 brief MC questions. We have been assured that this omission will not happen again. 

As I mentioned in our Newsletter earlier in the term, the College has 4 Pupil Free Days between now and the end of the year where staff will be undergoing a range of professional development opportunities. To assist with planning, please note the dates below.  

• Thursday 29th June (Term 2, Week 10)
• Friday 11th August (Term 3, Week 4)
• Friday 22nd September (Term 3 Week 10)
• Friday 17th November (Term 4 Week 6)

Wishing you all the best for the long weekend ahead, 

David Cloran

Acting Principal

Year 12 Trial Examinations - Monday 31 July to Monday 14 August

Written exams will take place during Week 3, 4 and Monday of Week 5 in Term 3. between the 31st of July and 14th of August. Year 12 will resume normal timetabled lessons on Tuesday the 15th of August.

Students will receive some information in Pastoral Care week 9 regarding preparing for these examinations and procedures. They will receive additional information early next term prior to the commencement of the Trial Examination period. The timetable will be released in Week 9.

Subject Selection - Year 11 2024

The Year 11 2024 Subject Selection Information Evening will be held at the College on Wednesday 14 June at 6pm in the Alan McManus Hall.  All Year 10 students are expected to attend this evening with a parent/guardian.

This evening will complement the information sessions being held in Pastoral Care lessons during Term 2. On the evening parents and students will collect a Subject Selection Information Booklet which parents and students are asked to read carefully before making subject selection. In addition to this booklet, a Subject Selection Website will also be available, containing extra information about each course offered by the College.

The Information Night will cover vital information about NESA requirements, patterns-of-study, ATAR information, types of HSC courses as well as VET and T-VET courses. In addition to this, students and parents will also be taken through the next steps in the process. It is therefore vital that families attend this night to avoid any confusion moving forward.

Subject Coordinators will be available on the night to address any questions families may have about Courses.

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews - Year 7, 10 & 11 Bookings are now Open

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews are now open for Year 11, Year 10 and Year 7.  All bookings can be made via the Compass Portal. If you require assistance, please contact our College Administration on 4631 3300.

This is an important opportunity for parents and students to meet with teachers to discuss the learning progress of students and share feedback and strategies for improvement.

All interviews will be held in the Alan McManus College Hall. 

Semester One Academic Reports - Year 7 – 11

Year 7 to 11 Academic Reports will be available via the Compass Portal on the following dates.

The report provides an indicator of how a student is progressing with each of their courses. The consideration and effort that goes into the creation of these reports ensures that they are a tool to guide improvement and learning growth. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on these during pastoral lessons.

Mr Chris Ferry

Leader of Curriculum

Next Sunday is the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Do we value Holy Communion in our lives as a chance to receive the innumerable blessing of Jesus into our hearts?  Is it an opportunity for us to worship Jesus, while contemplating our love for him?

Do we honestly think we can do without our faith in God as we make our way in this world?

God loves us more than we can possibly imagine, even when we’ve let him down in one way or another. 

Mary Magdalene was there during Jesus’ ministry, supplying the material needs of Jesus and disciples for food, water and shelter. Mary Magdalene was there when Jesus carried his cross to Calvary. Mary Magdalene was there when Jesus was crucified. Mary Magdalene was there when Jesus was buried. Mary Magdalene was there when Jesus rose from the dead and she became the first witness to the resurrection. 

Can we follow in the footsteps of Mary Magdalene and be a faithful, courageous and generous disciple of Jesus? 

Prayer:

Lord, may we be faithful disciples and witnesses to the life-giving power of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. 

Mary Magdalene

Pray for us

Amen

Over 50 Year 7 students were presented with their Bronze Principal Award last week. This is a testament to their commitment to the College Core Values. Congratulations to these students!

Mrs Cordina

Year 7 Coordinator

On Thursday the 8th of June, the Year 11 and Year 12 Elective Music classes travelled to the Sydney Opera House to listen to the performance of Mozarts ‘Great Mass in C minor’ performed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra was prepared by the Japanese master Conductor Masaaki Suzuki and performed in the newly renovated Concert Hall. The Mass performance featured a SATB (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) choir and four vocal soloists. There were two pieces presented on the day and the highlight was the Mass in C minor. Special thanks to Ms Slender and Mrs Curtis for accompanying the students.

Joseph Piefke and Alexander Cooper-Crowley