Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of the Magdalene Community,

Last Friday we received news that the “Carrington Through Our Eyes” project had received a national award from Meaningful Ageing Australia. The Quality in Pastoral and Spiritual Practice Awards celebrate organisations who can demonstrate a sustained and effective program or project that meets the spiritual needs of older people. Congratulations to all staff and students who have been involved in this project since 2011. Particular thanks to Mrs Shareen Borg who has been a driving force in this worthwhile project. Further details appear in this newsletter.

The HSC continues whilst some students have now completed their exams and are enjoying a well earned rest. The HSC concludes on Friday 4 November which coincides with the Year 12 formal. On behalf of the Magdalene community we hope Year 12 students, parents and staff have a wonderful celebration at the Campbelltown Catholic Club.

Students in Year 8, 9 and 10 will begin exams next week and we wish them success in these assessments. I encourage each student to do their personal best and to make sure they have prepared well by taking on additional study.

The consultation for the new Principal for Magdalene has commenced with all staff and parents having access to a survey that requires a response to a number of key questions. I encourage all staff and parents to take time to complete the survey as it will provide valuable data for the interview panel to consider when they recommend the successful applicant to the Director of Schools. 

The Parents and Friends held their Annual General Meeting as part of the Term 4 meeting this week. I would like to congratulate David Cornett (President), Cathy McDonald (Secretary) and Steve Grabowski (Treasurer) on their election to positions for 2017. I would also like to thank them for their work across 2016 as they held the same positions and then stood again for re-election. The commitment to these roles is deeply appreciated by the Magdalene community.

On Monday of this week the school conducted our assembly. I congratulate the following students on being   acknowledged by their peers.

Year 7Amy Summers - Assisting others in learning.

Year 8Jaylen Berroa - Improvement to his learning and contribution to class discussion. 

Year 9Josh Mangiapane - Improvement in his learning .

Year 10 Spencer Crimmins - Commitment to learning and assisting others.

Year 11 Jesse Meca - Improvement in assessment.

I offer the following reflection “Different Gifts” from Corinthians that offers an insight into the wonderful gifts that are within each of us:

                     DIFFERENT GIFTS

There are many different gifts, 

but always the same Spirit;

there are many different ways of serving, 

but always the same Lord.

There are many different forms of activity, 

but in everybody it is the same God who is at work in them all.

The particular manifestation of the Spirit 

granted to each one 

is to be used for the general good. 

To one is given from the spirit, the gift of wisdom,

to another the gift of knowledge, 

to another faith;

and to another the gifts of healing, 

through this one Spirit; 

to another the working of miracles;

to another, prophecy…..

But at work in all of these is one and the same Spirit, 

distributing them at will to each other. 

1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 (adapted)

God Bless

Mr Michael Mullaly

Acting Principal

Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of the Magdalene Community,

Today you will receive a letter to the Magdalene Catholic High School Community from the Director of Schools. The letter will announce that Mr John Lo Cascio has been appointed to the permanent position of Head of Secondary School Improvement with the Catholic Education Office. We congratulate Mr Lo Cascio on this appointment and wish him great success in this important role. There will be opportunities for the school community to officially farewell Mr Lo Cascio later this term. A recruitment process for the new Principal will commence shortly and this will include close consultation with the community.

In the final week of last term the Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards was a wonderful celebration of the end of a 13 year educational journey for the Year 12 students. On behalf of the entire Magdalene community we congratulate all students on this wonderful achievement.  I also wish to acknowledge the teachers who have worked so hard during each student’s journey, developing thinking, creative and knowledgeable young adults. A comprehensive list of award winners appears in this newsletter.

On Thursday 13 October, the HSC written exams commenced. Across NSW 77,000 students will sit for around 350,000 exams in 118 subjects. We wish our Magdalene students every success in their exams. Year 12 will receive results on Thursday 15 December. Students who will complete their HSC this year will receive a highly regarded international credential that has prepared them well for whatever path they choose when they leave school.

On Wednesday the 2017 leaders were involved in the Annual Leadership Induction Ceremony. Thank you to the many parents who attended and our special guest Mr Mike Conway from XVenture. Congratulations to all elected leaders who I am sure will distinguish themselves over 2017.

We welcome back students and staff involved in the recent Europe Excursion. From all reports this was an outstanding success and once again I thank Mrs Said, Mrs Byrnes, Mr Kennedy, and Mrs Phillips for their commitment and organisation that allowed students to experience different cultures and some exceptional learning experiences.

The Year 12, 2017 HSC information evening will be held on Tuesday 18 October from 6.30 – 8.00pm.  This is a very important evening for all Year 11 students and their parents. 

Term 4 is the busiest time of year for schools. It is a period of change and transition – the HSC exams commence; Year 11 students begin their Year 12 HSC studies; Year 6 students will start orientation for Year 7 and assessment periods take place. In addition to planning for 2017, teachers will be busy writing their end of year reports, and along with students, coordinating and attending performances, speech days and award ceremonies that mark the end of the school year. I encourage all students to focus on their studies throughout the term.

With Year 12 beginning their HSC exams this week I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

A Prayer for Year 12 Students

Loving God

be with them now,

as they prepare for their HSC exams.

Thank you for the many talents and gifts you have

given them and for the opportunity of education.

Calm their nerves and anxiety, help them

to remember all that they have studied,

to express it clearly and to answer the questions

the very best that they can.

Holy Spirit, sit with them in their exams

- and always.

In Jesus' name

Amen

God Bless

Mr Michael Mullaly

Acting Principal