Magdalene Catholic High School
Newsletter Vol 20 Term: 2 Week 1 - 4 May 2018
Principal's Blog
Welcome back to Term Two.
I hope our students have had an enjoyable break and are now keen to get back on track with their learning in what is a critical term in the scheme of the year. Indeed, Term Two is vital in the annual cycle, as the end of semester reports are issued, and followed up with parent-teacher-student interviews. These are a great opportunity to make a personal connection with your child’s teachers and we look forward to meeting with as many parents/carers as possible. Please save the date for Friday 6th July.
Term Two is also a time in which our Year 12s will complete intensive work as they near their Trials and/or work on Major Works, NAPLAN Tests will occur for our Year 7s and Year 9s and our School will have its annual Performance Evening, Magdalene Shines. There is even time for the School’s Athletics Carnival to occur.
2018 is also a very special year, being our 20th, and our Dinner is coming up extremely soon. If you have not purchased tickets – there is still time – but you need to act promptly. Can I encourage parents/carers to consider getting a group together and/or passing on details about the event to anyone who might be interested – e.g. past students? Please see the various advertisements within this newsletter. It should be a very special evening.
ANZAC DAY
I would like to commend each student that attended either the Campbelltown or especially Camden ANZAC services during the holidays. I especially thank Ms Meaghan Tolhurst for her efforts in organising our students for the ANZAC march in Camden on ANZAC Day.
I also commend the entire school for the way in which it celebrated our own Anzac Service on Wednesday this week. I thank Mrs Denise Phillips for her organisation of the event, our students who participated (including our Air Cadets and our Choir). It’s also great to know our Service Honour Roll is expanding each year – almost reaching 50 this year. It was a very fitting Service and I believe it did well to emphasise the importance of 2018 being the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War One and 100 years since the Battle of Villers Bretonneux. This battle was something I spoke about in my address on Wednesday, and it was a key battle in which the Australian counter-offensive critically stopped the German Offensive in 1918. It says much about the qualities of Australians – their bravery under fire and their commitment to giving their all.
I thank and acknowledge staff and students for the reverence in which this service was held.
BREWARRINA
As I mentioned in my last newsletter – the Brewarrina Immersion visit by the students of St. Patricks continues to be an incredibly fond memory and very special in the hearts and minds of our students. I encourage you to read Miss Gray’s article later in this newsletter.
Staffing changes and news
We congratulate Ms Lauren Agland on the birth of her boy, Darcy at the end of the last term. Mother and son are doing well.
We wish Mrs Simone Duke all the very best as she leaves us for Maternity Leave. We welcome Mrs Andrea Blok who will be taking on Mrs Duke’s classes.
It is with sadness that we farewell one of our counsellors, Ms Cindy Wilson. Cindy has worked with us through CatholicCare for a number of years and moves on to a substantial role in counselling outside of schools. Students and staff alike will miss her and we appreciate her commitment and meaningful support to students in her time at Magdalene. We will welcome Amy Ellman to replace Cindy in the coming week.
PRAYER:
The following is a beautiful prayer by John O’Donohue – a person who was known especially for his connections with Christianity and Celtic spirituality.
May The Light Of Your Soul Guide You
May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work
You do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those
Who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden you.
May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams,
Possibilities and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.
May your soul calm, console and renew you.
Principal
Magdalene Catholic High School 20 Year Gala Dinner
The excitement is building as our Gala Dinner approaches on the 18th May 2018 at The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club.
We have confirmed some fabulous musical talent for the night to accompany our 3-course fine dining menu, accompanied by a quality selection of wines.
The night will include many fantastic giveaways, including a luxurious Two Night Farmstay in the beautiful Southern Highlands, for up to four people.
Come and join us to celebrate and recall wonderful memories from your time at Magdalene Catholic High School, and find out where we are headed for the future as we enter our 20th Year. We invite our entire community, past and present to join us for an elegant evening of dining and entertainment, providing the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones.
We look forward to your company on the 18th May. Please direct all enquiries to Michelle Cornett at cornettm02@dow.catholic.edu.au
To book your tickets https://www.trybooking.com/361330
Follow us on facebook https://goo.gl/q9fNQM
Brewarrina Immersion Program - 2018 Visit
Throughout Week 10 of last term, Magdalene had the pleasure of once again hosting students and staff from St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Brewarrina. The long journey to reach us was interrupted by the breaking down of their bus, but the primary students saw the silver lining of getting to spend the night in Mudgee and further add to their Sydney experience.
Once they finally arrived at Magdalene on the Wednesday morning, they were greeted by our eager Year 12 Brewarrina Immersion students and a few tears of happiness were shed. St Patrick’s week with us was short but jam-packed. At school, students enjoyed time in class observing lessons with Magdalene students and got their hands dirty with clay in an art class created especially for them by Ms Delaney. On Wednesday afternoon we went over to Campbelltown City Bowl and enjoyed having the alley to ourselves for a lesson in bowling. The lights went off, the music started and so did the competition with students and staff both bowling. Dinner at McDonald’s Gregory Hills followed and after dessert St Patrick’s headed back to Teen Ranch after their first long day.
We enjoyed beautiful warm weather when we travelled down to North Wollongong beach, and the St Patrick’s students watched the skydivers land and swam in the ocean - a highlight of their time here given they are at least an eight-hour drive from the ocean. On Thursday night, Jarrod Brooks (Year 12) showed excellent leadership skills running a hockey training session for the students at his club, the Macarthur Skylarks. Here our visitors were gifted with their very own hockey kits complete with sticks, ball, mouthguards and shinguards. The generosity of Jarrod and his family is so appreciated and the St Patrick’s students had a lot fun.
On Friday morning classes gathered to represent Magdalene in farewelling our visitors. Kane Harrington (Year 10) presented St Patrick’s with beanies in the colours of the indigenous flag that his grandmother knitted, and indigenous students from Magdalene gave St Patrick’s the artwork they have been working on with Rheanna Lotter throughout Term 1. The artwork is a 3-piece work that details the journey of St Patrick’s to Magdalene, and incorporates the colours and symbols that represent the land in Narellan and Brewarrina.
Friday was then spent travelling by train into Sydney, viewing the diorama of the city in Customs House and then having lunch on the Opera House steps. We then boarded an iconic Sydney ferry and travelled under the Harbour Bridge to Luna Park where the St Patrick’s students got their adrenaline pumping on rides and left with a sugar high from fairy floss as big as them.
When it was time to say goodnight and goodbye that evening, emotions were high. For many of our Year 12 Brewarrina Immersion students, this was the last time they would see the kids who had made such an impact on them when we travelled to Brewarrina last year. They were reminded of the difference they have made to each and every one of the students during their time with them. It is possible, however, that the greatest difference has inadvertently been made to our seniors, many of whom are talking about travelling to Brewarrina following school to volunteer. It is incredible to see the way our own senior students have matured as a result of their experience with Brewarrina. The bond that has developed between the staff and students of our two schools is both powerful and inspiring, and it is something that will continue to grow as our reciprocal relationship continues.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to staff, students and parents who have offered their support through donations and involvement in the program.
Miss Sara Gray
Congratulations Izaak Taylor
Izaak Taylor (7W) recently competed in Australian All Styles Martial Arts Tournament at the Institute of Sports in Bruce A.C.T
Izaak's results included:
1st in Point Sparring
1st in Freestyle Sparring
Then also placed 2 x 2nd places and a third place.
Izaak will now compete in ACT Final Titles later in the year and then Nationals at end of the year.
He competes in 2 rounds
1. NSW Karate Federation
2. Australian All Styles Martial Arts Competition
Izaak has successfully made it to Nationals with NSW State Team with Karate Federation of Australia which will be held on the Sunshine Coast in August. He will then have NSW State Titles in September and ACT State Titles in October. In December Izaak will be competing on the Gold Coast for Nationals, this is with Australian All Styles Martial Arts in which he was on Australian Squad Last year
Izaak is extremely grateful for the Magdalene communities support.
New Busabout Timetable
Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer Information
This is just a friendly reminder to our Parents and Carers that our School has the services of an Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer.
Sharynne Freeman has worked with Catholic Education for five years and is only too happy for Parents and Carers to contact her with queries and requests for information in the Macarthur and Southern Highland areas.
Sharynne also sends out information to Careers Advisors in our Secondary Schools for career opportunities that students can access, as well as information relevant to Primary Schools.
Sharynne’s email address is freemans01@dow.catholic.edu.au or she can be contacted on 0409 359 041 or 02 4253 0822 between 8.00am and 3.30pm.
Sport News
MISA Boys Hockey
With many first-time hockey players and no goalkeeper taking the field, the team put up a tough fight only to lose 3-0. It was a great effort by all.
MVP - Thomas Arnold
Coach: Mrs Taccone
MISA Girls 7-9 Hockey
MVP: Maddison SANCHEZ-YOUNG.
Coach: Mr Cimino
Canteen Menu
Year 10 and 11 Meningococcal Vaccinations Wednesday 23 May
2018 School Fees
The 2018 School fee statements were sent home recently via email. As per the Wollongong Diocesan School Fee Management policy, school fees are generally due 30 days after invoicing, however, a variety of methods of payment and frequency are offered to provide families with the flexibility to meet their commitments. We refer you to the School’s website for full details https://goo.gl/ctxKp2
If families wish to enter into a payment plan, a Diocesan School Fee Agreement form is available on the school website and must be completed and returned to the school within 30 days of the School Fee statement being issued. We wish to extend our apologies for the delay in issuing your School Fee statement. Any queries regarding your account, please call the School’s Finance Team on 46313300 or email finance@mchsdow.catholic.edu.au
Yours sincerely
Magdalene's Finance Team
Catholic Care
Community News
THE PARISH MY GROUP PRESENTS
Starting on Friday night, 11th May in term 2.
For young people in Yr 7, Yr 8 & Yr 9
This is an opportunity to come and share a meal, watch an interactive film and explore life’s big questions.
We believe that everyone should have the chance to ask questions and share their point of view.
SO, BE BOLD AND TRY SOMETHING NEW, Complete a permission form and return to the parish office or email it to wrightk01@dow.catholic.edu.au or phone the parish office at 46482226
Camden Council
NOTICEBOARD
Magdalene Catholic High School
Email: info@mchsdow.catholic.edu.au
Website: mchsdow.catholic.edu.au
Location: Smeaton Grange, New South Wales, Australia
Phone: 02 4631 3300
Facebook: facebook.com/magdalenecatholichigh
Twitter: @mchsnarellan