Magdalene Catholic High School
Newsletter Vol 20 Term: 3 Week 3 - 10 August 2018
Principal's Blog
I have heard much positive feedback since Magdalene Feast Day.
Many staff, parents and students went that extra step to really make the day special and I am very thankful to all who contributed in whatever capacity on the day. It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to collectively celebrate what we hold to be important and for us to show joy in everything we do here at Magdalene.
You will see my note further down about “Return to Magdalene Day” but could I please encourage you to attend on the day even for one or two hours. This occurs next week on Saturday 18th August (1-4pm).
At the P & F meeting this week a number of things were discussed and approved. For example, Phase Two of our Air Conditioning was one of these things and we also discussed the creation of a Parent Advisory Group to explore our uniform in the coming years. It is important to note that although we will becoming a College next year there will be a three-year transition window for our uniform! This should allay any fears that parents have about additional expenses.
If you have any expertise or interest in design and/or uniforms, in general, please consider being on this advisory group. More details about this will appear in subsequent newsletters.
CONDOLENCES
The community was saddened this week by the news that Mrs Nancy Russo’s husband Mike Cumming passed away.
Mike had suffered from dementia for an extended period but the death was unexpected.
Mrs Russo has been a long-serving staff member and has been a wonderful advocate in the local community for those suffering from dementia and/or those living with a family member with dementia.
Our hearts go out to Nancy and her son, and former Magdalene student, Nelson.
It is at times like these that our hearts, thoughts and prayers turn to Nancy’s immediate and extended family. May the Lord be close with them now and may they rejoice in Your kingdom, where all our tears are wiped away.
Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace and his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
As a close community, I would ask that we spare a thought and some prayers for those who are doing it very tough at the moment.
We are aware of a number of families who are going through extremely difficult times with sick and/or critically ill family members. We are also aware that various families are experiencing financial difficulties.
While we respect the privacy of families in these matters, we would encourage that we are gentle with one another and offer support wherever we can.
RETURN TO MAGDALENE
This is on next week!
See flyers in this newsletter, PLEASE CONSIDER attending this community day. For more information please email Mrs Stephanie Phillips - phillipss01@dow.catholic.edu.au. To advise of attendance please see the embedded Google form in this email.
I therefore warmly invite ALL community members, past and current students and staff and parents to our Return to Magdalene Day.
This day will include a range of fun activities, rides, a free BBQ, face painting, fairy floss, tree planting, entertainment as well as tours of the School. The time is from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday 18th August. Please pencil in this date and time and we would love to see you there!
Prayer
August is the month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This heart is the source of love and, accordingly, is venerated. Mary the Mother of God is also a wonderful source for our prayers and we can always find great solace in her.
Given there are many causes and people who we wish to pray for at this time, the following prayer allows for your own special intentions to be incorporated:
O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially ...(special intention/s).
We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever.
Amen.
RETURN TO MAGDALENE
More information and flyers will be sent out, but in the interim, I warmly invite ALL community members, past and current students and staff and parents to our Return to Magdalene Day.
This day will include a range of fun activities, rides, a free BBQ, face painting, fairy floss, tree planting, entertainment as well as tours of the School.
The time is from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday 18th August. Please pencil in this date and time and we would love to see you there!
Magdalene Feast Day Mass and Fair
Learning at Magdalene
A key question often asked at home is, “What did you do today?”. The more powerful question is perhaps, “What did you learn today?”.
Teachers at Magdalene have been focusing on the question of “What are you learning?” within their classrooms. In order for students to answer this question, they need to be aware of what they are learning in each lesson across the school day. Further to this, it is critical that students are aware of the purpose behind their learning and how they can be successful.
The language around learning at Magdalene is the language of Learning Intentions and Success Criteria. Teachers clearly and concisely define for students what will be learned each lesson by having visible Learning Intentions in their classrooms. Success Criteria outline what is required of a student in order to successfully achieve the Learning Intention.
Learning Walks involve leaders visiting classrooms to ask students about their learning. Students are encouraged to be able to answer the following five questions as teachers complete Learning Walks in order to articulate their learning and outline their success:
Parents are encouraged to use these questions at home to gauge how aware their child is of their learning and progress.
Miss Phillips & Mrs Haines
The Children's Book Council of Australia - Book Week - Find your treasure.
The Children's Book Council of Australia is celebrating Book Week from 18th-24th August. This year the theme is "Find your treasure" and we are encouraging all students and families to discover or re-discover the joy of reading. During August/September, students who fill out a review form for a book borrowed from the library will go into the prize draw, so come and discover your treasure!
Mr Danny Avalos
Learning Resource Centre Coordinator
SPORTS NEWS
2018 Magdalene Catholic High School Athletics Carnival
Once again, the final house point competition came down to participation points, with Sedgwick proving that the more you enter the more points there are to gain.
Congratulations to Sedgwick who won the carnival!
STUDENT DANCE SUCCESS
The School was recently informed of substantial success in the area of dance by a number of our students.
During the recent School holidays and in the last week of Term 2, we journeyed across the world into Prague, Czech Republic. Here our team of 21 dancers competed in the International New Prague Dance Festival, participating against teams of various ages from countries all over the world. Our dance studio "The Academy of Performing Arts" won 3rd place in three categories of dance. It was a tough competition up against full time paid professional dancers of all ages.
The festival lasted 12 days and we had a very tight schedule, between sightseeing opportunities, festival formalities, rehearsals etc we were ALWAYS on the go. Our performance days started at 6.30am and consisted of classes, workshops and competitions with few breaks. The competitions commenced later in the day and from 3:30pm all dancers were backstage and ready to perform a 6 hour show each night. It was an intense week and it really gave insight into the true life of a professional dancer.
This was an opportunity to be recognised by international dance companies, as all dancers were photographed and filmed by professional photographers on and off stage to promote our success. It was truly an amazing experience in which we were representing Australia. I am excited to share this with you and the entire Magdalene Community.
Regards, Natalie Georgaros
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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