Magdalene Catholic High School
Newsletter Vol 19 Term: 3 Week 9 - 15 September 2017
Principal's Blog
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of the Magdalene Community,
MAX POTENTIAL
Four Year 11s did the School proud last week at the “Max Potential Showcase” at the Campbelltown Catholic Club.
“Max Potential” is a fantastic scheme which allows students, over a period of two terms, to have hands on personal leadership development, including coaching, to help them “maximise their potential”. Such a program builds a student’s capacity for their final years of schooling and beyond.
One of the many strengths of the program, apart from being assigned a community leader mentor, is the opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice and focus on supporting the local community. This showcase allowed our students to share with others their project and journey over the past three months.
Our students, Thomas Bonanno, Brooke Peters, Luke Summers and Sarah Vella presented fantastic work and each of them showed how they could assist others in a variety of ways – from programs educating young people about drinking too much, to schemes to providing activities for the elderly to supporting disadvantaged children and/or homeless people in the Macarthur - it was wonderful to see such creativity and passion.
Luke Summers had the further honour of making a speech on behalf of the 23 students involved across the Macarthur. He did a superb job of highlighting the important role of the program and the mentors and how, through drive and energy, goals can be met and success can be brought about to help others less fortunate.
I would like to thank Mrs Foti, Mr Cimino and Miss Boughton for their support of students throughout the duration of the program.
Mr Matthew McMahon, Luke Summers, Sarah Vella, Brooke Peters and Thomas Bonanno with their certificates from the Max Potential organisation.
BREAKFAST WITH THE NSW PREMIER
Our current School Captains and our 2018 Captains and I had the opportunity to have Breakfast with the Premier last Wednesday Morning. The event conducted by the Narellan Chamber of Commerce was a short but excellent one which highlighted the importance of networking and the various ways in which the local community can band together to support common goals.
The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian provided an impressive speech to the various business and community leaders as well as a special mention of the various students present and the important role of youth. In her speech she spoke proudly about various State initiatives and recent improvements in the state’s infrastructure – especially in the Macarthur and its surrounds.
It was great seeing Lexi, Bailey, Maddison and Connor in that environment, engaging with others and taking interest in matters both at a local and a state level.
Camden Mayor Lara Symkowiak, 2018 School Captain Connor McFarlane, 2017 School Captain Alexandra Willis, the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, 2017 School Captain Bailey Whitley, 2018 School Captain Maddison Saysanavongpheth, State Member Mr Chris Patterson MP.
PRAYER:
As the School moves into its 20th year and we reflect on who we are – qualities like having the courage to aid others and the need for creativity to problem solve and help others overcome their difficulties have come to the fore. The need for CREATIVE MINDS and COURAGEOUS HEARTS is therefore essential and it is amazing just how many times in recent history impressive role models have demonstrated these values.
During Wednesday’s School Assembly I spoke in some detail about Mother Teresa’s life and achievements. The following prayer found written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta is quite a beautiful one and shows the power of compassion, kindness, hope and positivity:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
God Bless
Mr Matthew McMahon
Principal
Canteen Duty
ANTIOCH REUNION
"Antioch was introduced to the Wollongong Diocese in the early 1980s by Engadine Parish. A reunion is planned for Saturday 3rd March 2018 including a celebratory mass and dinner. To register your interest and receive an invitation please email your name (include maiden name if applicable) to antioch.wollongongdiocese@gmail.com
General enquiries to Dianne Hukins 0412840772 or Ann Packham 0423869803. Musicians wishing to be involved in celebrations please contact Elise (Nicholls) Burns 0407781359"
YEAR 12 MAJOR PROJECTS
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY Wednesday 13 September
Sport News
Open Boys Volleyball Report – Diocesan Competition
On 23 August Magdalene was represented in the Diocesan Volleyball event by 8 keen competitors. Despite their relative lack of overall experience in high-level Volleyball competition the boys proved an impressive force on the day. In the first round the boys overcame a strong Edmund Rice team in straight sets. This was followed by a straight set win against St John’s and then yet another straight sets win against John Therry.
In the final, the boys came up against an experienced and talented Mount Carmel side but still managed to take the first set away. Despite the final result of a 2 sets to 1 loss, the boys gave of their best with a display of both a healthy competitive team spirit along with an over-riding sense of good sportsmanship.
Coach: Mr Kennedy
The Team: Travis Clark, Antonio Farkas, Jake Fitzgibbon, Thomas Gallagher, Gianni Pessotto, Steven Dengate, Zac Gomes, JC Philip Carating.
CONGRATULATIONS
On 16 June, Year 10 student Zoe Wade represented Magdalene at the NSW Equestrian State Interschool Championships in the Show horse section. This consisted of three phases, The first a led phase, followed by two ridden phases. With 40 competitors competing in the Senior Show horse event she placed an impressive 7th overall, coming equal fourth in one of her phases. Zoe really enjoyed competing for Magdalene at such a prestigious competition and we wish her all the best in future events.
WOOLWORTH EARN AND LEARN STICKERS
For the last couple of years we have been collecting Earn & Learn stickers from Woolworths to buy Educational resources for our partner, remote, Primary school (St Patricks) in Brewarrina.
This year we have been collecting them again and we have had many generous families. As this scheme comes to a close if your family and friends shop at Woolies can you please ask them to collect the stickers and ensure you bring them in by next week. The official box for stickers is in the Admin office
HEART WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
Heart Women's Conference
Date: 19 - 21 October 2017
Venue: Fairfield RSL, 14 Anzac Ave, Fairfield NSW 2165
Cost: $199 (includes meals)
A time to come together as women to be refreshed and renewed in our busy lives. Spoil yourself. Dream again. Fee loved, honoured and cared for. Invite your daughters, mothers, sisters and friends!
Men - What women in your life can you spoil by sending them to Heart 2017?
Register: TheCatholicGuy.tv/heart
Email: heart@theCatholicGuy.com
Phone: 1300 734 880
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