Magdalene Catholic High School
Newsletter Vol 19 Term: 3 Week 5 - 18 August 2017
Principal's Blog
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of the Magdalene Community,
Being relatively new to Magdalene it has been an absolute pleasure to learn more and more about the School’s community mindedness and the various social justice initiatives in which our students are involved. Therefore it was wonderful to be present at the ‘Carrington Project’ Presentations last Tuesday afternoon.
As most of you would know, Carrington is widely regarded as a premium retirement home option and provides independent living, residential care and community care on a property of over 400 acres in the Camden area. The Carrington Project, now in its 7th year, involves Year 11 students from Magdalene giving their time freely over a three-month period getting to know and befriending senior citizens. Students learn much about the individuals who they team up with (and for the first time this year a couple) and after getting to get to know their background, their life story and their various life lessons, students present back to the individuals, family members and Carrington staff, the life story of the person (in video, ppt etc... format).
To witness the presentations was a real honour and the way in which the students spoke about their new acquaintances was something very special. Indeed, it was a privilege to be given a snapshot of who these people were, details about their families, their fondest memories as well as some of the real hardships they had experienced across their lives. Understandably, the students were emotional at times, yet so impressive in their humanness and the connections they had made.
I would like to thank Mr Collins for his help transporting students, Mrs Foti for her attendance and support and especially Mrs Shareen Borg for her incredible leadership, guidance and for the time and energy she has placed into this work. She and the students need to appreciate they have made a profound difference in the lives of many. It is not surprising, therefore, that this project was awarded a National Award, the “Meaningful Ageing Australia Quality Practice in Pastoral and Spiritual Award” in 2016.
A series of photos are included here but it would be remiss not to individually thank the following students for their wonderful work:
Later in the year it will be a pleasure to welcome Carrington residents into Magdalene for a “Back to School Day”.
Such a project is but one of the many ways Magdalene students can demonstrate their understanding of how important it is to give back to others and society. Indeed, Magdalene students are strongly encouraged to feel a personal responsibility to help others in some way or another and it is great to see so many students from Year 7-12 doing so.
A Prayer for the Aged
Lord Jesus Christ, bless those who have grown old in Your service
and give them courage and strength in their faith.
Give hope to those who are frail and infirm,
remember Simeon and Anna,
the aged prophets who longed to see Your face and who held You as an infant,
brought to the Temple in Your mother’s arms.
Come today to comfort and redeem all those in their senior years – to those who live independently, to those in nursing homes, including those who are ailing, together with all those who devote nights and days to serve those with particular needs.
Give us all the grace to see Your face in one another.
Lead us to eternal glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
God Bless
Mr Matthew McMahon
Principal
CARRINGTON PROJECT
Canteen Duty
QUOTA INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR
On Monday night Maddison Saysanavongpheth (Year 11) represented Magdalene at the “Macarthur Quota Student of the Year Competition”.
The competition involves students from the local area and involves students taking part in a number of stages to show off their viewpoints and talents. Following an interview, in which judges tested candidates’ general knowledge and opinions on social issues Maddison then took part in the public speaking component of the evening. In this section of both prepared and impromptu speeches Maddison was able to speak about her trip to Brewarrina with the School and also her views on generosity and sharing.
At the completion of the three sections we are pleased to announce that Maddison represented the school fantastically well and was awarded first place.
Maddison will now have an opportunity to compete against other regions later in August. We congratulate Maddison and wish her well in the next level competition.
MAGDALENE CLASSICS
You are invited to come along to Magdalene Classics on Saturday August 19 at Mater Dei Chapel, Macquarie Grove Road, KIrkham. Come and hear our students perform popular songs by artists such as John Legend, Ed Sheeran and Delta Goodrem. In addition songs from Les Miserables, Dream Girls, and classics such as At Last and Felling Good, all accompanied by a string orchestra. Tickets on sale at the door, Adults $15, Children/Pensioners $8:00, family $20. Starts at 2pm.
YEAR 8 PASTORAL DAY
FAMILY MASS AT ST ANTHONY'S TAHMOOR SATURDAY 26 AUGUST
The next FAMILY MASS at St Anthony’s Church , Tahmoor will be at 5-00 pm on Saturday, 26 August. We would ESPECIALLY like to see ALL the Confirmation Class of 2017 come to help all celebrate the EUCHARIST with Live Music ,Liturgical Dance, Choir of beautiful voices, and all the Parish FAMILIES.
Refreshments as usual after Mass.
MACKILLOP YOUTH PARTY - ORAN PARK
FRIDAY FAITH AND SUPPER 1 SEPTEMBER 2017
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 will be collecting them again. If your family and friends shop at Woolies can you please ask them to collect the stickers and bring them in. The official box for stickers is in the Admin office
Sport News
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Hayley Magro, Kirra-Lee Timms and Mia Warby who will be representing the NSW Under 14's in Queensland on 25 November - 3 December this year at the National Indoor Netball championships.
TRIVIA NIGHT
MATER DEI COUNTRY FAIR
SUMMER UNIFORM
Commencing Monday 4 September, students may wear their summer uniform, (students will have until Week 10 (Monday 18 September) to transition to the summer uniform). This is to allow for changes in the weather.
All students must be in full summer uniform by Monday 18 September.
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