High Achievers

We gathered as a full College community for the first time this year as we celebrated our Opening School Mass and High Achievers Assembly. We were delighted to once again welcome Bishop Brian Mascord to Magdalene to lead the celebration, along with Fr Michael Williams who once again concelebrated with us. Also in attendance was the Director of Schools for the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong, Mr Peter Hill, and a number of additional guests from neighbouring schools and organisations. We were also thrilled to have the very proud family and friends of our 2024 HSC High Achievers join us as we celebrated a range of exceptional performances from the graduating class of 2024. In his Homily, Bishop Brian spoke about 2025 being a Jubilee Year of Hope. He challenged all who were present to use the year to prioritise prayer and private reflection as a means of growing closer to God. He reminded us that even in our times of greatest challenge, God is there, acting in the people who are around us and offering us support. 

Following our Opening School Mass we held the HSC High Achievers Assembly from our graduating class from 2024. As part of this event, we acknowledged 14 nominations from NESA showcase events (up from 5 in 2022 and 1 in 2023), 29 Band 6 results coming from each faculty across the College and 14 students who achieved an ATAR above 85. The highlight of the ceremony was most certainly the speech from our 2024 College Dux, Laura Rixon, Achieving an ATAR of 94.95. Laura spoke to our community about the HSC journey that she had travelled, whilst inspiring our current students in the audience to do the same. The Dux of the College is an award of great prestige, acknowledging the highest performer in the Year 12 group. All past recipients of this award have their names added to the College Honour board, this student being the latest among this elite company. Laura achieved at an exceptionally high level in her Higher School Certificate. She was the Recipient of the Vice Chancellor's Leadership Scholarship at Western Sydney University, and has accepted a place there to study a Bachelor of Primary Education (minoring in Inclusive Education). We sincerely thank Laura for returning to Magdalene today to share her journey. She spoke openly about the challenges she faced, the resilience she built, and the determination that lead to her success. Her story was both inspiring and insightful, reminding our Magdalene community of the power of perserverance and hard work.

The students receiving awards today demonstrated remarkable academic excellence in their 2024 HSC results, setting a standard of aspiration for both their peers and future Magdalene students. These awards also honour the unwavering support of their families and the dedication of the Magdalene staff, who have guided, encouraged, and inspired these students throughout their journey. Today, they too shared in this moment of pride and accomplishment.