COVID restrictions limited our ability to host reunion tours at the College this year but we were able to welcome back the Class of 1980 for a fun afternoon. The Classes of 1991, 2001 and 2011 gathered off-site and had a great time catching up. We hope to still host reunions for those who missed out in 2020 and 2021, so stay tuned.
In 2022 we look forward to working with the Classes of 2012, 2002, 1992, 1982, 1972, 1962 and beyond (scroll down to see your class photo). If you are already planning your reunion please let us know. And if you'd like to be involved in organising yours, get in touch.
Apart from reunions, your Alumni committee is keen to hear about ways you’d like to stay connected with fellow MSM graduates. Please contribute any ideas, or better still, attend a committee meeting. This year we moved a couple of meetings online and even had someone dial in from Berlin (see feature below).
If you're decluttering over the holidays, the MSM Archives will happily take any items you have from your school days. Please email archives@msm.qld.edu.au.
It’s an exciting time to stay involved in the MSM community as we march towards the College’s Centenary celebrations in 2025.
Wishing you and your family and happy and safe Yuletide.
Yours In Faith and Love
Anne O’Keeffe
President
Many of the events in recent weeks at MSM have focused on graduation activities. The Year 12 Mother-Daughter Garden Party was held on Friday 8 October re-imagined with moving the outdoors (our traditional venue being the convent lawn) to the indoors (of the Sophia Centre) as we modified the event to comply with the current COVID restrictions. Mothers and Daughters were able to have their photos taken in front of the flower wall and entertainment was provided by the Middle School Dance Ensembles and the String Ensemble. This event also introduced our Year 12 students to the Alumni Association, who hosted the event. It was also wonderful to acknowledge so many of our mothers who are Alumni of MSM and now have a second generation in the family!
On Wednesday 17 November Fr Gerry Kalinowski from Jubilee Parish celebrated our Graduation Eucharist with the Year 12 students and their families present in the Sophia Centre. In my address I referenced the beautiful prayer card that was organised by Sr Anne Taylor on behalf of the Sisters of Charity designed especially for the Graduands of 2021. There are two images on the prayer card; the first is of a surfer carrying a surfboard and the flip side has a strong, magnificent wave. I used the waves as a metaphor for their journey at MSM. The Graduands of 2021 were able to “ride the wave” in the watchful presence of our God.
As the College year comes to a close, may you have the gift of FAITH, the blessing of HOPE and the peace of LOVE this Christmas.
In Faith and Love
Sharon Volp
Principal
Incoming Year 7 2022 parent, Matt.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Scholarship fund by purchasing tickets.
After graduating MSM in 2011, I completed a Bachelor of Urban Development at QUT and began working in the Construction Industry as an Estimator. Having always seen males who were previously carpenters fill the role of Project Manager I never considered this as an option for me in this industry. However, I always had a strong desire to see the world, travel and live overseas so when I was selected as the successful applicant for a construction management role in New York City I jumped at the opportunity. I have now lived in New York for four years and am a project manager running multi-million dollar apartment renovations, transforming some of the most prestigious residences in the world. MSM gave me the educational foundation to pursue a career that I love and the confidence to dream big. The piece of advice I would give my younger self would be to take on challenges, embrace change and never stop having fun.
We are pleased to share with you this exciting news:
Congratulations to MSM Alumni, Renee Mulder (Class of 2000) on her career success. Renee’s incredible character designs feature in Queensland Theatre’s upcoming stage production of Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe.
To view Renee's amazing work check out her website - Click here
Congratulations to Sarah Doyle (Class of 2016) for her performance in the QLD Shakespeare's 2021 season's production of Romeo and Juliet.
Click here to read more about the production.
We were fortunate enough to have Elise join us virtually at our October Alumni Association Meeting, dialling in from Berlin. After Mt St Michael’s, she studied Mathematics, Statistics & Commerce at the University of Queensland, which kick-started her career in the big data arena. Elise filled us in on all the amazing work she is doing in the tech and sustainability space (including an app).
Click here to visit the Sādu website to read more on Elise's work.
Sophie Milliken - Class of 2017
Congratulations to MSM Alumni and current MSM water polo coaches, Tabitha Jones (Class of 2018) and Sophie Milliken (Class of 2017) on being named in Water Polo Australia’s Paris Olympics and Beyond Squads. These squads recognise the best talent across Australia and our national programs as we move towards Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. We are #MSMPROUD of these two tremendous athletes and humans as they continue to work towards their inspiring dreams.
Thank you to MSM Alumni, Gabby Carbon (class of 2012) who visited 7F to share her understanding of Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry and her work in the current Brisbane run of the immersive theatre performance of 'A Midnight Visit'. The class had been studying The Raven as a journey into poetic techniques and it was fortuitous that MSM Writers Club and College Alumni, Gabby was able to talk to the girls about poetry and performance. She mesmerised them with her compelling delivery of the 'Conqueror Worm' and 'The Oval Portrait', and explained how they related to Poe’s life and Gothic writing. Gabby, a full-time performer and artist, helped the girls realise that poetry needs to be spoken, transferring from the page and finding life in dramatic interpretation. 'A Midnight Visit' has had its run extended to January making it the second longest production to hit Brisbane.
Class of 2012
Annika's family and friends held a funeral for Annika in the Mary Aikenhead Chapel on Friday 19 November.
Class of 1940
Joy passed away at the age of 96. She was one of our oldest past pupils and was also a Committee Member of the old Past Pupil's Association.
Class of 1986
Min was farewelled by her family and friends on Thursday 9 December.
MSM Graduates of 1961 - Reunion Lunch
60 years on from leaving Mt St Michael's College and these ladies still share an incredible friendship.
Junior class 61, now called Year 10, and Senior 63, now Year 12.
We are all very grateful to still have an enduring friendship over the past sixty one years. Some of the the class started school together at St Finbarr’s and Mater Dei in Grade 1 so it is even longer.
All of us have had different life experiences in those years since we were at school. Our conversations at our gatherings cover many subjects from family to politics. Also reminiscing about our MSM days.
I read recently that social engagement can enhance your wellbeing . To still be connected with school friends after all these years is indeed a blessing.
Sharon Gallagher (Donohue)
MSM Class of 1980 Reunion
Celebrating strong connections 41 years on, the Class of 1980 joined together in the Ionian Centre for a lovely afternoon marking what would have been their milestone reunion year in 2020. It was a fabulous afternoon filled with laughter as many wonderful stories were reminisced upon as our Alumni reconnected again. The group enjoyed a chat and afternoon tea followed by a tour of the College with celebrations continuing on afterwards for some.
MSM Class of 1991 Reunion
For the seniors of 1991 the preparations for our 30 year school reunion for 2021 started way back in January 2020 with the date being set early so that a lot of the girls who were overseas could plan ahead to make the journey home for it. This was all pre-COVID but we wouldn’t let that stop us catching up. Lucky for technology no-one missed out and we were able to have a lot of the girls linked up via a zoom meeting.
Needless to say it was a fabulous afternoon and evening catching up and reminiscing about school days. The girls dug deep into their boxes of memorabilia and school magazines were found as well as musical programs and some even wore the school tie and badges to the event.
We are all looking forward to catching up again soon.
Mel Bosson
MSM Class of 2001 Reunion
The graduating class of 2001 met for a fun night of dinner, drinks and gas bagging. It was great to catch up with those that could make it, many having families, travelled and lived abroad and also having interesting professions.
Although each have grown up to be mature women the souls of the happy, young and cheeky girls we went to school with were very much a strong presence on the night. Many, many laughs were had reminiscing and catching up.
It was sad that so many couldn’t make it due to COVID or other life commitments - they were missed. Looking forward to what the next ten years will bring for the class of 2001.
MSM Class of 2011 Reunion
The class of 2011 met on Saturday 27 November for their 10 year reunion. The laughter, reminiscing and catching up was in full swing, with what felt like yesterday since we jumped in the College pool on our last day. An absolute blast from the past as we chatted about lunch spots, favourite teachers and what we are up to now. It was such fun learning how everyone’s lives had meandered over the last 10 years.
We were so pleased to be able to host the event amongst the ever changing restrictions, and looming Christmas festivities. We had a few ladies RSVP on the day of the event because they could make the trip which was truly special!
A special thanks goes to the Lord Alfred Hotel for their understanding, flexibility and service on the night.
Until 2031 (ahh!!) best wishes all!
Caitlin Dauth, Krisztina Mesch and Alice Spies
Seniors of 2021 Graduation
A joyous congregation of parents, caregivers, family members and MSM Staff came together for our 2021 Graduation Eucharist. We welcomed Fr Gerry Kalinowski who celebrated the Eucharist with us, as we prayed with, and for, our Year 12 graduands as they come to the end of their MSM journey.
The seniors of 2021, along with their parents, carergivers and MSM staff gathered together at City Hall for their Graduation Dinner. The dinner was a celebration of the journey and achievements of our Year 12 students. We honoured the young women they have become and celebrated the bright future ahead of them. Congratulations girls on getting IT done.
MSM Alumni Association Year 12 Mother-Daughter Garden Party
On Friday 8 October the MSM Alumni Association together with the College hosted our annual Year 12 Mother-Daughter Garden Party. Mothers and their daughters delighted in the opportunity to celebrate the coming to an end of a wonderful six year journey at MSM. Visit our Facebook page for more photos taken at the event.
Please keep an eye on the MSM Alumni Association page on the Mt St Michael's College website for any updates on 2022 Meeting dates.
Click here to view the dates
If you graduated in a year ending in two (such as 1952, 1692, 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, 2012, etc) you are celebrating a decade-milestone in 2022.
Reunion Tours
Reunions are a fantastic way to reconnect with your Mt St Michael’s College classmates. When was the last time you made your way back to Mt St Michael’s College? Last year? Last decade? Not since graduation? Although your school years may be far behind, the friendships that began at MSM still remain, or are waiting to be rediscovered.
2022 Reunion Tours are scheduled for Saturday 19 March, Saturday 7 May, Saturday 23 July and Saturday 3 September. Contact alumni@msm.qld.edu.au to find out more.
The College’s Communications and Marketing department in conjunction with the MSM Alumni Association is more than happy to assist your group in the organization of your event.
Contact alumni@msm.qld.edu.au to find out more.
College Captains: Eden Jones and Georgina O’Keeffe
Mission Captains: Millie Trims and Imogen Buckley
Academic Captains: Lucy Tighe and Cate Gaskell
Cultural Captains: Eleanor Brown and Sarah Tanwan
Sports Captains: Claudia Legge and Holly O’Flaherty
House Captains: Aikenhead - Charlie Gibson, Grantuly - Amelia Lathwell, Rush - Lucy Ferris, and Stewart - Charlize Cooley
We congratulate these students and wish them all the best in their leadership positions next year.
2022 Year 7 Orientation Day
from the Mt St Michael's College Community
The College administration closes on Friday10 December and reopens on Monday 17 January 2022.
Visit the MSM Business Directory and help support the businesses that so generously support our College Community.
Help us keep in touch with you about all things
Mt St Michael's College Alumni related.
Please visit the Mt St Michael's College Alumni Assocation page to update your details.
Click here
Let them know they can get in on all the fun and information by updating their details via the MSM Alumni Association page.
We are so proud of our College. Enjoy this video bringing to life our vibrant campus. Hear from our College Principal, Ms Sharon Volp, our students and our Alumni and discover how we embrace our vision for the MSM graduate.
Incorporation Number: IA34417
Our mailing address is:
Mt St Michael's College Alumni Inc
Mt St Michael's College
67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia