2025 - Edition 1
Dear Families
Welcome to Aspire, our newsletter for future MSM families that highlights successes, activities and events that have occurred here at Mt St Michael’s College.
Insert content.
In Faith and Love
Ms Sharon Volp
Principal
Welcome to Aspire, our newsletter for future MSM families that highlights successes, activities and events that have occurred here at Mt St Michael’s College.
Insert content.
In Faith and Love
Ms Sharon Volp
Principal
MSM Year 5 & 7 Parents and Caregivers are warmly invited to join us for the 2026 "Welcome to MSM" event on Friday 6 February from 5:30 – 7pm at the College. This event is open to Mt St Michael's College 2026 Year 5 & 7 parents and caregivers. Further details regarding bookings will be available in the New Year.
We’re delighted to announce that our 2026 International Women’s Day High Tea will take place on Sunday 8 March from 2pm to 4pm in the beautiful Marquee at Victoria Park.
Join us for an elegant afternoon featuring a delicious high tea service. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling (for parents) or a soft drink (for students), with a variety of juice, tea, and coffee available throughout. It’s always a memorable occasion—mark your calendars now! Tickets go on sale on Thursday 29 January, 2026.
We are excited to be welcoming your daughter to Year 5, and to the wider Mt St Michael’s College community, in 2026.
In the Junior School, we are committed to fostering the holistic development of our students through delivering a rich and developmentally-appropriate educational program. This includes quality learning experiences, wellbeing programs, co-curricular activities and service learning opportunities. Our vision is to create a nurturing community that enables every student to flourish. Your daughters will be supported at each step of their Year 5 journey by our experienced, passionate and dedicated Junior School staff.
We are greatly looking forward to our youngest students bringing a unique energy to our College community next year. We wish you and your families every blessing for this Christmas season.
Ms Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School
IMPORTANT MESSAGES
Tuesday 27 January 2026 – Book Pack Drop-Off
To support a smooth transition on the first day of school, we invite Year 5 students to deliver their book pack resources to their classrooms in M18 and M19 (M Block) on Tuesday 27 January, between the times of 11am and 12 noon. This is also an opportunity for your daughters to view their classrooms and, most importantly, to meet their new teachers.
This is not a compulsory session – if you are unable to attend at this time, we ask that your daughter brings her books and resources on the first day of school.
Please note that there is only one hour allocated to this, as our teachers will be engaged in professional development for the rest of this student-free day. We ask that you reserve any necessary in-depth conversations with your daughter’s teacher for early in the term.
You will receive communication from the College in the week prior to school commencing to confirm your daughter’s class placement.
Wednesday 28 January 2026 – First Day of School
School will commence for all students from Years 5 to 12 at 8.30am on Wednesday 28 January. This will be a full school day, concluding at 3.00pm. Students will be required to wear their formal College uniform.
Monday 2 February 2026 – Year 5 Information and Laptop Distribution Session
Students and parents/caregivers are required to attend the Year 5 Information Session on Monday, 2 February, from 3.15pm to 4.45pm in the College Auditorium. At this event, you will receive key information about the Year 5 curriculum and co-curricular program, as well as hear an address from the College Director of Innovation and Technology, Mr John Hamilton. The session will conclude with students receiving their laptops. Following this session, Year 5 students will engage in laptop induction workshops during class time.
To support a smooth transition on the first day of school, we invite Year 5 students to deliver their book pack resources to their classrooms in M18 and M19 (M Block) on Tuesday 27 January, between the times of 11am and 12 noon. This is also an opportunity for your daughters to view their classrooms and, most importantly, to meet their new teachers.
This is not a compulsory session – if you are unable to attend at this time, we ask that your daughter brings her books and resources on the first day of school.
Please note that there is only one hour allocated to this, as our teachers will be engaged in professional development for the rest of this student-free day. We ask that you reserve any necessary in-depth conversations with your daughter’s teacher for early in the term.
You will receive communication from the College in the week prior to school commencing to confirm your daughter’s class placement.
Wednesday 28 January 2026 – First Day of School
School will commence for all students from Years 5 to 12 at 8.30am on Wednesday 28 January. This will be a full school day, concluding at 3.00pm. Students will be required to wear their formal College uniform.
Monday 2 February 2026 – Year 5 Information and Laptop Distribution Session
Students and parents/caregivers are required to attend the Year 5 Information Session on Monday, 2 February, from 3.15pm to 4.45pm in the College Auditorium. At this event, you will receive key information about the Year 5 curriculum and co-curricular program, as well as hear an address from the College Director of Innovation and Technology, Mr John Hamilton. The session will conclude with students receiving their laptops. Following this session, Year 5 students will engage in laptop induction workshops during class time.
Year 9 Big Sisters
Year 9 2026 students were invited to apply to be a ‘Big Sister’ to our Year 5 students next year. The chief purpose of the Year 9 Big Sisters is to support their Year 5 Little Sisters with navigating the transition to Mt St Michael’s. They will play a pivotal role in familiarising our youngest students with College expectations, buildings and daily routines, and actively participating in timetabled classroom Little Sister-Big Sister activities.
Your daughter will be receiving a welcome letter from her Big Sister very soon. Keep an eye on the letterbox!
Your daughter will be receiving a welcome letter from her Big Sister very soon. Keep an eye on the letterbox!
Welcome Year 5, 2025
A new chapter in the history of the College commenced when we welcomed our first cohort of fifty Year 5 students on Wednesday 29 January. All year we have marvelled at how well they have fit into the fabric of Mt St Michael's College.
Our Year 5 students have attended academic tournaments, played in netball, touch football and basketball competitions, and launched “MSM Cares” – a community service and social justice group, led by Junior School students.
They enjoyed a special Retreat day centered around the theme How Far I’ll Go: embracing courage and hope. Through a series of games and activities, and using key messages from the Disney film Moana, students reflected on the challenges of beginning in a new school, and what it means to be a courageous and hope-filled person.
We warmly welcomed our Year 5 grandparents to our special Year 5 Grandparents’ Event and we were delighted to have our Year 5 students, and their Mums and special invited guests, gather for our very first Year 5 Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy and our Year 5 students and their Dads join us for the inaugural Father's Day Breakfast and Liturgy.
Our Year 5 students have attended academic tournaments, played in netball, touch football and basketball competitions, and launched “MSM Cares” – a community service and social justice group, led by Junior School students.
They enjoyed a special Retreat day centered around the theme How Far I’ll Go: embracing courage and hope. Through a series of games and activities, and using key messages from the Disney film Moana, students reflected on the challenges of beginning in a new school, and what it means to be a courageous and hope-filled person.
We warmly welcomed our Year 5 grandparents to our special Year 5 Grandparents’ Event and we were delighted to have our Year 5 students, and their Mums and special invited guests, gather for our very first Year 5 Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy and our Year 5 students and their Dads join us for the inaugural Father's Day Breakfast and Liturgy.
2025 Year 5 Legacy Pins
Our founding Year 5 pins were distributed individually to the students as part of a special gathering of Year 5 students and Junior School staff and the students have worn them proudly alongside their Centenary badge all year.
Semester One Year 5 Learning Showcase
Our Year 5 students celebrated and showcased their Semester 1 learning with their peers, teachers and families. The students performed pieces to demonstrate their learning in Languages, Dance, the Instrumental Program and various co-curricular pursuits. Additionally, students and families were able to view a Semester 1 photo and student reflection gallery. We congratulate the Year 5 students on all their achievements from their first semester at MSM. We also express our gratitude to the staff who have worked with our Year 5 students to make the first five months of their MSM journey so memorable.
Semester Two Year 5 Learning Showcase
The Year 5 Semester 2 Learning Showcase was a celebratory event, where students shared key learning from the semester with their peers, teachers and families. Students performed pieces to demonstrate their learning in Languages, Drama and the Year 5 Instrumental Program. Additionally, the Year 5 Drama Divas and Mini Movers co-curricular groups showcased their many talents through very engaging performances. We congratulate the Year 5 students on their extraordinary efforts this semester, and give thanks to all staff who have supported the cohort on their learning journey.
AROUND THE COLLEGE
Year 5 Science
The Year 5 students are thoroughly enjoying working in the College Science labs! Last week, they engaged in the ‘Bird Beak Investigation’, where they explored how bird beaks are structural adaptations that enable birds to obtain food for survival. Through participating in this practical investigation, students determined which ‘bird beaks’ are most effective for securing different food sources.
Double Denim Day
Students and staff brought their MSM spirit to participate in Double Denim Day to raise money for our chosen charity, Project Providence. Students dug into their pockets and then deep into their wardrobes (or raided their mum’s) to layer on as much denim as humanly possible to support a very worthy cause.
Year 5 & Year 9 Shared Morning Tea
The Convent Lawn was abuzz with joy, laughter and friendship as our Year 5 and Year 9 students came together for a shared morning tea and picnic. As a Positive School, we value fostering positive, safe and meaningful relationships with one another – the gathering was a lovely opportunity to continue building rapport and connection across these two cohorts.
MSM's Got Talent
Students from Years 5–12 lit up the Sophia Centre stage with amazing dance, music, and unforgettable performances—including a mystery act from our staff! Congratulations to our Junior, Middle, and Senior School winners, Eva S (Year 5), Elise P (Year 8) and Sophia W (Year 12). Huge applause to all our talented participants over the three lunch time performances and a special thank you to the Interact team for making it all happen. All funds raised from this event go towards this year’s Charity focus, Project Providence.
Semester 1 Principal's Awards
College Principal, Ms Volp was pleased to attend the Junior School Assembly to award a number of our Year 5 students with Semester 1 Principal’s Awards. These awards were presented to students who demonstrated Academic Excellence and/or Excellence in Commitment across their studies in Semester 1. Together, these awards highlight how our students demonstrate a love of learning through both achievement and effort. It brought us all great joy to acknowledge and celebrate these Year 5 students.
Year 5 Readers Cup
Five MSM Year 5 students attended the 2025 Children’s Book Council of Australia Readers Cup competition. This is a state-wide competition. This year, across Queensland, 487 schools entered teams for the Year 5/6 state-wide competition. That’s a staggering 16, 984 estimated books read! For the competition, our Year 5 team read five novels, then competed against other schools to answer quiz questions from the books. A huge congratulations must go to Isobel, Hannah, Sahana, Charlee and Annabelle for their preparation and dedication to this competition.
NAPLAN Treats
The Year 7 and Year 5 cohorts celebrated the completion of NAPLAN by enjoying ice block treats given to them from members of our Interact group to celebrate their wonderful NAPLAN efforts.
Book Week Dress Up
Students in Years 5 and 7 celebrated Book Week in style with a “Book an Adventure” themed costume parade. It was a fantastic display of creativity and a shared love of reading. A big thank you to everyone who joined in the fun!
CaSSSA Athletics
Congratulations to our outstanding MSM Athletics Team for clinching the Percentage Cup and securing second place overall at the CaSSSA Cup Athletics Carnival. Our teams display of dedication, commitment and comradery was nothing short of inspiring and emulated what it is to be #MSMProud.
Year 5 & Year 10 Poppy Activity
During their Positive Education lesson time, our Year 5 and Year 10 students were thoughtfully paired together, encouraging collaboration and mentorship as they engaged in Remembrance Day activities within their House groups. Students worked side by side to create vibrant poppies, discussing the significance of Remembrance Day and sharing personal reflections on its meaning. Once the poppies were finished, the students carefully placed their handmade flowers in our Peace Garden as a tribute. This shared experience fostered a sense of community, respect, and remembrance.
Year 9 Big Sisters Performance
During our final Middle School Assembly of 2025, the Year 9 big sisters delighted their Year 5 little sisters with a heartfelt rendition of "How Far You’ll Go" from Moana. We are grateful to our MSM Music Staff, Mrs Cherylene Taylor (Choir Conductor), Mr Joel Woods (Guitar), and Mrs Kaitlin Littlewood (Piano Accompaniment) for their guidance and support throughout the performance.
End of Term Advent Liturgy
Our students and staff marked the close of our Centenary year with a beautiful Advent Liturgy. More than 160 of our students shared their creative gifts with our community to tell the story of Christ's birth and to pray for peace in our world.
Meet our 2026 Student Leadership Team
Introducing our 2026 College Student Leadership Team.College Captains: Freya O and Katie S
Academic Captains: Keira H and Chloe L
Cultural Captains: Isabela C and Zali R
Mission Captains: Pia M and Makenzie S
Sports Captains: Sophie G and Chloe T
Aikenhead House Captain: Olivia D
Grantuly House Captain: Chloe W
Rush House Captain: Josephine C-M
Stewart House Captain: Sophia J
Wellbeing Ambassadors: Hannah D and Eliza K
2025 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
Foundation International Women's Day High Tea
The College marched forward together to celebrate women’s achievements within our networks and globally at our MSM Foundation IWD High Tea in March. A beautiful high tea was shared throughout the afternoon, whilst attendees enjoyed a performance by our MSM Senior Strings and an address by guest speaker, Tracey Porst, owner of The Fair Trader. As we #MarchForward in our Centenary year, current MSM students paraded our uniforms across the decades, providing an element of entertainment for the afternoon.
MSM Alumni 'Back to MSM' Reunion Day
It was wonderful to welcome MSM Alumni and special guests to our ‘Back to MSM’ Reunion Day on Saturday 22 March hosted by the MSM Alumni Inc. There was a sense of joy and nostalgia in the Sophia Centre as Alumni from across many decades joined to reminisce and celebrate this milestone year for the College.
MSM Centenary Mass
We were blessed to be joined by a number of special guests, several of the Sisters of Charity, Trustees of Mary Aikenhead Ministries, members of Mary Aikenhead Education, student Alumni and past and present staff, students and MSM families to celebrate our Centenary Mass, presided over by Fr Gerry Kalinowski. Our Mass commenced with a pre-Mass reflection called “If Grantuly Could Talk” - a composition of a series of short stories that were wonderfully brought to life by our drama students under the direction of Ms Statham. Our celebrations concluded with the presentation of legacy pins to our Year 5 students to signal the new chapter in the history of Mt St Michael’s College.
MSM Centenary Gala Dinner
The centenary celebrations continued in grand style on Saturday evening, July 26, with the Centenary Gala Dinner held at The Star. It was an evening of elegance, joy, and connection, as members of the MSM community gathered to celebrate. Guests arrived in glamorous attire, ready to enjoy a fun-filled night of entertainment.
Project Providence
Mt St Michael's College has partnered with the Religious Sisters of Charity in Ireland to give a transformative gift of hope to two young women. Through our 2025 major fundraiser Project Providence, our community has raised $16,411.58 to support the education of young women in Sub-Saharan Africa. The money raised will cover the total cost of a six-year secondary education for two young women, one in Malawi and one in Nigeria. More than 21 million girls are denied an education worldwide, and the Sisters remain steadfast in their commitment to advocate for the rights of the girl child. We can think of no better way to celebrate a century of educating young women in faith and love than to help these young women to realise their dream of attending secondary school.
OUR COMMUNITY
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Mt St Michael's College - MSM News
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Mt St Michael's College
67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia
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Mt St Michael's College - MSM News
Our mailing address is:
Mt St Michael's College
67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia
Add us to your address book