Aspire - 2026 Edition 1 - Mt St Michael's College

College Wide Mission Focus: Project Safe Haven

As we journey through this special year of Justice, MSM has partnered with Emmanuel City Mission to develop a special year-long fundraising & advocacy project. ECM is a ministry that supports people experiencing homelessness. At their headquarters in Peel St South Brisbane, they welcome more than 300 visitors every day, providing a day sanctuary space where visitors can access showers, laundry facilities, nutritious meals and medical care in a safe and supportive place. In late 2025, ECM also opened a night sanctuary, providing 40 safe beds for people needing a place to sleep. The team at ECM are humble and caring, and are totally committed to their mission to serve the poor. It is a very special place.

We have named our project "Safe Haven" because that is what ECM is: a sanctuary for some of Brisbane's most vulnerable people. Across the year, MSM has committed to raising at least $15,000 to allow ECM to purchase a new multi-cooking catering oven and we are well on our way to meeting this target following our Term 1 fundraising activiites. The current oven, which produces more than 1000 hot meals a week, is currently being held together with electrical tape and hope! Our contribution will ensure that ECM can continue to provide the dignity of a hot meal to their visitors.

International Women's Day High Tea

The College hosted our International Women’s Day High Tea in the beautiful Marquee Room at Victoria Park on Sunday 8 March. We were joined by MSM alumna and inspiring leader, Madonna Jarrett MP (Class of 1988) as our guest speaker. We are grateful for her encouragement for young girls and women to lead, make a difference, and use courage and resilience to balance the scales. Madonna, together with MSM alumna Ruby Patterson (Class of 2021) captured the attention of those gathered sharing their stories and empowering our community.

End of Term 2 Liturgy

Our community marked the end of Term 2 with a beautiful liturgy celebrating NAIDOC Week, which falls during this holiday break. For five decades NAIDOC week has celebrated the richness, diversity and enduring wisdom of First Nations cultures. Our liturgy focused on the maxim she walked so we could run, telling the story of the remarkable First Nations women like Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Margaret Valadian whose achievements allowed the next generation of deadly women to shine.

MSM Bespoke Retreat Program

Our Retreat Formation Program is a hallmark of our Faith and Mission offerings, drawing on the richness of Catholic tradition and our deep understanding of the developmental needs of adolescent girls.

Our smallest MSM students set sail for a wonderful day of reflection and fun at our Year 5 Retreat Day. Using the film Moana, the girls reflected on their first term at MSM, exploring the key concepts of welcome, courage and hope. At our moving liturgy, each girl was welcomed into the MSM family by her class teacher and was adorned with a handmade lei containing messages of connection and hope.

Our students explored concepts of courage and kindness at the inaugural MSM Year 6 Retreat. Using the story of Rapunzel in Tangled, the students reflected on the ways they can lead our Junior School and warmly welcome new students as they prepare to begin Year 7. The creation of this retreat marks the completion of our bespoke retreat formation program, which helps our girls to grow into women of love, hope, justice and compassion.

"The miracle is not some magic that you've got: the miracle is you... all of you!" (Disney's Encanto). Earlier this year our Year 7 students enjoyed a special Year 7 Retreat day, focusing on identity and belonging. A key message for the day was that our community embraces each new student, welcoming them to the MSM family, cherishing each girl for the person she is and the part she plays in making our community whole.

Year 7 Father-Daughter Breakfast

The MSM Foundation was delighted to host our Year 7 students, along with their fathers and male role models, for a special breakfast. As a cherished tradition at the College, the event provides a wonderful chance for families to connect. Guests enjoyed breakfast while learning about our Mission focus for 2026, “Project Safe Haven”, and took part in a creative activity together. Working as a team, attendees crafted a welcome doormat to be placed at the entrance to a tent. The doormat represents the idea of home—something familiar to all, as we cross it into the stories and lives of others.

Year 5 & 6 Mother's Day Breakfast and Liturgy

Our Year 5 & 6 Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy was a wonderful event in the lead‑up to Mother’s Day. The “Treasured Items” activity created a meaningful sense of connection and unity, while the students’ illustrations were a highlight — bringing smiles and laughter to everyone’s faces. A memorable celebration of love, connection, and the moments that matter most, shared within our MSM community.

Year 5 Learning Showcase

The Year 5 Semester 1 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, Dance and the Year 5 Instrumental Program.

Year 6 Open Classrooms

Year 6 families were invited to the Year 6 classrooms to see what and how the Year 6 students are learning. Students were able to explore the classrooms with their families, to share and celebrate their work from the semester. It was a joy to witness the confidence and pride of our Year 6 girls as they showcased their work, and reflected on their growth.

COLLEGE LIFE IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

Year 6 Science

During Term 1 in Science, Year 6 students were learning about Earth’s movement in relation to the Sun. They created three-dimensional models to explain how Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, students explored why we experience sunrise and sunset at different times across the world.

Valentine's Day in the Junior School

Earlier in Term 1, splashes of pink and purple filled MSM to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Our Year 10 cohort came together to host a bustling Valentine’s Day Market at lunchtime, filling the College with excitement, colour, and community spirit. All funds raised were in support of our 2026 major fundraiser “Project Safe Haven”.

Year 5 Drama

It has been a positive and joyous start to our Semester 1 Arts elective. Year 5 Drama students have been engaging in some high-energy drama games as they continue to develop trust and participation within the drama classroom. We have also learnt how important it is to be respectful and inclusive in our interactions with one another.

Junior School Water Polo Development

Term 1 saw our Year 6 students getting involved in Junior School water polo development training on Wednesday afternoons. This program was designed to help our youngest athletes learn the fundamentals of water polo, including swimming techniques, ball handling, teamwork, and game strategies. Coaches focused on creating a fun and supportive environment where students could build their skills alongside their friends. By the time these students reach Year 7, they will be ready to jump into competitive matches with confidence.

Year 5 & Year 9 Little Sister Big Sister IWD Activity

In honour of International Women’s Day, our Year 5 and Year 9 Little and Big Sisters engaged in a purple flower badge-making activity. Purple is a colour universally acknowledged as a symbol for this special day. The students proudly wore their flower badges in recognition of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Inaugural CaSSSA Tennis Primary Cup Champions

The CaSSSA Tennis season has now concluded after an exciting finals round at the end of Term 1. This year marked the introduction of the CaSSSA Primary Cup, awarded to the top-performing school. We're thrilled to announce that our MSM primary teams have made history by becoming the very first winners of the Primary Cup in 2026. This outstanding accomplishment is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Year 5 and 6 students and their coaches.

Semester 2 2025 Principal's Awards

At our Junior School Assembly held on our Valentine's Day Fundraiser, College Principal Ms Volp awarded a number of our current Year 6 students with Semester 2 2025 Principal’s Awards. These awards were presented to students who demonstrated Academic Excellence and/or Excellence in Commitment across their studies in Semester 2 of last year. 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 students.

Harmony Day in the Library

Harmony Day is a day to recognise and celebrate our cultural diversity and promote inclusion and belonging for all. To mark the occasion, students joined together at lunchtime in the library to make friendship bracelets and chatter-boxes — a simple and meaningful way to connect, share, and celebrate harmony with one another.

Junior School Wellbeing Activities

Our Year 5 and 6 students took part in dedicated wellbeing activities on the last day of Term 1. These were planned by our enthusiastic Year 6 Class Captains to foster connection between both year levels. Students worked in groups of four (one student from each Year 5 and 6 class) to participate in activities that encouraged conversation, teamwork and a sense of shared community.

Students enjoyed answering icebreaker questions and creating a collaborative puzzle that celebrated what they value about life at MSM. It was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to build rapport and deepen their connection with one another.

MSM Cares Vinnies Winter Appeal

In Term 2, our Year 6 MSM Cares Leaders, Amelia and Sahana, have led the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal project in the Junior School. Students in Year 5 and 6 have generously donated warming items – including clothing and food essentials – which will make a significant difference to people in need this winter. Winter can be a very tough time for people who live in poverty and who are homeless. It’s amazing to see how our Junior School community has come together to care for others.

Year 6 Leadership

We have impressed upon the Year 6 students the message that every student in Year 6 is recognised as a leader, regardless of whether they hold a formal position. This is an important message, as leadership in its truest form is not defined solely by titles or badges, but by the way we act, speak and treat others each day. For those students who have chosen to nominate for formal roles as Class Captain or MSM Cares Leader, it has been heartening to see them reflect thoughtfully on their leadership qualities. Each term in Year 6, there are two Class Captains per Homeroom, along with two MSM Cares Leaders in the cohort. Students appointed as Class Captains and MSM Cares Leaders are expected to attend regular lunchtime meetings with the Head of Junior School, where they collaborate to discuss, develop and organise key initiatives (including mission and service projects) that support the Junior School and wider MSM community. They make a positive contribution to College life by attending selected events and functions, and by being actively involved in supporting and assisting with Junior School Assemblies.

Introducing our Year 6 Term 1 & 2 Class Captains:

Term 1
Mila G, Georgie W, Matilda F, Charlee G

Term 2
Olivia D, Josie A, Audrey M and Eilish D

Introducing our Term 1 & 2 MSM Cares Leaders:

Term 1
Eva S, Millie W and Sophia C

Term 2
Amelia E and Eilish D

We look forward to welcoming a new group of Year 6 students into their leadership roles in Semester 2.

Junior School Positive Learning Behaviours Awards

Fortnightly Positive Learning Behaviours awards presented at our Junior School Assemblies are an important way in which we recognise and celebrate students who consistently demonstrate respect, diligence and resilience. These awards acknowledge students who treat others and their environment with kindness, approach their learning with enthusiasm and effort, and show perseverance when challenges arise. By highlighting these behaviours, we reinforce the values that support strong learning, personal growth and a positive community. Awards are presented by the Head of Junior School, with our Year 6 Class Captains formally congratulating each award recipient with a handshake.

AROUND THE COLLEGE

Year 7 Cybersafety Presentation

The College warmly welcomed Tricia Munn from Eyes Open Social Media to speak with our Year 7 students and to provide additional information on the new social media laws and being safe online. She provided them with steps to help students make informed, confident choices about their online presence and wellbeing.

Year 9 Altitude Day

Year 9 students participated in Altitude Day, an event delivered by YLead. The day focused on empowering students to become active and inspiring leaders. Alongside students from a range of Brisbane schools, MSM students engaged in a series of interactive activities and heard from guest speakers who shared their leadership journeys. The day was both engaging and enjoyable, helping to build students’ confidence and further develop their leadership skills in preparation for future leadership opportunities.

Year 8 French Immersion with Marist College

Year 8 students of French were recently invited to Marist College Ashgrove to experience an afternoon of French language and cultural activities. The girls joined other Year 8 students of French from schools around Brisbane to participate in sessions featuring study of animals and pets, French music lyrics, personal characteristics and Pictionary using French vocabulary. In addition to meeting other language students and indulging their love of all things French, the girls also enjoyed pan au chocolate on arrival.

Year 10 Wellbeing Program

Over the two-day Wellbeing Program held in Term 2, our Year 10 students participated in two engaging and purposeful Wellbeing Days as part of our Pastoral Care program. Students explored Consent Education and team-building activities, developing their understanding of respectful relationships, self-awareness and positive communication skills, while strengthening connections through a range of collaborative challenges. They also participated in a full-day Character Builders incursion, which focused on leadership, teamwork and positive, prosocial behaviours. It was wonderful to see our Year 10 cohort engage with enthusiasm, support one another, and continue growing in confidence and character throughout the program.

Vicki Wilson Netball

MSM's three High Performance Netball teams (Vicki Wilson Cup Championship, Vicki Wilson Shield Championship, and Vicki Wilson Shield Development) had an outstanding day of Vicki Wilson competition!

The courts were alive with fierce contests, incredible teamwork, and high-quality netball throughout the day with our Vicki Wilson Shield Championship team, earning their place at the National Finals to be played in August at Nissan Arena.

Rugby 7s Gala Day

Our MSM rugby players proudly represented the College at the CaSSSA Rugby 7s Gala Day. Competing against fellow CaSSSA schools in very wet conditions, our students demonstrated outstanding determination, teamwork and grit throughout the day. Congratulations to our U16 team, who remained undefeated and delivered a fantastic grand final performance against Loreto, securing an impressive 31–20 victory.

Dance Showcase

Our Dance Showcase was a fantastic evening of entertainment, showcasing the talents of our hardworking curriculum and co-curricular dance students. Dedicated dance students, from all year levels, performed a range of dance works in various groups, highlighting not only technical skill and thoughtful, emotive and engaging choreography, but also the passion behind each performance. Our dance students, supported by teachers, spent hours choreographing, teaching, rehearsing, costuming and polishing their final performances that wowed audience members.

Year 10 Marist Dancing

In Term 2, some of our Year 10 students participated in the Marist Dancing program over five weeks, where they developed a range of dance skills while also building confidence and strengthening social connections.
The program concluded with a special fifth and final evening at Brisbane City Hall, where students showcased their learning beneath the iconic dome. It was a wonderful occasion that highlighted the growth, enthusiasm, and engagement of all involved.

MSM Athletics Carnival

What an incredible display of energy, colour and house pride at our 2026 Interhouse Athletics Carnival! The spirit, determination and enthusiasm on show made it a truly fantastic day.

MSM Cross Country Carnival

The 2026 MSM Cross Country was a fantastic day, filled with an abundance of house colour and spirit across the course. Congratulations to Aikenhead House who were awarded House Champions for this event.

OUR COMMUNITY

Year 5 & 7 Parents 'Welcome to MSM' Evening

Earlier this year, we hosted a lovely evening for our Year 5 and 7 Parents/Caregivers. This was a casual evening where members of the College Leadership Team, the Head of Junior School (Katie Jordan), the Year 7 Pastoral Leader (Madonna Kelly) and the Program Leader – Middle School (Alison Larkings) engaged with parents on a more personal level. It was great to hear the stories about how the students were settling in and loving the MSM experience.