2024 - Edition 1
Welcome to the first Fide et Amore of 2024.
Our AGM was held in March and myself, Kate Taylor (Secretary) and Alice Spies (Treasurer) were re-elected, along with new committee member Venny Sarmiento (nee Ikonomou, Class of 1988). We look forward to serving our community in the year ahead.
There’s already been three very successful reunions for the Classes of 1974 (50 years), 1984 (30 years), 1994 (20 years). It was our biggest reunion tour day yet and a lot of fun. Enjoy the photos of their return to the College.
And there’s still two reunions to come –
20 years for MSM Class of 2004 on Saturday 5 October. Book here
10 years for MSM Alumni - Class of 2014 on Saturday 2 November. Booking details to follow.
Soon we’ll start contacting those cohorts with significant reunions in 2025, which is the centenary year of the Sisters of Charity and education at the Mt St Michael’s campus.
We’d like to connect with as many former students as possible, so please contact at least one person you know or keep in touch with and send them this Keep In Touch form to fill out.
The IWD High Tea Alumni guest speaker this year was Katerini Manolatos (Class of 1996), a Registered Music Therapist, Neurologic Music Therapist, Vocalist and Vocal Coach. With tertiary qualifications in Classical Voice and Opera and Music Therapy, Katerini has enjoyed over 20 years as a vocal coach and music therapist. Katerini shared the beautiful gift of her voice, following a walk down memory lane. One of the messages she shared with attendees was “Do what makes your heart sing. Do what you love!” and she clearly is!
Can you add to the College archives ahead of the Centenary? If you’re moving, downsizing or estate planning, and you have anything to donate from your time at MSM, please contact archives@msm.qld.edu.au.
We love hearing stories of Alumni successes in various aspects of life, so keep them coming in. I hope you enjoy this edition of Fide et Amore – please share it around.
Yours In faith and love
Anne O’Keeffe (Class of 1986)
President
At our Term 3 “Welcome Back” Assembly, I was excited to launch our centenary logo. Planning is well underway for celebrations in 2025 with a number of special events planned and you will find some date claimers in this edition of “Fide et Amore”. I would like to express my gratitude to Anne O’Keeffe for the wonderful work she is doing in reaching out to our past students and encouraging them to reconnect with the College. We would love to have you involved in our centenary festivities next year. One of our projects is the production of a book, which will share our stories of our 100 years.
I am delighted to share that during the June/July holidays, we received the news that our Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application was approved by the State Government. The major project involves the construction of a new Learning Centre comprising a library, a presentation space and four general learning areas as well as the College’s administration. This will allow the College to repurpose some existing buildings, including the heritage-listed Grantuly house (the College’s current administration building). The project is about creating contemporary, flexible facilities to provide better educational outcomes for our existing enrolment cap of 900. We had hoped that this building would be ready for our centenary in 2025, but an opening in 2026 is most likely more realistic.
With our Year 5 students commencing in 2025, a new chapter in the life of MSM begins as we celebrate 100 years of “In Faith and Love”.
Fide et Amore
Sharon Volp
Principal
As we approach out Centenary Year, we take the opportunity to share with you some important date claimers:
Friday 25 July - Mt St Michael's College Centenary Mass
Saturday 26 July - Mt St Michael's College Centenary Gala Event
The various choirs of MSM have warmed hearts for many decades. As we approach our Centenary Year in 2025, we welcome expressions of interest from Alumni who have a passion for singing and performing to join the Centenary Past Pupils' Choir. If you are interested in knowing more, please email alumni@msm.qld.edu.au
Class of 2004
After MSM, I trained as an actor, graduating with distinction with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts – Acting degree from the University of Southern Queensland. My play, The Day the Galaxy Inevitably Exploded and Died, was shortlisted in Queensland Theatre Company’s Young Playwright’s Program. I produced and performed in the play as part of Backbone Youth Arts’ 2high Festival at the Brisbane Powerhouse and the Sydney Fringe Festival where it was nominated for the Best of Theatre Award.
I moved to Sydney, where I toured in Bell Shakespeare’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and their multi-award-winning production of Henry V. I also performed in A Man with Five Children for Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Babes in the Woods for Redline Productions/Don’t Look Away, among others. I received a Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship for acting which enabled me to train at the Atlantic Acting School in New York, The Second City in Chicago, and Bramon Garcia Braun in Los Angeles.
I then wrote, produced, directed, and starred in my debut feature film Marley, Someone, which won the Audience Choice Award at the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival, was a Semi-Finalist at the Toronto Independent Film Festival of Cift, and made the official selection at the Vancouver Independent Film Festival.
In 2017, I moved to Vancouver, Canada to pursue more film and TV roles. I have been cast in Alaska Daily (ABC) alongside Hilary Swank, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC) alongside Skylar Astin, as well as Lost in Space (Netflix), and Deadly Class (Syfy), among others. I also worked my way up from a production assistant to producer’s assistant, script & clearance coordinator to finally, a TV writer. I was a Netflix/Banff Diversity of Voices Initiative participant where I pitched my television series at the Banff World Media Festival. Now I work as a staff writer on Netflix’s hit romance drama, Virgin River and have been the writer on set for my episodes, working with the showrunner, cast, producers, directors, and crew.
I truly valued my time at MSM and am grateful to the staff and students. The spirit of the college nurtured my creative and academic aspirations and imbued me with the passion and confidence to pursue my ambitions. I am happy to say my closest friends to this day are the ones I had at MSM.
Keep the news coming! Whether it’s special news from an Alumni, reunion updates or something you would like to see featured in our Alumni newsletter – we’d love to hear from you! Email: alumni@msm.qld.edu.au
Year 12 Study of Religion students are analysing perspectives within world religions that influence adherents’ responses to ethical issues. They attended a session with alumna, Kobie Clay (Class of 1997), who shared with them how a range of influences and experiences have shaped her Catholic faith and, in turn, her practice as a palliative care nurse deeply engaged in the ethics of life and death. Kobie’s presentation was challenging and thought-provoking, reminding students to foreground the value of human life and prioritise kindness and compassion in all interactions.
CAREER INFORMATION SESSION
MSM Year 11 students had the pleasure of hearing from accomplished Alumni, Grace Egan (Class of 2015) and Hannah Ashford (Class of 2007) during their Career Information Session. Grace, a Physical and Financial Trader at Shell Global shared her experience in her trading career and emphasised the incredible opportunities available for young women in STEM as a vital importance of women’s representation in the transformative finance sector.
Hannah, who works in International Law & Space Diplomacy shared her career journey to where she is today as a non-profit director and lawyer working to promote the cooperative potentials and positive uses of space technologies for life on Earth. Hannah enlightened students on her role where she interfaces with the major space agencies, companies and initiatives of the world, including NASA, and provides recommendations to various forums including the United Nations. She spoke about the importance of problem-solving and advocacy skills as well as the need to be curious to succeed.
Both Grace and Hannah had fantastic messages for our Year 11 students, and we thank them for taking time out of their busy schedules to share their career journeys and valuable advice.
Career Conversations Breakfast with MSM Alumni
On Friday 12 July MSM Alumni from various career fields including architecture, law, nursing, psychology, project management, marketing and communications, environmental management, IT and business services presented to current MSM students and their parents and caregivers at our annual MSM Foundation Career Conversations Breakfast. Students and families were able to converse with the MSM Alumni about the wide range of pathways they have followed since graduating from the College. The diversity in careers allowed current MSM students to reflect on their academic journey so far and consider what the next few years could look like. Our sincerest thanks must go to the alumni who so generously gave of their time to join us for the morning.
What is the Career Conversations Breakfast?
The College in partnership with the MSM Alumni Inc launched this event in 2023 with the aim of connecting our past students with our current students. The concept of the event is a mentoring Career Speed Networking format where we welcome you, our Alumni to share your valuable insight for your chosen industry with our current students. The event involves tables set up for our students (and their accompanying parents) and an alumni at each table for a set time (approximately 5 – 10 minutes) before a bell sounds prompting a rotation of alumni from table to table around the room for the duration of the breakfast.
The Classes of 1974 (Junior 1972) gathered at the College to celebrate their 40 year reunion. The graduates who attended enjoyed an afternoon of celebration and reminiscing during their tour followed by a gathering at Café 63.
The Class of 1984 celebrated their 40 year reunion. The graduates celebrated with a Tour of the college and followed on with a wonderful catch up at Thai on Grove.
The class of 1994 celebrated their 30 year reunion with College tour and a gathering at Thai on Grove, Ashgrove.
Milestone Reunions in 2024
If you graduated in 1964, 2004 or 2014 you are celebrating a decade-milestone this year! Find out what is happening for your year level!
MSM Alumni Community: https://www.facebook.com/MtStMichaelsCollegeAlumni
If you graduated in 1964 you are celebrating your 60 year-milestone! Find out what is happening for your year level, or organise something today!
If you graduated in 2004 you are celebrating your 20 year-milestone! Find out what is happening for your year level.
If you graduated in 2014 you are celebrating your 10 year-milestone! Find out what is happening for your year level.
Milestone Reunions in 2025
If you graduated in 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 or 2015 you are celebrating a decade-milestone in 2025 - our Centenary year! Find out what is happening for your year level, or organise something today!
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. Consider visiting the College as a part of your reunion celebrations. Reunion Tours are scheduled for March and September in 2025. Contact alumni@msm.edu.au to find out more or to secure a date.
The College’s Communications and Marketing department in conjunction with the MSM Alumni is more than happy to assist your group in the organisation of your event.
Contact alumni@msm.edu.au to find out more.
MSM Alumni Community: https://www.facebook.com/MtStMichaelsCollegeAlumni
We warmly invite you to join us at our Alumni meetings held at 6pm in the Chapel, Mary Aikenhead Building, MSM.
Please find a list of our 2024 meeting dates below:
Monday 19 August
Monday 30 September
Monday 18 November
Principals Honours Assembly
We were delighted to welcome back to Mt St Michael’s our 2023 MSM Honour Students, to present them with their ‘Principal’s Honour Award’, for their excellence in achievement and commitment to their studies in their chosen pathway; either ATAR or Vocational Education. These graduates have truly demonstrated Competence, Confidence, Compassion, Conscience and Commitment throughout their educational journey, and we were proud to acknowledge their achievements at our annual Honours Assembly.
Charlie Marcus, 2023 Dux of the College in her address expressed her gratitude, thanking the dedicated teachers at MSM who guided her through her goals and the obstacles encountered throughout her academic journey. Charlie looks forward to studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Engineering at UQ. A special thank you to our Honour Students who addressed the audience and shared their own reflections on their journey to excellence.
In February, our College community gathered to pray for abundant blessings as we began a new academic year, at our MSM Opening Eucharist. As part of this special Mass, we blessed and commissioned our Year 12 students, entrusting them with leadership of our College. We thank Fr Gerry Kalinowski, Parish Priest of Jubilee Parish, for presiding at this special Mass.
We congratulated the Year 12 students, who were commissioned to lead our MSM community. Dean of Student Wellbeing, Ms Mason said of the senior badges: “Seniors of the Class of 2024, the badge that you will wear is a symbol of our College Values of hope, justice, love and compassion. When you put it on your tie, hold these values in your heart and let them guide your work as you lead our community”.
Music Camp 2024
This year's Music Camp at QCCC Brookfield was a captivating experience for our talented student musicians. The Co-curricular Music groups have been preparing for the MusicFest1 Concert on Thursday 2 May with the country and western theme of “Three Chords and the Truth”. With a scent of eucalyptus in the air, the students refined their skills with the guidance of esteemed guest musicians and dedicated tutors. In addition to their regular groups, they sang in a massed choir played musicianship games, and explored new percussion instruments. This year, we introduced combined orchestra items, providing an opportunity for collaborative performances that added a new dimension to our musical endeavours. The collective passion and dedication of our students were evident, showcasing progress, increased confidence, and a genuine love for music. Adding a refreshing twist to the routine, students also enjoyed time in the pool between rehearsals if they weren’t in Study Hall.
MSM Foundation Year 7 Father Daughter Breakfast
We welcomed Year 7 students and their fathers/caregivers for the annual MSM Foundation Year 7 Father-Daughter Breakfast. Pancakes were shared to the mark Shrove Tuesday in the Church calendar as the sounds of our talented Guitar Ensemble were enjoyed. Thank you to our wonderful guest speaker, Sister of Charity, Sr Suzette Clark who enlightened us on The Modern Slavery Transitional Housing Program, Raise the Roof and how we as a community can make a real difference. Our Mission Captains ran an activity with each Year 7 student and father given the opportunity to write their message of hope and love and display their tile on the roof of our House of Compassion. Thank you to all members of the MSM community who joined us this morning, including, Foundation Chair, Dr Sarah Pollock (Class of 2001).
2024 Year 12 Theme Launch
Our Year 12 cohort launched their theme to the College, ‘Aspire to be more in 2024'. The theme, taken from the invitation of St Oscar Romero, to “Aspire not to have more, but to be more” acknowledges that we are called to a life of ‘being’ as opposed to ‘having’ because our human dignity is not gauged by what we have but what we are: made in the image and likeness of God. The Year 12 students hope that this theme inspires all MSM students in our year of Compassion.
IWD High Tea
What an incredible afternoon we had at our 2024 MSM Foundation IWD High Tea - a celebration of women in our community and globally. Our MSM students and their mothers/caregivers gathered for a delectable high tea and enjoyed an alluring performance from the MSM Senior Strings. This year we were joined by MSM Alumni, Katerini Manolatos (Class of 1996) as our guest speaker. Katerini is a Registered Music Therapist, Neurologic Music Therapist, Vocalist and Vocal Coach and fondly recalled her days performing and singing at MSM. We were treated to a wonderful presentation by Katerini who delved into her journey to success, offered words of advice including to ‘take a moment’ and ‘follow the thread’, and shared her remarkable voice with the audience.
The College thanked and acknowledged the ongoing support of the MSM Alumni for the generous donation of the delicious cookies shared at the event. MSM Alumni Treasurer, Alice Spies (Class of 2011) introduced Katerini and delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of all guests present, including Jonty Bush MP and members of the MSM College Board. A wonderful afternoon was shared by all!
MSM Swimming Season
As the 2024 swimming season drew to a close, we reflected on the many highlights of our competitive swimmers. Well done to all members of the MSM Swim Team for their dedication, commitment and contribution during the 2024 swimming season.
MSM Inter-house Swimming Carnival
The MSM Inter-house Swimming Carnival provided an opportunity for our competitive swimmers to practice racing, aim to break personal bests and was part of the trailing process for the 2024 Swim Team. Congratulations to all students who were selected in the team and were presented with their caps on assembly, ahead of the Swim Camp and CaSSSA Swimming Carnival. We took the opportunity to congratulate our Inter-house Swimming Carnival Age Champions, Open Champion and Fastest 8 Champion. Well done to Stewart who was awarded the Champion House for the Carnival and presented with their trophy on assembly.
Swim Camp
In preparation for the CaSSSA Carnival, our 2024 Swim Team attended Swim Camp from 23 - 25 February at Tallebudgera Recreation Centre. It started off on Friday after school when the team competed at a lead up meet here in Brisbane, where they returned to school, had a pizza party together and then jumped on the bus and headed down the coast. Their Saturday morning started with a sunrise walk along the beach, and then students were split into groups to do different activities such as canoeing, team rescue and catapults. That evening the fun continued with a games night in the hall. On Sunday the team were up early again for another morning beach walk, then straight after breakfast they enjoyed morning activities of beach games and a team challenge. After lunch the team had a training session in the pool with their coach, then packed up and returned to MSM. Comradery and many memories of a great weekend were shared.
CaSSSA Swimming Carnival
MSM concluded a successful swimming season with the CaSSSA competition on Thursday 7 March. With the fantastic support of our Year 8 cohort cheering loudly in the stands, our swimmers made us #MSMProud.
Our MSM community gathered to mark ANZAC day with a special liturgy called “Letters from Home”. As part of our liturgy, we heard stories of real Australians, ordinary people swept up in the terror of war, and their letters give us a fascinating glimpse into domestic life during war. We remember with gratitude all who have served their country, and pray for a time when there will be no need for war.
Mt St Michael’s College was proud to have over 190 students participate in the Ashgrove RSL Branch, ANZAC Day: Ashgrove Remembers service. Our 2024 College and Mission Captains laid a wreath during the ceremony and our students in the MSM-Marist Combined Choir performed beautifully, contributing to the moving service.
In 2024, Mt St Michael's College is working in partnership with the Sisters of Charity Foundation, established in 2009 to continue the charitable works of the Sisters in Australia, and the Salvation Army to address the issue of modern slavery in Australia. Funds raised through our major fundraising project "Raise the Roof" will be used by the Sisters of Charity Foundation to help to liberate one person living in Australia from modern slavery.
Read more about the College's Project "Raise the Roof" in The Catholic Leader feature below.
CaSSSA Percentage Cup Champions
CaSSSA Aggregate Cup – Runners Up
12 years – 1st Champions13 years – 2nd14 years – 2nd15 years – 1st Champions
16 years – 5th17+ years – 2nd
Every member of the Mt St Michael’s community, past and present is invited to purchase a heart on our Light the Wall Legacy Wall and help us light the way for future generations.
Our Light the Way wall will proudly recognise past or present students, celebrate a graduate, commemorate your family or a loved one and leave a legacy for years to come. This beautiful art installation will remind us that the future is bright at MSM.
All heart purchases are a tax-deductible donation to the Mt St Michael’s College Foundation and the funds will be used to support the continued advancement of buildings for future generations of the College.
Click here to secure a permanent spot on our newly installed Light the Way legacy wall.
Don't forget to spread the word to fellow MSM Alumni. Forward our Keep in Touch form to an Alumni friend!
2025
Year 5 - Waitlist Open. APPLY NOW
Year 7 – Waitlist closed. Waitlisted applications will be reviewed mid 2024.
2026
Year 5 – Accepting applications. APPLY NOW
Year 7 – Waitlist Closed. Waitlist applications will be reviewed mid 2024.
2027
Year 5 – Accepting applications. APPLY NOW
Year 7 – Applications closed.
2028 and beyond
Year 5 & 7 - Accepting Applications. APPLY NOW
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
