It feels quite surreal that Term 2 is coming to an end. Term 1 ended so abruptly, and Term 2 has proven to be a remarkable chapter in history. As I reflect on the term, I am struggling to find words that adequately express what we have experienced, so I have turned to the staff for inspiration. Thank you to Ms Desailly for providing the following poem.
Life in Lockdown – An MSM’s Teacher’s Tale
It had dawned on us one morning during the end of March
That change was in the air,
The world was still turning, but standing still
College had closed for a time and Convent Lawn bare.
Once more it was an end of a term,
but not as we knew it
There were laptops taken home and all books were to sit
In spare rooms, study nooks, laundry – where-ever they would fit.
For how long – well, this was anybody’s guess.
We prayed it would not be forever,
And hoped for the best.
This adventure will be a very long test.
In our hearts and in our minds, in thoughts and morning prayers
We gave thanks, danced, shared and told story that set us up for the day
To learn and grow in a new way.
Teams, Meet Now, Likes, Tag and Chat became our new way to catch up, learn and teach
Nothing like a muffled sound when we are trying to reach
New heights with learning, new concepts to be understood
New classmates in our space (that’s parents, partners, and children) for the good
Times and the bad.
Right hand corner of screen - The end of the school day – at 305pm,
The talking heads would dismiss students by saying “goodbye” to them.
All involved feeling tired and down,
Did it feel good to get out of the house to walk the dog, or watch the box in a (dressing) gown?
Teachers routine did slightly change with the CovId-19 event
The commute to and from work did not leave us completely spent
We were all still working hard to make sure MSM College Student needs were still being met.
Ms Jo Desailly (Highly Accomplished Teacher MSM)
The Principal’s Postscript
For several weeks the teachers and students applied themselves on-line
Encouraging each other, reassuring that we all would be fine.
Then the government announcement that we eagerly awaited
Our Year 11s and 12s were returning …we were all elated!
Classrooms were prepared and new procedures put in place
The teachers were excited… On May 11 we would see our students face to face!
The next important milestone was 25 May
Seniors words of “Welcome” chalked on entrances that made our student’s day.
The buzz of joyful voices echoed through the MSM air
As students of all ages made their way to classes there.
We have spent four weeks together adjusting to our “new norm”
Continuing our commitment to learning and social distancing conform.
It has been a challenging time, but our community is strong
We have supported one another as we have journeyed along.
Our MSM community has put our trust in our God above
We continue to look forward as we approach Term 3 “In faith and love”.
Ms Volp (Principal and Terrible Poet)
Happy Holidays!
As we finish Semester 1, I would like to congratulate our students on a great semester. I extend my thanks and appreciation to parents and carers for your ongoing support of our work with your daughters. I also express my gratitude to our dedicated staff, teaching and non-teaching, for their dedication and hard work.
I wish you a safe and happy holiday and look forward to seeing everyone when school resumes on Tuesday 14 July.
In faith and love
Sharon Volp
Principal
As we were unfortunately unable to gather as a community of faith, our Indigenous Reconciliation Liturgy for 2020 was a virtual liturgy which was viewed by the student body in home room groups. It was also live streamed to the wider MSM community.
As a Catholic community, our liturgy was inspired by the words of Pope Francis when reflecting upon the incredible richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture.
“Your culture, which shows the lasting genius and dignity of your race, must not be allowed to disappear. Do not think that your gifts are worth so little that you should no longer bother to maintain them. Share them with each other and teach them to your children.
Your songs, your stories, your paintings, your dances, your language must never be lost.”
As a community of faith, we reflected upon the idea that reconciliation is needed for all Australians, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous, and that in working towards this together we can truly unify our land and our people.
Hence our liturgy focused on unification as the living body of Christ, through reconciliation and mutual love, which is centred and rooted in Christ.