Message from the Principal - Sharon Volp Principal
The Commissioning of our 2021 Student Leaders was the focus for our Assembly on the first day of term. This ceremony officially recognized the handover of many of the leadership responsibilities to the 2021 Student Leaders. It was wonderful to hear our current Student Leadership Team share their reflections about 2020.
Our thoughts and prayers have also been with the Year 11 students who have been participating in their block exams having completed Unit 2.
Co-Curricular Celebration Assembly
The Co-curricular Assembly will be held on Tuesday 20 October during our usual assembly time. This is an opportunity to recognize and congratulate students on their commitment and achievements in the College’s Co-Curricular program. We will also be announcing and presenting badges to the 2021 Co-Curricular Captains. All Year 11 and 12 students who are receiving awards or badges are required to be present in the Sophia Centre.
MSM Celebrates
We are looking forward to MSM Celebrates which will be held on Thursday 22 October in the Sophia Centre commencing at 1.30 pm and concluding at approximately 3.00 pm.
As previously advised, parents/carers will not be able to attend this event this year due to the social distancing restrictions which reduces our capacity in the Sophia Centre. We appreciate that this will be disappointing for many parents/carers. The event will be live streamed, and this link will be sent to parents/carers closer to the event. The event will also be recorded and details on how this can be accessed will be provided after the event. We will also be releasing the “program” via email on Wednesday 21 October.
We have had to review the academic awards because of the changes in the new QCE system. The top 25 students in Years 7- 11 will receive an academic excellence award. The data is based on highest grade point average in core and general subjects. The top students in Year 12 will be further differentiated into recipients of a gold, silver or bronze medal based on grade point averages.
The top student in each year level (the student with the highest-grade point average) in Years 7 – 11 will be recognised. Unfortunately, due to the external exams, we will not have enough data to decide on the College Dux so this will be announced next year.
We are also introducing a new category of awards recognizing the Most Improved Student Award.
Staffing Update
Ms Paterson-Homes will be on long service leave from Monday 19 October until the end of the year. She will be participating in the Year 11 Parent Teacher Conferences on Wednesday 28 October.
"Compassionate of heart,
Gentle in word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love".
John O’Donohue
In faith and love
Sharon Volp
Principal
See below to advertise your business or service.
Congratulations
The Brisbane Portrait Prize is a contemporary portraiture competition showcasing both established and emerging artists. With 766 entries in total, Christine Rowell, a Mt St Michael’s College year Art 10 student was one of 75 finalists displayed at the Brisbane Powerhouse, and was yesterday announced as the Under 18 category winner, with an acquisitional prize of $2000.
The Under 18 category was very competitive, with only 4 of 94 entries being selected as finalists. The Under 18 category Judge, Jenna Baldock, said the following at the prize ceremony.
“Christine Rowell’s entry into the Brisbane Portrait Prize captures the experience of thousands of teenagers across the world in a sophisticated response to the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. Rowell has tackled a technically ambitious and timely artwork with a level of accomplishment beyond her age.”
Christine deserves to be commended for her achievement.
Christine’s striking acrylic painting will be on public display at the Brisbane Portrait Prize exhibition at the Brisbane Powerhouse from Sep 30 to Nov 1 - book online for tickets - or view the Online Gallery @ https://www.brisbaneportraitprize.org/
Monday saw them channelling ‘Mad Men’, and the fictional Madison Avenue advertising agency that tracked the changing social mood of the 60s. Tuesday was ‘Tiara Tuesday’, a day of sparkle and bling, followed by (crazy!) ‘Wig Wednesday’. ‘Throwback Thursday’ is when these young women reflect on their childhood, with a nod to the 2000s. Lastly, ‘Future Friday’ could be described as looking into a crystal ball, when the students dress as their future career choice.
It’s interesting to consider that with the nature of our changing workforce many of our 2020 graduates may have up to seven careers in their working lives. We are immensely proud to have helped develop our Year 12s with the goals of identifying career options and pathways, and to assist them to build important career development skills.
Please help support the Term 4 Christmas Appeal
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year; however, for many in our local community they continue to struggle.
At MSM, in our year of compassion, we look to make Christmas special for individuals and families supported by the Ashgrove/The Gap Conference of St Vincent de Paul. For the rest of Term Four each student is encouraged to bring in items that will make Christmas brighter and more joyful. It might be festive food for the Christmas table, decorations for the Christmas tree or pantry staples that mean so much to those in need.
We thank all members of the community for their support of this appeal and look forward to again overwhelming St Vincent de Paul with our donations.
Excursion to Bunyaville Conservation Park
They say that all good things comes to those who wait….. and that was certainly true when the Year 8 students took part in a field study to Bunyaville Conservation Park on 7 and 8 October. Held over from Term 2, the girls collected data on the human impacts on the land and rivers. The day was led by the staff at the Bunyaville Environmental Education Centre. The girls will collate the information to create an educational multimodal presentation, like a segment on the television show Totally Wild, to discuss the positive strategies that can be implemented to care for the Conservation Park.
Butterfly Art Installation by our future 2021 leaders
Term 4 Sports Programs
Places still available
Register via Parent Lounge
Registration fee only $100 (except Tennis)
Places are limited so get in quick.
Any students are welcome to register through Parent Lounge to participate in the Term 4 sports programs. To register, please accept the tour through Parent Lounge. The registration fee for all term 4 sports is $100 (except Tennis), paid upon registration. Places are limited so please register as soon as possible. Please refer any questions to Kay Roy kroy@msm.qld.edu.au or phone 07 3858 4241.
For more information please click here.
Supporting our Community -
Ministry Care Programme
Our College is aware that there are students and families within our community who, from time to time, are in need of support due to a variety of factors. As a community we respond through preparing meals for families experiencing difficult circumstances. If you would like to contribute to the Ministry Care Programme and support those who are going through difficult times, please contact Stephen Campion: scampion@msm.qld.edu.au
Thursday 12 November is the main event – Australian Reading Hour.
You’re invited to stop what you’re doing for an hour, pick up a book and read to yourself or the children in your life.
Join us and unwind, get inspired and find joy in books!
Notices
Mt St Michael’s College Alumni Inc.
Notice of Extraordinary Annual General Meeting
Time: 6pm
Venue: Mary Aikenhead Centre, 20 Aloomba Road Ashgrove
Please click here for more information about the MSM Alumni Association
Join the MSM P and F Committee
Parents and Friends 2021 Committee Nominations
The P and F supports the College Leadership team - and our daughters - providing a voice for the College on matters of the wider community importance. Our activities bring our community together and raises valuable funds for the College. Click here to read more about the P&F please visit the College website.
To nominate, please complete the Nomination Form and return to Ms Sharlene Fernandez, College Reception OR scan and send to pandf@msm.qld.edu.au by 2 November 2020.
Our Annual General Meeting will be held 9 November 2020 at 6pm, upstairs in the Sophia Centre's seminar room.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR AGM ATTENDEES: Registration on entry and exit, and use of hand sanitizer required. Please follow directions of staff and all signage. Do not attend if unwell or if you have a cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
College Fees Raffle
What could you do with an extra $2,500* right before Christmas? Make sure you buy your tickets in the MSM College Fees Raffle for your chance to win.Proceeds of this raffle are directed to the Mt St Michael’s Scholarship Fund supporting the Sisters of Charity Scholarships. https://www.rafflelink.com.au/msmraffle2020
*Prize valued up to $2500 for fees or a $1500 shopping card.
Advertise in the MSM Business Directory
Mt St Michael’s College is pleased to now provide its community with the MSM Business Directory. Accessed through our College website, this is an online portal, profiling businesses and providing opportunities to connect with the wider MSM community to promote their services, sales and special offers.
Many business owners to be profiled in the MSM Business Directory are long-term friends of the College. They will include current and past parents, local businesses and alumni who, together have shown a commitment to Mt St Michael’s College and support for MSM events, fundraisers and initiatives.
If you would like to be included in the online MSM Business Directory, simply email msmnews@msm.qld.edu.au.
2021 Advertising Price:
January - December 2021 - $165 including GST
For more information please click here
Handtowel - $5
Both items for only $15 (saving of $2)
Term 4
Tuesday 6 October 2020 – Friday 20 November 2020 (Year 12 students)
Tuesday 6 October 2020 – Friday 27 November 2020 (Years 7 - 11)
Wednesday 27 January – Thursday 1 April
Term 2
Tuesday 20 April – Friday 18 June
Term 3
Tuesday 13 July – Friday 17 September
Term 4
Tuesday 5 October – Friday 19 November (Year 12 students)
Tuesday 5 October – Friday 26 November (Years 7-11)
This is dangerous as it blocks other driver’s visibility and obstructs cars from moving around.
In consideration for our neighbours, where possible please avoid leaving your motor running, especially when parked outside a home.
Important Links
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