Edition 19 - 27 November 2020 - Term 4
Message from the Principal
Sharon Volp
Last week we enjoyed a wonderful series of activities to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2020. The announcement by the Queensland Government on Friday 13 November regarding the changes to the restrictions effective from Tuesday 17 November was welcomed by the College community.
In a flurry of activity, we were able to review the events to incorporate the presence of our parents/carers. There was a large team of MSM Staff who made this possible. I sincerely thank them for once again this year, going above and beyond for the benefit of our students.
One very significant change was converting our Liturgy which was to be held at Brisbane City Hall to a Graduation Eucharist in the Sophia Centre on Wednesday 18 November. Under our COVID Safe Plan we were only allowed to have two adults per student attend, but it was incredible to be able to have our first Mass since the Opening Eucharist at the start of the year.
One very significant change was converting our Liturgy which was to be held at Brisbane City Hall to a Graduation Eucharist in the Sophia Centre on Wednesday 18 November. Under our COVID Safe Plan we were only allowed to have two adults per student attend, but it was incredible to be able to have our first Mass since the Opening Eucharist at the start of the year.
My sincere gratitude to Fr Gerry Kalinowski, who made himself available at such short notice to celebrate Mass. His homily was so poignant about keeping perspective. One of highlights was a recorded video message by Sr Clare Nolan, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity and Alumni of MSM to our 2020 Graduating Class. An extract of her message is below:
At this point I was asked to offer a prayer or a blessing for the graduating class. But I think that a verse from the prophet Isaiah might say better and more succinctly what I would like you to reflect on: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Do not be dismayed… Be brave…. Trust… Love. Those four things will help you through.
And remember St Catherine of Siena: “Be who God meant you to be and set the world on fire!”
In conclusion, I hope that the next stages of your life journeys are both positive and fiery and that you always feel connected to MSM. Like me, you can now count yourself as alumnae of this wonderful College.
At this point I was asked to offer a prayer or a blessing for the graduating class. But I think that a verse from the prophet Isaiah might say better and more succinctly what I would like you to reflect on: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Do not be dismayed… Be brave…. Trust… Love. Those four things will help you through.
And remember St Catherine of Siena: “Be who God meant you to be and set the world on fire!”
In conclusion, I hope that the next stages of your life journeys are both positive and fiery and that you always feel connected to MSM. Like me, you can now count yourself as alumnae of this wonderful College.
Congratulations to the Year 11 Students who produced a wonderful walk down memory lane as a farewell to the Year 12 students. We congratulate the Year 12 students on their achievements and thank them for their contributions to MSM. We wish them our very best wish that the future will be all they would want it to be. God bless!
DWCS offers encouragement and practical assistance to farming families and rural communities in Southern Queensland who are severely affected by climatic conditions or family matters beyond their control. DWCS is motivated by a sense of responsibility to provide compassionate care and to share the resources they have as far as possible.
As we approach the Christmas season, I am reminded that despite all that we feel we have lost this year, there is still so much that we can be grateful for. As I reflect upon this challenging year, I am especially grateful for the amazing staff of MSM, teaching and non-teaching. We have had to be flexible, responsive, and creative in so many ways this year.
THANK YOU!
I am also grateful for the support of our parents who volunteered their time to support the College in various capacities, for example as P and F Members, Board Members and Music Support Group etc.
Finally, thank you to our gorgeous students. I am humbled to have been able to walk the journey of 2020 with you. You are all incredibly special young women!
This year has been beautifully captured in our College Yearbook. We have a new look and a name “Voices” which will be distributed today. Thank you to all who have contributed articles. A huge thank you to Ms Fleur Kelly, Ms Catherine Shipton and proofreader, Mrs Marilyn Lee, for the countless hours that they have spent producing this fabulous record of the activities of this unique year.
Our last activity of the year is our Advent Liturgy. We have had limited opportunities to come together this year; how fitting that we spend the final hour of the 2020 school year together in prayer.
May the blessings of peace, the beauty of hope, the spirit of love and the comfort of faith be your gifts this Christmas. Have a safe and relaxing holiday and see you in 2021!
In faith and love
Sharon Volp
Principal
College Fees Raffle - Winner
Congratulations to Greg Manfield, father of Elle in Year 7, who is our winner of this Term's College Fees Raffle!
We asked the Mansfield family how this news was received and they shared with us - "Winning the raffle for one terms worth of fees is a fantastic way to be charitable for the school and for families, the savings for us at such an expensive time of year has been accepted with great gratitude."
The College extends our thanks to everyone who so willingly supported our College Fees Raffle. All funds are directed to the Mt St Michael's College Scholarship Fund, to help provide Sisters of Charity Scholarships.
We asked the Mansfield family how this news was received and they shared with us - "Winning the raffle for one terms worth of fees is a fantastic way to be charitable for the school and for families, the savings for us at such an expensive time of year has been accepted with great gratitude."
The College extends our thanks to everyone who so willingly supported our College Fees Raffle. All funds are directed to the Mt St Michael's College Scholarship Fund, to help provide Sisters of Charity Scholarships.
Visit the MSM Business Directory and help support the businesses that so generously support our College Community.
See below to advertise your business or service.
See below to advertise your business or service.
🎄 Christmas Bauble Dash 🎄
Helping raise funds for 'Days for Girls'
On Monday, the Convent Lawn was covered in Christmas cheer (and sparkles and baubles!) as part of our Interact fundraising event – the Bauble Dash. Students collected baubles and then, for a $2 donation, were able to trade the baubles for a range of prizes. We are immensely proud to direct all funds raised to 🌷 Days for Girls 🌷, an organisation that provides health solutions to girls who would otherwise miss school during their periods.
Find out more about 'Days for Girls' - Click here
🎄 Year 7 Christmas Tree Contest 🎄
Some of the best learning opportunities happen when you least expect it. At the end of Term 4 Year 7 are challenged to decorate a tree for the annual Christmas Tree competition. Each homeroom is asked to carefully consider how their tree can best reflect the Mary Aikenhead Ministries theme for the year and demonstrate this theme in their decorative approach whilst also considering the Catholic importance of the Nativity, the work of Mary Aikenhead and how Mt St Michael’s girls enact the theme in their everyday lives. The students take the lead in organising their entry and are required to work collaboratively to, not only create their tree, but also consider the best way to present their work to the judge, Ms Volp.
2020 was, appropriately, the theme of compassion for Mary Aikenhead Ministries and all homerooms rose to the challenge, not only creating spectacular displays but also thoughtful and considered presentations. Ms Volp was welcomed into homerooms with guard of honours, beautifully lit pathways and Michael Bublé (well it wouldn’t be Christmas without him!). Santa Claus also made a guest appearance and assured Ms Volp that she was on the good list this year!
Behind the festivity and Christmas joy lay the opportunity for Year 7 to work together as a homeroom; develop leadership and teamwork skills; explore the Nativity story and deepen their understanding about what it means to be Mt St Michael’s student and belong to something bigger. All key learning to support their transition into developing their Year 8 identities.
2020 was, appropriately, the theme of compassion for Mary Aikenhead Ministries and all homerooms rose to the challenge, not only creating spectacular displays but also thoughtful and considered presentations. Ms Volp was welcomed into homerooms with guard of honours, beautifully lit pathways and Michael Bublé (well it wouldn’t be Christmas without him!). Santa Claus also made a guest appearance and assured Ms Volp that she was on the good list this year!
Behind the festivity and Christmas joy lay the opportunity for Year 7 to work together as a homeroom; develop leadership and teamwork skills; explore the Nativity story and deepen their understanding about what it means to be Mt St Michael’s student and belong to something bigger. All key learning to support their transition into developing their Year 8 identities.
Year 10 Mini Retreat
COVID may have changed our plans, but our Year 10 2020 journey concluded with a mini Retreat, where the girls considered Jesus’ saying - “I come that they may have life, and have it abundantly”. During the session the girls had an opportunity to reflect on their Year 10 growth and the roots they have set into MSM, and what they are looking forward to in their continued growth through Year 11 and 12. In the middle session, the girls took some time to affirm each other’s journey, create and gift to one another a tree of life bracelet that served to reinforce that they are “beautiful for you are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139). It was a true blessing to close the retreat in prayer and “Big Ups”, where the girls and the Year 10 Pastoral Team had a chance to give thanks to the Lord and each other for the giftedness of this year, and all in this cohort. Thank you to the girls, the Year 10 Pastoral Team and Mr Stephen Campion for making this afternoon possible. (Jo Devenish-Meares Pastoral Leader – Year 10)
World of Maths with Year 7
On Thursday this week, Year 7 students were led into the ‘World of Maths’, deep diving into Mathematical investigation, to strengthen a variety of skills and strategies needed for problem solving.
Last day of College for 2020
MSM Library
📚 Holiday Reading Promotion 📚
📚 Holiday Reading Promotion 📚
The long, summer holidays are almost upon us, so it’s time to stock up on lots of lovely books to read over the Christmas break. Students can borrow up to ten items which won’t need to be returned until February 1.
If you want the added bonus of an extra present to open on Christmas morning then perhaps we can tempt you with one of the wrapped books which can be found under the display screen in the library.
Don’t forget that Wheelers is open 24/7 for all your eBook and audiobook needs as well.
Happy reading and happy holidays!
From the Library Team!
If you want the added bonus of an extra present to open on Christmas morning then perhaps we can tempt you with one of the wrapped books which can be found under the display screen in the library.
Don’t forget that Wheelers is open 24/7 for all your eBook and audiobook needs as well.
Happy reading and happy holidays!
From the Library Team!
Notices
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
Mt St Michael's College Merchandise
Available at the Secondhand Uniform shop
Available at the Secondhand Uniform shop
Fabric Tote Bag with words $12
Handtowel $5
Both items for only $15 (save $2)
Fabric Tote Bag also available at The Kaf
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
2021 Term Dates
Term 1
Wednesday 27 January – Thursday 1 April
Term 2
Tuesday 20 April – Friday 18 June
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)
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)
Parents are reminded, for the safety of everyone, to DROP students off in the LOADING ZONE area outside the Ionian Centre and avoid areas marked with yellow lines which is against road safety rules.
This is dangerous as it blocks other driver’s visibility and obstructs cars from moving around.
This is dangerous as it blocks other driver’s visibility and obstructs cars from moving around.
Onsite parking in the College grounds; Grantuly, undercover in the Ionian Centre and within the campus near the Sophia Centre is only permitted for staff. In consideration of our neighbours, please refrain from parking across driveways, adhere to the 40 km speed limit and be considerate of those living around the College when dropping and picking up students. Please do not drop off or pick up students within the College grounds.
In consideration for our neighbours, where possible please avoid leaving your motor running, especially when parked outside a home.
In consideration for our neighbours, where possible please avoid leaving your motor running, especially when parked outside a home.
Important Links
Copyright © 2020 Mt St Michael's College, All rights reserved.
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
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