Message from the Principal
Last Sunday, 8 March, was International Women’s Day. This year’s theme was “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”. This theme is aligned with UN Women’s new multigenerational campaign, Generation Equality, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Adopted in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, the Beijing Platform for Action is recognised as the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls, everywhere.
The United Nations 63rd Session on the Commission on the Status of Women on 11 March 2019 in New York reported the following statistics:
- 740 million women currently make their living in the informal economy. They have limited access to social protection, public services and sustainable infrastructure that could increase their productivity and income security.
- More than 50 per cent of urban women and girls in developing countries live in conditions where they lack at least one of these basic human needs: access to clean water, improved sanitation facilities, durable housing, and sufficient living area.
- Women do 2.6 times more unpaid care and domestic work than men, and only 41 per cent of the world’s mothers with new-borns receive maternity benefits.
- The global gender gap in access to old-age pensions stands at 10.6 percentage; in 2016 68.4 per cent of men, above retirement age, had access to a pension compared to 57.8 per cent of women above retirement age.
- One in three women are likely to face violence in their lifetimes, but public services, urban planning and transport systems are rarely planned with women’s safety and mobility in mind.
- Critical infrastructure, such as safe sanitation, is lacking in 23 percent of the world’s schools, disproportionately affecting adolescent girls with menstrual hygiene needs.
At Mt St Michael’s we are so blessed to have a College that was established by the Sisters of Charity. These incredible women have provided us with amazing role models who have gone to the margins, advocating for change and continue to inspire us today. I would proudly like to acknowledge the fantastic work being done by the student led initiative “Sisters Empowering Sisters”. Their aim is to educate fellow students on gender inequality faced by many around the world in hope that they are better equipped to contribute and create an empowering, equal world for all. Congratulations to all involved!
In faith and love
Sharon Volp
Principal
CAN ExtravCANza
Staff and students of the Community Action Network organised the CAN ExtravaCANza during lunchtime last Tuesday, raising an impressive $505 for Caritas’ Project Compassion. There was a wonderful community atmosphere on the Convent Lawn with everyone joining in on the fun. Activities ranged from table tennis to painting and more. Thank you to the four CAN Group Executives and Teacher Facilitators for their assistance.
Clean Up Australia Day
The students made an outstanding impact to our local community removing the following items from our waterways and surrounding areas: 10 bags of general waste; 2 bags of recycling (bottles, cans etc.); 1 giant tyre; 2 shopping trolleys; 1 big piece of fencing; Old pipping; 6 chairs; 3 traffic cones; 1 licence plate; 31 golf balls; Various miscellaneous treasures. Congratulations to all the students involved and thank you for this community service.
CAN ExtravCANza
Staff and students of the Community Action Network organised the CAN ExtravaCANza during lunchtime last Tuesday, raising an impressive $505 for Caritas’ Project Compassion. There was a wonderful community atmosphere on the Convent Lawn with everyone joining in on the fun. Activities ranged from table tennis to painting and more. Thank you to the four CAN Group Executives and Teacher Facilitators for their assistance.
Year 10 Valentine's Day Fundraiser
On Friday 14 February, the Mt St Michael’s community was thrusted into a world of love. Inspired by the Mary Aikenhead Education Colleges’ Theme for 2020: Compassion, the Year 10 students, with the branding #LoveIsCompassion, showered the College in a range of Valentine’s Day Fundraising market stalls, with all proceeds going to Caritas. A big thank you to the College Community for attending this festivity of love and all the Year 10 students and Home Room teachers who organised and ran the various stalls during lunch. We also wish to acknowledge the support of our wonderful Year 10 parents who kindly assisted the girls in the purchase of products.
Interact Conference
Year 7 and 11 Inaugral Buddy Program
Our 2020 Year 7 and 11 students have been participating in our inaugural buddy program. The program began last year when the girls first met as Year 6 and Year 10 students during the Year 6 testing day. This first session involved introductory activities to allow the buddies to become familiar with each other and, for our incoming students to become comfortable in their future surroundings.
At the end of last year Mt St Michael’s College hosted Associate Professor Peggy Kern as part of a PESA QLD event where she addressed staff from our College and local schools about school belonging. Research shows that adolescents seek belonging from peers and that, in a school environment, teachers play a key role in fostering a sense of belonging. The buddy program provides both sets of students with an opportunity to belong to a group of likeminded peers as they are together for a united purpose.
The buddy program allows the senior girls to develop their leadership skills; become role models and demonstrate their commitment to our community. Year 11 students have risen to the challenge of the new program, approaching each event with enthusiasm, excitement and compassion towards their buddies. For our new students beginning their involvement in the program the year before entry aims to enhance their sense of connectedness to their new environment. Research indicates that high levels of connectedness are a significant predictor of academic and health outcomes. (Walters, Cross & Shaw 2010)
The buddies have enjoyed a shared lunch together this term, the buzz in the Sophia Centre was an indication of the strength of relationships and sense of belonging that have already been formed. The girls will continue to meet and work together throughout the year with some exciting events already being planned for next term. The partnerships will continue into the peer mentoring sessions later in the year which form part of our Positive Education program. Keep a watch on our social media pages for updates on the program.
Dance Excursion to The Happy Prince
The Year 9 - 12 dance students were fortunate to attend the world premiere of ‘The Happy Prince’ at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC. This visually spectacular dance by The Australian Ballet was created by esteemed choreographer Graeme Murphy. The girls had a fantastic time and had much to discuss and analyse in their classes.Year 10 Principal's Awards
Congratulations to the Year 10 students who were presented with their Principal’s Awards for Academic Excellence and Excellence in Commitment by Ms Sharon Volp at the recent Year 10 Year Level Assembly.
Gratitude - MSM Positive Education Program
‘Gratitude’ is one of the MSM Positive Education program constructs. Students are given many opportunities to engage in gratitude activities throughout the College. The Year 9 students are creating a ‘Gratitude Wall’ in which they will continue to add to and reflect on throughout the year.
2020 Open Day
Thank you to staff and friends who made our Open Day on Friday 28 February a great success. The constant flow of visitors was certainly a strong indicator that our reputation in the community is held in high regard. A big thank you to the many students who gave up their time to guide prospective families around the College. Feedback was very positive indeed.
Dance Workshop with Jared Mifsud
Last week, Year 10 Dance students participated in a Guest Artist lead workshop exploring Commercial Jazz. In this workshop, students investigated women in commercial dance, particularly the representation of women in social media. This piece, choreographed by Jared Mifsud, focuses on strong women. “Raining Diamonds” by Ricki Lee, a strong Australian female artist, has challenged the students to engage in complex movements that demonstrates the strength and power that our young ladies embody. This will be performed in the coming weeks as an assessible item.Year 12 VAP – A Creative Practice Artist Talk
Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice students are currently creating glass jewellery and platters in the Glass Studio. The students had an enriching opportunity to learn from Visual Artist Ms Pettina Bateman in a series of artist talks and demonstrations within the Glass Studio. Ms Bateman's experience and knowledge was so valuable for our students as she shared her journey within the creative industries and her conceptual processes.
Music Soiree 1, 2020
Last Tuesday evening, a small but appreciative audience were delighted by very strong solo performances from Year 10, 11 and 12 Music students. All who were in the audience agreed that the standard of work was exemplary for so early in the year and that we could not wait to see what the students produce at Soiree 2 on May 19 (save the date if you want to treat yourself).Read more
P.A.R.T.Y Program
Recently, 24 Year 12 students, accompanied by Ms Lennon, Mr Spanevello and Mrs Linley-McGowan, attended the P.A.R.T.Y program which stands for Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth. The program was a sobering reminder to students about making smart choices and recognising the consequences, some life-changing, that can occur from making poor decisions. As the program focuses on prevention and awareness, the girls heard from paramedics, doctors and rehabilitation professionals who educated and informed them about their real-life experiences with trauma and about people who have experienced trauma and survived - often with significant disabilities. The experience will hopefully assist students in identifying risks and making better and safer choices.
in the USA.
The students had a final placing of 5th position, after initially being placed at 3rd position on Day 1. Competing in front of a large audience at an International level has improved their level of confidence.
in the USA.
The students had a final placing of 5th position, after initially being placed at 3rd position on Day 1. Competing in front of a large audience at an International level has improved their level of confidence.
College Events and Activities
2020 Term Dates
Term 1Wednesday 29 January 2020 – Friday 3 April 2020
Term 2
Tuesday 21 April 2020 – Friday 19 June 2020
Term 3
Tuesday 14 July 2020 – Friday 18 September 2020
Term 4
Tuesday 6 October 2020 – Friday 20 November 2020 (Year 12 students)
Tuesday 6 October 2020 – Friday 27 November 2020 (Years 7 - 11)
Notices
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, it is important to remember that effective hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against viruses and can help prevent the spread of illness.
Lead by example and encourage your children to;
- wash their hands regularly with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
- use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is not available
- cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their elbow
- dispose of tissues in the bin immediately
- if they’re unwell, stay at home and avoid contact with others such as touching, kissing or hugging.
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
Honesty in Action
Thank you to Emily Welch, Emily Jung and Aimee Dargusch for handing in money to Student Reception.
Next P&F Association Meeting
Sophia Centre mezzanine classroom.
Contact pandf@msm.qld.edu.au if you would like further information.
Next Alumni Association Meeting
Contact alumni@msm.qld.edu.au if you would like further information.
This is dangerous as it blocks other driver’s visibility and obstructs cars from moving around.
Urgent safety notice
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.
Important Links
Mt St Michael's College - MSM News
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Mt St Michael's College
67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
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