Message from the Principal
Sharon Volp


Welcome to the 2021 College year!   A special welcome to all new members of our community - staff and new families! 
It has been a very positive start to the year.  It was with great enthusiasm that the MSM community welcomed the 146 Year 7 students on Wednesday for their first day of their secondary education.  In a moving tradition, the Year 12 students formed a guard of honour as the Year 7 students entered the Sophia Centre for our “Welcome Assembly”.  Congratulations to our Student Leadership Team who did a fantastic job of “setting the scene” for 2021.   A very special “thank you” to the Year 9s who participated in the assembly from the air-conditioned comfort of the Ionian Auditorium and the Year 8 students who joined us from their Homerooms.  This allowed us to accommodate the large group of parents who were able to join us for this special milestone when their students take their first formal steps of their journey at MSM.
Term 1 Community Events  
There are a number of significant College events occurring this term. We have had to carefully look at each event and assess it in accordance with our COVID Safe plan.

We know how much our MSM Community looks forward to and enjoys our events.  Last year we made the decision to move many of our “social events” involving parents off-site to larger venues which can comply with social distancing requirements.  Unfortunately, we are limited with the number of adults that we can safely accommodate in the Sophia Centre so we felt it was best to secure suitable off-site venues where we could.

The key changes to “social events” for Term 1 are:
  • Year 7 Parent “Welcome to MSM” (26 February) – Walkabout Creek.  Information regarding this event has been distributed to Year 7 parents via email.
  • Year 7 Father-Daughter Breakfast – currently postponed until later in the year
  • International Womens’ Day Mother-Daughter High Tea (12 March) – Royal International Convention Centre, RNA Showgrounds (Bowen Hills).
Parental Access to the College Reception area in Grantuly
Should parents require assistance they are to ring the doorbell at the front door of Grantuly (College Reception) and wait for an MSM staff member to greet you at the door.  Please respect social distancing and follow the directions of the staff member.

Hygiene Practices
We will continue to reinforce with our students the importance of handwashing and personal hygiene.  Hand sanitiser will be provided in toilets and students are also encouraged to carry their own hand sanitiser. 

Refurbishment of Ground Level Sophia Centre Change Rooms
Over the Christmas holidays we have refurbished the ground level Sophia Change Rooms and we are thrilled with the way that they are now presented.  Thank you to the parents for your generous contributions to the College Building Fund which has fully funded this project and future projects that we have planned.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

Have a great year everyone!

Sharon Volp
Principal
We would like to welcome our new and returning staff members of 2021.

New Teaching Staff
Annabel Bolton – Teacher (English)
Lucia Del Vecchio – Teacher (French)
Kitty Gatling – Teacher (Drama)
Chelsea Humbler – Teacher  (Dance)
Natsuko Kawakami – Teacher (Japanese)
Sharmila Kulkarni – Teacher (Science/Mathematics)
Mat McAlister – Teacher (Science/Mathematics)
Natarsha Moloney – Teacher (Mathematics/Science)
Lucy Lanigan – Teacher (HPE)

Returning Staff
Noelene Rouse – Teacher (Library) Term 1
Noel Stanley – Laboratory Technician (Science)
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. 

Term 1 Social Events

We have some exciting events coming up this term.

Attending MSM Events is a wonderful way to connect with other families in our community and become a part of our time-honoured traditions.

'Welcome to MSM' for 2021 Year 7 Parents
Friday 26 February 2021 - 6pm
Click here to book your tickets
Save the Date!
Mother Daughter High Tea

Friday 12 March 2021 - 3:45pm
MSM Environment Group 2021 Initiative
The Environment Group are excited to launch the school-wide composting program! Students are now required to sort their waste into three streams, food, 10c containers, and landfill, at one of the 12 Waste Hubs at key locations around campus.

The food waste will be collected and composted off-site, significantly reducing MSM’s greenhouse gas emissions. All food waste, including fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, bones, shells, and bread, can be added to these bins, as well as the compostable cutlery provided at the Kaf! This is a big change, but the students are already adapting well to the new system and we would like to thank everyone for doing their part towards fighting climate change.

What are you looking forward to this Term?

The first few weeks of the school year is often a mix of new and exciting challenges and experiences. We asked a few students what they are most looking forward to during Term 1.
“I'm looking forward to the
Swimming Carnival.”
Matilda - Year 10
“I'm looking forward to the
Semi-Formal.”

Esther - Year 11
“I am excited about the
Theme Launch.”

Emily - Year 12
Join Term 1 Co-Curricular Sports
MSM Co-Curricular Sports activities are up and running for Term 1.
There are still open spots available for:
Swim Fit (all ages),
Run Club (all ages),
Zumba (all ages),
Water polo Development program (yrs 7 & 8 only),
AFL Development program (yrs 7 & 8 only).

Please register your daughter's interest via MSM Parent Lounge.
Check out The Kaf's New Menu for 2021 Term 1 - Click here
New Uniform Option - By order only
This year, the College is trialling two options for our College jumper; the existing jumper or a new button-up cardigan.
This new option is in a beautiful, lightweight 100% Merino wool.
Price $85
Orders are required by Friday 12 February, so don’t delay!
Sample sizes available for viewing at the Uniform Shop open:
  • Mon 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
  • Wed 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Fri 8:00 AM – 11.00 AM
MSM College Community Groups - Term 1 Meetings
Parents and Friends Association
Meetings

Monday 8 February - 6pm
Monday 15 March - 6pm

For more information about the
MSM Parents and Friends Association,
please click here to visit our website

Follow the P&F on Facebook
Alumni Association
Meetings

Monday 22 February - 6pm
Monday 22 March - 6pm. AGM

For more information about
MSM Alumni Association,
please click here to visit our website


Follow our Alumni on Facebook
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
Fabric Tote Bag with words $12
Handtowel $5
Both items for only $15 (save $2)

Fabric Tote Bag also available at The Kaf
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
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)
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.
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
Copyright © 2021 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
Follow Us On
For archived copies of the Spirit Newsletter
Click here