Edition 2 - 12 February 2021 - Term 1
Message from the Principal
Sharon Volp
On Friday 5 February we hosted our inaugural Principal’s Honours Assembly to celebrate the academic achievements of our 2020 cohort. Thirty-three students were acknowledged as “Honour Students” - recognised for their excellence in achievement and commitment to their studies in their chosen pathway (either ATAR or Vocational Education). Each Honour Student was presented with a Principal’s Honour Award and signed the MSM Honour Roll.
Thank you to four of our Honour Students who addressed the audience and shared their own learning journey to excellence. Here are some of their precious gems of advice.
Don't choose subjects just because people around you think you should, or because you have preconceived notions about them being more 'academic-ky'. I have friends who studied all Arts subjects, friends who studied high-level Maths and Science subjects, and friends who did a bit of both - and they were all incredibly successful. What's important is that you choose subjects you like, because you will learn so much more and if you enjoy them, you'll be way more invested in your own success.
Paris Linder
Always make sure to have a study plan and stick to it as this is the best investment of your time in your years of learning here at MSM and even in the future. The support available to you, whether it be the teachers, your peers, your future colleagues, is imperative to your learning.
Harriet McKinney
I believe that the pressure of a busy yet organised routine boosted my productivity. I would encourage you to immerse yourself in a sport or co-curricular group or hobby that provides some structure to your weekly routine.
Olivia Hunt
I just want everyone to know that no matter what pathway you take there are so many ways to reach your goals. Because even if you’re not taking the most followed pathway doesn’t mean you’re not going to achieve your goals and get to where you want to be.
Ellie Christie
Congratulations to our 2020 Dux of the College - Emma Dyson.
We have been absolutely delighted with the ATAR results of our 2020 graduates. The following data I am about to share with you is based on the 118 ATAR eligible students who have given permission for us to view their ATAR result:
- 3% of students received an ATAR of 99 and above
- 6% of students received an ATAR of 98 and above
- 26 % of students received an ATAR of 95 and above
- 45 % of students received an ATAR of 90 and above.
Without making too many comparisons to OP data, this correlates to 45% of MSM students achieving an OP 1-6 and 99% of our students achieving an OP of 1-15.
I am also delighted with the achievements of our 17 alternative pathways’ students. We are still receiving news of their post-MSM careers, but I can share that
I am also delighted with the achievements of our 17 alternative pathways’ students. We are still receiving news of their post-MSM careers, but I can share that
- 8 students have chosen to studying VET post school (either stand alone or into Bachelor programs)
- 3 students are continuing apprenticeships (2 Non-ATAR students and 1 ATAR student)
- 1 student has received a traineeship in her area of passion.
- Health
- Society and Culture
- Management and Commerce
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Education
- Creative Arts
- Engineering
- Architecture and Building
- Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2020 on their excellent results. We look forward to hearing more about your flourishing futures!
2021 Theme Launch
At Tuesday’s Assembly the Year 12s launched their 2021 theme Let’s Get IT Done in 2021.
The College Captains explained ... IT stands for individual’s together. "We want to see your individual passions, goals and dreams flourish this year with the support and togetherness of the united MSM community. We encourage you to consider what your IT is and take steps to achieve this goal."
Opening Eucharist
Our Opening Eucharist took place at the Sophia Centre on Monday February 1 with all of our year levels present. During the Mass, staff members recommitted to our vocation as educators and the Year 12 Students made their commitment to uphold the ideals and values of the College. Year 12 Parents were able to join us via a live stream to the Ionian Auditorium. A very special “thank you” to Fr Gerry Kalinowski from Jubilee Parish for celebrating Mass with us.
In faith and love,
Sharon Volp
Principal
Sharon Volp
Principal
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ATTENDEES: Help us to keep everyone safe. Registration on entry and exit, and use of hand sanitiser required. Please follow directions of staff and all signage. Please do not attend if you have fever or symptoms of respiratory infection (cough, sore throat, shortness of breath), if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, if you have returned from overseas in the last 14 days, or if you are waiting for COVID-19 test result.
'Welcome to MSM' for 2021 Year 7 Parents
Hosted by our P&F, join us at Walkabout Creek!
Friday 26 February 2021 - 6pm
Click here to book your tickets
*Ticket sales close Tuesday 23 February - 6pm
Hosted by our P&F, join us at Walkabout Creek!
Friday 26 February 2021 - 6pm
Click here to book your tickets
*Ticket sales close Tuesday 23 February - 6pm
Mother Daughter High Tea
Open to ALL year levels!
We are pleased to inform you that we are hosting this event at the stunning Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds, allowing us to continue our annual tradition within the scope of COVD-19 Safe guidelines.
Friday 12 March 2021 - 3:45pm
Click here to book your tickets
Open to ALL year levels!
We are pleased to inform you that we are hosting this event at the stunning Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds, allowing us to continue our annual tradition within the scope of COVD-19 Safe guidelines.
Friday 12 March 2021 - 3:45pm
Click here to book your tickets
MSM Music Day Camp 2021
Despite not be able to enjoy the lakeside view, delicious refectory feasts, and overnight accommodation of Duchesne College at UQ this year due to their COVID plan, the 160 students at the MSM Music Day Camp 2021 enjoyed the novelty of the College turning into a Music School for the weekend, and chomped hungrily through Noodle Box for dinner after all their labours. The camp benefitted from the talents of our own excellent music staff as well as guests, Mr Mike Patterson from Girls Grammar, Mrs Kate Tyson from Ambrose Treacey, and Mr Joe Fallon and Dr Anthony Young from St Laurence’s College. Thanks to Music Captain, Lauren Cartwright, and the other Year 12 students for all their sterling efforts. A huge thank-you to the many MSM general staff who generously gave up parts of their time off to supervise the students, most especially Mrs Linda Statham, Director of Arts who was in there with me from go to whoah. If “music is how we decorate time” (Jean-Michel Basquiat), then last weekend was a very ornate event, but we all know it is much, much more than that. Just ask Einstein!
Despite not be able to enjoy the lakeside view, delicious refectory feasts, and overnight accommodation of Duchesne College at UQ this year due to their COVID plan, the 160 students at the MSM Music Day Camp 2021 enjoyed the novelty of the College turning into a Music School for the weekend, and chomped hungrily through Noodle Box for dinner after all their labours. The camp benefitted from the talents of our own excellent music staff as well as guests, Mr Mike Patterson from Girls Grammar, Mrs Kate Tyson from Ambrose Treacey, and Mr Joe Fallon and Dr Anthony Young from St Laurence’s College. Thanks to Music Captain, Lauren Cartwright, and the other Year 12 students for all their sterling efforts. A huge thank-you to the many MSM general staff who generously gave up parts of their time off to supervise the students, most especially Mrs Linda Statham, Director of Arts who was in there with me from go to whoah. If “music is how we decorate time” (Jean-Michel Basquiat), then last weekend was a very ornate event, but we all know it is much, much more than that. Just ask Einstein!
Supporting the Micah Projects for Term 1
Over the course of this term we will be collecting items for Micah Projects (https://micahprojects.org.au/ ) as they transition women and children from situations of domestic violence.
We believe that in terms of consciousness-raising, it is crucial that our community supports women and families escaping from violent situations.
All students and families are encouraged to support our appeal for Micah through adding at least one of the following items to the basket in their Home Room over the course of Term 1.
We believe that in terms of consciousness-raising, it is crucial that our community supports women and families escaping from violent situations.
All students and families are encouraged to support our appeal for Micah through adding at least one of the following items to the basket in their Home Room over the course of Term 1.
- $30 Gift Cards for Kmart, Coles, Woolworths, for vulnerable individuals and families Micah are assisting
- GoCards with $10 credit on each card, for vulnerable individuals and families Micah are assisting
- New hairbrushes and toothbrushes, for vulnerable individuals and families Micah are assisting
- Second-hand mobile phones, plus $2 SIMs, to allow Micah to stay connected with vulnerable individuals, who cannot afford their own phone
- Sets of UNO card games (or similar), for the women and children Micah support to escape domestic violence, who are staying in emergency accommodation
- Coloured pencils and activity/colouring-in/sticker books, for the women and children Micah support to escape domestic violence, who are staying in emergency accommodation
- Bath towels, sheet sets (SB and QB) and new pillows, for individuals and families Micah are assisting with housing.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Year 10 St Valentine's Day fundraiser
Year 10 celebrated Valentine’s Day early on Friday by carrying on the tradition of decorating the school with love hearts, putting a cute note on the locker of every student and finally eating lunch together on the Convent Lawn. It was great to see the community spirit of the Year 10 students and all the other students who came along to purchase a treat from the Valentine’s Day Stall and help to raise funds for Caritas.
In the MSM Library
Library Lovers’ Week is from February 15 – 19!
As part of the celebrations, we are running a competition to welcome our Year 7 students to this special part of our College.
The week culminates with MSM READS. Every student needs to borrow a book for Friday 19 February as the whole College will be reading during Home Room.
Library Lovers’ Week is from February 15 – 19!
As part of the celebrations, we are running a competition to welcome our Year 7 students to this special part of our College.
The week culminates with MSM READS. Every student needs to borrow a book for Friday 19 February as the whole College will be reading during Home Room.
College Chat
This fortnight's chat topic: Valentine's Day ❤
Who would you like to send a Valentine's Day message to?
Who would you like to send a Valentine's Day message to?
“Dear Grandma, I love you so much. Happy Valentine's Day”
Audrey - Year 7
Audrey - Year 7
“Happy Valentine's Day Mum.
Thank you for everything you do”
Lucinda - Year 8
Thank you for everything you do”
Lucinda - Year 8
“Happy Valentine's Day Dad.
Thank you for always working so hard for our family”
Olivia - Year 8
Thank you for always working so hard for our family”
Olivia - Year 8
Fun Valentine's Day Fact
Giving red roses as a symbol of love began in Europe during in the 17th Century. It is believed that while on a trip to Persia, King Charles II of Sweden learnt about 'the language of flowers'. He loved the concept so much he shared the idea when he returned to Europe.
Alumni News
Congratulations Dr Yu (Judy) Hung - Class of 2012
Congratulations Dr Yu (Judy) Hung - Class of 2012
Congratulations to Yu (Judy) Hung, Class of 2012 on recently graduating with a PhD from the University of Queensland. Judy completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours Degree in 2016, finishing first in her cohort, and went on to research inflammatory pathways in white blood cells, specifically how inflammation is ‘switched off’ to prevent disease in the resident white blood cells of the brain for her PhD. Judy credits her passion for science to “the amazing science teachers at MSM who pushed me to excel in my analytical and problem-solving skills that equipped me to do well at University”.
MSM College Community Groups - Term 1 Meetings
Parents and Friends Association
Meetings
Monday 15 March - 6pm
For more information about the
MSM Parents and Friends Association,
please click here
Follow the P&F on Facebook
Meetings
Monday 15 March - 6pm
For more information about the
MSM Parents and Friends Association,
please click here
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
Follow our Alumni on Facebook
Meetings
Monday 22 February - 6pm
Monday 22 March - 6pm. AGM
For more information about
MSM Alumni Association,
please click here
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
Check out The Kaf's New Menu for 2021 Term 1 - Click here
Mt St Michael's College Merchandise
Available at the Secondhand Uniform shopFabric 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.
For more information please click here
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.
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
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67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia
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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