Edition 3 - 26 February 2021 - Term 1
Message from the Principal
Sharon Volp
Last week we commenced our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday with a Liturgy where staff and students were sprinkled with ashes.
Pope Francis in his message for Lent this year calls us to “renew our faith, draw from the living waters of hope and receive with open hearts the love of God.”
According to the Pope, ‘hope’ is particularly important in this time, as the world struggles to cope with the effects of the pandemic. “In these times of trouble, when everything seems fragile and uncertain, it may appear challenging to speak of hope. Yet Lent is precisely the season of hope, when we turn back to God who patiently continues to care for his creation which we have often mistreated,” he said. The Pope added that one can inspire hope by sharing the love through words kindness and reminding others to have faith in the Lord.
“In Lent, may we be increasingly concerned with speaking words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn,” he said.
“In Lent, may we be increasingly concerned with speaking words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn,” he said.
Yesterday I received some information from a member of our community praising the actions of one of our students. After disembarking from a bus and crossing the road at the traffic lights in the rain, the student noticed an elderly lady who was utilising a wheelie walker slowly crossing the road. Concerned for her welfare, the MSM student went back to her and walked with her to make sure that she crossed the road safely. This is the type of kindness that Pope Francis is speaking about in his message. Thank you to this student for caring for this elderly lady – you are a fine example of modelling our values of hope, justice, love and compassion.
On Monday we had our annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival at the Valley Pool. Congratulations to Grantuly as the winning house and to Aikenhead who won the Spirit Award. Congratulations to the Age Champions who were presented with their medals at Tuesday’s Assembly. Further details regarding the carnival are included in this newsletter.
On Monday we had our annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival at the Valley Pool. Congratulations to Grantuly as the winning house and to Aikenhead who won the Spirit Award. Congratulations to the Age Champions who were presented with their medals at Tuesday’s Assembly. Further details regarding the carnival are included in this newsletter.
Last Friday night the Year 11 Students attended their Semi-Formal at the Greek Club in South Brisbane. It was a fabulous evening, and the students had a wonderful time. Congratulations to our young women on the way that they presented themselves on the evening – I was very proud of you all. Thank you to Mrs Brydon (Year 11 Pastoral Leader) and the Year 11 Homeroom Teachers for organizing such a wonderful occasion.
Celebrations have commenced to mark the bicentenary of Catholic Education in AustraliaThe theme is “Faith in the Future”. Last week there was a national launch and there are many celebrations planned throughout the year. Please click here to read the Pastoral Letter from the Australian Bishops “200 Year Young”.
Thank you to our library staff who have prepared a fantastic display in the library celebrating the history of MSM and the contribution that the Sisters of Charity have made to Catholic Education in Australia.
Thank you to our library staff who have prepared a fantastic display in the library celebrating the history of MSM and the contribution that the Sisters of Charity have made to Catholic Education in Australia.
In faith and love,
Sharon Volp
Principal
Sharon Volp
Principal
Now on the College APP!
Visit the MSM Business Directory and help support the businesses that so generously support our College Community.
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.
Tickets Currently on Sale
Mother Daughter High Tea
Open to ALL year levels!
Hosted this year at the stunning Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds, tickets for this event are selling fast.
Friday 12 March 2021 - 3:45pm
Click here to book your tickets
FAQs
Please Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
Open to ALL year levels!
Hosted this year at the stunning Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds, tickets for this event are selling fast.
Friday 12 March 2021 - 3:45pm
Click here to book your tickets
FAQs
Please Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
On Monday MSM students and staff participated in the MSM Inter House Swimming carnival. We were blessed with lots of sunshine which aided in the enthusiasm for the students to be involved in any event that meant they could get into the pool to cool off, but whatever their reason, ill take it, as long as they give it a go and have a great time doing so! With the introduction of the novelty event the pool was overflowing (literally) with students enjoying the opportunity to participate without competition for house points and contribute to their overall House Spirit points for this event! Congratulations to Stewart who won the novelty event, congratulations to Aikenhead who won the spirit points for being “loud and proud” in both cheering and colourful clothing and congratulations overall to Grantuly House who were the 2021 Swimming House Champions from points achieved in the pool and in spirit points! The level of house colour and cheering was a dramatic increase from previous years! Congratulations to our House Captains (Lucinda, Holly, Ainsley and Jasmine) on the wonderful leadership they have shown in their houses from the beginning of term 1!
Although our swimming team wasn’t selected from this event, our swimmers definitely stepped up to the blocks in their overall performances with some fast races throughout the day! These competitive events enabled us to award our Age Champions, Open Champions and Champion of Champions for 2021. Congratulations to the following students who achieved these awards:
Although our swimming team wasn’t selected from this event, our swimmers definitely stepped up to the blocks in their overall performances with some fast races throughout the day! These competitive events enabled us to award our Age Champions, Open Champions and Champion of Champions for 2021. Congratulations to the following students who achieved these awards:
Age Champions
12 Years
First Place: Freya O’Sullivan
Second Place: Halle Barlow
Third Place: Kiara Pratt
First Place: Freya O’Sullivan
Second Place: Halle Barlow
Third Place: Kiara Pratt
13 Years
First Place: Tara O’Toole
Second Place: Abigail Wild
Third Place: Kate Hunter
First Place: Tara O’Toole
Second Place: Abigail Wild
Third Place: Kate Hunter
14 Years
First Place: Annika Jensen
Second Place: Audrey Dearling
Third Place: Chelsie Lunt
First Place: Annika Jensen
Second Place: Audrey Dearling
Third Place: Chelsie Lunt
15 Years
First Place: Hannah Casey
Second Place: Emily Draper
Third Place: Abbey Moten
First Place: Hannah Casey
Second Place: Emily Draper
Third Place: Abbey Moten
16 Years
First Place: Emily Broun
Second Place: Alyissa Spohn
Third Place: Jessica McGill
First Place: Emily Broun
Second Place: Alyissa Spohn
Third Place: Jessica McGill
17-19 Years
First Place: Tabatha Fachin
Second Place: Lucy Ferris
Third Place: Claudia Legge
First Place: Tabatha Fachin
Second Place: Lucy Ferris
Third Place: Claudia Legge
Open Champions
First Place: Hannah Casey
Second Place: Audrey Dearling
Third Place: Tara Cabaron
First Place: Hannah Casey
Second Place: Audrey Dearling
Third Place: Tara Cabaron
Champion of Champions
Hannah Casey
Hannah Casey
We look forward now to our swimming team training in preparation for the upcoming CaSSSA season but MSM is in very strong hands in the pool with some wonderful personal and team performances shown at our interhouse carnival!
Ruby advances to the next round
in Lions Youth of the Year compeition
On Tuesday evening, Ruby Patterson (Mission Captain) competed in the club Lions Youth of the Year competition. It is a big process including an interview last weekend followed by two impromptu speeches and a prepared speech on the night. Ruby’s speech was titled ‘It starts with you’ and spoke passionately about the need for kindness and the need for people to consider their use of words more thoughtfully. The impromptu speech questions were tough but Ruby did a terrific job of creating well-structured comments on the spot. Ruby competed against two very worthy competitors from Marist College, a student from The Gap State High and another from St James College.
Ruby was awarded the best public speaker of the evening and the overall winner of the evening. She will move on to the Zone competition this Saturday.
in Lions Youth of the Year compeition
On Tuesday evening, Ruby Patterson (Mission Captain) competed in the club Lions Youth of the Year competition. It is a big process including an interview last weekend followed by two impromptu speeches and a prepared speech on the night. Ruby’s speech was titled ‘It starts with you’ and spoke passionately about the need for kindness and the need for people to consider their use of words more thoughtfully. The impromptu speech questions were tough but Ruby did a terrific job of creating well-structured comments on the spot. Ruby competed against two very worthy competitors from Marist College, a student from The Gap State High and another from St James College.
Ruby was awarded the best public speaker of the evening and the overall winner of the evening. She will move on to the Zone competition this Saturday.
Providing Egg-cellent Support Strategies
As part of the Year 10 Mental Toughness Program the students were involved in an activity called “Providing Egg-cellent Support Strategies” during their Positive Education lesson. They had to use a small number of provided resources to construct a support network for an egg so that it could survive being dropped. The focus was on positive coping strategies and relating the different approaches used to protect the egg to external support networks and personal protective factors. The message was that there are many people and places where they can seek support should they need extra advice or help with a situation.
As part of the Year 10 Mental Toughness Program the students were involved in an activity called “Providing Egg-cellent Support Strategies” during their Positive Education lesson. They had to use a small number of provided resources to construct a support network for an egg so that it could survive being dropped. The focus was on positive coping strategies and relating the different approaches used to protect the egg to external support networks and personal protective factors. The message was that there are many people and places where they can seek support should they need extra advice or help with a situation.
Art welcomed guest speaker Abdul Abdullah
The Year 10, 11 and 12 Visual Art students attended an Artist Talk presented by Perth Artist, Abdul Abdullah who is currently in Brisbane working with GOMA. Abdullah is a five-time Archibald Prize finalist.
Abdullah provided a personal and contemporary perspective into an Australian artist's journey and how he expresses his concepts through a multidisciplinary practice. Abdullah reinforced to our students the importance of managing time effectively, meeting deadlines, and resolving an idea. The presentation provided a sequential display of Abdullah's artwork with a visual synopsis of the ideas, analysis of the subject matter, application of media and artistic statements. Students were engaged by his journey, story, and practice which will add to their knowledge, understanding, and preparation for their portraiture work and written responses to Visual Art.
Abdullah provided a personal and contemporary perspective into an Australian artist's journey and how he expresses his concepts through a multidisciplinary practice. Abdullah reinforced to our students the importance of managing time effectively, meeting deadlines, and resolving an idea. The presentation provided a sequential display of Abdullah's artwork with a visual synopsis of the ideas, analysis of the subject matter, application of media and artistic statements. Students were engaged by his journey, story, and practice which will add to their knowledge, understanding, and preparation for their portraiture work and written responses to Visual Art.
College Chat
This fortnight's chat topic: Lent
What will you be giving up for the Lenten period?
What will you be giving up for the Lenten period?
“I'm giving up Chocolate”
Charlotte - Year 8
Charlotte - Year 8
“I'm reducing the amount of time I watch TV”
Nora - Year 10
Nora - Year 10
“I'm giving up soft drinks”
Grace - Year 12
Grace - Year 12
Alumni News
Congratulations Alexandra Begg - Class of 2014
Congratulations Alexandra Begg - Class of 2014
Congratulations to Alexandra “Ally” Begg (class of 2014 and MSM Academic Captain) who was recently admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Ally has completed a double degree; a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences majoring in Anatomy and a Bachelor of Laws with honours. On behalf of our entire community, we wish her every success as she continues to embody our values of Hope, Love, Compassion – and especially Justice.
Ally has completed a double degree; a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences majoring in Anatomy and a Bachelor of Laws with honours. On behalf of our entire community, we wish her every success as she continues to embody our values of Hope, Love, Compassion – and especially Justice.
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.
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
AGM - Monday 22 March - 6pm
For more information about
MSM Alumni Association,
please click here
Follow our Alumni on Facebook
Meetings
AGM - Monday 22 March - 6pm
For more information about
MSM Alumni Association,
please click here
Follow our Alumni on Facebook
Notices
A call out to MSM Alumni - We need your help!
Mt St Michael’s College Alumni Inc. is seeking a new Treasurer from our Alumni network, to provide general financial oversight of our association. This volunteer role is not overly complicated, nor demanding of time. We meet roughly twice each quarter, where the Treasurer provides a report on expenditure and banking. At the time of the AGM, an annual report is needed and you would also provide records to an auditor once a year.This may suit someone with a background in accounting, but the tasks are quite straightforward, so this is certainly not necessary. A willingness to help further our association is all that is needed. You would be supported by our Alumni President, Secretary and the College.
Interested? Please email alumni@msm.qld.edu.au
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 shopFabric Tote Bag with words $12
Handtowel $5
Both items for only $15 (save $2)
Fabric Tote Bag also available at The Kaf
Now available on the College APP!
Mt St Michael’s College is pleased to bring to you the MSM Business Directory. Accessed through our website and APP, this online portal, profiles businesses and provides opportunities to connect with the wider MSM community to promote your services, sales and special offers.
Many business owners profiled in the MSM Business Directory are long-term friends of the College. They include current and past parents, local businesses and alumni who, together show 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
Mt St Michael’s College is pleased to bring to you the MSM Business Directory. Accessed through our website and APP, this online portal, profiles businesses and provides opportunities to connect with the wider MSM community to promote your services, sales and special offers.
Many business owners profiled in the MSM Business Directory are long-term friends of the College. They include current and past parents, local businesses and alumni who, together show 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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Mt St Michael's College - MSM News
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Mt St Michael's College
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