Edition 4 - 12 March 2021 - Term 1
Message from the Principal
Sharon Volp
Monday was International Women’s Day. We look forward to celebrating at our High Tea this afternoon. Thank you to our MSM community for the wonderful support for this new re-imaged event at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds at Bowen Hills. I would like to thank Catherine Shipton (Director of Marketing, Communication and Development) and Jenny Kemp (Community Engagement Officer) for their efforts in organizing this event.
This year’s global theme for International Women’s Day is “Women in Leadership: achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World”. Over the Christmas holidays I read a book entitled “Women and Leadership – Real Lives and Real Lessons”. One of the co-authors is Julia Gillard – the first female Prime Minister of Australia. Written during 2020 during the pandemic, the authors share the experiences and advice of some of our most extraordinary women leaders.
The first chapter is called “Doing the Numbers” and at assembly on Tuesday I shared some of their research which I repeat below.
How many women have won an Academy Award for Best Director? The answer is one: Kathryn Bigelow for the film The Hurt Locker. That makes one woman and ninety-three men across the history of the Oscars.
How many women have led the United Nations or the World Bank? Zero.
How many women have held the office of President of the US, France, Nigeria, Mexico or Japan? Zero.
How many women have been the PM of Italy, Spain, Sweden, Malaysia or Singapore? Zero.
Only 57 /193 countries that are members of the UN have ever had a woman hold the highest political office with executive power in their nation whether that be president or prime minister. That means that 70% of nations have always been led by a man.
Only 13 countries have had more than one woman lead and of those only Iceland and NZ have had 3 women leaders. No country has had 4 or more!
Only one in four parliamentarians globally are women.
In the sporting arena, for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns sixty-three cents. Serena Williams is the only woman on the list of highest paid athletes in the world today and comes in at 63.
Try reading by selecting a novel by a Booker Prize winning author – 31 men and 16 women. Nobel laureates in Literature prizes awarded to 101 men and only 15 women.
Nobel prizes are given for other accomplishments – peace and scientific research. Since the awards started in 1901 over 900 individuals have been recipients of a Nobel prize. Only 53 have been women.
Much of the work of designing and shaping the products and services of the future is being done by men. In big data and artificial intelligence women are an estimated 26% of the workforce, in engineering just 15% and in cloud computing 12%.
The end of this chapter claims “So slow is the pace of change that not only will we not achieve gender equity in our lifetimes, it will likely not be realised in the lifetimes of children who are born today. We hope that you share our mindset of fixed determination coupled with extreme impatience”
The last sentence of the chapter resonates with our Year 12 theme for this year. The authors proclaimed, “Let’s get this done”.
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.
We also have many exceptional women who are inspirational role models in our MSM community today – both students and staff.
I would like to congratulate Ms Janelle O’Neill who on Friday was awarded a prestigious national teaching award the Roslyn Otzen Award for Exceptional Teaching. Through the nomination process Ms O’Neill demonstrated how she has fulfilled the following criteria:
The first chapter is called “Doing the Numbers” and at assembly on Tuesday I shared some of their research which I repeat below.
How many women have won an Academy Award for Best Director? The answer is one: Kathryn Bigelow for the film The Hurt Locker. That makes one woman and ninety-three men across the history of the Oscars.
How many women have led the United Nations or the World Bank? Zero.
How many women have held the office of President of the US, France, Nigeria, Mexico or Japan? Zero.
How many women have been the PM of Italy, Spain, Sweden, Malaysia or Singapore? Zero.
Only 57 /193 countries that are members of the UN have ever had a woman hold the highest political office with executive power in their nation whether that be president or prime minister. That means that 70% of nations have always been led by a man.
Only 13 countries have had more than one woman lead and of those only Iceland and NZ have had 3 women leaders. No country has had 4 or more!
Only one in four parliamentarians globally are women.
In the sporting arena, for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns sixty-three cents. Serena Williams is the only woman on the list of highest paid athletes in the world today and comes in at 63.
Try reading by selecting a novel by a Booker Prize winning author – 31 men and 16 women. Nobel laureates in Literature prizes awarded to 101 men and only 15 women.
Nobel prizes are given for other accomplishments – peace and scientific research. Since the awards started in 1901 over 900 individuals have been recipients of a Nobel prize. Only 53 have been women.
Much of the work of designing and shaping the products and services of the future is being done by men. In big data and artificial intelligence women are an estimated 26% of the workforce, in engineering just 15% and in cloud computing 12%.
The end of this chapter claims “So slow is the pace of change that not only will we not achieve gender equity in our lifetimes, it will likely not be realised in the lifetimes of children who are born today. We hope that you share our mindset of fixed determination coupled with extreme impatience”
The last sentence of the chapter resonates with our Year 12 theme for this year. The authors proclaimed, “Let’s get this done”.
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.
We also have many exceptional women who are inspirational role models in our MSM community today – both students and staff.
I would like to congratulate Ms Janelle O’Neill who on Friday was awarded a prestigious national teaching award the Roslyn Otzen Award for Exceptional Teaching. Through the nomination process Ms O’Neill demonstrated how she has fulfilled the following criteria:
- demonstrated commitment to girl’s education and positive outcomes for girls in girls’ schools.
- Contributed significantly to a culture of collaboration and connectedness with colleagues.
In faith and love,
Sharon Volp
Principal
Sharon Volp
Principal
Mother-Daughter High Tea - Thank you to our Sponsors
We would like to thank everyone who has contributed raffle prizes to our
International Women's Day Mother-Daughter High Tea.
We would like to thank everyone who has contributed raffle prizes to our
International Women's Day Mother-Daughter High Tea.
Acte 3 Paddington
Angel & Bear Café The Gap
Ashgrove Compounding Pharmacy
Ashgrove Fresh
Blind Tiger Bar
Cr Steven Toomey
Complete Skin & Beauty
DermSkin Medical & Aesthetic Clinics
Element Boutique
Global Fine Foods
Harmony Beauty
Home Cafe
Angel & Bear Café The Gap
Ashgrove Compounding Pharmacy
Ashgrove Fresh
Blind Tiger Bar
Cr Steven Toomey
Complete Skin & Beauty
DermSkin Medical & Aesthetic Clinics
Element Boutique
Global Fine Foods
Harmony Beauty
Home Cafe
Home Store Ashgrove
Jonty Bush Member for Cooper
Liquor Legends Ashgrove
Madi Rose Artistry
Meat at Billy’s Ashgrove
Midas Ashgrove
News Xpress
Priceline Pharmacy
Rufus Kings Ashgrove
Salon X Papas
Savvy Hair
Sequins & Sand
Jonty Bush Member for Cooper
Liquor Legends Ashgrove
Madi Rose Artistry
Meat at Billy’s Ashgrove
Midas Ashgrove
News Xpress
Priceline Pharmacy
Rufus Kings Ashgrove
Salon X Papas
Savvy Hair
Sequins & Sand
South Family Jewellers
Star Discount Chemist
Styling You
The Avenues Family Dental
The Gap Hair Design
Tooth Dental
Trevor Evans MP
Tsuru Sushi Cafe
UCI
Upgrades R Us Spring Hill
Verve Portraits
Star Discount Chemist
Styling You
The Avenues Family Dental
The Gap Hair Design
Tooth Dental
Trevor Evans MP
Tsuru Sushi Cafe
UCI
Upgrades R Us Spring Hill
Verve Portraits
Year 7 2024 Enrolments
A reminder that the acceptance of offers for Year 7 2024 is due by Friday 19 March 2021.
Please contact Monica Elmer, College Registrar via enrolments@msm.qld.edu.au if you have any questions or concerns.
A reminder that the acceptance of offers for Year 7 2024 is due by Friday 19 March 2021.
Please contact Monica Elmer, College Registrar via enrolments@msm.qld.edu.au if you have any questions or concerns.
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.
Term 1 Event
Mother-Daughter High Tea
Date: (Today) Friday 12 March 2021
Time: If attending, please be prompt for a 3:45pm start
Location: Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds.
Time: If attending, please be prompt for a 3:45pm start
Location: Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds.
If you are attending the Mother-Daughter High Tea, please click here for important information.
Student Leaders attend 2021 Young Women Leaders Soirée
Last Friday afternoon, four members of the Student Leadership Team (Siena D’Arienzo, Julia Wiseman, Charlotte Devenish-Meares and Ainslea Pratt) attended a Young Women Leaders Soirée at St Rita’s College. As well as listening to guest speaker Fiona Hawthorne, General Manager of Hummingbird House, talk about her leadership experiences, the girls also had the opportunity to network with student leaders from other schools. Thank you to Ms Lennon for accompanying the girls.
Ruby rising even higher moving to the next round in Lions Youth of the Year competition
On Saturday afternoon, Ruby Patterson (Year 12 student /Mission Captain) competed at the Zone final for the Lions Youth of the Year Competition. The structure was the same as the Club Final with Ruby having an interview, answering two impromptu questions and delivering her prepared speech. Ruby competed against a student from Brisbane Boys College, Everton Park State High School and Ferny Grove High State High School. All competitors were inspiring.
Ruby was impressive on the day and was poised and very astute in her impromptu questions. She was awarded the Public Speaking award as well as the Overall winner. She will next compete at the Regional Final on Sunday 14th March. Congratulations and well done, Ruby.
On Saturday afternoon, Ruby Patterson (Year 12 student /Mission Captain) competed at the Zone final for the Lions Youth of the Year Competition. The structure was the same as the Club Final with Ruby having an interview, answering two impromptu questions and delivering her prepared speech. Ruby competed against a student from Brisbane Boys College, Everton Park State High School and Ferny Grove High State High School. All competitors were inspiring.
Ruby was impressive on the day and was poised and very astute in her impromptu questions. She was awarded the Public Speaking award as well as the Overall winner. She will next compete at the Regional Final on Sunday 14th March. Congratulations and well done, Ruby.
MSM Swim Team making a splash at CaSSSA Cup Swimming Carnival
What a day out, CASSSA Swimming 2021. Our MSM team met this challenge with a very determined and positive mindset. They believed they could and together they achieved our team goal with many personal bests contributing to the overall success of our team. These girls amaze me, with their competitive spirits, but their kind and gentle approach to fully supporting each other and representing something so much bigger than the individuals that come together to make up this MSM Team. They support and lift each other and with their theme this year being “individuals together” today, they could not have fulfilled that mission more superbly! It was so lovely watching them all come together, with each individual doing the best they could to contribute. We predicted we would be winners today, to quote Miss Page “we will win with supporting each other, we will win with our starts and our finishes, we will win by doing all of the small things really well and this will reward us with great results!”. Couldn’t have been a more perfect summary of the CaSSSA cup 2021 for the MSM Team!
Today we brought back home the Percentage cup, making us pound for pound the best CaSSSA Swimming school in 2021. Our other outstanding results that brought home this trophy are outlined below, enjoy the read!
What a day out, CASSSA Swimming 2021. Our MSM team met this challenge with a very determined and positive mindset. They believed they could and together they achieved our team goal with many personal bests contributing to the overall success of our team. These girls amaze me, with their competitive spirits, but their kind and gentle approach to fully supporting each other and representing something so much bigger than the individuals that come together to make up this MSM Team. They support and lift each other and with their theme this year being “individuals together” today, they could not have fulfilled that mission more superbly! It was so lovely watching them all come together, with each individual doing the best they could to contribute. We predicted we would be winners today, to quote Miss Page “we will win with supporting each other, we will win with our starts and our finishes, we will win by doing all of the small things really well and this will reward us with great results!”. Couldn’t have been a more perfect summary of the CaSSSA cup 2021 for the MSM Team!
Today we brought back home the Percentage cup, making us pound for pound the best CaSSSA Swimming school in 2021. Our other outstanding results that brought home this trophy are outlined below, enjoy the read!
12 yrs: 6th
13 yrs: 3rd
14 yrs: 3rd
15 yrs: 2nd
16 yrs: 2nd
14 yrs: 3rd
15 yrs: 2nd
16 yrs: 2nd
19 yrs: 6th
Open: 2nd
All age relay: 2nd
Aggregate Cup: 3rd
All age relay: 2nd
Aggregate Cup: 3rd
Thank you to all of the parents that came to support our team today, thank you to Ms Volp and the CLT for your support of our swimming team this term, thank you to the staff who came to the carnival in an official capacity, Ms King, Ms Watt, Ms Palmer, Ms Lanigan and Ms Tweedie, thank you to our wonderful coaching team, Jono, Anna and Alex for supporting the girls throughout the season and at the carnival today, thank you to our Swimming Captain Zoe and her incredible group of yr 12’s who swam their final CaSSSA Cup today and lead with class; last but by no means least, thank you girls for your tireless efforts and smiles throughout this season, you have all made this program so enjoyable and we couldn’t be prouder of you all! Enjoy some lazy mornings for the last couple of weeks this term, and we look forward to seeing you at cross country in term 2 😉!
Hannah Schmidt on Mornings with Rebecca Levingston ABC
Hannah is certainly flying high! This morning, Year 11 student Hannah Schmidt was interviewed by Rebecca Levingston on the ABC. Not only was Rebecca impressed that Hannah is able to fly a plane solo before being able to drive a car, but she was also captivated by Hannah’s recent achievements. Hannah is the youngest ever awardee of a Women In Aviation Australian Chapter (Aust. Chapter) scholarship.
Hannah began learning to fly in 2019, one milestone in her six-year plan of personal, academic and community engagement goals. Alongside the encouragement of family, friends and her MSM teachers, the scholarship further assists Hannah to reach the objective of her “dream” aerospace career.
Thank you to Rebecca from ABC Brisbane for the shout out to Mt St Michael’s College!
Click here to listen
Hannah began learning to fly in 2019, one milestone in her six-year plan of personal, academic and community engagement goals. Alongside the encouragement of family, friends and her MSM teachers, the scholarship further assists Hannah to reach the objective of her “dream” aerospace career.
Thank you to Rebecca from ABC Brisbane for the shout out to Mt St Michael’s College!
Click here to listen
✉ Sending happiness to France ✉
During their first year at Mt St Michael’s College, Year 7 students experience eight electives. One of these is French and students completed their time in the French classroom demonstrating their creative skills, creating and writing beautiful greeting cards for the project ‘1 Letter 1 Smile’. We are proud to be a part of this initiative that sends letters of love and encouragement to elderly people in French aged care facilities who have been living in isolation due to the COVID-19 restrictions. MSM Languages students are sure to put a smile on the faces of others from across the globe!
Crazy socks for a great cause
The Year 8 Homeroom captains have been busy organising their first Caritas fundraiser/ House Spirit event. Last week, Year 8 students wore crazy socks in their house colours for a gold coin donation. They raised enough money to buy fabric to make up to 1000 face masks to protect a community during a COVID-19 outbreak. Grantuly won the house spirit points for participation with many blue coloured socks around the college today! Thank you to the Year 12 House Captains for helping with this initiative.
The Year 8 Homeroom captains have been busy organising their first Caritas fundraiser/ House Spirit event. Last week, Year 8 students wore crazy socks in their house colours for a gold coin donation. They raised enough money to buy fabric to make up to 1000 face masks to protect a community during a COVID-19 outbreak. Grantuly won the house spirit points for participation with many blue coloured socks around the college today! Thank you to the Year 12 House Captains for helping with this initiative.
Year 7 seeing the world from a Drones eye view
Our Year 7 students spent a lesson learning about the use of drone technology for humanitarian purposes such as medicines delivery in Nepal, farm crop health outside Gatton and pizza delivery in Logan.
The class rounded up with students learning how to fly micro drones.
Who said technology is boring!!
Our Year 7 students spent a lesson learning about the use of drone technology for humanitarian purposes such as medicines delivery in Nepal, farm crop health outside Gatton and pizza delivery in Logan.
The class rounded up with students learning how to fly micro drones.
Who said technology is boring!!
College Chat
This fortnight's chat topic: Inspirational women
As our community comes together Friday 12 March at our International Women's Day Mother-Daughter High Tea we asked out students who are the women that they find inspirational.
As our community comes together Friday 12 March at our International Women's Day Mother-Daughter High Tea we asked out students who are the women that they find inspirational.
“Jacinda Ardern has been inspirational as a role model over the last year as a woman in a position of leadership”
Ella - Year 12
Ella - Year 12
“Greta Thunberg has shown as a young woman with a passion for environmental activism you don't have to be afraid to stand up and speak for what you believe in”
Maisha - Year 12
Maisha - Year 12
“Michelle Obama is always advocating for positive change and the empowerment of women”
Laura - Year 12
Laura - Year 12
Alumni News
Congratulations Emma Lewis - Class of 2013
Congratulations Emma Lewis - Class of 2013
Congratulations to Emma Lewis (class of 2013) who graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Business/Laws (Honours) and was recently admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Do you have exciting alumni news you would like to share with our community?
Please email alumni@msm.qld.edu.au the details
Please email alumni@msm.qld.edu.au the details
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.
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.
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
2021 committee nominations
Mt St Michael’s College Alumni Inc. invite nominations for the following 2021 committee positions: President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The association meets around eight times a year and supports the College with reunions, initiatives and events, links alumni with their graduating class, and publishes a regular newsletter. Committee roles are supported by the College Development Office.For a nomination form please visit the College website, Alumni Association page.
https://www.msm.qld.edu.au/our-community/alumni-association
Please send your nomination to alumni@msm.qld.edu.au or simply attend and nominate at our AGM on 22 March 2020.
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