Message from the Principal
Sharon Volp


This Sunday is Palm Sunday which marks the beginning of Holy Week – the most important week in the Church year.  It is a time when we remember in a special way the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  Next Thursday afternoon we will come together as a community in the Sophia Centre to celebrate our Easter Liturgy.   The prayer below by Diana Ng-Sutherland provides a simple reflection on the Passion of Jesus which may help to prepare our hearts for Holy Week. 
Lord Jesus, when I am sad and depressed - help me think of you praying in the garden.
Lord Jesus, when I am fearful - help me to think of you being taken prisoner.
Lord Jesus, when I am ill - help me to think of you being scourged at the pillar.
Lord Jesus, when I have a headache - help me to think of you wearing the crown of thorns.
Lord Jesus, when I am tired - help me to think of you carrying the cross for love of me.
Lord Jesus, when I am humiliated - help me to think of you being stripped of your garments.
Lord Jesus, when I am in pain - help me to think of you being nailed to the cross.
Lord Jesus, when I am lonely - help me to think of you hanging on the cross.
Lord Jesus, help me to remember how much you suffered for love of me and help me to love you more and more.
Amen.

Source:  https://cafod.org.uk/Pray/Prayer-resources/Holy-week-prayers
Middle School Assembly

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending the Middle School Assembly.  The Year 12 theme Let’s get IT done in 2021 was certainly evident during the assembly as we acknowledged and celebrated the achievements of the students in Years 7-9.

The Year 7 and 8 Choir opened the Assembly with their entertaining rendition of “Food, Glorious Food”.  Other cultural activities included the Year 8 Dance class performing an energetic routine to “It’s the Climb” reflecting the Year 8 Theme “Together, we climb!”  Information sharing included the Mission Captains, Charlotte and Ruby, extending an invitation to be involved in our CAN Groups and a promotion of the upcoming ExtravaCANza. The Year 9 Business Class showcased their work on Corporation Branding Museum. Students who participated in the Science and Engineering Challenge at QUT on 19 February were recognised, along with students who had participated in the recent Water Polo semi-finals and the CaSSSA Cup swim team. There was also audience participation with the Year 7 Japanese class who presented a short quiz on Japanese School Lunches and “Poisson D’Avril” an April Fool’s Day practical joke shared by the Year 7 French class.

Congratulations to the Year 9 Homeroom Captains who so capably led the assembly with confidence and poise.  Thank you to Ms Devenish-Meares for coordinating the assembly and to all the staff who have worked with the students throughout the term to produce this excellent work.  Well done to all students.  I am so proud of you and your achievements!
Foundation IWD Mother Daughter High Tea

On Friday 12 March we hosted our 11th annual Mother Daughter High Tea at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds at Bowen Hills.  It was extremely well supported with 762 attendees.  

Thank you to our special guest keynote speaker Dr Catherine Shannon (Alumni 1986).  Her speech was inspirational; speaking of her fond memories of her time at MSM, her clear passion for her vocation and the advice that she shared with our young women – have mentors, have champions and have heroes. 

Thank you to the attendees who responded to our survey regarding the event.  This feedback has been extremely valuable for our future planning.  

Thank you to our generous sponsors who supported our raffles. I would also express my sincere gratitude to Catherine Shipton (Director of Marketing, Communication and Development) and Jenny Kemp (Community Engagement Officer) for their efforts in organising this “reimagined” event.
Staffing Updates

We have two staff members who are going on maternity leave. Ms Kelly commenced her leave last Friday and Ms Palmer will commence her leave at the beginning of next term. 

We also look forward to welcoming back Ms Sandra Mannion (Curriculum Leader – Library and Information Services) who has been on long service leave this term. Thank you to Mrs Noelene Rouse who has been working in the Library during Ms Mannion’s absence.

Ms Atkins will be taking four weeks long service leave at the commencement of Term 4. We wish her a safe and relaxing break.
Parent Survey

Thank you to those parents who recently provided feedback in our survey.  Results are currently being collated and I look forward to providing some information to the community next term.
Happy Easter

This is our final “Spirit” for the term.  I wish all students, staff and families a relaxing Easter holiday.  I look forward to seeing everyone when classes resume on Tuesday 20 April 2021.
In faith and love,

Sharon Volp
Principal
Important End of Term 1 Reminder
Term 1 concludes on Thursday 1 April at 3:05pm
Peace and Reconciliation Garden

Members of the Community Action Network assisted Mr Davidson and Mr Sultan in bringing our new Peace and Reconciliation Garden to life.

The garden will be officially opened on April 23, but the native and indigenous plants, which are of significance to local Turrbal and Jagera peoples, will now have time to flourish and grow.
Buddies are a Go! Year 7 & 11 Buddy Program has begun for 2021
 
The Mt St Michael’s Buddy Program is an integral piece of our Flourishing Futures framework in supporting the wellbeing of our students. Year 11 students become buddies to Year 7 students, providing rich servant leadership opportunities to our older cohort and an important familiar face and source of knowledge to our newest arrivals. 

As with many aspects of College life, last year the initial session was delayed from the Year 6 Orientation Day to Term 1 of this year. Our first session saw the girls meeting and engaging in conversation to find out more about each other. The connections made in their initial meeting will be strengthened through a range of activities in Terms 1 and 2 and culminate in the coaching program in Terms 3 and 4. 

Thank you to Year 7 and 11 homeroom teachers who support the girls in their involvement in the program throughout the year. 
Student success in Languages

Congratulations to Olivia Cavanagh (Year 11) who received the DELF at the B1 level which is a Diploma in French Studies. The DELF and DALF are the only diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education for French as a foreign language and officially validate French language skills for foreigners. These diplomas are valid for life and are recognised internationally. The exam tests listening, reading, writing and speaking and are entirely in French. The B1 level of DELF that Olivia undertook is the second-highest possible rank, lower only than the B2, which she hopes to enrol in later this year.  We are very impressed and proud of you, Olivia.
Year Level Retreats during Term 1
Year 11 Retreat

On Monday 15 March, our Year 11 cohort came together in the Sophia Centre for their Retreat. The team building and deep connections made during guided activities shape their shared goals and allows them to see their future image as 2022 leaders. 
Year 9 Retreat

The Year 9 Retreat that took place in the Sophia Centre on Friday 12 March was a very meaningful and enriching day for the whole cohort. There were wonderful sharing and group-focused activities, facilitated by Michael Fitzpatrick.
MSM INTERACT attends
Interact/Earlyact Conference

Mt St Michael’s Interact Executive attended this year’s Rotary 9600 District Interact and Earlyact Conference in Caboolture. The conference addressed various local, national and international projects undertaken in the last twelve months. The girls had an incredible opportunity to listen, learn, construct and be inspired by the various NGO initiatives being undertaken to improve the lives of individuals and communities, both at home and across the world. The team is looking forward to utilising their newfound skills and learnings, to infuse MSM’s 2021 projects.
MSM supporting the National Day against Bullying and Violence

Positive relationships are central to life at our College. Students in their homerooms worked through a Kahoot about bullying supplied by the Peer Support Team. They also watched a video about how bystanders can help reduce tension amongst groups and empower peers to seek support if needed. Each homeroom has a poster with a key message about the actions that can be taken to take a stand against bullying. Mt St Michael’s College stands united!!
At the Cinema with
MSM French Students

Fifty of our French students in Years 8 to 12 spent a rainy Sunday afternoon at the Palace Cinema James Street at the annual French Film Festival seeing the film ‘Poly’, a sweet and gentle film about a young girl and a Shetland pony. The students and staff who attended were enchanted by this visually beautiful film which transported them to southern France for a couple of hours!
 
CAN ExtravaCANza

A huge thank you to all Community Action Network students and staff who facilitated a wonderfully successful first CAN ExtravaCANza for 2021 on Tuesday March 23.
 
There was great excitement evident during lunchtime in the Sophia Centre as the Teacher Facilitators and the Student Executive of the five CAN groups raised much-needed funds for Caritas.
 
Thanks to the generosity and spirit within the MSM community, we raised significant funds for Project Compassion.
 
We are well on our way to meeting our target for Caritas. In this context, please remember that we would like every student to strive to contribute $10 to the Caritas box in their Home Room during Lent. There is just over a week to go for all students to meet this realistic target!
Congratulations Ruby

Year 12 student, Ruby Patterson, participated in the Regional Final of the Lions Youth of the Year competition and competed against three other students. Ruby delivered her prepared speech with confidence and also tackled two impromptu speeches on topics relevant to young Australians today. This is a wonderful event that encourages young people to raise their voices in their local community and the College is proud of Ruby’s achievements in this competition.  Although Ruby is not progressing further in the competition, Ruby did herself, her family and Mt St Michael’s College proud. Congratulations and well done, Ruby.
For more photos check out our Instagram and Facebook accounts
MSM Library
Connect to Wheelers eBooks and Audiobooks

Although our College Library might be closed over the holiday break, you can still find something lovely to read this Easter from our online library.

Wheelers Books is the largest online book supplier to schools, public libraries and educational institutions in Australasia.
At MSM we now have access to over 2000 eBooks and audiobook titles for you to read and enjoy.

Simply connect through the MSM Library catalogue located on our Intranet page. Alternatively, you can connect through the home page of the Mt St Michael's College Intranet. There's no need to worry about returning your book to the library, it will simply disappear from your device after three weeks.

So, during this holiday break, why not connect to Wheelers and start reading online!


Click here to start your holiday reading journey.
ACTURA - CASE Ocean School
Term 2 Information Evening
Thursday 6 May 2021​
6:00 – 7:00pm​ - Auditorium​

https://actura.com.au/msm/

The CASE Ocean School International Study Program provides students with an all-encompassing STEAM experience including marine biology, ocean ecology, cutting-edge research, and technologies. CASE Ocean School inspires a new generation of STEAM-skilled leaders and is recommended to all students pursuing any career path.

Please visit the website link above for more information

Alumni News
Congratulations Mikaela McKinnon - Class of 2014

Mikaela graduated from Queensland University of Technology in July 2020 with a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Accountancy (Distinction).

Mikaela was recently admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
A call out to our 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 
Let us know your exciting Alumni News!

We welcome your engagement, marriage, baby and other news, including successes and congratulations, for inclusion in our regular newsletter, “Fide et Amore”. Email us at alumni@msm.qld.edu.au 
Supporting the Micah Projects for Term 1
Last day for donations - Thursday 1 April 
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. 
  • $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 2 Meetings
Parents and Friends Association
Meetings


Monday 10 May - 6pm
Monday 7 June - 6pm

For more information about the
MSM Parents and Friends Association,
please click here 

Follow the P&F on Facebook
Alumni Association
Meetings


Monday 24 May - 6pm
Monday 14 June - 6pm

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
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
2021 Term Dates
Term 1
Wednesday 27 January -
Thursday 1 April (college concludes at 3:05 pm)

Term 2
Tuesday 20 April -
Friday 18 June (college concludes at 12:30 pm)
Term 3
Tuesday 13 July -
Friday 17 September (college concludes at 3:05 pm)

Term 4
Tuesday 5 October -
Friday 19 November
(Year 12 students)

Tuesday 5 October to Friday 26 November
(Years 7-11)  (college concludes at 12:30 pm)

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
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
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Mt St Michael's College - MSM News

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67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
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