Message from the Principal
Sharon Volp


Welcome to Term 2! Autumn is upon us with crisp mornings and clear skies.  We embrace the Season of Easter and the spirit of ANZAC Day. Our abrupt ending to Term 1 due to the snap lockdown has meant that several important activities that were scheduled for the last days of term have had to be rescheduled to the start of Term 2. Consequently, it has been a very “full” week.  
Easter Liturgy

It was wonderful for our MSM community to be able to gather in the Sophia Centre on Tuesday morning to celebrate our Easter Liturgy.  I am truly grateful to the students and staff who gave up their time on Monday and Tuesday morning to re-rehearse for our Easter Liturgy.  Our Liturgies are so much richer for the involvement of our students – Readers, Musicians, Choir members, Liturgical Drama participants and Liturgical Dancers.  I was particularly mesmerised by the Liturgical Drama that led us through the Passion of Christ through segments - The Nail of Pride, The Nail of Envy, The Nail of Betrayal, the Nail of Indecision, the Nail of Cruelty, and the Nail of Hatred. The integration of the hymn “Were You There”, sung by our College Choir, added to the sombre mood. The joy of Christ’s Resurrection was certainly captured by our Liturgical Dancers, who were accompanied by the Choir singing “They’ll Know We Are Christians”.  Congratulations to all students and staff who were involved in our Liturgy.  Thank you to Mr Campion, Deputy Principal – Mission, for revising some of the contents of the Liturgy to reflect us now being in the Easter Season.  
Cross Country 

Our cross country was also due to be held in the last week of term.  Rescheduling this event proved to be problematic and I thank Ms Roy and Ms Page for their re-imaging of this event.  On Monday, our competitive runners completed the course at Dorrington Park under very warm conditions and under the watchful eye of Eric Brown and his assistant coaches.  It is testament to their commitment that the students gave up their time on a Student Free Day to participate.  Well done, girls! I also appreciated the attendance of some of our College Leaders who were there to give encouragement and support to the runners.  Thank you also to the parents who were present to support. The results of the cross country were announced on Tuesday before the Easter Liturgy and the details are contained in this newsletter. 

During morning tea and lunchtime on Wednesday and Thursday, students (and willing staff) were invited to participate in a “House Fun Run” which involved running a lap of the MSM grounds for house points towards House Spirit. House Spirit has certainly been evident with lots of colour! Stay tuned for an update in coming weeks! 
CaSSSA Premiers 

Congratulations to the Senior AFL team who were triumphant in their Grand Final on Wednesday afternoon defeating Brigidine College. This was another activity that had been rescheduled to this week. I was so impressed with the girls’ courageous display of skills and their wonderful attitude throughout the game.  It was a thrill to watch. Well done! 

I also extend my congratulations to the Intermediate Volleyball team on their premiership win against All Hallows'.  A fantastic result girls!
ANZAC Liturgy

This morning we officially opened our Peace and Reconciliation Garden with a brief ceremony before school.  It was a pleasure to welcome many guests from The Gap Rotary Club and to thank them for their kind donation of the Peace Pole which is the centrepiece of our garden. 

Our ANZAC Liturgy this morning provided us with the opportunity to remember the loss of so many lives through war and the effect that war has on those who are left behind.  The reflection today was delivered by Dr Padma Lal from Rotary who shared this quote from Chinese Philosopher Lao Tzu on peace. 

“If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. 
If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. 
If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbours. 
If there is to be peace between neighbours, there must be peace in the home. 
If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.” 

Thank you to Year 8 student, Ellen Ford, who provided a moving rendition of The Last Post and Reveille.  The choir brought tears to my eyes as they concluded our Liturgy with “Tell My Father”.  Congratulations to all who were involved in the preparation of our ANZAC Liturgy and those who participated.  

Lest we Forget  
New Staff 

Welcome to new staff members joining MSM this term.  Ms Fiona Mackie replaces Mrs Stefanie Palmer who is on maternity leave.  Ms Caroline George replaces Ms Aisling Kelly who is also on maternity leave.   

Welcome back to Mrs Mannion (Curriculum Leader – Library and Information Services) who has been enjoying long service leave during Term 1.  Ms Atkins is currently enjoying long service leave for the first four weeks of this term.  Welcome back to Mrs Brenda Quigley (Religious Education) and Mrs Sharon Vacher (Physical Education) who will be taking Ms Atkins’ classes.   
Parent Teacher Conferences 

The Parent Teacher Conferences were conducted via TEAMS on Monday and Thursday this week.  Thank you to students, parents and staff for participating in these important discussions. 
I wish everyone a fabulous Term 2! 

In faith and love,

Sharon Volp
Principal

The MSM’s ‘WIN A TERM’S FEES’ RAFFLE is on again! 

This is your chance to WIN a Term's Fees at MSM or a $1500 Shopping Voucher* of your choice. 

Tickets start from $20 and can be purchased via the link below. Proceeds will be directed to the Mt St Michael’s Scholarship Fund supporting the Sisters of Charity Scholarships, providing an opportunity for a young woman to access the educational opportunities afforded by the College.  

Tickets are limited so the odds are on your side. Ticket sales are NOW OPEN - buy your tickets today!  

*Terms and conditions apply 

Best of luck

ANZAC Day Liturgy
 
As a community, we gathered this morning for our liturgy to commemorate ANZAC Day; a day when Australians and New Zealanders give thanks for their free and peaceful countries.

In 2015 Pope Francis stated “The whole world is at war, and the rejection of the path of peace means that God Himself, that Jesus Himself, weeps.” These words of Pope Francis remind us of the tragedy and senselessness of war.

As we commemorate ANZAC Day, we remember the loss of so many lives through war and the effect that war has on those who are left behind.
Peace & Reconciliation Garden
 
This morning, as part of our College wide project, we officially opened our Peace and Reconciliation Garden incorporating our Peace Pole, at Mt St Michael’s College.

Our Peace Pole has come to us through our ongoing relationship with Rotary.

The phrase ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ appears in four languages on the four sides of the pole; English, French, Japanese and the Turrbal language.

In the development of our Peace and Reconciliation Garden we are seeking to foster an understanding of the importance of place and connection to Country, as well as honouring the traditional owners of the Land, the Turrbal and Yagarr (Jagera) peoples. It is a College wide project that we hope, going forward, can be used as an opportunity for a wide range of learning to take place.

The Peace and Reconciliation Garden was conceived in our belief that there is a need for reconciliation in the Australian community. It is anticipated that the sense of unity that this Peace and Reconciliation Garden will create in our community will promote awareness and understanding within the people who view it and reflect upon it.

 
MSM Cross Country Carnival
This year we came so close to being able to participate in a full school celebration of sport and house spirit at our Inter-House Cross Country Carnival, until the sudden lockdown in Brisbane interrupted our plans.  On Monday, our very committed and hard-working athletes attended a revised edition of this event. We were blessed with brilliant weather and lots of happy faces attending this event, where we were able to allow students the opportunity to run the course and trial for a place in our 2021 MSM Cross Country team.  

Congratulations to all students involved on their efforts at this event and to the girls that were invited into our team for the short but intense season they are about to embark on in preparation for the CaSSSA Cup carnival in late May.  We look forward to celebrating the members of our team in an assembly presentation later this term.  Congratulations to students that were awarded Age Champion medals at our assembly on Tuesday.  The following girls were awarded these honours this year.
2021 Cross Country Age Champions
2021 MSM Cross Country Carnival - Champion of Champions
Eloise - fastest race time of the day - 11 mins 47 secs
2021 MSM Cross Country Carnival - 12 Years Age Champions
1st place: Annette. 2nd place: Julia. 3rd place: Emma
2021 MSM Cross Country Carnival - 13 Years Age Champions
1st place: Lilian. 2nd place: Caitlin. 3rd place: Amelia
2021 MSM Cross Country Carnival - 14 Years Age Champions
1st place: Abigail. 2nd place: India. 3rd place: Lauren
2021 MSM Cross Country Carnival - 15 Years Age Champions
1st place: Imogen. 2nd place: Elli. 3rd place: Charlotte
2021 MSM Cross Country Carnival - 16 Years Age Champions
1st place: Eloise. 2nd place: Jessica. 3rd place: Scarlette
2021 MSM Cross Country Carnival -
17 - 19 Years Age Champions

1st place: Lexie. 2nd place: Charlize. 3rd place: Lucy
Special mention goes to Eloise Bayliss, awarded this year as the Champion of Champions from this event, running our 3km course in an impressive 11mins 47 secs.  Eloise has always been extremely dedicated to cross country and worked hard over many years; for her to be acknowledged as our Champion of Champions in 2021 was a wonderful achievement.
 
2021 Cross Country Fun Run Event

As always, House Spirit is a high priority for us this year and the girls embraced the opportunity to participate in the rescheduled fun run events during their lunch breaks on Wednesday and Thursday.  Students were invited to participate in a lap of the College for a house point, with extreme examples of house spirit awarded with bonus points.  Thank you for your efforts girls. I can announce that the winning house for the Fun Run component of the Cross country in 2021 was Aikenhead House, brilliantly led by their captain Ainsley and her fellow house seniors!  All House points achieved at the fun run this year will be put towards the “House Spirit Cup” presented to the winning house at the end of year at our MSM Celebrates event.
Competitive Event Results
1st place: Rush
2nd place: Grantuly
3rd place: Stewart
4th place: Aikenhead
Fun Run Points
1st place: Aikenhead
2nd place: Rush
3rd place: Grantuly
4th place: Stewart
Overall Cross Country House Champion 2021: Coming Soon!

The overall Champion House for Cross Country in 2021, will be announced and presented at the next assembly!

Thank you to all staff for their assistance of the revised Cross Country program this year, particularly for their support of the Fun Run events this week.  Thank you also to Ms Volp and the Leadership Team for their enthusiasm with the revised edition of Cross Country 2021. The event is a super important item on our annual calendar and we truly appreciate allowing our athletes the opportunity this year!
Missions of St Vincent 'hopped' into action for a wonderful cause

While MSM students have not yet been able to visit the residents of local nursing homes, Missions of St Vincent students spread Easter cheer, preparing little bundles of chocolate eggs and handmade cards to share extra blessings over the Easter season and to let the residents know they were thinking of them. Well done, girls!
MSM wrap up - Term 1 CaSSSA Sports with Grand Final victories

On Wednesday, our teams played in the final round of the CaSSSA Term 1 season (postponed from the last week in term 1).  Our Open AFL team and our Intermediate Volleyball team (pictured) competed in the Grand Final of their respective competitions and after hard-fought games they came away with the win and are now CaSSSA premiers! Open AFL competed against Brigidine and Intermediate Volleyball defeated All Hallows' in their Grand Final matches.
 
Congratulations to all of our teams for the wonderful seasons.
AFL Open team premiers
Volleyball Intermediate team premiers
For more photos check out our Instagram and Facebook accounts
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
Alumni News
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 exciting news, including career achievements, awards and congratulations (engagement, marriage, baby and other), for inclusion in our regular newsletter, “Fide et Amore”. Email us at alumni@msm.qld.edu.au
P&F Association News
Parents and Friends - Parents' Golf Day
 
WHEN: Friday 21 May - Noon tee off (be there no later than 11.30am)
WHERE: Ashgrove Golf Course - 863 Waterworks Road, The Gap
AGENDA: Cost is $100 which includes 18 Holes of golf, electric buggy and a 2 course dinner afterwards at The Gap Tavern.

The game will be "four ball best ball" so you don't have to be a pro.
This event offers a great chance to meet other parents and caregivers from MSM.

Click here to purchase your tickets
Registrations close Friday 14 May
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
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

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.
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Mt St Michael's College - MSM News

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67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia
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