What a fantastic start to Term 4! There is a sense of celebration and transition in the air!
The Commissioning of our 2023 Student Leaders was the focus for our Assembly on the first day of term. This ceremony officially recognised the handover of many of the leadership responsibilities to the 2023 Student Leaders. The SLT of 2022 presented a candle, a symbol of Christ’s guiding light – a light of courage, unity, strength and commitment, to the SLT of 2023 who accepted the candles, pledging to continue to nurture our values and share their gifts and talents with the MSM Community. Our 2022 SLT also shared their reflections about 2022 and with gratitude thanked the special people who had supported them on their leadership journey.
The Year 12 Mother-Daughter Garden Party was held on Friday 7 October. We were blessed with fantastic weather as we gathered on the Convent Lawn for the first time since 2019. There was a lovely sense of occasion created by the presence of our String Quartet who provided some beautiful background music. Thank you for giving up your Friday afternoon to entertain us. This event introduced our Year 12 students to the Alumni Association. Thank you to the members of the Alumni Executive, Anne O’Keeffe (President), Kate Taylor (Secretary) and Alice Spies (Treasurer) who assisted with the event. Thank you to the many MSM staff who assisted behind the scenes – your support is greatly appreciated!
The Year 12 students this week have been celebrating their “final five days” of school and preparing to move into “independent study” mode next week. We hold our Year 12 students in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare for the external exams which commence on Monday 24 October. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Year 12 Classroom Teachers and the Curriculum Leaders for their ongoing support of the Year 12 students in their academic endeavours and the Year 12 Homeroom Teachers and Ms Brydon (Year 12 Pastoral Leader) for their pastoral care of our students.
Our thoughts and prayers are also with our Year 11 students who have commenced their Unit 3 studies this term.
Co-curricular Celebration Assembly
The Co-curricular Celebration Assembly was held on Tuesday 11 October. This was an opportunity to recognise and congratulate students on their commitment and achievements in the College’s Co-curricular program in the areas of Academic, Cultural and CAN activities. Congratulations to all students who received awards – we are very proud of you! We also commissioned and presented badges to our 2023 Co-curricular Captains and thanked the 2022 Co-curricular Captains. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all MSM staff, coaches, trainers, conductors, and accompanists who have been involved in our Co-curricular program this year. Without your dedication, students would not have the opportunities to be involved in such a comprehensive program. A special thank you to Mrs Statham, Director of The Arts, for her overall coordination of this assembly. Thank you also to all staff who assisted behind the scenes.
Sports Celebration Breakfast
This morning we had 371 staff, students and guests attend our second annual Sports Celebration Breakfast. It has been a massive year in sport and it was wonderful to see so many students awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards. Congratulations! Well done to our 2022 Sports Captains, Claudia Legge and Holly O’Flaherty for their great work chairing this event. Our guest speaker, WAFL player Natalie Grider, provided an inspirational address. Thank you to Ms Kay Roy (Director of Sport) for organising this event. Thank you also to all MSM Staff and coaches who have supported MSM Sport this year to assist our students to achieve fantastic outcomes.
In faith and love
Sharon Volp
Principal
Our College community was greatly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Tom Hart-Davies on Monday 3 October. I extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Jacky and his four children Sally, Jane, Clare and Kate (all Alumni of MSM).
As a parent, Tom was generous in giving of his time and energies to serve on the P and F Association from 2003 – 2010, including two years as President. When his daughters graduated from MSM, he modelled servant leadership as he continued to support the College by his involvement as a member of the College Board Sub-Committee – Educational Facilities from February 2012 – May 2014. In November 2014, he joined the College Board and this service continued until October 2018; including service on the College Board Sub-Committee – Finance from February 2015 – October 2018. These were important years for MSM and Tom had input into the purchase of 46 Amarina Avenue, the lifting of the enrolment cap from 750 – 900 students due to the introduction of Year 7, the development of the Arts Precinct building and the Master Plan vision planning.
My association with Tom commenced when I became Principal of MSM in 2017. I always found Tom to be wise in his discernment with a strong focus on ensuring that decision making was in alignment with our Mission Statement, whilst maintaining excellent stewardship of resources. He demonstrated positivity in all that he did, and his company was life-giving. He was warm and humble, with a witty sense of humour. He epitomised our College values of love, justice, hope and compassion. Tom loved this College community and his legacy will be long remembered. Thank you, Tom.
and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
It's hard to comprehend that today was the last day of Year 12 classes, and that they are now entering the last few weeks of Independent Study week, external examinations, and graduation. I am certain that all our Year 12 students have a well-balanced study plan that includes time for rest and regular exercise. Teachers are available online via Teams next week to support and answer further exam preparation questions.
We are looking forward to MSM Celebrates, which will be held on Thursday, October 20 in the Sophia Centre from 5.00pm to approximately 7.30pm. Invitations will be sent via email to the parents/caregivers of the students receiving an award with a link to confirm your attendance so we can determine numbers in the Sophia Centre. The event will also be live streamed, and parents/caregivers will be emailed the link closer to the event next week.
Award recipients for MSM Celebrates will be notified as follows:
- Year 12: today (Friday 14 October) in period 6
- Years 7 – 11 : Monday (17 October) morning during homeroom.
Subject Selections for 2023
Over the next few weeks, students will receive letters confirming subjects for 2023. In cases where students have received a reserve subject and wish to review subject selections, please make contact with me at rcollier@msm.qld.edu.au
This week has been one of celebration for our Year 12 students as they finalised their preparation for their external exams in style! A marvellous array of costumes were worn throughout the week and spirits were high.
As a community we keep our Year 12 students in our thoughts and prayers for their upcoming study and exam period.
During this time, it is important we are mindful that the media exposes us to unnecessary hype and pressure relating to the final weeks of secondary school. In light of this, it is essential to put things into perspective for students and parents alike, to prevent everyone becoming overwhelmed. Although this final year is important, it will not be the most important year of your daughter’s life. It is imperative that parents reinforce the message that ‘you are more than your ATAR’. Over, and over, and over again! We can all be reassured that Mt St Michael’s has prepared this cohort to face any challenge put before them.
Purchasing 2022 Group Shots
These school sports and co-curricular groups were photographed on 12/07/2022 and 13/07/2022:
Business Club
CaSSSA Swimming Team
Co-curricular Music
College Captains
Daughters of Alumni
Debating
Drama Club
Environment Group
Ethics Olympiad
FTV
Future Problem-Solving Teams
Interact
Junior High Performance Netball
Junior High Performance Soccer
Middle School Dance Ensemble
Missions of St Vincent
Model United Nations
Performance Ensemble
Senior High Performance Netball
Senior High Performance Soccer
Sisters Empowering Sisters
Social Justice Council
Student Leadership Team
Urban Sketchers
Writers' Club
CaSSSA Athletics Team
Year 12 Cohort
- visiting www.advancedlife.com.au
- entering the code: H68 9QH LZK and
- clicking on “Group Photos”
Congratulations to our MSM family on another successful term of fundraising for two very worthy causes. Our whole school focus for Term 3 was the Weemala Centre at ACU. Weemala provides support to First Nations students who are undertaking studies at ACU, including those who have moved to Brisbane from rural Queensland to complete their studies. We are proud to donate $3627.65 to Weemala so they can continue their essential work. Thank you to all members of our community who contributed to this excellent total, especially our Interact students who ran a very successful MSM's Got Talent event.
Interact – 25 Years of Service at MSM
Congratulations to our MSM Interact group on celebrating 25 years of service to the Ashgrove community. After a wonderful lunchtime celebration at MSM last week, on Wednesday evening, members of our 2022 Interact Student Executive were guests at the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap, where they delivered a presentation on the highlights of Interact’s work at MSM over 25 years. We thank our Rotary liaison member Padma and all members of the Ashgrove/The Gap Rotary Club for their ongoing support of our students. Special thanks must also go to Ms Jo Devenish-Meares and Ms Emily McLaughlin for their support of Interact at MSM.
The MSM Environment group is inviting all students to donate any unwanted stationery in good order to support Stationery Aid, a local charity that provides school packs for disadvantaged families. At this time of economic austerity, families can find it challenging to find the money for appropriate school resources. If your child has unwanted stationery items in her locker, she is invited to bring them to the donation bin, located in the Ionian Centre Print Space on Level 1.
Our Missions of St Vincent students are finalising the details for our annual SVDP Christmas Appeal. We will be collecting toiletries, grocery items and non-perishable Christmas treats through homerooms in the coming weeks. If you are able to add an extra item to your grocery basket, we would greatly appreciate it. All donations will go to the local St Vincent de Paul conferences for distribution to needy families this Christmas.
I would like to welcome all students back for Term 4 and hope that they had a relaxing break! As we prepare for the final term of the year, there are a few reminders that I would like to offer.
Year 12 Independent Study Week and External Examinations
I strongly encourage all Year 12 students to ensure they are aware of the equipment they require for each of their external examinations and wish them all the very best for the next few weeks.
Unit 3 Commences for Year 11 Students
Parents are reminded that they can find the Unit 3 and 4 Stationery and Booklist requirements under the Resources for Parents link on the College website. If you have any questions about the required equipment, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Unit 2 Parent Teacher Conferences and Report Cards
The RE Department was excited to celebrate the success of Study of Religion students who have achieved the outstanding result of 100% in either Units 1 and 2 (Year 11) or all three Summative Internal Assessment items (Year 12). A morning tea was held to congratulate students on this remarkable feat, achieved through both talent and hard work in partnership with their teachers.
Ten MSM students travelled to Brisbane Grammar School to participate in a Model UN Competition representing Russia, USA, Ireland, Gabon and China. The resolution for the afternoon was focused on fast fashion, sustainability and human rights. The afternoon included debate, critical thinking and global citizenship. Thank you to our Model UN Captains, Sophie and Steph for organising the afternoon.
The Year 11 Visual Art class participated in an authentic experience offered by an incursion at school with two invited contemporary visual artists, John Honeywill and Petalia Humphreys. The incursion is a syllabus requirement that will inform the Year 12 Body of Work.
The artists challenged the students through creative thinking, contexts, and aesthetic qualities. John Honeywill illustrated how the artist draws inspiration from the objects around him, this was explained in his artist talk through various artworks he presented. Petalia Humphreys' work demonstrated a formal context like Honeywill but demonstrated a reductive approach to abstraction. She explained the connections her artwork has to architecture and colour theory. Our students produced a three-dimensional painting in the aesthetic of Humphreys.
After two years of learning, the Year 12 Hospitality class completed their final practical assessment. They put on a delightful High Tea for parents and teachers in the Ionian Courtyard. With an extensive menu, a refreshing mocktail on arrival and wonderful service from the students, the event was enjoyed by all.
Year 12 French students enjoyed a fine dining experience at La Belle Vie Restaurant to celebrate the culmination of their high school French studies. The girls enjoyed a 3 course meal whilst conversing in French with the staff. It was also a timely opportunity to thank their teachers, Madame Swanson and Monsieur Alleaume for guiding them through their studies this year. We wish all the girls the very best in their French External Exam.
Percussion Ensemble performing 'Danger Line' by Catherine Hall
P&F Meetings: Please check the Mt St Michael's College App for meeting update notifications.
Alumni Meetings: Please visit the MSM Alumni Association Facebook page for updates.
Meetings
AGM: Monday 7 November - 6pm
Please click here for information on 2022 meeting dates and to find out more about the MSM Parents and Friends Association.
Follow the P&F on Facebook
Nominations for our Parents and Friends Association 2023 Committee Executive are NOW OPEN. All positions are declared vacant.
Term 1
Monday 31 January – Friday 1 April
Term 2
Wednesday 20 April – Friday 17 June
Term 3
Tuesday 12 July – Friday 16 September
Term 4
Tuesday 4 October – Friday 18 November (Year 12)
Tuesday 4 October – Friday 25 November (Years 7-11)
Term 1
Tuesday 24 January – Friday 31 March
Term 2
Monday 17 April – Friday 16 June
Term 3
Monday 10 July – Friday 15 September
Term 4
Tuesday 3 October – Friday 24 November (Years 7-11)
The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. To find out more about eligibility requirements click here: https://www.schooltransport.com.au/
Support the MSM Environment Group by donating your eligible containers! Bring your containers to school or use our scheme ID when returning to your local depot. Your donations will go towards funding our current and future environmental initiatives.
Mt St Michael's College scheme ID: C10333591
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
Slow down!
The Brisbane City Council, in coordination with The Gap Ward Office, recently erected an additional 40 km/h school zone limit and traffic signs facing incoming traffic along Elimatta Drive and Aloomba Road following a request from Mt St Michael’s College to investigate the traffic management in the school vicinity. A safety project endorsed by Mt St Michael’s College’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) Committee.
In consideration for our neighbours, where possible please avoid leaving your motor running, especially when parked outside a home.
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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