The past fortnight has provided wonderful opportunities to reflect on the strength of our College community, the importance of connection and the ways in which we continue to prepare our students to flourish as confident, compassionate and purpose-driven young women.
Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with school leaders through our connections with the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. These conversations reinforced the importance of girls’ schools learning from one another and drawing on global perspectives to respond to the opportunities and challenges facing young women today. Contemporary girls’ education is being shaped by several key priorities, including the development of student agency and voice, responding to anxiety and perfectionism, applying adolescent neuroscience to learning, preparing students for ethical leadership in an AI-enabled world, and ensuring inclusive and future-focused opportunities in STEM, global citizenship and leadership.
These priorities strongly align with the work already underway at Mt St Michael’s College. Through our focus on the 5Cs, Positive Education, student agency, ethical use of AI, leadership development and academic excellence, we continue to provide an education that is both contemporary and deeply grounded in our values. Our aim is to nurture young women who are not only prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world, but who are also ready to shape that world with confidence, compassion and purpose.
It was also a pleasure to welcome our Year 7 2027 students and families to Orientation Morning. This important milestone marks the beginning of their transition journey into middle schooling and into the Mt St Michael’s College community. There was a wonderful sense of excitement and anticipation as students and families began to experience the warmth, care and belonging that are such important features of MSM life.
Another significant milestone this term has been the commencement of the 2027 Senior Leadership process for our current Year 11 students. This process invites students to reflect deeply on their gifts, values and aspirations, and to consider how they may contribute to the College through service, commitment and example. At Mt St Michael’s College, leadership is grounded in service and shaped by the values of Mary Aikenhead, particularly faith, learning, community and justice. We congratulate all Year 11 students who have stepped forward to participate in this process and thank them for their willingness to lead and make a positive difference within our College community.
As our building project continues, I would also like to reassure our Year 12 students and families that careful planning is underway to ensure external examinations take place in quiet, controlled and appropriate spaces within the College. We are working closely with our contractors to ensure that works during this period do not disturb our Year 12 students as they undertake this important final stage of their schooling.
This week we also acknowledge several staffing updates within our community. We wish Ms Kate Simpson, Dean of Faith and Mission, every blessing as she commences well-deserved Long Service Leave for the remainder of Term 3. We also congratulate Mrs Ellen Bow, who will act as Dean of Faith and Mission, and Ms Jessica Garrahy, who will act as Curriculum Leader, Religious Education, during this time.
Finally, we extend our very best wishes to our outstanding MSM Athletics team as they prepare to compete at the CaSSSA Carnival on Monday. Our athletes have trained with great commitment and determination, and we look forward to hearing of their efforts and achievements.
With so much happening across the College, we are reminded once again of the energy, spirit and shared purpose that define Mt St Michael’s College.
With gratitude and blessings,
Ros Collier
Acting Principal
2026 MSM MOTHERS' LUNCH
Ticket sales for this event have now closed. We look forward to welcoming our MSM Mothers/Caregivers to our 2026 MSM Mothers’ Lunch at Rydges, South Brisbane on Friday, 21 August. This event provides an opportunity for Mothers to indulge in a beautiful lunch and support the MSM Foundation’s Light the Way Capital Campaign through our raffle with some great prizes up for grabs!
YEAR 5 & 6 FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST
We are delighted to invite Year 5 & 6 students and their fathers to a special Father’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy on Thursday 3 September from 7:00 to 8:15am in the Sophia Centre. Join us for this memorable occasion and enjoy a delicious breakfast and the lovely company of fellow Year 5 & 6 dads, in a pre-Father's Day gathering. Tickets are $25 per person, with bookings closing on Wednesday 26 August at 5pm.
YEAR 12 MOTHER-DAUGHTER GARDEN PARTY
The annual Year 12 Mother-Daughter Garden Party is being held on Friday 9 October commencing at 3:30pm. MSM Year 12 students and their mothers/caregivers are invited to celebrate the coming to an end of a wonderful six-year journey at MSM at this occasion, hosted in partnership with the Mt St Michael’s Alumni Association. Year 12 families are encouraged to keep an eye on the College app and your email for further event details and the booking link.
2026 ARTS SHOWCASE EMERGE
Immerse yourself in Art, Drama, Music, and Dance at the 2026 Arts Showcase: EMERGE on Thursday 27 August 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Showcasing the extraordinary creativity, imagination, and talent of MSM students, EMERGE invites you to experience an evening filled with captivating performances, inspiring exhibitions, and unforgettable artistic expression. Wander through stunning visual art displays, enjoy live music and dance performances, and be moved by the passion and dedication of our talented young artists.
Gather with family and friends, connect with our community, and celebrate the transformative power of the arts in an atmosphere of creativity, colour, and inspiration.
With delicious food trucks onsite throughout the evening, you can relax, enjoy a meal, and make the most of this vibrant community event while taking in all that EMERGE has to offer.
Free entry and open to all ages, EMERGE promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the talent, creativity, and spirit of the MSM community.
Flourishing Beyond the Classroom
As parents and educators, we all hope that our young women will leave school not only with knowledge, but with confidence, courage, compassion and a deep sense of who they are. While the classroom is central to this formation, some of the most powerful moments of growth happen beyond it.
Co-curricular activities play a vital role in the holistic flourishing of young women. Through sport, music, debating, drama, service, clubs, leadership, social justice and cultural opportunities, students are invited to discover their gifts, stretch themselves, build friendships and contribute to something larger than themselves. These experiences matter because adolescence is such a formative time. Young people are asking important questions: Where do I belong? What am I good at? What do I value? How can I make a difference? Co-curricular involvement gives students safe and meaningful opportunities to explore these questions in real life.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center reminds us that flourishing is about more than the absence of difficulty. As the Centre notes, “people want to thrive, not just survive,” and wellbeing is built through positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment. These elements are often lived out most naturally in co-curricular life, where students form friendships, pursue goals, contribute to a team or group, discover new strengths and experience the satisfaction of commitment and growth.
For young women, these opportunities can be especially powerful. A student who joins a team, auditions for a performance, signs up for a club, speaks in public, serves others or tries something unfamiliar is learning far more than the activity itself. She is learning perseverance, teamwork, discipline, resilience and self-belief. She is discovering that courage grows through participation and that confidence often comes after taking the first step, not before.
At its best, co-curricular life helps educate the whole person. It nurtures physical wellbeing, emotional confidence, social connection, intellectual curiosity and a sense of purpose. It also reflects something deeply important about our mission as a Catholic school: that each young woman is known, valued and called to use her gifts in service of others.
As parents, your encouragement matters enormously. Sometimes the most powerful support is a gentle invitation to try, to persist, or to remain open to new experiences. I encourage families to speak with their daughters about the opportunities available to them, to help them find one or two activities that genuinely interest them, and to encourage commitment even when confidence is still growing. Participation does not need to be about being the best. It is about being involved, connected and willing to grow.
When we support our young women to engage in co-curricular life, we are not simply adding more to their schedules. We are helping them flourish. We are helping them become young women of hope, confidence, generosity and purpose. At Mt St Michael’s College our spirit in this space is extraordinary and we celebrate many successes. Most recently our Junior (Years 7-9) High-Performance Netball Team triumphantly navigated their way to the Vicki Wilson Shield Final Series. They won the Metropolitan North Regional Carnival and placed in the top eight in the state at the Shield Finals. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and perseverance of the team.
Our debaters continue to prove their prowess as accomplished orators and thinkers with both our Year 9 and 11 teams winning their debates this week. These victories take the teams one step closer to the grand finals, no insignificant feat for any school and yet another reminder that we may be small, but we are mighty!
Together, these experiences remind us that co-curricular life is not an optional extra, but an essential part of forming young women who are courageous, connected and ready to contribute with confidence and purpose.
I encourage every family to continue the conversation at home: ask your daughter what she might try, where she might contribute, and how she might take one courageous step beyond the classroom this term.
Our community has enjoyed many special Mission and Solidarity events in the past fortnight.
Last Tuesday, 11 members of the College Choir accompanied me into the Cathedral to sing at the St Vincent's Hospital Northside 25th Anniversary Mass.
On Friday last week, nearly 38 Year 9 students chose to forgo the comforts of a warm bed to participate in the Year 9 Vinnies Sleepout.
On Monday, our Year 9 cohort engaged in practical service-learning activities at their Retreat Day, working together to make 2200 sandwiches for schoolchildren in Brisbane who do not have access to regular nourishing meals. They stitched handmade felt hearts to gift to patients at St Vincent's Hospitals, and gathered donations for the Romero Centre Pantry.
Our older students have also been busy in the community, serving the needy at Rosies' Outreach and ECM Night Ministry visits. On the Ekka Holiday, 26 of our students accompanied children in need as part of TOC H's annual Ekka Outing Day.
These activities, entered into with such enthusiasm and joy by our girls, and generously supported by Mr Kelly and our staff, are the heart and soul of our ministry and the way we respond to the Sister's fourth vow to courageously seek out and serve the poor of our time.
As a Positive School, Mt St Michael's College is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment in which every student can learn, grow and flourish. This week we marked Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, an important opportunity to reinforce the message that everyone has a role to play in preventing bullying and promoting positive relationships.
Students engaged in activities focused on respect, belonging, kindness and the importance of speaking up when they are concerned about their own wellbeing or the wellbeing of others. Students also participated in conversations around the difference between conflict, unkind behaviour and bullying, the importance of being an upstander rather than a bystander, and the ways in which we can contribute to a culture where everyone feels safe, valued and included.
This work forms part of our ongoing commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review and strengthening our whole-school approach to student wellbeing. Students also had the opportunity to contribute their perspectives, through a survey and through a student representative student voice activity, helping us better understand student experiences and identify opportunities to further strengthen prevention, education and support across the College. We thank our students for their thoughtful participation and willingness to engage in these important conversations.
Last week marked an exciting stage in the 2027 Student Leadership Team discernment process. Following the recent Year 11 Leadership Retreat and application process, a number of students have been shortlisted for the position of College Captain. We congratulate these students on their willingness to step forward in service of our community and thank them for the time, courage and reflection that has gone into the process so far.
We wish the shortlisted students every success as they prepare to address the College community on Tuesday 18 August. Public speaking requires considerable courage, and we encourage all students to support and respectfully engage with the candidates as they share their vision for leadership at Mt St Michael's College. We also extend our best wishes to all Year 11 students who continue through the remainder of the Student Leadership Team discernment process.
This week, we were also grateful for the support of our current College Student Leadership Team and Year 7 Class Captains during our 2027 Year 7 Orientation Morning. Their enthusiasm, leadership and willingness to share their experiences helped create a warm and welcoming introduction to life at Mt St Michael's College for our prospective students. We value the important role these students play in helping new members of our community feel welcomed, connected and excited about the journey ahead. Opportunities such as these remind us that leadership is not only demonstrated through formal positions, but also through service, generosity and a commitment to helping others belong.
We look forward to celebrating the many ways our students contribute to the life of the College, both through formal leadership positions and through the everyday acts of service, courage and compassion that strengthen our community.
Year 5 and 6 Student-Led Conferences
We are tremendously proud of the way in which the Year 5 and 6 students led conversations about their learning at the recent Student-Led Conferences. The students were able to share about their progress, achievements and goals in relation to their English and Maths learning, as well as celebrating their demonstration of positive learning behaviours, leadership and contribution to the wider MSM community. Leading these conversations gives students the opportunity to take ownership of their learning, whilst also developing their reflection and communication skills. The Junior School teachers and I would like to thank you for taking the time to participate in this important opportunity to discuss your daughter’s learning and engagement.
Junior School Debating Program
We are delighted to have launched our Junior School Debating Program for 2026, with strong interest from both Year 5 and Year 6 students. While our Year 6 students will represent MSM in competition debates, our Year 5 students have been welcomed as our "shadow teams".
Both Year 5 and 6 students have engaged in lunchtime debating workshops over the last two weeks, where they have developed foundational debating skills. Under the guidance of coach Miss Lucy Delbridge, a former MSM Academic Captain and accomplished debater, students are developing their public speaking, critical thinking and teamwork skills through these training sessions.
There are four debates scheduled for our Year 6 teams across the season. The first debate will take place on Thursday 20 August.
Acting as research assistants and shadow team members, our Year 5 students are contributing to debate preparation, helping to gather information, develop arguments and build persuasive cases.
The contribution of both Year 5 and 6 students to the program is highly valued, and we look forward to celebrating their involvement throughout the season!
Junior School Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards
Congratulations to the following students for receiving Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards at our Junior School Assembly this week:
Macie (5H) - Macie, you consistently demonstrate diligence and maturity when working independently, always approaching your learning with care and determination. Your willingness to share thoughtful ideas and ask relevant questions during whole-class discussions enriches our classroom community. Your commitment to completing tasks on time reflects your exceptional attitude towards learning. You should be very proud of the maturity, enthusiasm, and dedication you bring to school each day. Keep up the fantastic work!
Zara M (5H) - Zara, you consistently demonstrate respect and outstanding manners in all that you do. You thoughtfully greet staff and students each day with warmth and genuine interest, and regularly take the time to thank others for their support of your learning. Your positive attitude, courtesy and care for those around you make you a wonderful role model within our school community. We are proud of the way you live out our MSM values through your everyday actions. Congratulations!
Sarah (5L) - Sarah shows respect and kindness to everyone she works with. She demonstrates respect by actively listening to teachers and peers, working co-operatively with everyone and staying engaged and on task. Sarah's positive attitude helps create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. She thoughtfully keeps open circles in all that she does, ensuring that no one is left out. Thank you for being such a supportive and inspiring member of our learning community!
Arlia (5L) - Arlia consistently gives her very best effort, even when faced with challenges, showing perseverance and a positive mindset. She thoughtfully responds to feedback and uses it to improve her work. Arlia's willingness to collaborate and work effectively with her peers makes her a valued member of our classroom community. Keep up the fantastic effort—you are an inspiring learner!
Ariana (6C) - For demonstrating diligence through strong organisational skills and dedication to her learning. Ariana asks thoughtful questions to deepen her understanding, and is a kind and supportive classmate. Her positive attitude and commitment to learning make her a valued member of our classroom community.
Annabelle W (6C) - You should be very proud of the progress you have made in Year 6, particularly in Term 3. It has been wonderful to see the positive learning behaviours you demonstrated on our Canberra trip continue in the classroom. Your increased engagement and willingness to contribute has had a meaningful impact on your learning progress and the 6 Compassion community. Keep up the fantastic effort and positive attitude. You are capable of achieving great things.
Annabelle G (6J) - For being a diligent learner, and demonstrating outstanding curiosity and engagement during our Science unit on Electricity. Through your insightful responses and enthusiastic participation in creating electrical circuits during our laboratory lessons, you showed a strong commitment to learning. This was also evident during our Camp, where you eagerly shared your knowledge and discoveries with others.
Charlotte (6J) - For consistently demonstrating all learner attributes throughout our Camp in Canberra. You were a diligent learner who remained engaged, listened respectfully and eagerly contributed to every new learning experience. Your fun and positive energy helped include others, and you embraced every opportunity, making the most of this memorable experience.
Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School
YEAR 12 SENIORS 100 DAYS CELEBRATION
The countdown to graduation has officially begun! With fewer than 100 days remaining in their MSM journey, our Year 12 students are embracing every moment, creating lasting memories, and making the most of their final months together. Here's to celebrating friendships, achievements, and the exciting road ahead for our MSM Class of 2026!
2026 STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM COACHING
The 2026 Student Leadership Team participated in a series of in-house coaching sessions facilitated by Dr Maike Neuhaus from The Positivity Institute across the year. The program was grounded in evidence-based positive psychology and coaching psychology, with the overarching aim of helping the SLT maintain wellbeing while striving for high performance in their leadership, academic and personal lives.
Throughout the program, students explored key concepts including flourishing, character strengths, positive leadership, goal setting, resilience, and self-awareness. They were introduced to Dr Suzy Green’s wellbeing and flourishing framework, the VIA Character Strengths model, Cameron’s Positive Leadership model, and the SMART, GROW and REGROW coaching frameworks. Students also developed strategies to manage challenges through growth-focused thinking, including identifying Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) and replacing them with Performance Enhancing Thoughts (PETs).
By combining reflection, goal setting, peer coaching and practical action planning, the program equipped student leaders with the skills, mindset and support necessary to lead effectively while protecting their wellbeing and sustaining motivation throughout their leadership journey.
Paula Brydon
Pastoral Leader - Year 12
FIRST NATIONS CAREER EXPO
Our Senior Rising Sisters of Culture students attended the Murra Pathways Brisbane 2026 First Nations Career Expo where they were able to connect and ask questions from a range of industry partners, organisations, universities and TAFE Queensland to learn about possible pathways after school.
The students engaged in Q&A sessions, panel discussions and interactive conversations and activities which inspired them to pursue current and new pathway options for their future.
Caitlin Conway
Pastoral Leader - Year 8
YEAR 7 THEME LAUNCH
There was a real sense of excitement at our Year 7 Theme Launch as students embraced this year’s theme, “Grow, Try, Shine”. Alongside the launch, we celebrated the transition of Homeroom leadership, with our Term 2 Captains proudly introducing the new Term 3 Captains. It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on growth, recognise leadership, and look ahead to an exciting term together.
Priscilla Ruddell
Acting Pastoral Leader - Year 7
STEWART HOUSE DAY
This week, students from Stewart House celebrated Stewart Day with cake, an abundance of house spirit, and a wonderful sense of community.
Stewart House was named after Alexander Stewart. In 1928, the Sisters of Charity purchased the Stewart family home to establish what is now Mt St Michael’s College.
YEAR 9 & 11 JAPANESE INCURSION
Our Year 9 and 11 Japanese students recently took part in a wonderful cultural workshop featuring a yukata dressing demonstration and a traditional tea ceremony. They learned about the history and significance of the yukata and observed the careful techniques involved in wearing it. During the tea ceremony, students experienced the customs, etiquette and traditions that reflect Japanese values of respect and harmony. The interactive session brought Japanese culture to life and was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants.
Sue Wiseman
Curriculum Leader - Languages
YEAR 11 ROSIES OUTREACH
Well done to our Year 11 students who continue to participate in Rosies Outreach, helping to prepare and serve refreshments for members of the community. Supported by our staff and Rosies volunteers, the students shared conversation, kindness and compassion, creating meaningful connections and demonstrating a strong commitment to service.
Clayton Kelly
Program Leader - Service Learning
YEAR 12 SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY STUDIES
If Monopoly mirrored today's world, what would it look like? Students explored contemporary lifestyle issues by redesigning the classic board game, using creative gameplay elements to represent the challenges, opportunities, and social impacts of their chosen issue. A fantastic demonstration of critical thinking, research, and creativity.
Chelsea Humbler
Classroom Teacher
YEAR 9 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
In Year 9 Religious Education, students have been learning about how religious and lay leaders responded to the needs of their communities in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Through their work in education, charity and healthcare, figures such as Nano Nagle, Catherine McAuley, Edmund Rice, Mary MacKillop, Elizabeth Seton and John Bosco responded to God's call to share their gifts for the sake of others. Students showcased the achievements, writings and legacies of these significant Catholics by creating a 'peoplescape.'
Ellen Bow
Curriculum Leader - Religious Education
YEAR 12 ARTS SHOWCASE
The MSM Arts Department proudly presented the Year 12 Arts Showcase Evening, celebrating the incredible talent, creativity and dedication of our Year 12 Dance, Drama, Music and Music Extension students. The evening was expertly compered by selected Year 11 Arts students, while our Year 12 Visual Art students showcased their outstanding works and shared insights into their artistic journeys with guests.
Congratulations to all students involved on a wonderful evening that highlighted the vibrancy and excellence of the Arts at MSM.
The performances offered a wonderful glimpse into the students’ creativity, talent and dedication, representing both final assessment pieces and exciting works in progress ahead of the upcoming Arts Showcase on 27 August.
YEAR 9 DANCE STUDENTS
MSM Year 9 Dance students had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Chinese Fan Dancing Workshop led by Hsin-Jin Ely.
As part of their Global Dance unit, students explored the artistry and cultural significance of Chinese fan dance while developing their performance skills through expressive movement, precision and coordination. It was a wonderful hands-on experience that deepened their appreciation for dance traditions from around the world.
A huge thank you to Hsin-Jin Ely for sharing her expertise and inspiring our students!
Chelsea Humbler
Classroom Teacher
Premier’s Reading Challenge Final Reminder
Students participating in the Premier’s Reading Challenge are reminded that the challenge finishes on Friday 28 August. Students in Years 5 - 8 need to complete 15 books, including print books, eBooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines or books in other languages.
All completed PRC Reader Record Forms must be submitted by Friday of Book Week, either in person at the Library or by email. The English class with the highest total number of books read will win a class party sponsored by the MSM Library.
Students needing a final book are encouraged to visit the Library or browse ePlatform for quick and engaging reads such as Ella Diaries, Friday Barnes, The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels, Smile, Matilda, Nevermoor, Akarnae and Grace Notes.
Book Week Countdown
We are counting down to Book Week 2026, held from 22 - 28 August, with the theme Symphony of Stories. The Library will host a week of activities including the Book Parade on Tuesday 25 August. We will be celebrating reading, storytelling, and Australian authors and illustrators. Students are encouraged to check the daily notices regularly, as more details will be released closer to the event.
Happy Reading
Rita Archard
Program Leader - Library and Information Services
WATER POLO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
MSM is proud to congratulate Sophie Z on an exceptional performance at the 2026 U16 Women’s Water Polo World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.
Sophie’s team had a fantastic tournament, winning 5 of their 7 games and finishing 7th overall in the world. Their final match against New Zealand was a thrilling 8-7 victory, with Sophie earning Player of the Match!
Congratulations, Sophie, on this remarkable achievement on the international stage!
LIGHT THE WAY HEART PURCHASE
Thank you to the families who have supported our Light the Way Capital Campaign.
Find out more about securing a permanent spot on our Light the Way Legacy Wall by visiting our College website.
Bullying Webinars
A series of 3 webinars for parents and carers with guest speaker and clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller.
If you are a parent or carer of a Queensland school student, you won’t want to miss this series of free parent webinars, brought to you by the Queensland Joint Parent Committee. Don’t miss this opportunity.
The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to advise all staff, parents, guardians and students (where applicable) that it will collect certain information about your school, its staff and student body as part of the non-government schools census collection (the census) and special circumstance applications.