During recent weeks there has been a great sense of community spirit with events such as the “Spirit of the Arts Festival” and the P&F Mothers’ Lunch. Our students have been engaging in the various lunchtime “club” offerings including Colouring Club, Yarn Club, Business Club, French Club and Japanese Club. These opportunities allow students from different year levels to connect on a social basis in their areas of interest. Thank you to our amazing MSM staff, who are so generous with their time to support our students in this way.
I extend our warmest congratulations to our Student Leadership Team for 2024:
College Captains: Adelaide and Mia
Academic Captains: Bridget and Madelyne
Cultural Captains: Paige G and Sophie G
Mission Captains: Anabelle and Chiara
Sports Captains: Elli and Lily
Aikenhead House: Olivia
Grantuly House: Sophie B
Rush House: Chanel
Stewart House: Paige H.
The Student Leadership Team has already participated in a training day on Friday 1 September (the Student Free Day) and are making exciting plans as they lead the College in 2024.
Next term, Mrs Nicola Crawford will be enjoying some well-deserved long service leave. We also say “thank you” to Ms Penny Pritchard-Cahill who completes a short-term contract at the end of next week.
We will also be welcoming back Ms Paula Brydon (Year 12 Pastoral Leader) and Mr Peter McFadden from their long service leave. Thank you to Ms Ella Carstensen for her work as Acting Year 12 Pastoral Leader during Term 3.
In Gratitude
It is with a humble heart that I say a sincere “thank you” for the many kind words, cards, gifts and messages that have been given to me over the recent weeks. I have been “in and out” of the school as I continue to deal with my health issue and I have truly felt the “faith and love” of our community.
As we approach the September holidays, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.
In faith and love.
Sharon Volp
We look forward to celebrating the sporting success and significant contributions of our MSM students at our annual Sports Celebration Breakfast on Friday 13 October, 6:45am. Invitations will be forwarded to award recipients and their parents/caregivers by the end of Term 3.
Last Tuesday evening, we celebrated The Spirit of the Arts Festival, Vitality. The evening featured a wide range of artistic abilities, from music and dance to drama and art. The event was a beautiful occasion to celebrate the creativity and diversity of our community. Those in attendance enjoyed a memorable evening that culminated in a magnificent closing ceremony about 'The Heart' amid a lively and festive atmosphere. Thank you to all our arts students who spent many hours preparing and rehearsing and who performed or displayed their works with confidence. Thank you also to our Arts team and Director of the Arts, Linda Statham for her overall leadership of this event.
The Future Problem-Solving program is structured around a series of competitions in which students are challenged to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills to real-world issues and scenarios. Our teams have been preparing for competition assiduously. Congratulations to each of our teams for their dedication to training. Ivy, Jasmine, Keira, and Lani, members of our Middle School Future Problem-Solving Team (Year 9) have successfully qualified for the National Finals in October. Current preparations are centered on the topic: Throw Away Society. Mrs Devenish-Meares, we appreciate your time and mentoring of our teams.
MSM Year 7 and 8 mathematics students competed In the first round of the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers Maths Quiz. The contest included estimation, speed, problem-solving, short-answer, and general knowledge questions. Congratulations to the winning team, Sara, Ana, and Sophie, as well as all teams, who have successfully advanced to Round 2 in Term 4. Top scores from each Region will qualify for the State Final. Thank you to all students for training with Ms Cawood, Ms Hardcastle, and Ms O'Neill in this extension opportunity.
Last Friday, it was a pleasure to welcome back our Year 7 2024 students for learning and assessment testing, as well as House activities with their Year 10 buddies. They were ecstatic to participate, establish new friends, and connect with our Year 10 students. Mrs Alison Larkings and Ms Devenish-Meares are to be commended for the way in which they organised this event as a whole. Students I spoke with said they had an "awesome" time and cannot wait to start Year 7 at MSM.
I wish all students, teachers, and families a restful break and look forward to continuing our learning journey in Term 4.
As we approach the end of term, our Year 12 students are completing their mock examinations, finalising their QTAC applications and preparing for their final term at the College. At the same time, our students in Years 7 – 10 have been engaged with their Term 3 assessment and our Year 11 students are in the midst of completing their Unit 2 examinations. As this is the last unit of formative assessment, it is important that any students in Year 11 who may be considering a change of subject prior to commencing Unit 3 to contact Mrs Kean to discuss any potential change.
I would like to wish our students all the very best for a well-deserved September break. I strongly encourage our Year 12 students to take time to rest in this upcoming holiday break but also ensure that they continue with their focused revision in preparation for their external examinations in Term 4. This revision should not take their entire holiday time but should be factored into their break as they need to stay connected with their learning. I also recommend that all students unplug from their devices, read a novel of their choice for enjoyment, get some fresh air and re-charge over the holiday break. I look forward to seeing all students back safe and sound at the College on Tuesday 3 October ready for their final term for 2023.
JAPANESE EXCURSION
Year 10 students of Japanese enjoyed a three-course dinner at Oshin Japanese restaurant in Brisbane city. Cooking skills were put to the test as the girls managed their own shared hotpot. A truly authentic Japanese dining experience.
FRENCH
Year 9 French tested their language skills recently when they ordered in French at Mica Patisserie. Croissants, baguettes, pains au Nutella and éclairs au chocolat were popular orders as the students sat by the river at outdoor tables and imagined they were by the Seine in Paris!
YEAR 11 LEADERSHIP MORNING
On Friday 25 August our Year 11 students were involved in a Leadership Morning. Thank you to Ms Mason, Ms Crothers, Mrs Kean, Mrs Wiseman, Miss Conway and the 2023 Student Leadership Team for the wonderful knowledge and advice that they shared with the cohort. The morning culminated in the voting for the 2024 Student Leadership Team (SLT). We look forward to seeing the leadership potential of the entire Year 11 cohort over the next year. Congratulations to those students selected to be part of the SLT.
YEAR 10 VISUAL ART
Year 10 Visual Art students took advantage of the spring weather during a drawing excursion to the Enoggera Reservoir. To launch the new unit ‘Place’, students responded to this natural environment through a range of drawing techniques that recorded both micro and macro aspects of this site. After gathering this primary source material, students will continue drawing in the Art studios and then convert these into digital works enhanced by photoshop. This excursion was a great opportunity for students to draw ‘plein air’.
YEAR 11 MARKET STALLS
The Year 11 hospitality students had a successful final assessment for the year. Catering for a market stall is a practical and hands-on way for students to apply their culinary skills and knowledge.
By working in groups and producing a variety of savoury meals and sweet treats, students had the opportunity to develop teamwork and communication skills, which are valuable in any future career. Their efforts were well-received by their fellow students, as this is a testament to their culinary talents.
Such real-world experiences provide students with valuable skills and insights for their future endeavours, whether they choose to pursue a career in the culinary arts or not. It's important to offer practical experiences like this to help students apply what they've learned in the classroom to real-life situations. This kind of hands-on learning can be a memorable and effective way for students to gain practical skills and knowledge.
P&F Mothers' Lunch
Thank you to all who attended and supported this year's 2023 P&F Mothers’ Lunch at Cloudland. Special thanks to our sponsors, especially our MSM families for providing wonderful raffle prizes. Thanks to the generosity of our MSM community, significant funds were raised to support the Light the Way Capital Campaign, assisting the College to light the way for future generations of MSM students through the enhancement of new educational facilities. Thanks for making this an event not to be missed on the MSM calendar!
Term 4
P&F AGM & Meeting Monday 6 November 6pm
Why not get involved in 2024?
We welcome members of our parent community to contact Paula Ovenden, Community Engagement Officer to discuss the roles, responsibilities and time commitment in further detail. Email: povenden@msm.qld.edu.au for a confidential discussion.
Nominations for 2024 Committee Roles will open soon.
Saturday 23rd of September at 11am-12.30pm
As a part of the Brisbane Children’s Writers Festival on, this workshop will take writers on an adventure to help them find their unique storytelling voice. We’ll cover defining just what “voice” is, examples of different “voices”, writing exercises using prompts to write from different character points of view, and writing tips. Ideal for 10-16 years.
Find out more.
Thursday 21st September at 11am
Celebrate the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman. Meet other fans of the popular graphic novels and TV show, create fan art and test your knowledge with some trivia. Ideal for those aged 12 years and older.
Find out more.
Wednesday 27th of September at 3-4.30pm
Want to have your voice heard, reach out to your peers about the things that matter to you, and attract an audience? Join us to explore podcasting using RODECaster Pro equipment. Learn about recording and editing techniques, as well as tips for creating and publishing content. Find out how you can book a recording session at the library to record your own podcast! Ideal for those aged 12-17 years.
Find out more.
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)
Click here to view the 2024 term dates.
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
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 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
67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia
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