Over the last couple of weeks we have hosted three fantastic celebrations to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our students in the academic, service, sporting and cultural fields of life at MSM.
These events require a lot of work behind the scenes, and I would like to give a special “shoutout” to four teams of our non-teaching staff:
There are also many school officers who contribute to the organisation of the different events and I appreciate all that they do to support our teachers in our work. Thank you!
MSM Celebrates
Tuesday night was a wonderful celebration of excellence. Our Performing Arts students continued to shine with performances throughout the evening. Our evening opened with a procession of our staff and student award recipients into the Sophia Centre accompanied by an uplifting rendition of “Clocks” by Coldplay performed by the String Orchestra, conducted by Ms Alice Buckingham. Year 12 Drama students, Amy and Lily, performed the powerful Banquet Scene from William Shakespeare’s excerpt “Macbeth”. The MSM Singers, conducted by Mrs Donna Langford, performed two stunning vocal pieces Crowded Table by the Highwomen and Fuego from Three Songs About the Elements by Victor C Johnson. We were dazzled by the Dance Ensemble who performed to the music of “Stand by Me”. Congratulations and thank you to these students for enhancing the experience of MSM Celebrates by sharing your special talents with us.
Our Academic Captains, Bridget and Madelyne, reflected on our year by sharing some of the highlights from the student perspective including fundraising for Project Raise the Roof, successes in co-curricular academic competitions such as Future Problem Solving and the Japan Trip.
Congratulations to our award recipients in all year levels. It was fantastic to see so many students recognised in all different areas of college life. We are particularly delighted with the academic achievements of our Year 12 students with their excellent results in their Internal Assessments resulting in multiple first place subject prizes.
Special Congratulations to our Aikenhead Scholars (the student gaining the highest grade point average in their year level):
Year 7 Alice A
Year 8 Sophie Z
Year 9 Isabella C
Year 10 Ayla D
Year 11 Lucy D
Congratulations to our Year 12 Gold Medal Recipients:
Zoe A, Kieran B, Anouk C, Anabelle C, Isla C, Audrey D, Audrey D, Sarah D, Klaudia E, Bridget L, Camille M, Mia M, Alyssa M, Molly M, Charlotte N, Juanita P, Lily T, Jessica V and Madelyne T.
I would like to congratulate everyone who was involved in the organisation of MSM Celebrates. There are many, many staff who contributed to the success of the event. Thank you to everyone involved! I extend my thanks to Ms Ros Collier (Deputy Principal) for her overall coordination of the ceremony. Thank you to Ms Sally Crothers (Dean of Teaching and Learning), Ms Sian Mason (Dean of Student Wellbeing) and Ms Kate Simpson (Dean of Faith and Mission).
Thank you also to the Curriculum Leaders, Pastoral Leaders, Program Leaders and Staff (teaching and non-teaching) who were integral to the preparation and running of the event.
Co-curricular Celebration Assembly
The Co-curricular Celebration Assembly was held on Tuesday 8 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, The Arts and Service activities. We were entertained by the Guitar Ensemble under the direction of Mr Joel Woods. Congratulations to all students who received awards – we are very proud of you! We also commissioned and presented badges to our 2025 Co-curricular Captains and thanked the 2024 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.
Sports Celebration Breakfast
Our fourth annual Sports Celebration Breakfast was held in the Sophia Centre on Friday 11 October. Congratulations to our 2024 Sports Captains, Elli and Lily, for their confident presence as they chaired the event. It has been an extremely successful year in sport with 45 students being awarded Gold Awards and 26 students acknowledged for their Service to Sport (the criteria being representing MSM in swimming, athletics, cross country, aerobics, tennis, water polo, rugby 7s for their six years at the College).
In her opening address, Ms Roy, Director of Sport shared a quote “Girls who play sport become women who lead” which resonated with the audience. We were delighted to welcome back to the College as the guest speaker Meg Harris (MSM Alumni from the class of 2019 and Australian Olympic Swimming Team member). Meg shared some of her experiences as a member of the team in Paris and her future career goals, including studying to become a nurse. I have selected two “quotes” from Meg which are good pieces of advice: ‘I keep my focus on what I am training towards’. ‘I don’t make sacrifices, I make choices’.
Thank you to Ms Kay Roy (Director of Sport) and Ms Jane Tesch (Sports Assistant) for organising this wonderful event.
Year 12 External Exams
Our Year 12 students commence their external examinations on Monday. Please continue to hold them in your thoughts and prayers.
In faith and love,
Sharon Volp
Year 12 External Exams
We wish all our Year 12 students all the best for their external exams over the next three weeks. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment our Year 12 students have demonstrated throughout the year.
The external exams will be held in the Library, therefore the Library will not be available for students before or after school from Monday 21 October – Friday 8 November. Our 'Book Nook' will be available for students during break times.
World Teachers' Day
On World Teachers Day, Friday 25 October, we acknowledge and celebrate the incredible dedication, passion and expertise our teaching staff bring to the classroom. We thank our teachers for their unwavering commitment to educating, inspiring and empowering our students. On World Teachers' Day let’s tip our hats to our remarkable teachers who make a difference!
Conclusion of Project Raise the Roof
With the impending departure of our Year 12 students, we have concluded our annual major fundraising drive. Project Raise the Roof was developed in collaboration with the Sisters of Charity Foundation, and sought to provide the financial means to support one of the 41,000 Australian victims of Modern Slavery to begin a new life, transitioning to safe housing and dignified work. Last week, we welcomed Sr Suzette Clark to accept a cheque for $17,528 on behalf of the Sisters of Charity Foundation.
We will never know the name of the person that this money will help, but we can be certain that their life will change as a result of our efforts. In this year of Compassion, I can think of no better way to celebrate the enduring mission of the Sisters of Charity than to give this person hope and a future. We will hold them, and all who help them on their journey, in our prayers.
Inaugural Urget Award Winners
At MSM Celebrates, we acknowledged the exceptional service work of ten young women, who have demonstrated a deep, sustained commitment to the mission of the College. The Urget Award is a new prize this year, and it was established to acknowledge students who had achieved excellence in service by completing at least 40 hours of school-based service across at three year period.
Congratulations to our inaugural winners:
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Our Missions of St Vincent students have launched their annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal. MSM has been very generous in supporting this program over many years, and we are mindful that the escalating cost of living crisis means that Christmas celebrations will be difficult for many families in need.
We ask that families consider adding a few items to their weekly shop, and bring these into the boxes provided in homerooms. All donations are gratefully received, but to ensure an even spread of donations, year levels may wish to focus on the following:
Prayer for Year 12 Students
As our Year 12 students prepare to begin their External Exam Block, we ask that you hold them in your prayers.Year 12 External Examinations
Our Year 12 students will commence their external examinations next week and will run for the following three weeks. I urge our Year 12 students undertaking these examinations to continue to put their best foot forward as they complete their final assessment tasks.
I am confident our Year 12 students have been given many revision tips and study techniques that will put them in good stead for success. The work of our teachers in supporting our Years 12 students cannot be underestimated; it is therefore fitting that Australia will celebrate and thank the teaching profession on World Teachers’ Day on Friday 25 October.
Year 11 Unit 3 Summative Assessment
Year 11 students are currently preparing to complete their first piece of Unit 3 summative assessment. All students are strongly encouraged to be revising the content they have covered in class across the term on a regular basis. These assessment instruments represent the first internal assessment tasks that will contribute to their final ATAR calculation, whilst also contributing to their QCE certification, if they are on an ATAR pathway.
2025 Subject Confirmations
Information about 2025 subjects will be sent to families next week. This communication will include confirmation about the electives students have been enrolled in as well as booklist information and deadlines. From 2025, we will be using Campion Education as our textbook and stationery provider. Everything can be purchased through this one provider and all students will move to their online platform from the start of the 2025 academic year. Should students wish to change their enrolled electives, they will need to contact me as soon as possible. Classes have been created based on student choices in Term 3, and so a change of subject might not always be possible.
Homework
Students in Years 7 and 8 should be completing 1 – 1 ½ hours of homework each night. Students in Year 9 should be completing 1 ½ hours – 2 hours each night. Students in Year 10 and 11 should be completing between 2 – 3 hours of homework and study each night. Students should not be panicking the night before an exam or assignment is due if they are maintaining a consistent homework routine. When students do not have set homework, they should be using this time to complete assignment work or revision for any upcoming exams.
Extensions
As the term progresses, if students fall behind in their studies, generally through illness or misadventure, then they are entitled to apply to modify their assessment deadlines, should there be a valid reason. If your student feels that they may need to negotiate their deadlines, then I strongly encourage them to come and have a conversation with either Ms Conway for students in Years 7 – 9 or Mrs Kean for students in Years 10 and 11. Ms Conway and Mrs Kean are in the best position to ascertain whether your daughter will meet the requirements for an adjustment to be made.
Revision Techniques
Students in Years 7 – 11 need to ensure that they start to revise the key content covered throughout the term over the next few weeks. Revision allows students to:
I encourage all students to commence their revision soon and wish them every success for their upcoming assessment period.
What an inspiring evening for our Senior Dance students who had the privilege of attending a sold-out season of the Australian premiere of Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon, performed by the Queensland Ballet. This full-length narrative ballet was choreographed by the renowned Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and explored the glamorous yet turbulent life of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. From her humble beginnings as an orphan to becoming a fashion legend, Chanel’s story was beautifully brought to life with powerful performances, stunning choreography, and timeless elegance.
Our students enjoyed the modern ballet that skilfully integrated a minimalistic set with effective choreographic devices and ballet technique. They will build on this valuable experience in the classroom as they further develop their analytical skills in response to the performance.
QMAT 7/8 MATH QUIZ
Congratulations to our six teams who competed in Round 1 and Round 2 of the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers Year 7 & 8 Mathematics Quiz. This extension opportunity for Years 7 and 8 students involves applying mathematics skills and concepts to new contexts and sharing strategies with like-minded students along the way. Well done to our Round 2 Regional winning team comprising Alice A, Alice H and Emma B!
YEAR 12 FINAL CLASSES
Last week our Year 12 students celebrated their final week of classes in style. Each day with a different theme, coming in costumes allowed them to bond as a year level in a safe and happy environment to mark their final week of classes. As they continue to "Aspire To Be More in 2024" they have also made generous donations to the Zephyr Foundation, to support children who have experienced domestic violence to attend school. The themes were TV character Tuesday, Western Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and Future Friday.
EXTRAVACANZA
It was wonderful to see record numbers of students visiting our ExtravaCANza market, enjoying the food and game stalls as we raised much needed funds for our Interact Group's 2024/25 Project in support of Zephyr QLD. This amazing charity provides essential school supplies and uniforms to young people living in Domestic Violence shelters, ensuring that they can continue with their education. Congratulations to our CAN Leadership Teams, our hardworking Year 9 students and all who make our ExtravaCANzas possible!
DEBATING MENTORS
Since the beginning of Term 3, four of our Year 11 debaters, Tully, Lucy, Ella and Eloise, have engaged as debating mentors to Year 5 and 6 students at St Joseph’s, Bardon. During their weekly sessions, the Year 11 students assisted the younger students with formulating arguments for their debates, providing constructive feedback on their presentation skills, and enhancing their love for debating. These four students are a credit to MSM, and are to be commended on their dedication and leadership.
DRAMA PUPPETRY WORKSHOP
On Wednesday 16 October, Year 9 Drama students participated in a very exciting all-day Puppetry workshop facilitated by Australian theatre company, Dead Puppet Society. The company is known for combining craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies to produce contemporary forms of puppetry and visual theatre that push the boundaries of live performance. The students were beautifully guided by Ms Helen Stephens, Head of Youth and Engagement through fun practical work in the Drama room. Students learnt the principles of visual theatre and transformational design elements to communicate story and create audience engagement through props, puppetry and shadow puppetry. They were delighted by the opportunity to create their own puppet using simple sustainable materials and enjoyed the art of puppet manipulation. The students have gained much inspiration for their upcoming Year 9 Drama assessment which will include puppetry and visual theatre conventions.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Japanese students in Years 9 and 11 practised their writing skills in a Calligraphy workshop presented by Orizuru, Brisbane. Shodo (calligraphy) not only helps improve Japanese language skills, but it can also help with relaxation, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and concentration.
CREATIVE GENERATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Well done to MSM Year 12 Visual Arts students, Isla C, Eva L, Charlotte E and Maisy M who were selected to represent the College at the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art. These awards recognise and promote excellence in senior visual art education throughout Queensland state and non-state schools. Since 1990, the program has helped raise community awareness of the degree of sophistication in concepts, diversity of technical competence, and the high standard of visual art education in Queensland secondary schools.
Representatives from Gallery of Modern Art and the Creative Industries spoke on the night about the importance of Visual Art and The Arts as an essential part of skilling students now and for the future through Cross Curricular Knowledge, Creative and Collaborative approaches.
A special congratulations to Charlotte E who received a Commendation Award for her artwork that addresses the synergy between art and biology. Charlotte's work that links science and art is a perfect example of how art teaches these invaluable skills.
ART WORKSHOP
Year 10 Art students had the privilege of working with local artist, promotions and education consultant Cheryl Boody. Cheryl works across a range of mediums and materials in her practice. This term, students attended a field trip to Enoggera Reservoir as part of their stimulus for an art project focused on connecting to place. Cheryl provided insight into a variety of 2D media approaches that students could explore in their own work. It was a wonderful opportunity for Year 10 Art students to engage with art-related industries and practices.
YEAR 12 GARDEN PARTY
We were blessed with glorious weather on the Convent Lawn as our Year 12 students and their mothers/caregivers celebrated at our annual Year 12 Mother-Daughter Garden Party, hosted in partnership with the MSM Alumni. This traditional event provides an opportunity for the College to bestow well wishes on our Year 12 cohort as they prepare for their final assessments and impending Graduation, and to remind them that their connection to the College continues beyond graduation through the MSM Alumni. Thank you to our wonderful Senior Strings who played so beautifully throughout the afternoon. A special thank you to MSM Alumni Executive, Anne O’Keeffe (President) and Kate Taylor (Secretary) and MSM Alumni, Ciara for their presence and support of the event.
Thank you to our MSM families who have purchased a heart in support of our Light the Way Capital Campaign.
Funds raised will be used to support college initiatives, ensuring that future generations of Mt St Michael’s students can receive the very best education.
All donations are tax-deductible and heart plaques will be mounted and blessed on Mary Aikenhead Day.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTS AUSTRALIA (CSPA) 2024 PARENT SURVEY
ON STUDENT WELLBEING AND LEARNING
MSM families are invited to participate in the Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) 2024 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning to help advise the Australian Government, the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) and State, Territory and Diocesan Catholic Education Offices on key issues concerning parents with children or young people in Australian Catholic Schools.
The survey can be accessed here: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management