Music Soiree
The final Music Soirée for the year was a wonderful celebration of our students’ talents, featuring performances from both co-curricular and curriculum music students. The evening included captivating presentations by the String Quartet, Wind Ensemble, and individual performances on the clarinet, violin, piano, flute, viola, guitar, and voice. It was a truly magnificent showcase of artistry and dedication. Congratulations to all students involved. I would especially like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our music teacher’s passion and encouragement of our students in making this a memorable event.

Farewell to our Year 12 Graduates
This week, we had the privilege of farewelling our Year 12 students, marking the culmination of their journey at MSM with the Graduation Mass and Dinner. These special occasions allowed us to celebrate their achievements and acknowledge the remarkable growth and resilience they have demonstrated throughout their years with us.

As our graduate’s step into the next chapter of their lives, we encourage them to carry forward the values that have shaped their time at MSM—love, justice, hope and compassion. These principles will serve as a steadfast foundation as they embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.

In the words of Mary Aikenhead: “May each be faithful in doing her best to keep alive peace and good will.” May this guiding sentiment inspire our graduates to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and service. We wish them every success and happiness as they embark on their future endeavours.

AI at MSM
This semester, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group has undertaken significant work to position our community at the forefront of educational innovation. Through rigorous analysis of research and developments across local, state, national, and global contexts, we have deepened our understanding of how AI can transform learning. Informed by staff and student feedback, and guided by a cross-curricular perspective, we are shaping strategies that ensure AI is integrated thoughtfully and ethically within our learning environment. These foundations will enable us to create dynamic, future-ready learning experiences that empower students with the skills and adaptability required for an evolving world. As we move forward, our commitment remains clear: to harness emerging technologies in ways that enrich teaching, inspire curiosity, and uphold the values that define our College.

As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply grateful for the partnership and support of our parents. Your collaboration has been instrumental in fostering a thriving and nurturing environment for our students.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our staff for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. Their dedication to excellence and passion for education have made this year truly remarkable.

Thank you to our students for your enthusiasm, perseverance, and for making this year so memorable.

Wishing everyone a joyous and holy Christmas. May this festive season bring you peace, happiness, and cherished moments with your family and friends.

Graduation Eucharist 
Our community farewelled the Class of 2025 with a beautiful Eucharist that was rich in symbol and meaning. Surrounded by their loved ones, our students gathered to give thanks for the gift of their MSM Education and to pray for the journey ahead. Each graduate was gifted a stone that was decorated at their Year 11 Leadership Retreat, a lasting reminder of the powerful bonds of sisterhood and the lessons learned at MSM. We sincerely thank Fr Gerry Kalinowski (Jubilee Parish Priest) and the many MSM Staff whose hard work made this special celebration possible. 

Interact Fundraising Project Concludes
Congratulations to our Interact Students, who have just completed a two-year fundraising project for Zephyr Education. In Term 4 each year, Interact coordinates a popular Christmas Market and other fundraising initiatives to raise funds for their chosen charity. Through their hard work and enterprise, the Interact students have raised $3,894 this term. Combined with their 2024 efforts, MSM has donated a total of $6,915 to Zephyr, to assist them in their support of young people escaping Domestic Violence. We thank our wonderful Interact students for their exemplary work, and their wonderful mentor teachers Mrs Devenish-Meares and Ms McLaughlin for their continued support of our students. 
 
Christmas Blessings 
As our year draws to a close, and the season of Advent calls each of us to slow down and prepare for the coming of the Christ child, I encourage you to take some time to prepare your heart for the Christmas season. 
 
May the peace of the manger, 
The light of the star, 
The wonder of the shepherds 
And the love of Mary 
 Be with you and all you love this Christmas. 

Farewell Class of 2025
This week, we came together as a community to honour and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our outgoing leaders with a truly memorable day of festivities. The occasion was filled with joy, pride, and reflection as we acknowledged the contributions of those who have guided and inspired us throughout the year. The Graduation Assembly and Dinner stood out as highlights, thanks to the tireless efforts of Ms Olivia Lennon (Year 12) and Mrs Paula Brydon (Year 11). Their dedication and attention to detail ensured the events ran smoothly, providing a fitting farewell for our graduating students. Attendees were moved by heartfelt contributions from staff and students alike, sharing stories of growth, perseverance, and friendship. Emotional moments were abundant, as many reflected on their journey, and the enthusiastic singing of Fide et Amore united everyone in celebration and true MSM spirit. The final Guard of Honour was a sight to behold with our Year 5 students leading the College to form the joyful archway out of the Sophia Centre. The spirit truly was alive for our class of 2025 right up until their final moments. We extend our gratitude to all who played a role—whether by organising, participating, or simply attending—and helped make these events a resounding success.

School is Almost Out!
As the school year draws to a close and students begin working through final assessments, it’s natural for fatigue to set in. The pressures of assignments, exams, and extracurricular commitments can leave students feeling drained. During this time, parents play a crucial role in providing support and encouragement, helping their children navigate the challenges that come with the holiday period. Parenting is never easy, and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone; many families are facing similar struggles and uncertainties. Psychologists offer valuable advice for this time of year to help parents and caregivers support their daughters effectively:

• Be present: Make time to spend with your daughters, even if they don’t always ask for it. Quality time can make a significant difference to their wellbeing, fostering a sense of connection and security.
• Be the parent: Don’t be afraid to disagree or offer guidance, advice, and boundaries. Setting clear expectations helps young people feel safe and supported, even when they push back.
• Be consistent: Continue to restate and reinforce boundaries, even if you feel like you’re repeating yourself. Consistency helps teenagers understand family values and rules, providing a stable environment.
• Be persistent: Teenagers will inevitably test limits, but it’s important to remain firm and patient. Persistence pays off, as young people eventually come to appreciate the boundaries you set, even if it takes time.

Above all, remember that parenting can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every family has its ups and downs, and it’s okay to seek help or share your experiences with others. As we head into the holiday period, we wish all parents and caregivers good luck, patience, and plenty of memorable moments with their children. Together, we can help our young people finish the school year strongly and look forward to a restful, enjoyable break.

IS YOUR FAMILY READY FOR THE SOCIAL MEDIA DELAY ON 10 DECEMBER?
 
Social Media Delay
A reminder to our College community that from 10 December young people under 16 will not be allowed to create or hold accounts on certain social media platforms. Some social media platforms have started sending notifications to children aged 13-15 and have given them until 4 December before their account access will start being revoked. 

The eSafety Commissioner advises that parents and caregivers can help their under 16s by talking openly about the age restrictions, finding out how they currently use social media and how that may be impacted by the new law.
There are no penalties for under 16s who access an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or caregivers. Penalties will apply to age-restricted platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from having accounts on their platforms.

Information and resources to support parents and caregivers, and young people to prepare for the change are available at the eSafety Social media age restrictions hub and 30-minute webinars are available for parents and caregivers.
 
Also visit the Mt St Michael's College Online Safety Hub for more trusted safety advice around social media, gaming, screen time, bullying, cybersafety and digital parenting advice. 

Parental Controls (Qustodio) - Excellent for managing devices over the holidays

The Qustodio Parent App is available as a free tool for MSM parents and is licensed for both the school laptop and an additional device (phone/tablet). Qustodio enables you to take an active role in your child’s online journey with robust online safety features. This enables you to supervise your child’s online activities on their school-managed device outside of school hours and during the holidays. 

With Qustodio parent app, you'll have the ability to apply:

✅ Filter content: Block inappropriate sites, ensure online safety.
✅ App & Game Management – Block distracting or inappropriate apps to keep your child focused.
✅ Manage screen time: Set healthy limits, foster balance.
✅ Supervise YouTube: Keep an eye on their video viewing habits.
✅ Alerts and Reporting: Receive real-time notifications.
✅ Oversee activity: Stay informed about your child's online activity.

To start using Qustodio, go to http://www.qustodio.com/my-school. Please be sure to use the "Parent 1" email address the school has on file. This will then make the connection to your daughter’s device.  Add additional parent/caregivers to your account once you have established your Qustodio profile. Go to the Account Settings and choose “Additional parent” to add. Visit this article for further information and instructions.
This video (4:06) has more information about how these tools will help you keep your child safe online: Introduction to Qustodio parent tools video.

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT asked Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia's leading psychologists, author, and broadcaster, to help educators and parents and caregivers with children under 16 prepare for the upcoming changes to social media platforms. 

In this 30-minute video, Dr Carr-Gregg explains what social media is, how the age restrictions will work, why it is happening and how it will affect families and schools. We invite our MSM parents and caregivers to take time out for half an hour to watch this video so that they understand and are equipped to handle the impact of the changes on their families, it may be a challenging time of transition but protecting our young people is a worthy end goal
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO VIA THIS LINK : 'The Social Media Delay: What It Means for Parents and Schools'

IMMUNISATION REMINDER 
Each year, thousands of Queensland students miss out on important adolescent vaccines. Although immunisation has been offered at MSM this year, some girls may have been absent on those days.

For students who missed our Immunisation Program clinic, these vaccines are available at no cost from a range of providers.

• Vaccines can be accessed through GPs, pharmacies, and community immunisation clinics.
• Some future study and career opportunities may require proof of vaccination.

 
Recommended adolescent vaccines:
 

Year level	Vaccine
Year 7	Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough)
	Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Year 10	Meningococcal B
	Meningococcal ACWY

Learn more here:
Vaccination for school aged children and young people
How vaccines work – How vaccines work - YouTube

Date Claimers
Week 2
MSM Swimming Carnival - Tuesday 3 February
College Photo Day - Wednesday 4 February
Week 4
Year 11 Semi-Formal - Friday 20 February

As we conclude another vibrant and productive academic year, we take this moment to celebrate the many achievements of our MSM students. Their determination, perseverance, and commitment to learning have been evident across all areas of school life, truly reflecting the spirit and values that define our community.

Our students have achieved outstanding academic results across a broad range of subjects. These successes are a testament not only to their hard work but also to the dedicated teaching staff who have supported, guided, and encouraged them throughout the year. Beyond the classroom, students have participated with enthusiasm in sport, the arts, service initiatives, and CAN groups, continuing to grow as confident, compassionate young people grounded in our Catholic tradition.

We acknowledge with gratitude the professionalism and unwavering commitment of our staff. Their ability to inspire, challenge, and nurture each student creates a learning environment where young people feel valued and empowered. We thank them sincerely for their passion and service.

As we look ahead, we are excited for the opportunities the new year will bring. We remain committed to cultivating a learning culture where every student is supported to strive for excellence and to realise their full potential. Thank you to parents, caregivers, and the broader MSM community for your ongoing support. Together, we celebrate the successes of 2025 and look forward with optimism to the year ahead.

Year 12 Academic Information
Unit 3 and 4 Academic Transcripts are now available in Parent Lounge and Student Café. These documents outline students’ results for all internal assessment in General and Applied subjects.

QCAA will release final subject results at 9:00am on Wednesday 17 December via the myQCE portal.
QTAC will release ATAR results at 9:00am on Thursday 18 December via the QTAC ATAR portal.

2026 Subject Allocations, Textbooks & Stationery
Subject allocations for 2026 have been emailed to families. Students with questions about their subjects, or who require a change, are encouraged to contact me as soon as possible.

Campion Education will again supply textbooks and stationery for the 2026 school year. Most resources are provided digitally, with physical books required only where indicated.

Families may access the booklists at www.campion.com.au using the code 86MD. If your student has previously placed an order, entering their school email address will allow the system to auto-recognise your account.

To ensure delivery before school commences, orders must be placed by Wednesday 10 December 2025.

Semester 2 2025 Report Cards
Semester 2 Report Cards for students in Years 5 –10 will be available in Student Café and Parent Lounge from Friday 5 December. Year 11 students will receive their progressive Unit 3 reporting early in 2026.

Take care and God bless.

As we reach the end of the school year, it’s a wonderful time to pause and celebrate the growth, achievements and memories we’ve shared together throughout the first year of Year 5 at MSM!

We are looking forward to the students displaying many of their skills and talents at next Wednesday’s Year 5 Semester 2 Learning Showcase. The students (and adults!) have been working tirelessly to prepare for an evening of engaging performances and demonstrations of learning. It will be a very fitting culminating event to the Year 5 journey.

We are very grateful to you, our Year 5 parents and carers, for your support and collaboration this year. Whether it’s been helping with homework, cheering from the sidelines, your involvement makes a huge difference. Your partnership with us has created a strong foundation for student success.

I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Junior School staff – Mrs Kate Marsh, Ms Kate Toohey and Ms Jen Roberts - whose passion and commitment have enabled our students to thrive this year. The staff have gone above and beyond to provide safe and engaging learning environments for our Year 5 students.

We are so incredibly proud of the way in which the Year 5 students have embraced challenges, supported one another and celebrated each other’s successes this year. We are excited to continue walking the journey with them next year in Year 6.

As we head ever so closer to the summer holidays, we encourage families to enjoy time together, rest and recharge. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, ready for fresh opportunities, new challenges and more wonderful memories.

Junior School Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards
Congratulations to the following students for receiving Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards at our last Junior School Assembly:

Mila (5H) - Congratulation Mila on your sustained effort to make progress in your learning at MSM.  You demonstrate commitment and a growth mindset.  Your willingness to ask clarifying questions and high engagement in learning tasks has enabled you to make great gains in Year Five.  Keep up the super effort.  You should be proud of all you have achieved.

Addison (5H) - Addie, you are commended for consistently demonstrating resilience and a growth mindset each day at MSM.  Your growing confidence and independence are evident across all areas of school life, allowing you to truly flourish. Keep up your outstanding effort, showing determination and perseverance in all you do.  

Emmy (5L) - Emmy consistently demonstrates genuine respect and kindness towards everyone she encounters. Whether interacting with peers, teachers or visitors to our school, she is always helpful, considerate and welcoming. Emmy’s positive attitude and thoughtful actions contribute to a caring and inclusive school environment. This was demonstrated beautifully in her interactions with a new family at the Year 5 Orientation Day.

Madeline (5L) - Madeline has demonstrated outstanding diligence in her learning this year, particularly in Science. Her thoughtful preparation and detailed planning during our unit on the particle model of matter showcased a deep understanding and a genuine curiosity for scientific concepts. Madeline’s commitment to learning and consistent effort have been commendable. Keep up the great work.

Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School