Open Evening
We look forward to welcoming prospective families to our MSM Open Evening next Friday, 27 February. On this day, classes will conclude at 2:10pm, and students who are not involved in Open Evening activities may depart at that time.

I extend my sincere thanks to the many students who will be supporting the evening across curricular and co-curricular areas, particularly those assisting with tours. I am also grateful to our dedicated staff for their generosity of time and commitment to ensure this event is a positive and memorable experience for our visitors.

Japanese Host School Visit
We are pleased to welcome students from our Host Japanese school Kanagawa Gakuen High School to our College for a week-long visit. During their stay, students will attend classes with their host students, further develop their English language skills, and deepen their understanding of Australian culture.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our MSM host families, whose generosity and hospitality make this valuable cultural exchange possible.

The Season of Lent Begins
This week marks the commencement of the Lenten season: the forty day period of preparation that leads us to the Feast of Easter. On Wednesday, our College community joined millions of Christians around the world to mark Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and abstinence that marks the beginning of the Lenten Journey. Like Jesus, who – on the cusp of his ministry – withdrew from his obligations to spend time in the wild silence of the desert, we are called to spend this season attending to personal and spiritual growth, and in acts of service to those who are needy.

The more austere understanding of Lent calls us to “give up” something as penance for forty days. In my 20 years as an educator, I have watched many a well-intentioned Lenten promise to solemnly give up sugar, caffeine or chocolate unravel (sometimes only hours in!).

In recent years, my own Lenten preparations have focused more on “adding in” rather than “taking away” from my life. Rather than pledging to “give up” something that really doesn’t matter much, you could try to “add” to the lives of others. Here are some examples:

• Sit with a different group of people every morning tea time
• Add some extra items to your grocery list and donate these to Vinnies, the Romero Centre or your local Food Bank
• Make an unexpected “just because” phone call to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
• Eat a family meal together – technology free
• Go through your wardrobe and collect a bag of good quality clothing for Vinnies.

In his Lenten Address, Pope Leo offered another interesting perspective on the traditional concept of a “Lenten Fast”:

“I would like to invite you to a very practical and unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend or hurt our neighbour. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.

Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace.”
 

Project Compassion Launch
Congratulations and thank you to our newly elected Year 6 MSM Cares Leaders, who represented the College at this week’s Caritas Project Compassion Launch at St Stephen’s Cathedral. MSM Cares will focus its work on fundraising for Caritas throughout Term 1, ensuring that the vital work of caring for the world’s poor continues. At the Cathedral, our students had the opportunity to meet other student leaders from Brisbane Catholic Schools, and enjoyed meeting our new Archbishop Shane Mackinlay. Thank you to Ms Jordan for accompanying our MSM Cares Leaders to this event.

On Shrove Tuesday, our Year 12 students hosted a very successful Pancake Stall, with funds going to Project Compassion. Our students sold a record number of pancakes this year, collecting $498 in donations! Thank you to Ms Brydon and our Year 12 students for this outstanding event.

Project Safe Haven Fundraising Update
In two short weeks, our community has made significant progress towards their $15,000+ fundraising goal for this year. Some highlights include:

• Year 10 Valentine’s Day Market and Dress Up Day: $2,009
• Year 11 Pay It Forward Market Day: a very successful day – donation total pending!

Sincere thanks to our Year 10 and 11 students for their generous support of Project Safe Haven, and to Ms Lennon, Ms McLaughlin and Mr Kelly for their coordination of these fundraising events.

SLT Visit to Emmanuel City Mission
As we begin our journey through our year of Justice, our Student Leadership Team (SLT) participated in the College’s first Outreach event to Emmanuel City Mission. We are delighted to partner with ECM this year, supporting their wonderful work through Project Safe Haven. This visit – the first of many for our Year 10 and 12 students this year – allowed our student leaders to see first-hand the vital services that ECM provides, giving them an opportunity to roll up their sleeves to help. College Captains Freya and Katie, and College Mission Captain Makenzie, offer their reflections below. I sincerely thank Mr Kelly for his organisation of this wonderful initiative, and Ms Brydon (Year 12 Pastoral Leader) for accompanying the students.

In the coming weeks, Mr Kelly will provide information to our Year 10 and 12 students about opportunities to participate in an Outreach visit to ECM. Places are limited, so we encourage those who are interested to check their Year Level Teams for information.

Freya – College Captain
The evening was an impactful way to commence our service aspirations for 2026 and years to come through mission and connection. The evening consisted of categorising donations in the St Vincent De Paul room where those in need could go and collect necessary clothing and items to help lighten the load. We also participated in organising toiletries, towels, and sheets in cabinets for their newly welcomed overnight housing on Wednesday nights as well as preparing a hearty supper which was then served and packaged for following meals. It was a truly eye-opening evening.

Makenzie – Mission Captain
Spending time at ECM allowed us to connect deeply with the purpose behind Project Safe Haven and witness first-hand the compassion, care, and dignity that underpin its work. The experience not only strengthened our commitment to the project but also fostered a profound appreciation for the vital mission being carried out in our community and for the many blessings we often take for granted.

This experience reminded me that justice isn’t only about big gestures; it’s about consistency, dignity, and showing up with compassion. Our visit challenged me to think about how we, as a school community, can continue to act with intention — not just through fundraising, but through the way we treat others each day. If Project Safe Haven is about creating change, it begins with choosing to see, to care, and to serve with courage.

Katie – College Captain
Being at ECM and experiencing the action, effort, and kindness that goes into helping and supporting those in need, provided a much-appreciated insight into the meaning behind MSM’s year of justice. For the girls to be able to experience first-hand, the difference made through the generosity of the surrounding community provided an understanding and awareness of what we can achieve and do for others but also left us with a sense of gratitude for what we have in our lives inside and out of school.

Positive Education at MSM: The Foundation of Student Wellbeing                         
As we settle into a new school year, our focus at Mt St Michael’s College is not only on academic growth, but on the wellbeing, character and flourishing of every student. Central to this commitment is our Positive Education Program, which underpins the way we support students to thrive—emotionally, socially, and academically—throughout their schooling journey. Positive Education is an approach to learning and wellbeing grounded in Positive Psychology and informed by contemporary research into what helps young people flourish. At Mt St Michael’s, this approach is intentionally woven into our curriculum, pastoral structures, and daily interactions, ensuring wellbeing is not an “add‑on,” but a shared responsibility across the College community.

What is Positive Education?
Positive Education focuses on developing students’ strengths, resilience, and wellbeing skills alongside academic learning. Our program is informed by the PERMA framework—Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment—which provides a common language for wellbeing across the College.

Through explicit learning experiences and everyday classroom practice, students are supported to:

• understand and use their personal strengths.
• build positive, respectful relationships.
• develop emotional awareness and self‑regulation.
• find meaning and purpose in learning and service.
• experience a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their abilities.

Research consistently shows that when wellbeing literacy and positive pedagogy are intentionally integrated, students experience improved engagement, learning outcomes and overall wellbeing.

How the Program Comes to Life at the College
Our Positive Education Program is delivered through a whole‑school, developmentally appropriate model, with learning experiences tailored to each year level. Students engage in explicit Positive Education lessons, pastoral programs and wellbeing initiatives that support their stage of development and the challenges they may face. Across the College, Positive Education is also embedded implicitly through teaching practice, co‑curricular activities and the way staff model and reinforce values such as kindness, empathy, resilience, and gratitude.

A Shared Language for Wellbeing
An important strength of our Positive Education approach is the shared language it creates across classrooms, year levels and families. When students learn common concepts such as strengths, growth, connection, and perseverance, they are better equipped to articulate their experiences, seek support, and apply these skills in everyday life. This shared language supports positive relationships, contributes to a culture of inclusion and respect, and strengthens students’ capacity to navigate challenge and change—particularly important at the start of a new school year.

Looking Ahead
As we adjust to the new school year, Positive Education will continue to shape how we support students’ learning, wellbeing, and personal growth. Through intentional teaching, strong relationships, and a commitment to the whole person, we aim to empower each student to flourish—now and into the future. We look forward to partnering with families as we nurture confident, compassionate, and resilient young women, grounded in our values and equipped for life beyond the classroom.

Positive Education: Overview Year 5-12
Each year level focuses on age‑appropriate wellbeing skills, building students’ resilience, self‑awareness, and capacity to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
 
Year 5              Foundations of Wellbeing and Belonging
Year 6              Building Resilience and Positive Mindsets
Year 7              Character Strengths and The Resilience Project                                                
Year 8              Thinking Skills for Peak Performance
Year 9              Positive Psychology and Identity Development
Year 10            Mental Toughness
Year 11            Coaching Psychology and Goal Setting
Year 12            Flourishing for the Future

Contacting Teaching Staff
Parents are encouraged to contact either Homeroom teachers for pastoral matters or subject teachers for curriculum matters at any time throughout the year should concerns arise. For matters pertaining to what is occurring in the classroom, the subject teacher is the best person to contact in the first instance, as they are in the classrooms with students. Homeroom and subject teacher contact details are all available in Parent Lounge. Please go to Student Details > Email Class Teachers > Select the teacher’s name that you want to email.
 
Pi Day
On Friday 13 March, our school will celebrate Pi Day, an engaging academic event organised by the Academic Captains in partnership with UQ Science Ambassadors, taking place during lunchtime in K13/K14. Pi Day is traditionally celebrated on 14 March, reflecting the first three digits of the mathematical constant π (pi = 3.14), and is also recognised globally as the International Day of Mathematics. This year, our celebrations will be held on the Friday ahead of the official date. Students can look forward to fun, interactive mathematical activities that highlight the creativity, relevance and real‑world impact of mathematics, and all are encouraged to come along and join in the celebration of this important international day.
 
NAPLAN
In Term 1, students in Year 5, 7 and 9 will be participating in the National Literacy and Numeracy testing to be held in March 2026. NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment to help parents see how their child is progressing in the fundamental skills of literacy and numeracy. Participation in national assessment programs also allows the school community to monitor student progress over time against national standards. The programs allow schools to identify strengths and weaknesses in their curriculum, thus improving overall outcomes for students. Literacy and Numeracy achievement is measured against national benchmarks for reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy. All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 nationally, are expected to participate. Further information about the online NAPLAN testing can be accessed using the following link: http://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment

NAPLAN testing window occurs between the 11th – 23rd March, 2026. Students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will engage in practice tests before the testing period to ensure familiarity with the online browser. Parents and students can engage with demonstration tests using the following link: http://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site
 
If you have any questions in relation to NAPLAN testing, please contact the Head of Junior School, Ms Katie Jordan (kjordan@msm.qld.edu.au), for students in Year 5 or the Program Leader - Middle Years, Ms Alison Larkings (alarkings@msm.qld.edu.au), for students in Years 7 and 9.
 
Elevate Education - Parent Webinar Series
Elevate Education provide a series of parent webinars to help parents support your child through school.

Sign up here: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars
Upcoming Parent Webinars in Term 1 include:
 
How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time
February 25, 5:30-6:30pm (AEST)
 
How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!)
March 11, 5:30-6:30pm (AEST)
 
How You Can Help Improve Your Child's Memory
March 25, 5:30-6:30pm (AEST).

With the first few weeks of the school year now behind us, it has been wonderful to see our Junior School students settling into the rhythm of College life. We are well and truly in the throes of our teaching and learning program, with the Year 5 and 6 classrooms filled with curiosity and diligence as the students engage with new concepts and challenges. The co-curricular program is also up and running, providing opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop new skills and strengthen their connections across the College. It is shaping up to be a vibrant and fulfilling year ahead!
 
Year 5 and 6 Parent-Teacher Conferences
This week, Year 5 and 6 parents and caregivers have had the opportunity to meet with their child’s Homeroom teacher during Parent-Teacher Conferences. The purpose of these conferences has been to discuss the students’ transition to the new school year, the students’ strengths, and to collaboratively set goals for learning and engagement for the year. I thank both the parents and Year 5 and 6 teachers for their commitment to collaborating, and for connecting meaningfully to discuss student learning and wellbeing.
 
College Leaders Talk with Year 5 about the MSM Community
In the Year 5 Term 1 Religion unit, students are learning about how faith is shared and strengthened in the Catholic community (specifically, the Mt St Michael’s community). As an early learning experience, we invited Year 12 College Captain, Freya, and the Year 12 Mission Captains (Pia and Makenzie) as ‘guest speakers’ to talk to the Year 5 students about their experience as members of the MSM community.
 
They were able to share with the Year 5 cohort their reflections on:

• What is special about the MSM community.
• How they knew they truly belonged to the MSM community.
• What they believe are some of the common/unique interests or characteristics of the MSM community.
• Some of their favourite memories of their time in the MSM community.
• Ways that MSM celebrates being a Catholic community.

 
We thank Freya, Pia and Makenzie for their engaging and insightful presentation.

Semester 2 2025 Principal’s Awards
At our Junior School Assembly last week, we were joined by Ms Volp who awarded a number of our current Year 6 students with Semester 2 2025 Principal’s Awards. These awards were presented to students who demonstrated Academic Excellence and/or Excellence in Commitment across their studies in Semester 2 of last year. Together, these awards highlight how our students demonstrate a love of learning through both achievement and effort. It brought us all great joy to acknowledge and celebrate these students.

Junior School Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards
Last week, our first group of 2026 Year 5 and 6 students to receive Positive Behaviours for Learning awards were presented with their certificates. Congratulations to the following students:

Thalia (5H) – you consistently demonstrate diligence, integrity and heart. You approach every task with focus and determination, always striving to do your very best. You are an excellent role model, leading not only with confidence but with kindness, setting a wonderful example for those around you. You show genuine care and consideration for others, offering support, encouragement and friendship whenever it is needed.
 
Mina (5H) – you are consistently respectful to everyone around you, treating others with kindness and care. You are a quiet achiever, working diligently and giving your best in everything you do, never seeking attention but always deserving recognition. You get along beautifully with your peers and value everyone’s ideas, listening thoughtfully and making others feel heard and included.
 
Amelia (5L) – you consistently show exceptional organisation, arriving each day prepared, focused and ready to learn. You approach every task with enthusiasm and commitment, carefully following teacher instructions and your manners are impeccable! You are a terrific role model for the students in 5 Love and we are very lucky to have you in our class.

Matilda (5L) - we proudly recognise you for demonstrating exceptional respect in your learning as you begin your Year 5 journey at MSM. From your very first day, you have shown a caring and considerate attitude toward others, always including peers and helping create a welcoming and supportive classroom environment. You listen carefully, follows instructions and engage fully in every learning task, showing both responsibility and enthusiasm. Congratulations on a terrific start to the year!

Sahana (6C) - you are commended for an outstanding start to Year 6. You consistently demonstrate diligence each day at MSM through your exemplary behaviour and excellent work habits. I look forward to seeing you continue to flourish with this approach through the year.

Sadie (6C) – you have had an impressive start to your Year 6 learning journey. Through your positive engagement in class, you have encouraged rich discussion in group work, and demonstrated curiosity when learning new concepts. Your work ethic is an inspiration to others. Keep up the super effort.   

Sarah (6J) - Sarah is recognised for consistently demonstrating the positive learning behaviour of diligence. She arrives at school each day with enthusiasm and a warm, positive energy. Sarah engages fully in all learning opportunities, contributing her ideas thoughtfully and respectfully. Her commitment to doing her best and her willingness to participate in every lesson make her a wonderful role model for her peers.

Asher (6J) - Asher is recognised for consistently demonstrating the positive learning behaviour of diligence. She approaches her learning with determination, working hard to complete tasks with effort and care. Asher is to be commended for the enthusiasm and creativity she showed when creating a self‑portrait that represented her identity. Her thoughtful approach and commitment to producing her best work make her a wonderful example to others.
 
Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School