Leading Mt St Michael’s College has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. I love this community, which is grounded in faith, purpose and care for one another and so deeply shaped by the charism of the Sisters of Charity. The Sisters values of hope, justice, love, compassion and service, have profoundly influenced me, challenging and inspiring me to lead with courage, humility and a deep respect for the dignity of each person.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff. Your professionalism, generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to our students are the foundation of everything that makes MSM so special. I have been privileged to walk alongside you.
To our students, past and present: you are the reason I do this work. Your courage, compassion, humour and willingness to strive for excellence continually inspires me. Watching you grow into confident young people, ready to contribute thoughtfully and generously to our world, has been a source of immense pride.
To our parents and families, I have been humbled by the stories that you have shared with me, as you have entrusted your daughters to my care.
I have always felt the faith and love of our community through the joys and challenges of the last nine years. It is with profound gratitude that I will always treasure this special journey that has been my call as Principal at MSM. I would also like to take this opportunity to say “Thank you” for the many messages of kindness and support that I have already received.
Please be assured that over the coming months, I intend to be fully committed to serving the community of MSM.
In Faith and Love
Sharon Volp
We look forward to celebrating at our sold out 2026 International Women’s Day High Tea this Sunday, 8 March from 2pm to 4pm in the beautiful Marquee at Victoria Park. Important event information has been emailed to attendees.
Thank you to the many local businesses and MSM families who kindly donated raffle prizes in support of our event. Your generosity and ongoing support of the College is much appreciated.
Be part of this year’s IWD High Tea Raffle! Support the MSM Foundation’s Light the Way Capital Campaign and grab your tickets before sales close on Sunday, 8 March at 3.30pm. Ticket sales are open to all – attendance at the high tea is not required to be in the running.
Check out Rafflelink to see the prizes up for grabs and buy your tickets today.
Despite forecasts of rain, our Open Evening on Friday 27 February was exceptionally well attended and a wonderful celebration of the spirit of our community. From the moment families arrived at the front gate, they were met with a genuine sense of warmth, welcome and pride that resonated across the entire College. Prospective families commented on the friendly atmosphere and the openness with which staff and students engaged, creating an immediate sense of belonging.
Throughout the evening, visitors explored a wide range of learning and engagement spaces, including Faith and Mission, curriculum and wellbeing displays, co-curricular offerings, and our ever-popular CAN stalls and BBQ. Of particular note were the student-led guided tours, where our students spoke confidently and authentically about their learning experiences, relationships, and opportunities at MSM. Families consistently remarked on the confidence, enthusiasm, and commitment our students demonstrated, and many shared how powerfully it was expressed that students genuinely ‘love MSM.’
The Principal’s address brought together the many elements that make our College such a special place to learn and grow. Sincere thanks are extended to all staff who contributed their time and energy, and to our wonderful students who so proudly highlighted the heart of our College. Your collective efforts ensured the evening was both memorable and impactful for all who attended.
Our recent Music Soiree was a delightful evening that highlighted the talent, dedication and passion of our classroom and co-curricular music students. The event was led by our Music Captain Ruby O, whose confidence and warmth set the tone for an engaging and polished evening of performance.
Audience members were treated to a diverse and impressive program, featuring performances by Isabela C, Nusaybah, Sarah O, Zali, Illyeen, Bernice and Delphi. Across piano, guitar, violin and voice, students demonstrated not only technical skill but also musical expression and confidence.
Heartfelt thanks are offered to our dedicated music tutors, Dr Rosiak and Mrs Littlewood, for their guidance and support, as well as to Mr Watson from IT for his assistance on the evening. Events such as the Music Soiree continue to affirm the strength of our performing arts program and the importance of providing students with authentic opportunities to shine.
We recently welcomed 18 students from Kanagawa Gakuen, our sister school in Japan.
The girls enjoyed ESL classes each morning and then joined Japanese classes and a number of their host sisters’ classes for the remainder of each day. We were grateful that the Kanagawa Gakuen students brought Japanese calligraphy pens, toys, and games to our Japanese classes for our students’ learning and enjoyment.
One of the school highlights was the girls’ choral performance at Assembly. After a very articulate introduction in English, the Kanagawa Gakuen middle school students impressed us all with their vocal abilities.
The most important part of this program was the homestay. We were very fortunate that so many MSM families warmly welcomed the students into their homes. The Japanese girls kept a diary where they wrote about the kindness and generosity of their host families. Trips to Australia Zoo, Lone Pine Sanctuary, Mt Coot-tha and the beach were fondly shared in classes. Thank you MSM families for making this exchange so special for the Kanagawa Gakuen students and a very warm thank you to Mrs Sue Wiseman for coordinating this wonderful cultural exchange.
It has become a lovely tradition in recent years for our community to work together on a collaborative art project that represents our annual theme and major fundraising project. In our special year on justice, and with a firm commitment to support Emmanuel City Mission (ECM) through Project Safe Haven, our community unveiled this year’s art project at our recent Open Evening. Called The Justice Tent, this installation piece shines a light on the deep privilege of home and the fragile nature of homelessness.
Surrounding a simple tent – the same type that we have seen popping up in parks and laneways across our city as the housing crisis deepens – our girls have strung garlands of COVID masks, each decorated lovingly in homerooms with prayers and messages of hope and encouragement. The masks are displayed like peace flags around the tent, encircling it in prayer. The use of COVID masks is highly symbolic. They reflect the devastating impact that the pandemic had on the surge in homelessness, and they also represent the physical barriers we often place between ourselves and discomfort.
The floor of the tent is covered in the welcome mat that our Year 7 students and their fathers/caregivers created at this year’s Father-Daughter Breakfast. It reminds us that when we enter into another person’s story, we cross a threshold, and that we must do this with sensitivity and respect.
The Justice Tent will remain on display in the Ionian Centre for the remainder of this year, visibly reminding each of us of the commitment we have made to support ECM in their work.
Recently joining the Mt St Michael’s community, the most unique part of the College service learning program is its thriving Community Action Network. This is a program that is a part of the MSM culture, embedded in mission and invested in for many years by dedicated mentor staff and enthusiastic students alike. Coming along to meetings this term, I have been warmly welcomed by all groups, who each have come up with a vision for 2026 coupled with some fun activities to get to know one another or support a local community group such as St Vincent’s aged care or hospitals. The CAN groups as they are affectionately known came together for an Open Day food stall last Friday in support of the Major Project for 2026, Project Safe Haven, and it was affirming to see so many students, staff and parents preparing the goods throughout the week, staffing this stall on the evening and demonstrating the servant heart that the College looks to nurture. Thank you to all who baked goods during the week, spent their lunch time packing lolly bags or came along on the evening and shared their passion for the Community Action Network with prospective MSM families. Our efforts raised an impressive $1,740 for Project Safe Haven.
If your daughter has yet to come along to a meeting this year, I would encourage them to find a group that lines up with their interests, attend a meeting and feel the same sense of connection and community building that I did. Sisters Empowering Sisters meet on Day 1, Interact on Day 3, Environment Club on Day 4, Missions of St Vincent on Day 8 and the Social Justice Council on Day 9. All meetings take place at lunch time in I16.
Year 12 Theme Launch: Bring the Mix in 2026
At this week’s assembly, our Year 12 cohort, led by the Student Leadership Team launched their 2026 theme, Bring the Mix in 2026 - a theme that celebrates who we are as a community and how we live out our College values, together at MSM.
Bring the Mix reminds us that our College is strengthened by difference. Each student brings their own gifts, energy and perspective, and it is the coming together of these differences that creates a community where everyone can belong and flourish. Our focus value for the year is Justice, and it sits at the heart of this theme - not as an idea, but as a way of acting each day through kindness, integrity, courage, and care for one another.
The theme also highlights the importance of balance. Learning, wellbeing, creativity, co‑curricular involvement, service, and faith all matter. When these elements work together, students are better supported to grow, to persevere when things are challenging, and to lift one another up along the way. The invitation is clear, 2026 is the year to get involved in everything that is on offer at MSM.
The launch concluded with a vibrant and joyful performance of Make Your Own Kind of Music, with exceptional energy and wholehearted singing from our Year 12 students. It was a powerful and affirming moment that captured the spirit of the theme and the strength of our MSM community.
A heartfelt thank you to all Year 12 students, the Student Leadership Team, and our Homeroom Teachers for their hard work, creativity, and commitment. A special acknowledgement to Mrs Paula Brydon, whose energy, leadership, and dedication were central to bringing this theme to life.
As we move through 2026, Bring the Mix invites every student to show up as themselves, contribute generously, and help create a just, inclusive, and connected community.
NAPLAN 2026 Tests:
The NAPLAN online testing is fast approaching.
The testing dates are as follows:
Catch-up sessions will be conducted across the 9-day testing window.
Each year level has had an opportunity to run the NAP locked down browser and test their equipment. Additional preparation can be undertaken at home by visiting: https://nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site
NAPLAN online testing requires the use of a laptop with the ability to play audio. Students need working wired headphones to use the audio player. Please note that wireless, airpods or bluetooth earbuds/headphones are not permitted for NAPLAN online testing. Students will need to ensure that their laptops are properly charged the evening prior to support them in this endeavour.
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.
Assessment Calendars
Semester 1, Unit 1 and Units 3 Assessment Calendars are all available in Student Café and Parent Lounge. These calendars provide an overview of all assessment for the upcoming semester, and it is important that all students use these documents when organising their study schedule to ensure all assessment tasks are completed to the best of their ability.
Students and parents can access their bespoke assessment calendars through Student Café and Parent Lounge using the following steps:
- Go to Calendar > eDiary Student Name (Picture 1)
- Untick all fields except LMS/Assessment Activities (Picture 2)
- You can view what is due in the coming month (Picture 3)
Attendance at School
Regular attendance at school is critical for your student’s learning and development. If your student is going to be absent for more than a week during the term, parents need to request approval for this absence in writing from Ms Volp. While the value of a family vacation is accepted, as is the occasional need for attendance at events in term time, priority must be given to regular school attendance. This is particularly the case if your student’s absence will involve missing end-of-term assessment.
Extension requests
There will be circumstances that arise where your student can apply for an extension to an assessment deadline. Please note that, as per QCAA guidelines, family holidays during term time are not valid reasons for an extension. If your student falls behind in her studies, generally through illness or misadventure, then they are entitled to apply to modify her assessment deadlines. If your student feels that they may need to negotiate her deadlines, then I strongly encourage her to contact either Ms Larkings, Program Leader Middle School, for students in Years 7 – 9 or Mrs Kean, Program Leader Senior School, for students in Years 10 - 12. Ms Larkings and Mrs Kean are in the best position to ascertain whether your student will meet the requirements for an adjustment to be made. Please note that any request must be made at least two business days before the due date.
Absences when assessment is due
If your student is absent on a day when they have an assignment due, they are still expected to submit their assessment digitally using the process required for the specific subject. If your student is absent on the day that they are scheduled to sit an examination, please note that they will be required to complete the examination when they are back at the College. Students will be expected to complete their missed examination as soon as practicable. The procedures relating to assessment can all be found in the College diary.
Project Compassion – Term 1 MSM Cares Project
After attending the Project Compassion Launch at St Stephen’s Cathedral, our Term 1 Year 6 MSM Care Leaders (Millie, Eva and Sophia) have decided on a simple, but engaging way to encourage gold coin donations from the four Junior School classrooms during Lent.
We thank the students who have already so generously donated gold coins. For every dollar donated, the students personally receive a small piece of paper. They then decorate their name and class on the piece of paper to place in a class container. At our fortnightly MSM Cares lunchtime meetings, we will turn these papers into loops and eventually build class chains. This ongoing activity will help recognise the students’ generosity and teamwork.
At the end of the term, all Junior School classes will come together for a celebration. Each class will bring their completed chain, and we will join them to create one large display. The class with the highest contribution will receive a special reward.
Year 5 and Year 9 Little/Big Sister Flower Badge Making
In honour of International Women’s Day, which we acknowledge this Sunday 8 March, our Year 5 and Year 9 Little and Big Sisters engaged in a purple flower badge-making activity this week. Purple is a colour universally acknowledged as a symbol for this special day. The students proudly wore their flower badges in recognition of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Year 5 and 6 Readers Cup Teams
We are very excited to be entering two combined Year 5 and 6 teams in the 2026 Children’s Book Council of Australia Readers Cup competition. This is a state-wide competition. For the competition, the students will read five novels, then compete against other schools to answer quiz questions about the books. Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent MSM at this competition:
Team 1: Georgia (Year 5), Isla J (Year 5), Millie (Year 5), Sienna (Year 6) and Eva (Year 6)
Team 2: Aubrey (Year 5), Bethanie (Year 5), Madeline L (Year 5), Adele (Year 6) and Audrey A (Year 6)
NAPLAN
This week, our Year 5 students have engaged in two NAPLAN Practice Tests to become familiar with the testing platform, along with testing processes and procedures. In class, the Year 5 students have also been deconstructing examples of questions they may encounter in the NAPLAN tests, and learning strategies for successfully responding to questions.
We wish the Year 5 students the very best of luck as they complete NAPLAN testing over the coming weeks!
Junior School Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards
Congratulations to the following students for receiving Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards at our Junior School Assembly last week:
Evie (5H) – Evie, you consistently approach every task with diligence, persistence and resilience. No matter the challenge, you give your very best effort and never give up. Your positive attitude and enthusiasm towards learning are wonderful qualities that set a fantastic example for others. Keep shining and striving for your personal best!
Isla J (5H) – Isla, you approach every task with enthusiasm and diligence and always give your very best effort. You fully engage in all learning experiences, embracing new challenges with determination and focus. What truly makes you shine is your generosity in sharing your knowledge with your peers. You are always willing to help others, explain your thinking, and contribute thoughtfully to class discussions. Your positive attitude and commitment to learning make our classroom a richer and more supportive place.
Evie (5L) – This award recognises the way you consistently demonstrate respect in everything you do. You engage thoughtfully in lessons, speak kindly to others and listen actively during class discussions. You work inclusively in group situations, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported. Whether working independently or with peers, you approach tasks with quiet focus and a positive attitude. Your respectful behaviour sets a wonderful example for others and contributes greatly to our classroom community. Keep up the great work!
Sophie (5L) - You have demonstrated outstanding diligence and enthusiasm in all learning tasks. You consistently engage in class discussions, confidently contributing ideas in both English and Mathematics. Your ability to share clear and effective mathematical strategies—particularly when working with 24‑hour time—has supported not only your own learning but also the understanding of your peers. Their positive attitude and commitment to improvement make you a valued member of our classroom community. Well done, Sophie!
Josie (6C) – Congratulations, Josie, on your diligent start to Year Six. You demonstrate commitment and perseverance in your learning each day. You willingly accept feedback to enhance your work and offer considered responses when contributing to our discussions. Thank you for the positive energy you bring to our 6 Compassion class community. You make MSM a brighter place because you are in it.
Amelia (6C) – Amelia, you are a tenacious and enthusiastic learner. You seek understanding and demonstrate persistence when diving deep into your learning. This is particularly evident in Mathematics. Your curiosity and genuine love of learning inspire those around you.
Harriet (6J) - For demonstrating a genuine love of learning through consistent respect, resilience and diligence. Harriet is always organised, listens attentively, asks thoughtful questions and contributes her ideas with confidence. She is thoughtful in her efforts and takes time to reflect on what she has learnt to continue growing.
Claudia (6J) - For showing remarkable improvement in classroom engagement, demonstrating respect and diligence throughout the week. This was evident in Claudia’s positive participation in class discussions, respectful listening to teachers and classmates, and her willingness to seek feedback and support. Well done, Claudia!
Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School
Year 11 and 12 Visual Art students attended QAGOMA to view the work of Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson's exhibition, 'Presence'. Students engaged with the artist's immersive installations to contemplate a sense of perception. They also viewed Archie Moore's Venice Biennale installation, 'Kith and Kin'.
It has been a positive and joyous start to our Semester 1 Arts elective. Year 5H Drama students have been engaging in some high-energy drama games as they continue to develop trust and participation within the drama classroom. We have also learnt how important it is to be respectful and inclusive in our interactions with one another.
The College warmly welcomed Tricia Munn from Eyes Open Social Media to speak with our Year 7 students and to provide additional information on the new social media laws and being safe online.
She provided them with steps to help students make informed, confident choices about their online presence and wellbeing.
Our Year 5 students are thoroughly enjoying working in the College Science labs! Recently, they took part in the ‘Bird Beak Investigation’, where they discovered how the structure of bird beaks helps different species access their food and survive in the wild. By getting hands-on with this experiment, the students identified which ‘bird beaks’ worked best for collecting various types of food.
YEAR 7 SEMESTER 1 HOMEROOM CAPTAINS
Our Year 7 students are thriving both in and out of the classroom as they embrace their Middle School journey at MSM. Recently, they celebrated the announcement of the Semester 1 Homeroom Captains, with ten students recognised and presented with their badges during the Year Level Assembly.
CaSSSA SWIMMING CARNVIAL
Congratulations to our 2026 MSM Swim Team on their fantastic results at the CaSSSA Swimming Carnival, most notably winning the Percentage Cup! All 80 team members, led by Swimming Captain Abigail W demonstrated diligent preparation and competed with determination, resulting in these outstanding results:
Aggregate Cup (Secondary) - 3rd
Aggregate Cup (Primary) - 6th
Percentage Cup – CHAMPIONS!
Year 5: 6th
Year 6: 4th
12 Years: 2nd
13 Years: 3rd
14 Years: 5th
15 Years: 3rd
16 Years: 4th
17-19 Years: 3rd
Opens: 3rd
All Age Relay: 3rd
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional coaches and staff, whose unwavering dedication, tireless effort, and wealth of expertise have been instrumental to the team's success. Their commitment goes above and beyond, providing invaluable guidance, encouragement, and support to every member of our team. We truly appreciate their passion and professionalism, which make a positive impact both in and out of the pool.
CaSSSA TENNIS
Congratulations to our Year 5 tennis players! These dedicated students represented the school with pride as they competed in the first fixture round of CaSSSA Tennis. The girls showed great sportsmanship, displaying both enthusiasm and resilience on the court. Well done, girls—keep up the fantastic work, and we look forward to seeing your progress throughout the season!
QLD INDOOR NETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to MSM students Grace R, Gracie C and Sophie P for their outstanding achievement in representing Queensland at the Indoor Netball National Championships. These talented athletes showcased their hard work and dedication, competing against top teams from across Australia. Their commitment to excellence on the netball court is a testament to their passion for the sport.
QLD YOUTH SURF LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to MSM Year 6 student Jojo who took part in the 2026 Queensland Youth Surf Life Saving Championships. She was absolutely thrilled to achieve second place in the long beach run, and also took third place in the beach run relay alongside her teammate. Jojo has proudly earned herself two state medals!
800M FINALIST - TRACK & FIELD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to MSM student, Mila O who competed at the School Sport 10-12 Years Track and Field National Championships in Canberra. Mila’s outstanding performance secured her a place in the final of the 800m where she placed 6th in Australia. Well done, Mila.
Our Light the Way legacy wall illuminates our valued donors who are assisting us to light the way for future generations of MSM students through the enhancement of new educational facilities.
Find out more about securing a permanent spot on our Light the Way Legacy Wall by visiting our College website.
FREE LIVE WEBINAR WITH PSYCHOLOGIST KAREN YOUNG
Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ) is hosting in Term 1 a free, live webinar for parents and carers with Psychologist Karen Young: The Relationship Advantage: How Connection Shapes Behaviour, Resilience & Wellbeing.
On Thursday 12 March 2026 | 6.30-7.30pm + 30 mins Q&A
Click here to register to attend:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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
67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia
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