Last week we celebrated International Women’s Day. This year’s theme was “Count Her In: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”.
On Wednesday 6 March, members of the Student Leadership Team Adelaide, Mia, Bridget, Sophie and I were invited to the Premier’s 2024 International Women’s Day Reception at Parliament House.
The formalities of the evening included addresses by Queensland Premier, Hon Stephen Miles and Hon Shannon Fentiman, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Panel Members Natalie Grider (AFLW Brisbane Lions Vice Captain), Torrie Lewis (Australian Track Athlete), Karyn Murphy APM (NRLW Titans Head Coach), and Tameka Yallop (CommBank Matildas and Brisbane Roar Player) shared their inspirational stories of how they got into their sports, their successes and the current challenges that face women as professionals in each of their sports.
We were also treated to a “private” tour of Parliament House by the Premier and Jonty Bush MP, Member for Cooper. We are grateful to both for being so generous with their time and providing the special “behind the scene” insights.
MSM Foundation International Women’s Day High Tea
The Sophia Centre was abuzz with mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and other significant family members on Friday 8 March as MSM celebrated International Women’s Day.
Thank you to our Senior Strings, conducted by Alice Buckingham, who created such a wonderful ambiance for the afternoon.
This year it was delightful to welcome back Katerini Manolatos (Class of 1996) who also brought her mother, Constantina, along to our event. Katerini is a Registered Music Therapist, Neurologic Music Therapist, Vocalist and Vocal Coach. With tertiary qualifications in Classical Voice and Opera and Music Therapy, Katerini has enjoyed over 20 years as a vocal coach and music therapist. She has worked as a vocal coach predominately in her area of interest which is developing and changing young voice. Her Music Therapy career has given her the honour of working with individuals from all over Queensland using music to bring about change. In the last five years her focus has been intertwining her skills and passion for the voice in vocal and speech skills acquisition and rehabilitation. Katerini is active in the Brisbane music scene effortlessly transitioning between opera, classical, music theatre, contemporary, jazz and world music styles. Currently Katerini is a founder in the production company Girl from Greece, Founding member for the Greek choir Ellinikes Fones, and owner of Hummingbird Music Therapy and Singing. We enjoyed Katerini’s presentation as we took a brief stroll down memory lane and it was lovely to see her gracing the MSM stage again as she shared the beautiful gift of her voice. One of messages she shared was “do what makes your heart sing. Do what you love!” and she clearly is!
I would like to acknowledge the support of our Alumni with this event. The Alumni generously donated cookies as part of the High Tea. Thank you also to Alice Spies (MSM Alumni Treasurer) who introduced and delivered the vote of thanks.
Thank you to the members of our community who supported our raffle by either purchasing tickets or donating raffle prizes. Your support is greatly valued and we have raised $5 500 which will be allocate to our “Light the Way” Capital Campaign as part of our fundraising for our proposed new building.
In Faith and Love,
Sharon Volp
On Friday 1 March we warmly welcomed over 900 members of the community and prospective families to our Open Evening. Attendance for the Principal's Address was at capacity and the Head of Junior School Address by Ms Katie Jordan was very well received.
Our wonderful students and dedicated staff showcased our Community Action Network (CAN) groups, curriculum, sport, culture and academic co-curricular activities. Thank you to all students who assisted as Tour Guides, supported staff and students who were involved in performances during the evening. Thank you also to members of our MSM Alumni who attended and spoke to families about the history of the College. Families consistently commented on the warmth and friendliness they experienced and praised our students on their confidence and passion for the College. I would also like to sincerely thank all staff who assisted during the evening.
Japanese Exchange Students
We once again said goodbye to our visiting Japanese students. Tears were shed by both our students and the Japanese students, demonstrating the extraordinary bonds formed in just one week. I am confident that these friendships will become lifelong. Thank you to our host families, without your assistance this visit would not have been possible.
Project Raise the Roof – House of Compassion
Over the past fortnight our students have been working in homeroom groups to further reflect on the issue of Modern Slavery and the part that we can play in providing support to Australians transitioning to safe housing and dignified work. This is the focus of Project Raise the Roof, our 2024 major fundraising project. Each homeroom was given a clear plastic box and some Play-Doh and was asked to create a diorama in response to the question “what makes a house a safe home?”
What students produced was thought provoking and very beautiful. I received 31 extraordinary boxes containing images of pets, siblings, warm beds, kitchen tables laden with food and front doors. Each homeroom’s box was different, and symbolised a rich conversation about what human beings really need to feel safe and secure. Our Mission Captains Chiara and Anabelle used these dioramas as building blocks to create our MSM House of Compassion. The roof, expertly crafted by our Maintenance crew, is covered in fabric tiles created by our Year 7 students and their fathers as part of the recent Father-Daughter Pancake Breakfast. Each tile contains a message of love, hope and support for the person who will be supported by our Raise the Roof campaign.
The MSM House of Compassion was unveiled at our recent Open Evening and is on display in the Ionian Centre Foyer (Level 1).
Term 1 ExtravaCANza, Casual Dress Day & Fundraising Update
Last week, our students enjoyed a casual dress day, with proceeds going to Project Raise the Roof. During that lunchtime, we welcomed our community into the Sophia Centre for the first MSM ExtravaCANza for 2024. Our students gathered in their hundreds to enjoy the famous MSM Sausage Sizzle, a Cold Rock Stall, Zooper Doopers, Lolly Bags, a Lucky Dip and Pinata. I sincerely thank all students who are part of our Community Action Network (CAN) Groups, the staff who support them, and everyone who came to enjoy the festivities.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, the total funds raised in Term 1 for Project Raise the Roof was a very impressive $6,700. We are well on our way to reaching our $15,000 fundraising target for this year.
International Women’s Day – Sisters Empowering Sisters
Thanks to our Sisters Empowering Sisters (SES) CAN Group, who took responsibility for promoting and celebrating International Women’s Day at MSM. SES members greeted our students at the College Gates on 8 March, handing out ribbons in the colours of IWD: green, white and purple. The SES Executive collaborated with our Film and TV Group to produce an entertaining and informative video outlining the history of IWD and the significance of the colours associated with the campaign. I thank SES Executive Members Zara, Georgina and Tully for their work on promoting this initiative.
Year 7, 9 and 12 Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences for students in Years 7, 9 and 12 have occurred across the last two weeks. Parent Teacher Conferences are an excellent opportunity for families to connect with teaching staff to discuss the progress their student is making in each of their subjects. I would like to thank the parents and students who engaged in these conferences – I know that our teaching staff really appreciate the opportunity to develop productive partnerships with students and families.
Parent Teacher Conferences for students in Years 8, 10 and 11 will occur on Tuesday 7 May from 9:00am – 4:30pm. Information about bookings these interviews will be made available early in Term 2.
Contacting teaching staff
Parents and caregivers 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.
NAPLAN Online
Students in Year 7 and Year 9 have been completing NAPLAN Online testing this week. All students have participated in practice sessions in the lead up to the testings and were familiar with the online platform.
Congratulations must be extended to all Year 7 and Year 9 students for their exceptional conduct whilst undertaking this testing so far. They still have the numeracy test to go which will occur on Monday 18 March.
I would like to extend my thanks to Ms Alison Larkings, Program Leader – Middle School for her administration of this testing as well as Mr John Hamilton and the IT Support Team for troubleshooting any technical issues as they occur. I am looking forward to seeing how our students are progressing with their literacy and numeracy development.
MISSIONS OF ST VINCENT
Our MSM Missions of St Vincent students enjoyed a visit to St Vincent’s Aged Care Mitchelton this week. They attended a gathering of the Women’s Discussion Group, and enjoyed the opportunity to share on the topic “Finding Love – Then vs Now”. We thank our MSM staff and St Vincent’s for their generous support of this pastoral visitation initiative, and look forward to many future visits.
INTERACT
Our Interact club, part of our College Community Action Network (CAN), have been busily making washer bunnies to be distributed to struggling families by a local charity. Our students had a great time making these gifts and we hope that they can bring joy to some Brisbane families this Easter.
NAPLAN
This week, NAPLAN commenced for Year 7 and Year 9. Our Interact CAN group provided some relief and reward to students after the first testing session by distributing ice blocks.
LIBRARY
Students were invited to bring along a friend to a lunch time Library session where they made fridge magnets with affirmations and encouraging quotes to mark International Women’s Day.
POSITIVE EDUCATION
As part of their Positive Education Program, Year 10 students attended a presentation by Damon Joseph, the Director of Character Builders. Damon’s presentation on Mental Toughness complements our Year 10 Positive Education program.
MSM Swimming Wrap Up
As we draw to a close on the 2024 swimming season, we reflect on the many highlights of our competitive swimmers. Well done to all members of the MSM Swim Team for their dedication, commitment and contribution during the 2024 swimming season.
MSM Inter-house Swimming Carnival
The MSM Inter-house Swimming Carnival provided an opportunity for our competitive swimmers to practice racing, aim to break personal bests and was part of the trailing process for the 2024 Swim Team. Congratulations to all students who were selected in the team and were presented with their caps on assembly, ahead of the Swim Camp and CaSSSA Swimming Carnival. We take the opportunity to congratulate our Inter-house Swimming Carnival Age Champions, Open Champion and Fastest 8 Champion:
1st Frankie C
2nd Neave L
3rd Pippa F
13 Years:
1st Asha F
2nd Holly W
3rd Claire M
14 Years:
1st Zoe S
2nd Lucy P
3rd Madelynn S
1st Halle B
2nd Siana O
3rd Gabrielle F
16 Years:
1st Abigail W
2nd Kate S
3rd Makenzie S
17 Years:
1st Annabelle C
2nd Audrey D
3rd Chiara F
Well done to Stewart who was awarded the Champion House for the Carnival and presented with their trophy on assembly.
Swim Camp
In preparation for the CaSSSA Carnival, our 2024 Swim Team attended Swim Camp from 23 - 25 February at Tallebudgera Recreation Centre. It started off on Friday after school when the team competed at a lead up meet here in Brisbane, where they returned to school, had a pizza party together and then jumped on the bus and headed down the coast. Their Saturday morning started with a sunrise walk along the beach, and then students were split into groups to do different activities such as canoeing, team rescue and catapults. That evening the fun continued with a games night in the hall. On Sunday the team were up early again for another morning beach walk, then straight after breakfast they enjoyed morning activities of beach games and a team challenge. After lunch the team had a training session in the pool with their coach, then packed up and returned to MSM. Comradery and many memories of a great weekend were shared.
CaSSSA Swimming Carnival
MSM concluded a successful swimming season with the CaSSSA competition on Thursday 7 March. With the fantastic support of our Year 8 cohort cheering loudly in the stands, our swimmers made us #MSMProud.
Open Event: MSM 4TH place
17 yrs: MSM 4TH place
16 yrs: MSM 2ND place
15 yrs: MSM 4TH place
14 yrs: MSM 5TH place
13 yrs: MSM 5TH place
12 yrs: MSM 7TH place
At the conclusion of the carnival, MSM was awarded with 4TH place in the Aggregate Cup and 3rd place in the Percentage Cup.
Congratulations to the U18s Water Polo team who won their quarter final, sending them through to the semi-finals this weekend! Good luck girls! #MSMPOUD
Photo Credit: Thank you to Richard Haines Photography for the amazing photos.
HIGH PERFORMANCE NETBALL
On Friday our Junior and Open High Performance Netball teams competed in the first Super 7’s tournament at Western Districts Netball Association. Congratulations to both teams who won three out of four games with the Junior team ending their fourth game with a draw. We wish these teams all the best as they prepare for next term’s tournament and the QC Cup and Vicki Wilson Cup competitions.
If your student has misplaced something, please encourage them to check lost property on the Grantuly Veranda or visit student reception. We would love to see these items returned to their rightful owner.
A reminder that all families must have an arrangement in place to pay school fees, you should now have a Fee Payment Schedule set up via the Parent Lounge.
For instructions to set up a payment plan - Click Here
If you have trouble accessing the Parent Lounge, please contact support@msm.qld.edu.au
If you have any questions about fee payments please contact Emma Grimson, Director of Finance on egrimson@msm.qld.edu.au
EDSTART
Parents/guardians wishing to pay school fees via extended instalment terms may apply for an Edstart payment plan. You can spread your fees evenly across the school year or reduce your repayment amount with an extended plan over multiple years, up to five years after graduation.
Visit the Edstart website to calculate your school fees: CLICK HERE.
The second hand uniform shop will be closing it’s doors at the end of Term 1 2024. Anyone who currently has an item on consignment will be contacted.
Call in and grab a bargain before the store closes on Thursday 28 April. Special trading hours in the final week of the store will be Tuesday 26 April 7 – 8.30am and Thursday 28 April 7 – 8.30am and 12.15 – 1pm.
Parents are encouraged to list items for sale on the MSM Ashgrove uniforms and books Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/msmashgroveuniformsandbooks
The P&F Association has been a wonderful supporter of College for many years. To keep this vital connection going, the P&F is seeking volunteers in any capacity to offer their time and share their expertise.
Ways to get involved now:
Join our Mothers' Lunch Organising Committee - Help with behind the scenes organisation or simply volunteer to help on the day of the event.
Step into the Treasurer role which involves managing simple accounts and presenting these during the four P&F Meetings held during the year. A maximum of one hour of work each month until November 2024.
Attending P&F Meetings - Only three meetings on the College calendar left this year. Come along and share your ideas about bringing our community together.
To further discuss what the Treasurer role involves or for a discussion on how else to get involved, including joining our Mothers' Lunch Organising Committee, please contact pandf@msm.qld.edu.au.
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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