In Faith and Love
Sharon Volp
The safety of our students is a shared responsibility, and one of the most important ways we can work together as a community is by ensuring safe and considerate driving and parking practices around the College.
Brisbane City Council and the College have recently observed an increase in illegal parking and unsafe stopping in the streets surrounding the College. These behaviours place students, families, staff and neighbours at risk, particularly during busy drop‑off and pick‑up times
Elimatta Drive and Aloomba Road entrances are located on bends, which significantly reduces visibility. We ask all drivers to take extra care in these areas by slowing down, avoiding stopping in unsafe locations, and remaining alert at all times.
All streets surrounding the College are designated school zones, with a 40 km/h speed limit during signed hours. Observing these limits is critical in keeping our students safe.
Drop‑off, pick‑up and parking expectations
To help traffic flow safely and predictably:
- There is no public parking on College grounds, and families are asked not to drop off or pick up students within the grounds
- Please use the designated loading zones for drop‑off and pick‑up
- Do not stop or park on yellow lines
- Please do not double park in the pick‑up zone outside the Ionian on Aloomba Road
Being respectful neighbours
Our College is part of a residential community, and we ask families to be mindful of our neighbours by:
- Not parking across driveways
- Keeping noise to a minimum when arriving and departing
- Avoiding leaving vehicles idling, particularly outside residential
How the College will support safety
To assist with maintaining a safe environment, Teachers will be on duty in busy areas to support safety and wellbeing for everyone in our community.
Thank you for continuing to work in partnership with us to keep our community safe.
The Year 12 Charity Ball, supporting Project Safe Haven, will be held on Saturday 16th May. It is a cherished tradition that our senior students “give something back” to the community as a way of recognising that this event is a special privilege. This year, the students will raise funds for Emmanuel City Mission by holding a raffle at the Charity Ball.
We are appealing to families and local business owners to donate prizes that would be appealing to Year 12 students. If you are able to assist, we would be most grateful! Any donations can be given directly to a Year 12 student or can be dropped at MSM Reception by Friday 24 April.
Our fundraising efforts for Project Safe Haven continue. After just 8 weeks, our fundraising total currently sits at an impressive $6339.40! I would like to particularly thank the staff and students who ran a very successful set of food stalls at our recent Open Evening, raising $2100 for our mission project.
Last week, Ms Emily McLaughlin and Ms Jo Devenish-Meares – the staff members who coordinate our Interact CAN group – attended a thank-you event hosted by the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap. Late last year, some of our Interact students volunteered their time to run a face-painting stall at the Rotary Carols By Candlelight event. As a way of thanking MSM for our support of this event, Rotary has very generously donated $1000 of the proceeds from the Carols By Candlelight Event to MSM’s Project Safe Haven. We are so grateful to Rotary for their continued support of our Interact students, and look forward to an opportunity to thank them for this very special gift.
Year 8 Retreat
"Be courageous like Elsa. Be selfless like Kristoff. Be positive like Anna. Be happy like Olaf." Our Year 8 students spent a powerful day of reflection and fun, exploring the ways that the characters from "Frozen" can inspire personal growth. The girls created glitter sensory bottles - to use when the swirling storms within disrupt our peace - designed "happy bags" and wrote loving notes of gratitude to those who have helped make life better. We concluded our day with a beautiful liturgy, where each student was anointed and welcomed into the Year 8 family.
As we watch the events unfold in the Middle East, struggling to comprehend the senselessness of war and the magnitude of loss, I offer this powerful prayer from writer Cameron Bellm.
How do we pray for peace from half a world away?
How can words salve and soothe real wounds?
Comfort real fears, wipe tears from real eyes?
From words into bridges that span the distances between us, uniting our hearts in yours,
Every time we turn our keys in a lock,
May we remember all who are losing their homes.
Every time we step into our cars,
May we remember those who need to flee.
Every time we embrace our young,
May we remember those who are trying to shield theirs from war.
May our cry be heard as one voice,
Ringing out from every corner of the earth:
“God of endless mercy, grant us peace!”
Amen
We hold in our hearts all who are impacted by war and violence: those who live in warzones, those who have lost loved ones, homes and workplaces, travellers who are stranded, defence personnel and peacekeepers, and the world leaders who hold fragile peace in their hands.
House Activities
In an effort to build House and community spirit at MSM, we now have House Activities scheduled four times a year. During this time our girls engage in activities in groups with students across all year levels. Each session is designed to promote PERMAH, that is Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health. PERMAH underpins our Positive Education Program and as such, these activities are complementary to that.
On Tuesday of this week two Houses competed in a friendly and enthusiastic physical challenge which focused on effective teamwork, whilst our other two Houses engaged in creating a JUSTICE wall which reflects the focus value of the year and aimed to connect the House value as well as the ‘Bring the Mix in 2026’ Year 12 theme. Both activities were a wonderful opportunity to see our younger students being led with such kindness and welcome by our older girls, with a special mention going to our Year 12s and the House Captains. A big thank you to Ms Olivia Lennon, Ms Caitlin Conway and Ms Emily McLaughlin for their leadership and coordination of such a fruitful initiative.
Morning Attendance
At the College we are currently focusing on improving punctuality to school. From time-to-time students have legitimate reasons for lateness, however at times it is the result of disorganisation, or the prioritisation of socialising. In the event that your daughter is going to be late with your knowledge, please log the reason on Parent Lounge or email studentabsentees@msm.qld.edu. To ensure parents and caregivers are aware when their daughters are unexpectedly late, we send an SMS out to families. If you receive an SMS, we encourage you to discuss with your daughter the importance of routine and punctuality as a life skill and expectation in the adult world.
Leaving College Grounds
It has been reported that some students are leaving the College after arriving at school to go to nearby shops. The College is providing students with very clear messaging that this is not allowed, and we would ask that you reiterate with your daughter the importance of remaining at the college to ensure their safety and supervision.
Year 7 – 12 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences for students in Years 7 – 12 will be held on the following dates:
- Monday 20 April (8:00am – 4:00pm) – onsite in the Sophia Centre - Note this is a student free day.
- Tuesday 5 May (4:00pm – 7:00pm) – online via Microsoft Teams
Bookings open on Monday 23 March at 8:30am and close on Monday 30 March at 8:30am. Students are encouraged to attend alongside their parents or caregivers to take an active role in their learning journey. Booking details have been emailed to all families today.
Contacting Teaching Staff
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to maintain open communication with teaching staff throughout the year.
- For pastoral and wellbeing concerns, Homeroom teachers are the first point of contact.
- For curriculum or subject-specific matters, the relevant subject teacher should be contacted.
As subject teachers are in the classroom with students daily, they are best placed to provide insights into student learning, progress, and engagement.
How to Contact Teachers
Teacher contact details can be accessed via Parent Lounge:
➡ Student Details > Email Class Teachers > Select the teacher’s name
Maintaining strong communication between home and school ensures students receive the best possible support in their academic and personal development.
NAPLAN Online
Congratulations to all Year 5, 7, and 9 students for demonstrating excellent conduct and focus during NAPLAN online testing over the past two weeks. Their commitment to doing their best is commendable.
A special thank you to Ms Katie Jordan (Head of Junior School), Ms Alison Larkings (Program Leader – Middle School) and the IT Support Team for their meticulous planning, administration, and technical support throughout the testing period. Their efforts ensured a smooth experience for all students.
I look forward to reviewing the results and gaining further insights into our students’ literacy and numeracy development.
Pi (π) Day
Happy Pi (π) Day! 🥧
On 13 March, our community came together to celebrate one of the most joyful and curiosity‑filled dates on the STEM calendar. Pi Day was packed with energy, enthusiasm, and a shared love of all things mathematical. Pi is the mathematical constant that represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, a number that appears throughout mathematics, science, and everyday life.
A standout moment was our ever‑popular “Recite Pi for a Pie” challenge, where students put their memory (and nerves!) to the test to see just how many digits of π they could recall. The competition was fierce and the concentration impressive. A huge congratulations to Liv Williams (Year 12), who delivered the winning extraordinary performance by reciting π to an incredible 99 decimal places:
3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974944592307816406286208998628034825342117067
Pi Day was a wonderful reminder that mathematics isn’t just about numbers on a page. It’s about creativity, challenge, fun, and those surprising moments that spark wonder and joy in learning.
As we approach the end of Term 1, it is wonderful to pause and reflect on all that our Junior School students have achieved in these first months of the year. We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 5 and 6 students have embraced their learning, settled into routines and contributed positively to the life of the College.
We now move towards the phase of the term which is centred on completing teaching and learning units, and demonstrating knowledge, understanding and skills through key assessment tasks. We continue to keep a strong focus on maintaining momentum and are encouraging the girls to finish the term with the same energy and commitment with which they began. We are also emphasising wellbeing, reminding the girls to balance hard work with rest and healthy routines.
The end-of-term period is not only a measure of learning but an important opportunity for growth, reflection and the strengthening of academic habits. We look forward to seeing the girls conclude the term with confidence and pride in their achievements!
NAPLAN & Zooper Doopers
Today, the Year 5 students completed their final NAPLAN test. We are incredibly proud of the way our students approached each assessment with focus, perseverance and a positive mindset. Their readiness to give their best effort—supported by thoughtful preparation and strong learning routines—was wonderful to see. I sincerely thank the Year 5 teachers, Ms Weston and Ms Toohey, for facilitating the testing in a calm and encouraging way. Thank you, also, to our Year 5 parents and carers for supporting our students throughout the NAPLAN process.
We are most grateful to the students in the Community Action Network group, Interact, for treating our Year 5s to Zooper Doopers after the completion of their Numeracy Test. Thank you to Ms McLaughlin and Mrs Devenish-Meares for helping to co-ordinate this!
Lunchtime Clubs
Our College offers a wide array of lunchtime clubs for our students, providing opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom. In the Junior School, we encourage our students to attend some of these, as an additional opportunity to form connections across year levels and nurture a strong sense of belonging within our College community.
We are thrilled to see so many students engaging enthusiastically in the vibrant life of the College, including through these lunchtime clubs. Our Junior Schools are welcome to attend the following clubs:
- eSports Club – Day 2 (Year 5) and Day 7 (Year 6)
- French Club – Day 6
- Japan Club – Year 8
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:
Isla O (5H) – Isla, you demonstrated exceptional diligence and persistence during our Mathematics unit on 24‑hour time. You approached the lesson with a positive attitude, asked thoughtful questions to clarify your understanding and persevered through every challenge - always with a smile. Your determination and cheerful resilience are truly remarkable. Well done, and keep believing in your ability to achieve great things!
Gillian (5H) – Gilly, you consistently display kindness, compassion, sincerity, warmth and thoughtfulness in your daily interactions with your peers and all MSM staff. Your gentle leadership and genuine care for others shine brightly each day and contribute so positively to our school community. Your ability to treat others with respect and empathy is truly admirable and reflects the values we cherish. We are so proud of you for the way you uplift those around you. Keep being your incredible self!
Bethanie (5L) – Bethanie, you have demonstrated outstanding resilience throughout the start of the year, showing bravery and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. You have enthusiastically participated in a wide range of extra activities, including Readers Cup, lunchtime games and Swim Fit. Your positive attitude, determination and readiness to give new challenges a go make you a wonderful role model for your peers. Well done!
Aubrey (5L) - Aubrey is a diligent and enthusiastic learner who consistently gives her best. Always engaged in every task, she approaches her work with care, focus and a positive attitude. Her ability to follow instructions, stay organised and persist through challenges shows true commitment to her learning. Aubrey, you really know how to thrive in Year Five—well done!
Georgie (6C) – For your enthusiastic approach to all aspects of MSM life. You have taken on the role of Class Captain with joy and dedication. In the classroom, you display consistency and curiosity, seeking feedback to ensure progress in your learning. You are a true asset to our class. Your warmth and friendship are valued by many in 6 Compassion.
Adele (6C) – You are an engaged learner who strives for your personal best. Your enthusiasm for learning and willingness to accept feedback has allowed you to make pleasing progress. This has been particularly evident when writing fables in English. Keep up the great effort.
Olivia (6J) - Olivia consistently demonstrates exceptional diligence in her learning. She is self‑motivated, organised and eager to learn, always contributing her understanding with enthusiasm. She takes clear notes to support her revision, asks thoughtful questions and shows responsibility by seeking out any missed work when she is away.
Tess (6J) - Tess is recognised for consistently demonstrating respectful learning behaviour. She notices what needs to be done and takes action to support our classroom environment. She is a kind friend to her classmates and a positive role model for others. Well done, Tess!
Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School
YEAR 6 SCIENCE
This term in Science, the Year 6 students have been learning about Earth’s movement in relation to the Sun.
They created three-dimensional models to explain how Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, students explored why we experience sunrise and sunset at different times across the world.
YEAR 10 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
YEAR 11 SCS QLD LAW COURTS VISIT
Our Year 11 Social & Community Studies students had an amazing day exploring how the law really works in Queensland!
We kicked things off with a tour of the Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre, thanks to the incredible Libby Munday, who helped us understand how Australia’s legal system keeps everyday life running smoothly.
Next up: our own mock criminal trial! Students took on roles like judge, associate, bailiff, and barristers as they worked through a burglary case. It was a fun, hands-on way to see what actually happens inside a courtroom.
We then observed a real sentencing hearing in the District Court, where Justice Catherine Muir walked through the process of deciding a sentence using information from both sides. It was especially inspiring for students to see a woman leading proceedings at such a high level.
To finish, the wonderful Hayley Jones from Jasper Fogarty Lawyers ran a Q&A session, sharing career tips, legal pathways, and the importance of building strong networks in the profession.
A huge thank you to the QLD Law Courts Community and Education Coordinators, Humanities Curriculum Leader Mr Russell Cooper, and Mrs Charlotte Christie, who accompanied us and made the day memorable. What an incredible real-world learning experience for our future changemakers!
Mrs Jane de Git
YEAR 11 POSTIVE EDUCATION
This term, Year 11 students have participated in a Student Coaching Program as part of their Positive Education curriculum. The program has been designed to support students during a key stage of senior schooling by developing self-awareness, goal-setting skills and positive peer connections.
Across several structured sessions, students were introduced to evidence-based coaching practices and trained to work in peer coaching pairs. Through this process, students learned how to listen actively, ask thoughtful questions and create a safe, confidential space for meaningful conversations. Rather than giving advice, students were encouraged to help one another clarify goals and identify practical strategies for moving forward.
A central focus of the program was helping students connect their personal values to both academic and wellbeing goals. Students explored their values, developed a “fuzzy vision” for the future, and then refined this into clear, achievable SMART goals. Using the GROW coaching model, students reflected on their current reality, explored options, and planned realistic next steps. Importantly, goals were set across both academic and personal wellbeing areas, recognising that learning and wellbeing are closely connected.
The coaching program supports student wellbeing by promoting a sense of agency, purpose and belonging. Students learn that challenges are a normal part of growth and that progress comes from reflection, effort and support. By building skills such as self-regulation, optimism, empathy and resilience, the program equips students with tools they can use well beyond Year 11.
As the year progresses, students will continue coaching cycles and later extend these skills by supporting younger students, reinforcing leadership, connection and community wellbeing.
WATER POLO
On Saturday, 5 of our MSM water polo teams competed in semi-finals matches in the Brisbane Metro Junior competition. This season runs from term 4 2025 through to the finals rounds this weekend (Saturday 21/3/26. It is a big commitment for our players and our teams and this season, we have experienced great success. Our 6th team, which is a group of new year 7’s who started representing MSM when they were in yr 6 in term 4, finished their season in 7th place, winning their game on the weekend (out of 14 teams in their division). This is also a wonderful outcome for them.
Three of our semi-finals' teams won their games on Saturday and will now advance through to the grand finals, and the other two teams will compete for the bronze medal in their respective division.
MSM RUN CLUB
Recently, our students in Run Club took part in their themed runs — and they did not disappoint! The Blue Run, Pairs Run, and Crazy Sock Run brought plenty of colour and creativity, with everyone matching outfits, teaming up with friends, rocking pigtails, and showing off their wildest socks for a fun twist on fitness. Run Club continues to be a wonderful way for students to stay active, build friendships, and enjoy moving together.
It has been a vibrant and inspiring week in the Art Department, with creativity flowing in every classroom. Students have been exploring new techniques, experimenting with materials, and developing confidence as young artists. The studios have been lively with thoughtful discussion, hands-on making, and plenty of imaginative ideas taking shape.
Our year levels have been deeply engaged in their current units of work. Art for the Heart has been working on still life and drawing techniques. Year 6 have been creating aerial-perspective river designs. Year 7 have been experimenting with mono printing, exploring how sport has been represented throughout the school. Year 8 have been constructing Pop Art–inspired sculptures relating to popular culture. Year 9 students have begun designing lino prints inspired by patterns and shapes found in nature. Year 10 have been studying the figure in context, developing skills in proportion, colour mixing, and expressive form. Year 11 and Year 12 have been working on Art as Knowledge, developing concepts and refining ideas for their new bodies of work.
It has been wonderful to see students supporting one another, refining their skills, and taking creative risks. We look forward to another exciting week of art-making ahead!
Supporting Young People Through Difficult Global News: A Guide for Parents
In a world where young people are frequently exposed to political unrest, conflict, and violent scenes through news and social media, it’s natural for them to feel unsettled or anxious. They may struggle to process what they see online and need support to feel safe and grounded. The following tips may help to navigate these conversations with care.
1. Limit and Monitor Media Exposure
Violent or graphic news coverage can increase fear, distress, and confusion in children. Aim to avoid background news at home and be mindful of what young people may encounter on social media, where violent content often appears without warning. Consider turning off automatic news notifications and co-viewing when possible, so you can help them make sense of what they see.
BTN news is an excellent, age-appropriate news program commonly used as an education tool related to current affairs and issues. BTN can be viewed on ABC iView or YouTube. There are 3 programs: Classroom for 9–13-year-olds (weekly news), Newsbreak for 9–13-year-olds (daily updates), and High for 13+ years. Allowing your child to view safe news can provide them with a sense of being informed and a sense of control, rather than using total avoidance as a coping strategy.
2. Create a Safe, Open Space for Discussion
Your child looks to you for security and reassurance. Being emotionally available by listening, validating feelings, and answering questions simply and honestly, helps them feel anchored. Reducing your own visible anxiety and maintaining predictable routines can also reinforce their sense of safety. Try to limit the amount of distressing information and instead, use simple, reassuring language that matches their developmental level. Let them know that adults, including community leaders, and governments are working to keep people safe to prevent overwhelm while still acknowledging their concerns.
3. Promote Hope, Resilience, and Positive Action
Research suggests that focusing on helpful actions, such as kindness, community involvement, or supporting causes they care about, can increase young people’s sense of control and reduce helplessness during global crises. Helping children see “the helpers” also strengthens resilience.
4. Look After Yourself, Too
Before supporting your child, take a moment to check in with your own emotions. Children are highly attuned to the adults around them. Seeking accurate information, limiting your own doomscrolling and processing your feelings privately can help you approach conversations more calmly and confidently.
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For further practical guidance and support for navigating difficult conversations and supporting your child's wellbeing:
· ReachOut Parents – Support for parents of teens, including articles on anxiety, tough conversations, and news-related stress. https://parents.au.reachout.com
· Parentline – Free, confidential counselling for parents and carers. https://parentline.com.au
· Raising Children Network – Evidence-based parenting resource, offering advice on helping children cope with frightening news and strong emotions. https://raisingchildren.net.au
· Emerging Minds: Families Resources – Practical guides to supporting children’s mental health during stressful events and media coverage. https://emergingminds.com.au/resources-for-families/
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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.
Winter stock has arrived at the MSM Uniform Shop!
- Blazer $170.00
- Pullovers $75.00
- Vest $70.00
- Hoodie $59.50
- Sports Jacket $62.50
- Track pants $49.50
- Stockings $13.50/pair
- Scarf $13.50
For more information or to view the full Uniform Shop pricelist, click here.
If you would like to contact the Uniform Shop please contact msm_uniforms@juniorsenioruniforms.com.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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