We are delighted to invite Year 5 and 6 students and their mothers to a special Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy on Friday 8 May from 7:00 to 8:15am in the Sophia Centre.
Join us for this memorable occasion and enjoy a delicious breakfast and the lovely company of fellow Year 5 mums, in a pre-Mother's Day gathering.
Tickets are $25 per person, with bookings closing on Thursday 30 April at 5pm.
To purchase your ticket, click here!
We are pleased to invite the grandparents of our Year 5 students to a special Grandparents’ Morning 2026, hosted by our Year 5 students. This much‑anticipated event will be held on Wednesday 27 May 2026, from 8:30am to 10:30am, at the College.
Guests will enjoy a meaningful morning that includes a visit to the College Library, a range of interactive classroom craft and trivia activities, and a shared morning tea to conclude. We look forward to seeing you there!
2026 MSM Fathers’ Golf Day – Register now to attend the MSM Fathers’ Golf Day on Friday 22 May. The event is open to all parents, regardless of golfing ability and is a great chance to meet or reconnect with other school parents. Register Now!
Can’t attend the Golf Day? Why not consider becoming a hole sponsor and get great exposure!
For more information or to secure your hole sponsorship, click here!
As the term draws to a close, I extend my sincere gratitude to the teachers at MSM for their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication to our students. Their commitment continues to enrich the learning experiences of every young person, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a strong foundation for ongoing academic growth.
Teachers play a vital role in each student’s educational journey, and it is important that students recognise and value the depth of expertise their teachers bring to the classroom. Through years of study, professional learning, and classroom experience, teachers develop a rich understanding of their disciplines and of how students learn best. This expertise supports students to grow academically, personally, and spiritually, often in ways they may not initially anticipate. Beyond classroom teaching, teachers dedicate significant time to thoughtful lesson preparation, providing timely and meaningful feedback on assessments, evaluating final submissions, and offering ongoing guidance. Acknowledging and respecting this commitment is essential to fostering a strong learning culture.
Teachers also provide valuable insight to help students navigate both the challenges and opportunities of their learning journey. So, how can students show respect for their teachers’ expertise at MSM? There are three practical ways:
These conferences provide a valuable opportunity for parents and caregivers to connect with teachers, gain insights into their child’s academic progress, and discuss strategies for further development. They also serve as a forum to address any concerns related to learning, engagement, or wellbeing. Students are encouraged to attend these conferences alongside their parents and caregivers.
If you have missed the booking deadline, please contact Ms Tanya George on (07) 3858 4272 during term time. She can assist with manual bookings for the 5 May event up to Tuesday, 28 April.
In the event of any teacher cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, parents will be notified via email. Detailed instructions on accessing the online conferences on 5 May via Teams can be found here.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Parent Presentation
We are pleased to invite you to our first Parent Academy Online presentation for 2026, focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching, learning, and assessment. This online session will be held on Thursday 23 April from 5.00pm – 6.00pm via Microsoft Teams and will be presented by Janelle O'Neill (Program Leader – Strategic Projects) and John Hamilton (A/Dean of Teaching and Learning). The session will provide clarity and reassurance about the College’s approach to Generative AI, with a strong focus on student learning, wellbeing, and academic integrity.
At MSM, our vision is for AI to be used as a learning partner that supports students’ thinking rather than replaces it. We aim to empower students to be thoughtful, ethical, and discerning users of AI. These skills will be essential for future learning, future workplaces, and responsible participation as citizens.
Clear structures are in place to ensure ethical and responsible use. These include approved AI tools, the AI Assessment Scale, and updated assessment and reporting processes from 2026. Together, these measures promote fairness, transparency, and genuine student learning as we prepare students for a future shaped by AI.
Click here to join the online event on Thursday 23 April 2026 at 5.00pm.
I wish all students and their families a joyful and restorative Easter break, a time to pause, reflect, and be renewed. May this season bring a deep sense of hope and peace, grounded in the message of love, new life, and the resurrection of Jesus, which continues to inspire faith and love in our community.
As we approach the end of term, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated Junior School staff – Ms Weston, Ms Toohey, Mrs Marsh, Mrs Wild and Ms Roberts. Their professionalism, care and unwavering commitment to our students has been evident in every lesson taught and every conversation shared. The energy and expertise they bring to the Junior School enriches our community in countless ways, and I am deeply grateful for their hard work throughout Term 1.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our parents and caregivers for your ongoing support throughout Term 1. Your partnership—whether through encouraging routines at home, communicating with teachers or simply cheering your daughter on—makes an enormous difference. We deeply value the trust you place in us and the shared commitment we hold to helping every girl flourish.
End of Term Assessments
We wish to acknowledge the tremendous effort our Year 5 and 6 students have invested in their end‑of‑term assessments. They have approached each task with determination and a genuine desire to demonstrate their best learning. It has been encouraging to see the girls persevere through challenging moments, apply feedback thoughtfully and take pride in the progress they have made. Their commitment to their learning reflects their growing maturity and resilience, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved.
Year 5 and 6 Wellbeing Activities – Last Day of Term
This morning, our Year 5 and 6 students took part in dedicated wellbeing activities. These were planned by our enthusiastic Year 6 Class Captains to foster connection between both year levels. Students worked in groups of four (one student from each Year 5 and 6 class) to participate in activities that encouraged conversation, teamwork and a sense of shared community.
Students enjoyed answering icebreaker questions and creating a collaborative puzzle that celebrated what they value about life at MSM. It was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to build rapport and deepen their connection with one another.
Happy Easter
We wish you and your families a very Happy Easter. We encourage our Year 5 and 6 students to rest, reconnect with family and recharge over the break so they can return ready for the opportunities that Term 2 has in store.
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:
Maya (5H) – Maya, you demonstrated remarkable diligence and resilience during NAPLAN this year, even when persistent technical difficulties made the process especially challenging. You stayed calm, focused and determined, showing maturity well beyond your years. Your positive attitude and persistence reflect your determination to succeed and commitment to doing your best. You should be incredibly proud of the courage and perseverance you displayed! Keep shining bright like the star we know you are!
Greta (5H) – Greta, you consistently demonstrate respect and inclusiveness in everything you do. You show genuine care for those around you, work collaboratively with your classmates and confidently stand up for your peers whenever they require support. Your kindness, empathy and strong sense of justice make you a cherished member of our Year 5 community. Thank you for being a magnificent friend to your peers. You should be very proud of the positive impact you have on those around you.
Ellie (5L) – Ellie consistently demonstrates outstanding respect during learning, particularly in Maths and English group work. She actively contributes by sharing thoughtful ideas, offering helpful answers and supporting her peers with kindness and patience. Her positive attitude and collaborative approach make our classroom a better place for everyone. Well done, Ellie!
Emme (5L) - Emme demonstrates resilience and a strong commitment to learning. She puts forth her best effort even when the task is challenging, showing perseverance and a positive attitude in the face of difficulty. Emme confidently seeks help when needed, showing maturity, self-awareness and a desire to deepen her understanding. Keep up the great work, Emme!
Lilly (6C) – Lilly, you are a valued member of our Junior School community at MSM. Your thoughtful and considerate ways shine through in all you do. In the classroom, these qualities help you to complete all work to the best of your ability, demonstrating diligence each and every day. Keep up the super effort.
Sienna (6C) – Sienna, you approach each day with a positive attitude and diligence. You are organised and efficient, working hard to complete tasks to the best of your ability. These qualities have a positive influence on those around you. Keep up the super effort.
Mila (6J) - Mila has shown impressive diligence in her learning, approaching each task with thoughtfulness and care. This was especially seen in Religion, where her responses reflected a deep understanding of the concepts and a genuine connection to the ideas explored. She is to be congratulated for her consistent effort and the meaningful way she engages with her learning.
Isobel (6J) - Isobel is a respectful and diligent learner who always approaches her work with independence and gives 100% effort. She remains consistently engaged in her learning, demonstrating strong organisation and a positive attitude. Her respectful interactions with classmates and commitment to doing her best make her a wonderful role model in our classroom.
Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School
Year 9 Positive Education – Leading with Heart in Term 1
Throughout the term, our Year 9 students have been engaged in their Positive Education learning through the Leading with Heart program, exploring what it means to be a positive leader within our community. Students have reflected on key leadership qualities such as empathic listening, courage, drawing on our strengths, connection, trust-based actions and inclusion, recognising how these qualities help to create environments where others feel safe, respected and valued. A key message throughout the program has been the understanding that our choices create culture, and that leadership is shown through everyday actions and the way we treat others.
A highlight of the term has been witnessing the interactions between 84 of our Year 9s and the Year 5 students as they embrace their role as Big Sisters. Through these relationships and connections, students have come to understand that leadership is not about power, but about using influence to support, include and stand alongside others. This learning reinforces the important role leaders play in challenging unkind or exclusionary behaviour and in shaping a culture of trust and belonging. The term concluded with our cohort Cookie Bake off Challenge, some fundraising for Project Safe Haven and a meaningful Easter gratitude activity. These activities invited students to pause, reflect, and give thanks for their relationships, growth, and the opportunities they have shared this term. This reflection also marked the close of our new Leading with Heart leadership program, a formative journey that has encouraged our Year 9 students to see leadership not as a title, but as a way of being, grounded in compassion, responsibility and everyday choices that build a positive culture.
Jo Devenish-Meares
Pastoral Leader- Year 9
Year 10 Positive Education: Building Mental Toughness
In a world of increasing pressure and rapid change, our Year 10 Positive Education program focuses on developing mental toughness, a set of skills that support students’ resilience, achievement, and wellbeing.
Throughout the year, students engage with a Mental Toughness framework built around the 4Cs: Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Confidence. This model helps students better understand the relationship between life control, emotional regulation, interpersonal confidence, and achievement, equipping them with practical strategies they can apply both inside and outside the classroom.
Control explores the extent to which students feel in control of their lives, circumstances, and emotions, supporting emotional awareness and self‑regulation.
Commitment focuses on goal setting, persistence, and the ability to take purposeful action towards achieving personal and academic goals.
Challenge encourages students to embrace change, take healthy risks, and view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
Confidence develops students’ belief in their own abilities, as well as their interpersonal confidence in working with and relating to others.
Importantly, mental toughness is not only a tool for managing stress or adversity. It is also essential in supporting students as they navigate new learning experiences, build independence, and develop the skills required to thrive during adolescence and beyond.
Through this program, Year 10 students are supported to grow into self‑aware, resilient, and confident young people, equipped to meet challenges with optimism and purpose.
Olivia Lennon
Pastoral Leader- Year 10
Year 12 Positive Psychology
MSM’s framework of Positive Psychology is not just the domain of classroom activities, as evidenced by the experience of our Year 12s so far. From the very beginning of the year, students have been invited to focus on what matters most, so they can become who they want to be, through academic success, social and emotional wellbeing, or sporting accomplishment in the present. At our first year-level assembly, we spoke about the importance of focusing on the now. We all know that when students anchor their attention in the present, rather than ruminating on the past, they strengthen positive emotions and create opportunities to thrive. This is Positive Psychology in action: not a theory, but a way of showing up to life.
We have already seen this across the cohort. From students stepping up to choreograph the traditional Year 12 dance at the swimming carnival, to practising with commitment and delivering a polished performance, students have demonstrated engagement, courage, and accomplishment. We have also seen our Senior Leadership Team give their all to launch their vision of justice to the College through their theme, “Bring the Mix in 2026”, brilliantly supported by the cohort’s powerful and inspirational rendition of “Make Your Own Kind of Music.” These moments build more than school spirit: they build connection, identity, and a shared sense of purpose.
This was complemented by two Pos-Ed lessons that encapsulate this perfectly. First, the concept of the “Best Possible Self” asked students to imagine their future self, building a realistic understanding of happiness: one that includes courageous audacity, growth, and challenge. This lens helps students connect daily choices to long-term direction: Who do I want to be, and what do I need to practise now to become that person? From this comes “Flow.” When students explore questions such as “How do you show up for life?” they begin to understand the difference between simply pleasure-seeking and the deeper, more powerful experience of pleasure through flow: when our minds are focused and happily engaged in a task, boosting self-control, relaxation, and motivation. It is in these moments that students operate at their optimal best, challenged by the task, but confident in their ability to reach the goal at hand.
If we unpack the activities that Year 12 have engaged in this term, it is clear that becoming their Best Possible Self and finding happiness through flow and purpose embody the elements our Positive School framework espouses. In visible, practical ways, our Year 12s have been living PERMAH: building positive emotion, deep engagement, strong relationships, meaning grounded in justice and service, genuine accomplishment, and the habits that protect wellbeing and health.
Paula Brydon
Pastoral Leader- Year 12
YEAR 12 POPUP BISTRO
Our Year 12 Hospitality students recently ran a lunchtime popup Bistro for staff, offering freshly prepared meals and professional service in a relaxed dining setting.
This authentic experience allowed students to showcase their skills in food preparation, safe work practices and customer service while creating a welcoming bistro atmosphere.
Staff enjoyed a delicious lunch while supporting students as they applied their learning in a real-world hospitality environment.
YEAR 7 CONSENT & RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS PRESENTATION
Recently, Ms Caitie Humphrey from Catholic Education Queensland delivered an engaging and age-appropriate session for our Year 7 students focused on Consent and Respectful Relationships.
During the presentation, students learned about the importance of making decisions that are free from pressure and respectful of themselves and others.
They were introduced to the ‘Ask, Listen, Respect’ approach, which encourages clear communication, attentiveness to others, and respect for personal boundaries.
Students also explored ways to recognise and listen to their own body signals, helping them identify when a situation may feel uncomfortable and understand that it is okay to pause, seek support, or speak up.
This session supports our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and aligns with our focus on helping students build healthy, respectful relationships grounded in dignity, care and mutual respect.
YEAR 11 SOR & R&E EXCURSION
YEAR 11 SOR & R&E EXCURSION | Recently our Year 11 SOR and Religion & Ethics students visited Chung Tian Temple, where they experienced and partook in meditation, tai chi, and calligraphy.
These experiences gave our MSM students the opportunity slow down and learn through hands-on practices in a sacred space.
Additionally, the students visited Holland Park Mosque to learn more about Islam, helping deepen their understanding of faith through encounters, questions and respectful dialogue.
YEAR 7 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
MSM Year 7 Textiles students demonstrated impressive sewing abilities as they crafted their very own bucket hats. Their creativity really shone through as each student developed a unique and personal design.
YEAR 10 LIFE SCIENCE
Year 10 Life Science students recently began a unit on DNA and genetics, starting with the structure of DNA and how this remarkable molecule carries the instructions for all living things.
To bring their learning to life, students built colourful candy models of the iconic double helix, reinforcing their understanding of base-pairing and the overall DNA molecular structure. They also enjoyed extracting real DNA from strawberries and kiwifruit, an activity that allowed them to see genetic material first-hand. While the cloudy strands of fruit DNA can be viewed with the naked eye, the precise, twisted ladder structure shown in textbooks can only be revealed at the molecular level, highlighting the difference between what we observe experimentally and what science uncovers through advanced technology.
YEAR 7 JAPANESE
Year 7 Japanese students made their very own “kyaraben” or character bento, a lunchbox in which ingredients are meticulously arranged into characters from anime, animals, or nature. Originally designed to encourage children to eat varied diets, these visually appealing lunches are a creative way to show love and care.
MISSIONS OF ST VINCENT EASTER INITIATIVE
The Missions of St Vincent C.A.N. group have spent recent weeks preparing gifts for the residents of St Vincent’s Aged Care, Mitchelton. Each gift contained a palm cross to commemorate Good Friday and easter eggs to celebrate Easter Sunday.
The MSM community hopes these gifts bring joy to the residents over the Easter season.
MSM LIBRARY EASTER COMPETITION WINNER
Congratulations to Georgia, the lucky winner of the Library’s Easter Raffle!
A big thank you to everyone who borrowed, hopped in, and entered—your participation made this egg‑stra special.
Happy reading!
YEAR 11 ECONOMICS EXCURSION
Our Year 11 Economics students participated in an immersive excursion designed to connect the economic models and concepts studied in Unit 1 with real-world applications.
The day began with a visit to Morgans Financial, where students took part in a guided tour of both the front and back offices, offering valuable insight into the fast-paced nature of the finance industry. This was followed by three engaging presentations from key Morgans staff members, exploring the state of the Australian economy, career pathways within finance, and the growing leadership, impact, and opportunities for women shaping the future of the finance industry.
The excursion concluded with a walk through the new Waterfront Brisbane development. This site provided a practical case study for students to consolidate their understanding of economic impacts using relevant models, theories, and concepts explored in class.
JAPAN CLUB
White Day was recently celebrated in Japan Club with the making of an origami heart. Held exactly one month after Valentine’s Day, White Day is a special Japanese tradition that encourages people to reciprocate Valentine’s gifts as a gesture of appreciation and kindness.
Students enjoyed learning about this cultural celebration while taking part in a hands-on activity that reflected the spirit of gratitude and connection.
YEAR 11 RELIGION AND ETHICS SACRED STORIES UNIT
As part of the Year 11 Religion and Ethics Sacred Stories Unit, students are re-imagining sacred stories from various faith traditions and spirituality into a storybook, video, dramatic movement or a dance for a younger audience.
During the initial drafting stage, Year 5 students worked with the Year 11 students to provide feedback on their story ideas. It was an energetic and productive session where the Year 5 students provided some of their own personal touches to the students' stories and together, they co-created possible images through the responsible usage of AI tools.
SES RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS
Our Sisters Empowering Sisters (SES) CAN Group has been exploring respectful relationships this term.
The group has discussed what a healthy and respectful relationship looks like and feels like.
In the group’s efforts to ensure that everyone here at the College feels safe and comfortable around others, they designed posters to encourage everyone to “bring their whole self to school”.
FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
French students from Years 10, 11 and 12 enjoyed watching “Treasure Hunters: On the Tracks of Khufu” at the Palace Barracks as part of the annual French Film Festival.
The girls followed spirited archaeologist father, “bureaucratic archaeologist” daughter and her teenage son as they chased the lost treasure of Pharaoh Khufu, not through the sands of Egypt, but through the museums and stunning landmarks of Paris.
YEAR 9 RELIGION
MSM Year 9 Religion students made palm crosses, reflecting on faith, tradition and meaning.
WATER POLO
Congratulations to our MSM Water Polo teams for their outstanding performances in both the Grand Final and Bronze Medal matches held recently. Our Under 14 team showcased impressive skill and determination, ultimately securing the GOLD medal after a hard-fought and highly competitive match. The Under 16 team also delivered a remarkable effort, earning the SILVER medal in their game. In a dramatic finish, the Under 13 team battled fiercely and, after an intense extra time period, narrowly missed out on gold, awarded the SILVER medal following a shootout.
Well done to all teams on their fantastic results:
U18 – BRONZE MEDAL
U16 – SILVER MEDAL
U14 (1) – GOLD MEDAL
U14 (2) – BRONZE MEDAL
U13 – SILVER MEDAL
CASSSA TENNIS
The Term 1 CaSSSA Tennis season has now concluded after an exciting finals round on Saturday. Our MSM teams put in a top effort all term, despite some challenges with the weather.
Congratulations to our Open A team for finishing runners up in the Open A Reserve Division, to our Primary A team for taking out the premiership, and to our Primary C team who also finished as runners up.
This year marked the introduction of the CaSSSA Primary Cup, awarded to the top-performing school. We're thrilled to announce that our MSM primary teams have made history by becoming the very first winners of the Primary Cup in 2026. This outstanding accomplishment is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Year 5 and 6 students and their coaches.
Well done to all MSM primary tennis players for your efforts and for contributing to this prestigious achievement.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAINING
MSM students have been participating in S&C training at two amazing gyms this term, which is available again for registration in Term 2 with the social sports programs. Places are limited for both gyms - please register via parent lounge (Perform 360 – Monday and Wednesday mornings; Universal S&C – Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons).
The S&C programs offer our athletes valuable opportunities to build strength and improve their performance, laying the foundation for lifelong fitness and wellbeing. Starting early helps develop lasting physical capability that carries on well into adulthood.
The girls have thoroughly enjoyed their training this term and have already noticed positive changes in their bodies and their sporting achievements.
STUARTHOLME INVITATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY RELAY EVENT
Our MSM cross country team recently had the opportunity to compete in the Stuartholme Invitational cross country relay.
With the cross country season now underway, the relay event format, with teams of three students, each completing a 3km circuit provided a fun and energetic atmosphere for many of our run club members.
A huge congratulations to Mila O, Eve S and Ellery O, who took out first place in the 13/14 Years race!
THE WEEK THAT WAS IN THE ART DEPARTMENT
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.
The Queensland Government’s Back to School Boost (“Boost”) provides a $100 annual credit for families of primary school students (Prep–Year 6) to assist with school-related costs. The payment is not cash and is applied directly to a student’s school account, where it can be used for items such as school fees, excursions, camps, uniforms or stationery charged by the school. This is the first year the Boost has been received.
We confirm that the Year 6 Back to School Boost payment has now been received and applied to family accounts and payment schedules. We will apply the Boost payment to Year 5 family accounts as soon as it is received by the College.
Secondary students (Years 7–12) receive the Queensland Government Textbook and Resource Allowance, which has already been applied to student fee accounts for this year.
Families who have paid their school fees in advance and would like to discuss how these credits have been applied are welcome to contact Emma Grimson, Director of Finance – egrimson@msm.qld.edu.au
Winter stock has arrived at the MSM Uniform Shop!