Term 2 has started with great spirit and enthusiasm. Our academic enrichment and extension programs are in full swing, and May is shaping up to be a busy month with training for a range of co-curricular competitions well underway.

Our Years 10-12 students are putting the final touches on their arguments for the Senior School Ethics Olympiad, which will be held on Wednesday 14 May. They've been exploring a variety of perspectives on contentious issues such as midnight curfews for adolescents, Spotify and surveillance, and ethical problems regarding dog meat festivals. Meanwhile, our Years 7-11 daVinci Decathlon groups have been training hard for their competitions on 21 and 22 May, delving into areas as diverse as cartography, engineering, creative producers, science, ideation, mathematics, code breaking, English, art and poetry, and legacy. The Australian Space Design Competition has also just released its request for tender for 2025, focusing on the creation of the Europa Research Base in 2070. Our students in Years 9-12 will work on preparing the request for tender, while our Years 7 and 8 students will develop a 90-second video advertisement to attract staff to the base.

The MSM debating season is in full swing, with a healthy mix of well-reasoned victories and valuable lessons learned. Our Year 11 team tackled a complex case of encouraging men into traditionally female occupations in a much-delayed debate. Our three Year 7 teams faced their first short preparation debate, where they were given the topic only an hour before the debate began. All the debates were close, with valuable experience gained and a victory for 7.3, coached by Year 12 debater, Tully C. Congratulations to the Year 10.1 team, coached by MSM Alumni Steph Archer (Class of 2022), who continued their success by winning their third-round debate, positioning them well for the finals round.

Our academic enrichment programs play a crucial role in discovery, nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in our learners. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff who generously contribute to our co-curricular activities, fostering not just academic growth but also a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards learning. Your commitment and passion for our students’ educational journeys is much appreciated.

The Death of Pope Francis 
There has been a global outpouring of grief as our world farewelled Pope Francis. In his 12 years as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis oversaw some of the most significant changes to the Church in modern history. Under his leadership, the rights of the poor and marginalised were placed at the centre of the Church’s mission. He actively campaigned for climate change policy, the end to global conflict and for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people and women, and he took significant steps towards healing and redress for victims of clerical abuse. He was a humble man by nature, and he tried to live with simplicity and in keeping with Jesus’ mandates of love, compassion, justice and hope.

Last week, our community reflected on the extraordinary legacy of Francis in an extended homeroom prayer liturgy. Here are some of the more striking examples of his humility and service that we shared in that prayer:

• After his election, when he was formally introduced to his Brother Cardinals, Francis refused to stand on a platform. He did not want to elevate himself above them.
• He broke with centuries of tradition, choosing to live in a small apartment in Vatican City, rather than in the Papal Apartments in the Apostolic Palace. 
• He drove a second hand Focus, refusing the offer of a chauffeur and limousine. He later traded in the Ford Focus for a 30 year old Renault that had done 300 000km. 
• In the early years of his papacy, Pope Francis frequently left his secure residence at night, sneaking out of Vatican City to help feed the poor in Rome.

Francis was laid to rest in a simple tomb in the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. His life's work, and servant heart, are best summed up in his favourite simple prayer, taught to him by his Grandmother: Jesus, make my heart more like yours. Amen. 

Eternal rest grant unto Francis, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

ANZAC Day

Last week, our community commemorated ANZAC Day and gave thanks for the courageous service of all who have served our country in times of war. On Thursday, the College community gathered for our annual ANZAC Day Liturgy. In this special centenary year, our liturgy was called The Boy Next Door, with a particular focus on the stories of Ashgrove at war, and of one special boy who once lived here at the College. The house that stands at 20 Aloomba Drive, now our Mary Aikenhead Centre, was once home to the Harney Family. Mrs Harney had seven daughters, and one son, John Kevin, who would later grow up to serve in WW2 as a soldier in Papua New Guinea. John Kevin was my grandfather, and as part of our liturgy, Mrs Statham and our Drama Club told his moving and courageous war story. Like so many of his generation, John Kevin returned home whole of body but emotionally wounded. Our liturgy concluded with the powerful words from the late Holy Father, Pope Francis:

"Lord God of peace,

Hear our prayer!

Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say:

“Never again war!”

With war everything is lost."

On ANZAC Day, a large contingent of MSM Staff and Students braved the soggy conditions to proudly march in the RSL Ashgrove Sub Branch Community March and Service, where our College Captains Ava and Ellen laid a wreath at the Ashgrove Memorial. I sincerely thank all who were in attendance for the wonderful way they represented the College at this important community event.

Year 12 Retreat

Our Year 12 students and 15 staff members attended a very special residential Retreat at Coolum this week. Now in its third year, the Retreat has become a milestone event for our Year 12 students, who relish the opportunity to gather, rest, reflect and give thanks for the journey they have been on. I would like to particularly thank our wonderful staff who have been so supportive of the implementation of residential Retreats, and without whom we could not offer these important opportunities. We especially thank Ms Lennon, Ms Devenish-Meares, Ms Bow and Ms Volp for their leadership of the Retreat in my absence this year. 

Positive Behaviour Support
At Mt St Michael’s College, we believe in fostering a positive environment where every student can thrive. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an approach that helps us achieve this goal by promoting prosocial behaviour and creating a supportive atmosphere where students can flourish.
 
PBS focuses on teaching students the skills they need to succeed both academically and socially. By reinforcing positive behaviours, we encourage students to make good choices and develop a sense of responsibility.
 
Our dedicated staff work closely with students to set clear expectations and provide consistent feedback. We aim to celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to motivate students and build their confidence.
 
Through our Positive Education Program and PERMA activities in homeroom, year levels and Houses, we aim to create a community where respect, kindness, and cooperation are at the forefront. Together, we can make our MSM not only a school with a Pos Ed Program but a visibly positive school that is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
 
We invite parents and caregivers to join us in this initiative by reinforcing positive behaviours at home. Please ask your daughters to show you the PBS Matrix in the College Diary on pages 14 and15 which identifies the expectations of our community for every student, every day.

Please see a link to some helpful tips for navigating the challenge of parenting pre-teens and teens. Positive behaviour tips: pre-teens & teens | Raising Children Network  View the link here

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thank you to parents and students who engaged with our online Parent-Teacher Conferences on Tuesday 22 April – I trust that all found this interaction beneficial. We will be hosting the second event on Tuesday 6 May from 3:30 – 7:00pm. Please note that these conferences will be in person, in the Sophia Centre. Parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity for parents to connect with their student's teachers and gain insight into their child's academic progress, learning behaviours and overall wellbeing. It is an essential communication platform for parents and teachers to discuss issues, share information, and develop strategies for supporting a student's success.
 
It is vital to approach parent-teacher conferences with a positive and open mindset. Teachers have valuable insights into your student's progress as well as their approach to learning. It is important for teachers to discuss both a student's strengths, as well as areas where they may need to improve. It is vital that students remain open to constructive feedback as this will enable them to improve.
 
It is also important to follow up on any action items discussed during the meeting. If the teacher recommends additional resources or activities to support your student's learning, please make sure to discuss how this recommendation can be applied with your student.
 
Whilst we have a set time for formal interviews, parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact either homeroom teachers for pastoral matters or subject teachers for curriculum matters at any time throughout the academic 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 contact.
 
Elevate Education – Term 2 Parent Webinar Series
This year, students in Years 7, 8, and 9 will take part in Elevate Education’s high-impact workshops, designed to strengthen their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation.

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops to our students that help to develop their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation.

Over the next term, you're invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they're learning at school.

Upcoming Webinars:

• How to Get (And Keep!) Your Child Motivated - 7 May 6:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams – 21 May 6:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Support Your Child During Exams - 4 June 6:30pm (AEST)
• Ask Me Anything (Live Q&A) - 18 June 6:30pm (AEST)
• How to Help Your Child Alleviate Stress – 2 July 6:30pm (AEST)

Register for the series here and learn some great practical strategies to help support your child this year.

Welcome to Term Two!
As we begin the new term, we are excited to continue building on the successes of Term 1, and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in Year 5. This term promises to be another busy and rewarding one, with a wide range of learning experiences, co-curricular opportunities and community events planned.

The Year 5 students have begun the term by reflecting on their Term 1 experiences, and setting goals to guide their learning and personal growth. It is pleasing to see the students continue to grow in confidence as they progress in their MSM journey!
 
Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy
We are delighted to invite Year 5 students and their mothers to a special Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy on Friday 9 May, from 7:00am to 8:15am in the Sophia Centre. In addition to enjoying a delicious breakfast and the wonderful company of other Year 5 Mums, each mother will receive a commemorative Centenary cup and saucer to remember this special event. Tickets are $25 per person and are available to purchase here. Please note that bookings close on Wednesday 7 May at 5pm. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion!
 
Junior School Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards
Congratulations to the following students for receiving Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards at our Year 5 Assembly this week:

Lyla (5H) – Lyla, your contribution to 5 Hope shines through your positive interactions with your teacher and peers, and your application to school-work.  You approach learning with a growth mindset and complete tasks to the best of your ability.  Your pride in MSM is evident in all you do.
Cleo (5H) – Cleo, you always complete learning tasks to the best of your ability.  You take pride in the presentation of your work and pay careful attention to the details that make your work shine.  It is affirming to see you addressing all aspects of school-life with confidence and positivity.  Keep up the great work. 
Crissy (5L) – Crissy, your respect and inclusiveness for others in the classroom truly stands out in 5 Love. You consistently demonstrate kindness and empathy, making everyone feel valued and included. Those little acts of kindness you offer to others each and every day do not go unnoticed. Keep up the fantastic work!
Georgie (5L) - Georgie, your dedication and commitment to learning have truly stood out over our first term at MSM. You have consistently approached your class work with diligence, focus and a positive attitude, particularly in our end of term assessments. Your hard work not only enhances your own growth but also inspires those around you. Keep up the great work Georgie!
 
Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School