A belated “Happy Mother's Day” to our Mothers, Grandmothers and other mother figures of Mt St Michael’s. We hope that you had a wonderful day! We thank you for the love, care and encouragement you give your children every day of their lives.
On Friday 9 May, MSM conducted our first Junior School Mothers’ Day Liturgy and Breakfast. It was a beautiful celebration and a fantastic addition to our calendar. Thank you to Ms Katie Jordan, Ms Toohey, Mrs Marsh and Ms Robertson for their organisation of the event with the support of the Marketing, Communications and Development Office. Ms Jordan has provided further details about the morning in this newsletter.
MusicFest 1
Congratulations to our music students on providing us with a delightful evening of entertainment at last night’s MusicFest 1. The theme, “Neapolitan Ice Cream”, transported us to Naples in Italy, the home of Neapolitan ice cream. My sincere thanks to Ms Townsley and the music staff for their efforts in working with the students to produce such an enjoyable evening. More details on the event can be found in Ms Collier’s article.
Year 12 Charity Ball
We wish our Year 12 students and their guests an enjoyable evening at the Charity Ball this Saturday night at Rydges.
College Leadership Team Professional Learning
On Monday 12 May members of the College Leadership Team attended a masterclass “Adaptive Leadership in a Crazy World” which was presented by Harvard Professor Dean Williams. Dean was an engaging presenter, providing some excellent material for the College Leadership Team to reflect upon. We look forward to sharing some of our learnings with our staff.
2025 YEAR 5 GRANDPARENTS' MORNING
We look forward to welcoming Grandparents of our Year 5 students for a very special Grandparents’ Morning on Wednesday 4 June. This event is an occasion for our Junior School students to share their new school environment with their beloved grandparents and create treasured memories together. For catering purposes, bookings are required by Friday 30 May.
MSM FOUNDATION PRESENTS CAREER CONVERSATIONS BREAKFAST WITH MSM ALUMNI BREAKFAST - SAVE THE DATE
Save the date for the MSM Foundation Career Conversations Breakfast with MSM Alumni on Wednesday 18 June, 6:45 – 8:15am. Join MSM Alumni for a light breakfast and gain insight into their personal journey from MSM to their chosen career pathway. Throughout the morning you and your student will be given the opportunity to speak to several Alumni from varied industries in a speed networking format. This event is open to all MSM students, regardless of year level.
We hope that you can join us for this very special event. Please note this is a ticketed event and bookings are essential. Thanks to the generous support of our MSM Alumni, tickets for this year’s event will be subsidised. Student tickets are just $5 each and parent/caregiver tickets are $15. Bookings open soon.
Have you purchased your tickets for the MSM Centenary Gala Dinner on Saturday 26 July at The Star Brisbane? Early bird discounted tickets close on Monday 26 May. Indulge in a sumptuous two course dinner, dessert, five hour drink package, live entertainment and more at a great price of $195. Book your tickets for this event not to be missed!
MSM Music
Music Soirée 2
Ten talented student musicians from Years 9–11 took to the stage for their first solo performances at the College for Music Soiree 2 on Thursday 8 May showcasing their skills on piano, guitar, violin, drumkit, and vocals. Their preparation and polish shone through—what an incredible debut!
MusicFest 1
Neapolitan Ice Cream, the theme for MusicFest 1, set the stage for an incredibly colourful and mesmerizing evening. Students showcased their talent with enthusiastic and confident performances, captivating the audience with a variety of musical styles and instruments. The event was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms. Miriam Townsley, whose oversight and creativity brought this evening together, ensuring every detail was perfect. Additionally, gratitude extends to our Music Tutors, who work tirelessly with our students to refine and enhance their performances, helping them reach their full potential.
From the lively rhythms of the percussion ensemble and concert band to the delicate melodies of the senior strings, guitar ensemble and string orchestra and the powerful vocals of the MSM Singers, Middle school Choir and College Choir that resonated through the Sophia Centre, each performance was a moving demonstration of the students' passion for music. The camaraderie among the students, their tutors, and the audience created an atmosphere of joy and celebration, making MusicFest 1 an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Our Year 10 students enjoyed a wonderful day at their annual Retreat last week. Capably led by Ms McLaughlin, Ms Devenish-Meares and the Year 10 Pastoral Team, the students reflected on the concepts of identity and the important roles they play in lifting one another up on their journey. We thank our Year 10 students for their exceptional response to the day.
MSM Charity Ball
The Charity Ball, held over this weekend, is a wonderful College tradition that speaks strongly to our values and our enduring commitment to the poor and marginalised. At MSM, we do not have a College Formal, we have a Charity Ball. As part of their attendance, the College requests that students make a donation of 2% of what they spend on their own preparations to our major project. This year, the funds will go to Project Providence, as we continue our quest to raise $15 000 to support the secondary education of two students living in Sub-Saharan Africa. We thank our students for their generous contributions as they continue this cherished tradition, and I look forward to sharing a fundraising update with you in the coming weeks.
MSM Chop
The MSM Chop is now three weeks away, and our Year 12 students are busily preparing their hair and collecting donations. We thank those students involved for their courage and generosity. Their hair will be donated to the Cancer Council's Ponytail Project and all funds will be donated to Project Providence, as we continue our quest to provide a life-changing secondary school education to two female students in Sub-Saharan Africa. To support our students, we invite you to make a donation via the College's Payment Portal (select MSM Chop from the dropdown menu).
Sisters of Charity Centenary Display
As we celebrate our College's Centenary this year, we also remember the Sisters of Charity who share a centenary with us. In 1925, Sisters arrived in Brisbane to open Grantuly College. Over the years, their ministry expanded to include St Vincent's Hospital and St Vincent's Aged Care. The Sisters warmly invite all members of the College community to visit their Centenary Exhibition, celebrating the journey of the Sisters across 100 years in Queensland. The Exhibition, displayed at St Vincent's Hospital Kangaroo Point, is open to the public from 24 May through to the end of July and is free to visit.
A friendly reminder that consistent full attendance absolutely matters. Nationally, school attendance rates have decreased over the past five years resulting in significant research into the issue. The latest evidence shows that strong connections with school and regular school attendance is directly linked to positive academic, social and personal development for children and young people. We greatly value these connections at Mt St Michael’s College. The 'MSM: A Positive School Flourishing Together' perspective highlights how engagement as a community is essential to our students' long-term wellbeing.
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 know when their daughters are unexpectedly late, we are now sending 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.
Early Departures
A reminder that if your daughter is leaving the college before 3pm that a parent or caregiver must present to the college reception to collect her. This is to ensure the safety of our students. In the event that your daughter is required to leave early, please log the reason on Parent Lounge or email studentabsentees@msm.qld.edu and write a note in her student diary.
Students who are drivers or are allowed to walk home must have a parent or caregiver give verbal permission to student reception staff via a phone call, before they can leave the college grounds.
You may hear your student confidently say that they are excellent at multitasking—texting, checking social media, and studying all at once. While this might appear impressive, the truth is that multitasking is a myth. Despite its popularity, research shows the human brain is not capable of processing multiple cognitive tasks simultaneously.
What students are actually doing is serial tasking—rapidly switching between tasks. According to the American Psychological Association, this constant shifting reduces efficiency and increases the likelihood of errors. Every time focus is redirected, the brain experiences a processing delay, making the overall task take longer and reducing the quality of outcomes.
A far more effective approach is single tasking—dedicating full attention to one task at a time. This method enhances focus, reduces mental fatigue, and leads to stronger academic performance. Here are a few practical strategies to support your child in developing productive study habits:
- Create a focused environment: A quiet, communal space such as a study or dining area is preferable to a bedroom, which often contains distractions.
- Set up for success: Ensure the workspace is tidy, well-lit, and comfortable (but not too comfortable) to promote sustained concentration.
- Minimise digital distractions: Keep mobile phones out of sight and on silent. Close unnecessary browser tabs and disable notifications on devices.
- Encourage single-task focus: Remind your student that deep focus on one task at a time is the most effective way to learn and retain information.
Confirmation of First Internal Assessment Instruments – Year 12
The QCAA’s annual confirmation process is currently underway. This quality assurance process ensures consistency and accuracy of student results across all Queensland schools in General and General (Extension) subjects.
Independent assessors review a sample of student work to validate the accuracy of teacher judgments. Over the coming weeks, students will begin to see their confirmed results for the first internal assessment instrument via the QCAA Student Portal. This rigorous process supports the integrity of senior assessment outcomes across the state.
Year 12 QTAC Information Session
Year 12 students and their families are invited to attend the QTAC Information Session on Tuesday 27 May at 5:00pm in the Sophia Centre.
This important event will help families prepare for upcoming post-schooling conversations and provide clarity around the tertiary application process. College staff will explain QTAC’s role in course placement and provide guidance on how to effectively preference courses.
This session is relevant for all Year 12 students, not only those pursuing an ATAR pathway, as QTAC offers multiple pathways into tertiary study.
Year 11 2026 Subject Selection Evening
Current Year 10 students and their families are encouraged to attend the Year 11 2026 Subject Selection Evening on Monday 2 June at 5:00pm in the Sophia Centre. Please note the change of date.
This evening will provide an overview of the QCE system and the various senior pathways available. Students and parents will also have the opportunity to attend subject-specific presentations to assist in selecting an appropriate course of study for Years 11 and 12.
Elevate Education – Term 2 Parent Webinar Series
This term, students in Years 7, 8, and 9 will participate in Elevate Education’s engaging workshops focused on improving study habits, motivation, and assessment preparation.
To complement this, parents are invited to attend Elevate’s free Term 2 webinar series, offering strategies to support learning at home and reinforce key skills. Upcoming sessions include:
- 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)
Year 5 Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy
We were delighted to have our Year 5 students, and their Mums and special invited guests, gather last Friday for our very first Year 5 Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy. It was a joyous occasion filled with love and laughter. A heartfelt thank you goes to all who attended. We are also grateful to Ms Ferris, Ms Ovenden and Ms Gofton from our Marketing and Communications Department for their support with planning this event. We hope that all of the mothers and mother figures in our community had a wonderful Mother’s Day on Sunday.
We extend an invitation to the grandparents of our Year 5 students for a special Grandparents’ Morning. This event will take place on Wednesday 4 June, from 8.30am to 10.30am at the College. The morning promises to be a memorable experience, featuring a special visit to our College Library, and engaging in classroom conversations, craft and trivia activities, followed by a shared morning tea. Please note that this event is exclusively designed for Year 5 students and their grandparents. There is no cost for our Grandparents to join us for this event. However, for catering purposes, bookings are required. You can book on their behalf here.
Term 2 Curriculum and Assessment Overview
Last week, Year 5 parents were emailed the Year 5 Term 2 Curriculum and Assessment Overview. This document provides information about the specific focus for learning in each subject area for the term, along with details of summative assessment tasks for the term.
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:
Evie (5H) – For making a concerted effort to have positive interactions with your teachers and peers. You have demonstrated resilient learner behaviours with your willingness to take on teacher feedback. This has allowed you to have improved success in your learning and at school each day. Keep up the great effort.
Addie (5H) – For being a diligent and respectful learner. Addie, you are an active and enthusiastic participant in each lesson. Your contributions to class discussions have enriched our learning environment and demonstrated your commitment to making progress in your learning each day. Keep up the super effort.
Sahana (5L) – Sahana, you consistently display respect in the classroom—you care for our class materials and are always helping to tidy up when needed. You share thoughtful contributions in our class discussions and are considerate of others when they are in focussed learning. Your positive attitude and collaborative spirit enhance our learning environment in 5 Love. Keep up the excellent work!
Amelia (5L) - Amelia, your unwavering dedication to your studies is truly commendable. You consistently approach each task with thoroughness and perseverance, even seeking feedback to improve on your already high level of achievement. Your diligence in learning your speech for our Mother’s Day Celebration, is just another example of your terrific efforts. Keep up the awesome work!
Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School
CHILDREN'S DAY IN JAPAN
MSM students have, this week, celebrated Children’s Day as part of the Children’s Day Festival that is celebrated every May 5 in Japan. At assembly, our Japan Club representatives taught us why and how this day is celebrated and that it is called Kodomo no Hi in Japanese. Today the Japan Club held a stall with bags of Japanese treats and traditional Children’s Day decorations of Kabuto (origami samurai helmets) and Koinobori (carp steamers).
ELEVATE EDUCATION WITH YEAR 7
On Tuesday 13th May, the multi-awarded winning study skills company Elevate Education, came to Mt St Michael’s College, and workshopped with the Year 7 cohort. The students gained valuable information regarding the various forms and styles of study and revision. Some of the skills they covered were dynamic reading strategies, formatting notes, and mind mapping. The students really enjoyed the session and 100% responded that the workshop was relevant and incredibly helpful.
Year 8 and Year 9 Students will also have the opportunity to participate in an Elevate Education workshop later in the year.
MSM INTER-HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL
Last week at assembly, we presented our Age Champions and House Champions from our Inter-House Cross Country Carnival to the school. Congratulations to these students on their success:
Year 5: 1st Jojo L; 2nd Matilda F; 3rd Amelia E
12 Years: 1st Mila O; 2nd Sienna J; 3rd Maddie R
13 Years: 1st Eliza P; 2nd Eve S; 3rd Faye C
14 Years: 1st Mia N; 2nd Alana M; 3rd Claire M
15 Years: 1st Laura B; 2nd Harriet S; 3rd Milly S
16 Years: 1st Gabrielle F; 2nd Siana O, 3rd Sophie G
17-19 Years: 1st Liv W; 2nd Maya S; 3rd Izzy C
Champion of Champions: Laura B
House Champions: Aikenhead House
Aikenhead house must be commended on their involvement in this event, which secured their win. Their house spirit and representation was impressive, something the other houses could strive to achieve at the interhouse athletics carnival later this term.
Our Cross Country Team was selected from this event and have been working hard in preparation for our CaSSSA Cup carnival, scheduled for May 30.
MSM NETBALL
On Friday 5 May our high performance junior and senior teams competed in the first Super 7’s competition in preparation for the Vicki Wilson Cup and Shield competitions and the Qld Catholic netball competitions which will be held over the next fortnight. This year, we will also have a Year 5 and Year 7/8 team competing in the Qld Catholic Cup competitions.
Our teams fought hard in the Super 7’s competition, and our senior team earned a place in the Grand final match of the Open A competition. They were defeated by a very strong Mansfield team on this occasion. Our juniors had some strong wins throughout the day. Overall, the opportunity for us to develop connections and combinations was valuable. Well done to both teams on the way they represented MSM at the Super 7’s competition and best of luck for the Vicki Wilson competitions on Tuesday 13 May.
MSM SOCCER
Our high performance soccer teams have commenced training and working towards competing in the ISSA and Uhlsport Cup competitions for 2025. Last Thursday our junior team achieved a draw in their first ISSA cup game against Kenmore SHS. Both teams will continue into their round games this term, with the goal being to progress through to the finals series of their respective competitions. Best of luck to our teams in their upcoming games. For the ISSA Cup our MSM team will compete against All Hallows' School and Grace Lutheran College and our Uhlsport team will compete against Grace Lutheran, Prince of Peace and Murrumba Secondary College this term.
DISTRICT SPORT
Last week our Year 5 students competed in their first District cross country carnival representing MSM and aiming for a place in the District team to compete in the Met North Regional trials. Our Year 5 students Charlee, Matilda and Jojo fought hard, with Jojo crossing the line in second place to secure her spot in the North West District team. Jojo will join older MSM students to compete in the regional trials later this month.
MSM student, Sophie Z took her water polo to the next level last week as she competed as a member of the Met North Water Polo Team. Met North team made it all the way to the grand final against a very skilled Met East. Met North earned a silver medal on a very tight grand final finish of 8-6. We hear Sophie thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the competition. Congratulations Sophie!
Congratulations to MSM Year 12 student Emily F, who recently competed in Germany at the Dresden International Youth Diving Meet. Emily placed 1st in the mixed platform/springboard event and 3rd in her individual 3 metre springboard. We are so proud of Emily’s achievement in this competition.
Thank you to our MSM families who have purchased a heart in support of our Light the Way Capital Campaign.
Funds raised will be used to support college initiatives, ensuring that future generations of Mt St Michael’s students can receive the very best education.
All donations are tax-deductible and heart plaques will be mounted and blessed on Mary Aikenhead Day.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SISTERS OF CHARITY CENTENARY EXHIBITION 24 MAY-6 JULY
Are you passionate about history and sharing its stories? We’re looking for volunteers with a connection to the Sisters of Charity and an interest in history to assist with the Sisters of Charity Centenary Exhibition at St Vincent's Private Hospital, 411 Main Street, Kangaroo Point.
The exhibition will run from 25 May to 6 July, between 10 AM and 3 PM (3-4 hour shifts). If you’re interested in being part of this meaningful event, we’d love to hear from you.
Email Lisa Eastment : lisa.eastment@svha.org.au
Thank you for your support!
- Mary Aikenhead Day Mass – Friday 25 July at 12 noon.
All members of the MSM Community are invited to join us for this very special mass to be held at Riverlife Baptist Church.
- Centenary Gala Dinner - Saturday 26 July. We are excited to bring you the 2025 MSM Centenary Gala Dinner at The Star Brisbane on Saturday 26 July from 6pm to 11pm. Join us for a night to remember
as we welcome our MSM community, past and present.
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
Add us to your address book
