Educating Young Women: Knowing How Girls Learn, Strengthening Our Community
Recent OECD research affirms what we know and intentionally act upon each day at Mt St Michael’s College: girls thrive in environments that recognise both their strengths and their unique learning needs. While girls consistently achieve highly, the research reminds us that confidence, voice and agency must be deliberately nurtured alongside academic success.

At MSM, this shapes our approach to learning. We understand how girls learn best — through connection, purpose, collaboration and opportunities to lead. Our programs are designed to build confidence, encourage intellectual risk-taking and develop the capacity of each young woman to advocate for herself and others in a complex and changing world. Grounded in the Mary Aikenhead tradition, we remain committed to forming courageous, compassionate and discerning young women who are ready to make a meaningful contribution.

This commitment is most visible in the breadth of opportunities available beyond the classroom. Our co-curricular program — across sport, culture, service and academic enrichment — plays a vital role in building confidence, fostering belonging and encouraging active participation. These experiences are not an “addition” to learning; they are integral to how girls grow, take risks and discover their strengths.

Equally important is the strength of our community. At MSM, education is a genuine partnership between school and home. We value the trust families place in us and the way our community comes together to support the formation of each student. Whether through co-curricular events, parent teacher conferences, service initiatives or shared celebrations, these moments strengthen connection and deepen a sense of belonging for our young women.

Over the coming weeks, events such as the MSM Charity Challenge, Music Soirée, Dance Showcase, Sorry Day Ceremony and Grandparents' Day provide rich opportunities for students, staff and families to engage in this shared life of the College. These experiences reflect who we are: a community that knows girls well, supports them deeply and works together to help them flourish.
 

Student Exchange Opportunities
We are currently seeing a growing interest in student exchange programs, particularly among students in Years 9 to 11, with some choosing to study overseas for up to a full term. These experiences can be incredibly valuable, offering students rich cultural, academic and personal growth opportunities.

As interest increases, we have also noticed that in some cases exchange arrangements are being organised independently by families before the school is consulted. While we appreciate the initiative and enthusiasm behind these opportunities, this approach can create challenges in ensuring that academic continuity, wellbeing, and school requirements are appropriately managed.

To best support your daughter and ensure a smooth process, we ask that families make contact with the school before beginning any exchange planning. Early communication allows us to:

· Provide guidance on suitable programs and timelines.

· Discuss academic expectations and subject implications.

· Ensure appropriate approvals and documentation are in place.

· Support a positive transition before, during, and after the exchange.
 

If your daughter is considering an exchange, please reach out via email to begin this conversation at the earliest opportunity.

We are supportive of the many benefits that student exchanges provide and look forward to working in partnership with families to ensure each experience is both enriching and well planned for the best possible outcome.

Year 12 Fundraising: Charity Ball and Charity Challenge
We are very proud of the Class of 2026, who have demonstrated innovation and enterprise as we seek ways to raise funds for Project Safe Haven. Our seniors have developed a series of wonderful fundraising initiatives that will educate our community about homelessness while raising much-needed funds for Emmanuel City Mission.

The MSM Charity Ball is a longstanding fixture on the College Calendar, and an event that highlights our unique charism. Rather than hosting a Formal, our students attend a Charity Ball, where funds are raised to support our major project. In the spirit of the Sisters of Charity, who placed the poor at the centre of their work, we invite our students to widen their perspective and support those in need. This year, the charity component of the Charity Ball will look a little different. Rather than collecting donations, the students have elected to hold a substantial raffle on the evening. We sincerely thank our families who have donated prizes for this event, and Golden Fox BJJ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym, Synergie Skin and Mecca Australia for kindly supporting this initiative. We look forward to revealing our fundraising total from the evening very soon.

From 18-22 May, our seniors will host their major fundraising initiative. This event is completely new to MSM and has been developed by the Student Leadership Team with support from a Year 12 fundraising committee. The MSM Charity Challenge is a week of fun, engaging activities that will raise awareness of the issues that emerge from homelessness while raising funds for Project Safe Haven. Highlights of this week will include:

· Meat-Free Monday: our Year 12 students will gather for a vegetarian picnic, as they reflect on the challenges that the rising cost of living places on food options for low-income families.

· Tired Tuesday: our Year 12 students will take up the challenge of sleeping “uncomfortably” overnight (e.g. without a pillow or on the floor), in solidarity with those who do not have a safe place to sleep. Students in Years 10 – 12 will also give a $2 donation for the opportunity to wear PJs at school on this day.

· Warmth Wednesday: mindful of the challenges that winter brings to homeless communities, our Year 7-12 students are encouraged to bring a non-perishable warming item to donate to ECM’s community pantry. The Year 12 students will also host a gourmet hot cocoa stand at lunchtime.

· Thrift Shop Thursday: as we highlight the good works of Vinnies in providing affordable and sustainable clothing options, we will host a whole-school casual dress day. Each year level has been allocated a dress up theme for this day. Students will make a $2 donation to participate.

· Fearless Friday: we will celebrate what it means to be #MSMProud as we celebrate that we are growing as people of justice and love, faithful to our values. Students are invited to enjoy a mega-ExtravaCANza, featuring CAN and Year 12 Homeroom stalls, along with a fun interhouse Just-Dance-Off competition at lunchtime.

Further information about activities for each Year Level will be available on your daughter’s Year Level Teams page. We will chronicle our journey on our social medial accounts. We thank our Year 12 cohort for their courage and enterprise in developing these wonderful events!

National Reconciliation Week: 26 May – 3 June
As we approach National Reconciliation Week, I’d like to share some information about upcoming events.

Year 12 students, members of the Social Justice Council and the members of our First Nations Student Group are warmly invited to join us at this year’s Teralba Park Sorry Day Morning Ceremony on Tuesday 26 May. We proudly attend this important community event every year. If your daughter is interested, please log in to Parent Lounge to give your permission and complete the transport survey.

Our First Nations Student Group and Social Justice Council are collaborating to host a range of exciting events to mark National Reconciliation Week. More information about this will be provided via Year Level Teams closer to time.

From the Program Leader: Service Learning – Mr Clayton Kelly
The past fortnight has shown the strength of the Community Action Network, taking on different flavours of service and solidarity. Interact have had a productive week with the Mother's Day stall and was extremely well received. Preparing small gifts for the community during recent meetings, Interact successfully sold their stock through Friday lunch time last week to support Project Safe Haven, raising an impressive $721.

Also detailed in this newsletter is our Interact Executive and Ms Devenish-Meares representing the College at the Interact District Conference this past weekend. We thank them for their leadership in the social justice space.

A start of hopefully a new tradition this past Sunday with parents, staff and students joining together in the Mother's Day Classic in support of those affected by breast and ovarian cancer. The team enjoyed a brisk early start to Mother's Day as they enjoyed the activities on the Riverside Green, shared their motivation for getting involved and enjoyed time together along South Bank parklands. We hope to offer more opportunities for families to show solidarity and be involved in service together as the year progresses.

Complementing our Interact group is another CAN group that is unique to MSM; Sisters Empowering Sisters. Grown from student interest, the group stays true to its roots with leaders and students meeting frequently bringing topics for discussion and activities focused on gender equality and empowerment. It has forged relationships with Rizeup, a local group looking to support women and families fleeing from trauma as well as Share the Dignity which is supported through discussions and drives around Period Poverty across Term 3. Last term, a visible example of their commitment to empowering the College community was through a poster project, echoing their key message to members to 'bring your whole self to school' every day. Thank you to the committed student leaders who continue to drive the conversation capably mentored by Ms Sue Wiseman, Ms Bernadette Ryan and Ms Jane de Git. All students in Years 7 - 12 are welcome to come along to these meetings each Day 1 lunch time in I16.

Clayton Kelly
Program Leader - Service Learning

Attendance Matters
A friendly reminder that consistent full attendance absolutely matters. Regular school attendance is foundational to each student’s capacity to flourish—academically, socially, and spiritually. At Mt St Michael’s College, our goal is: A Positive School and Flourishing Community. This goal is underpinned by the PERMAH framework which necessitates consistent attendance as it nurtures Positive Emotion through a sense of belonging, supports deep Engagement in learning, and strengthens Relationships with peers and teachers. It enables students to experience Meaning, particularly within our Catholic context, where shared prayer, formation, and service are lived in our community. Through continuity of learning, students build a sense of Accomplishment, while also attending to their Health, as routine, connection, and purpose are protective factors for wellbeing. This holistic vision aligns closely with the OECD’s mandate for education as a driver of flourishing—not merely academic success, but the formation of young people who are capable, connected, and hopeful about their future. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Education is an act of hope”—a daily investment in the growth of each young person. Each day at school matters; it is through presence that our students are most fully invited into the richness of learning, faith, and growth that defines our community.

Morning Attendance
At the College we continue to focus on improving punctuality to school. From time-to-time students have legitimate reasons for lateness. 

Our College day commences with Homeroom at 8:30am. If 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 our families.

The purpose of our SMS is student safety and duty of care. If you receive an SMS from the College, this is the College confirming that your child has not been marked present and is not accounted for. 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 3:00pm 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.

These processes ensure the College always knows where students are, why they are absent and that parents/caregivers are informed promptly.

Sick Bay
In supporting our young people to flourish, we are also called to intentionally cultivate resilience—the capacity to remain present, to persist, and to grow through moments of discomfort. Recently, we have observed a rise in sick bay visits for very minor ailments, which invites us to gently refocus our shared commitment to helping our girls discern between genuine need and moments of understandable, but manageable, discomfort. Learning to “sit with” minor physical or emotional unease, supported by caring adults builds self-efficacy, strengthens coping strategies, and nurtures confidence. With guidance, encouragement, and high expectations, we seek to empower our girls to remain engaged in their learning, trusting in their capacity to persevere and, ultimately, to flourish.

I would ask that parents monitor their daughter’s sick bay attendance through Parent Lounge to ensure that any indication of significant health concerns are not missed, but also to keep track of Panadol or Nurofen consumption.

Single Tasking
As we approach the halfway point of the term, it is important that students regularly refer to their assessment calendars to remain organised and prepared for upcoming tasks. Now is the time to ensure that effective study strategies are being implemented at home, with a clear focus on quality over quantity.
 
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.

By fostering these habits, you are helping your child build valuable skills in time management, concentration, and academic independence—skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
 
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 online QTAC Information Session on Tuesday 26 May at 5:00pm. A representative from QTAC will provide a thorough overview of the tertiary application process. This session is for all students who are considering tertiary pathways, and their parents/caregivers. The online presentation will run for approximately 45 minutes and there will be time for questions afterwards. Please note that this presentation will not be recorded. 
 
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.

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/43188283506614?p=zYU8QFo9VMhVlQ6iHn
Meeting ID: 431 882 835 066 14
Passcode: 8k4i7Hr2
 
Year 11 2027 Subject Selection Evening 
Current Year 10 students and their families are requested to attend the Year 11 2027 Subject Selection Evening on Monday 1 June at 5:00pm in the Sophia Centre. 
 
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.

Year 5 and 6 Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast
We were delighted to have our Year 5 and 6 students, and their mums and special invited guests, gather last Friday for our Year 5 and 6 Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast. 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 Spitaleri from our Marketing and Communications Department for their support with planning this event.

In the words of Ariana, our Year 6 student who shared a reflection about her mum during the Liturgy:

"My mum is kind, caring and completely selfless. She always puts me and my sister first and makes sure everyone in our family feels loved and looked after. She is always thinking about others before herself."

We hope that all of the mothers and mother figures in our community had a wonderful Mother’s Day last Sunday.

Year 5 Grandparents’ Event
We extend an invitation to the grandparents of our Year 5 students for a special Grandparents’ Event. This event will take place on Wednesday 27 May, from 11:00am to 12:45pm at the College. The event promises to be a memorable experience, featuring classroom conversations, craft and trivia activities, and a special performance. 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 and resourcing purposes, bookings are essential. You can book on the students’ grandparents’ behalf via the link below.

Year 6 Retreat
We look forward to gathering as a Year 6 cohort next Tuesday for the Year 6 Retreat. This will be a special opportunity for students to step away from the busyness of everyday school life to spend time in reflection, prayer and connection. It promises to be a meaningful experience in their final year of Junior School as they continue to grow in faith, leadership and relationships.

Junior School Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards
Congratulations to the following students for receiving Positive Behaviours for Learning Awards at our last Junior School Assembly:

Celeste (5H) - Cece, you consistently approach your learning with diligence and determination, always striving to do your very best. Your persistence, even when tasks become challenging, is truly admirable. What makes you shine even more is the kindness and inclusiveness you show to everyone around you. You make sure others feel welcome, valued and supported, and you interact with your peers in a positive and thoughtful way. You should be very proud of the wonderful effort and gentle leadership you bring to our Year 5 classroom each day.

Sofia (5H) - Sofia, you are an inclusive and encouraging presence in our 5 Hope classroom. Your considerate, compassionate and kind nature shines through in the way you treat your peers, always making others feel valued, welcomed and supported. Your gentle leadership and genuine care for those around you make our school community a brighter and more joyful place. You should be very proud of the beautiful way you contribute to the wellbeing of others each and every day.

Ella (5L) – Congratulations, Ella, on consistently demonstrating respect in all aspects of school life. You work with your peers with kindness and care, always using your manners when speaking with teachers and classmates. I particularly like your partner work where you support others in the task at hand. Your positive attitude and strong work ethic across all learning areas make you a wonderful role model for others.

Eve (5L) – Congratulations, Eve, on the resilience you demonstrate in all learning areas. You always try your best, even when tasks are challenging, and never give up. You thoughtfully seek help when needed and use feedback to improve. Your determination and positive attitude towards learning are to be commended. Keep up the great work!

Lyla (6C) - Lyla, congratulations on demonstrating a diligent approach to all aspects of Year Six. Your willingness to actively seek and thoughtfully apply teacher feedback, combined with the considered responses you provide in class and in your written work, highlights your strong engagement and application to learning. You are truly valued in 6 Compassion for your diligence, and your kind and thoughtful ways.

Evie (6C) - Evie, this award recognises your growth in positive learning behaviours during Year 6. You have shown improved application to learning, with greater focus in class and a more collaborative approach when working with others. The increased care you take and the pride you show in your work reflect your growing commitment to learning. Keep up the excellent effort.

Addison (6J) - This award recognises Addie for being a respectful learner who consistently listens attentively and follows instructions with care and commitment. She works diligently with a clear love of learning, always engaging positively in her classroom. Her strong effort and determination to improve demonstrate an admirable commitment to personal growth.

Lucia (6J) - Lucia is a respectful and diligent learner who always works quietly and courteously in the classroom. She consistently demonstrates strong effort and a genuine willingness to learn and improve. By seeking assistance and asking thoughtful questions, she shows a positive and responsible approach to her learning.

Katie Jordan
Head of Junior School