Term 2 - Edition 8 - 19 May 2023
Last Thursday and Friday members of our College Leadership Team (Ms Collier, Ms Crothers, Ms Mason, Ms Simpson and Mr Cole) attended the Mary Aikenhead Ministries Conference in Sydney.
Approximately 2180 senior staff from St Vincent’s Health Australia (Health, Aged Care, Research and Social Services) and Education (MSM, St Vincent’s College, St Columba’s College and Catholic Ladies’ College) came together for the first time since 2019 to explore the conference theme “The love of Christ impels us, Mary Aikenhead Ministries for our time”.
For me, one of the most special things about the conference was reconnecting with some of the Sisters of Charity that I have met over the years. There were 15 Sisters present, including our own Sr Cate, Sr Suzette (former MSM Board Member) Sr Laureen (Congregational Leader) and Sr Linda and Sr Helen (I shared a pilgrimage to Ireland in 2017).
The Sisters have a great fondness for MSM and were interested to hear about the staff and students. I was proud to share stories of the wonderful social justice initiatives that we are currently involved with. The Sisters continue to be a source of inspiration as they engage in many social justice projects which include organising forums to discuss “the proposal for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution” and involvement in ACRATH an organisation that has the mission to “eliminate human trafficking and the harm it causes”.
I also became aware that Sr Annette Cunliffe who was Principal of MSM 1978-1984 is currently unwell and our MSM staff and students prayed for her at Assembly on Tuesday. We continue to keep Sr Annette in our prayers and we wish her a speedy recovery.
Approximately 2180 senior staff from St Vincent’s Health Australia (Health, Aged Care, Research and Social Services) and Education (MSM, St Vincent’s College, St Columba’s College and Catholic Ladies’ College) came together for the first time since 2019 to explore the conference theme “The love of Christ impels us, Mary Aikenhead Ministries for our time”.
For me, one of the most special things about the conference was reconnecting with some of the Sisters of Charity that I have met over the years. There were 15 Sisters present, including our own Sr Cate, Sr Suzette (former MSM Board Member) Sr Laureen (Congregational Leader) and Sr Linda and Sr Helen (I shared a pilgrimage to Ireland in 2017).
The Sisters have a great fondness for MSM and were interested to hear about the staff and students. I was proud to share stories of the wonderful social justice initiatives that we are currently involved with. The Sisters continue to be a source of inspiration as they engage in many social justice projects which include organising forums to discuss “the proposal for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution” and involvement in ACRATH an organisation that has the mission to “eliminate human trafficking and the harm it causes”.
I also became aware that Sr Annette Cunliffe who was Principal of MSM 1978-1984 is currently unwell and our MSM staff and students prayed for her at Assembly on Tuesday. We continue to keep Sr Annette in our prayers and we wish her a speedy recovery.
Dance Showcase
Congratulations to all students that were involved in last night’s Dance Showcase. I was asked which performance was my favourite – too difficult a question given the caliber of the student performances. Some numbers were high energy with an element of “fun”, whereas other numbers were more thought provoking, raising issues of treatment of our elderly, bullying and deforestation. We were challenged as well as entertained. The many, many hours of rehearsals were evident in the polished performances. Thank you to our dance teachers, Ms Paterson and Miss Humbler, and our Alumni who assisted with choreography. Thank you also to the staff who assisted with making the evening such a success, the teachers who provided supervision, Ms Statham, Mr Watson, Ms Bateman and the maintenance team.
Music Camp
We wish our musicians and singers a very successful Music Camp which commences on Sunday. This will be valuable preparation for up-coming events, including QCMF in August. Thank you to Ms Townsley, Ms Statham and staff who are giving up their time to support our students in this important opportunity.
CaSSSA Cross Country
I was pleased to present our Cross Country team with their shirts at Tuesday’s assembly. The team have shown 110% commitment to their training during recent months often facing cold and rainy conditions as they enter their final preparations with a training camp this weekend. I thank Ms Roy, Ms Tesch and the staff who are working with the team in this “final push” for the CaSSSA Cross Country event being held Thursday 25 May. Good luck, girls!
Australian Education Awards 2023
Mt St Michael’s College has been awarded an “excellence” award in the 2023 Australian Education Awards for the Best Professional Learning Program. This award recognises the most outstanding professional (staff) learning and development program or initiative in an Australian school. MSM was a recipient of an excellence award in 2022. The overall winner of this category will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on Friday 11 August.
In Faith and Love
Sharon Volp
Principal
2023 College Leadership Team
The Teen Brain
The Teen Brain will be presented at Marist College on Wednesday 14 June from 5:30 to 7:00 pm by Nathan Wallis, a gifted speaker who has given numerous talks on neuroscience.
The parents of Mt St Michael's College have been invited to attend this event. A brief biography follows:
Nathan Wallis is a father of three and foster father to many more. His professional background includes early childhood teacher, child therapist, social service manager, university lecturer and neuroscience trainer. He has developed a reputation as a lively and engaging speaker who uses humour and plain language to make this complex topic come to life. Covid has put all of us in an unpredictable environment and this has added layers of complexity to an already complex time of life - especially for children and teens already dealing with issues around anxiety and depression. During adolescence parts of the teenage brain are “shut for renovations”. This is the part of the brain responsible for regulating the teenager’s moods, for understanding consequences, maintaining focus and for thinking about the well-being of others. And the ‘teen’ years can start as early as 9 and end anywhere from 18 to 32 years of age! However, the good news is that there are clear tips and practices from the research that can help and enhance our teen’s ability (and yours) to cope with this tricky time and minimise the stress for everyone. Understanding the changes that are taking place will help you to navigate successfully these important and formative years.
To book your free seats to attend this presentation, please click here.
Nathan Wallis is a father of three and foster father to many more. His professional background includes early childhood teacher, child therapist, social service manager, university lecturer and neuroscience trainer. He has developed a reputation as a lively and engaging speaker who uses humour and plain language to make this complex topic come to life. Covid has put all of us in an unpredictable environment and this has added layers of complexity to an already complex time of life - especially for children and teens already dealing with issues around anxiety and depression. During adolescence parts of the teenage brain are “shut for renovations”. This is the part of the brain responsible for regulating the teenager’s moods, for understanding consequences, maintaining focus and for thinking about the well-being of others. And the ‘teen’ years can start as early as 9 and end anywhere from 18 to 32 years of age! However, the good news is that there are clear tips and practices from the research that can help and enhance our teen’s ability (and yours) to cope with this tricky time and minimise the stress for everyone. Understanding the changes that are taking place will help you to navigate successfully these important and formative years.
To book your free seats to attend this presentation, please click here.
International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Wednesday 17 May is the United Nations International Day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. As people of Charity, and as people of loving justice, we all have a special responsibility to make sure that our community is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
For more than 180 years, the Sisters of Charity in Australia have worked to build a more just and compassionate world by advocating for people who are marginalised and oppressed. In continuing their work, we are guided by the example of Jesus, who welcomed all, included all and loved all without limit or conditions.
Pope Francis says “love makes us similar. It creates equality, it breaks down walls and eliminates distances.” The value of Love was gifted to us by the Sisters of Charity, and we must strive to live it every day. Love is made real through actions and our words.
Our Catholic tradition teaches us that all people are created in the image and likeness of God, and that every person has inherent dignity and worth as a beloved child of God. Yet, we know that too many LGBTQIA+ people feel shame, despair and question their identity and place in society. And as a community – a loving, just, merciful community – we can do something about that.
Pope Francis reminds us that we must work harder to have “openness to ‘the other’ as a face, as a person, as a brother or sister to know and respect, with all of their history, merits and defects, riches and limits.”
Love, welcome and hospitality begins with us.
At assembly this week, our Mission Captains shared this prayer with our community:
Pope Francis says “love makes us similar. It creates equality, it breaks down walls and eliminates distances.” The value of Love was gifted to us by the Sisters of Charity, and we must strive to live it every day. Love is made real through actions and our words.
Our Catholic tradition teaches us that all people are created in the image and likeness of God, and that every person has inherent dignity and worth as a beloved child of God. Yet, we know that too many LGBTQIA+ people feel shame, despair and question their identity and place in society. And as a community – a loving, just, merciful community – we can do something about that.
Pope Francis reminds us that we must work harder to have “openness to ‘the other’ as a face, as a person, as a brother or sister to know and respect, with all of their history, merits and defects, riches and limits.”
Love, welcome and hospitality begins with us.
At assembly this week, our Mission Captains shared this prayer with our community:
Loving God,
Creator of all people, made perfect and beautiful in your image.
Teach us to love people, just as they are.
Teach us to accept people, just as they are.
Help us to build a strong, safe, welcoming community where all people are seen, known and loved.
May we walk in solidarity with LGBTQI+ people, listening, respecting and supporting them every day, recognising the gifts they bring to make our community whole.
In faith and love we pray.
Amen.
Creator of all people, made perfect and beautiful in your image.
Teach us to love people, just as they are.
Teach us to accept people, just as they are.
Help us to build a strong, safe, welcoming community where all people are seen, known and loved.
May we walk in solidarity with LGBTQI+ people, listening, respecting and supporting them every day, recognising the gifts they bring to make our community whole.
In faith and love we pray.
Amen.
Year 10 Retreat Day
Our Year 10 students enjoyed a wonderful Retreat experience at the Queensland Tennis Centre this week. Unpacking the theme This is me: identity and belonging in the MSM family using the film The Greatest Showman, our Year 10 students enjoyed a number of games and activities, and joined together for a moving liturgy of affirmation at the end of the day. This Retreat is new for Year 10 in 2023, as part of the College-wide renewal of the Retreat formation program. I would like to thank Ms Lennon (Year 10 Pastoral Leader) and our Year 10 Pastoral Team for their support in ensuring that this was a meaningful day for our students.
As we head into Week 6, we are now moving into the peak assessment period for the term. I encourage all students to keep track of when their assessment is due by using their assessment calendar and to maintain a consistent effort in their application to their studies so that their Term 2 results will be truly reflective of their abilities.
Extensions
As the term progresses, if your student falls behind in her studies, generally through illness or misadventure, then she is entitled to discuss the modification of her assessment deadlines, should there be a valid reason. If your student feels that she may need to negotiate her deadlines, then I strongly encourage her to contact either Ms Alison Larkings for students in Years 7 – 9 or Ms Ellen Kean for students in Years 10 - 12. Ms Larkings and Ms Kean are in the best position to ascertain whether your student will meet the requirements for adjustments to be made.
Absences on the day of an examination
If your student is absent on the day that she is scheduled to sit an examination, please note that she will be required to complete the examination when she is back at the College. For students in Years 10 – 12, medical documentation must be presented to the Program Leader for Senior School, Ms Ellen Kean, to substantiate the absence.
Confirmation of First Internal Assessment Instruments for Year 12 students
Confirmation is the annual quality assurance process used by the QCAA to ensure the comparability of student results for summative internal assessments in General and General (Extension) subjects across the state. Confirmation Event 1 has recently occurred and the QCAA has started to release confirmed results for the first internal assessment instrument completed by Year 12 students this week. This process has involved independent assessors examining the compatibility of the judgements made by MSM and all other secondary schools throughout Queensland to ensure the accuracy of results. Over the next few weeks, MSM students will be able to see the confirmed results that they have for each General subject in their QCAA Student Connect Portal.
ON THE CALENDAR
HAVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR TICKETS?
WIN $2500 credit towards tuition fees or $1500 cash prize*. Tickets start from $20 with proceeds directed to the MSM Foundation in support of the College’s Light the Way Capital Campaign. Tickets will be available until Tuesday 13 June with the winner to be drawn on Wednesday 14 June at 10am AEST.
Around the College
BRAIN BEE COMPETITION
The Australian Brain Bee challenge is a competition for Year 10 students to learn about the brain and current neuroscience research. Congratulations to MSM students, Aleeya, Jamie-Lee, Hailee and Tully who competed in Round 1 of the competition and a special mention to Tully who achieved in the top 20% of students and has been selected to participate in Round 2. This involves an online quiz and an in-person event held at the Queensland Brain Competition at the University of Queensland. Best of luck, Tully.
SENIOR SCHOOL ETHICS OLYMPIAD
Congratulations to our Senior School Ethics Olympiad team who participated in the Queensland competition. Year 10 students Taylor, Sophia, Amy, Abbey and Anika, engaged in quality debate around challenging topics such as Lookism and free cosmetic surgery; Anger in politics; the fifth industrial revolution; and death and taxes. Their ability to work seamlessly as a team allowed them to face on-the-spot challenging questions from both their opponents and the philosophers judging the competition. Whilst they didn’t place this year, they are certainly well prepared to face the challenge again next year. Well done, girls!
UQ AMBASSADORS
Congratulations to our four UQ Science Ambassadors Madeline, Anabelle, Audrey and Bridget. Each year, the University of Queensland supports a small group of Year 11 Science students to promote Science and the other STEM fields at Mt St Michael’s College. They have already played an integral role in our Open Evening and Pi Day in Term 1. This term, they are raising awareness of the importance of bees in our ecosystems. We look forward to other exciting initiatives from these enthusiastic students.
CERTIFICATE II & III SPORT & RECREATION
Our MSM Year 12 students who are completing their Certificate II and III in Sport and Recreation, travelled to Mater Dei Primary school and conducted a coaching session with the Senior Primary students. As part of their nationally recognised qualification, the students are required to coach junior athletes in a variety of setting. Well done to these students/coaches for a brilliant effort in their coaching unit.
BUNYAVILLE EXCURSION
Year 8 Humanities students spent the day gathering data on the threats facing Bunyaville Conservation Park for their annual excursion. Students considered how weeds, feral animals and human activities all pose a risk to the health of the park, and native animals, and will use this information construct a YouTube video for their assessment.
CAREERS EXPO
Our MSM students enjoyed attending the vibrant and informative Marist College Careers Expo. With over 40 industry exhibitors and displays on offer, our students benefited from engaging with industry experts. Thank you to Marist College for extending an invitation for MSM to be a part of their Careers Week.
MISSIONS OF ST VINCENTS
Our Missions of St Vincent students made bright and cheerful posies which were delivered to the special mum’s and grandmothers in the Mary Aikenhead Ministries nursing homes on Mother’s Day. We love our MSM CAN Groups!
JAPANESE DRUMMING
Japanese and music students from all year levels joined forces in a Taiko drumming workshop. Students respectfully entered the "doujou" (training hall) and were instructed in how to hold their drum sticks and maintain the correct stance. Their drumming was powerful and rhythmic. As well as having fun, students were able to see how important discipline and communication are in this art form.
DANCE EXCURSION
Our senior dance students had an incredible experience attending the ground-breaking dance production ‘Lucie in the Sky’ by Australasian Dance Collective (ADC). This innovative project brings together art and technology in a way never seen before. MSM students were inspired by this world-first project where dancers shared the performance space with choreographed drones. The production was testament to the boundless possibilities when creativity meets innovation.
INTERACT CONFERENCE
MSM’s Interact Executive (Emily, Mia, Chiara and Pia) as well as our Interact mentor teachers (Mrs McLaughlin & Mrs Devenish-Meares), recently participated in the Rotary District 9620 Interact Conference.
Over 20 school Interact clubs from across the district attended. Here students not only had the opportunity to share their service projects but to also listen to speakers from across the political, health and community services sphere. MP Tim Mander reminded them that not only are they leaders of tomorrow but they are also leaders of today. Katie Underwood from Orange Sky Laundry reminded us that the founders, Nick and Lucas (ex Gregory Terrace students), had numerous unsuccessful attempts to get laundry machines into vans before they finally succeeded. Now Orange Sky Laundry provides services across Australia and New Zealand to all who need assistance not only with their washing, but offers a warm shower and a friendly conversation. Finally, Prof. Caroline Donovan (Griffith University) discussed the growing concern around child and youth mental health and the importance of sleep, exercise and nutrition in a young person’s life.
The conference was full of positive energy and left our Interact Executive thinking about service projects that MSM and the Interact club could embark on not only this year but into the future. A huge thank you also to our Interact Executive parents and Ms Kate Simpson (Dean of Mission) for her support.
WORLD BEE DAY
World Bee Day acknowledges the importance of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystems. To celebrate, our UQ Science Ambassadors organised and directed activities that raised awareness and educated students on these hardworking insects.
YEAR 9 THEME LAUNCH
This week, the Year 9 Homeroom Captains launched our 2023 theme and logo: “Stepping Up. Stepping Out”. Congratulations to Jasmine whose design was chosen as our logo for this year. Here is a brief understanding of how this logo reflects the Year 9 students' journey of Middle School Leadership, deepening their understanding of self, embracing new experiences and understandings and being courageous to step outside their comfort zone.
In the logo, a MSM girl is walking on bunting with six flags, symbolising the six years of learning at MSM. The girl is positioned with her foot outstretched on the third flag, Year 9, and she is courageously “Stepping Out” to the new opportunities and friendships that lay ahead. Behind the girl, is a gold and navy butterfly. Just like this girl who is leading the butterfly, Year 9 is a time when we, through our actions and words, lead the middle school students who are new and willing to explore everything our College has to offer. Finally, through leading the butterfly and embracing the journey before us, we are “Stepping Up” and transforming into principled young women with a passion for life, a commitment to justice, and the courage to live out the teachings of Jesus.
VISUAL ARTS IN PRACTICE
Year 11 Visual Arts in Practice students took great inspiration from the Museum of Brisbane’s diverse collection of contemporary ceramics ‘Clay: Collected Ceramics’, informing their own in-class practices’ as they work toward finalising their organic clay vessels. Students were further inspired by a performative installation by Jody Rallah, conveying clay’s roles on Country, its versatility, transformative character, and its centrality to the life of aboriginal people of Australia.
SHOUT OUT TO...
Congratulations to our MSM ISSA Cup soccer team on their Round 1 game v Grace Lutheran College. They were down 3-0 only to play out their skills in the last 15 minutes to level the game 3-3 at full time. A very impressive performance by a young, newly formed team!
Congratulations to our Open Uhlsport Soccer team who played Round 1 against All Hallows and came away with the win 4-3.
Our Rugby 7’s teams took to the field at GPS Rugby Club yesterday afternoon for the first round of a 4 week competition. We have excitedly fielded teams in junior, intermediate and senior for this competition. Rugby is alive at MSM!
QUEENSLAND ATHLETICS ALL SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to Laura, Zelmari and Harriet who competed in the Queensland Athletics All Schools Championships at Victoria Park. The girls did brilliantly and picked up the silver teams medal for the school for their age group.
SWIMMING
Congratulations to Year 12 student, Hannah who has been selected in the Australian Junior Dolphins Swimming Team following outstanding results at the recent Australian Age & Open Championships. Hannah will compete at the 2023 World Junior Championships in Netanya, Israel in September. Best of luck in your preparation, Hannah.
MSM College Community Groups
P&F Meetings: Please check the Mt St Michael's College Facebook page and App for meeting update notifications.
Alumni Meetings: Please visit the MSM Alumni Association Facebook page for updates.
Alumni Meetings: Please visit the MSM Alumni Association Facebook page for updates.
2023 P&F Events Schedule
Term 2
P&F Year 10 Parents Social Evening Friday 19 May
P&F Golf Day Friday 26 May
P&F Meeting Monday 5 June 6pm
Term 3
P&F Meeting Monday 7 August 6pm
P&F Mothers Lunch Friday 25 August 12pm
P&F Meeting Monday 4 September 6pm
Term 4
P&F AGM & Meeting Monday 6 November 6pm
Term 2
P&F Year 10 Parents Social Evening Friday 19 May
P&F Golf Day Friday 26 May
P&F Meeting Monday 5 June 6pm
Term 3
P&F Meeting Monday 7 August 6pm
P&F Mothers Lunch Friday 25 August 12pm
P&F Meeting Monday 4 September 6pm
Term 4
P&F AGM & Meeting Monday 6 November 6pm
Notices
2023 Term Dates
Term 2
Monday 17 April – Friday 16 June
Term 3
Monday 10 July – Friday 15 September
Term 4
Tuesday 3 October – Friday 24 November (Years 7-11)
Click here to view the 2024 term dates.
Term 2
Monday 17 April – Friday 16 June
Term 3
Monday 10 July – Friday 15 September
Term 4
Tuesday 3 October – Friday 24 November (Years 7-11)
Click here to view the 2024 term dates.
Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme
Applications for the Semester 1 Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) will open on 1 May and close on 31 May.
Find out if you're eligible
The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. To find out more about eligibility requirements click here: https://www.schooltransport.com.au/
Now available on the College APP!
Mt St Michael’s College is pleased to bring to you the MSM Business Directory. Accessed through our website and APP, this online portal, profiles businesses and provides opportunities to connect with the wider MSM community to promote your services, sales and special offers.
Many business owners profiled in the MSM Business Directory are long-term friends of the College. They include current and past parents, local businesses and alumni who, together show a commitment to Mt St Michael’s College and support for MSM events, fundraisers and initiatives.
If you would like to be included in the online MSM Business Directory, simply email msmnews@msm.qld.edu.au.
For more information please click here
Mt St Michael’s College is pleased to bring to you the MSM Business Directory. Accessed through our website and APP, this online portal, profiles businesses and provides opportunities to connect with the wider MSM community to promote your services, sales and special offers.
Many business owners profiled in the MSM Business Directory are long-term friends of the College. They include current and past parents, local businesses and alumni who, together show a commitment to Mt St Michael’s College and support for MSM events, fundraisers and initiatives.
If you would like to be included in the online MSM Business Directory, simply email msmnews@msm.qld.edu.au.
For more information please click here
Help Support the MSM Environment Group
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
SCHOOL ZONE:
Slow down!
Slow down!
The Brisbane City Council, in coordination with The Gap Ward Office, recently erected an additional 40 km/h school zone limit and traffic signs facing incoming traffic along Elimatta Drive and Aloomba Road following a request from Mt St Michael’s College to investigate the traffic management in the school vicinity. A safety project endorsed by Mt St Michael’s College’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) Committee.
Parents are reminded, for the safety of everyone, to DROP students off in the LOADING ZONE area outside the Ionian Centre and avoid areas marked with yellow lines which is against road safety rules. This is dangerous as it blocks other driver’s visibility and obstructs cars from moving around.
Onsite parking in the College grounds; Grantuly, undercover in the Ionian Centre and within the campus near the Sophia Centre is only permitted for staff. In consideration of our neighbours, please refrain from parking across driveways, adhere to the 40 km speed limit and be considerate of those living around the College when dropping and picking up students. Please do not drop off or pick up students within the College grounds.
In consideration for our neighbours, where possible please avoid leaving your motor running, especially when parked outside a home.
In consideration for our neighbours, where possible please avoid leaving your motor running, especially when parked outside a home.
Important Links
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Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia
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Mt St Michael's College - MSM News
Our mailing address is:
Mt St Michael's College
67 Elimatta Drive
Ashgrove, QLD 4060
Australia
Add us to your address book