What an incredible journey this term has been, brimming with memorable moments, especially as we celebrated our Diamond Jubilee. It's remarkable how much we've packed into these 8 weeks! On behalf of the Faith Team, our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has contributed to the Project Compassion Appeal this term. Your generosity is truly invaluable as we continue our mission of spreading love, compassion, and hope. As we gather in the spirit of empathy and renewal, may this Easter season bring you abundant blessings and joy. Thank you once again for your sincere support.
To see our Project Compassion Final Tally, click on the link below:
https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/mount-st-joseph-girls-college-altona
During 10-17 March, we celebrated Catholic Education Week, embracing the theme 'In the Light of Christ', symbolising Catholic education's commitment to nurturing young individuals to embody the teachings of Jesus and embrace the gospel's path. This theme underscores our dedication to inspiring students to realise their full potential as compassionate and contributing members of society. Throughout the week, we organised various engaging activities, including a daily quiz competition, a staff morning tea, Chapel prayer, and fundraising events in support of the Project Compassion Appeal.
To conclude the week, Faith and Identity Leader, Ms. Courtnee Doering, accompanied by eleven Year 10 students, represented the college at the annual Mass of St. Patrick’s School on Friday 15 March. Led by Archbishop Peter Comensoli, this event brought together students and staff from over 300 primary and secondary schools within the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Our students actively participated in the opening banner procession, led by Celtic pipers, into the Cathedral. Additionally, in honour of our Diamond Jubilee, three students were selected to partake in the offertory procession.
This term, our Year 7 students experienced their Belonging Day at the Mary Mackillop Heritage Centre, accompanied by their Religious Education Teacher. This immersive event provided them with an opportunity to delve deeper into the Josephite charism and explore their House stories. The day incorporated engaging workshops, a museum visit, a tour of Mary’s Chapel, and a guided walk. To complement these activities, students completed a workbook serving as a formative Religious Education assessment task.
A new faith initiative commenced this term, where students actively participate in Friday morning Mass at our local parish, Mary Help of Christians Parish. These visits include parishioners, primary school students, staff, and families. Collaborating with Fr. Michael Kalka and the St. Mary’s Primary School, the Faith Team aims to enhance spiritual growth, foster faith development, and forge positive relationships within Learning Mentor Groups (faith & wellbeing). These visits also strengthen ties with our local community, provide an authentic experience of Mass, engage our parent community in prayer and liturgy, promote understanding of the reverence of the Catholic Mass, and stimulate dialogue regarding Catholic worship. Our goal is for all junior classes to visit one parish mass annually and engage in reflection upon return.
Stations of the Cross was be performed on Holy Thursday before the whole school. It was a moving A significant amount of time and preparation has been dedicated to conveying a lasting and meaningful message to our community. This year, we have adopted a more contemporary approach, integrating modern songs into each station to help students connect Jesus's journey with their own lives. We are grateful to Laura Zarb for generously volunteering her time to assist with the Stations, as her expertise in drama adds an invaluable touch. Special thanks is also extended to Trudi Camilleri for her work with the choir, who performed the closing song. It is worth noting that last year's rendition of the Stations of the Cross was featured in the recent edition of the Australian Catholics magazine.
Project Compassion brings together supporters from across Australia to address the challenges of poverty today, and drive lasting change for a better tomorrow.
This month, I was fortunate to play a small part in this noble endeavour. With support from my parents, I set up a garage sale of brownies and mango smoothie and welcomed our community to participate in raising funds to help support this wonderful cause. It was an absolute pleasure to witness so many well-wishers. I was able to collect a generous amount, which will be utilised to help communities access clean water, food security, skills training, health and sanitation.
I am happy that I have been able to make a small difference and grateful for this opportunity in my very first year at MSJ. Look forward to many more.
Akshara Anand from Year 7 Cameron
