During Catholic Education Week, we joyfully embraced a spirit of faith, unity, and action, celebrating alongside St. Patrick’s Day, the Feast of St. Joseph, Harmony Day, and Earth Hour. Inspired by the Church’s Year of Jubilee and the scripture theme, “Arise, shine; for your light has come” (Isaiah 60:1), we answered the call to be bearers of light. Through faith-filled activities, social justice initiatives, and fundraising for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion Appeal, we embodied the values of compassion and service. Guided by our Josephite charism and the enduring legacy of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the week stood as a testament to our commitment to learning, inclusion, and care for our common home.
The celebrations began with the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, bringing a ‘taste of Ireland’ to the College. Irish music played over the PA system, and students participated in a themed quiz, with prizes awarded to winners. Staff were invited to wear a touch of green and enjoy a special morning tea with the Student Leadership Team. At 11am, the College Captains addressed staff, reflecting on the significance of Catholic education and its impact on their lives.
On Wednesday, we honoured our College patron, St Joseph, with a special outdoor prayer service that guided participants through a reflective walk. During morning pastoral, students engaged in a St Joseph prayer and wrote messages of hope for Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers and refugees on lily templates. These messages were displayed by our St Joseph statue before being sent to a local politician, symbolising our commitment to justice and dignity for all. St Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled to Egypt as refugees, seeking safety from danger. Like him, we are called to stand with those in need. That same day, student representatives attended a special St Joseph Mass at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre in East Melbourne, deepening our connection to our patron and the legacy of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Their dedication to education and social justice remains a beacon of inspiration.
As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, the College participated in Earth Hour by switching off all non-essential lights for one hour, symbolising our role in caring for creation. Though Earth Hour was officially observed on Saturday 22 March, our participation during the week served as a powerful reminder that small actions can lead to a more sustainable future.
The week concluded with a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion on Harmony Day. In the morning, students engaged in a themed quiz, while a group of Year 10 students, accompanied by the Principal, attended the St Patrick’s School Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Led by Archbishop Peter, this annual gathering brought together student representatives from Catholic schools across the Archdiocese and was followed by the Young Speakers Colloquium, where students engaged in meaningful dialogue. We were also proud to celebrate five MSJ students selected for the Creative Arts Exhibition. We were proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of five MSJ students selected for the Creative Arts Exhibition. Out of more than 400 submissions, four of our works were awarded, a testament to their dedication, creativity, and artistic talent.
Back on campus, Harmony Day activities, organised by the Student Leadership Team, encouraged cultural expression and unity. Students and staff were invited to wear traditional attire or a splash of orange, take part in a special aerial drone shot on the oval, enjoy face painting, and contribute to a Cultural Map. Cultural dancing and a shared lunch brought the community together, sharing dishes representing their cultural backgrounds.
The Year 7 Belonging Days are a key part of our Religious Education program, offering students a meaningful opportunity to explore the Josephite story and Mary MacKillop’s legacy. Held at the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, the day includes an interactive workshop, a guided tour of Mary’s Chapel and museum, and a walk to significant sites in Melbourne’s CBD linked to her life. Through these experiences, students reflect on the Josephite charism, their House story, and their connection to the MSJ community. Below a reflection from students on their experience.
Our Year 7 Belonging Day was all about connecting to Saint Mary MacKillop. There were a variety of opportunities to learn about how she and the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart have impacted all of us.
We participated in many activities throughout the day to solidify our knowledge and understanding of Australia’s first and only saint. These activities included learning about Mary MacKillop’s life and then doing a fun, interactive quiz. We visited St. Patrick's Cathedral and took a walk inside and around the perimeter to observe its solemnity and beautiful artworks though we are still not sure why Mr. Savage was so obsessed with the Jeff Kennett gargoyle! We loved analysing the dual meanings of the Indigenous Catholic stone inlay at the entrance to the cathedral and recommend that anyone who visits take the time to appreciate its beauty.
One of the most powerful parts of the day was visiting Providence 4. It was on this site that Mary worked her miracles and served the poor and homeless. As a class, we learned how knowing you belong means knowing you are valued, and this was one of the key messages we took away from the day. It was an amazing day, and by the end, we all felt more connected and that we truly ‘belong’ at MSJ.
We would like to thank all the teachers and staff who made it such a wonderful experience.
Matilda Pratt & Ashlinn Kane, 7 Providence 2
Catholic Education Week was a powerful reminder of the values that shape our College. Through prayer, reflection, celebration, and action, our community came together to honour the traditions of Catholic education while looking forward with hope and a commitment to making a difference. Inspired by the Year of Jubilee and our College theme, Be the Light that Ignites Hope, we were reminded that each of us is called to arise and shine, bringing the light of faith, knowledge, and service to those around us.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in our celebrations and, most importantly, contributed to Project Compassion. Your generosity and spirit truly bring our Josephite charism to life! If you haven’t had the chance to give back this term, why not today? Even $5 can make a real difference, every little bit adds up!
Donate Today: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/mount-st-joseph-girls-college-altona
Ms Anne Severi - Director of Catholic Identity
