As Term Three comes to an end, I would like to acknowledge the great work of the students and staff here at MSJ. It has been a very busy term, with students involved in engaging experiences both inside and outside the classroom. I hope all students and staff take the opportunity to rest and recuperate over the school holidays.
Our annual Male Mentors Breakfast was held on Friday 8 September. Our guest speaker was Nathan Burke, former St Kilda AFL player and current coach of the AFLW Western Bulldogs team. Although Nathan’s presentation was about sports parenting and how to be a fair and effective support of your child in their sporting pursuits, it was much more than this. Nathan’s personal story and experiences highlighted the role that parents and teachers alike have in supporting and shaping the young women here at MSJ, both on and off the sporting field. He was a truly inspiring speaker. Thank you to Nicole Magee, Stacey Bourke, and Helen Simcic for organising such a wonderful event.
As mentioned in previous newsletters, we have commenced working with Y2 Architects to develop our 10 year Building Masterplan. Workshops have been held with board members, senior leadership, staff and students. The initial workshops were conducted by Craig Deed, an educational consultant who assisted us in unpacking our educational vision as a Catholic and Josephite College. This was an important first step so that any future building plans are aligned with our educational vision. Following on from the initial workshops, work with Y2’s Principal Architect, Matt Dwyer, and Associate Architect, Jui Apte, has commenced. We will, in the coming weeks, be sharing the outcomes of these consultations with our community and seeking your feedback.
Chords and Canvas, a Music and Arts night, took place on Thursday 14 September. t was an amazing evening. The musical and artistic skills that were on display were exceptional. The students that performed showed incredible talent, polish and professionalism. There are so many highlights from the night and I sincerely thank all the instrumental, music, drama and art staff for the guidance and support you have given the students throughout the year. I am so incredibly proud of the students who, when one of their team was struggling on stage, with no prompting from anyone, joined her in singing with her until she was back on track and was able to finish her song. It truly was an amazing moment and highlights the real MSJ spirit. Thank you to Trudi Camilleri, Co-Curricular Music and Performing Arts Coordinator, David Meilak, Visual Arts Domain Leader, and all staff who have tutored and taught these students throughout the year.
I am pleased to announce that the newly appointed College Captains are Poppy Randall and Sarah Trigger. Poppy and Sarah are joined by six very talented and dedicated students who join them as members of the WAMSS Team. Congratulations also to all other students who have been appointed to leadership positions that make up the wider Student Leadership Team.
