28 February 2022
It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that we return to the Mount St Joseph Girls’ College. The Year Level Team Leaders and House Leaders are continually struck by the honesty, humility and sense of community that is so evident as we enter the gates from Maidstone Street. The students are so energised and excited to be at MSJ. We feel privileged to support you and your family as you journey with us and look forward to your continued partnership.
Welcome to our Year 7 families, new students to the College and new and returning families to our Mount St Joseph Girls’ Community. It has been a busy start to the school year, but l have been impressed to see so many young women commit themselves to their study and establishing such positive study skills. Our theme this year challenges students to accept who they are, as young women and to challenge themselves to grow fully as young women in the ‘image and likeness of God.’ Each new academic year provides opportunities for students to meet new people and to celebrate, challenge and affirm our differences and diversity.
As a team this year, we are developing our Wellbeing lesson to promote and reinforce the concept of resilience and grit. We can all attest that 2021 was a difficult year and the lockdowns certainly made us reflect on our lives and to think carefully about what is important. This year we want to work with you to promote resilience and grit in our young women. Each one of us is resilient and we have the capacity to manage our pathways and the choices we make. When working with young people at home promote the skills of a growth mindset and support your daughter in recognising that we all face setbacks, but we can all overcome these through hard work, tenacity and courage.
In Years 7 – 9 we have two Year Level Team Leaders and in the Senior School we have one person responsible for each House. If your daughter needs additional support in learning, wellbeing and faith – the first port of call is the subject or Learner Mentor. If you wish to raise the issue further – contact the relevant Year Level Team Leader or House Leader.
Introducing our Team
Year 7 Team Leaders: Lida Morlin & Bianca Stafrace
Year 8 Team Leaders: Jane Sammut & Nick Tresize
Year 9 Team Leaders: Mitch Piazza & Natasha Feore
Providence House Leader: Kelly Sexton
McCormack House Leader: Rory Godbold
Penola House Leader: Courtney Davies
Kincumber House Leader: Alison Duncan
Solomon House Leader: Clare Kubacki
Cameron House Leader: Terri Curnow
Director of Student Wellbeing: Stacey Bourke
This year the Wellbeing Leaders are capably supported by hardworking and committed learning mentors. A gentle reminder that in the Wellness Centre we continue to have the support of psychologist - Susha Vance and we are currently working on appointing a Social Worker. If you were unable to attend our recent Parent Information Night or Student Led Interviews, l encourage you to contact your daughter’s learning mentor and to introduce yourself. Attached to this newsletter is the name of each Learning Mentor and their email address. It is important to utilise their pastoral group teacher or learning mentor as the first contact person. Feel free to contact them via email or telephone.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS COLLEGE CONTACTS AND LEARNING MENTOR LIST
On March 24th the College will again be offering Parent Modules. Parents will be able to choose two 45 minute workshops across a variety of topics. Details of the events will be emailed to families later this week.
In Terms 1 and 4, the College blazer is optional, however the jumper must not be worn as the outer garment. Students in Year 12 are only permitted to wear the College Year 12 Commemorative Hoodie on Friday. A reminder that students are not permitted to have any facial piercings and students will be asked to remove these items.The College socks must be worn with the College dress or skirt.
As Term 1 is often the warmest month and UV rays are strongest, it is expected that all students wear sunscreen from home. Around the College students are also able to apply additional sunscreen. The likelihood of developing Skin cancer is often developed in adolescence. I encourage families to view the skin cancer awareness YouTube video, “Dear 16 year old me”.
Families are to use the Harrington Square Carpark when dropping off and collecting students. Over the past couple of weeks a few families have been parking on Maidstone Street, please note that this is a No Standing Zone, as it can become very easily congested. Parking inspectors continue to monitor the situation and will issue fines.
Please do not park over driveways or on resident’s nature strips. Late last year we received phone calls from our neighbours in Civic Parade regarding this. The safest place to collect your daughter at the end of the day is in Harrington Square.
Gates will be opened at 7.55:
Students are to remain near the Cafe.
Ground Floor Toilets are open for student access. In wet weather the PAC will be open for students.
8.15 Yard Duty:
Corridors are opened and students can place materials in lockers and begin organising their day.
At Mount St Joseph Girls’ College we hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our school. Our commitment is drawn from and inherent in the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the gospel (CECV Commitment Statement to Child Safety). Celebrating and affirming all young people in the Charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, we value the dignity and individuality of each person in our community and seek to live in a community guided by justice and fairness for all.
For our students to flourish academically and in all areas of their lives, it is important that they are happy and enjoy being at school. Their safety and physical and mental wellbeing are of paramount importance to us.
Where Can I go for help?
We encourage any student who feels unsafe to confide in a trusted adult or contact the College's Child Safety Officers, Mr Steven Mifsud and Ms Stacey Bourke in person or by email: childsafety@msj.vic.edu.au
The College has a psychologist who is available to help students and their families. Our wellbeing team includes a psychologist, the Director of Student Wellbeing, Wellbeing Leaders and Learning Mentors.
Helpful Online & Telephone Support Services
Headspace eheadspace.org.au
Youth Beyondblue youthbeyondblue.com
ReachOut.com
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria www.eatingdisorders.org.au 1300 550 236
LifeLine 131 114
Kids Helpline www.kidshelp.com.au 1800 551 800
Suicide Line www.suicideline.org.au 1300 651 251
Domestic Violence Crisis Line www.dvrcv.org.au 1800 200 526
Orygen Youth Health www.oyh.org.au 1800 888 320
Department of Human Services 1300 650 172
Eating Disorders www.eatingdisorders.org.au 1300 550 236
Youth Drug & Alcohol Advice (YoDAA) www.yodaa.org.au 1800 458 685
Students are to switch off their mobile mobile phones once they enter the College gates. Students will have mobile phones confiscated if they are found using these during the school day without teacher permission. Students must report to Reception if they are feeling unwell and the First Aid Officer will contact the parents. Students should not contact their parents directly seeking permission to go home early.
Just a gentle reminder to families and students that breakfast is an essential meal for the day. Students should not begin school without a breakfast of cereal, toast or yoghurt. A good breakfast establishes good eating routines for the day and fuels our body for learning and physical activity. Students should not visit Harrington Square before a school day.
When a student is absent, Parents and Guardians will now be able to advise the College of a student’s absence via the Parental Portal (PAM). Instructions on how to do this are available in the download below. Parents will no longer be required to phone the College when your daughter is absent from school if notification is given via the portal. Please note: Medical Certificates will have to be cited and then our Learning Mentors will upload the information to your daughter’s profile. Students who arrive late to school must report to the office to receive a late pass before going to class.
PARENT NOTIFIED STUDENT ABSENCES PROCEDURE
Students are reminded that the College provides each student with a locker and lock and all valuables should be securely kept in their locker.
