As another year draws to a close, we take a deep breath as we enter the advent period. We as a community have worked tirelessly to achieve a safe and smooth return to school post COIVD. We are grateful for what has been achieved, celebrated and how we were challenged by experiences of 2020 and rose to the occasion. I am sure we have all been enriched by the many relationships, connections and learning that has occurred at our wonderful College.

During the last week of Term 4, our students in Years 8 & 9 participated in a presentation from Victorian Police that explored the legal and moral challenges of poor online social behaviour. The students were informed of the consequence of their actions and the impact that their text messages, photos or behaviours may have on one another. The two police officers, Anita and Jodie, highlighted that each person has their own story and we are all vulnerable. Both Anita and Jodie spoke to the fragility of young people and that we do not know one another’s sensitivities. If we do not have the confidence to say what we are thinking and to a person’s face, we should not put it into a text or email.

Classes for 2020 will be finalised over the holiday period. As is the tradition and practice at MSJ, lists will be posted at various locations around the College on the first school morning in 2021. Please support your daughter in her transition to making new friends and support her growth mindset.

Our community continues to grow and engage in positive relationships through the gentle guidance of our Wellbeing Leaders; Ms Sexton, Mrs Kubacki, Mrs Sammut, Ms Thompson, Mrs Duncan, Mrs Morlin, Ms Bourke the teams of dedicated andprofessional learning mentor teachers.. We are also grateful and indebted to our College Wellbeing Team; Ms Susha Vance, Ms Jacinta MacMahon and Ms Clare Duong Thai. We would like to thank our Social Work Placed Student: Melissa Mangion. On behalf of the community l would like thank them for diligence, care and compassion during this difficult and challenging year.

The school holiday period can be both rewarding and challenging and therefore we may need additional support.