News

Sleep Out For Homelessness

In September, the student social justice team and Ms Tagell planned and led a 'sleepout' overnight at school to raise awareness about homelessness and its causes. With 1 in 200 homeless every night in Australia*, we aimed in some way to imitate the conditions experienced by rough-sleepers, while also creating a thought-provoking night of learning and empathic discussion. 

With over sixty students participating, the night opened with high-spirited get-to-know-you games in which girls formed relationships across year levels in their activity groups. As the social justice leaders transitioned into homelessness Fact Battle games and Privilege Walks, girls learned about the underlying causes of homelessness in society and to look beyond their initial impressions of addiction and unemployment to the primary issues of mental illness, domestic violence and lack of education. Segments of the ABC's 'You Can't Ask That' Homeless edition and SBS' 'Filthy Rich and Homeless' inspired reflective group discussion in which homeless stereotypes were questioned and girls explored loving ways to view people experiencing homelessness.

A highlight from the night was the privilege of listening to Erika from Ozanam House speak about her experience of homelessness, truly bringing home the message that homelessness can happen to anyone. Her honest and encouraging manner meant girls feel welcome to ask questions and gain new insight into the experience of homelessness.

After a soup-van-style dinner, the Ministry Team led a short yet meaningful liturgy challenging students to see Jesus in the faces of those experiencing homelessness, a message they then carried into craft activities reflecting what they'd learned from the night. The night passed surprisingly smoothly and in the morning, students attended their last day of Term 3 with a new appreciation for the plight of people without a secure place to sleep.

A tremendous thank you to Ms Tagell, Ms O'Keefe and my fellow social justice leaders for all their hard work and to the teachers who gave up their Thursday night (and likely their sleep too) to facilitate what was a fantastic night of learning and empathy. 

*according to Homelessness Australia

Written by Charlotte Cameron - Social Justice Leader 2017

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Camp 2017

In early October, the Silver Duke of Edinburgh students completed the three-day Qualifying Camp along the circuit track at Wilsons Promontory. This track takes in some of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria and can only be accessed by walking in or boat.

This camp presents students with a great opportunity to put into practice all the skills and knowledge they develop throughout the Duke of Edinburgh course.

Each Duke of Edinburgh participant did a wonderful job and demonstrated persistence, resilience, leadership and initiative as they approached this challenging hike.

We wish to congratulate each student on their achievement and look forward to many of these students taking on the Gold Award in 2018.

Denise Bowring

Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator

Year 12 Parade Day Gallery

VCE Visual Arts Portfolio Exhibition

What is on in the MSJ Learning Resource Centre

There is always lots happening in the LRC: 

Pageturners Book Club - Mondays

Chess Club - Wednesdays

Study Buddies - Wednesdays

Makerspaces - Fridays

Homework Club

Every afternoon in the LRC students meet for Homework Club and Study Buddies  from 3:10 - 4:30pm. Students from all year levels receive guidance to complete homework and assignments or gain assistance to understand specific subject based content, such as during Maths Help on a Thursday afternoon.

Students say they take advantage of the extended opening hours in the LRC because they are able to focus on their studies in a relaxed, familiar setting where they can receive one to one support from their peers, teachers and education support officers each afternoon of the week.

Students also say that they enjoy finishing their homework in an environment that differs from the home environment, one where they have access to high speed Internet, printers and IT support.

Have a read of the Academic Portfolio in the WAAM report to hear more about Homework Club and Study Buddies.

The LRC opens at 7:55am for Year 12 students each weekday and 8:15am for all other year levels. The LRC closes at 4:30pm each weekday.

Chess Club

Our club meets every Wednesday at lunchtime in the LRC. We learn Chess by playing the game.  Our aim is to hold a tournament by Term 4. We follow online games and games played by students in other schools who share their games on Tornelo.

Chess helps to develop our thinking, our memory, it improves concentration and our ability to think mathematically and it is fun! Challenge yourself daily with a chess game on any of the ten sets in the LRC.

Makerspaces in the LRC

Every Friday we offer a different activity that captures your imagination and engages us in ways we thought not previously possible.

Homework Club