News

Caring For our Environment

On Sunday  29 July, a group of 40 students and teachers braved the cold morning, grabbed their gardening gloves and headed down to Altona Coastal Park to take part in the National Tree Planting Day. We were greeted by a representative of the Hobson's Bay City Council who explained to us the significance of planting trees and grasses for the various insect and animal species in the area, after which we began planting. Through the combined effort of all the students, after only 2 hours we were able to plant over 450 shrubs. This was followed by a sausage sizzle to celebrate our efforts. Thank you to Ms Devic and all of the other teachers who helped run this day!

By Taya Peters and Lily Riggs

MSJ Voices In Our Parish

On Sunday 5 August, five student members of our MSJ Voices choral group led the singing at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Altona at the 10.30am Mass.

Archpriest Michael Kalka and the parishioners were extremely grateful to these wonderful singers who gave of their time and sang so beautifully.

With thanks to:

Augustina Baw Baw

Philomena Baw Baw 

Tam Maryoe

Nicole Parulan 

Amber Wilson

Catherine Hills

Music Teacher

Year 10 Formal

On Friday 27 July, it was time for the Year 10 students to get all glammed up with hair and makeup, pretty outfits and hit the dance floor at the annual Year 10 Formal. With everyone being excited in the days leading up to the formal, it was the only topic everyone was talking about, so it certainly  was going to be a night to remember. 

The atmosphere at the venue was amazing, with everyone dancing, spending time with their friends and taking lots and lots of photos that definitely made an appearance on the Instagram feeds in the next few days.

Overall it was a fantastic night that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A huge thank you to all the teachers who both organised and attended the night!

By Caitlin McGraw McCormack 1

Mathematics In Action

On Wednesday 27 June, the Year 11 Specialist Maths class and some of the Year 11 Maths Methods students attended the Real World Maths in Action Fair. We all made our own way to Melbourne University and enjoyed a morning listening to professionals who work in all different fields but have one thing in common, they all use maths everyday in their jobs. They explained how concepts we use everyday in maths, can be applied to scenarios we never thought possible. One example of this is how conditional probability can be used in legal trials to determine how likely it is that a criminal is guilty or not guilty.

In the MIT challenge we were given a series of problems to solve. The problems had no one given solution, and teams had to use the information given to find the most suitable solution in 2 hours. While the MIT challenge was taking place the rest of the students were competing in mini puzzle solving challenges.

We finished the day by listening to the top shortlisted answers to the MIT challenge and although neither of our teams were shortlisted, we all had an amazing time exploring the applications of maths in the real world. A big thanks to Ms Nguyen for organising this amazing excursion.

By Teagan Scicluna, Year 11 Solomon

Year 9 Joy Expo

What brings you joy? This question was posed to Year 9 students in reflection of the 2018 College theme. Friends, family, pets, food and travelling were definitely their highlights. Students were then encouraged to take photos of what brings them joy, they were also asked to take a photo of something in their community that is upsetting or challenging and work out a way to overcome that challenge and hence bringing others joy. Students researched many ideas and created a vast array of prototypes including lego plans of outdoor gym equipment, sample cupcakes, biscuits and dog treats, bird feeders, recipe books, picture story books, apps, guest speakers, information packs, backpacks and other hampers for disadvantaged or unwell people. There were so many fantastic ideas! 

It was humbling to walk around the expo and see so many students presenting their projects about what they are passionate about. I congratulate each Year 9 student for participating and wish to thank their families, teachers and community members for visiting the Joy Expo. 

Emma Commadeur

Student Wellbeing Leader Year 9

Being able to walk around the Year 7 hub, full of colours, posters and examples of the work by my peers is truly incredible. It brings me joy to be able to serve others and even more knowing that my peers have too. The students in my year level were creating anxiety packs, cookbooks, paintings and research posters which were so inspirational and provoked so much emotion in our families and friends because the needs within our community were being met. 

I fundraised money and purchased supplies for homeless kittens being kept in foster homes, something very close to my heart. Knowing that I have made a difference, although small, has allowed me to develop as a person. It has allowed me to develop the interpersonal skills required to go into higher education and eventually the workforce. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and to have teachers and peers willing to support me and I am sure the other students in Year 9 are too.

By Bella Gillson - Year 9

VCAL Partnership

Mount St. Joseph Girls' College VCAL students featured in the recent Western Health Newsletter to discuss their ongoing project to beautify common spaces in the wards.