Student Wellbeing

Building community and strengthening the relationships between home and the College community has been the cornerstone of our work in the Wellbeing Team.   This term we have had many events that have reinforced our relationships and built the life and heart of the MSJ community.

At the core of our Catholic education is the value of deep and life giving relationships.  It is in these relationships that we experience the depth of our faith and the humanity of one another.  To live fully and justly is bearing witness to our faith.   This term we have had key events that celebrated community life and provided another depth and dimension to being a MSJ learner.

Our International Women’s Day Breakfast was a great success with over 180 people in attendance.  We were blessed to hear the stories of our past students; Sandra Pandzic, and Chau Nguyen spoke with honesty and compassion of their life story and journey.  These women provided our students with inspiration and challenge.  Each participant explored their unique story and spoke of the need for perseverance in times of adversity and the willingness to constantly challenge themself during any setbacks experienced.  These women are pioneers in design and communications.  They are challenging perceptions of women in their professions. We as a community are grateful to our alumni who are willing to share their journeys and provide service to our current student body.

Harmony Day was a new initiative for MSJ in 2017. A group of committed students got together in 2016 to challenge societal norms. These students from a range of backgrounds met regularly to plan MSJ’s first Harmony Day. The Multicultural Advisory Group planned the activities and enlisted the support of many different cultural groups within MSJ. The activities included stalls consisting of cultural food and items representing the different continents of the world. Entertainment was also provided including Chinese Lion Dancing, Indian dancing, African Drumming and some Greek and Italian dancing to finish off the celebration. We would also like to acknowledge the significant involvement by Lidia Solomon, Tran Nguyen and Elyssar Dib. Without their leadership, the day would not have eventuated. The Hobson’s Bay Council supported our initiative for which we are grateful as Jacqueline Hope attended and mentored many of our students. We are in the process of organising two Multicultural Advisory Mentors who will work closely with many of our students at MSJ.

Our Peer Support Leaders from Year 10 continue to work with our Year 7 students.  This is an important aspect in supporting our young women in their transition to secondary school.  I am sure that much has been gained through this new program and we are excited to see how the program unfolds.

Upcoming Events  

Keep a look out in your inbox for the upcoming Grandfriends’ Morning Tea to be held at 10.00am on Friday May 5th.  This event is for students in years 7 – 9 to bring their Grandfriends’ to the College for a tour and to share a complimentary morning tea.

This  term we focus on the relationships young girls share with significant women – mother, sister, aunt.  D&M@MSJ is our parent seminar workshops and this evening provides opportunities for young people to share sacred time with a significant female.  Save the date for this event: Wednesday 17 May. This event is aimed at students in Years 7 – 12, however if you attended last year's D&M in May, the workshop will be similar.

Child Safety

Student Safety and Wellbeing - A Child-safe School

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's 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  psychologists who are available to help students and their families. Our wellbeing team  includes psychologists, Director of Student Wellbeing, Wellbeing Leaders, Teachers and Pastoral Group Teachers.

Helpful Online & Telephone Support Services

Headspace                                                                 www.eheadspace.org.au

Youth Beyondblue                                                  www.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

Winter Uniform

Students will be given the first week of term 2, to either wear their winter uniform or summer dress.  Students should not combine the two uniforms.  All students are expected to be in the full winter uniform by Monday April 24th. Students can only wear white long socks with the winter kilt or navy or opaque tights.

Healthy Eating, Healthy Mind

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 are reminded that the College canteen provides a selection of breakfast items and healthy lunches of garden and fruit salads.  Students should not visit Harrington Square before a school day.

 Absences

 A reminder to telephone reception between 8.00 and 9.00 am on 9398 2000 for notification if your daughter is unable to attend school. Students need to provide a note from their parents explaining their absence, which is to be given to their Pastoral Group Teacher when they return to school. Notes are not to be written in the diary as staff are required to keep these on file.  Students who arrive late to school must report to the office to receive a late pass before going to class.

Looking after valuables

 Students are reminded that the College provides each student with a locker and lock and all valuables should be securely kept in their locker. 

Every Day Counts & Minute Counts

Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.

Why it is important

We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great edu