Student Leadership
WAAM REPORT- From your College Captains…
Term 1 has been certainly busy but amazing to say the least! We have all kicked off the year with enthusiasm and as College Captains we are so proud of all students and Student Leadership Team members. The addition of two new houses has seen an awesome sense of House spirit and friendly competition. For us, Year 12 Jumpers have been the key area of work this term and very soon the year 12’s will be wearing them proudly.
A special thank you to the girls who have worked tirelessly to see the jumpers go ahead.
By Olivia Kivlighon - College Co-Captain
Wellbeing Portfolio
During term 1, the Student Leadership Wellbeing portfolio has had a successful start to the year. We have been occupied preparing and hosting the first Staff vs Student Volleyball competition for 2017, where unfortunately the teachers walked away with a win.
Students participated in the annual Ride to School Day on 16 March. Despite the rainy weather, the day still resulted in a success with Penola having the most amount of riders and walkers to school. History was made when we organised our very own Harmony Day on the 17 March. The day was filled with Chinese Dragons, Bollywood Dancers, African Drumming, Brunetti's Ice Cream and Greek Dancing. Without the help of Tran Nguyen, Lidia Solomon, the Multicultural Advisory group and other participants, this day would not have been possible so thank you to all involved.
Currently our school Psychologists and the Wellbeing portfolio are in the progress of implementing activities that can assist in helping students maintain positive Wellbeing. The House Captains are preparing for the Athletics carnival next term which is quickly approaching.
The Wellbeing Portfolio wishes everybody a safe and relaxed school holiday.
By Elyssar Dib - Wellbeing Portfolio
Arts Portfolio
This term in the Art’s portfolio can be described in 2 words Club MSJ! Once a cycle a Club MSJ has been run in the MMC at lunchtime with a different music theme. Club MSJ has given students an opportunity to have an active and social lunchtime dancing with their friends enjoy being exposed to different music such as R'n'B, Justin Bieber, different cultural tunes and early 2000s music. This
term the Arts portfolio has been working very hard on the upcoming arts House MMADD Day which will take place on May 19, celebrating the arts and giving students the opportunity to show off their talents. This year’s theme will be “The Best of Television” and all students are encouraged to dress up as
their favourite TV characters in their house colours. We are very much looking forward to this spectacular house day and other upcoming projects in the Arts coming up in the next couple of terms
By Madison Brown - Arts Portfolio
Academic Portfolio
The Academic portfolio has had a successful start to 2017. The Study Buddies program has kicked off the year with many students attending weekly on Wednesday after school from 3.15pm to 4.15pm to study with their buddies. Junior students are able to seek academic help from our senior students, but it is also a chance where younger students can ask questions regarding later years of high school, especially VCE and how it all works.
To aid many students in their academic needs, Homework Club was freshly implemented in 2017. Here, students are able to study in the library after school until 4.30pm everyday and catch up on their homework. Moreover, teachers are readily available to help students in specific subjects, where
these alternate between weeks.
Next term will be a busy but exciting term for the Academic portfolio. We have many challenges and opportunities for students to test their capabilities. To spice it up a little more, there will also be Staff vs Students academic challenges where students will have a chance to take on teachers in games that are challenging but surely fun. Stay tuned for further developments in the Academic Portfolio.
By Tran Nguyen - Academic Portfolio
Ministry Portfolio
The first term of 2017 has been very busy for the Ministry portfolio with the reintroduction of public address system prayer every second Friday, the establishment of MSJ’s Earth Team, our Opening Mass and most recently, our Stations of the Cross liturgy service. This term, Caritas Australia has been our focal charity organisation and we have, and will continue to, run many events to raise more awareness and donations towards the amazing work that Caritas Australia does.
Most recently, our community has gathered to be reminded of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, through our Stations of the Cross liturgy. Many students from across the school contributed as actors, singers, dancers and readers to present to the school, both the traditional and contemporary interpretations of the 14 stations. During the liturgy, we were reminded that through the Lenten Season and leading up to Easter, we are called to pray, fast and give towards those in need.
On behalf of the Ministry portfolio, we would like to thank all who have helped in various events and liturgies and we look forward to an even more jam packed Term 2
By Celine Lopez - Ministry Portfolio