From the Principal

The start of term two has been very busy for all of us at MSJ. At our assembly last week a number of students were presented with the Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College Virtue and Courage award. This award is awarded to students who demonstrate the values of integrity, perseverance and courage. Congratulations to all students who received this award, through your actions and words you have truly embraced the values of our community.  My congratulations to Providence House for their amazing win at the College Athletics Carnival. Congratulations also to our individual champions and all students who participated on the day. It was a fantastic day and I thank all staff for their hard work on the day.

At this same assembly I reminded students and staff about our 2017 theme; Come as you are. I asked the following; have you accepted people for who they are, no matter their race, colour, gender, religion or sexuality? Have you accepted people who are different to you, people who have different interests to you, people who have different gifts and talents to you? I challenge all of us to remember to ‘love one another as I have loved you’.

There has been much talk and media coverage about the Netflix program; 13 Reasons Why. Steven Mifsud, Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing sent a letter to all parents outlining concerns that we had about the program. This letter also contained links to support material from Headspace for you to access. I urge all parents to read the letter and make use of the resources provided by Headspace. 

Every four years all Catholic schools are involved in a review process that provides an opportunity for them to reflect on the achievements over the last four years and to develop a School Improvement Plan for the next four years. MSJ has commenced work in this area and we have sought feedback from staff, student and parents in order for us to develop a self reflection report. The next stage of the review is for an external reviewer to meet with focus groups of staff, parents and students to discuss the findings of this report and to begin to develop a comprehensive plan for the future. This process is a great opportunity for us as a College to develop a very comprehensive, relevant plan in the areas of education in faith, teaching and learning, student wellbeing, leadership and management and community engagement. If any parents would like to be involved in a focus group meeting on the 22nd May at 3.00pm please contact Steven Mifsud or myself here at the College.

There has been much in the media in regard to education funding in general and funding for Catholic schools in particular. The National Catholic Education Commission and the Catholic Education Commission Victoria have grave concerns regarding the detrimental affect that this funding proposal will have on funding for our schools. Over the coming weeks there will be further analysis of this policy. I will provide you with the relevant information as it comes to hand.

Next Friday, May 19 is MMADD day. It is a day when we celebrate and embrace the many creative and artistic talents of our community. It is a fabulous day and we all get to learn so much about ourselves and about each other, we have the opportunity to learn new skills and have fun. Please be aware that this is a normal school day and all students are required to attend.

Kate Dishon

Principal