Student Wellbeing

From the Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

As another academic year draws to a close, we take a deep breath as we enter the advent period.  We are grateful for what has been achieved, celebrated and how too, we were challenged by experiences of 2017.  I am sure we have all been enriched by the many relationships, connections and learning that has occurred at our wonderful College.  There are so many opportunities at MSJ and this year we  have given witness to our faith tradition and seen the face of Christ in our daily encounters with one another.

I am still struck by the strength and unity that we saw on Harmony Day, meeting our Year 7 students on their first day, our Year 8’s embracing the new House Structure, students in Year 9 planning and anticipating their City excursion, the conversations with our Year 10 students as they headed out for Work Experience, our Senior students who spoke so candidly and openly in our wellbeing lessons on consent.  However, it is in the quiet spaces that l find that l encounter our faith and deep connection.  As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, may we prepare our hearts and minds to be transformed with compassion and wonder.

Living life to the full and participating in the College’s co-curricular program has developed the gifts and talents of each young woman.  Our young women are encouraged to live a balanced and enriched life.  Participation in the community life of the College: Music, Performing Arts, Social Justice, Duke of Edinburgh, Sport, Debating, Community Arts Projects and International Immersion Programs all promote the building of community.

We thank the student leaders from years 7 through to 12 that have provided student voice as to enable the College Stewardship Team to engage in authentic relationships.  We are not isolated individuals but rather a collection of people who aim to live and give witness to the Josephite values of hospitality, welcome and stewardship.   This year we are proud of the new House structure in the Senior Schools and are so excited to see how our community has engaged in the process. This year we established Multicultural Advocates who worked with our students and families.  We thank these young women who have lived our College Mission.

Positive, honest and open relationships are at the cornerstone of a Josephite Education.  This year, our college theme demanded that we look beyond our immediate self and focus on the needs of others and ‘to be’ with ourselves and others.  Our sense of service and commitment to the life of the community promotes our inner balance, confidence and resilience: essential life skills.  This year we celebrate not only the academic attributes of our students, but celebrate also the giving of self to this wonderful community.

Classes for 2018 will be finalised over the holiday period. As is the tradition and practice at MSJ, lists will be posted at various locations around the College on the first school morning in 2018.   Please support your daughter in her transition to making new friends and support her growth mindset.

Our community continues to grow and engage in positive relationships through the gentle guidance of our Wellbeing Leaders; Ms Commadeaur, Mrs Kubacki, Mrs Sammut, Ms Snooks, Mrs Duncan, Mrs Morlin, Ms Bourke and Ms Sexton the teams of dedicated and professional pastoral group teachers.. We are also grateful and indebted to our College Psychologists: Ms Ana Gasparis and Ms Susha Vance and we would like to thank our two Social Work Placed Students: Ms Clare Duong Thai and Ms Jessica Anderson.  On behalf of the community l would like thank them for diligence, care and compassion.

Wishing you and your family a blessed, safe and joyous Christmas.

Steven Mifsud

Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing