As another year draws to a close, we take a deep breath as we enter the Advent period. We as a community have worked tirelessly to achieve returning to school post COVID. What a great achievement. We are grateful for what has been achieved, celebrated and how too, we were challenged by experiences of 2021. 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 many new friendships, experiences and inspiring learning.

Classes for 2022 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 2022. Please support your daughter in her transition to making new friends and support her growth mindset. The College is reluctant to make changes to class lists and allocations as much thinking has taken place to ensure classes accommodate the needs of all learners.

Our community continues to grow and engage in positive relationships through the gentle guidance of our Year Level Team Leaders and House Leaders; Ms Sexton, Mrs Kubacki, Mrs Sammut, Ms Thompson, Mrs Duncan, Mrs Morlin, Ms Feore, Mrs Curnow, Mr Godbold, Ms Davies, Mr Tresize, Mr Piazza, Ms Stafrace, Ms Bourke, and the teams of dedicated and professional Learning Mentors. We are also grateful and indebted to our College Wellbeing Team: Ms Susha Vance, Ms Jacinta McMahon, Ms Melissa Mangion and Ms Clare Duong-Thai. We would like to thank our Social Work Placed Students and Psychology students. On behalf of the community, l would like to thank them for their diligence, care and compassion.

Uniform

In 2022, all students in Years 7-12 need to be wearing the new College uniform.

Learner Mentor Time

In 2022, the College will trial a new model of Learning Mentor time in the Senior School. Students in Years 10-12 will only have scheduled morning Learning Mentor time each Monday and Friday. Students in Years 10-12 are expected to be at the College by 8.40am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Additional Support

The school holiday period can be both rewarding and challenging and therefore we may need additional support.

Helpful Online & Telephone Support Services

Headspace eheadspace.org.au

Youth Beyondblue 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

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

Steven Mifsud - Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing