Our charism calls us to recognise God’s presence in all people and to respond with faith, courage, and compassion in everyday life. It is expressed in the way we live and learn together through four ways of responding inspired by the Sisters of Saint Joseph: creative courage, intentional inclusivity, conscious compassion and mutual respect. Through this, we are each invited to live with a true Josephite heart.
Faith is woven into the everyday life of the College. Inspired by Gospel values, we foster a community that upholds the dignity of each person, promotes a love of learning, and encourages students to think deeply, act with integrity, and contribute to a more just and hope-filled world.
Students actively bring this identity to life through a rich Religious Education program, retreats and Reflection Days, prayer and liturgy, social justice initiatives, and service. Student voice is central, with young people shaping the spiritual and liturgical life of the College and contributing to a vibrant and authentic community of faith.
“All depends on prayer. Begin with it and end with it” – Mary MacKillop (1890)
Prayer and liturgy are central to life at Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College, shaping who we are as a faith community and how we encounter God in daily life.
In the spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, who began each day with prayer, we continue this tradition within our College. Each morning, students gather in their Pastoral Groups for prayer, creating a reflective and purposeful beginning to the day. Often led by students, this time fosters gratitude, awareness of others, and connection to the life of the
College.
On Monday mornings, Year 12 student leaders lead prayer over the PA, setting a reflective tone for the week ahead. Prayer is also integral to College assemblies, gatherings, and meetings, grounding our community in faith and supporting reflection on the liturgical seasons and significant moments in the life of the Church.
We gather regularly to celebrate the Eucharist through year level and whole-school Masses, along with liturgies and prayer services throughout the year. These include the Opening School Mass, Ash Wednesday Prayer Service, Stations of the Cross, ANZAC and
Remembrance Commemoration Services, and the Year 12 Graduation Mass, as well as parish Mass experiences. We also celebrate key feast days central to our Josephite identity, including St Joseph, the Sacred Heart, and Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, along with Advent liturgies and Masses.
“Forming lives of faith, hope and love in the light of Jesus Christ” – MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World
Religious Education is a vital part of every student’s learning journey, inviting young people to explore meaning, purpose, and belief in a contemporary world. Our program is shaped by the Pedagogy of Encounter, as outlined in Horizons of Hope, the guiding framework for the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS).
Across Years 7–10, students engage in meaningful dialogue between faith and life, grounded in the Catholic tradition. They explore Scripture, Church teachings, and contemporary issues in ways that connect with their lived experience. Learning is dynamic and reflective, incorporating prayer, discussion, and critical thinking, while honouring the diverse beliefs and backgrounds within our community.
In Years 11 and 12, students are offered pathways to deepen their learning through the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), including Religion and Society and Texts and Traditions, as well as school-based programs that explore faith through creative and contemporary lenses such as music, art, film, and media.
As the Archdiocese of Melbourne continues to implement the renewed Religious Education curriculum, we remain actively engaged in this process, ensuring our program is responsive, relevant, and attentive to the lived experience of our students.
“We must teach more by example than by word” – Mary MacKillop (1867)
We are committed to providing meaningful faith formation experiences that invite students to deepen their understanding of faith and their place in the world. Grounded in the Josephite tradition, these experiences create inclusive and reflective spaces where students can explore spirituality, grow in self-awareness, and be inspired to live with compassion, courage, and a strong sense of justice.
Opportunities such as annual Reflection Days, retreats and voluntary Morning Chapel Prayer provide space for students to pause, reflect, and engage more deeply with their personal beliefs and values in a supportive environment. We also work with external providers and
guest presenters who enrich our programs, offering diverse perspectives and contemporary insights into faith and spirituality.
As part of the Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools (AJASS), students are connected to a wider Josephite network through opportunities such as annual pilgrimages and student leadership experiences.
Through these experiences, we seek to build a community where faith is lived, relationships are valued, and all are encouraged to make a positive difference in the world.
