Feast Day was held on the 8th of August, a day filled with joy, faith and remembrance. For our school feast day is a highly anticipated day. Feast day at MSJ commences with a mass, Highlighting the brave and amazing workings of Mary Mackillop through prayer. After Mass the excitement begins with student run stalls. Selling products ranging from Hot chips to Temporary tattoos. From the stalls the profits , which were generously made from just students and teachers, were donated to Joseph's corner. Along with the stalls, MSJ was privileged to have rides and a petting zoo!!! Which was made free this year, increasing student engagement.
Our recent day of feast was made even more special with a visit from the inspiring Gen Bryant. An independent musician, composer, public speaker, and team builder, Gen has spent over 18 years working in school and parish ministry across Australia.
From the moment she stepped onto the stage, Gen brought a wave of excitement and joy to our school community. She shared heartfelt stories about living out the Catholic ethos in everyday life, showing how faith can be expressed through music, service, and kindness.
Joined by some of her closest friends, Gen filled the hall with music that had everyone on their feet. Together, they performed much-loved songs that quickly turned the audience into a choir, with students and staff singing along enthusiastically, with even some students and staff performing on stage.
The performance was more than just entertainment, it was a powerful reminder of how Saint Mary MacKillop’s spirit lives on through acts of kindness, hope, and love. Gen’s message left a lasting impression, encouraging us all to share that same spirit in our daily lives.
Bianca Anderson and Lily Hood - Year 12
The JJAMM donut eating competition is an annual display of camaraderie in our school community. The competition itself consists of about 10ish contestants trying to eat a jam donut the fastest, without using their hands. This year we ran two rounds, a student round and teachers vs two leadership team members, which was watched by a huge turnout of students and teachers.
We are very proud of our Social Justice leader Ebony as she tied with Mr Lavery and Mr Dundon, in the teacher vs Leaders round. This event is especially important as it helps raise money to support our local charity Joseph's corner, who then use this money to support those who are struggling in our community. It is always a fun occasion for everybody involved, both the students and teachers had a great time.
Charlotte Farrugia - Year 12
What a busy time in Term 3 for the Supportive Friends with lots of planning taking place for a range of activities including:
Stayed tuned for details as these events unfold.
The ‘Drop In Space’ continues to be busy each Thursday at lunchtime in P1 as students can connect with other students, watch a movie (Pixar are our favourite), make friendship bracelets, design creations out of clay, colouring, puzzles and painting.
The Peer Support Leaders have been running ‘Fun Fridays’ each week during Learning Mentor time to continue to build their connections and positive environments with their Year 7 classes. The activities bring lots of fun, laughter and engagement.
This term, we ran the whispering game ‘Telephone’ and as the whispers passed from person to person, they became more mixed up and the result was hilarious.
We also ran ‘Just Dance’ and that was highlight with the Year 7’s out of their chairs, dancing and singing.
We have also received positive feedback from the Year 7 Learning Mentors:
The Peer Support Leaders are now planning on running a class lesson and we will be taking on the role of a teacher, delivering information and activities on topics relevant to the Year 7’s.
Over the school holidays we attended the Climate Change Student Squad first meeting at the Melbourne Museum on Friday July 18th. We discussed various issues surrounding climate change and how it impacts the world and our community. We participated in activities where we had to gather information throughout the museum to find ideas for a new exhibition program at the Melbourne Museum. This exhibition will soon launch focused on Climate Change, using the ideas we brainstormed and voted on as a group, to engage young people on this huge issue. Overall the experience was lovely and eye opening, and it was nice to work with like minded young people on an issue that we are very passionate about. We cannot wait to continue our work with the Museum as active members of the Climate Change Student Squad.
Ebony Silva & Charlotte Farrugia - Year 12
As part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, MSJ proudly acknowledged and celebrated the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a creative activity centred on reflection and hope.
Students and staff participated in the NAIDOC Week Inspirational Message Stones project — a symbolic expression of strength, vision, and optimism for the future. Each participant contributed a hand-decorated stone, inscribed with an inspiring message or design. These stones will be placed in one of our garden spaces, forming a meaningful and growing installation that will be added to each year, serving as a lasting tribute to unity and reconciliation.
