An unforgettable adventure of culture, connection and courage!
This year marks a very special milestone—thirty years of friendship between MSJ and Seirei Holy Spirit High School. To celebrate, a group of 28 excited students, accompanied by Ms Dishon, Ms Sexton, Mr Hayashi and Ms Mahony, embarked on a journey that blended discovery, challenge and pure joy.
Our adventure began in Tokyo, where the buzz of Shibuya and Harajuku set the tone for a trip full of contrasts. From neon-lit streets to the serene beauty of the Japanese Alps, students embraced every moment and pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones. Highlights from the first week included:
Trying new and adventurous foods
Testing out their Japanese language skills
Belting out favourites at karaoke
Exploring the snowscapes of World Heritage–listed Shirakawa-go
Hunting for vintage fashion treasures at local markets
Feeling the magic at Tokyo DisneySea
Celebrating together at a special Christmas buffet in Shinjuku
Finding the ultimate matcha latte
Riding the Nihondaira Ropeway to Kunozan Shrine
Taking in breathtaking panoramic views of Mt Fuji
Discovering hidden pockets of culture and charm rarely seen by tourists
After an incredible week of travel, the group headed to Nagoya, where warm smiles awaited from their Seirei host families. On Friday, our students received a heartfelt welcome at the school assembly, complete with thoughtful gift bags from the Seirei community.
The immersion into Japanese school life has been a standout experience. Students have:
Spent their days learning alongside their host sisters
Explored the beautiful Seirei campus
Joined club activities such as tea ceremony, drama, and lacrosse
Enjoyed traditional obento lunches
Shared Australian treats with new friends
Tried their hand at Japanese calligraphy
Navigated daily commutes - some up to 90 minutes each way!
Over the weekend students spent time with their host families, exploring local landmarks and attractions such as Nagoya Castle and Nagashima Spa Land. Some ventured further, visiting Kyoto, Nara, and Ise. Our students shared Australian foods like pavlova, and tried making popular Japanese dishes such as okonomiyaki, omurice, and monjayaki.
This exchange has been filled with moments of joy, wonder and growth. Students have developed intercultural understanding, resilience and independence, all while strengthening their bonds within the MSJ community.
But most importantly, this journey has deepened the lifelong connection we cherish with our sister school, Seirei Holy Spirit High School. Here’s to thirty years of friendship - and many more to come!
Jen Mahony - Japanese and English Teacher
During our camp at Daylesford, we took part in a range of activities designed to challenge us and help us develop our outdoor skills. On the first day, our group completed a 9km walk from the Mount Macedon Cross car park to Day’s picnic ground. The trail offered a mix of steady climbs and easier sections, giving us a chance to warm up for the journey ahead. After finishing the walk, we travelled to the Daylesford Holiday Park, where we set up our tents and organised our campsite for the night.
On the second day, we set out on another 9km walk that began at the holiday park and looped around Jubilee Lake. The track was peaceful and scenic, and we finished the route back at the holiday park where we met the other group.
One of the highlights of the camp was the time we spent unwinding together after the walks. Once our tents were set up, many of us headed to the trampolines at the holiday park. It was a great way to relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company after a full day of activity.
Throughout the journey, we learned a lot about ourselves and each other. I discovered that I can persevere through challenges and stay positive even when things don’t go exactly to plan. Our tent and walking groups worked exceptionally well together, sharing tasks, supporting one another, and keeping spirits high.
Compared to my first camp, I felt much more prepared. I packed more efficiently and carried a lighter bag, which made the walks more enjoyable and less tiring.
Overall, the camp was a rewarding experience that strengthened our teamwork, resilience, and confidence in the outdoors.
Denise Bowring - Health and PE Teacher
Visual Arts Domain Leader Sally Frith and Technology Domain Leader Laura Dalta-Viota recently broadened their professional knowledge at Art Education Victoria’s Secondary Symposium, held in partnership with Monash Art, Design and Architecture. Their participation marks an important step in shaping a strengthened STEAM vision for the College as we prepare for the construction of our new STEAM Centre in 2028.
The day opened with internationally acclaimed kinetic artist Cameron Robbins, whose extraordinary practice sits at the intersection of Art, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. His kinetic sculptures, which harness wind, tide and natural systems to generate drawings, exemplify the power of interdisciplinary thinking - central to our long-term STEAM goals.
Throughout the symposium’s theme Pathways, Patterns & Practices: Cycles of Creative Knowledge, Sally and Laura explored how creative learning evolves across the roles of student, teacher and artist. Breakout sessions and workshops highlighted how knowledge circulates and transforms within creative communities - mirroring the cross-disciplinary collaboration that will underpin future learning in our STEAM Centre.
Hands-on workshops further deepened this learning, from ceramic sound instruments to innovative printmaking and contemporary metal jewellery. These sessions encouraged experimentation with materials, processes and technologies - skills both leaders aim to embed across Visual Arts and Product Design to ensure the “A” in STEM is meaningfully represented.
The day concluded with an exclusive viewing of Awakening Histories and the MADA Now Graduate Exhibition, offering rich inspiration for future curriculum development.
This professional learning strengthens their shared commitment to cultivating creative, critical and future-focused learning experiences for all students.
