A very warm welcome to all our returning families and to all those new to the MSJ community.

2021 Learning and Teaching Focus

This year, teaching staff at the College are continuing to focus on enhancing pedagogy that makes learning visible. One strategy we will continue and enhance is the use of Learning Intentions and Success Criteria. Learning Intentions describe what learners should know, understand or be able to do by the end of a unit of work, a series of lessons or a lesson. Success Criteria are the measures used to determine whether and how well a learner has met the learning intentions. They are explicit so that students know where they are at in their learning and can articulate this. This increases students’ self-efficacy and active learning. When asking about the day or a particular subject, reframe your question, ‘What were some of the learning intentions of your lessons today?’

Canvas

All families should now be familiar with our online learning management system, Canvas. Canvas provides the opportunity for both students and parents to engage with the classroom learning. This system is an ongoing learning and reporting portal that enables us to give immediate feedback to our students and their families with the aim of increasing students' learning outcomes. As this feedback is given straight after a piece of work, activity, project or skill is assessed, the information we are able to give to students and their families is very comprehensive and timely.

Canvas provides an important opportunity for students, parents and teachers to work together to achieve successful learning outcomes for our students. This is an opportune time to log into Canvas and review any feedback that your child has received this term, as all subjects will have provided feedback by a rubric and a comment. This feedback provides students with actions and strategies to improve their learning.

Partnerships – Student/Parents/College

MSJ recognises and values the role that parents and carers play in the education of their children and we aim to strengthen this partnership to enhance our students' overall wellbeing and learning. This year, there will be opportunities for parents and carers to be involved in conversations about the learning and teaching program at MSJ.

The Student Led Conference is the initial opportunity to enhance this partnership. It is an avenue for families to have discussions about the year ahead and reflect on the learnings of 2021. Asking the question ‘How can you improve, grow and flourish?’, will provide insights into our students' self-perceptions, possible fixed mindsets or beliefs about themselves as learners. It will also allow you as the supporter of their development and growth, an opportunity to advise, guide and assist.

Congratulations to our 2021 Graduates

At the Academic Assembly on 15 February, the College celebrated the excellent achievements of the 2021 VCE and VCAL graduates. We welcomed back our 2021 College Dux and other outstanding award winners who shared their MSJ school journey of courage, determination, engagement and commitment to pursuing excellence and resilience in 2021.

Students who achieved the Subject Dux awards and the Top 20 ATAR scores, along with those who achieved 40 or more in individual study scores, were recognised.

The College Assembly was a wonderful celebration of students’ success with family and friends in attendance.

The College Dux for 2021, Vivian Wei, achieved an ATAR score of 97.85. Vivian’s reflection to the College community focused on her achievements and efforts and the commitment of all teachers across her time at the College.

As our 2021 Year 12 students start the next exciting chapter of their educational or life journey, our thoughts and prayers go with them.

Here is snapshot of the results:

Top achieving student

• The 2021 College Dux achieved an ATAR of 97.85, Vivian Wei.

ATARS

• 11.4% of students scored an ATAR above 90
• 38.4% of students scored an ATAR above 80
  
  

Median Study Score:

• 31

Perfect Scores

• Elana Kralefska, received a perfect score of 50 in Product Design

Study Scores

• 6.49% of students achieved a study score over 40 in one or more of their subjects
• In 2021, there were 45 Study Scores above 40

VCAL completion

• 12 students successfully completed their VCAL Certificates

What is an ATAR?

The Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) is not a score out of 100 – it is a rank. It shows a student's achievement in relation to other students. For example, a student with rank of 97.85 has performed better than 97.85% of others in the State that year.

What is a study score?

A study score is a rank of all Victorian students in that subject out of 50. A study score of 40 places you in the top 9% of students in the State.

Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College VCE/VCAL Awards

2021 VCE VCAL Subject Awards

2021 VCE Top 20

2021 Year 12 AWARD

At the end of 2021, Year 12 students were also recipients of significant College awards that recognised their outstanding contribution and commitment to the College and wider community.