The last weeks of Term 2 have been busy for our students. I wish to congratulate all of the students for their hard work and dedication to their studies. Within the final weeks of term years 8 - 12 students were involved in Examinations and Trial Examinations and across all year levels students undertook assessments to finalise their semester.
Whilst examinations are a vital component of assessment and preparation for senior educational pathways, this is not the only measure of success or progression of learning. The Learning Management System (PAM) is the space which provides progressive and up-to-date information around student assessment achievement and feedback. I urge families to continue to use the platform to obtain this information. This feedback is a starting point to conversations that can be undertaken with students. The most effective learners are those who are able to respond to feedback, thus encouraging students to follow up this feedback with their subject teachers to develop strategies they can implement in the second semester.
Semester 1 reports will be released to the school community on Friday 3 June. These reports can be viewed through the PAM portal. Reports contain subject based results and work habits as well as information from the Learning Mentor relating to student achievement and personal development. There will be opportunities to meet with staff around these results in term 3 with Parent Teacher Student Conferences scheduled for the 20 and 21st August.
YEAR 10
During the final week of term, Year 10 students began the process of subject selection. The days focussed upon the dissemination of information around senior secondary pathways, subject based information and post school destinations. Students participated in assemblies, panel discussions, guest speakers, subject expos and self directed course and pathway planning.
Students did travel into the city on the 22nd June, visiting Australian Catholic University and RMIT. These visits aimed at introducing students to possible future destinations beyond the senior years of education.
A Parent Information Evening was held on 23rd June which allowed parents to gather information about senior secondary pathways and subject selections. Parents were then able to work with students to gather further information about subjects at the Domain Expo.
On 29 July students are required to attend a compulsory 10 minute online subject selection interview with their parents and an allocated staff member. The session aims at reviewing the choices made by students for their Senior Pathways Certificate and then their subjects. Interview bookings can be made via the Try Booking Link HERE. This information was sent to Parents on 26 June via PAM. As the interviews are occurring from 2.00pm - 7.00pm, Year 10 students will be concluding their day at 12.20pm on this day. Interview confirmations and Links will be sent to parents in the days prior to the interviews.
YEAR 11
This year 11 students participated in a careers day, where the subject selection process was launched. On this day, the focus for year 11 students was a forward thinking approach - identifying goals and aspirations and then using information to identify the requirements of particular pathways.
Year 11 students are required to submit their subjects for 2027 on the 23 July. Submissions will be occurring both through the forms and online.
YEAR 9
Subject Selection was introduced to the year 9 cohort through a year level assembly on the 5 June. There have been some changes to the program at Year 10 for 2027, with all the relevant information being provided to students and families through correspondence. Students are required to submit their paperwork on the 6th August - through the online Web Preferences Portal. Students who are interested in Acceleration will be required to submit their applications by 14 July.
Year 7 and 8 students will be participating in the subject selection process early in term 3.
An integral part of the process is that parents discuss with their child the subject choices they wish to make for the following year. Subjects should be selected largely on the following basis and should be done in consultation with parents, teachers and the Pathways Leader:
● The student’s personal interests
● Known ability and past success in a particular area of study
● Prerequisite and recommended studies for entry into Higher Education courses
(Tertiary and TAFE)
● Career aspirations
Chantelle Gauci
Deputy Principal - Learning & Staff
Our annual Instrumental Soiree Series took place on June 10 and 11 in the Performing Arts building. This year we had soirees for students learning Guitar, Strings, Woodwind, Voice and Piano. For many of the students, this is the first time they have had the chance to demonstrate their newly developed skills to friends and family. Over 60 students took part in the 4 shows. It really is heart-warming to see so many parents attend these soirees to validate their child’s learning and to support the building of new skills. The students’ bravery is always extraordinary, performing in a small space and being so close to the audience is a superpower. Congratulations to all who took part, you’re fabulous!
Trudi Camilleri - Music and Performing Arts Coordinator
On June 17th , the Year 11-Year 12 VET Music performed at Kindred Studios for friends and family as part of their assessments towards the Certificate III in Music Performance that they are awarded at the end of year 12.
The night was full of amazing talent and a huge variety of music genres. Year 11 are in groups, building their abilities to collaborate with other musicians and build new skills in harmony, texture and improvisation. Year 12 all performed solo sets across voice, guitar and bass. The year 12 part of the evening started with KPOP and concluded with heavy metal, it really was a diverse showing of young talent.
Kindred Studios is a fabulous space for the students to work in, arranging their stage set up, their technical requirements and then delivering their chosen songs. It is always wonderful to see the family and friends of the students come out to support.
Trudi Camilleri - Music and Performing Arts Coordinator
Our Year 10 students recently participated in our annual Subject Selection Week to help them choose their pathway and subjects for Year 11 and 12.
The students were able to connect with inspiring women, including MSJ alumnae, from a wide range of professional fields. From health, business, technology, education as well as media and public services. The event showcased the many exciting pathways available after school. Students were able to ask questions about each professional’s day-to-day role, the challenges and rewards of their career, and the study, training and experiences that led them to where they are today.
Students also had the opportunity to speak with representatives from several tertiary education providers, gaining valuable information about university, TAFE and further study options to help them plan for life beyond secondary school.
The students were able to get real world insights that cannot be gained from textbooks alone. Hearing personal stories and career journeys and ways to get there encouraged students to begin thinking about their own futures with greater confidence.
Naomi Nolan & Ana Stafrace - Pathways Team
Year 8 students, Mila Celic and Ivana Majkic, and Year 10 students, Anjali Antony and Ava Fazio participated in the Rotary Wynspeak Public Speaking Competition on Tuesday 26th May. The event was held at Altona City Theatre and the girls represented Mount St Joseph Girls’ College proudly. This annual competition provides an excellent platform for secondary students to showcase their communication skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Mila, Ivana, Anjali, and Ava wrote their own speeches on a variety of topics, practiced and polished their content, and offered support to each other in the lead up to the competition and on the night. They are to be congratulated for their fantastic efforts and should continue to develop their burgeoning public speaking skills.
Rebekah Taylor - Senior Educational Program Leader
It is natural for students and families to wonder whether artificial intelligence (AI) might take over jobs in the future. History shows that when new technologies emerge, roles rarely disappear — instead, they evolve.
Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we work, but new technology has consistently created opportunities rather than simply replacing them. For example, when computers entered workplaces, many believed professions such as accounting would decline. Instead, technology removed repetitive tasks and allowed professionals to focus on higher-level thinking, problem-solving, and client support. We are seeing a similar pattern with AI today.
In health care—a pathway many MSJ students pursue—AI can assist doctors in analysing medical scans, sometimes identifying very early signs of illness. In maternity care, advanced data tools help clinicians monitor unborn babies more closely, while in rehabilitation, technology can track recovery and support personalised treatment plans. Importantly, none of these advances replace the compassion, judgement, and expertise of trained professionals. Instead, they strengthen their ability to care for others.
Across business, engineering, environmental science, and creative industries, AI is becoming a powerful tool that supports innovation, productivity, and smarter decision-making.
For young people planning their future, the message is both reassuring and exciting. The careers of tomorrow will continue to rely on distinctly human qualities such as empathy, creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and ethical judgement. Students who combine these strengths with confidence in using emerging technologies will be well positioned for meaningful and adaptable careers.
The most valuable skills for the future will be creativity, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to work alongside AI. Instead of fearing change, students should stay curious, keep learning, and develop skills that will help them adapt to future careers.
The future of work is not humans versus technology - it is humans and technology working together.
Click HERE for further reading.
Naomi Nolan & Ana Stafrace - Pathways Team
