The Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) has recently launched its Vision for Engagement (VFE) which is a plan focused on creating calm, respectful, and inclusive learning environments. At MSJ, this environment is one where every student can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The VFE emphasises the explicit teaching of respectful behaviour, and is a commitment to working in partnership with students and their families to navigate challenges and is a key component of MACS Flourishing Learners strategy. MSJ staff will spend considerable time and planning to understand the vision for engagement and will provide families with more information as it becomes available.
All the rehearsals and time invested by the Year 7 and 12 students have paid off as they performed for their House. McCormack performed beautifully to be nominated the winning house. Thankyou to the Year 7 Year Level Team Leaders, House Leaders & Learning Mentors for their work directing, supporting and guiding the students. Once again the highlight was the staff performance. Not many would argue here. A special thanks to the staff who made it happen for their work to ensure another successful MMADD Day.
The Year 10 Formal is one of the highlights for the students. It is a chance for them to dress up, relax and have fun after the exams. The atmosphere inside Grandstar Receptions was fantastic and the students really enjoyed each other's company. Some of those new shoes caused blisters but that did not stop them on the dance floor. Most of the Year 10 cohort attended and were all respectful of MSJ expectations and including others. Students and staff enjoyed a two-course dinner and danced the night away, celebrating the achievements of Semester One. The parents looked proud of their children as they dropped off and took a photo or two. Thankyou to all who attended this fantastic event.
All students have had the opportunity to participate in the MSJ wellbeing program. This occurs every day 2 and is an important element of timetabled classes. Students have participated in a number of sessions this term designed to proactively improve student wellbeing. Alongside this program, MSJ subscribes to Happy Families and Wellio wellbeing platforms. Parents are encouraged to join the live webinars, details of which are emailed to parents and advertised on PAM. If the times don’t suit, recordings are also available to those who register.
On July 28th, we will welcome 20 students and 3 staff from Seirei High School, Japan. Thankyou to the families who have committed to opening your homes to host a Seirei student. We look forward to hearing about all the wonderful experiences the students have at MSJ and around Melbourne.
This year, we have had an overwhelming response from students wanting to travel overseas on our International program. In November this year, we will have MSJ students and staff travelling to Japan and in 2026, students will be travelling to Italy and France. These experiences will be something the students will never forget.
Uniform expectations are well documented and require the whole community to commit to ensuring we have and maintain high standards. This includes only using the school bag to and from school, wearing the blazer in terms 2 and 3, only wearing black lace-up shoes, and ensuring the dress/skirt length is just above the knee.
The College believes that participation in morning earning mentor sessions is important to promote connection, relationships and community. It is an opportunity to gather and pray and to provide a solid base with their peers, Learning Mentor, and Year Level Team Leader/ House Leader, which is why it has still been retained in the morning routine and considered an important part of the day.
We hope that all students and families are able to enjoy the holiday break and have some down time after an exhausting term 2. We look forward to seeing all students back in term 3 for the second half of the year.
Kelly Sexton
Acting Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
This program will run online each Wednesday evening from the 30th of July at 7pm for six weeks. If you would like to know more or register your interest, please see the following flyer or click here.
