As the holidays approach, it is important we spend time with those closest to us. So much is gained when we look after others and support people in need. Hopefully we can find the opportunities to: “Find happiness in making others happy” - Mary Mackillop 1899
Term 2 has been a busy one with many celebrations and activities such as MMADD day driving such great community spirit. The formal was a great success and many thanks to our staff that worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the night was a great success: Claire L, Alison D, Caroline R and Kelly S. The formal provided an opportunity for students to be pampered, dress up and spend some great times with the Year 10 cohort and closest friends. The musical soirees allowed us to see the many hours of practice undertaken by students and the great guidance of the musical staff to ensure students were comfortable performing in front of some solid audiences. All Year 7-9 students were part of a Year Level Presentation by Metro that enabled students to see first hand in some clips the dangers associated with not allowing space between themselves and incoming trains. It would be great if you could follow up these presentations at home with some continued conversations around safety when travelling to and from school. It is great to see so many students engaging in activities in the LRC.
We are excited about our Seirei family joining us again soon to spend some time with our families. Thanks to all the families that have offered to host one of the students.
Can we ask that you all please address the uniform prior to returning to school. Sadly many students fail to comply with the uniform expectations. This includes dress and skirt length, wearing the PE uniform on days when they should be wearing the full academic uniform. Non compliant tracksuit pants are not acceptable and if students do not have their MSJ tracksuit they must wear their academic uniform to school and change for a PE or dance lesson. The blazer must be worn to and from school in term 3. This is not negotiable.
Students are required to place their mobile phones in their locked locker at the beginning of class. It has been observed that some students are using their phones for hotspotting during lessons. This is not permitted and is a reminder that mobile phone use in class is not acceptable.
Students who wish to use headphones during class must have an approved exemption from the Diversity Team. Any approved use of headphones must be in accordance with MSJ expectations and school policy.
CSS 5 mandates that equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice. It requires schools to understand diverse circumstances, provide targeted support for vulnerable students, and ensure all children feel safe, valued, and fairly treated.
At MSJ, we believe that every child has the right to be treated fairly, included, and supported according to their diverse needs and background. These three principles are part of Child Safe Standard 5, which focuses on equity and diversity.
Equity is about ensuring justice, recognising that children may need different levels of support to participate fully in learning, activities, and school life.
Inclusion means creating environments where all children, regardless of culture, ability, language, or background, can flourish and are treated justly and are valued, respected, and welcomed.
Respect for diversity is about honouring and celebrating the unique identity of every child, ensuring that differences are recognised as strengths and that everyone's rights and dignity are upheld.
See here for further details:
I am pleased to inform you that we have appointed Joanah Phillips as our Student Services Team Lead.
Over the past 20 years, she has worked across education, youth development, wellbeing, victim support, and community services, supporting young people and families through both challenges and opportunities. Time and again, she has seen the transformative impact of strong relationships, supportive communities, and timely care.
In Joanah’s words:
“I am passionate about creating an environment where every student feels included, respected, and confident to seek support when needed. I also believe strong partnerships between school, home, and community are essential to helping young people thrive”.
I look forward to continuing to work alongside students, families, and staff to nurture a connected, caring, and inclusive College community, where every student has the opportunity to flourish.
Stacey Bourke
Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing
As we commence our exams and other Year 10 related activities next week, we held our last Fun Friday for Term 2 with the activity ‘Just Dance’ and it was so much fun.
We were all up and dancing and there was of laughs and smiles as we followed the moves and the music.
We had enjoyed leading the different Fun Friday activities this term with Kahoot’s, an epic ‘rock, paper, scissors’ contest and silent ball.
We are excited as we are going to lead a class lesson with our Year 7 classes next term on topics relevant to Year 7s including organisation, friendships and communication and some practical activities that build teamwork.
Peer Support Leaders - Year 10
