MSB Messenger Friday 25th October 2024

Principal

Welcome Mount St Bernard Community,

As summer approaches, it is heartening to reflect on the growth our College community has had spiritually, personally and academically throughout 2024.  We have been able to create opportunities for more Student voice through our Year 7 – 12 Student Representative Council, led by Terri-Lee Shepherd, Clementine Barker and Nathan Wagner.  This group have represented the voice of their peers and have been instrumental in the creation of staff and student behaviour expectations and have lived Sister Catherine McAuley’s wise words to state your opinion and act with courage.  We will continue to seek student voice to assist us to build on improvements at the College.

The repairing of our Chapel roof throughout Term 3 has been finalised and there has been an enriching sense of community since our assemblies, Liturgies and College Masses have been able to move back into this sacred space.  As we move towards the end of the term, we will be able to come together to celebrate the successes our students have experienced throughout 2024 and prepare for Christmas.

The challenge our learners face each school year is to apply themselves to their studies to achieve academic success beyond what they thought they were capable of.  When students apply themselves throughout the whole year, it reduces the stress of end of year exams.  As our Year 12 ATAR students commence their formal exams, the school community is keeping our Year 12's in our prayers and hope that the work and preparations they have done throughout the year enable them to feel confident moving into this final chapter of their Secondary Schooling.  We look forward to celebrating and watching all of our year 12's graduate in November.  Whilst it is always sad to farewell school leavers, it is rewarding to watch them move into the first chapter of their adult lives.

Thank you to Wayne Wood

I’d like to thank Wayne Wood, my Director of School Effectiveness from the Cairns Catholic Education Office, who stood in as Principal for the first two weeks of Term 4 to enable me to attend the 2-week international study tour for school leaders.  I really appreciate Wayne joining us to get to know our students, staff and school community.  He advised he felt very welcome at the College, and he really enjoyed having the time to observe the work and improvements we are striving for.  It was lovely returning to the College in Week 3 and have students telling me they enjoyed getting to know Mr Wood.

Study Tour

The international Study Tour to Glasgow and Singapore was an incredible learning experience.  School leaders from Diocesan Offices and primary and secondary schools across Australia were able to work with a range of educational ministries, universities, educational leaders, schools and we also were fortunate enough to meet with the high commissioner to discuss the similarities and differences of Australian and international education settings.  I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to learn about the successes and challenges other educational contexts experiences and I will certainly be drawing on the successes to continue to work on the improvement agenda at MSB.  I’d also like to thank my Leadership Team and staff who kept the school running smoothly in my absence.  It was lovely returning to school and re-joining our community, just as Wayne acknowledged the warm welcome he received. I am pleased to report the warmth of the welcome home from our school community has been humbling.

Glasgow

Singapore

Visit from Jacinta Collins, Bill Dixon and Allan Blagaich

Jacinta Collins, Bill Dixon and Alan Blagaich visited Mount St Bernard College as part of their Cairns Diocesan school visits.  The purpose of this visit was to see and hear firsthand the successes, opportunities and challenges each school encounters to ensure adequate support can administered to ensure schools can achieve their improvement agenda’s.  One of the key discussions was around funding to support both recurrent and capital expenditure for schools with high levels of socio-educational disadvantage and support for boarding students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and rural, regional and remote backgrounds.  I’d like to thank Jacinta, Bill and Alan for taking the time to visit MSB and speaking with staff and students to gain a better understanding of our context and what we are striving to achieve.

Staff Welcomes

I am happy to announce we have a number of new staff joining us at the College in Term 4:

Stuart Whitby – Art Teacher

Trent Newcomb - Maths and Science Teacher

Harry Lui - Indigenous Liaison Officer

Joy Beohm – Boarding Supervisor

Briony Nicholls – Boarding Supervisor

Callum Leslie – Boarding Supervisor

Daniel Krasnoff – Boarding Supervisor

Jenny Rossiter – Boarding Supervisor

Jacaranda Festival

The annual Herberton Jacaranda Festival is a celebration of the beauty of the local Herberton community and the beauty of the blossoming Jacaranda trees certainly featured at the festival. Whilst the township was filled with stalls and community spirit, it was wonderful to see our musicians shine on stage.  Congratulations to our Year 11 band, We Hate Love Songs who performed original compositions, Laverda and Clover Charlton who showcased their mastery as pianists and Year 9 student Yindali Sharp who performed a blend of covers and original songs.  Thanks to Tobias Moldenhauer for preparing and supporting our musicians to display their expertise. We, as a community, are privileged to witness their growth and artistic development.  A special thanks also to Deb Booth, Hillary O’Brien, Michelle Davies-Griffith and Janet Wigan who supported the College stall throughout the day.

Jacaranda Festival 2024

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National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) Grants

We have been very fortunate to have received two NIAA Grants in 2024.  One to support us with the development and resources required for our annual NAIDOC Day Celebrations and the other grant to support us with programs we could implement for First Nations Boarding Students.  I’d like to personally acknowledge and thank NIAA for their support.  The National NAIDOC Week Activities was funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.  This funding enabled us to implement an incredible celebration of our First Nations Cultures and the financial support NIAA provided us enabled the College to provide seating, shade, stalls, staging, sound equipment, sand art, instruments and traditional attire on the day.  I’d also like to thank NIAA for their support with the First Nations Boarder grant, this funding has enabled the College to plan for the refurbishment that will occur in Bernard’s Boarding House.  We look forward to continuing our relationship with NIAA in the future.

Energy Arts Awards

Congratulations to MSB students Ebony Killin, Eleanor Banu, College Captain, Mahalia Jones, Clementine Barker and Maya Hutton for their amazing artwork at Energy this year. Ebony, Eleanor and Mahalia received awards from this prestigious event and were celebrated at The Tanks Art Centre on Friday 13 September and again at a College assembly.

QATSIF AWARDS

MSB students have shone once again and received QATSIF Arts awards. Congratulations to Tyler Morriss, Vera Dau, Christine Friday, Eugene Logan, Shontay Anau, Shyamah-Rae Wildermuth, Rhaquiella Nandy, Yindali Sharp and Naomi Tomsana-Sam.

Australian Mathematics Competition

Congratulations to Zena Belkessa, Maya Hutton and Meenakshi Riber on your Certificate of Credit and Taylor Daley on your Certificate of Participation in this year’s Australian Mathematics Competition. Well done all!

Attendance

Attendance will continue to be an improvement focus throughout Term 4.  Early signs of improvement are encouraging; however, we are striving for 100% of students achieving 90% attendance or higher for all classes.  This 90% allows for medical absences and Sorry Business. 

I’d like to thank parents for their continual support, and I’d like to reinforce that the College is taking attendance seriously and there are serious consequences for students not attending and/or disturbing the learning of others.  Whilst students who struggle with attendance will be supported with a range of support interventions, students who are persistently truanting or truanting and disrupting the learning of others will face the consequence of an external suspension. As per Diocesan policy, transport for suspension is the responsibility of the parent/carer.  Our aim as a school community is that all students will attend every single class for the duration of the lesson and teachers will work with the learners to ensure suitable adjustments to meet the learners’ needs are in place.

Narelle Hunt - Principal

Deputy Principal Residential

In a few short weeks, our year twelve students will be leaving. At that moment, they will shed a tear, and a sense of trepidation, will be ever present, as they move forward into the next chapter of their life. Boarding, the place they have called home for the past 6 years, will no longer be there. The wake-up calls and constant reminders from Mr Dave and Ms Judy will be a thing of the past, and freedom will be there for the taking.

Alternatively, they may remember the many good times they had at boarding such as going fishing, attending movie nights, or having fun on water slides. Or perhaps, it will be some sage words from a supervisor or support when they were upset that will be in the forefront of their mind. Either way I am sure that every student will remember one particular supervisor who has made a difference to their life.

We look forward to meeting family members and greeting past students as we celebrate the achievements of our current year twelve students.

Malcolm Fahey - Deputy Principal Residential

Pet Fair 2024

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Palm Cove

Malanda Falls 2024

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Acting Deputy Principal Wellbeing

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are pleased to share the encouraging start of the term with you. We welcome back our returning students, parents, and staff from the term 3 break and extend a warm welcome to the new students and staff members joining our community.

This term, we remain committed to the MSB Student Expectations Matrix, which defines the behavioural standards across all areas of the College. By reinforcing the values of Safety, Responsibility, and Respect, we continue to foster an environment where every member of our community can excel

Our key focus areas this term include:

• Acting safely in all situations
• Taking responsibility for one’s actions
• Attending classes consistently
• Being prepared and ready to learn

This term, we are excited to introduce two new initiatives aimed at encouraging and rewarding positive behaviour and attendance.

The Positive Rewards System is designed to support, encourage, and reward consistent good behaviour. This system has two key components:

1. Merit Awards: Teachers will recognise students for consistent effort, good attendance, and demonstrating safety, respect, and responsibility. These electronic merit awards will accumulate towards bronze, silver, and gold certificates, which will be presented at college assemblies, celebrating each student's achievements.
2. Participation in Activities: Students who maintain high attendance, complete their schoolwork, and exhibit good behaviour will be invited to participate in extracurricular activities, including excursions and incursions. The excursion policy includes an appeals process to ensure that all students can attend events offered by the College.

We are pleased to share that the majority of our students not only met but consistently surpassed these expectations. To support their success, our College staff employed a range of Tier 1 teaching and behaviour management strategies, including:

• Developing trust through relationship building
• Applying the 10 Essential Skills of Classroom Management to enhance learning, such as:
• Establishing expectations – Making rules.
• Giving instructions - Telling students what to do.
• Descriptive praise—acknowledging positive behaviour.

For students who found it challenging to meet these expectations, we offered a range of Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions, including:

• Morning check-ins
• Co-development of cultural plans with Indigenous liaison officers
• Counselling
• Wellbeing support
• Restorative conversations

We are pleased by the steps forward made by our students and look forward to continuing this progressive work with them.

This term, the College community marked several significant events:

• Parent teacher interviews October 8
• Year 8 Excursion - Atherton Bat hospital
• Year 9 Excursion – Mamu Tropical Skywalk
• Year 8 Excursion – Rainforestation
• QCE External exams: October 21 to November 12

These events play a vital role in our students' growth, providing valuable learning experiences and opportunities to engage beyond the classroom.

We understand that the teenage years can present challenges, and our College’s wellbeing team is dedicated to providing essential support for your child during this sensitive phase. The wellbeing team members are:

Counsellors: Sara Gorring, Kayleigh Smith

Wellbeing Officers: Michelle Davies-Griffith, Jade O’Shae, Tim Tewhare 

Middle Leader Wellbeing:

Years 7 – 8: Covered by Emma Sheppard and Stephen Godfrey

Years 9 – 10: Joey Twidale jtwidale@cns.catholic.edu.au

Years 11 – 12: Doris Cuda - tcuda@cns.catholic.edu.au

Instructional Leader Wellbeing: Emma Sheppard - esheppard2@cns.catholic.edu.au

Acting Deputy Principal Wellbeing: Stephen Godfrey - sgodfrey@cns.catholic.edu.au

For any enquiries regarding your child's wellbeing, please contact the Middle Leader Wellbeing for their year level using the provided email addresses or the College phone number at 07 4096 1444.

We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and are truly grateful for it. We look forward to a term that nurtures and empowers your children, guiding them to make safe, respectful, and responsible decisions while celebrating their successes and strengthening our vibrant, supportive community.

Stephen Godfrey – Acting Deputy Principal Wellbeing 

Assistant Principal Mission

This year is flying by, and it's hard to believe we're already approaching the halfway mark of Term 4. We will soon be farewelling our Year 12’s and wishing them well as they embark on their next phase of their journey.  The Year 11’s are excited about their leadership retreat in Week 7 and looking forward to being student leaders in 2025.

We started the term with a productive meeting of our Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee. These gatherings are vital as we work together to support our students and help them thrive at MSB. We are committed to ensuring a strong and supportive community where everyone can make the most of their time here.

A warm welcome goes to Harry Lui, our new Indigenous Liaison Officer. Harry has made a fantastic start, getting to know the students and the local area. As part of his introduction to the community, we gathered at Wild River, where the local Jirrbal Elders warmly welcomed him to their country.

October is traditionally a month when Catholics pray the Rosary, a devotional prayer in honour of the Virgin Mary that involves repeating the Hail Mary while meditating on important events in the life of Jesus. At MSB, we encourage our community to engage with this special prayer practice throughout the month.

Looking ahead, we are once again supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, which helps local families experiencing hardship. While donations of non-perishable food items are always appreciated, monetary contributions are especially valuable, as they enable families to receive exactly what they need. Donations can be dropped off at the front office.

St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) is also the local charity that our MSB Mountain Goats will be supporting in next year's Great Wheelbarrow Race. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to the community and help those in need.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to make a difference together at Mount St Bernard College. Let’s keep the momentum going as we finish the year strong!

Janet Wigan - Assistant Principal Mission

Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum & Administration

As we enter Term 4, we have a number of exciting updates and events to share! At the start of the term, we held productive parent-teacher interviews, fostering strong communication between teachers and families as we work together to support our students' success.

Year 12 External Exams:
Our Year 12 students have begun a rigorous three-week period of external exams. We wish them the best of luck as they showcase their hard work and dedication!

Year 10 Work Experience:
Currently, our Year 10 students are gaining valuable insights and skills through their work experience placements. This opportunity is essential for their future career paths.

Preparation for the Workforce:
To equip our seniors for the workforce, in week 2 we successfully ran courses on White Card training and First Aid. These certifications will help our students stand out as they enter the job market.

Curriculum Excursions:
We recently organised curriculum excursions to Aqua Verde Redclaw Farm, Carrington, Atherton, providing our students with hands-on learning experiences that connect Agricultural Practices classroom concepts to real-world applications.

Artist in Residence:
We are thrilled to have an Artist in Residence working with our Year 12 students to assist them in completing their Visual Arts in Practice assessment. This collaboration is enhancing their creative skills and artistic expression.

Upcoming Events:

• Presentation Evening: Mark your calendars for our Presentation Evening on November 7th. This event will celebrate our students' achievements and contributions throughout the year.
• Year 12 Graduation Liturgy: Join us on November 8th for the Year 12 graduation liturgy, a significant milestone for our graduating class.
• Year 6 Boarders Transition Day: November 20th
• Year 6 Transition Day: We look forward to welcoming our incoming Year 7 students on November 21st for their transition day, helping them prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we navigate this busy term together. Let’s finish the year strong!

Debra Fish - Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum & Administration

Invitation Presentation Evening

Dear Parents, carers and family members,

Please join the College community for the annual Presentation Evening on Thursday 7 November 2024 at 6pm in Main Hall. Awards will recognise academic excellence and diligence plus special awards in various categories.

If your child will be receiving an award, you will be advised separately and invited to attend to witness the award presentation.

The ceremony commences at 6pm and will end at approximately 7.30pm. Guests and family members are invited to stay for supper in the dining room with their student.

Narelle Hunt - Principal

Bus Transport for Presentation Evening & Year 12 Graduation Liturgy

Families please contact the college on Ph: 4096 1485 to advise names of family members or friends who live in Cairns and wish to travel to the College to be involved in end of year celebrations.

Presentation Evening for Year 7 - 12 students: Bus to depart McLeod Street Bus Bay outside Cairns Central Shopping Centre at 4pm. Bus to depart MSB at 8.30pm back to Cairns.

Year 12 Graduation Liturgy: Bus to depart McLeod Street Bus Bay outside Cairns Central Shopping Centre at 9am. Bus to depart MSB at 2pm back to Cairns.

We look forward to these important College community celebrations with you and your families.

Narelle Hunt - Principal

Library

This term has been busy in the library with our Term 4 lunchtime activities keeping the space busy and buzzing! Lego club is finishing up some of the bigger builds while friendship band making has proven very popular. The I-pad fun continues to allow a creative outlet for students who love to play with digital art through Flip-a-clip and Sketchbook.

The library has also been a safe space for our hard-working year 12 students to study for their final external examinations. It has been lovely watching these students work and study together, supporting each other through very stressful times.

Throughout 2024 the MSB Library has continued to be a safe and happy place where we celebrate kindness, literacy, diversity, and leadership. The last of these is not the least with the library providing the opportunity for students to become Library Assistants. Through this program the chosen students will gain training and have creative opportunities to help within the library space. As the term continues the students chosen will be announced.

Rachel Nelson - Teacher Librarian

Finance

Term 4 Fees have issued.  Please check your emails.

If you do have a balance owing, we would appreciate your prompt payment by              Due Date: 1 Nov 2024 unless alternative arrangements are in place. These arrangements might include:

Regular direct debit facility or BPay payments. Please contact the school if you wish to set up a direct debit facility or require assistance in calculating a regular payment amount.

Consideration of genuine family financial hardship. Please see our relief options available such as Health Care Card/Pension Card Concession and financial assistance forms. If there is a reason why your account cannot be paid within that time, we invite you to contact us to discuss your situation and make a formal arrangement. Your circumstances will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Sharon in Finance by email snegri@cns.catholic.edu.au or 4096 1586

Sharon Negri - Finance Team Leader

Instructional Leader Behaviour & Engagement

As we say farewell to our Year 12 students, we wish you all the best in the exciting journey ahead. Remember the important lessons you have learned during your time here: to always be safe, responsible, and respectful. Whether you are starting a job, further studies, or taking a break, these values will guide you. Being safe means looking out for yourself and others, whether that's on the road, in social situations, or online. Responsibility comes in many forms, such as managing your time wisely, fulfilling commitments, and being mindful of the impact of your actions. Respect for others is just as important outside of school—whether it's being kind to people at work, in your community, or even in challenging situations.

For our Year 11 students, you are now stepping into the leadership roles within our school. This is a big responsibility, and the younger students will be looking up to you. As you guide them, remember to also take care of your own wellbeing. To support others, you must first look after yourself. In these last weeks of school, focus on balance. Make sure you are getting enough rest, eating well, and managing your time between study and relaxation. Being mindful of your own needs will help you lead with strength and kindness.

To our Year 7 to 10 students, you are an important part of our school community, and we encourage you to keep building on the values of being safe, responsible, and respectful. As you continue your own journey through school, remember that your actions shape the environment around you. Be supportive of each other, work hard, and take pride in your growth. This is your time to learn, explore new opportunities, and set strong foundations for the years to come.

Emma Sheppard - Instructional Middle Leader - Behaviour & Engagement

Behaviour & Engagement Yr 11 & 12

YEAR 12 FORMAL 2024 INFORMATION SHEET 

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Please find preliminary information required for the 2024 Senior Formal Event.

Ticket Payment - A reminder to pay for any outstanding tickets immediately. 

                                  No Ticket – No Entry. 

Please call Julie at Student Reception Ph: 4096 1445 and finalise asap.

Date and Time of Event:

• Saturday, 9^th November, 2024
• Venue 1:  Assemble at the Wharf Car Park (corner of Lake and Wharf Streets) Hemmingway’s Brewery Carpark no later than 4:15 pm
• Venue 2: Formal proceedings will commence at The Reef Hotel Casino at 5:15pm sharp

Venue 1 - Pre-function Hemmingway’s Brewery Carpark Assembly Area:

• Location: Hemmingway’s Brewery Carpark (Cairns Wharf Car Park), Wharf Street, Cairns QLD 4870  (Cairns Wharf Car Park, corner of Lake and Wharf Streets).
• Parking: 134 spaces available, $2 for 2 hours (cashless payment system)
• Time: Assemble in the carpark by 4:15 pm for personal family photos (no professional photographer).

Venue 2 – The Reef Hotel Casino

• Reef Hotel Casino: By 5:00 pm, families of Year 12 graduates are to walk to The Reef Hotel Casino, 35-41 Wharf St, Cairns City (4-minute walk).
• Assembly Point: At the Wharf Street entry, inside the entrance at the bottom of the stairs, to await the arrival of the 2024 cohort.

Arrival and Entry Instructions for the Reef Hotel Casino

No Crowding at Entrance

• All Formal attendees: Parents and students are reminded not to crowd the entrance of the Casino after arriving. This is a workplace health and safety issue that must be strictly followed.

Movement to Assembly Area for Graduate Arrivals

• Upon arrival, Graduates will walk the red carpet and have their professional photos taken both on the carpet and on the first stairwell.
• After photos are taken, Graduates proceed upstairs to the designated assembly area outside the function room.

No Loitering at the Entrance

• Due to the increased number of graduates, it is essential that students do not remain downstairs after arrival, as this creates obstacles for Casino patrons and staff.
  

Compliance with Directions

• Under no circumstances will non-compliant behaviour be tolerated.  Safety for all within the area is paramount.

Behaviour Expectations

• No inappropriate behaviour from students or guests will be tolerated.
• Any disruptions or conflicts caused during the event will be addressed immediately.

Professional Photographer

• A photographer will be available to capture formal portraits at The Reef Hotel Casino only.

Alcohol-Free Event

• A reminder that the School's Senior Formal is strictly an alcohol-free night for all MSB students and families regardless of age.

Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

• If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please ensure that you notify the school as soon as possible to accommodate your needs.

Leaving CAIRNS WHARF CAR PARK (Hemingway’s Brewery Carpark) Arrivals Process

To ensure a smooth arrival at the Casino this year, all students will be allocated specific departure times from the car park.

• Please bring bottled water to remain hydrated.
• Please make sure that you, your driver, and vehicle are ready to depart at the designated times.
• This system has been put in place to avoid congestion and ensure that arrivals run smoothly.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping make the event as seamless as possible.

Late Arrivals or in the Case of Emergencies

If a graduate is running late or there's an emergency, please make sure to contact Hillary immediately at [0488 176 203] to inform her and get further instructions on what to do next.  Your timely communication will help us manage arrivals smoothly.

Doris Cuda - Middle Leader Behaviour & Engagement Year 11 & 12

Instructional Leader – Learning Culture and Growth

Senior Biology

This term the year 11 Biology students have started developing microscope skills in preparation for year 12 where they will learn about cells and multicellular organisms in Unit 1 of the alternative sequence syllabus. The students also recently did a practical where they extracted DNA from strawberries. The year 12 Biology students have been working very hard preparing for their external exams. The 50% Biology exam will occur during week 6 on Monday 4^th November where they will sit 2 papers. I wish these students all the best for their final exams.

Jodie Jackson - Instructional Leader – Learning Culture and Growth

Music, Humanities & Drama

The festival season has begun! We are pleased to announce that MSB music students are well represented across the region at a variety of festival events and concert opportunities. To start the term off, MSB has been a major sponsor at the recent Herberton Jacaranda Festival weekend, providing our sound equipment for the stage along with 3 music performance acts. Our Year 11 band ‘WeHateLoveSongs’ opened the festival with 5 original pieces before travelling to the Cairns Tanks Art Centre to play a second gig for the day, opening for Melbourne-based touring act ‘British India’. This opportunity arose from this year’s MSB studio recording session, where the band recorded two original works in-house and used the recordings to land prestigious gigs, such as Cairns Festival main stage in Term 3. Congratulations to Becky Purt, Caitlin Murray, Maya Hutton and Nathan Wagner for an exceptionally successful year in Music. 

The Jacaranda Festival also showed the fantastic talents of Year 11 students Laverda and Clover Charlton on piano, and a solo performance of Year 9 guitarist and singer/songwriter Yindali Sharp, recent winner of QATSIF’s 2024 Naidoc-themed song writing competition with her song ‘Keep The Fire Burning’. 

Mount St Bernard College is also the only Tablelands High School that has student performances at this year’s Tableland Folk Festival TAFE stage, showcasing the talents of the Year 11 band, Yindali Sharp, and Year 8 duo ‘Purple Days’, consisting of Supreet Kaur on piano and Mia Ackland on bass guitar. The TAFE stage events at the festival are free to enter, so you are most welcome to join us for some fantastic live music. 

Further Music performances will take place during this year’s Presentation Evening on November 7th at the school Main Hall, with an unprecedented number of Performing Arts awards being received by Music students this year. 

Year 10 Music: 

In Term 4, the students will focus on the study of the 6 musical elements required to be covered by the Australian Curriculum. They will gain deeper knowledge of musical concepts and vocabulary associated with the elements, allowing them to analyse a chosen piece of music that interest them for an assessment task. 

Humanities 8: 

In Term 4, the Year 8 Humanities students are finishing their studies of ‘Civics & Citizenship’, focusing on Civic rights and duties of Australian Citizens. They will study a unit of work from the ‘Economics & Business’ component of the Humanities syllabus, focusing on young peoples’ personal finance management. 

Drama 9:  

The focus of the Term 4 unit of work is a comparison of dramatic elements used in the two films ‘Coraline’ and ‘Nightmare before Christmas’. Students will study dramatic choices made by the directors of both movies to achieve a particular effect on the audience. 

Industrial Technology

Our students have created some masterpieces in the workshop this term. We have had the year 8 students finishing off their pencil cases. Our woodwork year 9 students have completed their chairs and are now building folding tables to go with them. Our metal work year 9 students are finished or nearly finished building their metal toolboxes and some have moved on to building them out of timber.

Our year 10 students have been creating some amazing tables and works of art. We have had two different saddle racks built with differing designs. A model car for an outside garden planter has been created. One student has built a table with complex mortise and tenon joins and has put a beautiful tabletop of meranti to finish it off.

Our seniors are putting the finishing touches on their bedside cabinets, whether it is burning a creative cultural design on it or covering up the ply edges with pink meranti façade, they are beautiful creations. Some students have created fishing boxes with unique designs depicting their totem animals. Other students have created wonderful ornate jewellery boxes with box joins that they individually cut out with much patience. One student has created a large stair designed shelving unit which is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. We are lucky to have very capable and creative students at our school. As the holidays come closer, consider what projects around the house need to be done, and get help with them from your kids if possible.

Nathan Unwin - Teacher

Student work

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Agriculture

Crayfish Farm Excursion

Last week our senior agriculture students visited the wonderful, local Crayfish Farm, Aquaverde Redclaw Hatchery and Farm in Carrington. The tour by Colin, one of the owners, was insightful and interesting and some students said that they could see themselves working there. We had explanations about the breeding, hatching, feeding, transporting and selling of the Redclaw. Students were able to catch a crayfish with their hands and have a close look at them. The challenges, positives and fun of running a crayfish farm was shared which inspired the students to consider their future careers. Students asked many questions, and we explored inside the breeding sheds and outside by the ponds. It was a wonderful day out with the students, and we had a lot of fun.

Nathan Unwin - Teacher

Aquaverde Redclaw Hatchery and Farm

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VET & Careers

Norweld

Norweld Excursion is an exciting excursion to one of FNQ's biggest Car Ute tray manufacturers. This is exciting for students as it shows them what it's like to work in the metal fabrication industry. As many of these students are completing a Certificate II in Engineering, it shows them how those skills that they are learning are applied in the real world.

White Card

Students have recently completed their White Cards through a one day course. White Cards are required to work on construction sites, so this is a great asset for students to add to their work resumes. 

High Ropes – Drilling Course

We have had 5 students working to complete their Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure. This is a very long course and has required a 6 month commitment from the students. The High Ropes Course Day was the last day of this course. The certificate is a great addition to the students resumes.

High Ropes – Drilling Course 2024

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First Aid Certificate

All of the year 11 students took part in a first aid course. This is a great skill to for all students into the future for both work and their personal lives. Students had to complete theory before hand and then spent a day learning about first aid skills. They learnt how to perform CPR – to the tune of Baby Shark – how to treat a snake bite and shoulder injuries.

Work Experience

All Year 10 students have completed a week of Work Experience. Students were asked to select three possible industries they were interested in. Work Placements were then found in one of these industries. Finding Work Placements is an extremely difficult task and we thank all the employers who have opened their doors for us during this week.

Even before students started Work Placements students had to contact the employers, have another interview, have paperwork signed and for some students complete White Card Courses. I can’t thank the students enough for how hard they have worked to get ready for their work placements.

Our Year 10 work experience program aimed to provide students with real-world exposure, allowing them to explore potential career paths. From local businesses to non-profit organisations, students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in various industries.

Congratulations to all our Year 10 students for their hard work and enthusiasm! Your commitment to learning and growth has set a wonderful example. The students  impressed employers and myself.

If you’re a parent or guardian, we encourage you to talk with your child about their work experience. Share your insights and support their aspirations as they explore their future careers!

Debby Small - VET & Careers Middle Leader

Visual Arts

Last term, the Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts in Practice class started an exciting project—designing a mural with an environmental theme that was influenced by the cultures of the students in the class.  The students worked collaboratively, combining their creative talents to propose a stunning design that reflects their unique perspectives.

With their design ready, the class welcomed Daniel “Wally” Wallwork, a professional aerosol artist, who guided them in fine-tuning their ideas and bringing their mural to life. Over four days, the students learned valuable lessons in responsible street art, Occupational Health and Safety, and collaborating to complete a creative project while mastering new spray-painting techniques. The result? A vibrant, meaningful mural that proudly showcases the students' creativity and connection to the world around them.

Emma Sheppard - Teacher

Artist in Residence Term 4 2024

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Year 9 Mamu Skywalk Excursion

On Friday of Week 3, Year 9 students went on their excursion to the Mamu Tropical Skywalk at the bottom of the Palmerston Highway. After a trip in the school buses, we arrived at the centre where the highlights on the day were a 10m long cantilever walkway and a 37m high observation tower, both overlooking the North Johnstone River. Coupled with a bush walkway, the journey around the centre left everyone ready for lunch. Unfortunately, the marsh flies at our first lunch destination were also ready to eat, so we rapidly moved onto the Malanda Falls . A great day for all, with our thanks to the staff who supervised the day.

John Doolan - Middle Leader Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment & Reporting                                                                                Years 9 & 10

Transition Support

Work Exposure in Government (WEX)

Congratulations Thanh-Huong (Rose) Mene (Year 12) on attending the WEX Program Canberra in October. Rose self-applied and was accepted to attend. Well done Rose for self-determination and striving for new opportunities.

The Work Exposure in Government (WEX) program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with hands-on experience and knowledge about career pathways in the Australian Government.

Activities and experiences may include:

• Meeting First Nations leaders including senior government Ministers and parliamentarians.
• Visits to different Australian Government agencies, including the Australian Defence Force Academy, Australian Federal Police, and the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
• Obtaining advice on career planning.
• Working alongside Indigenous mentors who will help guide your personal leadership journey.
• Meeting other Indigenous students and future leaders.
• One-on-one and small group workshops on leadership, mentoring and how to make the most of your school learning experience. 
• Cultural activities.
• A Careers Expo, where students can talk to representatives from a range of government agencies. 

YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament 

The College is extremely proud and would like to extend our congratulations to two Year 12 Students ~ Thanh-Huong (Rose) Mene and Makala Harries-Spinnler for a successful week at Queensland Youth Parliament in Brisbane during September.

YMCA Program Coordinator, Martin, passed on their heartfelt commendation for both Makala and Rose following the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament Residential Sitting Week. 

Makala and Rose were excellent and represented Mount St Bernard College and their electorates wonderfully. 

It is no small task to fly all the way down to Brisbane, stay with a group of people you know very little about and then get up in Parliament House to speak. Yet, Makala and Rose did just that. Both Makala and Rose were also an absolute pleasure and were a constant source of both humour and genuine insight. 

We truly commend these two fantastic young people who stepped up and completed what is a very challenging week.

Andrea Gower - Transition Support

YMCA Youth Parliament 2024

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QATSIF Creative Arts Awards 2024

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Communications & Community Engagement

Australia will celebrate teachers on World Teachers’ Day on Friday 25 October 2024

Hats off to Australia’s teachers this World Teachers’ Day! Australia is coming together to celebrate you for your skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting students.

Today we celebrated our MSB teachers with a morning tea.

World Teachers Day 2024

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Cairns Diocesan News

The October edition is now available on the Cairns Diocesan website www.cairns.catholic.org.au 

Alternatively, please click on the link below and it will take you straight to the flipbook.

 Diocese A4 2024 October Edition ebook

MyCE has been updated - a new version is available!

MyCE App has recently had an update. Parents and Caregivers are now able to download the new version via the Apple App store and Google Play store. Find it in your app store and download it today!

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/myce/id6449520177

Cooktown Careers & Boarding Expo

Dave Shade, Assistant Head of Residential-Bernard's and myself travelled to Cooktown for their annual Careers & Boarding Expo. 

A great event for the students of Cooktown State School & Endeavour Christian College. It was a well organised event and our thanks to the staff of Cooktown State School for all their efforts to ensure their students have future opportunities.

Whilst in Cooktown we visited Sila Pati, Principal of Holy Spirit Catholic School. A wonderfully designed facility and also great to catch up with Sila and meet their staff.

On our last day we had a short visit with Wujal Wujal elders at their retreat at Rossville. It was great to meet up with past and present family members of our students.

Deborah Booth - Communications & Community Engagement

Cooktown Careers & Boarding Expo

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers survey Have your say … take part in the Next Step survey!

Who? All students completing Year 12 in 2024 
What? The Next Step survey will ask you about your activities since finishing school, like study and work. 
How? Expect to be contacted by phone, mail or email. To help us reach you, please check your contact details are correct in your learning account by logging into the student portal at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au 

When? March to June 2025 
Why? Your answers to the Next Step survey help schools and further education providers improve their services for future students. Plus, go in the draw to win a laptop! More info at www.qld.gov.au/nextstep 

ENROL NOW FOR 2025 & 2026

~ Enrolment applications are due asap

~ Scholarship applications for 2025 are available at www.msb.qld.edu.au/scholarships/

~ Apply online now at https://www.msb.qld.edu.au/apply-online-now/

To enquire, book a tour or require more information visit our website at www.msb.qld.edu.au ,

Email - msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au or PH: 40 961 595

Community News

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARENTS AUSTRALIA

What does wellbeing for positive learning outcomes mean to you?

Please tell us because we would like to hear what you have to say.

CSPA is keen to engage with our parent community – it is only when we hear what you have to say that we can influence the conversation around wellbeing and learning.

CSPA is listening…To tell us about the affirmations and challenges in your child’s learning by scanning the QR code or click on the link: https://bit.ly/3MQTXM4

Malanda BioBlitz - Saturday 9 November 2024

If you’re looking for a day immersed in nature while learning about our local wildlife, the Malanda BioBlitz offers the perfect opportunity. Join a passionate community of scientists, students, and nature enthusiasts and get involved in field surveys looking for plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, fungi, and more. You’ll have the chance to work alongside local experts and learn how to identify a wide variety of species. The event will also feature stalls, arts and crafts, and workshops. See below for more information.

The Malanda BioBlitz community event will be held on Saturday 9th November 2024 from 9am (though some earlier surveys such as birds will be scheduled earlier). Friday 8th is a program for local schools only and not open to the general public.

Participants can take part is scheduled surveys with local wildlife experts and there will be a variety of other activities available on the day including workshops, presentations on local wildlife matters and stalls.

There will be food and drink available for purchase on the day.

All ages are welcome, though children must be accompanied by an adult.

This is a free event and everyone in the community is encouraged to come along and join us for a day of environmental scientific discovery.

Find more detailed information on the website: https://www.malandabioblitz.com.au/

Check out the event on the Malanda Landcare Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/yhDiYnnJdqJoTzNs/

Book a spot in the wildlife surveys: https://events.humanitix.com/malanda-bioblitz

Please email for more information: malandabioblitz@gmail.com

MSB Calendar

Term 4

Mon 21 Oct - Fri 8 Nov - Year 12 QCAA External Exams

Fri 1 Nov - Catholic Education Diocese Cairns Student Voice Form - St Augustine's Cairns

Tues 5 Nov - Seniors Dinner - Atherton International Club

Thurs 7 Nov - Presentation Evening MSB Main Hall 6pm

Fri 8 Nov - Year 12 Graduation Liturgy

              - Whole school shared lunch

Fri 8 & Sat 9 Nov - Exeat (Free) Weekend

Sat 9 Nov - Year 12 Formal - Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns. Arrivals from 5.15pm

Wed 13 - Fri 15 Nov - Year 11 Retreat

Mon 18 Nov - Boarders Christmas party

Tues 19 Nov - Parents & Friends Meeting (P & F)

Wed 20 Nov - Year 7 2025 Boarders Transition Day

Thurs 21 Nov - Year 7 2025 Day School & Boarders Transition Day

Wed 27 Nov - Christmas Mass

Thurs 28 Nov - Community Day includes shared lunch

                    - End of term 4 @ 3pm

Fri 29 Nov - Boarders Travel Day