Mount St Bernard College eNewsletter

Principal

Term one has been a busy time at Mount St Bernard College and it has been heartening to see our the majority of students resettling in and engaging with enthusiasm in learning and extra-curricular activities. Students have opted in to a number of Tablelands District and Peninsula trials, and it is wonderful to see so many of our students selected. This is a real credit, reflective of their sporting prowess and also, reflective of their commitment to meet the minimum requirements of 80% and above attendance and no suspensions.

School Improvement Review and Principal 360 Survey

During 2025 Mount St Bernard College will be participating in the 5 year School Improvement Review process. This involves evaluating the school's strengths and weaknesses, collecting and analysing data, and implementing improvement strategies for the College to undertake over the next five years.

I will also be seeking feedback through a 360 survey which will be sent to Senior Leaders, Staff and Parents to gather feedback and to provide a comprehensive view of my performance and work within the school. This is to assist me with my personal development and growth as a school leader. I look forward to your feedback as it will support me to ensure my work here is meeting the needs of our community.

This survey is conducted by an external provider and parents are randomly selected to complete this. If you receive this 360 feedback survey, I encourage you to share your feedback to help me identify areas for growth and for ways I can enhance our educational environment. Your insights are invaluable in shaping a better future for our students. Thank you for your support.

Focus on Attendance and Engagement

Our concerted efforts to reduce absences and boost engagement are already showing positive results. Whilst the positive start is reaffirming attendance, it will still remain a prioritised focus area throughout the school year.

The ideal attendance rate is 100% of students attending school and all learning activities, from the beginning to the end of the lesson, as time out of the classroom impacts students learning and ultimately the skills they will have when they complete their secondary education. Unfortunately, we still have a number of students that choose to turn up late to classes and leave classes without teacher permission. The College requests parents reinforce the importance of moving to class as soon as the first bell rings and stay engaged in learning, and to show staff respect by adhering to classroom expectations.

Increasing Student Engagement

Student engagement is vital for academic success and overall development. Engaged students are more likely to understand and retain information, leading to better learning outcomes. They are motivated, attend school regularly, and participate actively in class. This engagement fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a positive classroom environment, enhancing collaboration and respect among peers. Research shows that engaged students achieve higher academic performance and develop essential skills for future success, such as goal-setting and time management. Student engagement in learning supports social and emotional growth, building confidence and resilience. These important life skills prepare students for life and the work force post-secondary schooling.

Teachers have been working hard to ensure our curriculum aligns with the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) in Years 7 – 10 and the Qld Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) in Years 11 and 12. They prepare a diverse range of learning activities to meet the individual point in time needs of students. The College is striving to assist all students to demonstrate learning growth and learn a range of curriculum and general capabilities that provide students with skills, that not only help them achieve academically in their students, but teach essential soft skills that are required in the workforce and life.

Whilst teachers are preparing lessons that teach students a range of important skills, a small number of students in the College are making poor choices in class and showing disrespect to their teachers and classmates. Behaviours such as talking, calling out and moving around the room can have a significant impact on peers and reduces their ability to remained focused in class. Similarly, disrespectful behaviours such as swearing at teachers can damage the trusting relationships that have been built. The College utilised the Multi-Tiered System of Support Behaviour Management system to follow up on student inappropriate behaviour and it is important for families to work in partnership with the College and reinforce these messages at home.

Child Safeguarding

Child safeguarding is a critical responsibility for Mount St Bernard College, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. Schools take this duty seriously because we are in a unique position to observe and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, or harm. Safeguarding involves creating a safe environment where children feel secure and supported, implementing policies and procedures to protect them from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and bullying. Mandatory reporting is a key component of safeguarding. It requires school staff to report any suspicions or evidence of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. This legal obligation ensures that concerns are addressed promptly and that children receive the protection and support they need. By enacting mandatory reporting, schools help to prevent further harm and provide a clear protocol for handling potential abuse cases.

The importance of safeguarding and mandatory reporting cannot be overstated. They help create a culture of vigilance and responsibility, ensuring that all staff are aware of their roles in protecting children. This proactive approach not only safeguards the well-being of students but also fosters a trusting and safe school environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

If students have concerns about their safety they are encouraged to speak up and talk with any of the College’s Student Protection Officers.

Celebrating First Nations Student Leaders

The Cairns Catholic Education First Nations Directorate hosted the Nulung - Kayn Kasi event on February 24 to welcome First Nations student leaders to the Dioceses. The title Nulung-Kayn Kasi was gifted to the event: Nulung: A Gimuy Walubara Yidinji word for Leader and Kayn Kasi: A Kalaw Kawaw Ya word for young shoot. Each student was presented with a leadership pin by the Executive Director, Diarmuid O'Riordan and Bishop Joe Caddie. First Nation student leaders, their families and members of the College Leadership Team had a wonderful evening acknowledging our amazing 2025 student leaders. The College looks forward to nurturing the leadership potential of these young leaders throughout 2025.

Nulung - Kayn Kasi 2025

As we look forward to the end of the term, we have some exciting events on the horizon. Our annual Cross Country and Swimming Carnival are set to take place, promising fun and healthy competition. These events are always a highlight for students, providing opportunities to showcase their athletic skills and enjoy the camaraderie of their peers. We encourage all students to participate and make the most of these events. It's a great way to build school spirit and create lasting memories.

The last day of term will also be the first Rewards Day for 2025. This day is to recognise and reward students who have achieved 80% and above attendance and have had no suspension in Term 1. Students who meet this criteria will be attending a day outing to the movies at Malanda followed by a picnic lunch before returning to the College for the Easter Liturgy. This will be a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the term. For students who have not met the criteria to attend this outing, a timetable will be in place to support these students with completing outstanding assessment work.

Happy Easter
As we celebrate the joyous season of Easter, inspired by the compassionate spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, we reflect on the values of love, hope, and renewal. Easter is a time to embrace the promise of new beginnings and to cherish the blessings in our lives. May this season fill your hearts with peace and your homes with joy.

Easter Prayer for the School Holidays

Loving God,

As we enter the Easter school holidays, we give thanks for the gift of rest and renewal. We ask for your blessings upon our students, families, and staff. May this time be filled with joy, safety, and cherished moments with loved ones. Guide us to reflect on the true meaning of Easter and to carry the spirit of compassion and kindness in all that we do.

Grant us the grace to return refreshed and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.

Amen.

Wishing you all a blessed and happy Easter!

Thank you for your continued support. Let's make this term a memorable and successful one for all our students!

Warm regards,

Narelle Hunt - Principal

Deputy Principal Residential

It was great seeing so many boarders return to our college this year. Many have grown noticeably taller; all appear to be happy to be back to being part of the Morrisey and Bernard Families.

Over the course of the term many of our year 12 students have stepped up into leadership roles. Their ’voice’ and assistance in the day to day running of both Morrisey and Bernards is very important.

Recently, student leaders have been involved in the organisation and running of an outing to Tinaroo and a student workshop on Respect at Yorkey's Knob Beach, Cairns. Female student leaders have led activities with year 7 and 8 girls, discussed topics with all junior female students and advocated for change in Morrisey dorm. Male student leaders were involved in doing activities on identity, totems and their meaning, Respect and controlling emotions. The photographs below show some of the activities at the recent Respect workshop at Yorkey's Knob.

Malcolm Fahey - Deputy Principal Residential

Respect Workshop Term 1 2025

Deputy Principal Curriculum & Admin

What a busy and productive start to the 2025 school year! Students have settled into their studies, and it has been fantastic to see students dedicating so much effort to their learning. Well done to our students for their continued efforts throughout Term 1 — keep up the great work!

NAPLAN

One of the major events this term for our Year 7 and 9 students was NAPLAN testing. Over four days of assessments, students demonstrated impressive dedication, tackling each test with focus. We are incredibly proud of our students’ efforts and participation. These assessments will provide us with valuable insights into areas where our students may need additional support, helping us to tailor our teaching to meet their learning strengths and needs.

QATSIF

QATSIF is an independent, not-for-profit trust created to give Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families greater educational choices and life opportunities. Funded by interest from money earned through the unpaid labour of past generations under now-repealed laws, QATSIF provides scholarships to support eligible First Nations students with the costs of senior studies. To qualify, students must be committed to completing Year 12 and achieving their QCE, maintain at least a C grade in all subjects, demonstrate 85% or higher attendance, and actively participate in cultural and school activities as positive role models. Our QATSIF recipients are:

Alvin Wilson-Simpson  - Denzel Leo   - Griffin Banu   - Keziah Warria  - Kurkura Joseph  - Maddison Blair   - Megan Inkerman   - Meshach Friday  - Nathaniel Ghee  - Piper Roulstone   - Ramona Yellub   - Taylah McKay  - Tyler Morriss 

Congratulations to Year 11 Student and QATSIF scholarship recipient, Ramona Yellub, who has been successful in receiving extra financial support from one of QATSIF’s great supporters Everald Compton (https://everaldcompton.com/). Through his Everald Compton Trust, he will cover the cost of this students’ QATSIF scholarship as well as providing an extra $500 that this student could use for personal items (clothes, travel, food etc.) or additional school resources.

Ramona was one of two students chosen for this wonderful support, with the other student from Abergowrie College. Ramona commenced as a boarder at Mount St Bernard College in Year 7. She is an outstanding student, shows great leadership and a positive role model to her peers. Ramona has represented the College as a cultural dancer, at ANZAC Day community events and raised money for Project Compassion by organising the school disco. Her attendance is 93%. Ramona aspires to possibly work in education or the navy, whilst continuing her passion for the creative industries and sport.

Ramona supporting Project Compassion Fundraising

Andrea Gower, Ramona Yellub & Narelle Hunt

2025 QATSIF Scholarship Recipients

This year, we have moved to a new reporting system called The Learning Dashboard (TLD). Students and parents will be able to access their reports electronically via the Parent Portal and Student Portal. In the final days of the school term, families will receive further instructions on how to access these reports.

The Term 1 interim report will provide information about your child’s work habits, giving you a clear indication of how they are progressing in terms of engagement and behaviour. When reports become available, it’s important to approach them with a positive and supportive mindset. Encourage your child to see the report as an opportunity for growth. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and focus on the effort they have put in throughout the term. If there are areas for improvement, try to identify practical steps together. Discuss strategies to build on strengths and address challenges, and remind your child that learning is a journey that involves both achievements and setbacks. Your support and encouragement can make a big difference in helping them feel motivated and confident moving forward.

Parent-Teacher Meetings

Parent-Teacher Meetings will be held in Week 3 of Term 2 (Tuesday 6 May). These meetings are a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, gain valuable feedback, and collaborate on how to best support their learning journey. Further details on how to book a meeting will be shared soon. Please remember that you don’t need to wait until the formal Parent-Teacher Meeting to have a conversation. If you would like to discuss anything with your child’s teachers, don’t hesitate to reach out.

NB: The Parent Teacher Online booking system for these meetings is now called Booked and a link is available on our Parent Portal and College website. Further details on how to book a meeting will be shared soon.

Booked - Parent Teacher Meetings online booking system

Reflect, Recharge, Reset

Term 1 has undoubtedly been a busy and productive time for everyone, and we commend both students and families for their continued effort and commitment. As we head into the holiday break, it’s important to take some well-deserved time to rest and recharge. Use this opportunity to reflect on the learning and achievements from the past term, celebrating successes and identifying areas for growth. Setting personal and academic goals for the term ahead can help build motivation and a positive mindset, preparing for a fresh start after the holidays. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 2!

Dr Emma Sheppard - Deputy Principal Curriculum & Administration

Assistant Principal Identity & Outreach

Lent is a season of reflection, renewal, and action, and our students have embraced this wholeheartedly. We began with an Ash Wednesday Mass, where we launched Project Compassion, setting the tone for a term of social justice engagement. Since then, students have been raising money and awareness for this vital initiative, embodying the spirit of mercy and generosity.

Our Year 11 Religion and Ethics students have been particularly active, integrating their studies of social justice with hands-on initiatives. They ran a successful pancake stall, hosted a school disco, and have been collecting cans for recycling. This term we have raised over $700. On Friday, March 7th, representatives from Year 11 also participated in the World Day of Prayer at the Anglican Church. This global ecumenical movement, led by Christian women, calls people of faith to unite in prayer and action for peace and justice—values deeply embedded in our Mercy tradition.

In Week 8, our Year 12 Religion and Ethics students attended a Social Justice Immersion Day at St Stephen’s College, led by Fr Josh. They explored the causes and prevalence of homelessness and discovered how Rosies provides hospitality to those in need. The day also included training to equip them for outreach with Rosies, and with the recent relaunch of Rosies Mareeba, MSB students will begin participating next term. This opportunity will allow them to encounter and serve others with compassion, further developing their commitment to social justice.

It has been a privilege this term to witness our students engaging so deeply in justice and outreach, living out our college’s Mercy values in real and meaningful ways. As we prepare for Easter, I also give thanks for the recovery of Pope Francis and look ahead with great excitement to accompanying Nate and Clementine on the Pilgrimage of Teenagers to Italy. While the thought of joining the Easter celebrations in the Vatican alongside thousands of pilgrims is a little daunting, it is also a profound blessing.

May this Easter season be one of grace and renewal - and may God’s Mercy shine upon you all!

Janet Wigan - Assistant Principal – Identity and Outreach

**Project Compassion - Pancake Day fundraiser**

**Social Justice Immersion Day at St Stephen’s College**

Identity & Outreach Term 1 2025

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Friends, 

As we get close to the end of Term 1 it is timely to reflect upon how things have been going in the wellbeing space. Our major focus for this year is: 

Class attendance

Being engaged in learning

Throughout Term 1 there has been a real effort in trying to improve class attendance and I can report that our attendance levels have improved from what it was in previous years. The year level with the most impressive attendance rates are the year 7 class with 60% of students in Year 7 having an attendance of 90% or above throughout this term. Throughout our school however, 30% of our students have an attendance rate of 90% or above. Whilst this is a significant improvement from our Term 1 data over the past few years much more work still needs to happen in this area.

Regular school attendance has a major impact upon student learning. Listed below is a table which provides calculations on the amount of school missed by a student who arrives late to a class period, leaves early on a regular basis or misses periods on a regular basis. 

As well as focusing on improving attendance members of the Wellbeing team worked with students in many different ways throughout the term from offering counselling support, providing a wellbeing space for our students as well as working with students in having restorative conversations following disagreements. There were also a number of programs that were offered to various groups of students in response to particular needs. These programs included

Autistics Guide to Adulthood

Making Good Choices Online

MSB Code Switching and How to be at MSB

MSB Vape Check (Vaping Prevention Program)

MSB Cannabis Check (Drug Awareness Program)

Understanding and Celebrating People with Disabilities

Playing MineCraft Safely, Respectfully and Responsibly (Year 7 & 8 Boys)

Love Bites

As we approach the end of Term I would like to wish our students a safe and restful break and I hope all families have a Happy Easter.

Greg Hoare - Acting Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Parents & Friends Association

The P & F Association welcomes new ideas from parents and carers to fund activities and resources that benefit our students. Parents and carers are invited to consider becoming a member of the P & F Association or College Board.

Recent funding by the P & F has included music equipment for Mercy Chapel.

The next meeting has been rescheduled to Week 1 Term 2 on Thursday 24th April to coincide with the visit by the Torres Strait Island Consultative Committee.

Queries can be directed to Lylia Edwards at msb.office@cns.catholic.edu.au

or Ph: 4096 1485

Lylia Edwards - Office Manager

Communications & Community Engagement

School Photos

Parents and Carers who ordered photos from Advanced Life Photography, please note these will be mailed out in Term 2.

Please advise if you prefer to collect them from the College.

Student College Leaders and Year 12 Group Photo Orders

The below information was broadcast to Year 12 families on the 19th March 2025.

On School Photo Day group photos were taken of College Captain, Mercy Leaders, Sports House Leaders, Residential Leaders, Student Representative Council Leaders, Year 12 Cohort and Year 12 Muck up photos.

These group photographs are available for families to view and purchase at 20% off the normal price until 29/03/2025.

You can now view and purchase the group images listed above and if you place your order before 29/03/2025 you will get a 20% early order discount.

Just click on the link below. Please note the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Images can be viewed by visiting www.advancedlife.com.au entering the code: 9A4 VCJ 9QY and clicking on “Group Photos”

Important

Sports and co-curricular group photos can only be purchased online, PLEASE DO NOT return payment to the College
Photos will be returned to your school for distribution by mail (unless you advise me otherwise) approximately six weeks after the discounted early order period has closed

Advanced Life Photography offer a 100% money-back guarantee on their products to ensure your peace of mind.

If you have any further queries please contact Advanced Life Photography at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

Alumni News

Congratulations to past student, Tae Dempsey who has successfully trained and graduated from Kapooka Army Barracks in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Tae's dedication and perseverance has led her to the next stage of her journey -12 weeks of training at Singleton Army Base, NSW. As she prepares to choose her posting in Sydney, Townsville, or Darwin in the infantry, we recognise her commitment and passion for the Army, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements.

Deborah Booth - Communications and Community Engagement

Year 7 2026 Enrol Now

ENROL NOW

~ Enrolment applications timelines. Please note all supporting documentation must be provided via email with online application to be considered for an interview.

Year 7 2026

To ensure your child can attend our Transition Day in Term 4, all applications must be supplied to College with supporting documentation by the end of Term 2, Friday 27 June, 2025.

Term Two – Applications due by Week 3 for a Term 2 commencement, applications after Week 3 will be considered for a Term 3 Commencement

Term Three – Applications due by Week 3 for a Term 3 commencement, applications after Week 3 will be considered for a Term 4 Commencement

Term Four – Applications due by Week 3 for a Term 4 commencement, applications after Week 4 will be considered for a Term 1 of the following school year Commencement.

APPLY TODAY EXCEL TOMORROW - 2026 SCHOLARSHIPS

* Dream, Believe, Achieve with Our Scholarships.

* Scan the QR code to apply for a range of MSB 2026 Scholarships.

* Apply before 28 February 2025 go to https://www.msb.qld.edu.au/scholarships/

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: 40 961 444.

Year 12 Formal

Year 12 Senior Jersey 2025

Congratulations to Griffin Banu on his sensational design for the 2025 Year 12 Senior Jersey. We are in awe of your artistic abilities and all students and staff love the design. Well done!

Photos below - Year 12's were presented with their jerseys at this week's assembly and Griffin with Principal, Narelle Hunt.

Deborah Booth - Communications and Community Engagement

College Events - Travel Bookings 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please note in your calendars the close off dates to request travel for the following 2025 events.

NAIDOC DAY - 31 July 2025

Submit travel request: 26^th May 2025 (Week 6, Term 2)

YEAR 12 FORMAL - 23 August 2025 Cairns Convention Centre

Submit travel request: 9^th June 2025 (Week 2, Term 2)

Note: Students accommodation in Cairns is NOT covered by Abstudy.

PRESENTATION EVENING & GRADUATION - 23/24th October 2025

Submit travel request: 18^th August 2025 (Week 6, Term 3)

2026 YEAR 7 TRANSITION - 19/20th November 2025

Submit travel request: 8^th September 2025 (Week 9, Term 3)

NOTES

Once travel request has been submitted, amendments are allowable in extenuating circumstances only.
Once travel is confirmed and itineraries issued - Abstudy will not rebook or reimburse costs if the travel is later cancelled.
Abstudy allows UP TO 5 immediate family members for Special Purpose travel. Other relationships require an explanation of significant ties to the student, which will then be investigated by Abstudy.
The length of stay is determined by the event, with travel generally for the day prior to the event, and return the day after the event.

INFORMATION FROM FAMILIES

The information required from families (for each traveller) in order to submit a travel request is:

Title
Legal Name (as shown on photo ID / student ID)
Date of birth
Customer Reference Number (CRN)
Permanent home address (as registered with Abstudy)
Mobile phone number
Relationship to student (with explanation if not immediate family)
Bed / room configuration for accommodation booking

If you have any further queries please contact me via email msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au or Ph: 4096 1595 or Ph: 4096 1444.

Tash Herrington - Enrolments & Travel Officer

Newsletter SZapp Update

Our Schoolzine Newsletter application SZapp has a new update and is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Please update to the latest version to ensure all features, including document uploads, work as expected.

If you don't have this application you may download the Schoolzine SZapp app to view the newsletter for Apple and Android devices.

Click here to view the Installation Instructions

If you experience any difficulties with completing this process, please reach out to Schoolzine using support@schoolzine.com

To assist with your query, they ask that you provide a description of the issue you are facing, the email address you are using when facing this issue and a screenshot of the issue.

Transition Support

Hello families and welcome new Families. My role is to support your child transition into the college/boarding and settle in at MSB and transition the student into the college and boarding.

Boarding families – Just reminding you that you can request a support visit, ABSTUDY funded. Parents are eligible for three support visits only per year. Reasons for visits might include;

If your child is at risk of suspension or disengaging from school due to factors such as homesickness please contact me to organise a support visit.
If you would like to attend a special event such as Athletics Day, NAIDOC Day or Presentation Evening
Families of Year 12 students please remember your support visits go towards Graduation and Formal.

Feel free to contact me on 0408 074 962 or agower@cns.catholic.edu.au

Andrea Gower - Transition & Engagement Officer

Library

The library has been busy supporting the teaching and learning of the new Australian Curriculum Version 9 for Years 7-10 Humanities, Maths, and Science. Over the past 3 months, the College has purchased class sets of new textbooks for these core subjects. These are being borrowed and used in the classrooms with great success.

The library has also become a study haven for our senior students who have the opportunity to use a library classroom for a quiet space to study, revise, and consolidate their learning especially as we edge towards assessment time.

This month we celebrated women’s History month and International Women’s Day with a display of our books that recognise the often-overlooked contributions that women have made in shaping our world.

To promote literacy across the College the library commenced a Library Loyalty Card which encourages students to Borrow, Read, and Return for an incentive. Borrow, read and return 5 times and the student wins a sweet treat, make it to 10 and there is a prize. Year 8 students Hayley Baker and Patty Wildermuth have been the first to win their sweet treat!

We are still seeking interested readers to be a part of the 2025 Readers Cup. The Year 7 & 8 team need three more members while the Year 9 & 10 team only need one. Reading has officially begun, and the reading parties are already hugely popular so hopefully we can get our teams together and read on together!

Rachel Nelson - Teacher Librarian

**Yehara Edirising and Supreet Kaur starting to read their Readers Cup books!**

English

Year 12 English excursion to Jute Theatre

In Week 7, the Year 12 English class attended a performance of Jute Theatre’s exciting new show ‘O Ophelia’. Written and directed by up-and-coming FNQ creative Amber Grossmann, the play explored topical issues of relationship power dynamics and violence against women. With great performances and innovative projections and other design elements, the show did not disappoint. The students loved the play and came away buzzing with ideas to integrate into their English studies for Units 3 and 4 - about how art can address social issues and the unique features of theatre as an art form. They were also inspired by the play’s local setting, and use of local talent, to think about how arts careers are accessible even in our region.

Sarah Riber - Year 12 English Teacher

Art

Artwork Term 1

Drama & Music

Year 9/10 Drama

The class has been rehearsing a comedy with four actors by Keegon Schuett about a couple of teenagers trying to find a missing dog and finding friendship along the way instead.

Year 7 Music

Year 7 Music have been introduced to some basic instrumental skills to play pop music on a chosen instrument of bass, guitar, keyboard, vocals and drums. They have also studied important aspects of the musical element, Duration, aurally as well as practically, by practicing some African rhythms on djembe drums. Students have also spent time learning about quaver and crotchet notation in 4/4 time signatures, and clapping their own notated rhythms.

Year 8-10 Music

Year 8 Music students have deepened their understanding of musical elements Duration, Dynamics and Expressive Techniques and focused on being able to play parts of a song together in an ensemble situations. Year 9/10 Music extended their learning of the musical element, Structure, and have focused their performance efforts on the song ‘Feel Good Inc’ by the Gorillaz.

Senior Music

Term 1 saw the creation of a second MSB school band ‘Full Gain’. The band chooses to focus their playing on classic songs and instrumentals from the Rock realm of the 60s through to the 90s. The band consists of Tyler on Keyboard, Evander, Meshach, and Bailey on electric guitars, Alvin and Ashton on drums and bass, as well as Annika on lead vocals. It is exciting that Full Gain scored a support gig at Tablelands Music Lovers, where they play a 30 minute opening set for local band ‘Unhinged’ on Friday 28^th of March, finishing a successful first term in Senior Music with a bang.

The year 12 band 'We Hate Love Songs' continued to practice their performance and song writing craft this term.

For both classes the focus was to inquire about branding techniques their favourite artists use to make them unique and engage with fans, and both groups reflected on how they can include some branding aspects to their band life.

Tobias Moldenhauer - Drama and Music Teacher

Sports

This term we have seen many of our students participating in sporting activities, from NRL trials to softball on the bottom oval during our planned Friday afternoon sports selections.

Many of our students were selected for the Tablelands District and Peninsula teams.

Please see listed below students who were selected for the Tablelands District teams. Basketball - Jarius Lalara and Oscar Wosomo

Netball - Caitlin Murray

NRL (Boys) - Ashton Robinson, Lee Anau, Javahn Kanak, Kura Joseph, Aidan Arnold, Griffin Banu and Callem Franklin

NRL (Girls) -Nayita Joseph, Maddison Blair, Taylah McKay, Analise Donohue, Sharna Abdy, Peggy Pabai, Rotannah Joe-Gela, Keziah Warria, Ramona Yellub and Kimberly Gothachalkenin

Volleyball - Binzella Anson, Emma Nawia, Lee Anau and De’Ontae Short

Touch - Jayce Donohue, Callem Franklin, Nathanial Ghee, Lydia Dau, Rotannah Joe-Gela, Taylor Daley, Jake Daley and Keziah Warria.

A special congratulations to Nayita Joseph who has been selected not only for the Tablelands District NRL team but also for the girls NRL 17-18 yrs Peninsula team, with state trials taking place in Burleigh Heads from the 8th - 11th of May. Best of luck Nayita!

Congratulations to Binzella Anson, who was selected as a shadow for the 13-15yrs Girls & Boys Peninsula Volleyball team.

This term saw the launch of our Friday afternoon planned activities periods, where students were able to choose from a variety of allocated sporting & non-sporting activities. The NRL program saw students participate in some fun on the top oval, with prizes being handed out on assembly for lucky participants, while others students had the opportunity to participate in activities that were new to them, such as softball, cricket and drama recitals.

To end the term we have our Cross Country and Swimming carnival. Keep an eye out for outstanding achievements and district selections in the up-and-coming weeks ahead.

A special thankyou to staff for supporting these activities to ensure our students participate and have these opportunities provided to them. From teachers to maintenance and kitchen staff, your efforts have not gone unnoticed and are very much appreciated.

Kendra Robinson - Sports Co-Ordinator

Term 1 2025 Friday Activities

"The hum of bees is the voice of the garden." - Elizabeth Lawrence

Term 1 in Agriculture has been full of growth and teamwork! Our year 11 and 12 students have been busy planting a variety of crops, including cassava, capsicum, chillies, passionfruit, and lettuce. They’ve learned how to care for each plant and are excited for the upcoming harvest.

The class also harvested tomatoes, shallots and much more, showcasing their hard work. Alongside planting and harvesting, students worked on mulching and creating a safe space for local wildlife, including black cockatoos, lorikeets, and King parrots.

Through it all, our students displayed excellent teamwork and a positive attitude, proving that Agriculture is not just about plants, but about working together and respecting nature. We’re excited for what’s to come in Term 2!

Nathan Unwin - Agriculture Teacher

Industrial Technology

Term 1 in the workshop has been an exciting and productive time for all our students!
Year 11 and 12 students worked on building a sand anchor out of steel, learning to weld, angle grind, and use machines like the cold saw and drill press. They tackled this challenging project with enthusiasm and skill, and it's been amazing to watch their progress.

Our Year 8 students got creative by designing and building their own personalised pencil cases. Their designs were full of flair and individuality, and it was fantastic to see their creativity come to life in such a practical way.

Year 9 and 10 students focused on building custom tables, honing their skills with woodworking tools, drills, and saws. They combined creativity with precision to make functional and beautiful pieces.

As we approach the holidays, it's a great time to reflect on all the hard work and positive energy put into these projects. We encourage everyone to take some time to relax and recharge for the next term. Enjoy the break, and we look forward to more exciting workshop projects in Term 2!

Nathan Unwin - Industrial Technologies Teacher

Industrial Technologies Term 1

First Aid Course

The Year 11 students completed their first aid course this term. It's very important as students learn about basic first aid. This is also a course that many businesses find as a useful skill for employees to have.

White Card Courses

An expression of interest has been sent to students to complete their White Card Course. A White Card is required for people to work on construction sites. The fee for this course has been reduced by 50% due to the generosity of the Parents and Friends Association. Please talk to your students if they have registered interest in the course as more information about the course will be sent out soon.

Young Science Ambassador

Selina, the Young Science Ambassador came and talked to the students about a career in Science. This was the most interesting talk about how Selina started a career in science and moved to Nursing, and then has gone back to science in the field of Bio Medicine. Selina talked about her field research in the Solomon and Tonga Islands for 6 months a year. This was so interesting to the students who wanted to come and really inspired them to chase their dreams.

Debby Small - VET and Careers Middle Leader