Mount St Bernard College eNewsletter

Deputy Principal Admin & Curriculum

2022 Early School Leavers survey

The Queensland Government is seeking the support of the school community for the annual survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school in 2021, before completing Year 12. This short, confidential survey collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school. The results of the survey help provide valuable information to improve services available to school leavers in the future.

Between August and September, these school leavers can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of Next Step post-school destination surveys in 2022.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Kieran Ryan - Deputy Principal Admin & Curriculum

Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Rewards Program

It has been lovely to see some happy faces arriving at my office at 3 pm to collect their rewards, for being Safe, Respectful and Responsible students. By demonstrating worthy behaviour to the teaching and non teaching staff, students receive a card. When they have the full set of the Safe, Respectful and Responsible cards, they can choose a prize from each of the level categories.

Roman Harry is the first student to have reached Level 4. Roman has received, stationery, toiletries and a game, before choosing his puzzle (Level 4). Congratulations Roman!

Sharon Boyd - Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Uke Group

This term five very enthusiastic year 7 and 8 students have joined MSB’s very first Ukulele group. No one in the group can play a ukulele, so we are all learning together. We have lots of laughs and fun, but also do very serious work practicing every week as we are planning to perform for the very first time in the upcoming Naidoc day celebrations. We also have several day and boarding students from years 9 & 10 supporting our group with their beautiful singing voices, so it will be amazing, see you there!

Heather Alison - College Counsellor

1st Place 2022 Literary Competition

The IEU-QNT and the English Teachers Association of Queensland run an annual literary competition open to students and staff in schools across Queensland the Northern Territory.
Judging for the 2022 competition has recently concluded and we are pleased to advise that a Emmy Riber has been selected as a winner in this competition.

Emmy Riber has been awarded 1^st Place in the Year 11 and 12 Non-Fiction Prose Category for her work titled Heroes and Villains of Our Age.
Congratulations Emmy on your award.

Deborah Booth - Communications and Community Engagement Officer

Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

Mount St Bernard College would like to congratulate senior students Quentin Shortjoe from Pormpuraaw and Aaliyah Nandy from Wujal Wujal for being selected to participate in the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP). Held in Brisbane during the July school holidays they took part in a six-day residential program with all travel, meals and accommodation provided for the participants and mentors attending. This program is proudly delivered with sponsorship and support from Glencore Coal Assets Australia since 2009.

QIYLP is the flagship component of the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Strategy. The program provides an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, 18–25 years of age, to come together to strengthen their leadership skills and build their capacity to drive change in local communities.

Since it began in 2004, more than 630 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people have participated in the program, with many returning in subsequent years as mentors, lead mentors and program facilitators.

Let’s hear what Quentin Shortjoe thought about his experience. 

Please tell us about your experience in Brisbane for QIYLP? The program was good, very engaging. It was great to meet different people from all over Queensland and being able to have an experience of visiting a big city such as Brisbane. 

Did you enjoy your QIYLP experience? Yes 

One word about your experience at QIYLP? Proper Deadly 

What was the highlight of the program? Visiting Parliament house, meeting new people and making friends. 

What did you learn? I learnt about committees and petitions at Parliament. I also learnt how to become a role model and a great leader not just for my family but for my community. 

How was it visiting a city for the first time? It was good to visit a big city, but it was very different to where I come from. It was busy, noisy, cold and the buildings were huge. It smelt different, there was not much fresh air. However, going to the city will give me an opportunity to be able to further my knowledge and skills to represent my community. 

Please describe what Youth Parliament is about?  We participated in the Eric Deeral Indigenous Youth Parliament where we learnt about the Government. Indigenous people come from different parts of Queensland to make changes in local, state, and national Government. I met people that I had seen on television. I was nervous and felt like I didn't belong because I grew up in proper bush Pormpuraaw, although once I started talking to people, I felt proud and honoured to be there. 

Did you make the most of your networking opportunities and who did you connect with? I did connect with everyone I met, some more than others. I enjoyed connecting with Darren who is the Operations Manager of NRL, we talked about football. 

You had to talk about an issue in your community, what was yours? Please describe this experience? The issue I talked about in my community of Pormpuraaw was people bringing sly grog into the community, domestic violence and young people smoking and drinking. Being a non-smoker and non-drinker I see people younger than me getting drunk and fighting at a young age. This is one issue I am passionate about fixing in my community, by being a role model. I hope the younger ones can see what I have become and accomplished, and I hope they will follow in my footsteps. 

Anything else you would like to add? I would like to thank Miss Andrea & Mr Kenny for helping and supporting me, giving me encouragement, and helping me push towards a goal to succeed. 

Let’s hear what Aaliyah Nandy thought of her experience. 

Please tell us about your experience in Brisbane for QIYLP?  My experience at this year’s QIYLP in Brisbane was the best experience ever. I've overcome many fears. I learnt about Parliament, how to vote, how to do community grants and networking. I met lots of new people, even General Directors. This program helped me gain more confidence. It taught me how to be a good role model and a leader. 

Did you enjoy your QIYLP experience? Yes, I enjoyed my experience. It was worth going away for a week to Brisbane. The program was fun because you get to make new friends from all over Queensland. 

One word about your experience with QIYLP? Exciting 

What was the highlight of the program? Networking skills and making new friends from across Queensland 

What did you learn?  I learnt how to keep a conversation flowing and how you can create a two-way communication. I learnt a lot about other Indigenous communities and other people's backgrounds. 

How was it visiting a city for the first time? It was scary at first but very beautiful, because where I come from is a small town so Brisbane was a new scenery for me, and I fell in love with the city because it had everything in that city. 

Please describe what Youth Parliament is about? The Eric Deemal Indigenous Youth parliament is all about Politicians and Government. We learnt how strict the rules are in Parliament house and how to perform a speech in a Parliament setting. 

Did you make the most of your networking opportunities and who did you connect with?  Yes, I made the most of my networking opportunities and met with the General Directors that work with my community Mossman Gorge and Wujal Wujal. They spoke to me about how they help, work and support my community. 

You had to talk about an issue in your community, what was yours? Please describe this experience? My community issue that I spoke about at QIYLP was the housing crisis (overcrowding in houses). I raised this issue with the aim to help young adults and families to have available and suitable housing. It was very emotional to hear the issues in Indigenous communities throughout Queensland. 

Anything else you would like to add?  I would really encourage other students in Year 12 or after graduating school to attend QIYLP and to participate. This program is an amazing experience to help you become a role model and a leader for your community. The program looks after you very well, you get fed, your own accommodation and to do activities that help you learn how to network and write community grants. It included fun activities throughout the program. Also, you make friends that are very kind-hearted, encouraging and caring. 

I would also like to thank Mr Kenny and Miss Andrea for supporting and convincing me to apply for this year’s QIYLP. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn't have attended QIYLP and gone on this new journey of an incredible experience.  

Andrea Gower - Transition Support Officer

Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

This year our college prepared a Year 9 team for the Year 9/10 Readers’ Cup competition.

Readers Cup is an initiative of The Children’s Book Council of Australia (Qld). The event has been encouraging young people to read for enjoyment, in depth, and in teams since 2004.

The team of four, Meenakshi Riber, Dakota Dunford, Jack Jones and Clementine Barker read four engaging and varied books over a school term to be ready to answer the tough questions in a pressured setting.

The team had fun meeting twice a week at school, picnicking and reading at home. They faced fierce competition against thirteen other teams who lined up for the Regional Final at Smithfield State High School early in Term 4. The team met author, Fiona Bell, (“Waterhole”) who spoke about becoming published in the highly competitive world of Young Adult literature. Her advice: write from your own back yard, your own background and knowledge.

Congratulations to the talented teams who excelled on the day: St Monica’s 1 (1st), Mareeba SHS 1 (2nd) and St Stephens 1 (3rd). Big thanks to Smithfield State High School for hosting this wonderful event for our dedicated readers.

Chris Weedon - Teacher in Charge, Library

MSB Outreach program

Wearing the bright red Rosies’ shirt to ‘Come as Guest’ is a privilege.

In June and August our Rosies’ team undertook Outreach work for our college as Rosies volunteers. Students in Years 11 and 12 and interested staff are invited each year to participate in an induction process that highlights humility, friendship, and safety followed by the monthly trip to Mareeba.

In August students made sandwiches (thanks Franklyn, Szyndelle and Sophie) and biscuits (thanks Blossom) and donated a huge tin of Milo. Our generous kitchen contributed cake and zucchini slice.

The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and many elements of Catholic social teaching are addressed on a chilly night at Rosies. For example, The Life and Dignity of the human person, Call to community, Solidarity and Options for the Poor and Vulnerable are key facets of Rosies.

Our next Rosies is 2 September when another set of students, eager to participate and practice MSB’s Mercy charism will bring this wonderful witness of GOOD to the wider community.

Chris Weedon

Orientation Day Year 6 2022 ~ Year 7 2023

We invite students entering Year 7 in 2023 to our Orientation Visit.

Wed Oct 12 will see new boarding and day school students come together to see the College and join in a wide variety of activities.

There will be a Parent information session in the afternoon.

Thurs Oct 13 is for new boarders and their families.

Please contact Moira Dettori before 16th Sept on PH: 4096 1586 or email mdettori@cns.catholic.edu.au if attending.

Deborah Booth - Communications & Community Engagement Officer

MSB Pathways Expo

We would like to acknowledge the support and effort of external providers and MSB staff on another successful MSB Careers Pathways Expo.

Students had opportunities to discuss their future with James Cook University, TAFE Nth Qld, Skills 360, MEGT, Connect N Grow, Tablelands Regional Council, Vocational Partnerships Group, Defence Force Recruiting, Qld Police Force, Indigenous Youth Mobility Program and MSB Midde Leaders.

Deborah Booth - Communications & Community Engagement Officer

2022 MSB Pathways Expo

NAIDOC Travel

Are you and your family members wanting to come to our NAIDOC celebrations?

If any families require bookings of NAIDOC Travel through Abstudy, please contact Sonya in the Boarding office with the following details:

Full name, date of birth, phone number and CRN of each traveller.

Please note that Abstudy only allow three special purpose travel requests per calendar year. If your child has already had one visit this year, you will only be entitled to have two people visit for NAIDOC.

If your child is in Year 12 this year, please remember that this is also counted as special purpose travel and you may want to save your three travel allowances for the Year 12 Formal and Graduation Liturgy.

All NAIDOC travel requests must be received by 22^nd Aug. Any travel requested after this will not be accepted for NAIDOC.

Travel dates are: Arrive on 7^th Sept - Depart on 9^th Sept. NAIDOC Celebrations are on 8^th Sept. Accommodation and meals will be provided through Abstudy and of course our amazing NAIDOC luncheon on 8^th Sept.

Please contact Sonya directly on PH: 4096 1504 to secure your travel.

If you are self-driving to MSB or you are intend to book bus travel from Cairns to MSB for the day, please ensure you inform the school of your intentions and how many people are attending. This is for catering purposes. Please email Hillary O'Brien hobrien1@cns.catholic.edu.au or phone 40961485.

Year 12 Formal Travel

Are you wanting Abstudy travel for you and your family to attend your child’s Year 12 celebrations?

You are entitled to three special purpose travels per calendar year. This means if your child has not yet had any special purpose travels this year you can invite three family members to attend our Year 12 celebrations. (children under 2 yrs old do not count as one)

Travel dates are : Arrive Thursday 20^th Oct

Presentation Night at MSB on Thursday 20^th Oct - Graduation Liturgy at MSB on Friday 21^st Oct.

You will then be transported to Cairns after the Graduation Liturgy.

Year 12 Formal at the Reef Hotel Casino - Cairns Saturday 22^nd Oct.

Depart Travel to go home on Monday 24^th Oct.

Due to Abstudy requiring plenty of time for this travel request PLUS having school holidays, if you require this travel for family, please inform Sonya by the 9^th Sept.

Please contact Sonya directly on PH: 4096 1504 to secure your travel.

English & Humanities

10A GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP

Is the water still contaminated from mine runoff?

These questions were the focus of the Field Trip undertaken by 10A for their Geography Assessment – Walsh River Catchment Water Quality Field Report.

With the assistance of Lab Technician Angela Lunny, students took pH and conductivity readings at several sites in the Watsonville area.

The effects of water runoff from the Baal Gammon Mine and the possible of contamination of the Jamie and Toy Creeks and the Walsh River were assessed.

What did we find … there is still contamination at some sites and the water is unfit for drinking from Jamie Creek.

Jenny Rossiter - 10A Humanities Teacher

Mathematics & Science

National Science Week

This week is National Science Week.

Science generates solutions for everyday life and helps us to answer the great mysteries of the universe.

Science is often, simply, fun. Science is also the light that keeps us out of the dark ages. It may not solve all of our problems, but it usually shows us the path to the solutions. And the more we know, the more questions we find.

Visit the following link for more information https://www.scienceweek.net.au/

Malcolm Fahey - Middle Leader Science, Mathematics & Senior Studies

Religion

Year 7 are continuing to look for religious truth in the two different Creation Stories in the Bible. They have learned about free choice, our responsibility to look after the earth and to be in right relationship with each other.

Year 11 had the privilege of listening to Mr Kenny as he told them something of his life story, spiritual connections to Country and hopes for the future of First Nations people.

In the last week of term, Year 10 will be attending the Catholic Earthcare Youth Summit in Cairns where they will meet other students from across the diocese and explore ways to See, Judge and Act on ecological issues. Shandrella, Billy and Lauren volunteered to help plan this event and participated in a Zoom meeting with Ms Sabrina, the Caritas Coordinator in Brisbane, Ms Rachel from CES and students from St Mary’s Catholic College. They are to be congratulated for their ongoing commitment to this project.

Each year on the 8th of August we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia's beloved first saint and patron saint of our Archdiocese. At last Friday’s liturgy we remembered the important role she played in making education accessible for children in our country. She was a trailblazer and a leader who passionately advocated for the education of underprivileged children and children in remote areas where others either would or could not go. For such children and their families, Mary opened a door of hope into the future.

Through the example of Saint Mary of the Cross, may we learn to recognise God’s will for us and trust in his providence. May her life of service awaken in us a deep respect for the poor and a strong will for justice. May we share in her courage, see with the eyes of Christian love, and learn from her holy deeds. Amen

The Arts

Year 7,8, 9 and 10 have been working with clay for assessment this term. They are really enjoying the process.

Mahalia Jones, Tamika Neade, Tayiesha Warria and Sinevah Mari are participating in the Energy Exhibition at the Tanks this year. The exhibition is part of the Carnival of Collins and showcases student work to over 5,000 people. Well done, girls.

Traylea Sexton - Middle Leader The Arts

Health & Physical Education

District Athletics

Last Thursday & Friday our team of 45 students attended the District Athletics carnival in Mareeba. The weather was beautiful, and our students did themselves and the College proud. Overall, our team of students finished runners-up in the carnival on a per capita basis. CONGRATULATIONS!

In addition to the fantastic team effort, we had some outstanding individual performances.

Pensio Gela – 14 years Age Champion ~

Naomi Tomsana-Sam - 12 year girls - 3rd

Reem Sam - 13 year boys - 2nd ~ Pensio Gela - 14 year boys - 1st ~ Griffin Banu - 14 year boys - 3rd

Tayiesha Warria - Open girls - 2nd ~ Quentin Shortjoe - Open boys - 3rd

We also had students breaking records.

Quentin Shortjoe – Open boys triple jump
Quentin Shortjoe – Open boys long jump
Jonomick Lui – Open boys shot put

From here we have had an amazing 30 students earn themselves an invitation to the Peninsula Athletics carnival by finishing in the top 4 for their event. This carnival will be held this coming Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd August at Barlow Park in Cairns.

Thank you to all students, parents & staff who have helped get our students to these events. Your support is appreciated.

Andrea Goetze - Middle Leader HPE

Digital Technologies & Business

Year 8 Digital Tech news

Year 8 Digi Tech are creating their 3D model designs and prototypes this term. Students are coming up with some great creative ideas, and several new monster characters based on real animals seem to be a theme this term.

In this project, students are tasked with creating a new character for a new Monsters Inc movie.

Students play the role of a Junior Digital Designer, researching, designing, and then creating a 3D model in 3D modelling software. Along with project management and software skills, students learn about the computational processes happening behind the scenes.

Keep up the great work year 8!

Saffron Belkessa -Wood - Middle Leader Digital technologies & Business

**Miss Sherrie with Shakira,** **Meshach and Kaychell**

**Isaac getting inspiration for his monster character idea v2**

**Wyatt draws inspiration from Star Wars characters**

**Lalita and Rotanah try prototyping a sea-monster**

**Kitarah begins prototyping her monster sketch**

**Filiara analyses a Stranger Things creature for inspiration v2**

**Luwarnah finalises her sketched monster design**

**Dekierim about to start the prototype model for his design**

**Roman begins a complex crocodile-morphed creature**

**Logan has created a great design for his monster**

**Reem is keeping his design top secret - for now**

**Ronald traces parts of an existing image to add to his design**

**Meshach completes his crocodile prototype with Kaychell**

**Donita prepares the seperate parts of her monster prototype**

**Meshach uses textures from natural materials for the croc skin**

**Keziah and Roman combine detailed components**

**Romans final prototype is quite cute for a monster!**

VET & Careers

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year

Wanting a gap year with purpose? Applications for the 2023 ADF Gap Year are still open for several roles. Visit the ADF Gap Year website to find information about:

Learn more
Earn more
Experience more
Make more mates
Travel more
Benefit more
Helpful information
How to apply
Frequently asked questions
Jobs available

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Work Experience

Thinking of applying for the ADF when you finish school? You need to explore this career and lifestyle option thoroughly. Visit the Defence Work Experience Program website , click Placements then work experience opportunities. Placements fill quickly and you will have to talk with your school Guidance Counsellor/Officer before applying.

Australian Defence Force Updates

The Australian Defence Force hold in person and virtual information sessions across Queensland. They can be general in nature or more specific to an ADF career path. Visit their event page for more details. If you are interested in joining the ADF follow their Facebook page to receive updates about the upcoming events.

09/08/2022 Gold Coast: Army Reserve Information Session

10/08/2022 Gold Coast: Trade Careers Information Session

11/08/2022 Brisbane: Army Careers Information Session

Army Careers Virtual Information Session

15/08/2022 Mareeba: Trade Careers Information Session

Junior Years 7 -9

Hi everyone,

I can’t believe we are already half way through the term! Students will be starting their assessment tasks in the next couple of weeks, so it is important that they are attending every day.

It was great to see so many students come together on the oval last week to participate in the touch football ‘King of the Court’ competition. This week we will be playing Ultimate Disk.

A big shout out to 9A who are doing a fantastic job in the classroom and being noticed by their teachers for always being safe, respectful, and responsible students. To reward them for this incredible effort, they have access to lunch time rewards in Week 7.

Our Year 9 students have just headed off on their 4 day expedition. We wish them a safe and enjoyable trip!

Our first round of awards for this term will be presented to students at their Year Level Assemblies this Friday. Teachers have nominated students for the following awards.

Junior and Senior Award Categories

Community- Living and giving graciously hospitality in the spirit of family 

Wisdom- gaining life enhancing knowledge and skills.

Excellence- striving towards personal best

Respect- valuing self, others, environment and the purpose of school

Mercy - acting justly with a compassionate heart

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the college or through my email kwaugh@cns.catholic.edu.au

Have a great week!

Kieren Waugh - Middle Leader Junior Years 7 - 9

Senior Years 10 -12

Crossfit with Year 11 & 12 Certificate II in Sport & Recreation

On Wednesday our Certificate II Sport and Recreation students attended an industry visit at our local crossfit gym. Thomas Blain, head coach and owner of HBZ Crossfit, spoke to the students about the importance of strength and conditioning and took them through a modified program. Students really engaged in the session and are looking forward to another visit soon!

Nikki Symons - Middle Leader Senior Years 10 - 12

MSB 2022 NAIDOC DAY - Thurs 8th Sept GET UP - STAND UP - SHOW UP

Our Naidoc Day is fast approaching. The College will run a bus from Cairns to MSB and return on Thursday 8th Sept.

Bus Transport from Cairns leaves at 7am sharp - Names are required by TODAY 19 August to secure your seat.

Limited seats available.

If you are self - driving to attend please rsvp details for catering purposes.

Please call the Hillary O'Brien on Ph: 4096 1485 or email hobrien1@cns.catholic.edu.au with names asap.

**MSB Naidoc Shirts $55 Each. Phone Julie Titlow at Student Reception on Ph: 40961 445 if interested**

Staff Profile

Hello to you all, I’m so pleased to be a part of the wonderful team here at MSB. I was born and raised here and have recently moved back to the area after travelling and working away for nearly 20 years.

“There really is no place like home”

We have settled on a small acreage at Wondecla and have a small herd of cattle that keep us busy at the weekends. I love to spend my spare time in my vegetable garden or exploring around the forests and creeks where we live. I also enjoy a variety of crafting hobbies, including sewing, painting, among many other things.