Mount St Bernard College eNewsletter

Acting Principal

Hello Everyone,

The last 2 weeks of school was one full of mixed emotions with both joy and sadness. The Awards night allowed us to celebrate the academic / cultural and sporting successes amongst the student cohort. We were very fortunate to have families, friends and visitors join us for this special occasion. Thanks go to the team behind the scenes in making the night such a success, the performers who were able to entertain the audience and to our visitors in presenting the awards to the recipients. Such a wonderful evening that ran smoothly.

This was followed by the Year 12 Graduation Liturgy with families and friends joining the whole school to celebrate the final Liturgy for the Year 12's. Thank you to staff in organising such a memorable day. Again, a massive occasion for the school community to witness and celebrate the last Liturgy for the Year 12s.

We were very fortunate to see the final tribute of the week with students strutting their stuff at the Year 12 Formal at the Cairns Reef Hotel Casino. One cannot refrain from seeing how beautiful and stunning all the young men and ladies presented themselves. I guess the tears and joys all the Year 12s, staff, families and friends were just overwhelming and fitting for all, it was fantastic to see people on the dance floor and also getting photos done with families.

I guess with the setup how it is, we did have students coming back to the college to complete assessments. We wish them all the best of luck as they close one chapter at school and prepare themselves to a new chapter in their lives. In saying this we saw the Year 11's begin their new chapter for Leadership preparations for 2023. Many thanks to the staff involved in the Year 11 Leadership Retreat as they begin their journey in becoming the Year 12 Leaders next year.

Just a final note to add how I was so proud of the boarders who attended the Fete day in Atherton on Saturday but also to the boarders who attended Church on Sunday morning. Such a beautiful sight to see and I am very thankful to the Boarding staff in taking the students. The Parish Priest was very thankful and happy to see our boarders at Church.

As we are nearing the halfway mark of the term, I ask that the staff and students support each other in keeping it together and to know the end is not too far away with final assessments just around the corner. Let’s finish the term off on a high…stay positive, stay focused and know that it is not long to go before the end of the term.

Take care and God Bless.

Sila Pati - Acting Principal

Year 12 Formal

Year 12 Graduation Liturgy 2022

On Thursday, 21 October we gathered as a community, in the sacred presence of our God, to celebrate the end of a significant part of life’s journey for our Year 12 students as they graduated from Mount St Bernard College. It was wonderful to have so many family members present as we prayed for these young adults and the staff, families and communities who have guided them during these years. A slideshow reflection helped the graduates remember with thanks the opportunities given to them during their time at Mount St Bernard College.

The liturgy included symbolic rituals that have become part of the MSB Graduation tradition. The Year 11 students presented a rose to the graduating seniors and in return received their Senior badges for next year. Deputy Principal Scott Whitters called forward the graduates to be presented with their graduation candles and certificates by Acting College Principal, Sila Pati and Deputy Principal, Kieran Ryan. Homeform teachers, Julia Cazita-Mazeaud and Adrian Baranyi, called the roll for the last time as Deputy Principal Scott Witters and Assistant Principal Sharon Boyd helped students light their graduation candle from the College candle.

All present extended their hands in blessing over the graduating class of 2022:

Lord God, we bring these young people before you;

make your Spirit known to them as they continue with the journey of their lives.

May they recognise and be empowered by the love of their family and friends.

May they continue to grow in strength and wisdom as they face life’s challenges.

May they appreciate and find joy in all the good things their lives bring.

May they strive to live justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with their God.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen

Following the liturgy, students gathered on front steps of the Mercy building to throw their sashes and then joined their families and guests on the chapel lawn for lunch and cake!

Class of 2022, you left MSB chapel with your candle lit -

a symbol of the Spirit within you and the light you take out to the world.

May the flame of your spirit always burn brightly.

May you be a light within your community.

May God’s mercy shine upon you!

Janet Wigan - Acting Assistant Principal Mission

Presentation Evening

Presentation Evening is one of our important traditional annual events that recognises the academic achievements, special talents and personal qualities of our students with a formal recognition by the college community.

We were pleased to welcome our local families and families of boarding students who travelled to enjoy the Year 12 graduation events as well. Samples of student artwork and items constructed by our manual art students were on display for our visitors to enjoy.

Congratulation to the following students:

College Dux – Emmy Riber

Principal’s Award – Shania O’Brien

MSB Vocational Education & Training Award – Melinda Obah

ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Awards – Lizikerah Luffman & Melinda Obah

ADF Future Innovators Awards – Makala Harries Spinnler & Haeden Tuhoro

James Cook University Academic Encouragement Award – Mahalia Jones

Ampol Best All Rounder Award – Jonomick Lui

QATSIF Young Indigenous Leader Awards – Sinevah Mari, Quentin Shortjoe, Melinda Obah

Residential Excellence Award Junior – Mataias Pearson & Mary Kyle-Smith

Residential Excellence Award Senior – Jonomick Lui & Tamika Neade

Mercy Residential Awards – Nathanial Ghee & Millianna Whap

Mercy Charism Awards – Grace Hart & Lauren Cairns

Spirit of Resilience Award – Kitarah Ah-Sam & Zane Lauder

Sporting Excellence Awards – Pensio Gela, Megan Trezise, Sinevah Mari & Jonomick Lui

Year 7 Academic Excellence – Nicholas Dugri

Year 7 Academic Diligence – Shyamah-Rae Wildermuth & Atayah Bulmer

Year 8 Academic Excellence – Grace Hart

Year 8 Academic Diligence – Tyler Everett & Donita Pollard

Year 9 Academic Excellence – Meenakshi Riber

Year 9 Academic Diligence – Nathanial Ghee & Caitlin Price

Year 10 Academic Excellence – Mahalia Jones

Year 10 Academic Diligence – Jorgie Ward & Limferd Lui

Year 11 Overall Academic Excellence – Sophie Jonsson

Year 11 Academic Excellence & Diligence in Subject Areas – Sophie Jonsson, Lauren Cairns, Sinevah Mari, Leandra Baira, Szyndelle Mills, Ciara Pitt, Franklyn Hilla, Tia Dewley-Vokes, Blossom Turner, Tae Dempsey, Millianna Whap, Griffin Johns, Yasserie Kyle-Smith

Year 12 Academic Excellence & Diligence in Subject Areas – Emmy Riber, Ellie Ward, Melinda Obah, Quentin Shortjoe, Tamika Neade, Jonomick Lui, Aaliyah Nandy, Joseph King, Steven Petersen, Deklyn Mills, Stanley Gela, Tayiesha Warria, Tineal Motlap, Mackenzie Smy, Haeden Tuhoro, Zane Lauder, Jacklyn Day

Hillary O’Brien – Office Manager

Presentation Evening 2022

Dear Parents & Caregivers

2022 is almost done! With the end in sight, we are starting to plan for 2023. The Education ministers have agreed to move Naplan testing from May to March in 2023. Testing will commence for students in Year 7 and Year 9 on Wednesday, 15 March 2023 and complete all tests on/before Monday, 27 March 2023.

In Term 1 2023, the College will gather information on all new students to ensure that any necessary adjustments are put in place for the testing. Parents will be sent further information once the test dates have been confirmed by MSB.

If you’d like further information, or would like to provide information on your child, please contact the College on 4096 1444.

Kieran Ryan - Deputy Principal Curriculum & Administration

Deputy Principal Residential

Dear Parents and Friends of MSB,

Recently we have farewelled our year 12 boarders. The Graduation Liturgy, Presentation Night and Formal were three very special events. All staff who work in education feel a great sense of achievement when students make it all the way to the end of year 12. Those that make it all way have had enormous support from both staff and families. We thank all the families who work in partnership with MSB to walk alongside students on their education journeys. Not all students aim to complete year 12, but for those who do, it is an enormous achievement worth celebrating. Congratulations to all 2022 graduates.

Scott Whitters - Deputy Principal Residential

Year 12 Boarders 2022

Year 12 Religion and Ethics Spirituality Expo

On Friday afternoon, Year 8 and 9 students attended a mini Spirituality Expo hosted by the Year 12s. It was the culmination of their final unit of work for Religion and Ethics.

Students experienced Christian meditation, the Ignatian Daily Examine, praying through music and learned how to draw 5 and 7 circuit labyrinths. The Year 12s led the activities with confidence and the younger students participated enthusiastically and reverently. - “I wish we could do this every week!”

Janet Wigan - Acting Assistant Principal Mission

Year 12 Religion and Ethics Spirituality Expo

Times of Transition

There has been a changing of the guard at MSB in recent weeks.

Year 12's had wonderful rituals of Liturgy and the Formal to mark their end of school life. It was wonderful after weeks of stress and anticipation to see students celebrating with family and friends. Then they were gone. The remaining students were sad and restless as friends and family from the senior years had flown the nest. The Year 11's then went on the Leadership Retreat, leaving a much smaller school community behind. We have been witnessing a time of transition, of change and movement. It brings mixed emotions- excitement and grief.

It takes time to readjust after such times of transition. We have to be patient as students readjust to the new layout of relationships. Just as they're getting used to the new reality, school breaks up and we return with new Year 7's!

School mirrors real life. Change is a constant. During such times our young people are gaining the skills to cope and manage change. It brings opportunities to step up and shine and opportunities to drop old behaviours and make better choices; to become our best selves, some students need support during such times, some guide others and some just get there quietly. The Wellbeing Team continue to walk with our students, no matter the situation.

Sharon Boyd - Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Year 11 Retreat

From Wednesday to Friday last week, the Year 11s went with Nikki Symons, Jenny Rossiter, Nathan Unwin and Janet Wigan to Genazzano at Lake Tinaroo, for their Leadership Retreat.

We learned team building skills and got creative with rope, hoops, balloons and newspapers. By looking at our personality styles we gained a better understanding of ourselves, how we might be able to work with others and what kind of leaders we can be at MSB. Over the three days, everyone wrote notes about the qualities they saw and admired in other people and put them in affirmation envelopes.

Although we are all leaders at MSB, some students will have particular roles next year. We looked at the process of applying for these positions and started our nomination forms. We finished the retreat with lunch at Lake Eacham.

Some things we particularly enjoyed:

“Meditating in the chapel while listening to the birds chirping”

“The sparkling fireflies in the tall gum trees”

“The lovely view from the glass windows in the chapel”

“The Walking the Universe prayer”

“Yoga with Mr Nathan before breakfast”

“Lake Eacham was amazing!”

Janet Wigan - Acting Assistant Principal Mission

Year 11 Retreat 2022

Careers with STEM magazines

Careers with STEM produces annual magazines that are packed with information about STEM qualifications, study options and career options. You can read the 2022 magazines that have information on the following areas and more:

QUT Science, IT and Maths job information

Do you know what a day in a life of a medical physicist looks like or where a game development degree might take you? QUT has collaborated with Careers with STEM on a collection of job kits outlining careers in science, IT and Mathematics. Download your free copy to find out about:

Earth and Environmental Scientists
Data Scientist
Future Scientist
Game Designer and Developer
Information Security Analyst
Medical Physicist

Science, IT and Maths job kits

Do you know what a day in the life of a medical physicist looks like or where a game development degree might take you? QUT has collaborated with Careers with STEM on a collection of job kits for exciting careers in science, IT and mathematics. Download your free copy.

Adrian Baranyi - Careers & VET Middle Leader

Health & Physical Education

Rugby League

On Tuesday 18th October a group of Mount St Bernard boys were invited to play a friendly game of Rugby League against Smithfield SHS. The day was heaps of fun for the boys who enjoyed getting back on the field. The highlight of the day was possibly Limferd shadow boxing one of the Smithfield boys. It was fabulous to see our students making new friends and sharing some laughs. Massive thank you to Magpies Football Club for giving access to their facilities at Wondecla.

State Track & Field

Melinda Obah started her adventure to State Track and Field Carnival, bravely & successfully navigating the airport & flight to Brisbane! The size of the stadium was a little overwhelming at first, but Melinda took it all in her stride and proudly represented herself, our school and the Peninsula region. On the Saturday Melinda competed in the 18-19 girls discus finishing in 8th place. Sunday was shot put and she had a great competition finishing in 6th place. For Melinda to make her way to the state competition in itself is a massive accomplishment, then to finish 6th & 8th in the State is an outstanding effort! Well done Melinda!

Andrea Goetze - HPE Middle Leader

**Year 7B students honing a new skill of skipping**

Maths & Science

External Exams are Upon us.

This week our year 12 General Maths Students complete their two external exams. These exams consist of 15 multiple choice questions, 10 or so short response questions and 7 or 8 extended response questions. The work is based mainly on the work the students have done this year but also includes work from last year as well. During this time of exams, it is important that students maintain balance in their lives and ensure they get enough sleep.

Malcolm Fahey - Maths, Science & Senior Studies Middle Leader

English & Humanities

Year 8 poetry

Ms Caferra’s Year 8 English class has been studying poetry this term. The students have been very inspired by many of the poems, as can be seen in Dekierim’s response:

Sarah Riber - English & Humanities Middle Leader

From the Ocean to the Dust, this poem is about Aboriginal culture and history. It takes place in the Dreamtime and gives the feeling of being connected to the land. My ancestors were feeling this connection for 10,0000's years. This feeling will go on for many years. This poem relates to the Aboriginal culture and not other culture's in Australia.

When I read From Oceans to the Dusts by Zelda Quakauoot, I sat down on the soft sand and watch the sunset. I felt calm, relaxed, and connected to Djiggar the great red hawk. If I was in the poem l would be able to smell mangroves and the flowers blooming, the pollen flying in my nose. This poem impacted me by connecting me to the sea of my culture and making me feel happy.

This poem show honour and great respect for my elders, who lived out their legacy. I appreciate my elders and that they gave us this incredible, dazzling land.

By Dekierim Schrieber

The Arts

Industrial Technology & Design

Halfway through another great term at MSB and the Year 8s are finishing off their jewellery boxes. The students have applied themselves and put their unique spin on their projects. Congratulations Year 8 for your hard and creative work.

Nathan Unwin - ITD Teacher

**Sr Therese & Maree Masterson delighted to see the trolley, bringing back many memories.**

Junior Years 7 - 9

Hello,

And just like that, we blinked and it is almost the end of the year.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our students and learning about their families and their cultures. One of my favourite things this term, has been watching our students identify problems in society, and in a group, design solutions to the problem. We can’t wait to share their fantastic ideas with you.

This week I would like to shine a light on Ramona. Her class was asked to draw a personification of a ‘tree dancing in the wind’ and she created this funky drawing. The drawing was then turned into a colouring competition at a local primary school. Ramona has chosen the first 3 places and will be creating certificates for each of the students who entered the competition.

As this year comes to an end, the planning for next year begins. I have been sitting with groups of Year 7 students reflecting on their first year at MSB. They have been helping me plan activities that will form our orientation program for our 2023 Year 7’s. It is so valuable to have the input of students who have been in the same situation recently.

Kieren Waugh - Junior Years 7 - 9 Middle Leader

Senior Years 10 - 12

Year 11 Certificate II Sport and Recreation students have been enjoying running sporting sessions for the younger grades as part of their course. This week they taught 9A how to play Oztag. Each week students take turns in preparing the equipment, giving instructions and running different parts of the activities.

Nikki Symons - Senior Years 10 - 12 Middle Leader

Digital Technology & Business

It has been a very busy term in the Digital Technologies and Business Faculty.

We have had a big push to help the year 12's finalise their assessments and prepare for external exams. Well done to all of our Business, Design, Digital Solutions and ICT students for their efforts and perseverance during this difficult Covid-disrupted year!

Year 10 Digital Tech helped prepare for the year 6 Transition visit and enjoyed their afternoon welcoming and supporting the youngsters.

Grade 11 ICT, Digital Solutions and 10 Digital Tech will be out on a Drone Workshop excursion on the 15^th November, and we are all excited about this forthcoming day out.

Year 7 Digi Tech are ready for programming their Sphero watercrafts next week.

Year 8 Digital Tech have just started their Game Develop project, after a few weeks hard work on their Online Data Safety challenge.

Saffron Belkessa-Wood - Digital Technology & Business Middle Leader

Residential News

Boarders Christmas Fair

All staff and students are invited to our annual Christmas Fair.

Important to RSVP by 13 Novemeber, details in flyer below.

Sonya Frost - Residential Administration Officer

World Teachers Day

WORLD TEACHERS DAY | Our teachers make a difference every day, educating and inspiring young Queenslanders. World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank Queensland teachers for their important role in our communities and for the positive impact they have on the lives of students. This year we say thank you to our teachers for ‘teaching through every moment’. We acknowledge and show appreciation for the many ways teachers provide support and inspiration to our students. Let’s join together to thank all Queensland Teachers for their important work.

Deborah Booth - Communications & Community Engagement Officer

World Teachers Day Morning Tea 2022

Cairns Diocesan News

We are pleased to advise that the flipbook is now available on our website www.cairns.catholic.org.au

Alternativly, please click on the link below and you will be taken to the flipbook.

https://online.fliphtml5.com/xgvmy/eurf/

Community News

FNQ YOUTH ASSISTANCE FUND | Tertiary Education Scholarships - The Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund's Annual Tertiary Education Scholarships are opening on the 1st of December. There are scholarships available for young people under the age of 24, with funds of up to a maximum of $5,000 for each successful applicant. What a fantastic initiative, more details and to apply visit: https://www.fnqyaf.org.au/youth.../educational-scholarships/

Upcoming Events

Term 4 - 2022 - Week 6

Year 12 External Exams Continue

Fri 11 Nov - Remembrance Day Liturgy - Mercy Chapel

Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov - Exeat (Free) Weekend

Term 4 - 2022 - Week 7

Tues 15 Nov - P & F Meeting 5pm at MSB Boardroom

Fri 18 Nov - Boarders Christmas Fair (see Residential news for details)

Term 4 - 2022 - Week 8

Thurs 24 Nov - Community Day at Quinola Lakes

- Students end Term 4, 2022

Fri Nov 4 - Boarders Travel day

- Term 4 Edition 3 MSB Messenger Newsletter

MSB Messenger Friday 4th November 2022

Acting Principal

Year 12 Formal

Year 12 Graduation Liturgy

Year 12 Graduation Liturgy 2022

Presentation Evening

Presentation Evening 2022

Deputy Principal Curriculum & Admin

Deputy Principal Residential

Year 12 Boarders 2022

Acting Assistant Principal Mission

Year 12 Religion and Ethics Spirituality Expo

Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Year 11 Retreat

Year 11 Retreat 2022

Careers & VET

Health & Physical Education

Maths & Science

English & Humanities

The Arts

Junior Years 7 - 9

Senior Years 10 - 12

Digital Technology & Business

Residential News

World Teachers Day

World Teachers Day Morning Tea 2022

Cairns Diocesan News

Community News

Upcoming Events