Mount St Bernard College eNewsletter

Acting Principal

As holidays are just around the corner, it has been quite a frantic and busy term. We've had many events in this short term with excursions, projects, assessments, ceremonies, graduations, formals, farewells to the Year 12s and departing staff, celebrating the new leaders of Year 11s going into their Senior Year in 2023 and lots of fun learning in the classrooms. To be fair…we've also had some unfortunate challenging days. I guess it is fair to say that staff and students have both experienced some highs and lows. As I arrived this term in September I will just focus on Term 4 and reflect on what has been quite an experience from my end.

Coming to MSB I did not know what to expect other than what I knew from Googling the college before I arrived. During my time here I have met such a wonderful staff cohort who are here to make a difference. I have also met some wonderful, amazing, interesting, funny characters amongst the student cohort. If there is one thing that I can learn from my experience here is that I have always tried to treat everyone no matter who they are with dignity and respect. I do know that we have had challenges along the way, and I can only work with what I have in front of me and that is to support my staff and students who may be struggling but also embrace the positive vibes and connection that I have made with both the students, staff and families.

Many thanks to the departing staff who will leave us with fond memories. Thank you to Warren Part, Peter Graham, Taylor Bitossi, Sharon Boyd and Chris Cornish for all the support provided to the students over the time that you have all spent here at the college. The staff and students will definitely miss you all for your dedication, commitment, compassion, support and for never giving up in making a positive difference. Each staff member has had a positive influence with the college community.

The students will say that they have seen this big islander guy walking around the college thinking is that the Rock?...no it’s Mr Pati kindly asking students to return to class. It needs to be noted that I only walked around so as to hide from the emails on my laptop in my office waiting for my replies. I just loved seeing the students in class engaged with so many fun, innovative activities implemented by the staff. I guess seeing this place from the outside looks amazing but also to see such a dedicated staff all present to make a difference with our students is what makes a difference.

I am very honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside such a committed leadership team and a wonderful staff willing to make a difference. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in getting the role for Principal in 2023 and can only respect the process and move forward. All we can do is embrace the fact that MSB will be getting a Principal who brings a wealth of experience and will definitely hit the ground running when she arrives. The name of the incoming Principal is Narelle Hunt. She is very keen to meet and greet the staff when she arrives and is going to make a difference when she arrives to lead from the front. Staff will provide her with the support required and make her feel welcomed just as I was given the same welcome when I first arrived here. I am sure the students will warm up to her in the new year.

I hope and pray that you will all have a safe, fun and loving Christmas with families and friends and the New year will bring you joy and success. Thank you for your support during my time here as Acting Principal. Take care and God Bless.

Sila Pati - Acting Principal

Deputy Principal Admin & Curriculum

Congratulations to all students for making it to the end of the year!

Also, congratulations to Wendell Majer (Middle Leader Maths/Science) and Saffron Belkessa-Wood (Middle Leader Senior Studies) who have been appointed to fixed term Middle Leadership roles for 2023 whilst Malcolm Fahey takes a well-earned break.

Students moving into Years 9, 10 & 11 in 2023 have finalised their subject selections. A ParentSlip will be sent home as soon as possible to inform you of your child/s subject selections. The ParentSlip will also detail the costs for core and elective subjects as well as the cost for camps/expeditions for the year level.

I know you’re all keen to see the results of the hard work your children have been putting in at MSB this year! Report cards will be finalised next week and posted out to families by Friday, 9 December 2022, they also be available to parents through the parent portal no later than Friday, 9 December 2022 for those who just can’t wait for the mail to be delivered.

Finally, along with the report cards, you will receive important correspondence from the College about preparation for 2023. This letter will include many things, including:

Information about return to school dates for 2023
Stationery packs
2023 fee schedule (including information about applicable concessions and who to contact about fees)
Office opening times
Uniform fees and how to book an appointment for new/replacement uniforms

Congratulations to all our staff and students for their efforts throughout 2022! Enjoy your school break and time with your family/friends and peers. We look forward to welcoming new and returning students back to our College in 2023!

Kieran Ryan - Deputy Principal - Curriculum & Administration

Deputy Principal Residential

Dear Families and Friends of MSB,

We have finally made it to the end of 2022. It has been a year full of challenges and achievements. I am extremely proud of all boarders who have shown great resilience and determination all the way to the end of the year. I wish to thank our supportive families who have encouraged their child to make strong, positive and responsible decisions throughout the year. It is imperative that the education of the young is a partnership between school and family. I wish to thank the members of our TSI Consultative Committee for their efforts and support this year.

MSB prides itself on being a home away from home for all our boarders and I am so pleased to see so many of our students flourish in this environment. Boarding is not always easy and produces many challenges for our students, however, so many are rising above the challenges and becoming successful learners and boarders. I am very pleased with how the year has unfolded and the efforts of all residential staff to provide the best level of care possible for our students.

As we approach the school holiday period, I’d like to remind all families of the importance of routine and structure whilst your child is back at home. During the term, we have strict guidelines regarding bedtimes and phones. We often find that students struggle to get back into routine after the school holidays due to different boundaries at home. It greatly benefits your child if their home routine is similar to the school routine.

As we approach Travel Day for term four, I’d like to remind all families that each student has a safe travel plan. This is attached to their itinerary and available for them to reference should their travel not go to plan. Each student receives a business card with my details on it so they can contact me if they have travel related issues. Please ensure you have read their travel itinerary and know when to expect your child home.

I hope all families and carers get a chance to re-connect and spend quality time with their children over the Christmas break. I wish you all joy, peace and togetherness during the upcoming festive season. We look forward to seeing all students return to MSB in 2023.

Warm regards,

Scott Whitters - Deputy Principal Residential

Boarders Christmas Fair

Remembrance Day

At 11am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gathered as an MSB community to commemorate all those Australians whose lives have been affected by wars and conflicts. Thank you to Doris Cuda and 10A Religion for the beautiful banner they painted, and to Lauren Cairns for making the poppies.

Lord, you sent Your Son to lead us into the peace of Your Kingdom.

Look with kindness on all who have served the cause of peace in our armed forces.

Send Your comfort and healing to their families, and to all who suffer due to war and conflict.

May Your Son’s Gospel message of peace burn ever more brightly in our hearts, our words and our actions, and lead all to fullness of life in You.

We make this prayer to you through this same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Remembrance Day

Nativity Scenes

This week, Nativity scenes have been appearing around the college!

A nativity scene takes its inspiration from the two different accounts of the birth of Jesus in the  Gospels of Matthew and Luke.  Luke's account has an angel announcing the birth of Jesus to shepherds who then find him lying in a manger. Matthew's Gospel tells of "wise men", magi, who follow a star to the  house  where Jesus lived, and indicates that they found Jesus some time after his birth, rather than on the exact day. Matthew's account does not mention the angels and shepherds, while Luke's narrative doesn’t have the Magi and the star. Traditionally we use all the elements of both accounts to create a Nativity scene.

Year 11 helped set up the traditional nativity scene at the chapel.

Year 10A again showed their artistic talent by creating a recontextualised scene that had students and staff asking questions and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.

“Our modern reinterpretation of the Nativity is based on the basic messages of Luke’s Gospel.  Our portrayal of the event is situated in an alleyway where the homeless sleep at times, amongst rubbish and dumpsters.  Just like Luke’s account, Jesus is born amongst the lowly for the lowly.  Luke’s nativity scene includes a census, a stable, angels and shepherds in Bethlehem.  It is thought that this Gospel account was written around 80 to 100 CD.  It is a reinterpretation of the precise details of Jesus’ birth because the details of the real story had been forgotten.

In our scene Mary is giving birth in an alley next to a skip bin, with Joseph, a homeless woman, a police officer, and a strung-out teenager. The core of the story is still the same but with our modern interpretation it makes it more relatable and relevant to today’s society. The underlying message that Jesus was born in poverty in very destitute circumstances is the same message that Luke’s gospel portrayed - that although he was the Messiah, the way he came into the world meant that he was able to relate to people of all walks of life.”  (Ella Christie Y10)

Nativity Scences

Advent

The liturgical year begins with Advent, a word that comes from Latin and means "coming." During Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, and we look forward to Christ's second coming at the end of time. On Sunday, 27 November, we begin this important and happy season when we turn our attention to the coming of Jesus and we think about the many ways God comes to be with us. We also pray during this time for the grace we need to live as people of hope. The Advent Wreath symbolizes our growing hope and anticipation that the Lord Jesus may enter our lives more fully. It contains four candles.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolises hope.

The second candle, also purple, represents love.

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy.

The final candle is purple and symbolises peace.

Loving God,

We give you thanks for the blessings of this holy Advent season.

You are the source of life, of hope, and of all good things.

We look forward to the coming of the light of Christ at Christmas.

Help us to turn toward that light in our lives.

We rejoice at the gift of your Son who taught us to love in your name.

May we be people of peace and justice all the days of our lives.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen!

Janet Wigan - Acting Principal Mission

Final Liturgy for 2022

It is always good to finish the Term with some good experiences.

The Rewards Program has been a success, particularly motivating students in the junior years.

It has been gratifying to see students who deserve to be acknowledged for being Safe, Respectful and Responsible, arriving at my door at the 3 pm bell, to trade in their Rewards cards for their prizes. The excitement on faces has been a lovely experience, especially for students whose only experience in my office has been addressing their poor behavioural choices. Well done to all of those students!

On Thursday Sara Gorring our Social Work student (who has been an absolute trooper) led the Open Mic session outside the library at lunch time. Students came to the microphone and shared their talents with us. Singing, recitation of poetry and the Ukulele group impressed the crowd with their talent and courage to perform in front of their peers.

On Tuesday 22^nd November the College was entertained with Sean Choolburra in his Comedy Show. A cheeky, clever and charismatic indigenous entertainer, he had the whole school in laughter. Students played a great role in their participation, right down to some fantastic dance moves. It is vital to remember the importance of belly laughs and fun for our Wellbeing.

Sharon Boyd - Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Parents & Friends

The College Parents & Friends Association is a small group of parents who meet once per term to discuss how to use the P&F Levy funding that all families pay, to purchase assets and equipment for the use of the whole school community and to make discretionary payments where needs arise to support students.

In 2022 they have approved funding for the following:

 Sponsorship of students attending the Year 12 Formal

 Purchase of drones for Digital Technologies students

Purchase of portable Sound equipment for school events

Purchase of cultural musical instruments

Sponsorship of students for interstate representative sport

We are looking for parents or carers to join in 2023. We would welcome your ideas and involvement in the college community.

To register your interest please email hobrien1@cns.catholic.edu.au or phone Hillary O’Brien on 4096 1485

Hillary O'Brien - Office Manager

Mathematics & Science

7B Probability and Statistics

7B students enjoyed concluding their Probability and Statistics strand by collecting data at the local bowling alley to find out who was better at bowling, girls, or boys! The lesson was a fun-filled new experience for many, and we discovered some natural bowlers. After bowling, students took their scores back to the classroom where they used their mathematical skills to analyse the data. The results…girls were better at bowling! However, we do admit we did have many more girls in our sample, so it was slightly biased.

Wendell Majer - Mathematics & Science Middle Leader

7B Mathematics 2022

Year 12 Maths

Our Year 12 Essential Maths students worked hard last week and completed their exam with careful deliberation. This shows outstanding in their commitment to revise and prepare for these last stressful moments of testing.

A few of the Essential Maths class, completing the Short Course in Numeracy were well surprised at a better-than-expected result for their final maths exam. Well done to all those who put their best foot forward and took the time to answer every question!

English & Humanities

The final term has raced by, leaving us looking back with satisfaction on a successful year and looking forward with excitement to 2023.

Year 11 English students have started preparatory work for the first unit in Year 12 and are stepping up to take on the challenges of this demanding course. Year 11 Essential English students have completed their analytical unit which prepares them for the examination in Term 2 Year 12. All students now feel confident starting Year 12 with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Although Term 4 can feel like a rush to get assessment complete, all classes in 7-10 have managed to produce outstanding creative and analytical work to finish the year. Some of the poetry written by the Year 7 students is featured below. 9A Humanities class still found time to go to the Cairns Aquarium for an excursion related to their unit on biomes while the Year 7 class explored the local environment for a unit on liveability.

We are excited to start the newly revised Australian Curriculum next year with Years 7-8 and will be dedicating time in our staff week at the end of the year to developing new units, particularly those with a cross-curriculum focus. We hope that all students will begin the year ready to learn and discover new ideas, knowledge and skills, from the world around them and the world of literature.

Sarah Riber - English & Humanities Middle Leader

Health & Physical Education

Finishing off the sports year quietly, and already preparing for 2023! There are a variety of Peninsula sporting trials in the first few weeks of next year – volleyball, netball, and rugby league. Miss Jo has sent forms home with interested boarders to be brought back completed at the start of next year. This is also a reminder to be back at school when the school year starts if you wish to be considered for these trials. Have a lovely relaxing holiday and stay safe.

Andrea Goetze - HPE Middle Leader

Business & Digital Technologies

Year 10 Digital Technologies, 11 Information Communication & Technology Applied and 11 Digital Solutions students were out on a Drone Workshop hosted at St Stephen’s Catholic College in Mareeba last week.

Students developed their skills in drone flying, related legislation, health and safety.

The classes then experimented with the indoor Tello drones and control apps, in a pilot trial to inform new Digital Technology projects for 2023.

The students had a great time completing the coding challenges and drone flying games. Drone battleships was a favourite! It was hilarious seeing the range of tactics created by this competitive bunch!

Thank you to all our students for being super ambassadors for the college.

Saffron Belkessa-Wood, Kenny O’Brien and Julia Cazita-Mazeaud

Drone Workshop 2022

Food Technology & Design

The Great Sewing ”MS Bee”

Year 9 Textiles class have created some wonderful garments this term!

Meena has made a wonderful, demure, sateen dress, complete with gathered waist detail and invisible hem.

Becky’s yoke skirt uses light fabric to accentuate the gathers.

Clementine’s quilting skills demonstrate perseverance, a great degree of accuracy and eye for complementary colour matching.

Mary’s A-line yoke skirt combines a striking colour contrast, and the fabric falls beautifully into place.

Ernestine has made a lovely free flowing dress with Aboriginal print fabric.

We are super proud of your efforts and talents girls!

8B – Teddy Bears

This term in our Social & Emotional Learning lessons 8B have been getting creative. At the start of term each student selected the fabric to make their teddy bear with. They each then cut out their own patterns. Pinning and sewing, both with the machines and by hand, each student crafted their very own teddy bear. This task was challenging at times, but they demonstrated resilience and continued when things were tricky. Here are Meshach & Logan with their bears.

Andrea Goetze - Teacher

The Arts

SNAP

SNAP exhibition - Tablelands Secondary student artwork

Atherton Post Office Gallery

November 29 2022 to January 2 2023

Launch Friday December 2 from 5pm

My sculpture is entitled ‘Num & Hibiscus’. Num is the name of a sea turtle in my language. It represents my totem which is past down through the generations. The hibiscus flower is a symbol of love that we share amongst the Torres Strait Island communities. By Nathaniel Ghee

SNAP Exhibition 2022

Industrial Technology & Design

Students have created wonderful projects this term at MSB. Year 7 finished their pot stand turtles with some creative designs and have now finished up their metal tins. Year 8 completed their wooden jewellery boxes with some very unique designs being burnt onto the wood. Year 10 have finalised their wooden graphics cases with beautiful finished products like the one Jorgie Ward created. Year 11 built and decorated some lovely file holders for the classroom and a special shout out to Millie Whap who has burnt Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal flags onto wood as well as some very life like frangipani flowers. Yasserie Kyle-Smith created a key ring decorated with the Aboriginal flag.

It has been a great year, and everyone has really pushed themselves to create some fantastic projects. When we build things ourselves that are full of soul and hard work, we are reminded of the important impact that each and everyone of us can have in this world. And remember, if you can imagine it, you can build it.

Traylea Sexton - The Arts Middle Leader

**A beautiful finished products by Jorgie Ward**

ITD Term 4 2022

Trainee & Apprentice Opportunities

Tablelands Regional Council's ongoing commitment to increasing workforce participation, driving job growth and strengthening the economy of the region is being boosted by six new trainee positions and two apprenticeships.

‘We’ve been fortunate to again receive Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding to provide these opportunities in our community,’ said Mayor Rod Marti.

‘Skilling Queenslanders for Work provides skills development, training and job opportunities to unemployed, disengaged and disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.

We’ll be offering 12-month traineeships in:

Business Trainee — Local Laws
Business Trainee — Community Services and Finance
Business Trainee — Community Development and Emergency Management
Land Protection and Nursery
Horticulture
First Nations Peoples Tourism Trainee. To perform this role it is essential that applicants are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

We’ve also got two, four-year plumbing apprenticeships on offer.

You can find out more and apply online from Thursday 17 November to Thursday 1 December,’ said Mayor Marti.

The First Start program is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.

Junior Years 7 -9

This term the Year 7 and 8 Enrichment classes worked individually or in small groups to come up with a solution to a world problem they identified.

On Friday 18^th November, the students presented their work to the school. It was such a success!

Some problems examined included: overfishing, women’s rights, gender issues, plastic pollution, climate change on Boigu Island, inflation, global Wi-Fi, conflict in Yemen, homelessness, and racism.

Students came up with songs, flyers, info sheets, physical models, and games to help share their solutions.

Ms Waugh and Ms Olivia would like to thank their classes for their hard work over the term. It has been amazing to be a part of their journey, to hear their passion and enthusiasm. Well done everyone.

Kieren Waugh - Junior Years 7 - 9 Middle Leader

Enrichment Class Expo 2022

2023 College Captains

Year 10 and 11 students as well as College staff had the difficult task of voting for the 2023 College and Mercy captains last week. Well done to all the year 11 students who nominated for these positions. The 2023 College and Mercy captains were announced on Monday morning at assembly. Congratulations to Sinevah Mari and Griffin Johns (College Captains) and Lauren Cairns and Yasserie Kyle – Smith (Mercy Captains).

Nikki Symons - Senior Years 10 - 12 Middle Leader

Information 2023

Enrolment Applications for 2023

The College office will be closed from 2 December 2022 and will reopen on 16 January 2023, our Enrolment Officer will be monitoring enrolment applications and responding to enquiries during this period.

If you wish to submit supporting paperwork or know someone who intends to apply to send their child to the College, please encourage them to use our online Enrolment Application on our website, email msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au or phone 0467 172 952.

For new families whose child is starting school in 2023, you will receive information in the mail. Boarding parents will be contacted by email to provide you with itineraries for travel which is expected to commence on 23^rd January 2023.

MSB Website

2023 Mount St Bernard College Parent Term dates

Uniform Shop - January 2023

Please phone Student Reception to book an appointment for Uniform shop fittings and purchases. PH: 4096 1445

Rosies Outreach

In a final MSB Outreach for 2022, students and staff supported Rosies in Mareeba.

Providing sandwiches and quiche, coffee and cake to a diverse mix of wonderful people is a true privilege.

Big thanks to dedicated students, Szyndelle, Sophie, Blossom and Lauren, and staff, Janet Wigan and Chris Weedon.

Bandanna Day

MSB raised $250 for Canteen https://www.bandannaday.org.au/about

Thanks to everyone who bought a bandanna to support teenagers affected by Cancer.

Chris Weedon - Teacher Librarian

Quinola Lakes Community Day

We were blessed with fantastic weather for our final school day of 2022.

Quinola Lakes is a fabulous venue on the Tablelands with multiple slides for those who want to go fast! Canoeing on the lake is also popular with all students.

Quinola Lakes Community Day 2022

Tablelands Regional Council in partnership with Queensland Health are delivering a further three Mental Health First Aid courses. Courses are open to everyone who lives or works in the Tablelands or Mareeba districts. Please share through your networks.

Mental Health First Aid teaches people to assist someone who is developing a mental health problem or is in mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves. The cost is significantly subsidised at $22 + booking fee. Times and locations for upcoming training below.

Atherton: December: Thursday 8 December 8:30am – 4:30pm & Friday 9 December 8:30am – 4:30pm

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/433404333027

The training will be held at the Disaster Coordination Centre in Atherton over two days and attendance is required to both days. The cost is subsidised and is $22 (plus booking fee of $2.30) on registration.

Ravenshoe: January: Tuesday 10 January 8:30 – 4:30 & Wednesday 11 January 8:30am – 4:30pm

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mental-health-first-aid-tickets-433406288877

February: Tuesday 14 February 8:30 – 4:30 & Wednesday 15 February 8:30am – 4:30pm

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mental-health-first-aid-tickets-433407913737

The training will be held at the Ravenshoe Mountain Institute over two days and attendance is required to both days.