MSB Messenger Friday 26th May 2023

Principal

Dear members of the Mount St Bernard College community, 

Term two has been very productive, with students having opportunities to refine their focus on attendance, learning in the classroom and participating in a range of out of class activities.  Year 7 and 8 Students GPA classes conducted a very successful travel expo in the Mercy Hall showing the hard work our junior students have been putting into their GPA program.  Thank you to the teachers for developing this innovative unit of work, students for the incredible work you did to put an expo together and to the classes that attended this very special event. 

Another highlight of the term was the MSB Music Concert.  The extraordinary talents of our staff and students were commendable and we look forward to seeing these, and more, students participating in the next concert.  Thank you to Traylea Sexton, Tobias Moldenhauer and Brad McKenna for reigniting the passion for music in our students.  There is incredible talent at MSB. 

We have also had our talented athletes competing in the District Cross Country trials.

Special mention goes to the MSB Mountain Goats who ran a very successful Wheelbarrow Race.  Students and staff ran 140km in less than 9 ½ hours as part of this event.  Thanks go to Sinevah Mari, Shandrella Pilot, Satayha Stephen, Megan Trezise, Harry Waters, Kura Joseph, Reem Sam, Jack Jonsson & Taj Cathro and to Janet Wigan, Jenny Rossiter, Olivia Brewster, Hillary O’Brien, Maria McGinnity and Deborah Booth for their support of this event.  I’d also like to thank the staff and students who painted banners, designed T-Shirts, cooked food and provided moral support to all the MSB Mountain Goats.

Whilst a lot of these events are developed and coordinated by staff, the student involvement and parent and community support are what make them a success.  The students’ willingness to be involved reinforces the positive school community the College is striving to create and maintain.

Term 2 Improvement Focus

Truancy and respectful relationships are two key priorities of the College in Term 2.  A small number of students are choosing to make poor choices and not attending classes on time.  This puts these students at a serious disadvantage in their learning.  Parents and carers are asked to remind their children about the importance of attending all their lessons.  The Wellbeing Team have been implementing positive education approaches to reward students who are doing the right thing, through the rewards system and this is having a positive impact on the majority of students.  Students who are frequently truant from classes will be put on Truancy cards as part of the College’s Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) process.  Students are expected to be in the classroom, learning for the full duration of the lesson.

Students at the College have made a good first impression, but like attendance, a small number of students are choosing to be disrespectful to peers and staff.  This is not acceptable.  In line with the MTSS processes, students who are choosing to be disrespectful and disruptive to the learning process are being placed on Individual Behaviour Support Plans and Safety Plans.  This process also requires students to participate in intervention programs to assist them to develop new skills and strategies to assist them to make more positive choices when interacting with others.

Youth Concern: e-cigarettes

E-cigarettes and vaping are currently receiving quite a bit of media attention and unfortunately it is growing in popularity amongst Australian teens.  Current research is discovering more about the dangers of e-cigarettes on the health, wellbeing and safety of youth.  In schools e-cigarettes/vaping is considered an illicit and unsanctioned substance and if students are found in possession of, participating in or with people participating in vaping, parents will be notified and students will face appropriate consequences.  I encourage parents to speak with their children about the dangers of vaping and information from the Royal Children’s Hospital: Kids Health Information –           E-cigarettes and teens is outlined below to highlight some of the health and safety concerns relating to vaping.

Dangers of e-cigarettes/vaping

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/E-cigarettes_and_teens/#:~:text=Nicotine%20exposure%20during%20the%20teenage,on%20to%20use%20regular%20cigarettes.

What are e-cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that come in many forms. They all heat liquids, called e-liquids, into an aerosol that users breathe in. They may contain nicotine, flavourings and a range of harmful and toxic chemicals. Many e-liquids come in flavours that are attractive to young people, such as mango, lime and mint. The e-cigarette heat may also produce toxic substances.

They are also known as e-cigs, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), alternative nicotine delivery systems (ANDS), personal vaporisers, e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, vapes and juuls (pronounced ‘jewels’).

Using e-cigarettes is often called ‘vaping’. It is sometimes referred to as ‘juuling’.

What do e-cigarettes look like?

E-cigarette devices come in many different shapes and sizes. They can look like traditional cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Some look like everyday items commonly used by young people, such as pens or memory sticks (USBs). Some are even disguised as medical devices or concealed within clothing.

What are the health risks of e-cigarettes?

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive especially for teens. E-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquid may contain nicotine, even if they have been labelled ‘nicotine free’. One e-liquid pod can contain as much nicotine as a packet of cigarettes.

Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. It can impact learning, memory and attention, and increase risk for future addiction to other drugs. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.

E-liquids can poison children and adults through swallowing or skin contact. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, dizziness, vomiting and increased heart rate.

E-liquids can also be a danger to young children if inhaled, swallowed, or spilled on the skin. A young child can die from very small amounts of nicotine. The effects of nicotine poisoning can come on very quickly. If you think your child may have been exposed to nicotine, you should seek medical attention or call an ambulance immediately.

While scientists are still learning about the short and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes, a recent outbreak of lung disease and deaths related to e-cigarette use in the United States demonstrates that e-cigarette aerosol can be harmful to the lungs. In the short term, using e-cigarettes may cause breathing difficulties and coughing. Many e-cigarettes contain known-carcinogens and inhaling cancer causing chemicals increases the risk of cancers. In the longer term, e-cigarette use also increases the risk of heart disease. E-cigarettes can also be modified to deliver marijuana and other harmful substances that have been linked to lung disease. 

Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused some fires and explosions, which exposes the user to the risk of serious injury and burns.

Nicotine addiction

Young people who use e-cigarettes containing nicotine can become addicted. The more frequently someone uses e-cigarettes, the more their brain and body gets used to having nicotine, and the harder it is to go without it. When someone stops using, the nicotine level in their body drops, which may cause unpleasant physical symptoms, and a strong urge to vape. This is nicotine addiction.

Narelle Hunt - Principal

Deputy Principal Residential

Dear Families and Friends of MSB 

I write today about the increase in vaping throughout our community and recently within the College. As you are aware, smoking of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is banned in all schools around the country. MSB takes this matter very seriously, especially in boarding, as we are the care givers for your young person whilst they are away from home. Any form of smoking is harmful and leads to significant health issues down the track. 

Recently, several students have experimented with e-cigarettes and recklessly brought them into boarding. Students who supply or take part in vaping or smoking at MSB will be suspended immediately. Students who bring illegal substances to the College will be dealt with by our local law enforcement officers. We have recently had our local Senior Sergeant speak to all boarders about their responsibility to behave in a safe and responsible manner whilst in the boarding environment. 

Many people believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking and that it may be a way to assist them to quit smoking. Here are some important statistics to reflect upon: 

Vaping is unsafe and potentially dangerous. While the long-term health effects are still relatively unknown, we do know that vaping in the short-term has been associated with nausea, vomiting, mouth and airway irritation, chest pain and heart palpitations. There is a common misconception that vaping is merely harmless water vapour — in fact, it’s an aerosol made up of tiny toxic particles. While this aerosol might have fewer chemical additives than combustible tobacco products, it still contains and emits many harmful compounds, including:  

• Formaldehyde and Acrolein – causes irreversible lung damage 
• Propylene Glycol – toxic to human cells 
• Nicotine – highly addictive and changes mood and behaviour 

As educators, we are attempting to address vaping as part of a broader social, health and drug education context. Boarding staff continually speak to young people about the dangers of vaping and encourage boarders who are addicted to smoking to seek help from the wellbeing team, including our college nurse and visiting doctors.  

Tips for talking with your young person: 

• It’s crucial to be patient, avoid criticism and be open and honest when confronting young people about vaping. There should be an emphasis on easy discussion and mutual receptivity in a safe, caring and understanding space.  
• Stick with the facts, steer clear of overreaction and keep the emotion out of it. A good method is to assist young people to make their own informed decisions around the issue. 
• Emphasise the way in which the tobacco industry covertly manipulates them through glossy imagery and savvy marketing.  
• If nicotine addiction is involved, work with them in an open and honest healing space and build rapport to start getting them the help they need.  
• Above all, always deal with the facts, make sure to underline the health issues and demonstrate authentic care in a non-judgmental setting. “Lung Foundation Australia” 

Scott Whitters - Deputy Principal Residential

Deputy Principal Curriculum & Admin

Assessment Calendars have been emailed out to parents and students, if you have questions, please email the subject teacher directly.

Mount St Bernard College Semester 2 report cards will be uploaded to the parent portal at the end of Week 10 or very early in the school holidays. Uploading report cards to the parent portal ensures that you receive report cards in a timely manner, reduce our environmental footprint and reduce our postage costs.

Parent Portal is a secure one-stop shop for parents/guardians to access information about school events, announcements, forms, policies, report cards, school contact details etc. If you are having trouble registering, we are here to help. If your contact details have changed (email/phone etc) please email msb.office@cns.catholic.edu.au and your information can be updated.

For those parents who wish to receive a hard copy, please email msb.office@cns.catholic.edu.au, and a hard copy report will be posted to you. Report cards are also uploaded to the parent portal for each student. If you’ve forgotten how to access the parent portal, the following links may be useful: 

1. How to – Create a Parent Portal Login
2. Logging in for the first time
3. MSB Parent Portal Invitation (refer attached)
   

Kieran Ryan - Deputy Principal Curriculum & Administration

Assistant Principal Mission

This Sunday, 28 May, the liturgical season of Easter comes to an end as the Church celebrates Pentecost. We remember when, as Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, giving them the strength to continue His work on Earth. This is often considered the Church’s birthday because so many people were inspired by the apostles’ preaching that they were baptised and joined this new movement that eventually became Christianity.  

What would a birthday be without gifts?  The Holy Spirit gives us these gifts: Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement, Courage, Knowledge, Wonder and Awe, and Reverence. It is up to us to use them to spread the Good News and make the world a better place just as Jesus’ first followers did.  

Come Spirit of Wisdom, fill our hearts with your treasure that we may seek you in all things. 

Come Spirit of Understanding, gift us with deep inner knowing that we may live with integrity. 

Come Spirit of Right Judgement, guide us with light and truth that we may discern your ways. 

Come Spirit of Courage, free us from fear and doubt that we may act justly. 

Come Spirit of Knowledge, enlighten our hearts and minds that we may boldly speak your truth. 

Come Spirit of Reverence, quieten our restless lives that we may hear your voice. 

Come Spirit of Wonder, alert us to your presence that we may join in creation’s praise. 

AMEN 

It was a privilege to support the MSB Mountain Goats as they completed the Great Wheelbarrow Race – 140 kilometres from Mareeba to Chillagoe – in a time of 9 hours, 24 minutes and 47 seconds!   

We raised money and awareness for Mission Australia whose theme this year is: Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move. Our runners certainly had their hearts on fire and their feet on the move as they demonstrated incredible grit and determination to reach the end. Even more impressive was their attitude throughout the entire three days: they got up each morning with smiles on their faces; treated everyone with kindness and respect; helped and encouraged each other and even enthusiastically cheered the other teams as they crossed the finish line!  

Congratulations to our runners Sinevah Mari, Satayha Stephen, Shandrella Pilot, Megan Trezise, Harry Waters, Kura Joseph, Reem Sam, Jack Jonsson, Harry Waters, Taj Cathro, Oliver Brewster, Maria McGinnity; our bus driver Jenny Rossiter and Hillary O’Brien for logistics and organisational support. Thank you to Levi Seres-Fox for the banner, Traylea Sexton for T-shirt design, the MSB kitchen staff, Kerri Winslett and the Hospitality students.  Everyone had an amazing experience - Bring on 2024! 

2023 Wheelbarrow Race

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On Friday afternoon 2 June, MSB will be commemorating National Reconciliation Week which runs from May 27 to June 3 each year. This is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme is: Be a Voice for Generations. During our celebrations we will hear the voices of the traditional custodians of the land on which our college stands, the Jirrbal nation, as well as the voices of our First Nations students. Everyone will be invited to physically walk together as a symbol of our desire for reconciliation. 

Friday 9 June is Mercy Day at MSB! This day will celebrate our heritage and the links we have with the Sisters of Mercy and their founder Venerable Catherine McAuley. We will begin with a College Mass in the chapel at 12 Noon followed by shared lunch in the dining room.  After lunch, students will complete a series of activities along our Mercy Trail. Activities will include walking the labyrinth and touring our museum with the opportunity to hear stories about the history of MSB from the Sisters of Mercy themselves.  

May God’s Mercy continue to shine upon us all! 

Janet Wigan - Assistant Principal Mission  

Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Positive Rewards  

As we enter the last part of the term our school wide focus is on students being ‘Responsible’ and getting to classes on time. It is so exciting to see our students really step up and collect their rewards for being responsible and being in classes on time. I have been so impressed with the take up of our student diaries. We had our first students reach 125 points this week! Congratulations Mataias and Javia!  

Support Programs from our Wellbeing Team 

Here at MSB our Wellbeing Team offer many different supports for our students. This term Michelle Davies – Griffith has been running Seasons of Growth and Skills streaming sessions. Seasons of Growth is a program designed to help our  adolescents to work through grief and loss. The program is run in small groups over an 8-week timeframe and has been received positively by all participants.  

Students in the Skills Streaming sessions receive tailored assistance depending on their needs. This program assists young people to help develop social skills, managing emotions and feelings, skills alternative to aggression, skills to deal with stress as well as planning skills. This course has also been well received by students.  

Our Indigenous Liaison Officer, Kenny O'Brien and our Wellbeing Officer, Michelle Davies- Griffith will participate in the Rock and Water Professional Development to implement this program through our college. This program comes highly recommended to us. The Rock and Water program is an experience that provides young people and adults a pathway to self-awareness, and increased self-confidence and social functioning.  

Nikki Symons - Acting Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Junior Years 7 - 9

Our focus for the next few weeks is being on time to class and staying in those classes. It has been great to see so many students come to collect their rewards for earning points for being on time to class and showing respect. We have some students who have just reached 100 points!  

We are also focusing on showing kindness to others. Most of the junior classes participated in a kindness session during SEL last week and pledged to use kind words to each other.  

GPB students have just started a challenge which will give them VIP access to facilities and the ‘lunch line’. Students in these classes will get points when they arrive on time and complete all of their work respectfully. We will have a first winners next week, when we check out the progress cards. Good luck everyone.  

Upcoming events

Year 7 students have settled in nicely to high school and we will be celebrating our 80 days and 100 days at school this semester. Students have put in suggestions on how they would like to celebrate this occasion.

Year 8 parents please check your emails as the parent slip has been sent home for Year 8 Camp. We are going to be involved in many fantastic activities! Have a look below at the program for this camp.

The Push Up Challenge starts on the 1^st of June. As a school students will complete over 3114 over the next 24 days to promote mental health.

Kieren Waugh - Junior Years 7 - 9 Middle Leader

Senior Years 10 -12

Our Senior Students are setting a great example and being strong role models for our junior students with a marked improvement in attendance. Congratulations to the following four students who have won gift vouchers for having 100% attendance so far this term: Nathanial Ghee, Limferd Lui, Tash Webb and Franklyn Hilla.  

I had the privilege of visiting our Year 10’s on their Expedition in week 5 and was happy to see their smiles as they ‘finally [saw] another face’. They had an amazing experience, albeit hard work, chanting with each other through the bush, appreciating the nature and helping each other through.  

The Year 11’s completed their first aid training this week; this consisted of a full day practical instruction and assessment. Students learned how to give emergency first aid such as CPR and snake bite dressings. Students got stuck in, even when it was tough and learned valuable lifesaving skills. 

For the Year 12’s we are approaching assessment time, please refer to the assessment calendar for dates and descriptions. This is a reminder that these assessments go towards their final mark for their ATAR and/or QCE. If students would like extra support in this time, they are welcome to Senior Study on a Wednesday, 3:15 - 4:15pm in Library 1.  

I would like to end by congratulating the following senior students for being accepted into the Young Indigenous Women in STEM Academy: Makala Harries-Spinnler, Satayha Stephen and Nayita Joseph! These students will receive addition support and experiences from CSIRO to work towards a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields. Congratulations to these impressive students for their continued hard work! 

Nikki Chambers - Senior Years 10 -12 Acting Middle Leader

Residential

Visiting the Islands 

Week 4 Mr Kieran Ryan and I travelled to some of your home communities in the Torres Strait to meet with current and new families. 

We visited Boigu, Badu, Coconut, Darnley, Thursday Island and Horn Islands. 

It was a busy time, but most enjoyable as we had the opportunity to connect with families about their young person at our college. We spoke about current progress in both the day school and in boarding, including the latest school reports.  We explained the importance of the Parent Portal and that you can access this for your child’s school reports as soon as they are loaded onto the system. 

It was also a great opportunity for us to discuss future events coming up in the College calendar including our NAIDOC celebrations.  There is always a lot of excitement around this celebration and rightly so. 

Boigu Island was our first stop and although being extremely wet, we waded through the puddles and mud to the council office where we met new and current family members. It was a good opportunity to yarn with passers-by and chat about MSB. Thank you, Evelyn, for your help whilst on the island. 

Badu was our next stop where we were met by our TSI Committee member Pauline who took us to the beautiful art centre to sit amongst the amazing artwork while chatting to families.  We had a lovely visit from an ex-student from my early years at MSB.  We reminisced about the old times and chatted about the changes since she was here. 

Coconut Island was next and what a gorgeous community it was.  From the picturesque scenery to the friendly and welcoming locals, we were greeted by Tina with open arms.  As we arrived a little late to the island, Tina and the locals had put on a delicious spread for us for dinner and the community came from far and wide to meet us.  That evening when it got dark Kieran and I went down to the pier with a couple of young ladies to show us the way.  We watched the reef sharks and many fish swimming around the pier for what seemed like an hour. The next morning, I went for a walk right around the island.  Although it is only a small island, there was so much to see. I enjoyed taking photos and seeing the sights. 

Darnley Island was next on the agenda, and we were greeted by our lovely Kiwat family who took us into the town centre where we sat and yarned most of the day with many families.  It was lovely to see so many people come out to chat to us.  We were then taken on a tour of the island, stopping at the art gallery for a look, then Fred showed us the boats the locals make for their annual boat race, we then drove up to the top of the island to the spectacular view, almost a 360-degree view.  What a view! 

On each island we had one of our Consultative Committee members helping with a space to sit, letting the community know of our arrival and driving us to and from the many airports.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your hospitality and for welcoming us to your island community.  It was an absolute pleasure to have had this opportunity to visit the Torres Strait Islands and gain some insight into our student’s homes, how far they travel to get to and from school and the importance of community connections.  This is one trip I will never forget. 

Term 2 Community Visit TSI

NAIDOC Travel 

Families come from near and far to celebrate with us and experience an MSB NAIDOC.  We welcome anyone who would like to travel to do so.   

If you require Abstudy travel for this, please email sfrost@cns.catholic.edu.au or phone 40961504. Please provide the names, date of birth and phone contact numbers for each person you would like to travel.  

Please note Abstudy allow up to 3 people per student to travel for NAIDOC.  

We are hoping Abstudy will approve travel bookings to arrive Wednesday 30th August and to depart for home on Monday 4th September.  If approved, you will stay in Abstudy accommodation on the Tablelands, then on Thursday afternoon after NAIDOC you will be transported to Cairns where you can also take your student (with a leave form completed before departure) and have a long weekendin Cairns (Friday is an MSB student free day).  Students will then be picked up at 3pm from Cairns Central McLeod St and families will be flown back home on the Monday. 

All travel requests are due by 12th June 2023 to avoid disappointment. 

Sonya Frost - Residential Administrator 

Transition Support

QATSIF Scholarship ROUND 15 NOW OPEN 

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 10 and Year 11 students 

Form must be fully completed and returned to your school ASAP before the closing date – Monday 21 August 2023.   

Student Eligibility Criteria  

• A person of Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander descent who identifies as an Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander person 
• Is an Australian citizen and resident of Queensland.  
• Is enrolled at this school  
• Confirmation of Aboriginality 

• Intends to undertake and complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) 
• Has current school attendance of 85% or more.  
•  Currently achieving A-C in English and a C or higher in every current grade subject  
• Demonstrates effort and behaviour of a C or above.  
• Participates in school activities which enhance their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural identity.  

• Demonstrates willingness to fully participate in the life of the school and be a worthy role model of behaviour  

 For further information please contact  Andrea Gower or  Kenny O’Brien Ph : 4096 1595 or 4096 1596  

Andrea Gower - Transition Support 

Library

As we reach the halfway point in term two it is a great time to reflect on the impact that the library has on the students and staff here at MSB. Each term the library works to collaborate with classroom teachers to help resource the curriculum and support the diverse learning needs of students in the classroom. As well as this, the library regularly recommends wide reading novels to junior and senior English classes for use in the classroom and beyond developing a reading culture for today and tomorrow. Another of the many roles that the library plays is offering a safe space for students to read, reflect, play board games, computer games and puzzles, recess and lunch are often humming with activity and friendly chatter as students engage with each other in this safe space.  

This term MSB have two teams ferociously reading in preparation for the 2023 Reader’s Cup Competition. The Year 7 & 8 team consisting of: Cooper Jones, Lacey Wyatt and Kiri Tucker are attempting to read a huge 5 novels before the competition on June 7th. Having more time on their hands, the Year 9 & 10 team comprising of: Meenakshi Reber, Clementine Barker, Melinda Burns and Crystal Linnell have until August 2nd to complete their 4 novels. We wish all members happy reading and good luck for their competitions.  

An update on the Library Art Competition! We have our first winner: Mikayla Everett with her dragon in watercolour for the Fantasy genre. Entries are still open for the remaining genres and all students are encouraged to enter! 

Early this term MSB received an incredible book donation from the University of Cambridge and The University of Sydney; Recording Kaston is Alfred Haddon’s journals from the Torres Straight and New Guinea, 1888 and 1898, edited by Anita Herle and Jude Philp. This is a valuable addition to our comprehensive First Nations collection as it includes precious sketches and complete journals capturing culture and life in the Torres Straight and New Guinea at this point in history.  

Rachel Nelson - Teacher Librarian

English & Humanities

Students have been hard at work in English and Humanities with all our classes highly engaged and interested in our current units. Teachers too have been working hard to create new units aligned with the new Australian Curriculum v9.0, and we have loved coming up with ideas for exciting texts and concepts to share with our students. Year 9 English are loving studying the novel The Hunger Games, while Year 8 are discovering the power of poetry. Here are some snapshots of student learning.  

10A Humanities 

Year 10 A Humanities’ students have been surprised to hear about some of the injustices of Australia’s recent past while studying this term’s topic “Rights and Freedoms”. They have been focussing on the Australian Civil Rights Movement and how it was influenced by events in other countries like South Africa and the USA. 

“Prior to the advent of television, people mostly only knew about things happening in their own country. They were not able to see how other countries treated their people. 

 After television came to Australia, people could see how different countries lived their day to day lives, and how citizens were treated. 

 This caused them to become aware of the Freedom Rides and other protests, which sparked many acts of civil disobedience and protests for Indigenous rights in Australia.” Hayden Cairns Year 10A 

 “The quote I have chosen is, "I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it." This quote was written by Voltaire, a writer to the 18th century. I think this quote speaks for itself. That one is entitled to have an opinion on whatever topic it may be. 

This quote is relevant to Rights and Freedoms because it links to the Declaration of Human Rights Number 19 - Freedom of Expression. An example of this quote in real life is, that when speaking to a group of people your opinion on an idea should be considered, like brainstorming in a class group.” Thomas Cannan Year 10A 

10C English 

English students from 10C have been studying a documentary on the greatest basketball team of all times, the 1990's Chicago Bulls, and their legendary point guard, Michael Jordan. Students have analysed the dynamics of this team, and found out how each player had something different to offer for the greater good of the team. Students reflected on how they can use their individual skills for groups they are part of and how to be resilient like the Chicago Bulls. To finish the unit of work off, students are preparing a PowerPoint presentation giving an informed opinion on whether there is another NBA player as great as Michael Jordan was, or if he is truly the greatest of all time. 

7B English 

7B English has been doing an amazing job learning about graphic novels. As a class, we are reading 'Baba Yaga's Assistant', a wonderful story, based on a Russian folktale, about a witch who eats naughty children, and the young girl who seeks to be the witch's assistant. There has been a lot of robust class discussion about the types of panel, how colour is used to create meaning, and how the text - captions and speech - reveal information about the characters. Moving forward, 7B will finish the novel, read the original folktale and do some writing about the features and techniques used in the novel. Great work 7B. Well done, Ms Olivia is proud of you.  

Sarah Riber - English & Humanities Middle Leader

Science

Science has been incredible this term! Students are studying really interesting subjects and getting so much time in the lab to conduct exciting experiments. 

The Year 7 students have been learning how to classify organisms based on certain characteristics while Year 8 students have been uncovering the secrets of the Earth by exploring how rocks have been formed over millions of years. 

Year 9 students have been dissecting different organs as part of their unit of study while Year 10 students are studying how energy can be transferred from one from to another. 

Senior Science students are conducting experiments that they will modify for their assessment task. Biology students have been looking at the effect of enzymes and algae growth. 

We are really proud of how students conduct themselves during a lab lesson. It has been wonderful to see how everyone works together as a team to safely complete practicals. Keep up the good work everyone! 

Kieren Waugh - Science Teacher

Term 2 Science 2023

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Health & Physical Education

Year 10 Expedition! 

What a time! Tuesday – Friday of Week 5 saw the intrepid Year 10 cohort adventure forth to canoe, abseil and hike in the Lake Tinaroo area for their last expedition at MSB.  

Students headed off bright and early on the Tuesday morning, loaded with heavy packs filled with tarps, ground sheet, spare clothes, and enough food for 4 days and 3 nights. The boys started by hiking through the Danbulla State Forest, hiking up Black Mountain (~312m altitude). It was an epic climb. Bush bashing at times to find the path, crawling on hands and feet at the steepest sections. But, as with all difficult assents, the view from the top was worth it. They camped by the serene Tinaroo Creek, cooking by campfire, gazing at the stars, and sharing stories. The next three days saw them continue to hike with their packs – up and down, up and down camping each night by a different waterhole.  

The girls started the way the boys finished – by canoeing across Lake Tinaroo to their first campsite. That afternoon saw the girls test their limits by abseiling down Platypus Rock. Some found this easy, others really had to push themselves to take that step over the wall. The first night saw the girls cooking by an epic feast by campfire, ready to retire early after their first big day out. The next morning had them up and out on the lake canoeing to where they too would begin hiking up Black Mountain. They camped at the same spot as the boys, only a day afterward.  

The lucky teachers, Ryan Mawdsley, Nathan Unwin, Sarah Riber and Olivia Brewster, who accompanied the students, would like to thank them for their perseverance and determination to keep going, and hope that they remember how hard work gets you places – even up mountains.  Well done to all.  

Year 10 Expedition 2023

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District Cross Country 

On Wednesday of Week 3 this term our Mount St Bernard College Cross Country Team competed at the District Cross Country Carnival at Tinaburra.  All students did their best and some finished with placings earning them a position in the District Cross Country team to compete against the entire region on Tuesday 16 May. Well done on your fantastic efforts Oscar Wosomo, Keziah Warria, Taj Cathro & Kaiden Douglas. 

State Rugby League 

Congratulations to Pensio Gela who competed at the State Rugby League Championship last week.  The Peninsula team performed well and Pensio was named player of the match for their game against the Sunshine Coast.  Building friendships and making memories that will last a lifetime. 

Andrea Goetze - Health & Physical Education Middle Leader

The Arts

Visual Art  

We are starting to see some fantastic, resolved artwork coming out of the art room. From ceramics to mask-making, students are really going to end the term with impressive results. Ciara was the first to finish her mask - Millianna can be seen modelling it. Ernestine, Mary, Nayita and Meena have finished their glazed hybrid clay sculptures. Well done! 

Term 2 The Arts 2023

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Music  

Music students from across all year levels worked together to produce an hour’s worth of Music for our concert, MSB’s Got Talent. The concert was held in Mercy Hall in Week 3. The music evening was so successful that the hall was filled to capacity, with community members, family, fellow students and staff thoroughly entertained.  
 
The concert featured solo acts, bands and the MSB Drumming Group performing cover songs, original and improvised music. A special thanks to Mr Tobias, Mr McKenna and Ms Kerry for their hard work making the night run smoothly. 
 

2023 MSB's Got Talent Term 2

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Media Arts  

Year 7 Media students have been learning about design in a digital world. This week students used their knowledge of visual arts and applied it to SketchBook on iPads using digital styluses to create their own NAIDOC posters for this year's theme "For our Elders". 

Yerar 9 Media students are creating styrofoam Disney Princesses to develop an understanding of how cartoon are constructed.

Traylea Sexton - The Arts Middle Leader

Diversity

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

This term the Diversity, Leadership and Teaching Teams are working to finalise our Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) on students with a disability. Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to disability. This help allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without a disability. The definition of disability for the NCCD is based on the broad definition under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. The following students are examples of those who may be included in the NCCD if they need monitoring and adjustments: 

• students with learning difficulties (such as dyslexia)
• students with chronic health conditions (such as epilepsy or diabetes)

Please see the fact sheet below for more information about the NCCD and how this may support your child at MSB.

Leah Whiting - Diversity Middle Leader

Careers

Career Exploration

As we move toward mid-year, now is a great time for students to explore the many future career pathways available.

Skillsroad - https://skillsroad.com.au/ a career exploration website and has many activities that can help you get started on your career exploration. They include:

• Career quiz – The Career Quiz is a self-assessment tool that will help identify key personal skillsets and helps you understand your work values in order to help you find careers that are best for you.
• Careers – Learn about the career planning journey, explore industries and workspaces and discover careers you may never have considered to help you determine your career goals.
• Job fit test - Find out how ready you are for a specific career. We will ask you some specific questions about the careers you are interested in and we will tell you what you need to do to get started. 

• Jobs - Search for and apply for jobs to help you on your career journey. The site also provides a resume template, training workbooks, career advice and more. Check it out!

Career exploration at home
To continue your career exploration at home, myfuture has a list of resources for parents and students. They
provide links to websites, activity sheets, videos and more. Check them out here:

https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-others/career-exploration-at-home

Career Spotlight – Healthcare is everywhere!
Healthcare is Everywhere is an interactive online ‘activity’ that will help increase your awareness and knowledge of the healthcare system. It highlights the variety of career opportunities within the health industry. You can zoom in, scroll around and explore a hypothetical city and rural community, discover the range of health services, career opportunities and what they do at work. It's easy to use because all you need to do is click on the red markers to find out what health care jobs are located in that workplace. Give it a go! gateway2health animation

Melissa Tresidder - Project Officer - Transition

Business and Technologies

I am excited to share the happenings in the Business and Technologies faculty this term. Our mission remains focused on sharing knowledge, tools, and techniques with our students to empower them with the skills they need to enrich their lives with technology.

Excursions provide exciting, memorable opportunities in this very practical learning area, and links to industry are explored whenever possible.

Our learning experiences aim to foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Let's explore the developments that have taken place recently:

Mareeba Field Day excursions:

Year 9 Food and Fibre students went to the Rotary FNQ Field Days event; a 3-day celebration of agriculture where a range of local, national, and international businesses and organisations showcase their trades and products.

Students saw firsthand the range of industries related to food and fibre manufacture and investigate the emerging technologies and sustainable practices that are shaping our world today.

Blue Spaces videography:

Senior ICT Applied students have been out and about on the Tablelands and surrounding coast filming for their Blue Spaces video documentary.  Blue Spaces research shows that being by water can improve mental health and wellbeing; students showcase Blue Spaces in our local area.

Empowering Student Creativity through computational skills:

In our increasingly digital world, coding is an essential skill that unlocks a world of possibilities. We offer opportunities for students to create their own interactive games, 3D models, and web apps. Through coding and software skill development, students develop problem-solving abilities, computational thinking, and the confidence to pursue future careers in technology.

Senior Business:

We are excited to welcome Ms Debby Small into our faculty as our new senior Business teacher.  Ms Small and the 11-12 Business class are working with the NAIDOC committee this year to help organise and run the many stalls that will be at our NAIDOC celebrations in August.

Design Technologies:

Students are producing designed solutions in a range of specialisations across the faculty.  Have a look at the photos below to see what our students have been up to.

Saffron Belkesa-Wood - Technologies & Business Middle Leader

Communications & Community Engagement

MSB School Photos

All purchased student photo packages were mailed to families and carers, week 4. 

Special group photos are available to purchase - These are College Captains, College Captains with Principal, Mercy Captain, Mercy Captain with Principal, Year 12 group photo in front of Convent and Year 12 Fun/Muck Up photo in front of Convent.

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

• These group photos can only be purchased online, PLEASE DO NOT return payment to the College

• Photos will be returned to the College for distribution approximately six weeks from ordering.

If you still wish to purchase individual photo packages visit www.advancedlife.com.au entering the code: 9A4 VCJ 9QY and clicking on “Order Photos”

Please email dbooth@cns.catholic.edu.au if you have any queries.

Student Success and Community Activities

Parent and Carers please email details of any events or activities your child is involved in outside of the College, alternatively you may have seen an article on Social media I could share with our Community.

We want to celebrate their achievements in extracurricular activities and hobbies. This encourages us all to get involved in local events, helping build a diverse community to support their development.

Please email dbooth@cns.catholic.edu.au if you have any queries or PH: 4096 1484

Deborah Booth - Communications & Community Engagement

DISCO

All students are invited to attend our College Disco 

Where: MSB Mercy Hall

When: Friday 2 June 7pm - 9.00pm

What to bring: Reggae theme dress, gold coin donation on entry plus money for snacks & drinks.

Staff Supervision: Teachers and boarding supervisors will be on site in Mercy Hall. All students will remain in Mercy Hall.

Parent drop off & pickup requirements: All day student parents/carers are requested to contact the College prior to the event to advise of their child's attendance - email msb.office@cns.catholic.edu.au or call Hillary O'Brien on 40961485. 

Information required: Name of child, person collecting student and their mobile number. Students will only be released into the care of an approved adult.

Parents/carers must collect their children from Mercy Hall by 9.00pm. Students won't be able to leave the venue for pickup on the main road.

State Of Origin Free Dress Day

State of Origin Free Dress Day is on next Wednesday 31st May

Gold Coin Donation - collected in Homeform 

Please wear Blue or Maroon tops, jumpers, scarfs, beanies in a respectful manner.

Students must wear normal school shorts or long pants and school shoes.

Community News

National Reconciliation Week 27 May - June 3 | Reconciliation Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. MSB will acknowledge Reconciliation Week with a events throughout the week. 

SORRY DAY PRAYER | Lord, open up our hearts so that we may hear the message you teach of a world in which the wrongs of the past are recognised - a world in which a reconciled people walk and talk together sharing stories; a world in which all burn with the desire to have your peace and justice reign. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen

Mabo Day 

Mabo Day is marked annually on 3 June. It commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or 'land belonging to no-one. Eddie Koiki Mabo has been rightfully recognised for his landmark work. The 2023 Reconciliation Week theme is BE A VOICE FOR GENERATIONS. The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all. Let's continue to encourage our youth to hace a voice to encourage change in good works like Eddie Mabo.

Follow the link for information from the National Film and Sound Archive 

https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/mabo

Painting by previous MSB student Doriah Tamu

MSB Calendar - Upcoming Events

May

Fri 26 May - National Sorry Day

Sat 27 May - 1967 Referendum Day - The 1967 Referendum was a landmark achievement following decades of activism by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people, where more than 90 percent of Australians voted in favour of amending two sections of the Australian Constitution.

Sat 27 - Sun 28 May - Exeat (Free) Weekend

Wed 31 May - State Of Origin Free Dress Day - Gold Coin Donation

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK - 27 May - 3 June 

June

Thurs 1 - Fri 2 June - Year 11 Geography Excursion - Fitzroy Island

Fri 2 June - National Reconciliation Week Celebration @ MSB

               - MSB Disco 7 - 9pm in Mercy Hall 

Sat 3 June - Mabo Day

Mon 5 June - Years 7 & 8 Food Technology & Design - Excursion Malanda Dairy Centre & Mungalli Dairy

Fri 9 June - Mercy Day Mass, Lunch & Activities @ MSB

Tues 13 June - Year 9 Science Excursion - Cairns Aquarium

Wed 14 - Fri 16 June - Year 8 Camp - Echo Creek

Fri 16 June - MSB'S Got Talent - End of Term 2 Celebration Concert - Mercy Hall 5pm - 6.30pm

Thurs 22 June - MSB Athletics Carnival

                      -  Term 2 ends @ 3pm

Fri 23 June - Boarders Travel Day home