Mount St Bernard College eNewsletter

Principal

Dear Parents, Students, Staff and community members,

As we find ourselves in the final term of the year, it's the perfect time to draw inspiration from the wisdom of our founder, Catherine McAuley. Her enduring values continue to guide us, reminding us of the importance of faith, compassion, and perseverance. This wisdom is particularly relevant as we approach the culmination of the academic year.

Catherine McAuley once said, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." These words serve as a poignant reminder that even in the midst of the academic hustle and bustle, we should never lose sight of the values that define us. Kindness, empathy, compassion, respect and supporting one another are virtues that we should continue to uphold throughout this term.

As the Year 12 students prepare for their graduation events and final exams, the application of this wisdom becomes even more significant. The acts of kindness and support we extend to our Year 12s during this challenging period can make a world of difference as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Year 12 Graduation Preparations:

Our Year 12 students have been diligently preparing for the upcoming graduation events, a significant milestone in their educational journey. The formal preparation and dance practice the Year 12s have undertaken are not just about learning the steps of a dance; they represent the dedication and teamwork required to succeed in any endeavour. The skills they acquire during these preparations, such as effective time management, perseverance, and the ability to work as a team, are qualities that will serve them well in the future.

Year 12 ATAR Students Commencement of Formal Exams and Final Assessments:

For our Year 12 students undertaking the ATAR Program, this term marks the commencement of formal exams and the finalisation of their assessments and our Applied Learning Students are finalising assessment tasks and completing their Certificate Courses. This is a period of hard work and dedication as they prepare to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they've acquired over the years. It's a time to apply the lessons learned from their entire educational journey and showcase their abilities.

We ask that the entire school community rally behind our Year 12 students, providing them with the support and encouragement they need during this challenging time. Let's remember Catherine McAuley's wisdom and show them that every small act of kindness, whether it's a word of encouragement, a gesture of support, or a helping hand, can make a significant impact.

Jacaranda Festival, Herberton:

The annual Herberton Jacaranda Festival is a time when our charming town comes alive with the vibrant hues of purple, as Jacaranda trees bloom and create a picturesque backdrop for our community gathering. It is a celebration of the beauty of our local environment and, equally importantly, a showcase of our vibrant school community's talents, creativity, and unity.

One of the highlights of the Herberton Jacaranda Festival is the outstanding performances by our students. Thanks to Yindali, Rotannah, Ashton, Bailey, Meshach and Alvin for sharing your musical skills with the Herberton Community, it was a highlight of the day. These young artists, guided by Tobias Moldenhauer, have been putting in hours of practice and preparation to ensure that their performances are nothing short of spectacular. Their passion, commitment, and talent shine brightly, leaving an indelible mark on the festival's attendees. We, as a community, are privileged to witness their growth and artistic development.

The school community actively participates in the Herberton Jacaranda Festival with a school stall that adds a special touch to the event. The school stall is not just about showcasing our talents; it's also about bringing us together as a community. It was an opportunity to bond, collaborate, and contribute to the festival's vibrant atmosphere.

Jacaranda Festival Oct 2023

We have been very fortunate to have received two NIAA Grants in 2023. One to support us with the development and resources required for our annual NAIDOC Day Celebrations and the other grant to support us with programs we could implement for First Nations Boarding Students. I’d like to personally acknowledge NIAA for their support. The National NAIDOC Week Activities were funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency. This funding enabled us to implement an incredible celebration of our First Nations Cultures and with just under 700 participants on the day, the financial support NIAA provided enabled the College to offer seating, shade, stalls, staging, sound equipment, sand art, a dance circle, instruments and traditional attire on the day. I’d also like to thank NIAA for their support with the First Nations Boarder grant, this funding has enabled the College to employ additional school Counsellors, Wellbeing Officers, an Indigenous Liaison Officer and Pastoral Care Officers in Boarding. We were able to extend our staff team who visited the Torres Strait Communities and we introduced a visit to the Cape and Gulf communities. We were also able to support First Nations Boarding students with work experience placements.

The funding provided by NIAA has not only financially supported the College this year but we have been able to provide additional support to assist our students to manage their commitment to schooling outside their home communities. We look forward to continuing our relationship with NIAA in the future.

Catholic Education, Diocese of Cairns support and development of Senior Leaders:

Catholic Education, Diocese of Cairns (CEDC) supports ongoing professional development and performance review of their Senior Leaders. I will soon participate in a performance review process so I can reflect on how I perform my role and plan for ongoing development and growth. 

Randomly selected staff and parents/carers will be invited to complete a confidential and anonymous survey. If you are selected, you will receive an email from Effective Governance, (eG) who manage the survey, which will contain the link to their online questionnaire.

If you receive an invitation to participate, please take this opportunity to do so. The surveys are user friendly and easy to navigate. You can stop and restart the survey at any time, and you will receive a copy of your answers via email following completion. This is a highly confidential survey and will be launched on Monday 23 October and will close  Monday 6 November.

Narelle Hunt - Principal

Deputy Principal Curriculum & Admin

Dear Parents/Legal Guardians,

Changes in end of semester reporting

We would like to bring to your attention some important updates regarding end of semester reporting.

What are reporting requirements?

The Australian Government requires all schools to provide parents with feedback on their child’s academic progress and achievement twice per year using a five-point scale.

What is current practice?

Mount St Bernard College provides mid semester progress reports as well as end of semester reports, using a five-point scale (A-E) and subject comments. These reports are uploaded to the Parent Portal.

What are the upcoming changes?

To align with other schooling sectors, end of semester reports will continue to use the five-point scale to indicate achievement and a general comment however there will be no subject comments.

How do I access more information regarding my child’s learning?

Mount St Bernard College continues to provide feedback on students’ learning throughout the semester via progress reports at the end of term 1 and term 3. To complement this information, Parent-Teacher interviews are also held twice per year in term 2 and term 4. If you would like more information regarding your child’s progress, please contact the school to make an appointment with your child’s class or subject teacher.

We are committed to enhancing the overall reporting experience and providing you with clear and meaningful insights into your child's academic journey. We appreciate working with you in partnership in your child's education and will continue to keep you updated on these important developments. Please direct any questions to Mr Kieran Ryan, Deputy Principal – Curriculum and Administration via email at kryan4@cns.catholic.edu.au or via phone on 07 - 4096 1444.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Yours sincerely

Mr Kieran Ryan - Deputy Principal – Curriculum and Administration

Acting Deputy Principal Residential

Residential News

We have had a successful start to term 4 with our boarders settling back well into their school lives at Bernards and Morrisey. Some parents escorted students back to the college whilst others dropped off their children and left. We acknowledge the important role you play in enhancing your child’s education by having them attend as many days as possible. Every day counts.

This term we have introduced a reading and maths program into the junior girl’s dorm. Students work on Maths for 20 minutes then change to reading for 20 minutes using the Renaissance reading program. Each week their maths work booklets are collected to determine if there are any gaps in the student’s mathematical knowledge then adjustments are made to fill these gaps. The girls like this program and most are making solid progress.

Over the past 4 weeks we have had lots of Sorry Business. If you have Sorry Business, please contact Aunty Lorraine Muckan so that we can support the students as best as possible. If the students need to return home, then we will need a letter from the council or the health centre to support the travel through Abstudy. We ask that you keep the days away from school as small as possible as too long away can impact learning.

Our students come under a lot of pressure from their peers. One such pressure is the pressure to vape. We do our best to stop vapes from entering our residences. We have given amnesties to hand in vapes without getting into trouble. Sometimes, when we receive reports, we search for vapes within the rooms of students. We ask that all parents have the same message that vaping is no good for you and they have no place at our College.

Malcolm Fahey - Acting Deputy Principal Residential

My name is Damian Riesenweber. Prior to working at Mount St Bernard College I was a Police Officer in the NT for 18 years and spent 13 years working in various locations throughout Arnhem land. I moved to the Tablelands with my family about 12 months ago and enjoy working on my property in my spare time. In Term 2 this year I began working as a Boarding Supervisor and have been provided the opportunity to additionally job share the Pastoral Care position in Bernard's, our male residential house.

Hi all, my name is Chris Borrell. My family and I recently moved to the Tablelands from Brisbane to be closer to my wife’s parents while our children are young. I come from a mixed professional background of law, corporate finance and the Not For Profit sector. I am really looking forward to working with the MSB staff and building rapport with the student body in the Residential Pastoral Care role. I love all sports particularly rugby union, albeit a poor performance at the recent World Cup! Please come and say g’day when you see me on campus!

Acting Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are delighted to share the promising beginning of Term 4 with you. Thanks to the dedication of our college's staff and the invaluable support of families like yours, our students have transitioned well into this term. The well-being team is committed to assisting in your child's positive school experience.

During the day, our well-being team provides support through targeted programs designed to address various aspects of your child's development. This term, we are excited to offer programs such as "Seasons for Growth," "Yarning with Jamin," "Good Blokes," and "Assert Yourself." Additionally, we provide a range of after-school opportunities, including a ukulele group, bushwalking adventures, karaoke sessions, cooking classes, and engaging art and craft activities. We will focus on self – regulation techniques that we can use to calm ourselves during times of stress, how to deal with peer pressure in a safe way and how to make responsible choices.

We understand that adolescence can present unique challenges, and our college's well-being team is ready to provide essential support for your child during this crucial phase. Our dedicated team comprises a Transition Support Officer, Indigenous Liaison Officer, Well-being Officers, Guidance Counsellors, Responsible Thinking Room Coordinator, as well as our newly appointed Junior Years 7 - 9 Middle Leader (Acting), Ms. Emma Sheppard, and Senior Years 10 - 12 (Acting), Ms. Doris Cuda.

Your continued support is invaluable, and we express our heartfelt gratitude for it. We eagerly anticipate another term of nurturing and empowering your children, helping them make safe, respectful, and responsible choices, celebrating their achievements, and fostering a strong, supportive community.

Stephen Godfrey - Acting Assistant Principal Wellbeing 

Wellbeing Activities Oct 2023

The College term commenced with a Liturgy in Mercy Chapel, welcoming new students and staff. Presentations were also made for SHEP participants and award winners of the QATSIF Creative Arts Competition. We look forward to a busy a productive term ahead.

Janet Wigan - Assistant Principal Mission

Term 4 Liturgy

Enrol Now for 2024 & 2025

2024 Enrolments

Spaces are filling fast for 2024. If you are intending on applying please do so as soon as possible. If you know of any family or friends who wish to apply please let them know as well.

2025 Enrolment Timeframes

Please submit enrolment applications for 2025 by Term 1, 2024. First round offers of a placement for 2025 will be advised on Friday 10 May, Term 2, 2024.

TO ENROL

Visit: www.msb.qld.edu.au/apply-online-now or phone Enrolment enquiries on (07) 4096 1485
Email: msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au
For a Tour or more information – Phone (07) 4096 1444 or email msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au

Senior Tour & Info Session

We will be holding our Senior Tours & Information session again this year.

Who : Aimed at students in Year 10 going into Year 11 or 12.

When : Monday 13th November

Time : 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Please come along to meet with Principal, Narelle Hunt and staff to tour the College and discuss study options for your child.

Senior Scholarships are available for eligible students.

We look forward to seeing you, please advise Hillary O'Brien of your attendance on Ph: 4096 1485 or

Em: msb.office@cns.catholic.edu.au

2024 Scholarships

Mount St Bernard College has a long tradition of educating children from diverse backgrounds and has established scholarship programs to support students and their families.

We are fortunate to be able to offer a range of Scholarships and Bursaries for entry to Years 7 – 12. Many of these awards have been established due to the generosity of the Sisters of Mercy, Colleen & Frank Sims and Mount St Bernard College.

Scholarships may be full or partial awards towards the cost of tuition.

All scholarships and bursaries are subject to specific terms and conditions. Scholarships will commence in 2024, and, subject to the conditions detailed, the offer letter will generally continue for the duration of the student’s enrolment at Mount St Bernard College until graduation from Year 12.

Please forward completed applications to the Enrolments Officer – msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au

Applications are available on our website at https://www.msb.qld.edu.au/scholarships/

For further information please Ph: 4096 1485

Year 7 2024 Transition Days

Our Transition days are a great way for Year 6 students commencing Seconday school to adjust and familiarise themselves with the College.

We have a great program lined up for both Day and Boarding students.

Wednesday 15 Nov - Boarding students and Parents or Carers arriving for introduction to Boarding and tour of the Tablelands.

Thursday Nov 16 - Day and Boarding students from 9am - 2pm with a Parent Information session in the afternoon from 4pm - 5pm.

We look forward to seeing our 2024 Year 7's and their families. Please ensure you RSVP to Hillary O'Biren on

Ph: 40 961 485 or Em: msb.office@cns.catholic.edu.au

Deborah Booth - Communications & Community Engagement Administrator

2023 SENIORS TOUR & INFO SESSION

Acting Senior Years 10 - 12

Dear Parents and Students,

We want to ensure that Year 12 is a rewarding and successful year for all students. Together, we are working to make this final year of high school a stepping stone to a bright and promising future. Here is the latest news as we approach an important phase in their senior academic journey.

As we draw near to the end of the school academic year, we want to remind you of the importance of staying ENGAGED and making the most of these final weeks. While it's natural to start feeling a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the upcoming break, there are still valuable opportunities and experiences awaiting you.

Final Exams Program: With final exams well underway, our teachers are committed to providing students with the resources and guidance they need to excel. Study sessions and assignment assistance are scheduled for Wednesday afternoons, in the Library from 3:15 – 4:15 to assist students to perform at their best. All Year 12s are reminded that full attendance is required until Friday, 17^th November.

Year 11 Leadership Retreat: We are thrilled to announce the Year 11 Leadership Retreat, an exciting and transformative experience designed to empower our students with valuable leadership skills and personal growth opportunities. This event will take place in Week 5 (November 1, 2, 3) at Genazzano. More details to come.

Leadership and Seniors’ Dinner: On Wednesday, November 8 Leadership will host a Celebration Dinner for Year 12 students. More details to come.

Presentation Evening: Thursday, 9^th November - 6pm in Main Hall. During the upcoming event, we are excited to celebrate our students' achievements and distribute academic awards and acknowledgments to recognise their hard work and dedication throughout the academic year. It promises to be a memorable event.

Graduation Preparations: As the school year progresses, we are making significant strides toward organising an unforgettable graduation ceremony. Our dedicated team is working diligently to ensure that this milestone event is a memorable one. To remember their time at MSB, students are busy creating a MEMORY BOX which will become a keepsake, a wonderful way to cherish and preserve the precious moments, mementos, and keepsakes that have held a special place in their heart while at MSB.

Graduation Liturgy - 11am Mercy Chapel, and the final day of Year 12 will be on Friday, 10^th November.

* Bus Transport from Cairns is available for Presentation Evening & Graduation Liturgy.

* Please RSVP asap if you require this transport Ph: 40 961 444 or EM : msb.office@cns.catholic.edu.au

Formal Preparation: The Year 12 formal is on Saturday, November 11 at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns commencing with arrivals at Casino from 5.30pm and everyone seated by 6.15pm.

Year 12 students must meet at -

WHERE: Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal Car Park on Wharf Street (near the Tree-house Playground)

WHEN:

4:30 pm if you want to take photos with family there.
5:00 pm family to leave and go to Casino (4 min walk)
5:10 pm gather together and get in order of leaving.
5:25 pm first car leaves

As the date for our highly-anticipated formal approaches, we have been busy learning and practising our dance routines ready to impress on the night. A big thank you to Mrs Kylie Akers – Dance Teacher Extraordinaire for volunteering her valuable time to make us look great for the occasion.

Year 10: Have just completed their WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS and are busy rehearsing for the performance of the play, ‘Count Spatula’ scheduled for performance on Thursday, 16^th November.

Support and Communication: If you or your child ever require support or have questions related to Years 10 - 12, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Doris Cuda - Acting Senior Years 10 - 12 Middle Leader

Acting Junior Years 7 - 9

For Years 7, 8 and 9 students in the final term of 2023, we want to emphasise the importance of being respectful, and making safe and responsible decisions. We should be respectful with our words and actions to all members of our communities at both school and home. We also need to remind ourselves to be safe and responsible in our decisions. At school that can mean choosing to wear appropriate footwear, not participating in activities that are dangerous for our health and being responsible about our choices to attend all of our classes. We encourage parents and students to engage in open conversations about safe and responsible choices, be it in their academic, social, or personal lives.

In other news, it was wonderful to see our talented students who performed exceptionally well at the recent Jacaranda Festival. Their hard work and outstanding performances were truly commendable. Congratulations to all our young musicians who showcased their talents and represented MSB with pride! Additionally, as our Year 12 students are wrapping up their time at school, this has created exciting opportunities for our younger grades to learn from their experienced peers. For instance, our Year 12 Religion and Ethics class has engaged with Year 8 students to teach them about spiritual practices like mindful eating and walking meditation. This peer learning not only strengthens our sense of community but also provides valuable learning experiences for our students.

Emma Shepphard - Acting Junior Years 7 - 9 Middle Leader

Library

Launching into Term 4 the library has been a cool and safe space for staff and students to find refuge with some completing the 500-piece holographic Harry Potter Puzzle, while others have been playing giant dominoes. In between this the year 12 students have been hard at work studying for their final exams and assessments.

Continuing with the Library Art Competition, we have another three winners with Meena Riber creating artwork for ‘Triumph’, ‘Romance’ and ‘Science Fiction ‘, Jack Jones for ‘Short Stories’ and Clementine Barker for ‘Poetry.’ The remaining genres for fiction are Animals, Australia, Diaries, Dystopia, Family, Horror, Sport, and War and all students are encouraged to get their entries in as soon as possible. Areas of interest in the Non-Fiction collection are also open for students to create artwork.

In exciting news, new puzzles have been ordered and Grace Hart has kindly loaned the library two beautiful 1000-piece puzzles for us to complete… Challenge accepted! We also have a wide range of brand-new books for our readers including the very readable Enola Holmes set which some may know from the popular Netflix series, and we have added to our collection of the funny and very accessible David Walliams books including ‘Ratburger’ and ‘Gangsta Granny.’

Rachel Nelson - Teacher Librarian

Library Oct 2023

Diversity

Term Four sees us continuing our Macqlit Intervention program for selected students in both Mathematics and English. As well as literacy and numeracy, we have been focusing this term on ‘being the three’. ‘Being the three’ is a positive behaviour system based on Being on Time, Being Respectful and Being Engaged in every lesson. These reflect our College expectations. Students who are consistently demonstrating these values and practices, will be rewarded mid-term and end of term. A number of students have consistently demonstrated these three expectations which has had a significant impact on their learning.

Rachel Brown - Diversity Middle Leader

English & Humanities

Congratulations to our Year 12 English and EAL students who have completed their QCAA external assessment exams. The English exam is usually the first of the exam block, and it was encouraging to see all our students working hard for the duration of the exam and writing substantial essays. This year students studied the novel ‘The Yield’ by Tara June Winch for the first time and enjoyed reading and analysing the award-winning book about First Nations experiences and the importance of language and culture. For most of our ATAR-pathway students this is the first of several exams, including the only Humanities option this year, Modern History. Our Year 11 students are also hard at work practicing for their end-of-term exams. We generally mirror the Year 12 assessment in Year 11 so that students feel prepared for what they will face the following year. Most report that although Year 11 is challenging, they feel that they really know what to do in Year 12 and face the assessment with confidence.

Year 7 and 8 students have been following the new Australian Curriculum v9.0 this year. For English and Humanities this has not involved substantial changes, so most units have remained the same but with changes to assessment criteria so that we can more accurately assess student achievement and development. Students have continued to enjoy the content in English and Humanities, with classes in 8-10 completing several Geography field trips this semester.

As the end of the year approaches, we do standardised testing for literacy and writing so that we can see how students have progressed. We have completed PAT Reading tests for our 7-10 students and will be asking students to do an unaided writing test in the next two weeks. These tests do not count towards student reports but provide useful data for teachers and the school about how individuals and classes are performing and have developed over the year. It was great to see students taking on the challenge of the PAT Reading test in Week 2 and doing their best to answer all the questions. As teachers, we are proud of our students for their resilience and perseverance with these sometimes-challenging tasks. Unaided writing will involve students writing a story in class time and we encourage all students to enjoy the opportunity to be creative and express themselves while showing their teachers what they can accomplish and how they have grown over the year.

Sarah Riber - English & Humanities Middle Leader

Acting Maths & Science

As we head into Term 4, there's a lot happening in the world of Math and Science at our school, and we want to keep you informed about all the exciting developments.

Year 12 Preparation:

This term, we're gearing up for our Year 12 students to take a big step towards their future. Week 4 marks the beginning of Year 12 external exams, where students will showcase their knowledge and hard work. They will also be wrapping up their assignments, demonstrating their dedication to academic excellence.

Senior Study:

Don't forget that Senior Study sessions are held every Wednesday from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm. These sessions provide students with valuable support as they navigate the challenges of their senior years.

Junior Math Classes:

In Math, our junior classes are diving into the world of statistics and probability. The Year 9 students have an exciting project underway where they are designing their very own fairground games, applying mathematical concepts in a fun and creative way.

Earth Science in Focus:

In the Science department, we're all about Earth Science this term! Our students have been exploring the fascinating history of our planet. They've delved into the mysteries of how Earth came to look like it does today, thanks to the movement of tectonic plates and the concept of continental drift. They will also be studying natural disasters like volcanoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes, with thrilling hands-on experiments.

Agriculture Adventures:

It's that time of year again as the temperature rises, and our students are getting ready to care for our gardens. They've been diligently watering and nurturing our garden beds. What's exciting is that we've been using hay from our chicken coop to mulch our garden beds. This not only helps to retain moisture in the ground but also acts as a natural fertilizer. It's a fantastic way to be environmentally conscious while nurturing our beautiful gardens.

Feathered Friends:

Speaking of our chicken coop, students have been busy feeding and watering our chickens. It's heartwarming to see how our students are taking responsibility for caring for our six feathery friends. This hands-on experience teaches them valuable lessons in animal care and responsibility.

We are thrilled to embark on this learning journey with your children. The Math and Science departments are dedicated to providing a stimulating and enriching educational experience. We encourage you to engage with your child about their studies, ask questions, and participate in their learning adventure.

If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to an inspiring and educational Term 4, filled with math, science, and agriculture adventures.

Nikki Chambers - Acting Maths and Science Middle Leader

Agriculture Oct 2023

The Technologies and Business Faculty are well into their units on learning this term. Senior students are finishing off their final projects and preparing for exams.

We wish our Year 12s all the best in their final exams and assessments!

Practical Projects:

Digi Tech:

Junior students create prototype monsters in prep for learning 3D modelling software, this helps them appreciate the skills and techniques that the software tries to replicate. We analyse real examples of character design and creation in TV and movies to help appreciate the planning process., and technology and processes behind the scenes.

Saffron Belkessa-Wood - Digital Technologies Teacher & Senior Studies, Business & Technologies Middle Leader

Digital Technologies Oct 2023

Food Technology

Junior Food Technology students have been continuing their unit in cooking: “Around the World”. Last week they made Turkish pastries including Turkish Gozleme.

Kerry Winslett - Food Technology Teacher

Food Technology Oct 2023

Industrial Technology

Students have been very busy in the workshop this term learning hands on skills. Their projects have been getting better and you can see their satisfaction when they saw a perfect right angle cut. Our year 11 and 12s are putting the finishing touches on their bedside cabinets.

I would like to say a big thank you to our MSB students who are excellent at cleaning up the workshop - a critical skill as a builder. They make a lot of saw dust and off cuts and then they put all their tools away in their right places and clean it all up. So fantastic to see students taking responsibility for the school environment.

It is always great to hear stories from students who have been helping around the house or farm with various projects. So if you are looking for an extra hand building or fixing something up, be sure to ask your kids. We are lucky to have so many capable young builders in our community :)

Nathan Unwin - Industrial Technology Teacher

Industrial Technology Oct 2023

The Arts

2023 Creative Generation Excellence Awards

Meena was nominated for the 2023 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art’s In Residence program. Meena was selected with 20 other students to participate in the program. In 2023, the Department of Education (DoE), supported by the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), will deliver In Residence — a 3-day program for visual art students to enrich their art practice. In Residence will be held from 28 – 30 November 2023 at QAGOMA, providing participants with the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the academic, experimental, collaborative and reflective nature of contemporary visual art and gain an appreciation for the breadth of opportunities in the creative industries. Throughout the 3 days, students will engage with exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), artists, QAGOMA and tertiary partners as they participate in creative making and responding workshops. Congratulations Meena!

STUDENT ART ON AT SNAP

Kasmin, Makala, Mary and Jai have artwork in the SNAP exhibition this year. The show is made up of artwork from a range of schools across the Tablelands and is a wonderful display of the local creativity. The exhibition runs from Tuesday the 17th of October until Saturday the 25th of November at the Old Post Office Gallery in Atherton.

MUSIC IN PRACTICE

Incredible sounds filtering through the College of our Year 11 students practicing cover songs and a special one for Liturgy this term.

POTTERY WITH MECKI

MSB students are loving having visiting artist & local pottery expert, Mecki Kracke this term. We look forward to seeing the final results of this workshop.

Pottery with Mecki October 2023

SUCCESS AT ENERGY ART EXHIBITION

On Friday 15th September, five students from MSB experienced their first ENERGY Exhibition opening at the Tanks. Their work was displayed alongside over 140 artworks from school students across the region. Featuring works that were submitted into the Creative Generations Awards, 2023. Sinevah Mari was selected by Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair (CIAF) for the 'Well done Bub' award. It was an exciting night for all stakeholders, particularly all the proud families, friends, students and teachers. It is an opportunity to see our region's finest upcoming artists, with over 5000 people predicted to pass through the gallery. Well done, Tae, Tamara, Meena, Sinevah and Kasmin.

Deborah Booth - Communications & Community Engagement Officer

Energy 2023

Australian Training Works

MSB was lucky enough to have Australian Training Works (ATW) come to the school and talk to the students about Traineeships and Apprenticeships. ATW is an employment and training group for apprentices, trainees management, labour hire, recruitment, pre-employment work readiness and post-placement support. The students were very excited about these future opportunities and many signed up to be involved in this program.

ATW

Work Experience

Work Experience is a great opportunity for students to experience different jobs and careers. It also allows students to build their confidence in the workplace. This year MSB was able to send all Year 10 students to different workplaces to take part in work experience. The students had an exciting and interesting time, with everyone coming back with wonderful stories to tell. The work places were extremely happy with our students for their hard work and great attitude, and many businesses wanting our students to come back. Year 10’s you have made MSB proud by showcasing what a wonderful school we are a part of and taking advantage to this great opportunity.

Debby Small - VET & Careers Middle Leader

Work Experience Oct 2023

AFLW | Megan Trezise was selected to play for the U17 Crusaders Representative team playing a game prior to the AFLW Hawthorn v Richmond game last Friday night at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns Megan played number 16 for the game . The team met with Hawks player, Janet Baird #2, listening to her story, the team had a great evening. Megan stayed at AFL house for 2 nights with her team. We are very proud of Megan and applaud your efforts to make this team.

STATE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations to Margie Aruba who participated in the Women's 18 - 19 years 100 metre dash. Margie ran a time of 13.7 seconds. Unfortunately due to injury she was unable to compete in the final. This time came in 5th in the finals.

Congratulations also to Reem Sam who placed 6th in the 14 years Javelin finals with a 35.65 metre throw and 20th in the 14 years high jump with a jump of 1.58 metres.

Northern Pride Rugby League Selection

Congratulations to Micfreda Kiwat and Rose (Thanh-huong) Mene for selection in the Northern Prides U19 team for 2024. Also congratulations to Nayita Joseph for her selection in the Northern Prides U17 team.

Congratulations to all these students who have worked hard in the various sporting fields. Your dedication has truly paid off! Your performance has been outstanding, and we are all so proud of you. Your excellent effort has not gone unnoticed, and we want you to know how much we appreciate everything you have done. Keep up the great work, and we know that you will continue to achieve amazing things in the future. Congratulations on a job well done!

Deborah Booth - Communications and Community Engagement Officer

Communications and Community Engagement

World Teachers' Day

Let’s celebrate Australia’s teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting our students.

Hats off to teachers this World Teachers’ Day, today 27 October!

New staff

We have welcolmed many new staff into new and acting positions this term.

Please make them all feel welcome and reach out to them if required.

Student success after school

I love to celebrate student success, both at school and beyond.

Please call or email me if you have some news about your child's involvement in our Community, we are happy to celebrate their success and it's a great way for us to build relationships with your child.

Ph: 4096 1484 or Em: dbooth@cns.catholic.edu.au

Deborah Booth - Communications and Community Engagement

Hello, my name is Steve Godfrey, I am the Acting Assistant Principal in Wellbeing at Mount St. Bernard’s College for the rest of the year and I respectfully acknowledge the Jirrbal people on whose country I now live and work in. I am here to assist all the members of our college community in being Safe, Respectful and Responsible so that we all can be successful learners and valued members of our community. For over 25 years, I have lived and worked in schools on Gimuy Walubara Yidinji land (Cairns), before that on Darug (Sydney) and Burramattagal (Parramatta) land and in Ngunnawal (Canberra) country. I look forward to meeting, getting to know and working with our MSB community.

Hello, my name is Sharon Negri, and I am the Finance Team Leader. I am a Tablelands local growing up on a dairy farm outside of Millaa Millaa which is now part of Mungalli Creek Dairy. After finishing high school, I studied a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting at JCU in Townsville and stayed for 13 years. I returned to the Tablelands in 2001. I have over 30 years accounting experience and look forward to working and getting to know the MSB community.

My name is Steve Williams and I arrived at Mount St Bernard College from the Sunshine Coast. I am looking forward to working with the staff in the Mathematics and Science areas, I believe I bring a lot of experience to the College and can't wait to meet the students and begin my work with them.My other interests include sport, in particular the AFL, but team sports generally, and the many outdoor activities that the Atherton Tableland area has to offer.

Hi I am Sara Gorring. I grew up on Jirrbal country at Mount Garnet and Ravenshoe, moving to Herberton when my children were young. In my spare time I enjoy playing music and exploring the beautiful places where we live, like waterfalls and mountains. I have previously been at Mount St Bernard College as a Wellbeing Officer working with the student’s using ukulele and drumming to promote wellness through music.My previous experience includes offering therapeutic supports to young people and children in a private organisation specialising in expressive and sandplay therapies. I am focussed on understanding peoples ways of being in, and experiencing the world to offer the best help possible for the situation. I love the vibrancy of the MSB community and look forward to my new role as School Counsellor.

Sarah Cortis | I am taking care of the art space while Miss Traylea enjoys her long service leave. I have a fine art degree from the National Art School in Sydney. I grew up near Kuranda and after art school decided to return to the tropics and be closer to my family. I love everything creative and any free time I have is spent painting, drawing, taking photographs or sewing.

Hi all, my name is Daniel Buckley and I have recently moved from the Gold Coast to Far North Queensland 2 weeks ago. I grew up on the Gold Coast and am very excited for my new adventure up here. I am currently a HPE and Science teacher at the College. I love my sports, especially my Canberra Raiders ! I am thoroughly enjoying my experience at MSB and look forward to meeting everyone and can't wait for more experiences!

Hi, my name is Sue Tobler and I've joined the cleaning team at MSB. I my spare time I love to garden, spend time with family and travel out bush to go gold detecting.

Community News

ESCAPE WEEK

A huge congratulations to Sinevah Mari who attended the PCYC Emergency Services Cadets "Escape Week" during the last school holidays in Brisbane. Sinevah represented the Tablelands branch along with her College and Torres Strait Island community. Sinevah was asked to speak the Acknowledgement to Country and had an excellent time, meeting Cadets from all over Qld and learning from the many Emergency Services teams. Thanks for volunteering your time to future proof our Emergency Services.

TORIMBA FESTIVAL QUEEN ENTRANTS

MSB students, Blossum Turner & Sophie Jonsson have been quite busy during the Torimba Festival. Looking stunning in their ball gowns, we're proud of your community efforts, particularly so close to exam time. Well done ladies.

UNI X YEAR 8

Experience JCU for a day of excitement, fun and discovery.

UniX Year 8 will help students identify and shape their future ambitions, assist with their future subject choices, and promote positive post-school pathways to tertiary education.

What to expect

Students will sample what it’s like to study different subjects including medicine, nursing, science, engineering, education, social sciences, business, law and the creative arts.

These are just some activities designed to develop and articulate experiences that showcase students skills and strengths. We’ll also help students explore potential jobs through career taster activities and presentations.

Parents and Carers would need to apply and support your child with transport to this event.

The College will not be organising or managing this event.

You can apply at the following link https://future.jcu.edu.au/UniXYear8

NAPLAN SURVEY | ACARA is keen to hear from principals, teachers, parents and carers about their #NAPLAN experience this year following a number of changes made in 2023. Please share your thoughts on #NAPLAN 2023 in our survey at https://brnw.ch/21wDk9d

Cairns Diocesan News October Edition

MSB Calendar - Upcoming Events

Fri 27 Oct - World Teachers Day

Mon 30 Oct - Agriculture Practices Excursion - Mungalli Creek Dairy

Wed Nov 1 - Cairns Lagoon Excursion for Maths 8B, 8C, 9A & 9B

Wed 1 - Fri 3 Nov - Year 11 Retreat

Thurs 9 Nov - Presentation Evening 6pm In Main Hall

Fri 10 Nov - Year 12 Graduation Liturgy - 11am

* Bus Transport from Cairns available for Presentation Evening & Graduation Liturgy.

* Please RSVP asap if you require this transport Ph: 40 961 444 or EM : msb.office@cns.catholic.edu.au

Sat 11 Nov - Year 12 Formal - Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns 6pm

Sat 11 Nov - Remembrance Day

Sat 11 - Sun 12 Nov - Exeat (Free) Weekend

Mon 13 Nov - Seniors Tour and Information Session 4.30 - 5.30pm - Years 10 & 11 2023 going into 11 & 12 2024

Wed 15 Nov - Year 7 2024 Boarders Transition Day - Tour of the Tablelands

Thurs 16 Nov - Year 7 Day & Boarding Transition Day 9am - 2pm

Thurs 16 Nov - Parents, Carers & Students - Tour & Information Session for Transition to Year 7 2024 @ 4pm - 5pm

Thurs 23 Nov - Community Day and End of Term/School Year at 3pm

Fri 24 Nov - Boarders Travel Day and Staff Day

Fri 1 Dec - MSB Office Closed for Christmas School Holidays

MSB Messenger Friday 27th October 2023