Mount St Bernard College eNewsletter

Principal

Term One has been a busy term with students settling back into their school routines. A lot of our students are working hard focusing on their studies and making the most out of every learning and extra-curricular activity that comes their ways.

The College has clear goals in improving attendance, engagement in learning and school safety in 2024 and the Student Representative Council commenced their work with the Leadership Team on Friday 23 February. Students contributed some in depth insights into the challenges the college is facing and worked with us to start creating student suggested improvement strategies. This group of students ranging from Year 7 – 12 have big improvement plans and I look forward to the projects they will work on with us this year.

School Safety

In today's world, ensuring the safety of students within educational environments has become paramount. Schools are not only places of learning but also communities where young minds grow and flourish. However, with the rise in incidents of violence, it's imperative to address the root causes, including uncontrolled anger among students.

School safety is not just about physical security; it encompasses emotional and psychological well-being as well. A safe learning environment fosters academic growth, social development, and emotional stability. Students need to feel secure to thrive academically and personally. Moreover, ensuring school safety is a shared responsibility among the Leadership Team, teachers, parents, students and the community.

Anger is a natural emotion, but when left unmanaged, it can lead to destructive behaviour, including violence. Many factors contribute to anger issues in students, such as family problems, peer pressure, and mental health issues. Addressing these underlying causes is crucial in managing anger effectively. The College offers a range of intervention programs including counselling, zones of regulation, anger management, self-esteem and resilience, how to navigate peer pressure, conflict resolution, cultural connections and respectful relationships. The Wellbeing Team also works closely with students to not only be in a safe space, and with a safe adult they can connect with, but also to provide support to talk about future issues. It is extremely important for students to outline their concerns with a trusted adult so preventative measures can be put in place. When this is not done, student behaviours can put the safety of both students and staff at risk.

Staff are trained in trauma informed practices and are very quick to respond, de-escalate and debrief students when incidents do occur. Students who are involved in incidents undertake a rigorous re-entry process that includes working with key members of a Care Team to develop an Individual Behaviour Support Plan, Safety Plan, Risk assessments and a Re-entry contract. All students who re-enter the college are expected to participate in a wide range on intervention programs to prevent future occurrences.

It is very evident that social media is often a key factor in student conflict and is extremely important for parents to monitor out of school online safety and report cyberbullying to the College and the police. Issues are escalated by students who spread rumours via online chat platforms or in person, carry yarn or intentionally try to stir others to get a reaction. The College is working with staff, students and parents to develop safer practices and articulate policies and procedures to ensure transparency and clarity.

Ensuring school safety and supporting students in managing their anger are integral parts of creating a conducive learning environment. By addressing the root causes of anger and implementing proactive strategies, MSB can prevent violence and promote the well-being of all students and staff. Just like Catherine McCauley and the Sisters of Mercy we are actively listening to the stories and struggles of our students and working collaboratively with them to create more meaningful connections and restore dignity to all. It's essential for the College staff, students’ parents, and the community to work together to prioritise school safety and support students in developing healthy coping mechanisms for managing their emotions effectively.

Shrove Tuesday

Term 1 has been a busy and productive time for staff and students and as we enter Lent, we take time to stop, reflect and prepare for Easter. Catherine McAuley, the Catholic Sister who founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin would say, “The simplest and most practical lessons I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow,” and this reminds us to bring comfort, compassion, and mercy to those around us, especially during the Lenten season.

The Year 11 Religion and Ethics class drew witness to this in the lead up to Lent with their leadership at the Shrove Tuesday pancake charity event. Students handmade pancakes, set up stalls, served students and staff, and raised money for Project Compassion. This is a lived example of our students modelling the words of Sister Catherine McAuley, “They were good today, for a better tomorrow.” I am humbled that the student’s better tomorrow was created for others and this gives me so much hope for the future.

Ash Wednesday

We then officially commenced Lent with the Ash Wednesday Mass. Thank you to Father Mathew Kochuveettil for reminding us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and prepare us for the Easter season. Throughout the Mass we reflected on Gospels that reminded us about the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert and the challenges he faced during his fasting period. We received the Ashes, the ashes of the burnt palms from the 2023 Palm Sunday Mass, as a symbol of repentance. I was so humbled by the students’ respect and reverence throughout the Mass and thank the College for providing witness to God in our College community.

Ash Wednesday 2024

An acknowledgement of the anniversary of the National Apology was an important moment in our whole school assembly on Monday. This important day gave us time to stop and reflect and reinforced the importance of our Reconciliation Action Plan Mission: “Mount St Bernard College acknowledges the Jirrbal people on whose lands we live and work, honouring and accepting the rich cultures, spiritualities, histories and contributions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We believe that by living in the light of Christianity, we can build relationships based on love, respect, unity, truth telling, justice, inclusion, and humility - learning and healing together and from one another. With love as our cornerstone and guided by faith, we aim to meaningfully reconcile our past, present and futures, influencing the development of a contemporary Australian society which is just and equitable for all.”

Community Tree Planting

Students and staff from MSB joined the local Herberton community for the Wild River tree planting. This community project aimed to help with environmental conservation and maintain the beautiful natural bush surrounding of the Jirrbal Peoples lands. It also saw the replanting of many trees, and replaced trees destroyed in the 2023 bushfires.

Community Visit to the Torres Strait Islands

The annual Torres Strait Island Remote Community visits took place in Week 4 of term 1. The was a wonderful time for College staff to connect with the parents and families of our Torres Strait boarding students. The aim of this tour was to strengthen connections and promote the 2025 Year 7 enrolment. The warmth and hospitality experienced by our staff was gratefully appreciated. There were also moments of blessings when graduates from the College were able to reconnect and share stories from their time with us.

Congratulations Dr Emma Sheppard

Lifelong learning has become increasingly essential in today's dynamic landscape, where new technologies, discoveries, and challenges emerge at an unprecedented pace. The Colleges Instructional Leader Behaviour and Engagement, Emma Sheppard, is an exemplary example of a staff member working tirelessly to improve their academic knowledge. It is with great pride that I would like to celebrate Emma’s recent success in completing a Doctorate of Philosophy (PHD) as receiving the tile of Doctor.

A PHD represents the highest level of expertise and specialisation in a particular field. While the journey to earning a PhD is rigorous and demanding, its significance extends far beyond the acquisition of knowledge. A PhD program involves in-depth research, critical analysis, and the development of original contributions to knowledge. By completing a doctoral dissertation, candidates demonstrate their mastery of a specific subject area and their ability to conduct independent, scholarly research. The pursuit of a PhD demands intellectual rigor and perseverance. Dr. Emma has engaged in rigorous academic study, engage in scholarly debates, and defends her ideas through rigorous peer review processes, honing her critical thinking and analytical skills in the process. Dr. Emma is now at the forefront of advancing knowledge in her respective fields. Through her research and publications, she contributes valuable insights and discoveries that shape academic discourse and inform real-world practices.

Receiving a PHD is an incredible achievement and I am so proud of her and this incredible accomplishments.

Deputy Principal Residential

Social Media

There are many stories in the news about students bullying other students by sending nasty comments on Social Media programs like Messenger, Whats app, Snap chat and so on. For some reason the students believe that it is okay to do this on social media but would not do the same thing in a face to face setting.

All students have been advised that all messages can be tracked back to the phone and sim they are sent from and that the Police will be informed when we become aware that cyberbullying is occurring.

Parents are asked to discuss the dangers of the internet and explain the legal ramifications to their students.

Seeking Help to Sort Out Differences

Our residential students live, learn and eat together 24/7. This means that sometimes there are arguments between students over relatively minor issues. Sometimes this leads to heightened emotions resulting in physical altercations.

Students are often reminded that if they are having a problem with some one else then they should resolve it using words. If this is not achievable then they must use the adults such as supervisors to sort out their issues.

Mountain Bike Riding

The College owns twelve mountain bikes and helmets. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoon many of the students take the opportunity to let off a bit of steam as well as have a lot of fun.

Malcolm Fahey - Deputy Principal Residential

Assistant Principal Mission

GRIP Student Leadership Conference

All of our 16 student leaders attended the GRIP Conference at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns. The theme was Step Forward and our students certainly did that as they participated in plenary sessions, presentations, activities, discussions, and leadership games. Some innovative ideas were discussed and they look forward to bringing them to fruition!

Janet Wigan - Assistant Principal Mission

GRIP Student Leadership Conference

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have had a wonderful first six weeks of the new school year. On the 13th of February the college community reflected on the anniversary of the National Apology to  the Stolen Generations, who suffered trauma because of past government policies of forced child removal. During that week we assembled and recommitted our resolve to embrace new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches had failed, and a future based on mutual respect and mutual responsibility. 

This term we continue to focus on our College expectations of

Being Safe
Being Respectful
Being responsible

Our major focus for this term include

Attending classes Go here for more information
Put away all mobile phones as soon as we enter College grounds Go here for more information
Being ready to learn
Engaging in learning
Setting Goals
Staying safe online
Resolving our differences peacefully

Your continued support is important, and we express our genuine appreciation for it. We are grateful for your continued support in encouraging your children to attend classes, to make safe, respectful, and responsible choices. We look forward to celebrating their achievements, and fostering a strong, supportive community.

Stephen Godfrey - Assistant Principal Wellbeing 

Everyday Counts infographic

MSB Parent & Friends

Our College P&F Association met on 26 February for the first time in 2024. A new parent representative was welcomed to the group and Business Manager Lisa Caldwell presented a Financial Report with details of available funding for consideration.

A proposal for the design and purchase of college representative sports t-shirts for Interschool Sport Competitions and District Sport Trials was discussed. The P & F agreed to spend $2004 for the design and purchase of one junior kit of 25 shirts, one senior kit of 25 shirts, design costings and delivery costs. They felt that the the students participating would gain benefit from having a professional uniform for their sport participation.

The members also discussed some ideas for future funding proposals.

Our College Board also met after the P & F Meeting. Members were briefed by the Principal and Assistant Principal – Wellbeing and provided feedback and ideas. Parent representative Kim Cannan was appointed to the position of Chair. The position of Secretary is currently vacant. Parents and carers are invited to consider becoming a member of the P & F Association or College Board.

Hillary O'Brien - Office Manager

Transition Support

Torres Strait Island Community Visit

In Week 3, I had the pleasure of visiting eight islands in the Torres Strait ~ Horn, Murray, Yorke, Cocount, Warraber, Badu, Moa and Thursday Islands for our 2024 Community Engagement Tour. We spent time talking to families/TSI Consultative Committee Members/Student Wellbeing Officers about future enrolments for Year 5’s and Year 6’s and the transition process. We gained enrolment applications in other year levels, connected with current families about how their child was settling in at MSB in Term 1 and assisted them with downloading the new school MyCE Parent Portal app. It was also wonderful to reconnect with our Torres Strait 2023 graduates and students of the past whom we are all very proud of to see them succeeding and achieving great things in life.

MSB sends our deepest gratitude to each of our Torres Strait Island Communities and Consultative Committee for your support and warm welcome given to the College on our recent visit. Whether it was a helping hand, sharing valuable insights, reconnecting, or simply welcoming us with open arms, we thank you ESO for reminding us of the power of community and making us feel at home.

Andrea Gower – Transition and Engagement Officer

2024 TSI Community Engagement Tour.

Last Saturday, a number of our Year 11 Religion and Ethics students and PCYC Emergency Services Cadets helped with the Tablelands Regional Council’s Wild River revegetation planting project in Herberton. After a quick lesson on the correct technique, they enthusiastically worked together to finish the planting in a little over an hour. Their enthusiasm was rewarded with a delicious morning tea and cool down with the fire hose.

Janet Wigan - Assistant Principal Mission

Wild River Planting February 2024

Week 6 is already upon us and the library has been celebrating Library Lovers Month with a range of new books available for students and staff. We have also been involving students in some fun collective noun trivia… What is the name of a group of sharks? (See bottom for the answer) and polls, the first of which was a beach or pool poll, with beach winning 37 votes to 8.

Coming up this month we are celebrating Dr Seuss’ Birthday on March 2nd and all of March is Women’s History Month, so students will be celebrating women across history and today who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.

The library has begun hosting some ipad workshops run by students for students. The first of these was booked out and all 10 students developed their skills in using the app Sketchbook to create digital drawings and artwork. Each workshop begins with the year 11 workshop leaders Meenakshi Riber and Maya Hutton mentoring and walking students through the features of the app. Workshoppers then develop their skills through creation and are asked to create based on a stimulus. Week 5 involved students creating a digital drawing of an animal reading a book. This proved very popular with students developing characters from Dave the Penguin to dragons and monsters. The workshop for week 6 was on the use of Flipaclip, a simple animation app. Again all workshop spots were filled and the students enjoyed familiarising themselves with the app and then creating a short animation of their choice. Flipaclip was requested for the next workshop in week 7 so we will let you know how it goes!

Rachel Nelson - Teacher Librarian

In the Library

Qld School Library Week 12 - 16 Feb

QLD SCHOOL LIBRARY WEEK 12-16 FEB | Queensland school libraries positively influence the learning outcomes of students through teaching multiple literacies and encouraging a lifelong love of learning and reading. To promote Queensland School Library Week we encourage students to participate in this year's competition. Winners will each receive a $50 book voucher and their school will receive a $100 book voucher. Entries will be accepted from Monday 12 February until Friday 1 March. We have one entry from Year 9 student, Naomi Tomsana-Sam. This is her artist statement - " I drew this as I feel that a mother's love is powerful and the drawing is about love and when I heard that I thought of my parents love for me and all they've done for me, so instead of drawing them I wanted to draw animals of different totems because I feel like every mother loves their child and would do anything for them no matter what, so that's why I drew different animals with their child." Good luck Naomi and well done on your entry.

Communications & Community Engagement

ENROL NOW FOR 2025 & 2026

Enrolment applications for Round 2 2025 close on 30 June 2024

Scholarship applications for 2025 are available at www.msb.qld.edu.au/scholarships/

Apply online now at https://www.msb.qld.edu.au/apply-online-now/

To enquire, book a tour or require more information visit our website at www.msb.qld.edu.au , Email - msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au or

PH: 40 961 485

St Teresa's Ravenshoe & St Joseph's Atherton Community Visits

Thank you to St Teresa's Ravenshoe & St Joseph's Atherton for allowing MSB to showcase our College to your community. Experience the difference of a personalised education at Mount St Bernard College. With small class sizes and individualised attention, we ensure every student thrives and excels. Enrolments for Round 2 close 30 June 2024.

District and Peninsula Sports Trials

Congratulations to all our exceptionally talented sportstars on their selection to the Tablelands District Team. As they attend training sessions over the coming weeks in preparation for Peninsula trials, we wish them well in their pursuit to reach the next level.

Deborah Booth - Communications and Community Engagement

Instructional Leader Learning Culture and Growth

As the term progresses, the vast majority of MSB students are meeting their academic challenges with resilience and determination. We encourage these students to maintain their work ethic, and for all students to work especially hard as they strive to meet their goals in Term 1 assessment.

In this spirit, the College is running an optional senior study session for students in Years 11 and 12, which will be held on Tuesdays at lunchtime. This would be an excellent addition to regular study sessions, whether in dorms or at home, because students will have a range of teachers to answer questions and help bounce around ideas.

Ms Belkessa-Wood and I have been working with a small number of students from Years 9 to 11, who are interested in changing their subject selections. Adjustments cannot always be guaranteed; however, there are occasions when a move is the best option. When students and the relevant teachers agree on a move, I will contact home and seek the permission of the parents or guardian. Parents and students should not hesitate to get in touch with me if they have any questions about this process.

As a new member of the academic team, I’ve had an enjoyable start to the year – and I look forward to meeting more members of the broader school community over the coming weeks.

Daniel Jenkins - Instructional Leader Learning Culture and Growth

Years 7 & 8 CPAR

Hello,

It has been fantastic to hear some of the great things happening in our classrooms this term!

Our junior students have settled into their electives and are enjoying experiencing a range of new activities including; visual art, media art, music, drama, engineering, industrial technology and food and technology.

Students will be beginning assessment tasks soon to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts they have been learning about this term.

Please check in with your child regarding the assessment tasks they are working on. Feel free to contact myself or their teacher/s if you have any questions and/or concerns.

In the coming weeks, students who are consistently demonstrating our school values of being safe, respectful and responsible will be nominated by their teachers to receive an award.

Here is a snapshot of what our students are enjoying this term!

Kieren Waugh - Middle Leader Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment and Reporting 7/8 (C.P.A.R)

Years 7 & 8 Term 1 Week 6

A quick pic with our engineering teacher, the listing of year 10 groups and what they have chosen to research. All Engineering students are investigating solutions to real world problems, and it is Ms Cazita-Mazeaud’s hope that her students bring a fresh perspective on some deeply embedded problems.

In 10A maths students are collecting data to investigate body proportions. We invited different year groups to come to our classroom to collect data on height, weight, handspan and balancing ability. The data collection was very successful and students are now analysing their data.

Year 9 Students are analysing the signs and symbols represented in two NAIDOC Posters from previous years. They consider how the posters have changed since 1972. Students draw on inspiration from multiple sources to generate and develop ideas for a NAIDOC Poster. With respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, students will develop ideas in their visual diaries, they will reference and consult with their elders. The theme this year is, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.’ The Posters will be showcased at our very own NAIDOC celebration at MSB and through the QATSIF Creative Arts Competition. Please follow the link to the NAIDOC Website https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/history

10A English have been studying a play text and viewing and reading several texts in this genre. They have enjoyed acting out the roles and exploring the characters and contexts. They are preparing to write an analytical essay on the themes for their Term 1 assessment.

Nicola Chamber - Middle Leader Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment and Reporting 9/10 (C.P.A.R)

10A Maths

Year 9 Art - Naidoc Day Poster

Years 11 & 12 CPAR

Senior students are working on their first term assessments, with Year 12s working on their first summative assessments. Please wish them well and support them as they knuckle down to show off their talents in these important assessments.

Visual Art

Year 11 and 12 Visual Art students are working on their Investigations. Through their experience at the Historical Village and their chosen key artists, students are able to experiment with different materials to record their findings. We will see some fantastic artwork in Term 2, this research is important to generate ideas for their big project.

Physics

This term in our physics journey, we embarked on an enlightening exploration of heat processes and the fascinating ways in which heat can be transformed into mechanical work. It's been an intriguing ride through concepts like thermodynamics, heat engines, and the conservation of energy, equipping our students with the knowledge to understand the principles that power much of the world around us. This week, we wrapped up the unit with a bang, hosting an exhilarating revision session where students tested their knowledge and teamwork in a game of the Chase. This interactive and competitive format not only solidified their understanding but also brought out the spirit of collaboration and fun in learning. It's been inspiring to see our students engage so actively with the material, demonstrating not just their grasp of heat processes, but also their ability to apply these concepts in practical and engaging ways.

Math Methods

In our Math Methods class, we've been diving deep into the heart of what makes mapping a function and the exciting ways we can visualize these functions through graphs. Our exploration has taken us through the intricate world of graph transformations, teaching us how to skillfully sketch unknown graphs by applying transformations to functions we already know. This hands-on approach has not only sharpened our algebraic intuition but has also empowered us with the tools to see the beauty and utility of functions in a whole new light. Whether it's stretching, shifting, or flipping the graph, we've become adept at manipulating these visual representations to unlock a deeper understanding of functions and their real-world applications. It's been a journey of discovery, transforming abstract concepts into clear, visual understandings that will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for our future mathematical adventures.

Music in Practice

Students of both classes have commenced the year studying aspects of the 6 Elements of Music - Structure, Dynamics and Expressive Techniques, Duration, Pitch, Tone Colour & Texture.

Students of Year 11 currently focus their study of musical elements on an analysis of a song of their choice, the first assessment of their current 20-week long unit 'Music of Today'. Students have also commenced work for their second assessment task already, which sees them writing a piece of contemporary music/song for Term 2.

Students of Year 12 are also working on a musical analysis, but their unit of work is called 'Connecting with Community' and the musical focus is World Music. Students have focused their enquiries so far on rhythmically based music from Ghana, as well as celebration dances from their own homelands. For next term, students will be required to use some of the studied World Music features in their own musical composition.

We aim to be able to record students' exciting original works throughout the year with the Music Studio equipment the school is currently acquiring.

Industrial Technology

Focus for the Semester is on sheet metal working practices. Students are useing appropriate hand tools, power tools and machinery, with safe working practices a high priority. The students are building a toolbox with closing lids – to a plan. They are then required to write an accurate explanation of each stage of the project, describing the marking, cutting, shaping, bending and joining of the component parts. Once completed, students will negotiate with the teacher to build a sheet metal project - to their design…

Agriculture

Students are planning, creating and maintaining individual garden plots in the Agriculture/Nursery area, to produce vegetables or trees. Along with the practical skills they demonstrate, a written report (with photos) is required, which outlines the practices and procedures followed. The success (or otherwise) of each individual plot will be evident

ICT Applied

Senior ICT Applied students are learning Adobe Photoshop skills, learning to work with images, effects and layering to create professional looking documents. Their first project was magazine covers, and then a range of tutorials using special effects. Some great work created!

Saffron Belkessa-Wood - Middle Leader Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment and Reporting 11/12 (C.P.A.R)

Senior Study for Years 11 & 12

Senior Study for the rest of this term will be held at lunchtime on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays. Volunteer Senior Teachers will be available to assist students.

Location: Library Classrooms 1 & 2

Time: Lunchtime 12:40pm - 1:20pm

Instructional Leader Behaviour, and Engagement

In the Wellbeing space, there has been a continued focus on developing students’ understanding of what it means to be respectful, responsible, and safe. I have been fortunate to see many examples of students making choices that are respectful, responsible (cleaning the table after eating in dining), and safe (wearing shoes around the school grounds).

One of the focuses for the Wellbeing team is to help students develop respectful behaviours and relationships. Respect means treating people and belongings with care. We can show respect for classmates, families, and staff in many ways – the way we speak to others, how we look after our belongings and those of others, treating everyone with kindness, honouring people’s boundaries, greeting those in our community, and working cooperatively with each other.

Let’s continue to be respectful and have a positive and supportive learning community for the rest of the term.

Emma Sheppard - Instructional Leader Behaviour, and Engagement

Pastoral Leader Behaviour and Engagement - 7/8

Our Year 7 camp is coming up next week, an exciting event – ultimately all about having fun, whilst connecting with one another in many ways and levels. The camp will be at Mungalli Falls, where yes, it ‘will’ be wet, but the team-building activities are varied, well-structured and allow each person to challenge themselves within the team environment.

Our Year 8’s are now entering the assessment period, in which they are being introduced to problem-solving and modelling tasks across the curriculum. This will be a new format to many as skills are being built now for the senior years of schooling. This is the perfect time to check in with your teacher regularly, ensuring you are fully understanding the work, and if not, letting your teacher know so that extra support can be steered your way.

Alex Hinchliffe - Pastoral Leader Behaviour and Engagement - 7/8

Pastoral Leader Behaviour and Engagement - 11/12

How can I support my teen for Academic Success:

Tips for Navigating Senior Secondary School

Dear Parents,

As we venture further into the academic year, supporting your child's success in senior secondary school becomes increasingly important. Here are some valuable tips to help you actively contribute to your child's academic journey:

Establish Open Communication: Foster an environment where your teen feels comfortable discussing their academic challenges and successes. Regularly check in on their progress, ask about their day, and be genuinely interested in their academic pursuits.

Create a Consistent Study Routine: Help your teen establish a structured study routine. Encourage them to set aside dedicated time for homework, revision, and any upcoming assessments. Consistency is key to building good study habits.

Provide a Distraction-Free Study Space: Support your teen in creating a quiet and well-equipped study space. Minimize distractions by turning off unnecessary devices and ensuring they have all the necessary materials at hand.

Encourage Time Management Skills: Teach your teen the importance of effective time management. Help them prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and break down larger assignments into manageable chunks. This will help reduce stress and improve overall productivity.

Stay Informed about Academic Progress: Regularly check your teen’s academic progress through communication with teachers, attending parent-teacher meetings, or using online portals provided by the school. Being aware of their performance allows you to address any concerns promptly.

Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Encourage a balanced lifestyle by emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep, a nutritious diet, and regular physical activity. A healthy body and mind contribute significantly to academic success.

Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small: Acknowledge and celebrate your teen’s accomplishments, whether they are big milestones or small victories. Positive reinforcement fosters motivation and a positive attitude towards learning.

Offer Guidance, Not Pressure: Be a source of guidance rather than pressure. Encourage your teen to pursue their interests and passions while providing guidance on setting realistic academic goals.

Seek Additional Support if Needed: Ensure to connect with your teen's teachers to explore the most effective means of accessing support.

Promote a Love for Learning: Cultivate a genuine love for learning by engaging in conversations about interesting topics, visiting educational sites, and encouraging extracurricular activities that align with your teen’s interests.

Remember, your active involvement and positive support play a crucial role in your teen’s success. By employing these tips, you are not only contributing to their academic achievements but also helping them develop essential life skills.

In this issue I would like to introduce our Residential Student Leaders for Morrisey - Girls Residential.

Doris Cuda - Pastoral Leader Behaviour and Engagement - 11/12

SHANDRELLA PILOT

Hello everyone. I come from Darnley Island. It is home and everything I need and love is there, including family. I came to MSB in Year 9, 2021. I like being at MSB. I have made lots of fond memories at this school. I want to enter the army after school or become part of an Engineering firm. Part of my role is to be a BIG SISTER to the girls in boarding. Another big part of my role is to support the supervisors with being in the right place at the right time doing the right thing. Finally, I am a role model for the younger kids. So it is important for me to be aware of everything I say and do.

MARY KYLE-SMITH

Hello I am from Yarrabah. I have been at MSB for 3 years now. I was chosen to become the Residential leader for Morrissey Residential House and the reason I became a female boarding leader is so I can help the younger students if they want some help or if they ever feel homesick. I remember when I first started at MSB I was homesick and crying because I wanted to go back home. But I had my cousin and friends with me to comfort me so I wanted to be there to support the younger students. If they need a shoulder to lean on I will be there for them.

Diversity

Literacy Intervention

Our literacy intervention program, Macqlit, has started. Eligible students have been placed into an appropriate group. Alongside literacy, the focus for students is being on time, being respectful and being responsible. Students are working really well.

Personalised Learning Plans (PLP’s) and Snapshots – The process for reviewing and creating PLP’s has begun. This involves talking to the student and their teachers about what the students find hard when learning and what the teacher can put into place to help ensure their success. Parent meetings, for those who are applicable, will be conducted at the end of Term 1, beginning of Term 2.

Rachel Brown - Diversity Middle Leader

Indigenous Liaison Officer

We have been very busy in Term 1 connecting with students and families. We are working and collaborating with staff and students on some exciting cultural programs such as:

Welcome to Country blessing and warming by Traditional Owner Desley Mosquito and her Assembly of God Church friends Ruth and Lorraine in Girls Boarding.

Assisting Miss Sara (School Counsellor) with her after school cooking program.

Cultural healing program, Reconciliation and NAIDOC Day planning.

Sherie Miller-Freeman - Indigenous Liaison Officer

VET & Careers

This year has seen another cohort of TAFE Certificate II Engineering students start. This course gives students skills in boiler making to welding, and fabrication to machining, allowing students to apply their engineering skills across a range of areas.

In the Year 10 Subject Careers we are completing the Certificate II in Career Readiness. This subject helps students get ready for the workplace and tools needed in the work place. We have been starting to prepare for the work place and work experience by creating resumes and looking at career interests.

Debby Small - VET & Careers Middle Leader

Community News

2024 WORLD'S GREATEST SHAVE

MSB student, Mia Ackland is participating in this year's event. Over several months Mia has been organising fundraisers to achieve her goal of raising $2000 towards this great cause.

Scan the QR Code to donate towards helping beat blood cancer for the Leukaemia Foundation.

**Order by 8 March to avoid additional $15 fee**

MSB Calendar

Term 1

Tues 5 March - Year 11 & 12 Design Exam

Wed 6 March - STEM Careers Presentation

Wed 6 - Fri 8 March - Year 7 Camp Mungalli Falls

Thurs 14 March - Year 12 CQU Excursion Cairns

- Lunchtime Concert - Mercy Undercroft

Fri 22 March - Free Dress & Crazy Hair Day - Greatest Shave Fundraiser

Mon 25 March - MSB Swimming Carnival (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

Wed 27 March - Term 1 Ends @ 3pm

Thurs 28 March - Student Free Day / Boarders Travel Day

Easter School Holidays Thurs 28 March - Mon 15 April

Fri 29 March - Good Friday - Public Holiday

Sun 31 March - Easter Sunday

Term 2

Mon 15 April - Student Free Day / Boarders Travel Day

Tues 16 April - Term 2 commences for all classes

Fri 19 April - MSB Cross Country 1 - 3pm

Wed 24 April - MSB Anzac Liturgy

- Years 7 & 10 Immunisation Clinic

Thurs 25 April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Sat 4 - Sun 5 May - Exeat (Free) Weekend

MSB Messenger Friday 1st March 2024