Mount St Bernard College eNewsletter

Acting Principals Report

I am delighted to engage with the Mount St Bernard College community for the remainder of Term Two as your Acting Principal. Whilst Mr Brauer takes a short term of leave, I would like to assure our community that I will assist the College in daily operations and short term planning and supports. I am very proud to lead such a rich and vibrant MSB community that embodies the ideals that the Sisters of Mercy founded here on this site 101 years ago.

Already in my first week, I have been busy engaging with everyone that makes MSB great. From the teachers who are creating informed and interesting lesson plans, to the wonderful support, guidance and care of our boarding supervisors to the amazing staff who prepare food, clean our facilities and ensure our grounds are in great shape, I am in awe of the work that is being done to support the academic progress and wellbeing of our student population.

I look forward to meeting more of our student population and extended college community over the coming weeks and engaging in the fantastic opportunities throughout the remainder of this term. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the College should you have anything to discuss.

Glenn Carpenter

Appointment Announcement - Acting Principal MSB Herberton - Glenn Carpenter 17052022

Deputy Principal Curriculum & Admin

Students are now entering the assessment phase of the Term. Assessment calendars provide details of each assessment task, the due date, and for seniors, any checkpoints for each of the subjects studied by your child. The calendars were emailed to parents and students by Miss Lylia on Tuesday, 17 May. They are also available via the parent portal or on the MSB website.

Supervised Senior study sessions are held every Wednesday after school in Library 1 from 3.15-4.15pm. Afternoon tea is provided to all who attend.

Kieran Ryan - Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal Residential

Dear Parents and Friends of MSB,

I write with an important request regarding sorry business. Can I ask that when you have a passing in your family or community that you notify the College as a matter of priority.

Currently, families are contacting their child directly and informing them of sorry news, which results in a very distressed child in boarding. Our staff then have to piece together fragmented information and then attempt to triage the situation on the hop.

It would be the preferred option for families to contact the Head of Boarding or Head of Wellbeing to ensure that your child has the right level of support during the notification process.

Our staff are extensively trained in the area of grief and loss and understand how best to support students when they are grieving. We also know which students are related and how extended families can support and comfort each other through sad times.

Aunty Lorraine Muckan is available to sit with students when they are notified about a passing in the family. Lorraine has many years working with our families and often co-ordinates the care for students experiencing grief and loss.

The following staff are also available to support your child when they have received sad news from home:

Assistant Principal Wellbeing – Sharon Boyd

Many years working in the counselling field

College Counsellor – Heather Alison

Many years working as a counsellor including working in remote communities

Student Engagement Specialist – Peter Graham

Many years working as a counsellor and co-ordinates our Seasons for Growth Program

Michelle Haines – Pastoral Care Bernards Dorm

Background in Chaplaincy and supporting students with grief and loss

Michelle Davies-Griffith – Wellbeing Officer

Background in Chaplaincy and supporting students with grief and loss

Please contact these key staff members to support your child through the grief and loss process. All staff have cultural capabilities and adhere to cultural sensitivities when working with First Nations children.

Yours sincerely,

Scott Whitters

Residential Administration

Mid-Term News

Change to weekend leave

I know you have probably already read about this in Mr Whitters notes but it is better to read it twice than not at all.

We have our first exeat weekend (free weekend) coming up.

MSB bus will depart the College at 4pm on Friday 27th May. Please ensure the host is at the bus stop by 5.45pm waiting.

The bus stop is on McLeod St Cairns just outside the centre of Cairns Central.

The MSB bus will pick up from Cairns Central, on Sunday, same place, at 3pm. Please ensure your child is at the bus by 2.45pm at the latest. The bus will not wait for you.

Permissions - These are due by 5pm each Wednesday prior to exeat weekends. No permission, no leave. (No forms will be accepted after Wednesday.)

Ladies FNQ Rugby League

We have two amazing young ladies who have shown commitment and stamina to their team. Melinda Obah and Tayiesha Warria have been training with the Ladies Roosters team in Atherton since the start of the year not knowing if they had enough players for a team or even a competition for the ladies or if they would ever get to play an actual game.

Thankfully the Mareeba Gladiators have joined with the Atherton Roosters to become one for this years Far North Qld Rugby League competition.

It is great to see team work come together between two rival teams to provide an opportunity for all young women to be involved in their favourite sport.

Their first game will be 21st May which will be after this newsletter but I will be sure to share the results with you in the next newsletter.

We are super proud of both Melinda and Tayiesha for sticking it out, going to training twice a week, barely missing any and showing great resilience.

Speedway

Last weekend a group of girls went to the speedway to watch Mr Dave compete.

These girls had a great day out watching the spills and thrills of speedway.

Mr Dave drove like a true stockcar racer with no crashes and placed well for the day.

Mystery Tour

Students enjoyed a day out on a Mystery Tour.

These students ended up going out to Ravenshoe, Millstream Falls and the wind farm plus visiting sites along the way.

It is good to get students out of the dorms in the fresh air, vitamin D and away from school.

Shaylee Strawberry Farm

Who doesn’t love a great day at the local strawberry farm.

Girls were treated to a homemade strawberry ice cream made right there at the farm.

A great day to connect with others and enjoy each others company.

National Boarding Staff Day

We celebrated the amazing work our boarding staff do every single day on Friday 20th May for National Boarding Staff Day with a lovely cake.

We thank each and every one of them for their hard work and commitment to our beautiful children in boarding.

Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Cyber Safety talk

Michelle Davies-Griffith (Wellbeing Officer) organised Senior Constable Matthew Mitchell from the Tablelands Child Protection Unit of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to address all students on issues concerning Cybersafety on 24 May.

Matt wrote afterwards,

“It was a pleasure to come to Mount St Bernard College and talk with all students about staying safe online and managing cyberbullying. This can also be a challenging area for parents and caregivers to manage the safety of their young person.”

Matt has shared some parent/carer resources that can be accessed here.

‘Social Media Starter Kit’ and advice on reporting and managing cyberbullying. https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/index.php/resources-tab/parents-and-carers .

Cyberbully and online safety resources at -https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Another useful link is from the Daniel Morecombe Foundation www.danielmorecombe.com.au

Children are classified as being under 18 years of age. Some students were shocked to discover that if they had photos of other teenagers in nude or semi nude poses, they would be considered by the law to be in ‘possession’ of sexually illicit material where charges could be laid; these charges stay on a person’s record for life and can prohibit employment in schools/ aged care facilities, or where people are vulnerable.

Matt also addressed ‘Catfishing’ by adults who groom minors/ children, pretending that they are a young person of a similar age, who is interested in forming a relationship. Matt impressed upon the students that under no circumstance are they to meet up alone with someone they have met online. Matt shared some chilling videos of real life stories where teenagers have met a tragic end. It is vital that parents know what their children are doing in the online environment.

Security settings on Snapchat and Instagram were also discussed, ensuring that settings were on Private. Students should not post images in their school uniform or with images of their house/ street number or any obvious landmarks in the background that could identify them and trace them. This is about safety.

The talk also addressed ‘Identity Theft’ and the importance of being careful with all identifying information, so that it does not end up in the wrong hands; bank accounts have been emptied this way. Passwords need to be updated regularly and a variety of passwords used, not the same old one.

Social Media issues are not something that the College can address; the correct channel for parents/ carers is via the QPS or the links Matt suggests.

You might like to ask your son/daughter what they learnt from this talk.

Sharon Boyd - Assistant Principal Wellbeing.

Rosies - Friends on the Street

MSB has been involved in Rosies – Friends on the Street for several years.

Involvement gives senior students the opportunity to experience how outreach and the offer of friendship makes a difference.

A warm cuppa, bite to eat, a friendly smile and the gift of giving convey our MSB Mercy Charism in a practical way.

Students and staff appreciate what we take for granted, what we can do for others, and the challenges that face many of our fellow Australians. The current shortage in social housing, for example, is a very real humanitarian issue that becomes visible and confronting to our Rosies’ team.

Our gratitude to our wonderful MSB kitchen staff for supplying the delicious and much-needed food for our team to distribute. Thanks to our supportive families and gracious volunteers, students, and staff. Thanks to Dot Shea for her on-going guidance and support.

Rosies reaches out to those most in need, people who are homeless or at risk, lonely, and socially isolated within our communities.

Pictured: The May team: Ms Wigan, Mercy Captain, Haedon, Tia, Emmy, Ms Frost and Ms Weedon packing the Rosies van for a busy Friday night. By Team leader, C Weedon

Library

From the Library

The MSB school library has a vital role to play in student wellbeing. In a challenging world, our library is a safe space in a supportive environment.

A 2021 Western Australian study by researcher, Dr Margaret Merga found that the school library encourages:

Belonging
Books and reading
Relaxation and recharging (of people, not laptops)
Decorations – including student artwork and writing
Staff – friendly and caring people to talk to
Creativity
Furnishings – comfy places to sit and chill out
Quietude – our library is ‘where SSHHH happens’ in a noisy school

Source: Merga, M.K. (2021). Libraries as wellbeing supportive spaces in contemporary schools. Journal of Library Administration, 61(6), 659-675.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01930826.2021.1947056

Teacher in Charge Library C Weedon

Library - A day in May

Ergon Young Leaders Breakfast

On Friday 13th May,Mount St Bernard College Leaders attended the Ergon Young Leaders Breakfast at the Rydges Resort in Cairns. They listened to a panel of young leaders from the Cairns area who shared their journey and skills. We joined 14 other schools from across Cairns and the Tablelands. Congratulations and thank you for attending: Emmy Riber, Melinda Obah, Quentin Shortjoe & Haeden Tuhoro.

Andrea Gower - Transition & Engagement Officer

Ergon Young Leaders Breakfast

A Midsummer Night's Dream

The recent Atherton Performing Arts production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream featured several students from MSB in starring roles. Congratulations to Emmy and Meenakshi Riber, Jack Jones, Clementine Barker, Nathan Wagner and Tae Dempsey on a great show.

Sarah Riber - Drama Teacher

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Qld Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

Mount St Bernard College is very proud to announce two Year 12 students, Aaliyah Nandy and Quentin Shortjoe, have been accepted into the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP) to be held in Brisbane. This program is an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders aged 18–25 years, to come together to strengthen their leadership skills and build their capacity to drive change in local communities.

It will expose them to the inner workings of parliament, help grow their understanding of legislative change, which will allow them to voice their concerns in a professional setting and access mentoring and training to possibly inspire a career in politics. These students are a part of the driving force that will propel the next generation of young indigenous Australians to help shape a brighter future.

Andrea Gower - Transition & Engagement Officer

**Congratulations Aaliyah Nandy and Quentin Shortjoe**

Deadly Choices

Year 7

Good Quick Tukka is a cooking education program, which believes that anyone can learn how to cook something – they just have to give it a try.

Originally developed by the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council, Good Quick Tukka teaches Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples basic cooking skills and encourages them to pass these skills on to others. It also allows participants to explore cooking techniques and different foods, and is a great social opportunity.

Year 12

The Deadly Choices Tobacco Education Program explores the historical journey of tobacco use, its acceptance, and its impacts on community.

It is a health education and capacity development program that gives participants an understanding of the long association with tobacco Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have had, which helps them to gain insights into the current use and acceptance of tobacco in the community.

The one-term, six session program is delivered in a flexible manner to suit school and community environments and timetables, and addresses healthy lifestyle topics such as

History
Impacts of smoking
Chemicals and addiction
Quit supports and resources
Passive smoking, and
Deadly Places, Smoke-Free Space

Andrea Gower - Transition & Engagement Officer

Deadly Choices - Year 7 May 2022

The Arts

ABOUT SEA SHEPHERD

Sea Shepherd is a non-profit conservation organisation whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s ocean in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.

Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced oceanic ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations (Sea Shepherd, 2022).

Year 7, 8, 9, 11 & 12 learnt about illegal fishing, poaching, changing climate, ocean pollution, sharks, sea turtles, whales and dolphins.

On Monday, Art students learnt the importance of the Great Barrier Reef as the first line of defence against cyclones. It is the wall that protects the coastline and reduces the impact of cyclones. The presenters Tasmin and Ellie discussed the biodiversity of Far North Queensland where the rainforest meets the sea. They emphasised the importance of protecting the environment against, rubbish, waste (cigarette butts, balloons, bread tags) and plastics (bottles, plastic fish from soya sauce etc), stating that by the year 2050 there will be more plastics in the ocean than fish if we don’t protect it. Whales are travelling on migration every year and the ocean is getting warmer, less and less whales, and the coral is getting too hot. This means that algae is growing on the coral. Animals are eating the micro plastics and we are eating the fish.

There are strict rules enforced by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, who are trying to protect the reef for future generations. Students learnt about recycling through a collection of rubbish Sea Shepherd presented especially for MSB. Over the course of one day, Sea Shepherd collected a tonne of rubbish from the shores of Fitzroy Island. Students sifted and sorted to figure out what materials could be recycled or reused.

The most exciting activity was learning about the Mars Stars. These constructions are rejuvenating coral in the Great Barrier Reef. Students practiced attaching coral using reusable cable ties and pens. Tamsin showed images of coral growing all over the Mars Stars. Eventually you don’t see the Mars Stars anymore because the reef coral gets so big. They are building a new reef near Green Island and use a GPS tracker to make sure they record the exact coordinates of the project.

From the Sea Shepherd Cleanup at Fitzroy Island, MSB students collected recycled items to put into their sculptural artworks for the Trash to Treasure unit. It’s a win, win for the Environment. Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.

Traylea Sexton - Middle Leader The Arts

Sea Shepherd

Year 9 & 10 Science News

Year 9 students are learning Physics this term, concentrating on " Energy Transfer through different mediums". They have been exploring communication through waves and different methods of heat transfer so far. We aim to get into the lab each week and learn through practical sessions. They really enjoy this and it helps everyone to gain a better understanding as well as have some fun! A favourite so far has definitely been the "building circuits" lab activity. In this investigation, students had to build a series circuit and a parallel circuit to see how the type of circuit affects brightness of light bulbs. 

Year 10 students are also learning Physics, concentrating on " Force and Motion". We have been exploring Newton's Laws of Motion, how to calculate speed and acceleration and the different types of energy. Lab activities for this unit have been so much fun with students making balloon rockets, doing 'the egg drop' and using a range of activities to see how gravity affects everything around us. The egg drop was definitely a highlight! 

Malcolm Fahey Middle Leader - Mathematics and Science

In Science during May

Year 9 & 10 Mathematics

When is a solid a Prism? No, it’s not a riddle. It’s a mathematical concept being explored by Year 9 at present. A prism:

has at least 2 identical parallel faces
the cross-section (cut) of a prism is the same as the base

During class, Year 9A sorted the 3D solids into Prisms and Non-Prisms. They will use this information to help them find the surface area and volume of prisms in real life.

In preparation for Senior Assessment 9A Maths have been practising writing a PSMT (Problem Solving and Modelling Task). This term we have looked at the cost of replacing the soil in the oval garden beds at the Eco Shed. Volume and area formulas, measuring skills and computation have all been put to use.

Year 9 also completed their last EVER - NAPLAN test. They worked very hard during the test giving it their best shot. After completion of a week of testing with the final Numeracy section on Friday they were given 15 minutes time to play some games in the classroom. They chose Jenga, checkers and some online games.

10B Maths has been building on the concepts learnt in Year 9 around 3D solids as they completed a PSMT Practice. In the Senior years they will complete PSMT’s (Problem Solving and Modelling Tasks) as part of their assessment. A large part of these tasks is writing about the maths – Formulating (planning) and Evaluating and Verifying (checking reasonableness of solutions and justifying choices made). We practice doing these types of assessments in the junior years so that they are familiar with how to complete them.

For this practice, the students needed to design and cost some packaging for 12 bottles of Mrs Grundy’s Smoothies.

Jenny Rossiter - Teacher

Year 9 & 10 Mathematics Term 2

Students have been busy working on various projects in the Digital Technologies and Business faculty this week.

Year 11 and 12 ICT Applied students spent a day filming on location for their video production assessment. Students are tasked with creating a video to introduce peers to the Blue Spaces mental wellbeing initiative, showcasing some of the best and most accessible blue spaces in the Atherton Tablelands region.

Senior Design and Digital Technologies students have begun work on their second summative assessments, and we look forward to sharing their progress soon!

Senior Business students are working on their write-ups for the Cross Country project, and are busy planning their next fundraising event.

In Junior Digital Technology, Year 8s are working on their Cyber Security challenge assessment, which is timed nicely with the recent Cyber Security talk by guest presenter Snr Constable Matt Mitchell.

Saffron Belkessa-Wood - Middle Leader Digital Technologies & Business

HPE & Sport

Last week our Grade 10 cohort set off on a four-day expedition in Danbulla National Park, an experience the students are glad they did! Whilst no student will tell you it was easy, friendships were made and strengthened, working together as a team to conquer various challenges.

The students canoed across Tinaroo, abseiled down Platypus Rock, climbed mountains, navigated their way through the wilderness, slept under bivvy’s and cooked their dinners by campfire.

Every student should be extremely proud of their persistence and resilience shown whilst making memories that will last a lifetime!

Andrea Goetze - Middle Leader HPE & Sport

Enjoy the video of their adventures

English

Year 7B English

Year 7B have been looking at persuasion in the media. In week 5 students were given opportunities to learn about and identify high modality words that impact readers' and viewers' emotions when engaging with advertisements. Students were able to work collaboratively together to create a collage of high modality.

9B English

In 9B English, students are studying the novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. This novel is about a young boy's survival in the wilderness and thinking outside the box to stay alive. This unit of work is hands on and students recreated the plane crash from the novel in a recyclable craft.

By Emily Caferra - Teacher

9B English

VET & Careers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health workforce

The Australian Government's Health Department are working to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals working in Australia's health system. This will improve access to culturally safe treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If you are interested in a career in the Health Industry click here and find out more about:

About the workforce - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff provide culturally safe services for their communities
Our support - How we work to increase the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in health
Jobs and scholarships - Find out about health scholarships and job opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Initiatives and programs - See the programs we fund related to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.

Johnathon Thurston Academy

Johnathon Thurston Academy is a leading national provider of employment initiatives and community programs aimed at employment, education and well-being of young people. Their programs equipping participants with skills, knowledge and attributes to make a significant and positive future impact. They are committed to supporting individuals to reach personal, educational and career goals. The main objective is to ensure that locals throughout the regions have access to employment and training opportunities. Visit the Johnathon Thurston Academy website to find out more.

USQ Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP)

USQ’s Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP) is the perfect way to start studying at university. The pathway has been developed to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the academic skills needed for university study. If you do not have the right school qualification when you finish Year 12 this program provides you with an opportunity to study 3 or 6 courses (subjects), all with an Indigenous focus, to develop your writing, maths, general study and computing skills. The program is free and you can apply for a number of Australian Government scholarships to help you with the costs of study and relocation expenses. For more information about the program, entry requirements and how to apply visit the USQ’s Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program website. Note that the dates are still for 2022 entry but research and plan for 2023 so you don't miss out on any great opportunities.

Adrian Baranyi - Middle Leader VET & Careers

National Reconciliation Week

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. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that our website contains images or names of people who have passed away

27 MAY TO 3 JUNE

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

Last year Reconciliation Australia encouraged all Australians to take action; not just in National Reconciliation Week but every week of the year.

We saw unprecedented response to our suggested actions for everyday and for braver action.

This year we are asking everyone to make change beginning with brave actions in their daily lives – where they live, work, play and socialise.

National Reconciliation Week—27 May to 3 June—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.

Find out more about National Reconciliation Week #NRW2022 #BeBraveMakeChange