MSB Messenger Friday 16th May 2025

Principal

Dear Mount St Bernard Community Member,

Term two has begun with a clear focus on attendance, classroom learning, and engaging in various extracurricular activities. The College will continue to stress the importance of attendance and reinforce the need for students to attend all lessons fully and respect their peers' right to learn and teachers' right to teach.

Students have been informed of the procedure to follow if they have a valid reason for not being in class when the bell rings:

• Sign in with a member of the wellbeing team
• Attend a scheduled appointment
• Participate in re-engagement activities in the transition room

I would like to thank parents for their ongoing support in encouraging students to make the most of classroom learning opportunities.

Our concerted efforts to reduce absences and boost engagement are already showing positive results. Whilst the positive start is reaffirming attendance, this will still remain a prioritised focus area throughout the school year. 

The ideal attendance rate is 100% of students attending school and all learning activities from the beginning to the end of the lesson as time out of the classroom impacts students learning and ultimately the skills they will have when they complete their secondary education.  Unfortunately, we still have a number of students that choose to turn up late to classes and leave classes without teacher permission.  The College requests parents reinforce the importance of moving to class as soon as the first bell rings and staying engaged in learning and to show staff respect by adhering to classroom expectations.

Parents will receive daily SMS alerts if their student misses any classes during the school day.

STAFFING CHANGES FOR TERM 2 2025

In 2025 we have had more consistent teaching staff.  Term 2 sees the following changes:

Appointments:

Assistant Principal Wellbeing – Greg Hoare

Daily Organiser – Amanda James and Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principal

Year 7 and 8 Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment and Reporting Middle Leader – Kieren Waugh

Retirement: 

Kim Van Kempen

Resignation:

Stuart Whitby

Recruitment:

Learning support and/or EALD teacher

Visual Arts Teacher

We did have a few staff unwell and experiencing family bereavement in Term 1 that impacted consistency of teachers in the College.  We are hopefully of a more stable Term 2.

Behaviour Expectations

Students are expected to actively engaging in all available learning activities.  Staff are maintaining high expectations for student behaviour. Disrespect towards adults and the use of inappropriate language, including swearing, disrespectful comments and intentionally ignoring adults is unacceptable and will be promptly addressed in consultation with parents and caregivers. We are committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding and will continue to uphold high standards with our students.

Winter Uniforms

Weather is starting to cool down in Herberton and it is time to start pulling out the winter jacket.  Wearing the correct school jacket fosters a sense of pride and belonging in the College community.  We expect all students in the college to be correctly attired at all times, including correct socks, shoes and minimal jewellery.  School jackets are available for purchase form the College’s uniform shop.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that your child comes to school prepared each day and adheres to our school policies. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these expectations, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can ensure a successful and productive term for all our students.

CCTV in the Day school and Boarding Facilities

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) devices are used in the Day School and Boarding facilities at Mount St Bernard College. CCTV surveillance within the college serves the purpose of:

• Providing additional safeguarding measures to promote a sense of safety in staff, students, and others on school grounds.
• Promoting and supporting appropriate conduct and behaviour in the school.
• Assisting in the investigation of incidents.
• Acting as a crime prevention tool, and assisting law enforcement when a crime has been committed.

The CCTV is positioned in locations that do not breach student or staff privacy.  Signage is located around the College to remind staff, students and visitors of it use.  The College keeps a log of any time footage is required by the Leadership Team for investigation purposes.

Please note, CCTV footage is used for investigation purposes, and we do not monitor live footage.  The only time approval to view live footage will be given is when we are aware of a considerable safety concern, such as potential for a fight or if we are monitoring a student with significant mental health concerns.

Commitment to Child Safeguarding

The College takes Child Safeguarding very seriously.  All staff have been upskilled in Child Protection and Safeguarding Modules to ensure they are aware of the latest legislations and protocols to ensure we are keeping our students safe.  The Student Protection Officers, Narelle Hunt, Greg Hoare, Malcolm Fahey, Kayleigh Smith and Sara Gorring, are also undertaking intensive training to ensure they are upskilled in the mandatory reporting systems that were introduced in 2024.

Anzac Day Services

ANZAC Day, observed on April 25, is a national day of remembrance honouring all Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian and New Zealand service men and women who served and died in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I, as well as in all subsequent wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Mount St Bernard College Student Leaders and Boarding Students who represented the College with pride in the Herberton march and commemorative ceremony. Your participation in this significant event helps keep the spirit of ANZAC alive and honours the sacrifices made by so many.

Your dedication to remembering and honouring our service men and women is deeply appreciated. Together, we ensure that their legacy of bravery and sacrifice is never forgotten.

District Cross Country

Our students showcased excellent team spirit at the annual district cross country event. Their enthusiasm and determination were evident as they supported each other throughout the race. We are proud of their participation and the camaraderie they displayed, making the event a memorable experience for everyone involved. Great job, team! Special congratulations go to Oscar Wosomo for placing second and De’Ontae Short for placing fifth. 

Teenage Pilgrimage in Italy

Janet Wigan, Clementine Barker and Nathan Wagner were immersed in the Jubilee Pilgrimage in Italy.  This was an experience of a lifetime and the group has had the opportunity to experience the Easter Masses and festivities in Rome, including seeing the Pope the day before his passing.  They were blessed to be able to attend the Pope’s funeral in person in St Peter’s Square.  I look forward to reading about their journey in more detail in Janet Wigan’s newsletter article. 

Australian Catholic Youth Festival

Since participation in the Teenage Pilgrimage in Italy was such a success, the College is planning to fund 3 students from Year 9 – 11 to participate in the Australian Catholic Youth Festival held in Melbourne from November 29 – December 3^rd.  Interested students will be able to send their self-nomination to Mrs Janet Wigan.  Nominations will be shortlisted and then have an interview to be considered for final selection.

Narelle Hunt - Principal

Deputy Principal Residential

New Students 

Over the past few weeks, we have welcomed a number of new students to our dorms.  Every time a new student comes to the dorms we place them with a “buddy “ to help adjust to dormitory life. We take this step to help distract the minds of the new students so missing family and country is minimised.  It is important that regular phone contact with home occurs during this time. It is also important that students bring items and photographs from home. 

Photograph Wall 

In each dorm we now have a photo wall. Whenever students go out for activities, staff take photos and place them on the wall. The idea behind the wall is to create a sense of belonging. We try hard to make the dorm a safe supportive place and want our students to feel at “home”. 

Support Visits 

Parents please be aware that when you come for support visits, you are no longer able to visit your student’s classroom. This change has come about to protect the privacy of other students in the classroom. Parents will be able to meet the teachers of your student as well as support your student after 3 pm each day.  Parents are also reminded that you can only have your children sleep over with you , if there are no other parents  in the accommodation. 

ANZAC DAY 

The student leaders in boarding represented our College well at our community ANZAC parade. Our Residential College Leader, Danielle Thiele, read the resolution and Griffin Banu, Nayita Joseph and Nathaniel Ghee placed the wreath at the cenotaph. The students were very respectful in remembering those who have fallen in the quest to maintain the great way of life we have in Australia 

Malcolm Fahey - Deputy Principal Residential

Deputy Principal Curriculum & Admin

We are now well into Term 2. The hard slog is underway, and you may be feeling some pressure. Don’t forget to pace yourself, take breaks when needed, and breathe. You don’t have to be perfect – just keep showing up and doing your best, one step at a time. 

Year Level Focus 

Year 12 – Your Unit 3 assessments and exam preparations are underway.  Use your time well and ask your teachers for help if you need it. You are on the final stretch of your secondary education – stay focused and look after yourself. 

Year 11 – Now is your chance to practice for Year 12. Units 1 and 2 are designed to give you a practice run at the skills required when you complete Units 3 and 4 (end of Year 11 and Year 12).  It is a good time to try your best, learn from feedback, and continue building good study habits. 

Year 10 – While completing your work in class, start reflecting with your future in mind.  What subjects do you enjoy? What are you good at? Soon you will be going through the process to choose your senior subjects. Start thinking about what you might like to do after Year 12 and talk to your teachers and family about what that might look like for you at school. 

Year 9 – Keep going strong. Your assessments are coming up. Stay organised, manage your time, and ask for help if you need it. This is a good time to build confidence as you continue progressing through your secondary education.   

Year 8 – You are nearly halfway through the year now. It’s a good time to review your goals, finish your assignments, and try your best. Focus on building good routines that will help you in the coming years. 

Year 7 – You’ve now had time to settle into high school. Remember: success isn’t about being the best – it’s about doing your best. Keep trying hard, asking questions, and showing respect to others. Keep going! 

 Learning Styles 

Every student learns in their own way. Do you know what works best for you? 

• If you like to see things (like charts, pictures, or colours), you may be a visual learner. 

• If you prefer to hear things (like listening to teachers or music), you may be an auditory learner. 

• If you like to move or do things (like building or acting things out), you may be a kinaesthetic learner. 

When you know how you learn best, you can study smarter! Try different ways of learning and choose what helps you most. You might find that using coloured pens, reading out loud, walking while revising, or drawing pictures of your ideas helps you understand better. Everyone is different – the key is to experiment and find your rhythm. 
And remember, it’s okay if your learning style changes depending on the subject or task – being flexible is also a great skill. 

Congratulations Mahalia Creek – YMCA QLD Youth Parliament Representative for the Electorate of Hill 

During the school holidays, Year 11 student Mahalia Creek represented the electorate of Hill in the Queensland Youth Parliament. This program brings together young people from across the state to share their ideas and learn how government works. Mahalia spent some time in Brisbane over the school holidays, working on preparing a bill idea with her committee.   

Here’s what Mahalia shared about the experience: 

This was an amazing opportunity, and I loved every second of this trip. I met some of the most amazing and nicest people whilst I was down in Brisbane. The camp was big and the activities that were planned were amazing and very fun. The food there was good, and I met with the members of my committee; everyone in the group were so supportive and nice to me and each other. Saturday evening, we all headed off to Parliament and did a mock debate.  We talked about our Youth Bill ideas around Youth Justice in the child safety system and other ideas circulated around those topics as a group. After that we sat listening to the Parliament member give us a speech and then we went for dinner. Overall, this was a great experience and I was grateful for this opportunity. 

Well done, Mahalia – we are proud of you! 

Thank You to Our Staff
A big thank you to all our teachers and staff for working so hard to support our students. Your time, care, and effort are always appreciated.
Whether it’s helping in the classroom, offering extra support, planning lessons, organising activities, or simply checking in on how students are going – your work makes a difference every day.
Thank you for all that you do to create a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment for learning and growth.

Dr Emma Sheppard – Deputy Principal Curriculum and Administration

Assistant Principal Wellbeing

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

With the shorter weeks and public holidays now behind us the term is now well underway. The majority of students have settled in very well. There are some students however, who have been delayed in returning to class because of ‘sorry business’, For these students it has meant that the start of the term has been quite difficult.

Last term I was acting in the position of Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing. I have now taken on this role permanently and am very much looking forward to the many challenges that this role will bring. The remainder of the Student Wellbeing team have not changed from last term. They are:

Pastoral Leaders: Years 7, 8 & 9 Amanda Coleman & Years 10, 11 & 12 Joe Twidale

Counsellors: Sara Gorring and Kayleigh Smith

Wellbeing Officers: Michelle-Davies-Griffith and Tim Tewhare

Re-set Room: Jade O’Shea

For enquiries on your child’s wellbeing please either contact myself or the Pastoral Leaders and we can help direct your enquiries to the appropriate member of the wellbeing team.

This term there have been a number of changes being made across the school to try to improve upon managing some of the behaviours that were experienced. One area we found difficult to manage was the way that students were using laptops. Many students were refusing to comply with teacher instructions in using laptops responsibly. Hence, because of this, all students were asked to re-sign the computer and internet agreement. This was done in the hope that students would become more mindful in the way they use laptops across the school. Laptops have then been handed back to students in stages since the commencement of this term. Years 10, 11 and 12 students who have already signed the computer agreements have already received their laptops and this week years 7, 8 and 9 students will have their laptops returned if their agreements have been signed. As part of this agreement students who misuse laptops will have them confiscated for periods of time.

This term we have also introduced a re-set room. This room is for students who are unable to regulate their behaviour in class. Students who are sent to the re-set room are expected to complete a reflection sheet and meet with the class teacher prior to returning to that class. As part of this process class teachers have been instructed to inform parents when students are sent to the re-set room because of inappropriate behaviour in class.

Students who have been given wellbeing cards due to various issues of regulating their own emotions are also able to access the wellbeing space if required.

Another area of the school which we are focusing on this term is encouraging all students to attend classes. Students who regularly miss classes for various reasons will continue to receive consequences.

Our major focus areas for this term are:

• Attending classes 

• Engaging in learning without disrupting others from learning

• Using technology responsibly 

I look forward to the term ahead and hopefully MSB can be nurturing and empowering for your children and help them to be safe, respectful and responsible young adults.

Greg Hoare – Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing

Assistant Principal Identity & Outreach

Walking & witnessing history

I had the extraordinary privilege of accompanying two of our students, Nathan and Clementine, on the Cairns Diocese’s Rome Holy Week & Jubilee of Teenagers Pilgrimage. We joined six other students and five staff from across the diocese, forming a small but tightly bonded group of pilgrims who walked—quite literally—through sacred history.

This was no ordinary pilgrimage. What began as a joyous Holy Week journey, complete with an awe-inspiring Way of the Cross at the Colosseum and jubilant Easter Mass celebrations in St Peter’s Square, quickly transformed into something deeply moving and historic. We were present for the final Urbi et Orbi blessing given by Pope Francis and, just days later, joined thousands in viewing him in state and hundreds of thousands attending his funeral Mass. To stand in that sacred space and witness these final moments of a Pope who has reshaped the Church with compassion and clarity was humbling beyond words.

Pope Francis has long been a personal inspiration for me—his encyclical Laudato Si’ and his call to care for our common home reflects the spirit of his namesake, St Francis, one of my favourite Saints. To walk in the footsteps of St Francis in Assisi immediately after hearing of Pope Francis’ death felt like divine timing. In the quiet of St Mary of the Angels and the chapel of San Damiano, we prayed as pilgrims and felt the call to “rebuild my Church” renewed.

From climbing down into places where first century Christians prayed to touching the relics of the True Cross, every moment of our journey was steeped in faith and awe. Nathan and Clementine represented MSB with reverence and joyful energy—even making a small posy for the St Francis I crocheted to accompany me! Their presence and prayerfulness were noticed, and it was no surprise when the Irish media sought them out in St Peter’s Square to capture the voice of young pilgrims.

This pilgrimage was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—sad, sacred, joyful, exhausting, and completely unforgettable. We returned with our hearts on fire, ready to continue Pope Francis’ legacy, grateful to have witnessed history and to have stood in prayer, hope, and solidarity with the universal Church.

May God’s mercy shine upon you.

Janet Wigan - Assistant Principal Identity & Outreach

Cairns Diocese’s Rome Holy Week & Jubilee of Teenagers Pilgrimage

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Library

A reflection on student library and social engagement.

The start of this term has seen a staggered return of the student laptops which has given our students a wonderful opportunity to make new connections with peers and to develop some new skills. The library has seen more visitors due to the laptop absence and these visitors both in class time and at break times have been READING!!!! This is such an encouraging movement for whole school literacy and the library has been encouraging more readers through our library loyalty scheme. Our first winner through this scheme was Hayley O’Keefe who won her choice of prize for borrowing, reading and returning ten times!

Other break time activities have been increasingly popular due to the laptop absence such as Lego Club, I-pad workshops and games, particularly Uno No Mercy, and ‘Pizza, Cat, Taco, Cheese’.  It has been so wonderful to see new friendships develop and smiles and laughter spread as these students interact.

Readers Cup Reading parties are in full swing and the Year 7 & 8 team are preparing for their competition on Wednesday June 11^th (week 8). The Year 9 & 10 team are also steadily reading through their assigned books getting ready for their competition in Term 3.

Rachel Nelson - Teacher Librarian

Agriculture

🌱 Agriculture – Senior Subject Highlights 🌿

This term in Senior Agriculture, our students have shown remarkable dedication, enthusiasm, and capability as they embraced every aspect of hands-on learning in the garden and beyond. Their efforts and teamwork have turned our agricultural spaces into thriving ecosystems full of life and productivity!

Students proudly harvested a vibrant selection of crops, including shallots, rosemary, chillies, capsicums, basil, and more—evidence of their skill and attentiveness in nurturing plants from seed to table. In addition to harvesting, they’ve been hard at work propagating succulents, learning about sustainability through plant regeneration and care.

A highlight of the term was the planting of coconuts, which demanded teamwork, physical effort, and patience—qualities our students demonstrated in abundance. They also successfully transplanted lettuce, mustard greens, and pigeon peas, showing they are not only capable but deeply committed to their agricultural responsibilities.

In the spirit of stewardship, we reflected on the words of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, where he calls on all of us to care for our common home. Our students are putting this message into action, showing that small, meaningful efforts—whether planting a seed or conserving resources—can have a big impact.

As our students continue to grow their knowledge and love for the land, they remind us all that protecting Mother Earth is a shared responsibility. Through their work, they are already making a difference.

Let’s keep growing—together. 🌍💚

Nathan Unwin - Agriculture Teacher

Industrial Technology

🔧 Workshop Newsletter – Building Dreams, Gaining Skills 🔨

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." – Robert Collier

Our wonderful students practice this motto, working towards their dreams everyday and dive into hands-on learning with passion, creativity, and determination!

Year 11 and 12 students are powering through their major project—constructing sand anchors—using a variety of tools and techniques including welding, angle grinding, the drill press, filing, and more. With some students already finishing and others close behind, their focus and dedication are paying off. Dressed in full safety gear—ear muffs, face masks, welding helmets, gloves, cotton long sleeves and pants, steel-cap boots, hi-vis gear, and safety glasses—these future engineers and builders are proving that

“If you can dream it, you can build it.”

Meanwhile, Year 8 students are designing and crafting their own pencil cases. From chiselling and sawing to pyrography and sanding, they are learning to use marking gauges, hammers, nails, glue, vices, and more. Their commitment and creativity shine through every unique piece!

Year 9 and 10 students are building one-of-a-kind tables, blending skill and imagination to bring their ideas to life. Every measurement, cut, and joint reflects a step forward in their practical learning journey.

The commitment to safety, skill-building, and teamwork in the workshop is outstanding. These students are not just building projects—they’re building their futures.

We’re proud of the next generation of makers, problem-solvers, and community contributors being shaped right here, right now.

Nathan Unwin - Industrial Technologies Teacher

ENROL NOW 2025 & 2026

ENROL NOW 

~ Enrolment applications timelines. Please note all supporting documentation must be provided via email with online application to be considered for an interview.

Year 7 2026

To ensure your child can attend our Transition Day in Term 4, all applications must be supplied to College with supporting documentation by the end of Term 2, Friday 27 June, 2025.

Term Two – Applications due by Week 3 for a Term 2 commencement, applications after Week 3 will be considered for a Term 3 Commencement

Term Three – Applications due by Week 3 for a Term 3 commencement, applications after Week 3 will be considered for a Term 4 Commencement

Term Four – Applications due by Week 3 for a Term 4 commencement, applications after Week 4 will be considered for a Term 1 of the following school year Commencement.

APPLY TODAY EXCEL TOMORROW - 2026 SCHOLARSHIPS

* Dream, Believe, Achieve with Our Scholarships.

* Scan the QR code to apply for a range of MSB 2026 Scholarships.

* Apply before 28 February 2025 go to https://www.msb.qld.edu.au/scholarships/

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: 40 961 444.

Sports News

Sporting Overlook for the Semester

Cross Country

Cross Country is a celebration of achievement, determination and group work, and that what was on display at our annual Cross Country event this year. The students displayed perseverance both at the school’s event and at the district event. Students were helping each other to strive to do their very best by finishing, and cross the line whether it was done running or walking. House representation was on display with many students dressing up in their house colours. The afternoon finished with war cries made by each house. The winning team, Rush, was announced  on assembly the following week. A big congratulations goes to all students for their enthusiasm and courage that was on display during this years Cross Country.

Oscar Wosomo, has made an amazing achievement again this year by placing 6^th and making the Peninsula team. He will go on to compete in Brisbane later on in the year.

A congratulations also  goes out to De’Ontae Short who made the Peninsula trials and Hakiem Gibbo who was selected as a shadow.

Age Champions

Swimming Carnival

A long standing tradition at MSB has been our Swimming Carnival that is held at the beginning of the year. The carnival is held annually at the Atherton Swimming pool and is enjoyed by students and staff. This year the house leaders rose above and beyond with their responsibilities and not only enjoyed competing in the events but took the challenge a step further by writing their own, and leading their war cries. The carnival kicked off with all age groups competing in the competitive events, this saw many students not only participating in these events, but also striving to do their best.

Towards the end of the day the novelty events were a big hit with not only students competing but teachers too. The teachers took the win for the annual students vs teacher relay, before the students had one last opportunity to gather extra points for their houses. The day commenced with the Sports House Leaders leading the war cries before RUSH was announced as the winning house of the carnival for this year.

Age Champions:

MSB 2025 Swimming Carnival

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District & Peninsula Trials

Rugby League

This Semester saw a busy start with the year kicking off full swing with District and Peninsula Trials. Boys rugby league saw a number of our students being selected at District trials and progress to Peninsula trials. Ashton Robinson, Kura Joseph, Javahn Kanak, Callem Franklin, Griffin Banu and Aidan Arnold all being selected for Peninsula trials. The girls rugby league talent was also on display with a number of girls selected to proceed through to Peninsula trials as well. Annalise Donohue, Keziah Warria, Taylah McKay, Rotannah Joe-Gela, Peggy Pabai, Desley Brian, Kimberley Gothachalkinin, Maddison Blair and Nayita Joseph were all selected to proceed to Peninsula trials where Nayita Joseph was selected for the Peninsula team. Nayita played in Burleigh on the Gold Coast representing the Peninsula side from May the 8^th until May the 11^th. Staff member Tania Bolger was also at the event supporting the Peninsula team as a level 2 trainer.  Congratulations Nayita, you did it again!

Touch

Touch trials always see many of our students competing. This year was no exception with many students jumping at the chance to represent our school at the district touch trials. Students selected to compete at the next level were Jayce Donohue, Nathaniel Ghee, Jake Daley, Taylor Daley, Roberta David, Keziah Warria, Callem Franklin, Lydia Dau and Rotannah Joe-Gela. All of your hard work and efforts were on display yet again this year as you competed at the Peninsula trials, congratulations.

Netball

Caitlin Murray was the only students this year to compete at District Netball trials. Caitlin was selected to progress into the Peninsula trials and put her talent on display. Well done Caitlin for giving it your all and following your interests.

Volleyball

Harry Lui was a great support for students this year as he volunteered as a Volleyball coach to help support local students. Trials took place at Smithfield State High School which saw students Nasailee Anua, Emma Nawia, Binzella Anson and De’Ontae Short being selected to proceed to Peninsula trials.

Basketball

Another sport enjoyed by students at MSB is Basketball. Jarius Lalara and Oscar Wosomo were the two students selected to trial for Peninsula team for their age group this year. It is great to see these boys participating in a sport that they are not only good at but they enjoy.

On a final note, on behalf of Mount St Bernard College I would like to say how proud I am of each and every one of our students when it comes to these sporting events. The talent and perseverance that has been displayed by our students this year has been inspiring to watch.

Kendra Robinson - Sport's Co-ordinator

Semester One District and Peninsula Student Selections

Communications & Community Engagement

MyCE Mobile App Update

Good News! During the holiday break our MyCE Mobile application had updates to enhance faster performance and display and load information quicker than ever before. Other issues with Parent Slips within this application have been resolved and all legal parents and guardians should see Parent Slips appearing in the app.

If you have an issue with login try the following:

• ensure your mobile device has completed all software updates
• check the App/Play stores to ensure you have the latest version of the app installed,
• ensure that a browser is installed on your phone (Safari, Google Chrome or Firefox),
• are connected to either Wifi or Mobile data. 

If you encounter errors with login, you can reset the password utilising the following link

https://pwdresetcns.bne.catholic.edu.au/adfs/portal/updatepassword

Users should then wait 10 minutes before attempting login to allow for provisioning of the new password.

If continuing login issues are encountered please email dbooth@cns.catholic.edu.au 

First Time Login users can also follow the attached guide.

Deborah Booth - Communications & Community Engagement

EASTER CARD ART COMPETITION

At the end of Term 1, Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns Executive Director Durm O’Riordan invited all schools to participate in the 2025 CEDC Easter Card Art Competition. The criteria was to recognise the Catholic significance of Easter through a 2D artwork, and the standard of entries we received was incredible. Well done to everyone who participated and a big congratulations to our MSB student, Supreet Kaur who won the Secondary competition, prize included a wireless speaker and her artwork printed into professional cards. Well done Supreet! 

CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE of CAIRNS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VISIT

We also welcomed Durm O'Riordan for a visit to the College early in Term 2. Durm's visit shows his strong support for both our students and staff, not only a gesture of encouragement but also a valuable opportunity to see firsthand the everyday experiences, challenges, and achievements across our learning community.

By engaging directly with classrooms, speaking with staff, and listening to students, Durm gained important insights into both the areas of excellence we’re proud of and the issues we continue to address. Durm's presence signals a clear commitment to continuous improvement and a shared vision of providing the highest quality education and support for every learner.

Thanks Durm for taking the time to connect with our community and for recognising the incredible work being done at every level of the College.

Deborah Booth - Communications & Community Engagement

WELCOME NEW AND RETURNING STAFF

NAIDOC DAY

YEAR 12 FORMAL

College Events - Travel Bookings 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please note in your calendars the close off dates to request travel for the following 2025 events.

NAIDOC DAY - 31 July 2025                               

Submit travel request: 26^th May 2025 (Week 6, Term 2)

YEAR 12 FORMAL - 23 August 2025 Cairns Convention Centre

Submit travel request: 9^th June 2025 (Week 8, Term 2)

Note: Students accommodation in Cairns is NOT covered by Abstudy.

PRESENTATION EVENING & GRADUATION - 23/24th October 2025   

Submit travel request: 18^th August 2025 (Week 6, Term 3)

2026 YEAR 7 TRANSITION - 19/20th November 2025  

Submit travel request: 8^th September 2025 (Week 9, Term 3)

NOTES

• Once travel request has been submitted, amendments are allowable in extenuating circumstances only.

• Once travel is confirmed and itineraries issued - Abstudy will not rebook or reimburse costs if the travel is later cancelled. 

• Abstudy allows UP TO 5 immediate family members for Special Purpose travel.  Other relationships require an explanation of significant ties to the student, which will then be investigated by Abstudy.
• The length of stay is determined by the event, with travel generally for the day prior to the event, and return the day after the event.

INFORMATION FROM FAMILIES

The information required from families (for each traveller) in order to submit a travel request is:

• Title
• Legal Name (as shown on photo ID / student ID)
• Date of birth
• Customer Reference Number (CRN) 
• Permanent home address (as registered with Abstudy)
• Mobile phone number
• Relationship to student (with explanation if not immediate family)
• Bed / room configuration for accommodation booking 
  

If you have any further queries please contact me via email msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au or Ph: 4096 1595 or  Ph: 4096 1444.

Tash Herrington - Enrolments & Travel Officer

Community News

HERBERTON BATTERY PARK UPDATE

The Herberton Battery Park proposal is still proceeding. Tablelands Regional Council will continue with current project scope to complete all required rehabilitation works, complete detailed design of Battery Park ready for construction phase.

Click on the video link below to see the design concept for our Community

MSB Calendar

Term 2 - 2025

Mon 26 May - National Sorry Day

Tues 27 May - Tues 3 June - National Reconciliation Week

Sat 31 May - Sun 1 June - Exeat (Free) Weekend

Tues 3 June - Mabo Day

Wed 11 June - Year 10 Work Experience Introduction with VPG - Mercy Hall

Wed 18 June - Year 10 Work Experience Interviews - Mercy Hall

Fri 20 June - Mercy Mass, Shared Lunch & Activities

Tues 24 June - MSB Athletics Carnival with Shared Lunch

Thurs 26 June - Term 2 ends @ 3pm

Fri 27 June - Boarders Travel Day

                 - MSB Office closes

WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - Fri 27 June to Mon 21 July

Tues 1 July - Atherton Show Regional Public Holiday

Mon 14 - Fri 20 July - MSB Office reopens - Staff Week

Fri 18 July - Cairns Show Regional Public Holiday

Term 3 - 2025

Mon 21 July - Boarders Travel Day 

Tues 22 July - All classes commence Term 3

Thurs 31 July - MSB Naidoc Day

Sat 2 - Fri 3 Aug - Exeat (Free) Weekend