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Mr David Finch
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome back to the new year and a special welcome to all new students who have joined the college. All new students are mentioned later
in our newsletter. We also welcome new staff to MSB:
Matthew DeJong, Assistant Principal – Mission, Scott Whitters, Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing, Teachers, Ashley Ellul, Jeralyn
Pickering, Tannael Micallef, Sylvia Wagner, Kerry Winslett, David Wragg, International GAP Students, Abby Blair & Jason Fair,
Cleaner, Chularat de Jong and Boarding Supervisors, Lanika McFarlane-Green, Paul McArthur and Fran Dawson.
Opening School Mass
On Monday we celebrate our Commencement Mass. We come together to celebrate the beginning of a new school year, to reflect on our
Mercy heritage and Christians ideals and recognise the many gifts and talents our students have. We also induct and welcome our new
College Captains, Prefects and Sports Captains. Photos of this event will be uploaded to our facebook page next week. All are welcome to
attend.
Electronic Device Policy
The college has revised our policy on the use of any personal electronic devices – namely Ipods and mobile phones. This policy has been
clearly outlined and explained to all students at recent Year Level meetings. Students have signed this policy and a copy will be mailed to all
families for your perusal and signature. Please return this policy in the stamped addressed envelope provided. In a nutshell – the policy states
that there is to be no use or access to any device during teaching and learning time. (lessons) They can be used responsibly during personal
student free time. If you have any questions about the policy, please call me on 4096 1444. We anticipate your support for the positive
interaction and relationships between all students and staff.
Confraternity
MSB is participating in the Catholic School 2017 Rugby League Confraternity Shield for the very first time this year. A squad of keen and
eager senior students will be chosen soon and a rigorous training scheduled will be put in place. The competition is held in Brisbane in the
mid-year holiday break. More details in future newsletters.
Scholarships
With the generous support of the Sisters of Mercy the college is awarding 8 scholarships in 2017. The names of our new scholarship winners
will be announced in our next newsletter and those students will be presented with their scholarship at our next college assembly.
Congratulations to those students.
Tri-Schools Event
This weekend MSB is hosting our first sporting and cultural exchange with visiting boarding schools from Cairns – St Augustine’s College
and Peace Lutheran College. All students will be involved in various sporting activities, a shared BBQ lunch and mini swimming carnival at
the Atherton Pool. It is a wonderful opportunity to forge some friendships with similar schools and we hope to continue this tradition.
During the course of the year I encourage parents and family members to keep in touch with us either via the classroom teacher or boarding
school. Parent/family and school interaction is essential for that positive and understanding relationship to continue and be strong for the
overall wellbeing of our students. Maintaining that happy relationship is vital. A happy and healthy student, learns well and is so much more
productive in many ways.
For all our students, happiness is a skill that can be learned. The essential factor whether or not you will live a happy life is based less on ex-
ternal factors such as wealth, success and fame, and more on your attitude toward life, toward yourself, toward other people, and toward
events and situations and especially – towards school. Regardless of their attitudes in the past, our students have the ability to change and
become a master of happiness.
Today is the best day to improve those skills. Either things will go exactly the way you want – and then you can focus on the feeling of joy.
Or things will not go the way you want and you'll have the opportunity to attain greater mastery over your attitude.
3rd February 2017
Principal: Mr David Finch Deputy Principal - Curriculum/Admin: Mr Ian Margetts
Assistant Principal - Mission: Mr Matt de Jong Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing: Mr Scott Whitters
Business Manager: Mr David Osborne Head of Residential: Mrs Tina Schefe & Mr Dave Schefe
Office Manager: Mrs Sue Wegert
To all our students - Throughout the day, keep asking yourself: "What attitude will enable me to experience
joy and empowerment right now?" “How can I get the most out of my MSB experience?”
Regards,
David Finch - College Principal
Assistant Principal—Mission
Welcome to 2017
Welcome to the 2017 school year at Mount St Bernard College. On behalf of the College I extend a
warm welcome to our new families and hope that your introduction to Mount St Bernard’s has been
a joyful one. To our returning families I wish you every peace and joy in the coming year.
Mount St Bernard’s College is a Catholic school in Mercy Tradition. As part of the Australian wide
network of Mercy schools following the charism of Catherine McAuley we offer an education based
on our Touchstones:
• A Gospel spirituality
• A liberating education
• An inclusive community
• Justice and solidarity
As a community with so many opportunities across so many different fields, ranging from excursions to sport right
through to the boarding activities and rugby, it is important that we experience the unity of a community. In our whole
College Masses that celebrate key moments of the year, the first of which occurs on Monday 6th February, we come
together to share a key experience of our Catholic identity. In our annual commitment to Caritas we unite to raise
money for good causes whilst enjoying the company of each other. Sport, which is such a vital part of our community,
continues to offer moments when our students enjoy the company of each other and encounter the joy of being part of
the community.
Friendships are at the heart of Mount St Bernard College. This is not surprising when we read that Jesus calls us all
friends (John 15:15), and so invites us into the friendship of God. This most remarkable invitation to a personal
friendship with the God who has lovingly given us all the gifts we enjoy is reflected in the invitation of our community,
expressed in the Touchstones. Among all the busy-ness, bells and bustle of the year, we know we are on track when we
are flourishing through our friendships. Through our friendships we are liberated, included and united to become the
people that God’s love knows us to be.
Have a great and blessed year ahead.
Matt de Jong - Assistant Principal (Mission)
Mr Matt de Jong
A big warm welcome to our new students - Angus Bewick, Annika Douglas, Aramli
Woolla, Ashanti Gilbert, Bridie Freeman, Charlie Naawi, Chloe Claude, Cindino Vincent,
Clean Doughboy, Cody Ryan, Darlene Accoom, Delisha Malthouse, Doriah Tamu,
Elisha Garawirrtja, Elizabeth Richardson-Eveleigh, Ellie Ward, Emmy Riber,
Ethan Burnett, Giselle Ryan, Jackson Brown, Janasie Bani, Joanie Sandy, Joyce Dhamarrandji, Kelly Paii, Kevin Maitie, Kristal
Harold, Kshama Moon, Lancen Joshua, Lavinia Mabo, Leawanna Kunoth, Leonardo Wunta, Liam McKeown, Macayla Grigg,
Mackenzie Smy, Malston Bob, Matraima Fauid, Mesena Neliman, Naira Giblet, Nicholas Wurramarrba, Nigeria Foote,
Nikaliah Salee, Paul Michael, Phoebe Nona, Rekahan Anthony, Sampson Paii, Sarah groundwater, Shakayla Malachi, Shanae
Olsen, Sharelsie Yunkaporta, Sharlee Clarmont, Shauna Beard, Sheylene Holness, Shianne McLean, Shonice Lawrence, Sophia
Wanambi, Stacey Wunta, Tachiana Williams, Tamika Neade, Tanisha Vincent, Tara Marpoondin, Tayiesha Warria,
Teline-Anis Harris, Tom Osborne, Traynae Murray, William Richardson-Eveleigh, Willis Daly and Zachariah Marrar.
NEW STUDENTS FOR 2017
Mr Ian Margetts
Deputy Principal—Curriculum & Admin
A warm welcome to the 2017 school year!
We especially welcome a number of new staff and students!
It has been an exciting two weeks as we get used to new faces as well as a few new systems and structures.
Here are some of the new initiatives.
Chromebooks
With the increased reliance on technology and the importance of having good access to reliable technology to complete
their studies, the senior students (Years 11 & 12) receive a Chromebook each with which they are to carry to and from
school and use for the completion of their school work. From researching, to word processing assignments, to completing
online modules of certificate courses, these Chromebooks will be invaluable in assisting the students to achieve their
senior goals.
Bell times
This term we are trialling having a 7 period day with Home form only on a Monday. The aim of this is to optimise learning
time. Please see new bell times displayed below.
Junior Languages
As a part of the term based elective rotations
in Years 7 & 8, students will be participating in
an Italian Languages course. The key
concepts of language, culture and learning
from the Australian Curriculum underpin what
will be taught in this learning area.
Some important points to start the year;
Assignments: These form an integral part of
the learning and assessment of most
subjects, and must be completed so that the
student can be reported on as completing the
course of study. Those students who fail to
meet deadlines (including ‘Checkpoints’ and
‘Draft submission’) will be required to
complete work during the Academic
Detention which is held on Thursday
afternoons.
Homework: Students are required to carry a diary and homework must be written into this. Recent studies have shown
that targeted homework has a significant impact on student achievement and so must be completed. Homework may
include work on assessment items.
Change of subject: Students must complete a change of subject form (available from Mrs Hoult). Students and parents/
carers are always welcome and encouraged to discuss subject selection. Years 9 and 10 can change subjects up to the
end of week 3 (10th February) and Years 11 and 12 up to the end of week 4 (17th February).
Assessment Calendar: A copy of the Assessment calendar will be posted out as well as being available on our website.
The aim of this is to help support students to meet their deadlines.
Best wishes for the year ahead. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.
Ian Margetts - Deputy Principal - Admin & Curriculum
Assistant Principal—Student Wellbeing
Welcome to the 2017 school year.
I wish to welcome all new students and their families to the Mount St Bernard College community for the
first time. We hope your time at MSB is full of positive, motivating and rewarding moments. Welcome back
to all existing students and families, we are looking forward to an exciting year ahead that focusses on
growth and development.
This is my first year at MSB and I am looking forward to walking this journey with all who are associated with
the College.
My role involves Student Wellbeing. People often find it difficult to understand precisely what it means to build wellbeing. MSB
College believes that Positive Psychology is the most effective way to improve student wellbeing. Positive Psychology is the
scientific study of human flourishing, and an applied approach to optimal functioning. It has also been defined as the study of
the strengths and virtues that enable individuals, communities and organisations to thrive. The body of knowledge that is
Positive Psychology has produced research which proves that some activities do improve mental health.
At MSB we believe that certain interventions, exercises and skills which can be passed on from teachers and trainers to our
students will benefit their overall health and wellbeing.
Positive Psychology seeks to build the mental health assets of students to prevent mental illness and build wellbeing.
Here is a sample of some of the key activities based on research and commonly used in positive psychology interventions:
Test peoples strengths and encourage people to lead from their strengths
Learn how to build positive emotion
Build optimism
Learn about how to build GRIT
Mr Scott Whitters
Fixed and growth mindsets
Develop the habit of gratitude
Learn how to build internal and external resilience
resources
Mindfulness training
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy skills
Understand the importance of physical activity,
good sleep and nutrition
Build self-awareness
Build emotional self-regulation
I look forward to working with our students to improve
wellbeing, health and happiness.
Scott Whitters Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing Mount St Bernard College Herberton
Ph: 07 40 961 444
Email: [email protected]
Positive Behaviour Support - Fortnightly Focus “How to be at MSB …”
Welcome to the MSB Community for 2017. This fortnight students have
been learning or revisiting the College Rules and Expectations.
Every classroom has these displayed in
order to remind students of how they need to
behave to be a successful member of the
MSB Community.
Take some time to get to know them and
discuss with your child how following these
rules and expectations will help them
achieve their goals.
We look forward to a successful year!
Jenny Rossiter— Whole School — [email protected]
Trudy Bakker - Years 10 - 12— [email protected]
Ben Smith - Years 7 - 9— [email protected]
Scott Whitters - Head of Pastoral Care—[email protected]
Don’t forget we are only a phone call away. If you have any
issues or concerns you wish to discuss please don’t hesitate
to call or email a member of the Pastoral Care Team:
Reflection by Deacon Alban Hunt
There’s a story told of a monastery where the monks were nasty to each other and not every hospitable to visitors. It
was a pretty unpleasant community. One day the Abbot in charge called the community together and said that God
had revealed to him in a dream, that one of the monks in their monastery was in fact Jesus Christ in disguise.
However God didn’t say which monk it was.
As you can imagine that set the monastery a buzz. You can guess what question that run through everyone’s mind.
Who was Christ among us?
And things began changing in the monastery. The monks started to see each other differently as they wondered
which monk was Jesus Christ. Was it Brother Luke with his annoying habit of talking to every resident in the nursing
home, Christian or atheist he didn’t care. Was Jesus Brother Jude with his constant irritated saying….”Trust God”.
Maybe it was Brother William always affirming someone.
Over time the atmosphere in that monastery changed and it became famous for its hospitality and as a place where
one could sense the presence of God.
Can you imagine what home, school or work would be like if you knew Jesus was there!
MSB Transition Support Team
Welcome to all our new and returning students to MSB for 2017
Our “O” week started on Tuesday 17th January with Miss Jude, Miss Dee and I travelling to
Cairns to meet and greet all our new students and their escorts.
We tried something different this year with all families being accommodated in Cairns. It was
excellent to be able to spend time with you all in an informal setting.
Families arrived between 8.30am and midnight and were transported to either the Sheridan
Plaza or the Coral Tree Motel and other sites.
We had Alex Collins on the ground at the Airports to meet and greet all newcomers. A Big Thank you to Alex.
On Wednesday we all travelled to MSB for a meet and greet by our Principal Mr David Finch and our Heads of Boarding
Mrs Tina Schefe and Mr David Schefe.
Our NT Families then headed off to Atherton to shop and to see a bit of the country side where their children will be spending
so much time.
Our Qld families and escorts got down to business—
including form filling, learning about our Elders in
Residence program, seeing our Nurse Mrs. Paulene
Kittler and learning about our Parent Portal.
Thursday saw a reversal with the Qld Families shopping and
touring and the NT Families completing all the requirements back
at MSB. Thursday afternoon was taken up with a BBQ ,a Liturgy
in our chapel and then saying farewell to our parents and escorts.
We look forward to seeing you all at Naidoc Day or other events
during the year.
Regards,
Miss Flo and the Transition Team—Jude and Dee.
Tina & Dave Schefe
Heads of
Residential
How wonderful to have 70 new boarders
with us this year. We welcome
you and your families from all
over the NT, QLD, PNG and the
Torres Strait. What an
interesting life it is for boarders
at MSB and a great opportunity
to make friends from such diverse
backgrounds. We hope and pray
2017 will be a happy productive
year for everyone!
During the orientation camp at
Tinaroo Dam students did a
little raft building. Some were
more successful than others!
Most students got very wet,
nobody seemed to care!
Our orientation camp at Camp Apex
at Tinaroo Dam was a wonderful
opportunity for all new students,
both day and boarding, to come
together and get to know each other.
If was great watching students from
different cultures coming together to
share their knowledge and to get the
job done!
The low ropes challenge course
encouraged students to test
themselves and to
allow others to support them
during the process.
Great skill was displayed
during the kayaking sessions.
Once again it was a hot day
so most students ended up
quite damp!
Building catapults and
having a catapult war was
heaps of fun. The students
learnt some very helpful
knots to hold their catapult
in place. Many catapults
collapsed during the battle,
perhaps it was the extreme
force used by some of our
boys or perhaps the knots
didn’t work out as well as
they had hoped!
Yarning…. There are
many new things to
learn about going to
boarding school.
A very, very big
thankyou to our
wonderful senior
students who came
along on camp to
support the new
students. You are fan-
tastic role models for
our school.
Many thanks to all the
boarding staff and members of
the Leadership team who came
along and helped our camp run
so smoothly!
Tablelands Regional Council
2017 Australia Day Awards Congratulations to our Year 11 student
Bridie Freeman
On winning the
Junior Cultural Award
Bridie is a young, passionate Aboriginal woman, part of the Jirrbal tribe, from Herberton. In 2016 she was School and Sports
Captain at Herberton State School and represented her school and the community at events and functions. Bridie represented
her Jirrbal people, Aboriginal Elders both past and present by delivering Welcome to Country speeches.
Her main achievements in 2016 were
organising a successful NAIDOC celebration and
giving the Welcome to Country Speech at this
celebration. Bridie shared cutting the NAIDOC cake
with her Elder Nan Lillian Freeman and visiting
Mount St Bernard student Deborah Gulurrwuy, a
young Aboriginal woman from Elcho Island in
Northern Territory. This was a powerful moment
uniting the young with an Elder to commemorate
Aboriginal and Islander cultures.
Another highlight for Bridie was attending the Close the Gap day celebrations at
Mount St Bernard College. Both Jirrbal people, Bridie and Maree Higginson,
Year 12 School Captain for Mount St Bernard in
2016, collaborated on a joint Welcome to
Country to help close the health and life
expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous
Australians within a generation. It was compelling seeing these two young Indigenous ladies
sharing the stage united to help raise awareness and make a difference for their people.
Her future aspiration is to work in remote Aboriginal communities and travel. Bridie is
inspired to continue on her path of cultural leadership, demonstrating her confidence,
passion and pride in her culture and community.
Above: Bridie accepting her award from Councillor Kate Eden. Our School Officer of the Arts Andrea Gower nominated Bridie for this award.
We all hope there was plenty of enjoyable restful times had over the Christmas break. With the 2017 year
in front of us, below are some of the key dates to keep in mind for Mathematics:
31 January, 1 February: PAT Tests — New students;
2-3 March: Positive Mathematics for Indigenous Students conference—Hosted by Mount St Bernard College (maths446.wixsite.com/pm4is-2017)
Tuesday, 14 March: Pi day
9-11 May: NAPLAN
Tuesday, 15 August: ICAS maths competition — for interested students in the highest academic orientated classes and all students in the 10W maths class at MSB and optional for senior mathematics students).
Thursday, 25 May: Year 7 challenge day — Bentleigh Park College
Thursday in August: Year 7/8 Maths Quiz — Atherton SHS library
July/August: Year 9 Maths enrichment camp
First four weeks of Term 4: PAT — All students
If you would like to make contact with your child’s Mathematics teacher, below are the class allocations:
Ben Smith - Middle Leader Mathematics [email protected]
MSB School Photo Day
Wednesday 15th February
If you would like your child to purchase photos please ensure
they collect payment form from Student reception.
Students in Boarding will be given theirs during homework after school.
All order forms are to be give to photographer on the day
Students will be required to wear their Formal Uniform.
Family/Siblings order forms are also available from Student reception and
Boarding.
Please do not hesitate to call the college if you have any further queries.
PH: 40 961 444
Firstly, welcome back to all returning students, staff and members of the MSB community.
A warm welcome extends to new students, parents/carers and staff members.
To start off the new school year, I thought I would provide all with information
regarding what units classes will study this term.
From all of our HASS teachers, a warm welcome to all!
Emily Pensini
Middle Leader - Humanities and Social Sciences
Class Teacher Unit studied:
7B Teresa Wareing History elective—
Investigating the ancient past 7L Noelene Lep
7P Catherine Titasey
7R Wendy Rains
8C Doris Cuda History elective—
Medieval Europe 8E Trudy Bakker
8S LeeAnn Samuels
8Z Tony Zieth
7 Economics & Citizenship Traylea Sexton Consumer awareness + being a good citizen
8 Economics & Citizenship Trudy Bakker What is economy + decision making
9P Emily Pensini History elective—
Industrial Revolution 9M David Wragg
9N Emily Pensini
10A Tanneal Micallef History elective—
World War Two 10R Karen Rolfe
10W Emily Pensini
Senior Legal Studies Christine Weedon Year 11—The Legal System
Year 12—Independent Inquiry
Senior Modern History Emily Pensini Studies of Hope: Has White Australia a Black History?
2017 Immunisation Schedule
Dates for Year 7 Students 14th March 2017
Visit 1 - HPV dose 1 and dTpa
23rd May 2017
Visit 2 - HPV dose 2
17th October 2017
Visit 3 - HPV dose 3
If you have any further queries please contact the College Nurse Mrs Paulene Kittler on PH: 40 961 503
Please ensure completed forms are returned promptly to the College.
Upcoming
Events 2017
Upcoming Events 2017
Mon 6 Feb
Opening Mass & 2017 Student Leaders
Induction - Mercy Chapel 8.45am
Mon 6 Feb - Fri 10 Feb
Daniel Wallwork - Visiting Artist
Tues 14 Feb
Year 11 & 12 Legal Studies Excursion
Wed 15 Feb
School Photo Day
Thurs 16 Feb
MSB Swimming Carnival - Atherton Pool
Thurs 23 Feb
Parents and Friends Meeting - 5pm
Fri 24 Feb
Classes 8E & 8C Maths Excursion - Cairns
Sat 25 - Sun 26 Feb
Boarders Leave Weekend
Wed 1 March
Ash Wednesday
Tues 7 March
Tears 10,11 & 12 - Performance by Love Drunk
Wed 8 - Thurs 9 March
Yumpla Dance Workshop
Thurs 9 March
Yumpla Community Performance
Atherton State High School at 6pm
Tues 14 March
Year 7 Immunisations
Try a Trade Day - Year 10 Students
Wed 15 - Fri 17 March
Year 12 Retreat - Gennazzano’s
Sat 18 - Sun 19 March
Boarders Leave Weekend
Thurs 23 March
MSB Cross Country - 1pm
Tues 28 - Thurs 30 March
Term 1 Exam Block
Fri 31 March
Boarders Travel Home
Easter School Holidays Commence
2017 UNIFORM SHOP
The Uniform Shop opening times
for students are;
Day Students
1pm - 1.30pm (Lunchtime)
Boarding Students 3pm - 4pm
(After school)
Parents to make a booking or if
you have any queries please call
Julie at Student Reception on
Ph: 40 961 445
This service is currently operating and will con-
tinue to run until the 10th
of March 2017
Please note that women aged 40 years and over are eligible for a FREE breastscreen with Breast-Screen Queensland every 2 years. Women aged 50-74 are strongly recommended to screen, with the average age of first diagnosis being 60. You do not need a doctor’s referral to attend.
***Please also note that online bookings are now
available!! Visit: www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au***
or call 13 20 50 Where: Atherton Showgrounds, behind
Merrilands Hall, access via Robert Rd
The Breast Screen Queensland mobile service
is back offering FREE breast cancer screening to
all eligible women
in the area!
