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HOLISTIC EDUCATION Mr Andrew Holmes | Principal
Events over the last semester have reminded me that Moreton Bay Boys’ College is a dynamic school that creates an exciting and engaging learning environment that provides a wealth of opportunities for the boys to shine. As Principal of this wonderful College, I am committed to ensuring student aspirations are achieved through providing an education in which we value the development of the whole person and focus on the development of the academic in an environment that is inclusive, engaging and enjoyable and in which students feel confident to take risks. The staff truly believe in the limitless potential of our boys and are committed to providing outstanding student experiences which will realise it. Along with the many co-curricular opportunities on offer, emphasis on student wellbeing and acknowledging that Teaching and Learning is our ‘core business’, MBBC is committed to championing our wonderful holistic education. Educational research is clear, when boys feel safe, happy and connected they will thrive and
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flourish, and achieve their potential in the classroom. Furthermore, the philosophy of educating the whole person continues to grow as schools realise that students need more than just a strong foundation in a core curriculum, they also need to be supported by a community and to develop a compassionate understanding of the world around them.
When boys feel safe, happy and connected they will thrive and flourish. I have stated many times during assembly that I believe every boy has a strength, whether that is academic, co-curricular, leadership or service and it is our role as educators to provide the platform of opportunity to nurture their talent. I am proud that we are experts in boy’s education, and we know our boys best. I continue to witness firsthand the varied opportunities offered to the boys, that contribute towards developing the whole person which helps them become the best version of themselves. The class of 2020 and their ATAR results are testament to this, and I am
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proud of their achievements and the character they showed during a tumultuous year. The Co-Curricular Programme continues to grow and improve. The Sport Programme continues to enhance with a record number of boys registered to play in the various sports, the upgraded Mountain Bike course facilitating a high number of riders and the Touch and Basketball Programmes now providing an opportunity for the teams to compete for a full semester. The boys have also enjoyed debating, public speaking, robotics, dungeons and dragons, chess, and the Camp Programme provided an opportunity for our boys to engage in activities that extended themselves outside of their comfort zone, build trust and develop their leadership skills. Opportunities such as these undoubtedly contribute towards their academic outcomes and prepare them well for the future. The Colleges’ Music Programme continues to provide opportunities for our students to showcase their creative talents in the Moreton Muster, Classics Concert, Soirée and the
College Musical, The Wiz. May I thank all the staff and parents involved for providing a wonderful opportunity for our boys to showcase their creative talents. As I reflect on the abundance of creative, exciting and engaging opportunities, it is evident that success comes to young people when they are self-confident, feel a sense of purpose and belonging, and are working from their strengths. I am delighted to serve a school that mirrors my own philosophy of providing a holistic education to enhance the students’ learning potential and one that shapes young people who are committed, active and compassionate. Furthermore, I am humbled to serve a College community that models positive attitudes and fully embraces the unique abilities of each boy, nurturing their talent, building their confidence and providing them a supportive learning environment so they grow into a courageous leader, ready for tomorrow’s world. With Faith and Integrity Andrew
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FAREWELL CLASS OF 2020 The 2020 school year presented the College and our community with many challenges due to COVID-19. For this reason, we were delighted that the end of year Graduation celebrations could still go ahead. Thankfully due to some changes to COVID-19 restrictions, we were able to fondly farewell our 2020 Seniors and share the Farewell Assembly and Ringing of the Bell, both charged with emotion, with parents. The Farewell Assembly and Ringing of the Bell is always a bittersweet event in the College Calendar. We take pride in celebrating and acknowledging our wonderful Year 12 students and wishing them luck as they depart on the next stage in their journeys, yet it is always difficult to say goodbye. As a school we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this rite of passage with our Year 12 students and their immediate families. There was immense pride to see these students walk through the Honour Guard formed by the rest of the College and take their last steps on campus as students. With a year of immense change and disruption, our 2020 Year 12 cohort are commended for living the College Values of Teamwork,
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Care, Character and Engagement. We commend the boys for their dedication, hard work, commitment, perseverance, resilience, and strength of character they have shown to achieve their goals, and the determination to be the best version of themselves. We look forward to learning of their future endeavours and to keeping in touch with these new ‘Old Boys’ in the years to come.
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CLASS OF 2020 CONTINUES LONG TRADITION OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS Congratulations go to our 2020 Seniors, who were the first cohort in Queensland to sit the ATAR exams, after the change to ATAR, and away from OP scores, at the end of 2019.
outstanding educational experience for your sons, and your commitment to the partnership we have nurtured to achieve the best outcome for each individual student.
During 2020, Moreton Bay Boys’ College continued to achieve very high academic results, maintaining a long tradition of academic success. These results have been achieved through hard work, engaged learning, a genuine focus on improvement, focussed teaching and a continuous approach to providing an outstanding student experience at MBBC. It is testament to the value of setting goals and striving with persistent determination to achieve them.
Our College’s highest academic achievers in 2020 included College Dux Benjamin Tran, with an ATAR of 99.90 and College Proxime Accessit Reuben Richardson with an ATAR of 99.45.
19% of the cohort achieved an ATAR of 97 or higher, 23% achieved an ATAR of 95 or higher, and 27% of the cohort achieved an ATAR of 90 or higher.
In February, the College welcomed back the 2020 cohort to the Scholars Assembly, where we took time to celebrate the success of the Senior students of 2020 and wish them well as they continue onto the next stage in their lives.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to parents and guardians for their unwavering support in the pursuit of providing an
19%
of students received an ATAR of 97 or higher
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students gained a Diploma
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We are thrilled to report that 100% of our students have graduated with a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Every student also graduated with an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and/or Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.
23%
of students received an ATAR of 95 or higher
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Mean ATAR
100%
27%
of students received an ATAR of 90 or higher
of students gained their QCE
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students received an early offer to University
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CHAPLAIN'S CORNER Mr Shane McCarthy | Chaplain
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 We seem to be living in a time where these three qualities, joy, peace and hope, are in high demand. As a community, we continue working towards instilling these qualities within our students, and each other as staff members. Ultimately it is our relationships that define our life and give it meaning, both with God and with others.
In a disrupted last week of Term 1 2021, we were lucky to hold the Primary School Easter service before we went into lockdown. The students did an amazing job in their roles and the boys were reminded of the history and meaning of Easter Eggs and how they tied in with the Easter Story as a reminder of the new life that we now have in Jesus. While we were unable to hold the Secondary Easter Service, we did take up a large collection of hygiene and personal items that we again donated to Uniting Care. In this way we have both learnt about the hope that Jesus offers us while also giving hope to others in our community.
In that vein, as we look back over the last few months, it was joy to be able to finish a very difficult year in 2020 by holding both our Primary and Secondary Christmas Services. Our theme for these services was that it is in the giving of ourselves to others that truly prepares us for the Christmas season. Once again, as a college community we took up a collection of non-perishable food items to pass on to Uniting Care, who were overwhelmed by our generosity.
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THE INTRODUCTION OF PB BOOKS ENCOURAGE POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS Mr Haydn Eames | Student Wellbeing Coordinator, Primary HPE Teacher
Student wellbeing is an imperative part of the College community at MBBC. Our school is full of amazing boys that consistently go above and beyond with their effort, behaviour and attitude. I am a huge believer in recognising success and rewarding those that make an effort to display positive behaviours and contribute to the welcoming, inclusive environment of Moreton Bay Boys’ College. In an effort to recognise said success and reward the boys for their positive behaviours, at the beginning of 2021, MBBC introduced a new ticket book system, known as Positive Behaviour books, or PB books, to the boys. Educators carry the Positive Behaviour books with them, and when they see boys displaying positive behaviours, both in the classroom our around the college, they fill in a PB ticket, tear it out of the book, and hand it to the boy. The ticket contains an area for the Educator to complete, where they can highlight the behaviour they wish to reward. These tickets can also be used to remind the students not to engage in negative behaviour, but the focus is to promote and acknowledge students that demonstrate the College Values of
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Teamwork, Engagement, Character and Care around the school. The PB books align with the College’s Wellbeing Framework and our Pastoral Care focus. Boys who receive Positive Behaviour tickets can place them in special post-boxes situated around the College. At the end of each term all the tickets are entered into a draw. The lucky recipients are given the opportunity to take part in a range of fun and exciting experiences as a way of acknowledging their efforts and for contributing positively to MBBC. Towards the end of Term 1, 22 of our Primary students were randomly
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drawn from the collection of tickets and were invited to take part in a Nerf Gun Capture the Flag competition in the sports hall. The boys were locked and loaded and enjoyed some time running, leaping and rolling around the barriers while trying to capture the other team’s flag. It was great fun and the boys loved it. The Secondary students were rewarded with a movie and pizzas in the lecture theatre which was a well-earned break from the work they have put into their academics in Term 1. We're looking forward to the next experiences!
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THE MBBC RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN The MBBC Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group was established in 2020 to oversee the development and continued implementation of the RAP at MBBC. The Working Group is comprised of teaching and non-teaching staff and students. Initially, the College staff collaborated to develop our vision for reconciliation.
Our vision for reconciliation involves the acknowledgement of our shared histories. We aim to move forward together by building our understanding of, and respect for, the traditions and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a commitment to inclusion and justice. We will achieve this as a College community through authentic engagement, collaboration and consultation with the Traditional Custodians and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise that celebrating diversity within our community will develop positive partnerships between cultures and lay the foundations for a shared future. After the vision was established, the RAP Working Group used the Narragunnawali Platform, provided by Reconciliation Australia, to develop the College RAP. Through our RAP, the College has committed to undertaking 15 actions. These actions are aimed towards promoting inclusivity, reconciliation, awareness and respect among all key stakeholders in the community, including MBBC students from Pre-Prep to Year 12, parents, staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and other community members. In April 2021, this RAP was official endorsed by Narragunnawali and is active for the next 12 months.
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The 15 actions the MBBC RAP Working Group Category
Action
Details
Relationships in the classroom
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Classroom
Enhance teaching and learning activities by engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people form within the school community.
Relationships around the school
Cultural Competence for Staff
Provide opportunities for staff to build and extend knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Relationships with the community
Welcome to Country
Coordinate a Welcome to Country for significant events.
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week from 27th May to 3 June each year.
Create Stakeholder List
Maintain a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organizations and other key stakeholders within the local area to help implement RAP initiatives.
Build relationship with Community
Build relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community that are founded on mutual respect, trust and inclusiveness.
Teach about Reconciliation
Teach about the concept, history and progress of reconciliation in Australia.
Explore Current Affairs and Issues
Raise awareness of current affairs and issues in the public domain that re of particular significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the process of reconciliation.
Respect around the school
Acknowledgement of Country
Develop understanding of what it means to acknowledge Country and provide everyone the opportunity to do so at meetings and events throughout the year.
Respect with the community
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags
Fly or display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags all year round to demonstrate pride and respect for Australia’s First Peoples.
Take Action Against Racism
Raise awareness of, teach about, and take positive action against racism.
Opportunities in the classroom
Curriculum Planning
Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures are incorporated in the curriculum planning, development and evaluation process.
Opportunities in the classroom
Inclusive Policies
Ensure policies are inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and aim to increase knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
Staff Engagement with RAP
Encourage staff to be involved in the ongoing development and implementation of the RAP through staff development opportunities.
Celebrate RAP Progress
Celebrate RAP progress in the school and throughout the community.
Respect in the classroom
Opportunities with the community
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MEASURING SUCCESS Mr Michael Holland | Head of Secondary
An infographic that challenges how we measure success has done the rounds on social media, which shows two pie charts. One, titled, “How We’re Taught to Measure Success”, is split in half with equal weight given to Salary and Job Title. There is no denying we can tend to judge ourselves and others based on what they do and how much they get paid to do it. We attach status to certain professions, particularly those that come with high financial rewards, but this is a narrow view of success because it ignores the fact that people may be unhappy or unfulfilled in those jobs and the financial rewards may come
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at a cost in another area such as wellbeing. This is not to say that you can’t find fulfilment in a high-paying or ‘prestigious’ job because many people do. The second circle in the infographic is split between Free Time, Liking What You Do, Physical Health, Mental Health, Job Title and Salary. It is worth noting the latter two are not given the same weighting as the preceding four. I like this graphic because I think it explains why there are people in all fields of work, in all types of roles, with a diverse range of salaries, who would consider themselves successful and, by extension, happy or fulfilled.
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and happiness. We can sometimes take it to heart when we feel like we do not measure up in a certain area and, focusing on that, we can lose sight of the many areas that we are successful. This can adversely affect our levels of engagement and motivation. Therefore, at MBBC, we offer a broad curriculum and a variety of co-curricular opportunities for students to achieve success. We want our young men to achieve success in as many areas as possible within the classroom and beyond it, on the sporting field, on the stage, in the workshop, socially, and any other way imaginable. If you imagine the pie chart is a wheel, it will stand to reason the integrity of the wheel is stronger if there are more spokes, more areas of success we can divide the wheel into.
The key is that they have a broader understanding of where success can come from. This is my hope for our boys at MBBC. I want them to recognise there are many ways they can measure their own success, which is crucial to their sense of self-worth
I have seen an addendum to the infographic that adds another circle. This one is empty, and the accompanying text suggests an even better measure of success is “finding your own metrics for success and doing your best under your current circumstances”. This resonates with me because of the element of self-determination. It invites us, with help and guidance, if necessary, to build our own wheel with as many spokes as we like. The good news for our young men is we have designed a school experience that provides, by way of opportunities, those spokes they need to build a sturdy wheel that will endure.
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MEET THE 2021 CAPTAINS
HUGH BETTINSON – COLLEGE CAPTAIN Who is your greatest role model? My greatest role model is the late Nelson Mandela. His uncompromising vision, perseverance and strength throughout his life is outstanding, and his ability to understand, forgive and inspire are traits that I feel are most pertinent in our lives today. What would you like the class of 2021 to be remembered for? I’d really like this year’s graduating class to be remembered for being inclusive and diverse. We have so many great young men in the 2021 cohort, who are friendly, caring, and talented in their own rights, and I know that we will all be displaying these attributes across the college, encouraging students to be their best, and give everything a go. What defines leadership? Leadership is an art form that involves motivating, building, and supporting people to achieve a
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common goal. I feel that a true leader is defined by their ability to inspire others, willingness to take a hands-on approach and acceptance of constructive criticism and feedback. What is your favourite ice cream flavour? This is a tough one, but I’d have to go with mint chocolate chip. While it can be a controversial flavour, I like to think of it as a harmonious synergy of two great flavours: cool and pungent mint, laced with smooth milk chocolate. It doesn’t get any better!
ELI DIXON – COLLEGE VICE CAPTAIN Who is your greatest role model? Faf de Klerk. De Klerk is the Springbok’s scrum half and is known throughout the rugby community as the ‘Giant Slayer’. Standing at 1.7 meters tall and only 80kg, he makes the most courageous tackles and the most spectacular plays, tackling players who stand at over 2 meters tall and who weigh 125kg. However, he is not just a great playmaker; he also is a leader of the team. He is constantly organising and
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preparing his team. He is a living example of the perfect balance of brains, brawn and leadership!
What do you enjoy most about competitive sports?
What would you like the class of 2021 to be remembered for?
Competitive Sports like Football, Futsal and Basketball have always been enjoyable for me. Many of my friendships were formed in sporting teams, and who doesn't enjoy the feeling of winning!
The class of 2021 is special to me. I know I’m biased, but it does seem special. I feel the bond we have with our peers and the friendships we have fostered with our teachers is something we will not forget. Maybe we don’t leave behind a physical legacy, but the friendship and bonds we have fostered will stay behind. Where will you find me in five years? If I were to really imagine, probably in some sort of university or something to do with academia. If not, then getting my hands dirty in a mechanicalbased career. A diesel mechanic or electrical engineer. Really, so long as I’m happy with what I am pursuing then I don’t really mind. What technology do you think will change the world? I think space technology will change the world. I love space and astronomy; seeing pictures from Mars and reusable rockets being launched is so exciting to me. This field is only just starting to expand, and the potential is literally limitless. I hope my generation will be the first to see interplanetary travel.
BENJAMIN POULTON – SPORTS CAPTAIN Who is your greatest role model? One of my greatest role models is Neymar Jr. Not only is he one of the greatest football players in the world, but he gives back to the community by supporting the kids in his hometown that are going through the same poverty that he went through as a child. What would you like the class of 2021 to be remembered for? I want the class of 2021 to be remembered as a collective cohort of friends and not cohort consisting of separate friend groups. Yes, we have our main friend groups like all schools, but we are also able to interact with other friend groups without it being seen as awkward or weird.
What was your favourite cartoon show growing up? My favourite cartoon shows would have to be Adventure Time or Regular Show as they are extremely funny. I grew up watching them, and they are the best shows to binge watch when bored.
HARRISON BLACKMORE – CULTURAL CAPTAIN Who is your greatest role model? My greatest role model is probably my Pop, as he went through extreme adversity when he was a child but went on to have a successful career as a mathematics teacher. He is always showing compassion for others and is always willing to help. What would you like the class of 2021 to be remembered for? I would like the class of 2021 to be remembered for our unity and sense of togetherness as a cohort. I can honestly say that I could ask any of these boys for a hand with anything and they'd all be willing to help. What inspired your love for the arts? I'd say that watching older students perform in choirs and musicals when I was in younger years inspired me to pursue the Arts. They looked to be having so much fun and I wanted to give it a go! Who would play you in a move of your life? If somebody had to be play me in a movie of my life? I'd probably say Hugh Jackman since we both have a musical theatre background and he's Australian.
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JARED WEST – MUSIC CAPTAIN Who is your greatest role model? It's hard to name just one, but I would say Stephen Hawkins. What would you like the class of 2021 to be remembered for? I would like the class of 2021 to be remembered for their willingness to always have a laugh, no matter the circumstances. What’s your earliest Musical memory? My earliest musical memory was trying to play the bass recorder in Year 1, and not being able to reach the holes with my tiny fingers. What song is currently stuck in your head? Baby I'm Yours by Breakbot.
AARON HILLESS – SERVICE CAPTAIN Who is your greatest role model? My greatest role-model is James O’Connor, a Queensland Reds and Wallabies Rugby Union player. He possesses a strong character and a desire to achieve. He’s also the current Queensland Reds captain, and led them through an almost flawless season in 2021, with only one loss on the books.
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What would you like the class of 2021 to be remembered for? I would like the class of 2021 to be remembered as a fun-loving group of boys, but also a group of change makers. The Seniors of 2021 are a capable and caring group of young men, whose legacy should be felt for years after we graduate. How do you define Service? Service is not one specific thing, it could be volunteering at an event, or it could be just being principled. Serving is as simple as helping a younger student up when he falls over, picking up someone else’s rubbish even when you know nobody is looking, or even volunteering somewhere and seeking no recognition for it. I view service as a way of giving back to a community, especially one that has influenced me as much as this College has. What are you currently reading? I am currently reading Ruin and Rising, book three of The Grisha series. It is a fantasy novel set in an alternate universe, the first book of which has recently been turned into a Netflix series, titled Shadow and Bone.
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INTRODUCING BEN LANGFORD, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC At the beginning of 2021, Mr Ben Langford joined The Moreton Bay Colleges as Director of Music. Mr Langford joins The Colleges after a distinguished career as the Director of Music in schools across Brisbane and London. We sat down with Mr Langford to learn more about his love of music, teaching, and direction for the Music Programme. What first inspired your interest in Music? Believe it or not, I started playing in my school band. In Year 4, we were lined up, and the big kids got trombones, and the little kids got trumpets. I got a trumpet, and I still play the trumpet to this day! What instruments do you play? I dabble on a number of instruments, including the trombone, saxophone, clarinet, piano and flute, but my love is for the trumpet. It’s certainly the instrument I feel most comfortable performing on. What are your key responsibilities at The Moreton Bay Colleges? To oversee the organisation and development of the combined colleges’ music programme. To me, this means continuing the excellent work that has already been done to integrate the two formerly separate departments, by assisting and empowering both staff and students to take further ownership of their own development. We have fantastic staff in place, however, the students will achieve best and gain the most
benefit and enjoyment out of participating in the music programme if they are intrinsically motivated to push themselves towards reaching their potential. It is when they begin to set their own goals, and start to evaluate and judge their own successes and failures, that they will really see the possibilities of which they are capable. How did you progress from playing music, to teaching music? A school counsellor suggested a teaching pathway could be suitable for me, and with my love for music, a music teaching degree was a
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natural progression. It’s turned out to be the right thing. What music to do you listen to, which musicians inspire you? Like many people, I listen to a whole variety of things, and this changes over time. I particularly love Jazz and listen to Clarke Terry, Lee Morgan, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis; a whole bunch of trumpet players in Jazz. I also like Classical music; I’m inspired by Mozart and his perfection of composition, as well as more modern styles such as soul and fusion, particularly modern Australian bands like The Cat Empire and Labjacd. A real variety. How does music education contribute to the holistic growth of our students? We live in a world where students must navigate wildly conflicting influences, and so I believe accessing an education that values seeking meaning and engagement across communities is fundamental to building societies that are places of compassion, understanding and justice. Within this context, the Arts hold an almost unique position in our education system. We can offer our students few other endeavours that so integrate the 21st century requirements for critical and creative thinking, emphasise a team ethic that builds personal and social skills, and hold an integral obligation to listen and communicate. These all sit within an environment that is collegial instead of competitive, and collaborative rather than individual. In a society that under values principles and over values judgement, there are huge benefits to
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involvement in activities that promote cultural sensitivity and aesthetic learning. Participation in ensemble music therefore becomes an invaluable component of a well-rounded and holistic education, as well as a source of great connection and joy within our community. What are your goals for the growth of the music programme? My goal is to make sure the music programme is a place where every student (and staff member) is valued, where all are able to contribute, and that encourages each to reach their potential, which is so often far beyond what a student believes it might be. This means that we must create an environment that provides an opportunity for students at every level of experience, makes music making both challenging and enjoyable, treats music groups as teaching ensembles rather than simply performance vehicles, and encourages students and staff to apply the holistic skills developed beyond the sphere of music making. What music do you play on a quiet Sunday afternoon? I’m putting on Count Basie. When it comes to Big Band jazz, there are two names of bandleaders that are the most important and most influential of all time – Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The Atomic Basie album happens to be one of my favourites, with most of the arrangements by Sammy Nestico, another huge name in the field. It’s just a great album and one of my automatic go-to’s.
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CULTURAL SUCCESS
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PERFORMERS MENTORING STUDENTS AT THE MORETON BAY COLLEGES Beginning in 2021, Moreton Bay Boys’ College and Moreton Bay College Year 12 students are studying Music Extension together. This is a wonderful opportunity for our most advanced Music students to develop their talents in either Performing, Musicology or Composition to a level beyond what can normally be achieved in a classroom setting. An Academic Subject, Music Extension provides an opportunity for students with specific abilities in music to extend their expertise. “We’re excited to add another high-quality learning opportunity to the MBBC Arts programme,” said Mrs Steph Smith, Head of Arts at Moreton Bay Boys’ College. “Our teachers in The Arts work as practising-artists, and can draw on years of experience and far-reaching networks to connect students to learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom instruction.” An important aspect of this subject, which contributes to a student’s ATAR, is to develop relationships with mentors outside of the classroom setting to develop individual artistry and musicianship in a professional environment. Moreton Bay Boys’ College Secondary Music and Music Extension Teacher Mrs Angela Bowen has utilised her network to connect a number of experienced and talented mentors to work with our students, including American bass guitar player Blaise Sison II, Australian singer Stewart Morris and US-based Australian Opera Singer and Kovner Fellow at the Julliard School New York, Xenia Puskarz–Thomas. “I was delighted to join the music extension students this February to listen and offer some guidance,” said Xenia. “Mentoring has always been of huge consequence to my studies and achievements as a musician. As any student knows, it can just take one inspiring and guiding teacher/mentor, to inspire the confidence to pursue their studies a little further and to help them believe in the great potential
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within themselves. Just within our session they were already making huge leaps and bounds, it’s very exciting to see!” Two key ideas of learning development in the Music Extension subject are the Modes of Apprenticeship and Gradual Release of Responsibility models, where students actively work at transitioning from being apprentices on their instrument towards self-guided mastery. “Our students do this through a focus on the meta-cognitions and reflective skills required to analyse their own progress, setting specific developmental goals and by tracking and logging
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practice sessions,” said Mr Ben Langford, Director of Music at The Moreton Bay Colleges. “The guiding mentor is a key relationship in this transition.” Mrs Angela Bowen has been impressed with the initial mentor sessions this year. “It was so apparent that our mentors were passing on knowledge they had gained from some of the best teachers and opera companies in the world, and our students were able to take advantage of this in their very own classroom – such an amazing opportunity in this post-covid world.”
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UPDATE FROM THE OLD BOYS The MBBC Old Boys have been a hive of activity over the past six months. The end of 2020 saw our biggest MBBC Old Boys Christmas party to date, with over 70 graduates and staff in attendance. In February we hosted our first Committee meeting for the year. Over a dozen Old Boys were in attendance, with some exciting plans set in place for the Committee in 2021. In March this year, we had a fantastic turn out at the Annual MBBC P&F Trivia Night with our Old Boys involved with every aspect. From our hosts, past parent Kerry Domann and his son, Old Boy Nate Doman (Class of 2015), to our friends at London Spuds run by Old Boy Vasili Cassimatis (Class of 2012) and PJ Schofield (Class of 2012) who also works at London Spuds, and a whole group of Old Boys participating in the Sports Trivia itself. Plenty to look forward to this year - so watch this space!
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INTERHOUSE YEARS 4-12 SWIMMING
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SPORTS SUCCESS Ms Cerene Hughes | Head of Sport
BRITTON SHIELD SWIMMING MBCC joined the Britton Shield sporting association in 2021, to provide new sporting opportunities for our students in Years 2 to 6. The season culminated in the Britton Shield Swimming Championships event against Ipswich Junior Grammar School, with many excellent performances and our swimmers recording their first win in 2021 after some tightly fought events. To get the boys ready for the event, MBBC Sport scheduled a variety of training sessions, which focused on skill acquisition, race speed, starts/turns, and relay change overs. The aquatics programme was based on principles of technical competency first, as these fundamentals are what we rely on, to maximise swimmers aquatic potential. Thanks goes to Moreton Bay Swimming for implementing a great curriculum and positive experience for our junior swimmers. It was an exciting morning at the Moreton Bay College Aquatic Centre. As a team, we had 14 individual PBs, which included 46 first places in 53 events, across all divisions. I was thoroughly impressed watching our young swimmers compete with improved closing speed, while maintaining the integrity of the skills they had learnt throughout the season. The commitment from swimmers was a testament to the new occasion. They all deserve to be congratulated on the way they conducted themselves throughout the season and at the Championships.
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SPORTS SUCCESS
CSSAQ SWIMMING The 2021 CSSAQ Swim Team comprised of athletes swimming at club level, coupled with home grown student athletes keen to make the most of the opportunity to prepare, improve and execute their training come race day. School swimming can be very different compared to year-round club swimming. Both have their advantages, and they each played a part in preparing our athletes for the 2021 CSSAQ Swimming Championships. The school swimming programme centred on team, with the aim of improving performances for a team result. One of the best parts of seeing so many levels of swimmers engage in the 2021 Swimming Programme was being able to witness the drastic levels of improvement across the board. The improvement and the time drops our swimmers experienced was rewarding, with many swimmers wanting more when they return to prepare for 2022. In summary, participating in the 2021 CSSAQ Championships was a winning proposition for all involved. The team were Age Champions in the 15 years age group and recorded a commendable seventh place at the CSSAQ Swimming Championships against fifteen co-educational associated colleges.
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MORETON BAY BOYS' COLLEGE
ALTITUDE | EDITION 3
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MBBC P&F Association Mrs Victoria Matthews | Community Development Officer
In March, the MBBC P&F Association hosted their annual Trivia Night. This is a muchanticipated tradition at MBBC and is a fantastic opportunity to connect as a community at the beginning of the year while fundraising at the same time. This event is a major draw card for current families, past families, staff and MBBC Old Boys. This year we choose the theme ‘All things Sport’ which coincided nicely with the Sports Halls
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MORETON BAY BOYS' COLLEGE
10th birthday. The night was a huge success raising almost $5,000 for the P&F, which in turn supports projects that benefit our boys. Although the night ran a little differently this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, which included a cap on numbers and food truck catering, it was still a wonderful evening enjoyed by all. A big thank you to the MBBC P&F Committee and the parent volunteers for their contributions to this event.
ALTITUDE | EDITION 3
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FROM THE FOUNDATION Mr Jason Titman | Chair of the Moreton Bay Colleges’ Foundation Board The Moreton Bay Colleges’ Foundation is thankful for the members of our Board who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure we continue to invest in our Colleges for today and tomorrow. We are excited to introduce our Board members to you.
Jason Titman, Board Chair and Director of Integr8 Investment Group. Relationships to the Colleges MBC and MBBC Parent. Board member on the Board of Governors. Why I Volunteer for the Foundation Board To help contribute to the long-term financial stability of the Colleges and to help those who would not otherwise have an opportunity to have such an educational experience. My special interests in the Foundation's work Building our funds under management into a sustainable amount of Capital, whereby the earnings cover our running costs.
Clarissa Lynch, Board Director and Business Readiness and Integration Manager at Queensland Rail. Relationships to the Colleges MBC Parent. Why I Volunteer for the Foundation Board The Foundation has an important role to play in building and maintaining community connections to support both colleges through educational experiences, student bursaries and building/ infrastructure facilities. I’m keen to help use my skills to continue the valuable work of the Foundation.
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MORETON BAY BOYS' COLLEGE
My special interests in the Foundation's work My background is in stakeholder engagement, community partnerships and strategic communications. I’m looking forward to using these skills wherever I can to help the broader school community.
Katie Farley, Board Director and General Manager at The University of Queensland Business School. Relationships to the Colleges MBC Parent and MBC Old Girl. Why I Volunteer for the Foundation Board As an Old Girl of MBC, I am grateful for the education I received and for the opportunities both personal and professional that I have realised. I am passionate about education and life-long learning and have an interest in business, finance and philanthropy. I am delighted to be able to give back to the Colleges through the Foundation and am committed to the Foundation's goals of providing outstanding educational opportunities, infrastructure and bursaries to current and future students. My special interests in the Foundation's work I bring to the role experience with alumni relations, marketing and engagement within the higher education sector.
Anthony Lee, Board Director and Strategic Development Manager at Coca-Cola Amatil. Relationships to the Colleges MBBC Parent and Spouse of an Old Girl.
ALTITUDE | EDITION 3
Why I Volunteer for the Foundation Board I'm focused on ensuring The Moreton Bay Colleges have sustainable long-term resources to develop major infrastructure for the students to deliver on the promise of exceptional educational opportunities. My special interests in the Foundation's work Governance, Investment and Strategic Planning.
Janelle Bostock, Board Director and CEO of Women's Network Australia. Relationships to the Colleges MBBC Parent. Why I Volunteer for the Foundation Board Life is a continual one of learnings and purpose. Being a member of the Board provides just that. An opportunity to learn and grow. To broaden my leadership and management skills. Provides an opportunity to give back to the colleges community in a collective manner. My special interests in the Foundation's work My special interests are stakeholder engagement, and the promotion and facilitation of Brand Awareness for the MBC Foundation. I’m also hoping to introduce a Leadership Business Breakfast series for the business and colleges community.
Foundation to ensure The Moreton Bay Colleges are provided the resources to reach their full potential and ensure our students are prepared for tomorrow's world. I also view volunteering for organisations in which my family is invested as a personal responsibility. My special interests in the Foundation's work My particular interest is generating diverse partnerships within both the colleges community and the broader region to help deliver the Foundation's strategic pathways.
Toni Knowlson, Board Director and Head of Strategic Initiatives, ANZ for Amazon Web Services. Relationships to the Colleges MBC Old Girl. Why I Volunteer for the Foundation Board It's a great opportunity to give back and contribute past my schooling many years ago. My special interests in the Foundation's work Developing the next generation of tech talent from The Moreton Bay Colleges.
Brooke Connell, Board Director. Relationships to the Colleges MBC Old Girl. Why I Volunteer for the Foundation Board Strong interest in creating opportunities for amazing educational experiences, both at the Colleges and in the wider community. My special interests in the Foundation's work Governance and investment framework, catalysing educational experiences and community contribution.
Colin Mitchell, Board Director and National General Manager Strategy at The BMD Group. Relationships to the Colleges MBC Parent. Why I Volunteer for the Foundation Board Volunteering is vitally important in ensuring the success of not-for-profit organisations. I volunteer for the
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Find out more Visit our website and download a Prospectus. www.mbbc.qld.edu.au
Visit us Book a College Tour with our Enrolments team. registrar@mbbc.qld.edu.au 07 3249 9322
302 Manly Road Manly West Queensland 4179 P 07 3906 9444
Enrol online For your convenience our online enrolment process is now available. www.mbbc.qld.edu.au/enrol
mail@mbbc.qld.edu.au www.mbbc.qld.edu.au A Pre-Prep - Year 12 Uniting Church School for boys CRICOS 03772J