Rising Star - Autumn 2023

Rising Star

In the spirit of reconciliation, The Moreton Bay Colleges’ acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which our Colleges stand, the the YUGGERA (Yoo-ger-a) and the YUGAMBEH (Yoog-am-bear). We respectfully acknowledge the QUANDAMOOKA (Qwon-da-moo-ka) people of Moreton Bay, the NGUGI (Noo-gi), the NOONUCCAL (New-nuckle) and the Goenpul (Ku-wan-pal) peoples and their deep spiritual connections to the islands and waters. We thank them for the care they have continued to show the earth and sea over thousands of years. In doing so, we pay our respects to their elders, past and present.

Our Two Colleges artwork was a joint project with The Moreton Bay Colleges and Quandamooka Artists Delvine 'Cockatoo' Collins.

Gubiyiya – To Grow

At the end of 2022, a beautiful piece of art representing the Moreton Bay Colleges was created by students, parents and teachers. The collaborative artwork encapsulates the earlier version of our Vision – Two Colleges, One Community. The title, Gubiyiya, speaks to our basic tenet as an educational institution. That is, to listen, to learn, to grow. Creating the Gubiyiya art piece, our collaboration with First Nations artist, Delvene Cockatoo Collins, was an incredible learning journey for many people and was a significant moment in my life. Throughout the creative process, it was highlighted how important it is for us to know our past before we can look to the future. The artwork is the inspiration for the theme of our new Strategic Plan collateral, which has recently been launched.

Mr Richard Henry CEO and Executive Principal Moreton Bay College and Moreton Bay Boys’ College

Our 2023-27 Strategic Plan outlines a new Vision for the Moreton Bay Colleges –“An inspiring and nurturing learning community which empowers students to be future-ready global citizens”. The new Strategic Plan focuses on the learner and provides not only the Vision but also our Purpose, as well as the elucidation of our Values. The five Core Priorities: Learning, Wellbeing, Sustainability, Environment and Community; are underpinned by 24 unique goals. Together, this encapsulates the framework for a continual process of improvement and brings a holistic view to advancing our students. Our College leadership teams are well underway in developing and implementing key initiatives that will see us achieve our goals.

With respect to the Vision, the Colleges have appointed an external consultant to guide us in the development of a global citizenship charter. The aim of this charter is to implement a more intentional approach to global citizenship across the Colleges. By doing this, we will create greater engagement and inspire students to become active global citizens while also empowering them to be effective leaders.

In addition, the Moreton Bay Colleges has engaged architectural consultants, Novum, to lead us through a Master Building Plan process over the next few months. A Master Building Plan is a document that captures the long-term conceptual design of learning spaces and will provide direction for our future growth and development. Our Master Building Plan will make the connection between our facilities, communal areas and the surrounding environments with respect to the Core Priorities of our Strategic Plan. Novum will engage with the Moreton Bay Colleges community in a process of consultation, the outcome of which will be a new Master Building Plan for MBC and an updated plan for MBBC.

Our combined Colleges artwork, Gubiyiya, encapsulates the importance of knowing and respecting our past while we are growing into our future. The Strategic Plan and the Master Building Plan will provide clear sight of the path we are taking and I look forward to walking that path with you as we empower our students to be future-ready global citizens.

The Character of a Bay Girl

When visiting another school recently, I was asked by the school’s Principal about our College Values. He was particularly interested in our Value of Character, inquiring at length about what we meant by it, asking how we instilled this in our students, and he wanted examples of how this Value was lived. Without hesitation, I began my response by articulating our new Strategic Plan’s definition of Character:

We act with integrity, and demonstrate courage and resilience in an environment of acceptance.

I reflected with him that character is perhaps not a word society uses often now, but I went on to explain its full meaning at MBC and its enduring significance.

Quite simply, Character is the set of qualities and traits that define a person's moral and ethical behaviour, and thus, why we have affirmed its importance as a Core Value at MBC; in short, we believe it is the foundation of strong, courageous individuals and the communities in which they grow and flourish. Thus, understanding character begins, I think, with the concept of integrity, which is essential for building and maintaining trust and respect in all aspects of, and relationships in, our lives. A person with integrity is honest and trustworthy, making them more reliable and dependable, and such individuals are often empathic and compassionate, and importantly willing to take responsibility for their actions.

Janet Stewart Principal

Moreover, the importance of the Value of Character extends beyond the individual level to our community as a whole. A community with individuals who possess good character traits is more likely to be positive, respectful of others and inclusive. In such communities, giving back through volunteering and supporting others is common practice and these actions are highly valued and fostered at the College. We only have to think of the hours of committed work from the girls supporting Rosies Friends on the Street on Thursday and Sunday evenings to understand the depth of care and respect for others that exists among our students.

So, building character is encouraged and modelled at MBC by consistently reinforcing positive behaviours, such as our other three Values of Care, Teamwork and Engagement, and providing opportunities for each of our students to practise and develop their Character. This may be through offering girls a chance to be courageous and take a risk to try something new or explore new learning and be open to sharing this with others. It may be through helping students navigate challenges and obstacles by coaching them to find their own solutions and next steps to move forward.

Thus, while character can be hard to define, it is abundantly clear when we observe it in someone, and it is critical when we face challenge and adversity; tough times demand great strength of character from us.

Adding to my definition of character, I did provide some wonderful examples of students who have demonstrated this great strength of character. I began with a recent story of alumna, Emerald Gaydon. Last December, Emerald shared that she summited Tsorku Peak in the Nepalese Himalayas (Langtang Valley) with the National University of Singapore's Mountaineering Team (MIR). The peak sits a little under 6000m in altitude at 5749m, and the expedition took around 20 days. The climb included many cold nights in tents where the temperature dropped below -20 degrees C, and on the first day of trekking, Emerald contracted food poisoning that lasted for around 10 days. Yet she climbed on, hiking with a 20kg pack for around 8-10 hours each day, all the while still acclimatising to the increasing altitude. But powered by porridge and Chokito chocolate bars, she successfully made the final 12.5-hour summit push. Emerald wrote,

Mrs

“It was an incredible experience and while I learnt so much about mountaineering, more importantly I learnt the importance of grit. Getting through it showed me a glimpse of where grit can take me. Looking for challenges is a mindset that I developed thanks to my time at MBC.”

Emerald certainly demonstrated strength of character and it was humbling for her to acknowledge MBC in the development of her ‘grit’. Indeed, as a tribute Emerald asked permission to place an MBC flag at the summit of her climb. We had arranged for Emerald to have a College flag to carry with her and she stood proudly atop Tsorku Peak with the MBC flag on display; a deeply touching example of the courage and hope nurtured at her school.

She wrote afterwards, “Choosing to take the flag with me was a small tribute to just how much of a lasting impact you all had on me while I was at MBC (and afterwards too!). It shows how special MBC is to the students who go there!”

Emerald’s fine example of character demonstrates perseverance and resilience and also her personal integrity –she acknowledges she did not do this alone, it was ‘her team’ who allowed her to succeed. Thus, it is not surprising that a young woman of such character was recently awarded the ‘Undergraduate Future Superstars Award’ from 9000 students at the UQ Faculty of Science Annual Awards Ceremony. There can be no doubt that character is a quality that distinguishes people who have great impact in life.

And so, helping young women develop their Character is what we do at MBC. In Term 1, Emerald was not alone in building her character. I witnessed numerous acts of character being lived on a daily basis; girls graciously and humbly receiving academic awards when friends had not achieved their academic goals; new students navigating their path through new learning routines and expectations with courage; girls finding their way through challenging friendship concerns; students not letting disappointment about a grade, or not getting in a team or an ensemble, stop them from continuing to strive; girls sharing openly and honestly about an incident where friends had not acted appropriately; students resiliently managing life after the loss of a parent; girls finding ways to lead without a Captain’s badge…all these and more are wonderful lived examples of our Value of Character.

Thus, it seems to me that the more we practise our strength of character, the stronger our character becomes – a bit like building muscle on the human body – and so much can be gained personally and in our communities as a result. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said,

Emerald summiting Tsorku Peak with the MBC Flag

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.”

Bay Beginnings –With wings we can fly

It was with much anticipation and excitement that we opened the first stage of our Bay Beginnings project. New, purpose-designed Kindergarten learning spaces, both inside and out, provided the catalyst for new discoveries, new wonderings and the start of a new journey for some of our youngest College children.

As the children gazed, looking out to the garden, the line from inside to out was blurred by the interconnected spaces that so seamlessly and beautifully blended together, bringing the inside learning space out and the outside space in.

Miss Carolyn Wilson Deputy Head of Primary (Early Learning)

With a strong ecology of play, our outside learning spaces carefully crafted by Wearthy, Early Years specialist, allowed the children to immerse themselves in nature. With natural materials, swirling pathways and climbing vegetation creating secluded play spaces, the children were invited to delve deeper into the open-ended play spaces. As they ventured outside for the very first time, they were met with subtle invitations to engage in sensory play, to create with others and to challenge themselves with the offering of risky play, along with spaces where they could ‘just be’ and soak up the owe and wonder of their new learning space. Standing prominent with pose, the Beacon structure inspired by an early pile lighthouse, the Moreton Bay Pile Light, provided the children with multiple climbing challenges, along with pockets of spaces to hide and transform.

Within a short space of time, the curved decking area became a meeting place for children, initiating a garden party for friends, with coloured transparent fabrics used as decorations hanging from the trees and bush tucker food collected from the garden offerings. The deck provided the perfect place for music, dance and stories and to meet new friends.

The discovery of trickling water in our creek bed provided an invitation to capture and transport water. The water became perfect for cooling feet on hot days and creating a trail of footprints for others to follow. Containers and hands became vessels for water filling and pouring, along with transporting water to the sandpit to create recipes like “minced garlic and cherry stew”!

The manipulation of loose parts enabled the children to change the direction of the water flow, by working together to connect pipes and tubes. Water also became an important resource for caring for the new plants and shrubs. Children engaged in deep discussions about how to look after their new space and began watering the plants, observing how they changed and grew. The discovery of broken branches initiated a plant hospital as the children carefully took them inside and researched how to further care for them. The children quickly grew a newfound respect for the natural world around them, including the insects and animals that transitioned through the space. On hot days, children offered containers of water for “drinks and baths” to the birds and insects, concerned they may not be able to access water.

The outside environment quickly became a haven for bug and insect hunts. The children looked under rocks and leaves and on the trunks of different trees, carefully observing and sharing their wonderings and theories, “I think that spider is making a web, how does it do that?” The discovery of a grasshopper initiated new vocabulary, as children noticed that the grasshopper was difficult to see when on green leaves, “it’s camouflaged”. The children discovered something interesting hanging off a leaf on a tree, “it’s like twirly and there is a pointy thing at the bottom. I can see a little hole in there. I can see some brown at the bottom”. “It’s a cocoon … a chrysalis,” sharing their prior knowledge. The children excitedly went on an adventure, looking under leaves high and low for a caterpillar. As they searched in the grass trees, they noticed something very special flying past, “a butterfly”, and following it they wondered, “Is it going to lay more eggs?”

Logs became the perfect seats for a movie. The Beacon pulley system provided the opportunity for the children to transport balls, rocks, leaves and equipment from one level to another. The scramble net was transformed into a games board for aiming balls and the bench has become a shop where children sell ice creams and cakes.

As children are offered space, time and opened-ended resources, it allows them to inquire, to discover, to create, construct and extend their theories and thinking.

“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences” - Loris Malaguzzi.

PYP Evaluation–Engaging in a Continuous Cycle of Development

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is a curriculum framework for children aged 3 – 12 years. As a Primary School at Moreton Bay College, we have been delivering the PYP for over a decade. One of the essential aspects of all IB Programmes is the evaluation process. Programme evaluation engages the school as a learning community every five years, in a reflective process, identifying aspects of the programme that are being implemented effectively and those areas with the potential for further growth.

While IB schools are consistently engaged in a continuous cycle of development, preparation for the evaluation process begins at least 12 months prior to an IB/ PYP evaluation team visiting the school. During a PYP evaluation visit, a team of experienced educators visit the school to assess its implementation of the PYP by:

• Reviewing documentation

• Observing teaching and learning in action

• Conducting interviews with staff, students and parents.

Mrs Nicole Bowers Acting Head of Primary (Teaching and Learning) / PYP Coordinator

Timeframe for programme evaluation

(adapted from IB Guide to Programme Evaluation 2022)

With tentative dates for the PYP evaluation visit confirmed for August 2024, plans are well underway to undertake our second evaluation visit since beginning implementation of the programme.

The 12-month self-study process is about to begin, with staff reflecting on the programme and engaging in a series of collaborative experiences where they will evaluate teaching practices, the learning of the students and the effectiveness of the programme. The identification of strengths and areas for growth will assist in the generation of programme development plans and a reflective selfstudy questionnaire. With all members of our learning community contributing to this process, there will be many opportunities for parents to be involved in workshops, learning walks or as a member of the parent representative group to meet with the IB PYP evaluation team during their visit.

The process of undertaking an IB Evaluation is very rewarding for schools as it provides feedback from trained educators who offer international perspectives on programme implementation. With a focus on continuous improvement, this meaningful and contextually appropriate feedback allows schools to work intentionally and strategically moving forward. There is also a high level of transparency and accountability in this process, ensuring that the needs of students, parents and educators are being met.

We look forward to working closely with our learning community and sharing in this collaborative process.

Future-ready LearningAdapting to the Benefits and Challenges of AI

I am delighted to be a new member of Moreton Bay College, where I have been welcomed with open arms into a truly exceptional learning community. The atmosphere is one of warmth and inclusivity, and it is clear that the College Values are grounded in a deep commitment to nurturing confident, independent and resilient young women in a caring and diverse Christian environment.

The student experience at the College is outstanding, and I have been amazed by the ways in which students are empowered to take ownership of their learning journey. Collaboration is encouraged, and students are given the tools and support they need to communicate effectively, empathetically, and respectfully with one another. The focus on agility and adaptability means that students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world, and I have been inspired by the grit and resilience that they demonstrate in the face of adversity.

Mrs Marcia Cross Head of Secondary

At the heart of the College’s approach to learning is a deep commitment to curiosity, and I have been struck by the ways in which students are encouraged to ask questions and think critically and creatively. The promotion of reflection and feedback means that students are constantly learning and growing, and the emphasis on cultivating authentic and compassionate individuals is truly remarkable.

The College provides a wonderful environment for learning, with outstanding facilities and spaces that foster connections with both local and global communities. I have been impressed by the commitment of students to get involved in a wide range of activities and events, and I have no doubt that this will help them to develop new skills and broaden their horizons.

I am thrilled to be a part of such an inspiring and nurturing learning community, with an opportunity to contribute to the implementation of our new Strategic Plan. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow within this exceptional community, and I am excited to see the amazing things that our graduates will go on to achieve in the years ahead.

In Term 1, the Moreton Bay Colleges released a statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI). It spoke to an aspiration to create a learning community that inspires and nurtures students to become future-ready global citizens. It is becoming increasingly vital for school communities to comprehend how AI will impact various industries and alter the way we live, work and interact.

Artificial Intelligence is a swiftly growing field with enormous potential to prepare students for a rapidly changing world and create opportunities for them. By promoting technological literacy and personalised learning experiences, it can enhance access to information, develop 21st-century skills, and facilitate global collaboration. Additionally, it can improve decision-making abilities, cultivate valuable problem-solving and critical thinking skills and encourage a sense of global responsibility.

As we prepare our students to succeed in a world that is increasingly driven by AI, it is essential to instil in them the skills, knowledge and values required to flourish in a constantly evolving digital environment. By nurturing a culture of innovation and creativity, underpinned by faith and integrity, we can help students meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world while also enriching the lives of others. Students who are adaptable and confident in making ethical decisions will have the power to make a positive difference in the world and create a future full of possibilities.

As the College embraces and explores the potentials of AI and other emerging technologies, we are committed to taking the necessary time to investigate the safe, effective and purposeful application of their benefits and challenges. With the right guidance and support, students can leverage the benefits of AI while being aware of the potential risks and pitfalls. By adopting a collaborative approach to learning, students can not only develop their AI-related skills but also learn how to engage with emerging technologies responsibly and sustainably.

It is crucial to continue exploring how Artificial Intelligence can enhance the student experience and prepare our graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – Reflect, refresh and grow

Jacquie Jones | Secondary Visual Art Teacher / MBC RAP Co-ordinator/ Greene-ware Collective Co-ordinator

For MBC staff, 2023 began with a cleansing and emotive Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Matt Burns. Matt has a strong connection with Quandamooka Country and has a passion for sharing story, knowledge and culture. It was a humbling and spiritual experience as we embarked on our planning for our latest Reconciliation Action Plan.

Much work has been applied to refresh our RAP and build on our previous commitments and actions. Our latest version will be published soon for endorsement by Narragunnawali. Our hope for this new version is a holistic approach across Early Learning, Primary and Secondary Learning Areas, CoCurricular and Culture so that we can live and breathe First Nations histories and culture on our journey of healing.

Our combined Colleges artwork, Gubiyiya, which in Jandai language means ‘To Grow’, was launched as a symbol of the Colleges' continued commitment to grow in our attitudes, empathy, knowledge and understanding of people, culture, country and identity.

To reflect, refresh and grow our RAP, several surveys were formulated to gauge feedback and consult with students, staff and parents, with an overwhelming positive response. As a result, a number of actions have increased engagement and working groups across the College and opened up student narrative to consider their own place in the world.

Where have we come from? Where do we live? What family heritage and connection do we have to land, history and culture? Why is it important to understand who we are first and foremost before having empathy to understanding others?

We welcomed special guests into our community to help us understand our place and identity with connection to their story. Brian Robinson, an internationally renowned artist whose ancestors and descendants are located in the Torres Strait, shared knowledge and story of his history and culture. The combined Alison Greene and Drewe House Service Day deepened our connection with Yalari, which Moreton Bay College has been supporting for over 10 years. Waverley Stanley, the founder of Yalari, spoke to us about future partnership opportunities to strengthen authentic connections that empower indigenous student learning.

Planning for Reconciliation Week (29 May - 2 June) celebrations has commenced with an exciting programme for students from Early Learning, Primary and Secondary that narrates our journey of reconciliation. Special guests include author and illustrator, Greg Driess, and cultural presenters and artists from Our Yarn, Matt Robert and Ambrose Killian. A breakfast with First Nation families, businesses and the College will capture our week of celebrations with bush tucker and a yarn.

GUBIYIYA, meaning ‘To Grow’ Collaborative MBC community Reconciliation Art Project, 2022

Brian Robson

A combined student Amnesty and RAP working group has been established to engage students in NAIDOC Week (3 - 7 July) celebrations. This year’s theme, For Our Elders, will be encouraged through conversations and education to build knowledge about the importance of Elders in our community.

Smaller community events will include a First Nations afternoon tea and Parent working group yarn. We also hope to focus on Language with respect to protocol and permissions, and further Cultural competence in our ongoing RAP journey.

It is pleasing to know that increased awareness about Reconciliation is becoming an everyday part of Moreton Bay College where we continue to Reflect and Grow.

Amnesty_RAP Student Group

Brian working with Art students

Staff Smoking Ceremony

Staff Smoking Ceremony

Staff Smoking Ceremony

Moreton Bay College Captains

Who is your greatest role model?

My mum, who has always been, and always will be, everything I hope to be in life. She is kind, loving, determined, selfless and unbelievably hard working. She has always put the needs of everyone around her before her own. She is superwoman. Despite working a full-time job, she always finds the time to help my sister and me cut words from our assignments or cheer us on at sport. She has always encouraged me to pursue my passions and chase my dreams. She is someone I can always count on and I know will always go in to bat for me and stand by me. She is my rock, my biggest fan, my best friend and much more. I wouldn't be who I am or where I am without her, and I owe so much of the life full of love I have to her. I couldn't ask for a better role model. It is a true privilege to call her my mum.

Moreton Bay College

Captain Olivia Atkins

What would you like the class of 2023 to be remembered for?

Our passion. Being a small cohort, we have a tight bond and are a close-knit group. We all get in and have a go at the Interhouse competitions and are fierce supporters at QGSSSA events, in

the arts, debating, public speaking and service events and much more. We have a strong passion for our school community and strive to get involved in all that school life offers.

What defines leadership?

Leadership is about putting the interests of those you lead above your own and finding a way to make the group better to achieve its collective goal. Leadership is not always about being the loudest voice or having the most ideas. It is about doing your part to give back and helping others to be the best versions of themselves.

What are you currently reading?

Sir Edmund Hillary: An Extraordinary Life. His biography entails the life of a normal man from New Zealand who became the first person to climb Mt Everest. It also discusses how he changed the life of people in villages in Nepal and the foothills of the Himalaya.

Moreton Bay College

Who is your greatest role model?

Kenyan distance runner, Eliud Kipchoge, who recently ran the first ever sub-two-hour marathon. Kipchoge’s eternal optimism and belief in his abilities are reflected in his mantra of “no human is limited”, which he uses to inspire and encourage others to know that the limit of what you can achieve is determined only by your belief in your own abilities. I think that this growth mindset allows you to continually improve.

What would you like the class of 2023 to be remembered for?

Collectively, everyone has many unique talents to make us stronger as a united whole. We have a welcoming environment where we all support each other, no matter what, and this shines through in our level of participation and spirit. I hope these qualities mean we will be remembered as a small but mighty cohort, whose connection and enthusiasm inspires the MBC community.

What do you enjoy most about competitive sports?

I love the feeling of achieving new personal bests and knowing that your hard work has paid off. I think that no matter what level you are competing at, sport is a rewarding experience that offers an opportunity to challenge yourself, teaches you of your own abilities and allows you to build resilience. Although it’s easy to be frustrated with your results, I believe that the experience matters more than the outcome. These competitive environments encourage personal growth and reflection; how you react to both disappointments and achievements.

Where will we find you in five years?

I’m still deciding what I want to do after school, but I hope that in five years I will be finishing up my degree at university and looking to start a career, while also competing in athletics. I also want to travel overseas, potentially on a university exchange.

Who is your greatest role model?

Taylor Swift, as someone who knew her dream and went for it and was bold and fearless in the pursuit. Someone who has been knocked down often but continues to rise time and time again. Her genuine kindness and authenticity inspire me to be a role model for others as she is to millions, and her tenacity and spirit inspire me to strive for what I want in life.

What would you like the class of 2023 to be remembered for?

Our tenacity as a cohort who strives for a spirited community filled with passion and belonging. We lead boldly and fearlessly as Seniors, and in turn, our vulnerability and authenticity inspire all in the Pink Sea to embrace their own unique gold heart, unleashing our collective Bay Spark.

Where will we find you in five years?

I know that I will be doing something I am passionate about and that fills my cup every day. I have a strong love for business and writing and am currently looking at the field of business marketing and professional communications. I’m sure in this ever-changing, technological-fuelled world, my career will be multi-faceted. I can also guarantee you will find me enjoying all the

different aspects life has to offer - whether it’s playing a game of touch football, reading a book, travelling in Europe, on a university exchange, at a music concert, or celebrating with friends and family. I have always had a love of life and cannot wait to expand my horizons and truly experience the world!

What is your ‘go to’ study strategy?

Keeping up-to-date with weekly work and study from the get-go is my recipe for success. Feeling prepared is always my goal, thus I begin my preparation early and outline the steps I need to take to ensure I reach the finish line. I love my todo lists and colour-coding, where I zoom in from the bigger picture of a task to chunk down all the smaller steps I can achieve for the week. This process allows me to time-manage effectively and provides me with clarity on how I will achieve my goals.

For a specific ‘go to’ study strategy, I do questions, questions and more questions. While you must first have knowledge of the topic, the act of practising examination-style questions, testing your skills and thinking in different ways, is how you will deepen your understanding and build a breadth of knowledge, allowing you to tackle the harder questions on an assessment.

Moreton Bay College

Academic Captain

Lydia McCarthy

Sport Captain

Sienna Hume

Who is your greatest role model?

My younger brother. He has faced so many challenges and setbacks in his life and yet has never let them keep him down or dull his spirit. I hope that one day I can be as brave and resilient as he has been over the past few years. What would you like the class of 2023 to be remembered for?

Our willingness to give everything a go and the unwavering enthusiasm we have shown in our approach to all College areas. I believe that, while we are a small cohort, we are incredibly mighty. I hope that notion is grasped by the younger students, in that even a small action can have amazing results.

Moreton Bay College

Worship and Service

Captain

Caliese McEachern

Who is your greatest role model?

My mum, who is my best friend. She supports me, never fails to make me laugh and never gave me any idea that I couldn't do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. She fills my life with love and fun and books and music. She encouraged me when I was 8 years old and told her I wanted to be a pro netball player despite my proud height of 120cm, and when I told her I wanted to be Fancy Nancy, and when I informed her at 5 years old that I was not ever going to wear jeans. Despite now being a wearer of jeans, I am eternally grateful for her support and am so glad we have each other. I love going shopping with her, singing in the car on the way to morning dance, and doing life with her. I love you mum!

What would you like the class of 2023 to be remembered for?

Moreton Bay College

Cultural Captain

Sophia McBrien

Although we are a small Senior cohort, we are fierce in bringing energy and spirit to every corner of the Bay, which are so important in creating a supportive environment where everyone in our College community can thrive.

What inspired your love for the arts?

Ever since I can remember, I have loved the arts. I never stopped moving as a small child, so was enrolled in dance classes where I was pretty good at tapping. I was constantly singing Taylor Swift's Fearless album and I joined the school

What role does faith play in your life?

For me, faith provides a moral compass that helps me navigate through difficult decisions and challenges, while also supporting me through times of hardship. Even in something as little as a setback at school, faith helps me to see the bigger picture and have hope that everything happens for a reason.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading They Both Die at the End, and I am absolutely loving it! I have found myself struggling to make time for reading in my busy schedule even though I find it an amazing way to relax and reset. So, for the rest of the year I am endeavouring to read more and explore genres I would not typically read.

choir in Year 2. I took art classes throughout Primary School because I loved drawing. I have my first vivid memory of being on stage in our Year 6 production of The Little Mermaid Junior and I was cast as Scuttle, the awesome crazy seagull. I was so scared on opening night that my whole body was shaking but I stepped onto stage and successfully said my first few lines. That moment, when I heard some people laugh and felt like I had won the lottery, started my love for performing to make people happy. I have always chased that feeling and have come to love the nerves before the performance and the calm that settles over me on stage. Whether it's dance or drama, I just love performing for people and making them feel something.

Where will we find you in five years?

My hope is that wherever life takes me in five years, I am happy, healthy and loving life. I hope I still have my close bond with my family and friends. I hope my passion for the arts is still thriving, and I am dancing or acting. I hope I am still in love with reading and have actually finished The Secret History, as it is taking me forever. I hope I am studying something I love at university and living on campus, which has always been a dream of mine as my parents met each other on campus. But most of all, I hope I am happy and proud of myself.

Mrs Janet Stewart (left) and Mrs Michelle Mckersey (right) with Captains

Student Voice –

Celebrating Multiculturalism

As part our Vision to empower students to become global citizens, Moreton Bay College proudly hosted its first Multicultural Week earlier this year. This was followed by the Twilight Picnic as a celebration of multiculturalism and discovering the rich diversity in our community. I, Arzuh Shankar, was thrilled to lead this initiative alongside my friend and fellow Senior, Celena Perera.

Planning and facilitating Multicultural Week was very important to us. Having different backgrounds ourselves, we understand that talking about cultural differences can sometimes be challenging. However, by embracing our differences and sharing these with others, we believe this creates a stronger community. We were determined to live out our Senior Legacy, but before we unleashed our ‘Bay spark’, we sought to encourage each other to learn and work our way towards embracing our unique ‘gold hearts’. Leading a week of Form and lunchtime activities presented a perfect stepping-stone to enhance the rich tapestry of diversity blooming within our community.

We put a proposal to the College’s Hearts and Minds Committee (HMC), highlighting statistics that reveal how 79.8% of Australia’s multicultural youth ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ with the statement: ‘I feel like I belong in Australia.’ However, over 50% of the 2000+ individuals surveyed experienced discrimination or unfair treatment in the last year (2018/2019) that severely inhibited a true sense of belonging and inclusion. Hence, the goal of Multicultural Week was to foster a 100% sense of belonging and identity for our multicultural demographic, by encouraging discussion, appreciation and celebration of our cultures. There was an overwhelming positive response from the HMC and countless ideas were put forward suggesting lunchtime, Form and Interhouse activities. In a subsequent meeting with Mrs Stewart and Mrs McKersey, it was offered to integrate a multiculturalism theme into the annual Twilight Picnic and to schedule this event at the end of Multicultural Week. Celena and I were invited to coordinate the student involvement in the picnic.

At an event celebrating Australia’s rich multiculturalism, Queensland’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Leanne Linard, conveyed immense pride and praise for the MBC initiative, expressing how “this concept should be seen in all schools” and that she “could not wait to see how [we] enact this at Moreton Bay College”

Together, we choreographed a dance to an Indian song, Chammak Challo, with dance moves featuring the extensive diversity within Indian culture. We invited College Cultural Captain, Sophia McBrien, and Wesley Cultural Captain, India Townsend, to perform with us; a true demonstration of integrating cultures. We performed at Assembly following a presentation to promote and encourage our peers to participate in the Multicultural Week activities. We also invited our peers to perform and contribute towards enhancing the multicultural theme of the Twilight Picnic. From here, Ms Kate Fitzgerald organised a variety of performances from different cultures and the excitement kicked in! We also

performed our dance at an MBBC Assembly to signal the start of Multicultural Week. Our performance was very positively received by both Colleges, and the MBBC College Captains performed alongside us, without any prior rehearsal, copying our moves with dupattas (traditional Indian scarves) tied around them.

Multicultural Week was without a doubt a successful time of celebrating cultural diversity within our College and reflecting on the significance of multiculturalism in today’s society. Student engagement in the planned activities was high. Each morning, Forms listened to a multicultural playlist, while engaging in the brain-rattling game of Flagdle by guessing the displayed flag within six guesses. The lunchtime activities commenced on Monday with intense rounds of Multicultural Trivia. On Tuesday, we played cricket in the Quadrangle, a significant sport in many cultures around our world. Countless fours and sixes were smashed, but thankfully all windows and classrooms remained intact! Chapel on Tuesday also featured a multicultural segment; Reverend Peter developed a prayer that transcended religious and cultural division, and prayed for the success for multiculturalism that week, and moving forward. Celena and I delivered the prayer together – her first in English, followed by me in Hindi. Wednesday’s quiet session in the library was a time to reflect and showcase our creativity by recreating and colouring different flags on bunting paper. To conclude the week’s activities, Houses engaged in an Interform ‘Recycled Fashion Competition’, recreating traditional cultural outfits from South Asia (saree), Scotland (kilt), Spain (flamenco dress), Polynesia, Japan (kimono), Germany (dirndl), Nigeria (iro and buba) and Panama (gala pollera). The dedication and creativity with which students uniquely crafted and presented each outfit was inspiring and demonstrated the success of Multicultural Week.

As the culminating event of a wonderful week celebrating multiculturalism, the Twilight Picnic was a smashing success. Celena and I, alongside MBBC Cultural Captain, Rami Mfinanga, were the Masters of Ceremonies for this special event. The evening began with performances by the Colleges’ bands and ensembles, as well as a warm welcome from Mr Henry. An advocate for multiculturalism, Mr Henry has imbibed different cultures having lived and taught in Singapore, Netherlands and Jakarta and travelled to many other fascinating places. In addition to the giant Jenga, ball games and jumping castles, there was the opportunity to participate in multicultural games such as Carrom (of Indian origin). Year 11 student, Deepti Kutty, and her sister and MBC Old Girl, Preeti Kutty, showcased their immense artistic talent by creating stunning Mehndi (Henna) designs throughout the night, with line-ups extending for metres at a time! International foods were available, including from Kenya and South Asia. The multicultural performances, organised by Ms Fitzgerald, were a highlight for all. Celena, Sophia, India and I performed our riveting, Indo-Western dance to Chammak Challo. A unifying, immersive and beautiful cultural dance from Papua New Guinea was performed by Year 10 student, Mala Markham, and members of her community, as they donned traditional garments from the tribes of Kairuku and Mekeo, which Mala’s family belong to. Year 12 student, Molly Zhang, performed the renowned Chinese opera song, Da Yu Big Fish by Zhou Shen, with such eloquence and vigour, it brought a tear to almost everyone’s eyes. The Moreton Bay College Highland Dancers performed the original and upbeat Celtic dance, Gillie Callum, ending with a magnificent rendition of the traditional Highland Fling. To conclude the night’s festivities, Year 11 student, Lakhsheeny M Parasuraman, performed a piece of Indian classical dance, an ancient art form dating back to 2000 BC, which described the story of Lord Krishna as a young playful boy, known for playing the flute and dancing on the snake.

Multicultural Week and the Twilight Picnic were landmark events for the Moreton Bay Colleges’ community. The array of activities and breadth of spectacular cultural performances provided an opportunity to grow and learn from each other. It was heartwarming to witness the people who put themselves forward to be involved in this initiative, connect with their own cultural backgrounds and be so willing to share it with others.

The inaugural Multicultural Week symbolised the rich diversity in our community and was an important step in creating “an inspiring and nurturing learning community which empowers students to be future-ready global citizens.” Celena and I are proud to leave this legacy of celebrating multiculturalism and hope that it continues in the years ahead.

Arzuh Shankar | Year 12 Student

Serving our Community and the World

Term 1 at Moreton Bay College brings opportunities for students to think about people beyond our school community and engage with a range of Service activities to support people in need locally and abroad.

Shrove Tuesday, often called Pancake Tuesday, is the last day before the Christian season of Lent and has been a focal point for activities for students. Traditionally, Christians would use up the last of their rich foods before beginning a period of fasting between Ash Wednesday and Easter. At Moreton Bay College, staff and students have used the day to focus on others by making and selling pancakes to raise funds for worthy causes.

Students from the Secondary School assisted Reverend Peter in cooking hundreds of pancakes that were then distributed for two dollars to students in both Secondary and Primary. The funds raised in Secondary are directed towards BABI, a local youth support agency; while in Primary, the funds were donated to UnitingWorld’s Lent Event. We were pleased to welcome Ms Mardi Lumsden from UnitingWorld who spent time with the Year 6 RE students and also spoke at our Assembly.

Later in the term, Primary students collected Easter Eggs for Others to reach out to residents in retirement homes and age cared facilities. These donations were accompanied by cards decorated by students. These small gifts have a big impact on the residents of the facilities and it is hoped that students may gain some understanding of generosity in the process.

Secondary students also collected Easter Eggs and pantry items for the food bank run by BABI. The decision to collect the pantry items has been made in negotiation with BABI who have guided us on how to best help their clients. With so many people being squeezed by the cost-of-living pressures, these donations were very gratefully received.

In serving others in this way we encourage students to grow in their empathy and compassion as they look outwards to those in need.

Reverend Peter Lockhart College Chaplain

Cooking pancakes

Staff Profiles

Tell us about your role at the Moreton Bay Colleges

This year, I have been fortunate enough to be the Pre-Prep/Kindergarten teacher in the new Pre-Prep Precinct. Previously, I have been the Kindergarten teacher at the Moreton Bay Colleges’ Early Learning Centre.

What is the favourite part of your role?

My favourite part of teaching some of our youngest learners at the College, is that every day is different. The children bring their wonderings, ideas and interests into the classroom and my job is to guide, nurture and encourage them to investigate and learn about the world around them. I also feel so lucky to be able to continue beautiful connections as the children in my class grow and move through the College.

Who inspires you and why?

My year 3 teacher, I still remember her, was Mrs Norris. When my family moved to Brisbane from Cairns, she helped me find my feet. She was so kind, caring, empathetic and passionate. I always think back to how safe she made me feel in a completely new city. I choose to be that teacher for my class every day.

What is your favourite book?

As I am an Early Childhood teacher, my first thought was a picture book - Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker. When I was the same age as my students, I used to be able to recite this book off by heart. It was a very special day when my Dad decided to take my family to the Daintree Rainforest where the story is set. I still read this book to my class to explore the concept of Caring for Country.

A little fact about you that we may not know.

I knew I wanted to be a teacher from when I was a young child. I would always play ‘schools’ with my teddies or create classrooms in my cubby. In Year 11, I needed to decide what I wanted to study, as I loved Graphic Design, Visual Arts and Health as school subjects. I thought about being an interior designer or a nurse. However, when I thought about it, I realised I could use all of these interests in teaching. I love creating beautiful spaces for my class to engage and learn in and I am always the caring face for a child with a sore knee.

What is your favourite teaching moment?

My favourite teaching moment is watching students teach their peers.

A little fact about you we may not know. When I’m not at school, I love to get outdoors. I enjoy camping, boating, hiking and kayaking. I am lucky enough to be able share my love for the outdoors as the College’s Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator and have the opportunity to kayak to Stradbroke Island and hike Mt Coot-tha and St Helena Island with our students as part of our Adventurous Journeys.

What are your hopes for 2023?

My greatest hope for my students in 2023 is that students develop a passion for lifelong learning. Learning doesn’t end after school and each day our teachers help students to improve and build upon their current knowledge and skills so that they can apply these in life and find joy in personal development.

My hopes as an educator in 2023 are to continue to support the Mathematics Department as we plan and prepare for the implementation of the new Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum with a focus on global citizenship through our International Project and differentiation with the UQ LYLAC Project.

Who inspires you and why?

Our team of teachers who develop engaging lessons each day to provoke curiosity in our students about the world of Mathematics inspire me each day, from calculating the area of the Quadrangle to determining the angle of the accessibility ramp on the Oriel Handley Hall!

What brought you to teaching?

A desire to serve and give back is what brought me to teaching. I was fortunate enough to attend Moreton Bay College as a student and had inspiring teachers who ignited a passion for teaching Mathematics and Physics.

What lesson have you learnt from a student?

The greatest lesson I have learnt from a student is the importance of relationships and connection. At MBC our teaching motto is ‘A student doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’.

Tell us about your role at the Moreton Bay Colleges

Being the Personal Assistant to the Principal means my work can relate to various areas of the College community. This makes it interesting and exciting. Mrs Stewart is extremely busy, so managing her calendar is a challenge! However, I admire that she will schedule in time for reading to the Pre-Prep girls or learning the choreography with the Year 10 students in Dance class; and in her own time she writes personal cards acknowledging student achievements.

What is the favourite part of your role?

Working with Mrs Stewart. Her dedication to, and passion for the College is palpable! It is very rewarding to work with someone who REALLY loves what they do.

Do you have any special projects you are working on this year that you are excited about?

Founders’ Day Service, which incorporates the presentation of the MBC Medal. Being new to MBC, this project is giving me the opportunity to delve into some of the College's history and I am learning a lot about our founders, right through to our recent history; and also the amazing women and previous MBC medalists who have been a part of that journey over the years.

Who inspires you and why?

My Mum. To me, being a mum is the best and most important job I could ever have, and my mum taught me compassion and resilience, and modelled strength and independence. These are the traits I rely on to be the best mum I can be.

What is your favourite book?

Love Your Sister by Connie and Samuel Johnson

A little fact about you that we may not know.

At home I have my adorable husband, three gorgeous sons, two male dogs and a male parrot. I guess this means at home I am devoted to the health and wellbeing of males... and at work I am committed to the health and wellbeing of girls. The best of both worlds!

Taylor Wright

Jennifer Johnstone

Deanne McNair

Raise your Rock Salute for School of Rock - The Musical: Combined Colleges Production

School of Rock - The Musical is more than just a story of teenage rebellion and adult exploitation; it is a tale of finding one’s voice, personal truth and agency. The story begins with Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who is kicked out of his band and evicted from his apartment. To make ends meet, Dewey impersonates his friend Ned, who is a qualified teacher, by working as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school named Horace Green. Dewey forms a band with his students and uses their talent to win the Battle of the Bands.

The story shifts and the audience is treated to a deeper message of self-worth as the young people plead to be noticed and understood by their parents. Dewey helps the students find their voice and empowers them to put their anger into their music. Despite several setbacks, the students make it to the Battle of the Bands where they rock the crowd and the parents and teachers rally behind them.

We see the transformation in a number of the characters as they find their truth. Dewey nominates to perform Zack’s song rather than his own. Ned and Patty turn out in full heavy metal gear as they resign from their attempt at ‘adulting’, Ms Mullins finds where

the rock went, the parents support their children’s passions, and the students and school community support each other.

So, amidst the occasional minor course language that Dewey brings to the classroom, and the playful rebelliousness of the students, emerges a story of the joy that can come from empowered individuals in an inclusive community.

And isn’t that an example of art imitating life? Although just to clarify, this is no way an endorsement of truancy, fraud and unprofessional pedagogy!

The Moreton Bay Colleges’ community works inclusively to build future-focussed empowered individuals and this principle is embodied in the showcase of talent and personal student opportunity and growth laid bare in a production of this scale. Supporting the core creative and administrative crew of teachers and teacher aides from Moreton Bay Boys’ College in the design, production and direction of the show has been a multitude of teaching and non-teaching staff and community volunteers from both Colleges. Look out for the reviews!

Ms Stephanie Smith, Head of The Arts and HPE

4, 5, 6 May 2023

Based on the Paramount movie written by Mike White

Book by Julian Fellowes • Lyrics by Glenn Slater

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORIGIN™ THEATRICAL ON BEHALF OF THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LIMITED

Humanities and Social Scienceslearning outside of the classroom

Term 1 sees an extra busy start to the academic year in the Humanities Department because we are fortunate to have many opportunities to conduct learning outside of the classroom. Those students who study Geography have the pleasure of developing their knowledge and skills in a variety of settings, from beaches to bays and parks to bushlands.

Our Year 12 students spent two days studying the effects of land cover transformation on koala habitats in the Jacobs Well and Pimpama regions. The Geographers conducted SAT surveys, qualitative and quantitative data collection, BioCondition assessments and land use mapping to determine the impacts of urbanisation on koala habitat in the northern Gold Coast. Students came away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sustainable management of these important wildlife corridors to guide their Internal Assessment Field Report Task. Many students stepped outside their comfort zone when they met up with a few of the local reptilian ‘residents’ at the camp.

Ms Delia Stecher Deputy Head of Secondary (Teaching and Learning)

The Year 11 Geography students spent a hot, humid day in the field collecting data and trying out some new geographic tools. The riparian lands and floodways of Bulimba Creek provided plenty of information about natural and ecological hazards to assist students with their assessment task. The class was highly engaged with their learning and demonstrated great teamwork skills on the day.

The Year 10 Geographers enjoyed a wonderful and informative day at the Southport Spit. Students collected data about longshore drift and studied the impacts of the sand-pumping jetty to examine the balance between human uses and natural processes along the Gold Coast shoreline. The class honed their interviewing skills and considered how this important region might withstand future climate changes.

Year 12 Geography students collecting data in the field

Year 12 Geography students planting saplings in a bushland corridor

Students getting to know the wildlife! Year 11 Geography students collecting data at Bulimba Creek

Year 11 Measuring turbidity at Bulimba Creek

Year 11Completing land profiles on the banks of Bulimba Creek

Year 10 Geography students field sketching at the Southport Spit

Geography students and Mr Morrow contemplating the effects of the sand-pumping jetty

The Year 7 Humanities students experienced field work when they visited Robinson Park to observe the effects of settling ponds in the local catchment area. Students learned about the benefits of riparian land and how humans can help to enhance natural systems at work in the environment.

Year 11 Ancient History students enjoyed a day at the RD Milns Antiquities Museum at the University of Queensland where they investigated primary artefacts from Greek and Roman times. Students displayed great questioning skills and they learned just how important objects from the past can be at deepening the historian’s understanding of former civilisations.

Year 7 students and Miss Barnes studying the effects of a settling pond at Robinson Park

Ancient artefacts at the RD Milns Antiquities Museum

Year 7 students investigating the local waterway at Robinson Park

Class of 2022

The academic achievements and destinations of the Class of 2022 cohort are a reflection of the willingness and capacity of the cohort to explore their unique passions and pathways. As a cohort, students showed grit and determination when faced with an ever-changing landscape during their Senior phase of learning. With the support of their teachers, these scholars achieved excellent outcomes. With 20% of ATAR-eligible students gaining an ATAR of 95 or higher, 38% gaining 90 or higher, and 64% gaining 80 or higher, it is evident that students were engaged in their areas of interest. We encourage and foster student agency and support students to choose the subjects, VET courses and co-curricular learning opportunities that are of interest to them. The 2022 cohort had 117 graduating students and their chosen programmes of study resulted in 114 different combinations of study options.

The mean 2022 ATAR was 84.01 with a median of 86.13. 51% of students obtained a VET qualification, with 39 students completing a Diploma, 30 students completing a Certificate III, and 27 students completing a Certificate II. The continued growth of our VET programme demonstrates to both students and the broader community that passion areas are here to be explored and we eagerly support students in their learning.

Overall, school subject achievements were high: 17% of students achieved an A in at least five school-based subjects, and 15% achieved full marks in at least one external assessment. The Heads of Department and teachers take great care in providing a supported, targeted and engaging revision process in the lead up to the external assessment period. The results that students gained in 2022 are a testament to this approach.

When we assist Senior students in preparing for the next phase of their learning, we encourage aspirational goal setting. All of the 2022 cohort who applied to QTAC to study received an offer, with 88.3% obtaining their first preference. 20% of the cohort received early offers in October and November, 58% received an early offer in December, with the remaining receiving their offer in the main offer round in early January.

As has been the trend of our graduating cohorts for the past several years, Health has been the most popular field of study for the graduating cohort with 30% of students accepting their offers in this field. This was closely followed by Society and Culture, and then Management and Commerce.

It was wonderful to celebrate the success of the 2022 cohort at our annual Scholars’ event held early in Term 1.

While acknowledging the overarching data trends of success is important, what are more important are the stories of individual success that sit behind the data. The personal achievements, stories of perseverance, rapport of teachers and students, individual student growth and moments of victory cannot be captured in data trends.

On behalf of the broader community, we would like to congratulate the Class of 2022 on all of your successes and wish you the very best in your future endeavours.

Strategising wellbeing at MBC

The World Health Organisation defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” (World Health Organization, n.d.). This definition, along with current statistics on youth mental health in Australia showing an increase in the incidence of mental illness (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022), strengthen our resolve to implement an evidence-based and contemporary wellbeing strategy.

Promoting student wellbeing and taking a preventative approach to mental illness have been long-term priorities at MBC and our approach has been to do wellbeing with our students rather than to them. Recent advances in the science of wellbeing have confirmed that adopting only content approaches (e.g. teaching content via a wellbeing curriculum) and experiential approaches (e.g. creating opportunities for wellbeing practices through positive interventions) limit the extent to which wellbeing can be fostered. In contrast, adopting a wellbeing approach that targets the knowledge and capabilities within students themselves and through contextual conditions, such as the classroom environment, will have a greater impact on individual and collective wellbeing (Allison, Waters & Kern, 2020). We are excited to explore how we can integrate this perspective into the College’s approach to student wellbeing and cultivate flourishing classrooms where students are engaged and thriving.

HEARTSAND MINDS

Since 2019, the Colleges’ research partnership with Associate Professor Mathew White and Professor Faye McCallum from the University of Adelaide has played a pivotal role in our approach to student wellbeing. Now in its fifth year, this partnership has informed the direction we have taken with student and staff wellbeing in recent years. Later this year, we will continue our work with the University of Adelaide when we undertake a third cycle of measurement. All Years 6 to 12 students and employees will be invited to participate in this measurement project and the data will be used to enhance our approach to student and staff wellbeing.

One outcome from our work with the University of Adelaide to date has been a focus on student engagement, which has led to a concomitant increase in wellbeing engagement. A comparison of the 2019 and 2021 measurement cycles highlighted this effect. In 2021, there was a significant increase in the uptake of the student wellbeing survey and in the depth of responses to openended questions. This indicated strong student interest in wellbeing and an understanding that wellbeing is multi-dimensional and more nuanced than ‘feeling good/bad’.

While we have continued to focus on student engagement with wellbeing, a recommendation from the 2021 measurement was to explicitly identify wellbeing as a strategic priority (White & McCallum, 2021). This has led to the inclusion of wellbeing as one of five Core Priorities in the The Moreton Bay Colleges 2023-27 Strategic Plan with the overarching goal to “develop authentic and compassionate people.”

In implementing the new Strategic Plan, a key initiative in 2023 is the development of a wellbeing strategy. As the science of wellbeing continues to evolve, we wish to be responsive to new research and thinking in this space. We also seek to deepen student and staff understanding of wellbeing and extend Hearts and Minds beyond a focus on individual wellbeing to a definition that includes community wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

Mrs Michelle McKersey Deputy Head of Secondary (Students)

For this reason, we have engaged Sue Chandler, wellbeing consultant from Transformative Schools, to assist us in developing a wellbeing strategy. Our vision for this next phase of refining the College’s approach to wellbeing is to design and implement a student wellbeing strategy that aligns to the existing Hearts and Minds Wellbeing Framework, while ensuring currency. A preliminary step in this work has been to review Hearts and Minds and determine the framework’s reach across all aspects of students’ school experience. This process of auditing wellbeing interventions across the five actions of Hearts and Minds has allowed us to evaluate our current practice and identify future focus areas.

We recognise the critical role of teachers in student achievement (Hattie, 2003) and wellbeing (McCallum, 2021) and an objective of the wellbeing strategy is to empower teachers with the resources, knowledge and skills to further embed wellbeing into their professional practice.

Through the lens of wellbeing for learning and cognisant of the duality between academic achievement and wellbeing, we are currently exploring academic care as a means of integrating wellbeing and learning at school. Staff have been introduced to this systems approach in our work with Sue Chandler and we

have been challenged to consider how we can deliver academic care through pedagogical and classroom management approaches that support and develop student wellbeing, establishing optimal conditions for students’ confidence in their ability to learn and achieve personal bests.

Involving students as active participants in their own learning and wellbeing and ensuring they can use their social-emotional skills to contribute to a safe school climate, are other objectives as we continue this important work. Additionally, knowing that quality family-school and community-school partnerships enrich student wellbeing and learning (Family-School and Community Partnerships Bureau, n.d.), strengthening partnerships with our families and with community entities will remain a priority.

As we focus on the Strategic Plan Vision of “an inspiring and nurturing learning community which empowers students to be future-ready global citizens”, we remain committed to educating the Hearts and Minds of MBC students and look forward to launching our new wellbeing strategy to all stakeholders later this year.

References:

Allison, L., Waters, L. & Kern, M.L. Flourishing Classrooms: Applying a Systems-Informed Approach to Positive Education. Contemp School Psychol 25, 395–405 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-019-00267-8

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release

Family-School and Community Partnerships Bureau. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.education.gov.au/supporting-family-school-community-partnerships-learning/family-school-partnerships/family-school-partnerships-framework

Hattie, J.A.C. (2003, October). Teachers make a difference: What is the research evidence? Paper presented at the Building Teacher Quality: What does the research tell us ACER Research Conference, Melbourne, Australia. Retrieved from http://research.acer.edu.au/research_conference_2003/4/ McCallum, F. (2021). Teacher and staff wellbeing: Understanding the experiences of school staff. In The Palgrave handbook of positive education (pp. 715-740). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

White, M. & McCallum, F. (2021). The Moreton Bay Colleges’ 2021 Wellbeing Report. The University of Adelaide. Ethics Approval No. H-2019-120. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

Moreton Bay College, a World Academy of Sport, Athlete Friendly Education Centre

World Academy of Sport and MBC AFEC Accreditation

The World Academy of Sport (WAoS) provides learning pathways for participants in the International sport sector through exceptional education programmes and partnerships. These partnerships provide opportunities for individuals and organisations to participate in International education programmes from the age of 16 onwards.

Moreton Bay College has recently completed a successful Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) accreditation process, joining a global network of 32 other like-minded schools supporting their student-athletes in achieving excellent results both academically and in their respective sports.

During my time working for the International Baccalaureate, I came to know how the World Academy of Sport can inspire students to develop their passion for sports while also maintaining high standards in their academic pursuits. WAoS also has the added benefit of exposing students to exceptional educational and sport programmes and partnerships, so that they are enabled to become highly effective global citizens.

the skills of our students, such as leadership, teamwork and communication, through providing a range of specialised health and support services.

The Head of Athlete Development, Mrs Kelli Rodman, will work with the student-athletes, both in the classroom and on the sporting fields. Kelli understands the challenges of playing Sport at a high level as well as balancing the demands of academics, as she faced similar obstacles as a National and State level tennis player. As Head of Girls Sport at another QGSSSA school for 10 years, Kelli worked with a lot of high-performing athletes and knows how to get the best outcomes for the students.

Sue Pavish, Director of Sport at Moreton Bay College, said “she is very excited to work with the World Academy of Sport and the opportunities that this partnership presents for our studentathletes, coaches and staff.”

Currently there are 69 students who are eligible for the Athlete Development programme at a high-performance and emerging level at MBC based on their representation at a National and State level.

How does an MBC student-athlete benefit from the Athlete Development Programme?

• One-on-one support provided to tailor the student’s academic studies and pathways to meet their sporting commitments.

• Term and semester planners devised in conjunction with the Head of Athlete Development to track schedules and commitments.

Moreton Bay College provides a learning environment that not only fosters excellence but offers a flexible, tailored, timetable that meets the needs of the students. The wholistic approach within a passionate, supportive staff ensures that each student has the opportunity to pursue their sporting pathway.

MBC Athlete Development Programme

The Athlete Development Programme is designed to assist National and State level student-athletes, who are currently attending, or planning to attend, Moreton Bay College.

The Athlete Development Programme will support students in tailoring their academic needs and will prepare girls with the skills, knowledge and mindset for the demands of highperformance Sport. The programme aims to assist students in balancing their demanding sporting and academic calendars in a supportive educational environment.

The programme is designed to cater for students who are emerging, aspiring or high-performing athletes, and who want a holistic, well-rounded approach to their development in both sport and academic life. The programme aims to develop

• Academic load management.

• Provision of flexible assessment deadlines and extensions based on sporting commitments.

• Mentoring with current and past elite athletes, coaches, and Old Girls with playing and coaching experience.

• Athlete lunchbox – access to expert keynote speakers on subject matters such as nutrition, sleep, psychology, women's health and biomechanics.

• Access to a range of high-performance coaching staff.

• Access to webinars and sessions facilitated by the World Academy of Sport.

• Access to individualised strength and conditioning sessions.

• Access to onsite physiotherapy provided by Allsports Physiotherapy.

• Access to Aussie Athletes Agency (US College system) and follow-up support provided by the Head of Athlete Development.

• Wellbeing support.

- Richard Henry, CEO and Executive Principal of the Moreton Bay Colleges

- Suzanne Grayson, Olympian and AFEC assessor

Meet Our Elite Coaching Team

• MBC Javelin Coach

• Current Australian High Performance Throws Coach

• Coach of the Australian Junior men’s record holder -

Coached:

• Gold & Silver medallists at Commonwealth Games

• Discus thrower 4th at Tokyo Olympics

• Athletes representing Australia at World championships in Doha and Eugene

Vicki Wilson, Netball

Playing History

• Australian Captain

• Australian player (15 years, 104 tests)

• Queensland Captain

• Queensland player (17 years, 154 games)

Coaching History

• Silver Ferns Assistant Coach 2013 - 2015

• Firebirds Head Coach 2006 - 2009

• Netball Queensland Development Team 2000 - 2004

• Metropolitan Districts Netball Association (coach education and player skill development) 2005 - 2014

• Coach consultant: Australian Institute of Sport 20002005; England Netball Team 2002, Adelaide Thunderbirds 2010, Canterbury Tactix 2011; Singapore Netball Association 2010; Wellington Shakers 2007 and 2008

Angie Lambert (nee Skirving) Hockey

A triple Olympian, Angie represented Australia more than 230 times.

• Named FIH International Young Player of the Year in 2001

• Played her first International at 17 years of age

• An Olympic Gold Medallist at 19 years of age.

- Gold Medallist 2000 Olympic Games - Sydney

- 2004 Olympic Games - Athens

- 2008 Olympic Games - Beijing

- Bronze Medallist 2002 Commonwealth Games - Manchester

- Gold Medallist 2006 Commonwealth Games - Melbourne

- 2002 World Cup

- Silver Medallist 2006 World Cup

Swain Rovelli, Touch Football

Touch Football Australia Women’s Open TeamHead Coach

Ben Thomson

Athletics

To finish off the 2022 Athletics season, MBC successfully qualified two teams for the National Schools Challenge that saw 14 students travel to Adelaide in December. It was a challenging and rewarding meet for our girls to compete against other school teams from across Australia. The MBC Intermediate Female Team placed third behind St Peters in first and Pymble Ladies College (NSW) in second, while the Senior Female Team finished just outside the medals after an unfortunate injury sustained during competition.

The 2023 season has kicked off with great success for our athletes with a strong presence at the Queensland Athletics Championships in March. With 27 MBC students competing at the championships, 19 individual medals were won across various events.

Ruby Hazell and Luka Templeman

Intermediate Team National Schools Challenge

Piper Lawson, Kobi Walker and Mia McGrath

National Schools Challenge

Queensland State Champs

National Schools Challenge

National Schools Challenge

National Schools Challenge

Cricket

The Open Cricket Team had a very successful season, finishing third. In the last round, the team faced Brisbane Girls Grammar School, who were undefeated and minor premiers at that point. In securing third place, the team defeated BGGS 5/64 to 7/57. Charlie Stickney was outstanding with the ball, returning figures of 3/7. She was ably supported by Sophie Summerill with 0/2, Jessica Cremin with 0/6 and Lucinda Hillier with 1/15. Jessica Cremin retired on 15 runs and Annie O’Farrell, the team wicketkeeper, retired on 12 runs. Sophie Summerill also contributed 9 valuable quick-fire runs to the total. Through accurate bowling and excellent fielding, which included three run outs, the team contained their worthy opponents.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect to this Open Team, is their relatively young age. There are five Year 8 students, Jessica Cremin, Kirra Greatorix, Annie O’Farrell, Charlie Stickney and Sophie Summerill, and two Year 9 students, Tara Greatorix and Astrid Muniandy. The team also has one Year 7 student, Lucinda Hillier, and one Year 10 student, Ava Jacobsen. The three Senior students in Year 11 are Zoe Fotinis, Ruby Hart and Keira Mearns. Given the youthful nature of this team, it will be exciting to watch their development as cricketers over the next few years and, given their skill levels at this time, the possibility of a premiership in the not-toodistant future.

Mr Steven Rowe Open Cricket Team Coach

Cricket Captains

Division 1 Team

Division 2 Team

Opens Team

Triathlon

Met East Aquathlon and Triathlon State Championship

The sport of Triathlon is growing across the Colleges in 2023. In February, 11 MBC athletes travelled to Hervey Bay for the 2023 Queensland School Sport Triathlon, Aquathlon and Multi Class State Championship.

The temperature was humid, and the swimming conditions were choppy!! Each athlete competed in their own age category in their respective event. The day after the individual events, the triathletes then took part in a relay team, which required them to either swim, bike or run for their team with two other Met East Athletes. The Colleges’ athletes helped the Met East Region achieve overall second place in the Championship.

Individual results:

Chloe Bowen 1st

Ella Jones 21st Luka Templeman 17th

Charlotte Kane 5th Ava Golland 51st Carys Hewson 58th

Mischa Templeman 30th Addieson Ingersole 62nd

Harriet Bowen 60th

Chloe Bowen and Charlotte Kane were part of the Intermediate Female Relay Team that brought home the Silver medal.

In addition, due to their outstanding individual performances, both Chloe and Charlotte were selected to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Tasmania in March. Chloe finished 2nd in the Intermediate Girls division, with Charlotte finishing 6th. Charlotte also competed as a member of the Queensland Triathlon Relay Team, coming away with the Bronze medal.

Congratulations

to all of the MBC athletes for their performances

Charlotte Kane and Chloe Bowen

Chloe Bowen

Addison Ingersole and Lisa Jones

Addison Ingersole and Ella Jones

Water Polo

Water Polo is growing at MBC with four teams playing in the Brisbane Competition. Congratulations to the 14s, who made the grand final and went down by one goal in a thriller. The 18s, led by Captains, Jayda, Phoebe and Sarah, lost their semifinal in a heartbreaking penalty shootout that kept all supporters on the edge of their seats. The 12s, most who have never played before, improved so much throughout the year and will be considerably stronger next year. The surprise packet were the 13s who played in the A division and finished a remarkable 5th and were so close to making the semifinals. In the past, MBC have only entered a few teams in the competitive A division and have not done so for many years. These girls played their hearts out each week to place the highest ever for an MBC team. Congratulations to all players who represented MBC with pride.

During the Christmas school holidays, several MBC girls representing Mermaids and Vikings travelled to Perth for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships and achieved some wonderful results. Rising stars, Ava Sherer and Georgia Green, coached by Kristina Sherer and Water Polo Captain, Jayda Milligan, all won Gold and became National Champions. Jazmyn Green, Clancey Smith and Phoebe Nielson also won Gold and Silver, respectively, in the Gold Division. Zarah Milligan, who was a member of the Queensland U14 and a silver medalist in 2022, also competed at these championships and gained experience at this level.

MBC are very proud of Jazmyn Green being selected in the 16 and under Australian Squad. If selected in an Australian team, she will travel to either Europe or New Zealand in July. We wish Jazmyn luck with training and selections.

Many girls have been nominated to trial for Queensland teams over the coming months, so we wish them all luck. MBC is hoping for a record number of players selected in Queensland squads, which will be a wonderful reward for their hard work.

Kristina Sherer Water Polo Coach

Clancey Smith

Under 14B Team

Ava Sherer

Clancey and Jayda QLD Gold U19 National WP Melbourne

Under 13A Team

MBS - Moreton Bay Swimming

Athlete Profile

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed at the 2023 Brisbane Junior Metro Championships in April. All the hard work put in through Term 1 was on display, with MBS Swimmers showing their great team spirit and achieving a 100% PB Rate! Congratulations to our medallists.

Gold Medalists

• Elkie Athanasiov, Maddison Sorensen, Verity Griggs, Annika Kobus - 4x25m Free (RECORD)

• Elkie Athanasiov, Maddison Sorensen, Verity Griggs, Annika Kobus - 4x25m Medley

• Elkie Athanasiov - 200m Freestyle, 100m Backstroke

• Annika Kobus - 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle

Silver Medalists

• Elkie Athanasiov - 100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle

• Annika Kobus - 200m Freestyle

• Angus Cran - 200m Individual Medley

Bronze Medalists

• Elkie Athanasiov - 50m Freestyle

Major Highlight– Brisbane Relay Record

The Brisbane Record for the 4x25m Freestyle Relay was set by Verity Griggs, Elkie Athanasiov, Maddi Sorensen and Annika Kobus. These four swimmers took two seconds off the previous 4x25m Freestyle Record. Coach Kevin interviewed the teammates.

When reflecting on your 2022/23 season, how did you manage to find continuous improvement while navigating QGSSSA, Metro’s and BSA Championships?

Verity: In the first week of joining MBS, I had already seen improvements in my swimming! I focused on new goals and PBs throughout QGSSSA, Queensland School Swimming and Junior Metro’s. I listened to my coaches feedback every day and trained hard.

Maddison: I found continuous improvement by balancing my workload and not overwhelming myself with other co-curricular activities. I also focused on things I needed to work on at swim training to improve my skills, speed and technique.

Elkie: I have tried my best to stay focused and work on all aspects of my swimming. I’ve tried to stay healthy by eating well and getting lots of sleep and putting in lots of effort at training. I’ve also found it very motivating to train alongside the Senior MBS girls as they prepare for Nationals.

Annika: I managed to find continuous improvement in my swimming during QGSSSA, Metro’s and BSA Championships by trying hard and listening to my coaches and making improvements to my swimming.

What excites you the most about training and competing with your 4x25m Teammates?

Elkie: I have really enjoyed training alongside my MBS teammates. We all encourage each other when the sets are hard and push each other to go faster. We all have individual goals we’re working towards but coming together to swim as a team in relays is so special. Everyone swims their heart out for the team. Winning together and realising we got the record was the best feeling. I am excited to see what we can achieve in 4x50m relays in future!

Maddison: What I find exciting about training and competing with my 4x25m Teammates is it is good to have friends to push me further at training and to have them at carnivals so they can support me, as I can also support them, as well to lift each other up.

Verity: I am excited every day because the MBS team is so positive and encouraging, and I enjoy especially swimming with my 4x25 relay team because of the constant support and good vibes. I really love MBS and all my teammates; I know if I train hard anything is possible! I can’t wait to break more records with Maddi, Annika and Elkie.

Annika: The thing that excites me most about training and competing with my team is that they make training more fun and less stressful because I know that they are my friends, and they will be there to push me to my limits and help me perform at my best.

MBC Athletes at the AIS

The Olympic Games is often the pinnacle of any athlete’s career and many MBC students are working hard to achieve this dream. 2023 has seen a number of athletes spend time at the AIS to experience the life of the elite athlete.

Ava Costa attended the Paris 2024 Training Camp at the AIS in February where she underwent an intensive training program with world class facilities. In Ava’s words, “this was a great opportunity to bond with the team and get together with everyone from all over the country”.

Ava has recently been selected to lead the Junior Australian Gymnastics Team in May, competing for Australia in a Junior World Competition with 10-12 other countries.

Jazmyn Green was selected by Water Polo Australia in the Australian Cadet Women’s Squad following the 15&U National State Championships on the Gold Coast late last year. As part of this squad, Jaz will travel to the AIS in April in preparation for the Australian Cadet Team selection.

Caitlyn Hosking was selected in the U18 Australian Talent Development Squad for Softball 2023 following her performance at Nationals in Perth in January. Part of her commitment to the squad is to attend a four-day camp at the AIS in April. Caitlyn is also part of the Elite Queensland Performance Program for 2023.

National Representatives on the International stage

Amani Alobaidli represented Bahrain and broke two National records at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Melbourne in January. Amani will compete at the Australian Open and Age Nationals, hoping to gain selection to represent Bahrain at the World Long Course Swimming Championships, which will be held in Japan in August.

Skye McKibben was invited to attend the National Aerobics Training Camp in January. As a result of her performance at this camp, Skye was selected to represent Australia in Portugal in Aerobic Gymnastics.

Charlotte Hansen and Lucy Tunstall have been invited to attend the Volleyball Australia National Development Program Thailand Tour and to represent Australia in the Thailand U21 Junior Championships in April. Charlotte and Lucy are two of the 14 athletes in their age group selected to attend the tour with 84 athletes from around Australia.

Jasmine Reichhart, in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, will compete at three major International Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions in April and May.

• France: Thiais Grande Prix • Uzbekistan World Cup

• Portimao World Challenge Cup

Anneke Meyer has been selected by Australian Sailing as one of the three females and three males selected each year to compete as part of their Pathways Programme. Anneke will represent Australia at the U19 ILCA 6 Youth World Championship this July in Poland.

Caterina Meyer was ranked Australia’s number one female in the U16 Category after winning the National ILCA 4 Sailing Championships, and automatically selected to represent Australia at the U19 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships in Greece in July.

Vahayliah Seumanutafa was selected to represent Australia in the FIBA Oceania Under 15 Oceania Championships in Guam in November 2022. Unfortunately, due to injury, Vahayliah was unable to attend this championship.

National Representatives

Lily Neill and Charli Nikola gained selection in the U18 Australian Touch Squad and attended a National Camp run by Touch Football Australia at the Gold Coast. Charli was also selected in December 2022 in the School Sport Australia Touch Team.

Alice Dart gained selection in the National Performance Basketball Program, which identifies athletes with the potential to play at National and International level. Alice has represented Queensland at the U16 and U18 Australian Championships, and in 2021 she captained her U16 Team to the National title.

Chiara Wise competed for Queensland in late 2022 at the Australian Indoor Netball Championships, and, as a result of her strong performances, was named in the Australian Indoor Netball Team.

State Representatives

Chloe Bowen Triathlon

Alice Dart Queensland U18 Basketball Team

Emma Delaney Queensland U15 Hockey

Charlotte Hansen Beach Volleyball

Caitlyn Hosking Queensland School Sport Softball Team

Charlotte Kane Triathlon

Poppy Lind Queensland U15 Hockey

Jovana Petrovic Queensland School Sport Tennis Team

High Achievers - State Representatives

Emma Delaney and Poppy Lind Hockey

Sophia Dobson, Sarah Joyce and Amanda Kelly Netball

Jovana Petrovic Tennis

Charlotte Hansen Beach Volleyball

Chloe Bowen Triathlon

Caitlyn Hosking Softball

Alice Dart Basketball

Charlotte Kane Triathlon

High Achievers - National Representatives

Amani Alobaidli Swimming

Jasmine Reichhart Rhythmic Gymnastics

Charlotte Hansen Volleyball

Caterina Meyer Sailing

Ava Costa Artistic Gymnastics

Vahayliah Seumanutafa Basketball

Lucy Tunstall Volleyball

Chiara Wise Indoor Netball

Caitlyn Hosking Softball

Alice Dart Basketball

Skye McKibben Aerobic Gymnastics

Lily Neill, Charli Nikola with past student Chloe Nikola Touch

Jazmyn Green Water Polo

Anneke Meyer Sailing

Swimming

Moreton Bay College Swimming has a bright future under the leadership of Director of Swimming, David Lush, and Lead Coach of Junior Programmes, Kevin Calmettes. The Primary and Secondary swim teams began the 2023 season with a 3-day camp for Secondary students and a swim clinic for the Primary students. These experiences not only introduced the girls to the competitive swimming elements of racing, turns, finishes and relay changeovers, but also gave them insight into the strength and conditioning required for the season. Fundamentally, this set the tone of the season and encompassed the overall vision of encouraging the students to develop a passion for swimming.

United under their pink caps and lead by their Captains, the Primary and Secondary teams finished the season with great spirit and teamwork. The MBC Andrews Cup team placed 4th overall, 3rd in the Percentage Trophy, 4th in the Springfield Relay, and the 8 years and 11 years teams secured 3rd place in their respective categories. The MBC QGSSSA team placed 3rd overall at the Championships as well as in the Junior and Open Brockway Cup Relays. The 14 years and 17 years teams placed 2nd, with the 13 years and 15 years teams placing 3rd in their age groups.

How Co-Curricular Music supports our Learning framework

Dr Anita Collins is an award-winning researcher and author in the fields of brain development and music learning. This animated YouTube Video based on one of her TED-Ed talks discusses the ways in which playing a music instrument benefits your brain (TED-Ed, 2014). Watching the first 90 seconds of the video is enough to illustrate the basis of these ideas. Dr Collins’ research shows that when you play music in a group, you are:

• Using gross motor skills (breathing, holding and manipulating instruments)

• Using fine motor skills (moving valves and keys, making chord shapes, manipulating drumsticks and bows)

• Reading and interpreting a script with signs, symbols and text

• Employing mathematical and spacial awareness to interpret rhythm, tempo and time

• Listening to other players in the ensemble

Mr Ben Langford Director of Music

Reference List

TED-Ed. (2014, July 22). How playing an instrument benefits your brain - Anita Collins [Video].

• Interpreting and following visual and aural cues from other players, the conductor and the audience

• Using analysing and critical thinking skills to interpret all this and adjust your own performance to match

• Doing all these tasks simultaneously and in real time.

Apart from the obvious application of many of these mathematical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills within all areas of schooling, there are also significant requirements of Collaboration (communication/cooperation), Reflection (growth/progress), Agency (choice/ownership), Curiosity (what is possible) and Agility (resilience/adaptability) evident in preparing and presenting these musical performances – the five key approaches of The MBC Learning Star and MBBC Five Star Learning.

During Term 1, our student musicians have been given many opportunities to develop these important attributes, particularly through their participation in major events such as the Choral Workshop Day, Twilight Picnic and Classics Concert. Some of our Music Captains and Senior musicians were invited to reflect on the benefits and challenges of performing at these events, providing a student-focused perspective regarding participation in Co-Curricular Music.

Choral Workshop Student Reflection

In preparing for our annual Choir Workshop, we were tasked as Music Vice-Captains to plan and run warm-ups and activities with the College choirs. As this was our first real experience of leadership in our roles, the idea was nerve-wracking at first, but together with our choir conductor, Ms Ellis, we created a fun and active plan for the day. Although we arrived with our own ideas, throughout the day we were presented with a variety of suggestions for engaging and fun warm-ups by many students in our College choirs, which we quickly incorporated into the activities. We found that this was a great way to get everyone involved, work as a team and remain focused throughout the day, as well as to establish new connections within our choir community.

Gabrielle Barrett and India Townsend, Music Vice-Captains

Classics Concert Student Reflection

Music is just like any team sport, with each player required to show unwavering levels of teamwork, cooperation and agility in order for the team to perform successfully. Being one of the biggest teams across MBC and MBBC, our Music students certainly demonstrate these skills, as witnessed at the annual Classics Concert. For the closing act of the night, our College Orchestra, MBBC Secondary Vocal Ensemble and MBC Chorale performed a combined arrangement of Do You Hear the People Sing? from the musical, Les Misérables. While individual groups worked hard rehearsing the piece throughout the term, it was only on the day of the concert that we had the opportunity to combine the separate parts. Yet the performance that night was an absolute success as each student and each group performed their unique parts by listening, cooperating and working together for a greater purpose. It was a true example of collaboration, teamwork and agility!

Sophie Donohue, Music Captain Twilight Picnic Student Reflections

I thoroughly enjoyed attending and performing at the Twilight Picnic. It was a great opportunity to play in front of a crowd with my friends. By participating, I was able to build my confidence performing for others and have lots of fun. The band and myself were a bit nervous beforehand, as this was our second time on stage together, but I think that overall, we enjoyed it. I can’t wait to perform again with my friends and be able to share our love of music while enhancing our skills as musicians.

Imogen Griffs, Year 11 Musician

The Twilight Picnic was an exciting evening filled with live music, dancers, performers, soloists, fun activities, food trucks and more. As a member of the rock band, The Originals, we were one of many bands that appreciated the opportunity to perform. At the time, we had only recently acquired some new members, and since this was our first performance as a band, it was quite nerve-wracking. However, through teamwork and peer encouragement, we worked together to ensure that every band member felt confident and ready to perform. Therefore, despite this being a new experience for many, the evening was a success, and I can confidently say that the Twilight Picnic was one of my favourite performances.

Chiara Orso, Year 11 Musician

Twilight Picnic

Twilight Picnic

Classics - Chorale

Classics - Chamber Strings

Classics Concert

Why Dance Troupe?

“No man is an island.” - John Donne

John Donne’s famous words, from his revered poem of the same name, remind us that we are part of a collective and that every individual contributes to the greater whole. His words ring true for the co-curricular life of the College and particularly that of the Dance Troupe programme, in which “no dancer is an island” onto themselves. While dance can be an individual and solitary activity, very few dancers go on to have solo careers (Mealor 2018). Dance requires a great deal of skill in ensemble work in all genres of dance such as ballet, contemporary, commercial and theatre dance. Thus, the Dance Troupe programme focuses on teaching the skills required to be a part of an effective ensemble dance piece, in which a great deal of cooperation, oscillation, perseverance and resilience are needed to present a high standard of performance within competition timeframes.

This year, the programme has expanded to not only cater to the growing demand to be part of such an established programme, but also to develop such skills and understanding from a young age. These qualities are key 21st Century skills that employers demand from graduates and applicants, in which the ability to work and collaborate with others is fundamentally important for growth and success.

Ms Kate Fitzgerald Director of Dance and Drama Co-Curricular Performance

Reference List

Mealor, Lesley. 2018. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work! Impact Dance Adjudicators. https://www.impactdanceadjudicators.com/ post/2018/03/22/teamwork-makes-the-dreamwork

A tradition of the College, and paramount to developing such skillsets within the programme, is the establishment of annual captaincies. Every year, the incoming Senior cohort are invited to apply for these positions and 2023 has seen the placement of four Dance Captains to support a programme of over 150 dancers. Additionally, trialled in 2022, was the introduction of Year 11 Dance Leaders to help with the growing demand of the programme and to support coaches and Dance Captains in busy times. This initiative was highly successful and has continued into 2023, with seven Year 11 Dance Leaders working with our youngest dancers. All positions require additional commitment, along with patience and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, the relationships built between the Captains, Leaders and students makes for the establishment of a family in which long-term friendships and team camaraderie are founded.

Our inaugural Infants Dance Troupe team (Prep – Year 3) saw over 50 students audition to be a part of the programme. The team of 27 dancers train once a week and have been working on understanding the importance of group formations and unison work. This means learning to follow identified peers for cues, along with taking instructions from their Coach and Senior Dance Captains and Leaders. This can be difficult to grasp at such a young age; however, with such effective structures in place, our littlest passionate and creative minds can learn such skills in a safe and supportive environment.

The Junior Dance Troupe programme is once again in demand with 57 students across two teams. Having multiple teams at this level allows students to build not only the technical and expressive skills required to participate at a high level, but also develop confidence and agency in collaborating with others. A key feature of the Junior Dance Troupe programme has been the incorporation of a combined Hip Hop team across the cohorts, so as to foster agility and comradeship across the teams in this demanding performance genre.

As leaders of the programme, the Senior Dance Troupe members work together at a high level to compete at both State and National competitions and are an example to our younger students of how participation in the programme can lead to not only success in results, but success as a collective to reach new levels of achievement and skill.

Participation in the Dance Troupe programme is more than just a colour on a blazer. It is “a piece of the continent, a part of the main”, whereby students learn and reflect about the self and its capabilities, and move past the ego to find the importance of place within the collective for the greater good.

Donne, John. & Piech, Paul Peter. 1975, No man is an island / John Donne; illustrated by Paul Peter Piech Taurus Press Willow Dene, England.

Year 12 Dance Captains

Infants Dance Troupe

Year 11 Dance Leaders

Interhouse Events

Secondary Swimming

Years 4-6 Swimming

Interhouse Events

Years 3-6 Cross Country

Secondary Cross Country

Career Education and Development

2018 PISA data highlights that students who do not have appropriate access to Career Education and Development (CED) programmes are more likely to be unsuccessful in their career decision-making.

In addition, the Moreton Bay Region, despite being the fifth fastest growing local government area in Australia, continues to promote gender-segregated labour markets and thus, unprecedented challenges within the world of work. These overarching factors have prompted the realignment of the CED programme at Moreton Bay College. The CED programme is designed to challenge the limitations of gender-segregated labour markets by encouraging students to consider career industries such as STEM and Engineering, as well as alternative pathways such as VET courses and traineeships. The programme has been redefined to ensure our students are provided with a myriad of exceptional and sustainable pathway opportunities that will carry them beyond the gates of Moreton Bay.

In 2023, the Careers and Pathways programme has exploded. We have welcomed our new VET coordinator, Mrs Andrea Kelley, alongside 131 students enrolled in a VET or Diploma qualification from Year 10 to Year 12, with several students enrolled in multiple courses.

Our Diploma of Business and Diploma of Project Management programme contains 105 students. The Diploma of Project Management qualification has been developed to provide students with sound theoretical knowledge to equip them for working at a strategic level, contributing to business decisionmaking within the business management and human resource sectors. The Diploma of Business qualification is designed for future business leaders. Students work to develop their supervisory, decision-making and problem-solving skills across a range of business functions. In addition, for the first time in 2023, students in Year 11 enrolled in the Diploma of Business have the opportunity to specialise in one of three streams: Standard, Entrepreneurship or Social Media and Marketing. This streaming process allows students to tailor individualised learning pathways that support their desired career interests.

Approximately 55 students are enrolled in, or on waitlists for, a variety of VET qualifications. Our most popular programmes are the Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III Health Services Assistance at Mater Education. These programmes provide students with the opportunity to study onsite at the Mater Hospital where they learn about a range of roles in the health industry while gaining real-world experience. Many of our Year 12 students have now completed these courses and are qualified Assistants in Nursing (AIN), providing them with opportunities to work in industry alongside their Senior Studies. We also offer the Certificate III in Fitness on campus at MBC for our Senior students wishing to engage in a career as a fitness instructor in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres.

Other certificate programmes our students either have completed or are in the process of completing include, Certificate II in Baking, Certificate II in Animal Care, Certificate II

in Salon Assistant, Certificate II in Electrotechnology, Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways, Certificate III in Beauty Services, Certificate III in Visual Art, Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate III in Dance, Certificate III in Make-Up, Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events (Acting), and Certificate IV in Justice Studies. We also have students who are working to complete traineeships in Early Childhood Education, including Year 12 student, Loralie, who is the first MBC student to commence her Diploma in Early Childhood Education. We would also like to congratulate Year 12 student, Darcie, the first student in the College’s history to successfully complete a Certificate III Traineeship in Dental Assisting, inclusive of her CPR qualification. Amazing efforts from both Year 12 students! Further congratulations to Year 11 student, Maddi, who after a rigorous process, successfully applied for a Certificate III Traineeship in Hospitality. We cannot wait for Maddi to whip us up some highquality barista-made coffee and morning tea! It is evident from the extensive list of programmes, that the students of MBC are provided with a host of pathways opportunities to support their individual interests.

The opportunities for students to engage with areas of interest through the College’s CED programme are not restricted to VET courses. Years 11 and 12 Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Specialist Mathematics students were invited to the inaugural Women in Engineering Event, which was hosted by Bligh

Darcie Dentistry graduate

Tanner at the recently renovated Thomas Dixon Centre, home of Queensland Ballet. The event and site tour helped to inform students interested in STEM and Engineering career paths about the different roles that engineers can play in helping to deliver significant community-building projects. Another fantastic opportunity offered to our Year 10 students is the Trade Taster Program. Madeleine, Leila, Madeleine and Charlotte applied for the Trade Taster Program and were able to choose from a trade in Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, Engineering, Furniture Making or Plumbing. The Trade Taster Program allows the students to try a course without committing to a full qualification or apprenticeship, helping to encourage engagement in genderatypical career industries.

In Term 2, Year 10 students will continue to explore career and pathway opportunities through their PMP Careers Unit. This 12week unit will introduce students to:

• the diverse opportunities and pathways available for their Senior phase of learning

• systems of influence that may impact career and pathway choices

• job labour market trends and the idea of job supply and demand

• work experience opportunities.

This Unit of Study will also include the Combined Colleges Careers Evening, whereby industry professionals and tertiary providers from across South-East Queensland are welcomed to MBC to provided firsthand knowledge in support of students’ career choices. The Year 10 CED programme, inclusive of the Careers Evening, helps to prepare students for the successful completion of their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan in Term 3.

Overall, the Careers and Pathways programme at MBC is off to a flying start in 2023, engaging a range of students in work experience, career opportunities and mentorship programmes. With the programme’s diversity, students are encouraged to be globally-minded citizens, remaining at the forefront of successful and sustainable career and pathway opportunities.

Ms Hannah Bliss Senior Careers and Pathways Coordinator

Women in Engineering

'Belonging' at The Moreton Bay Colleges

In 2023, the Community Engagement Team was officially formed with a view to bringing greater connection to our vast Colleges’ community; one that consists of over 1900 current students and their families, 10 000+ past students, 350+ current staff, many generous supporters and 121 years of past families and staff.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, developed in 1943 by American psychologist, Abraham Maslow, is a model for understanding the motivations for human behaviour. ‘Belonging’ features in the third level of the five-tiered pyramid, and is a fundamental part of our human experience, essential for our emotional and mental wellbeing.

For many families, their daily connection to the Colleges spans up to 14 years per child. However, as long a student’s tenure may be, the educational journey has a profound impact on their, and their families’, development of values, identity, friendships, achievements and surrounding community. It is no surprise then, that a strong sense of belonging to the Colleges remains for a lifetime.

The Community Engagement Team’s vision is ‘The Moreton Bay Colleges will be a place where each and every person feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to engage through a wide range of initiatives that supports the Colleges’ vision and values’, aligning with the Core priority of ‘Community’ in the 2023–27 Strategic Plan.

Our team’s strategic planning has identified three key priorities to support our vision:

• Communication – providing our community members with the resources required to encourage and support everyone to engage meaningfully with the Colleges and with each other.

• Connection – providing our community with the opportunity to connect with the Colleges and with each other.

• Collaboration – providing our community with the opportunity to work with the Colleges to support its sustainability to deliver exceptional learning experiences for current and future students.

We will deliver these key priorities through five pillars:

• Parent engagement – Foster a whole of Colleges’ approach to parent engagement and participation in partnership with our Parents’ and Friends’ Association and Auxiliaries.

• Alumni engagement – Collaborate with the Old Girls’ Association and Old Boys to create and enhance life‐long connections with the Colleges.

• External community connection – Develop connections with the Bayside community, providing opportunity for facility use and involvement in student learning.

• Foundation – Through a range of philanthropic initiatives, grow a corpus of funds to support the long-term infrastructure of the Colleges and bursaries that provide outstanding experiences for students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity of an outstanding education.

• Archives – Collect, preserve, and celebrate historical Colleges’ information to ensure an ongoing appreciation for our traditions, values and achievements.

The Community Engagement team looks forward to creating opportunities for everyone in our community to come together to support the Colleges and each other.

Mrs Penny Bowman Director of Community Engagement

Mrs Alex Givney Community Advancement Manager

Mrs Victoria Matthews Community Development Officer

Mrs Lisa Crick Assistant Archivist

Community Event - Twilight Picnic

Our two Colleges came together at our annual Twilight Picnic in February, to ring in the new year and celebrate our diverse, multicultural community.

A brief downpour did not dampen the spirits of over 1500 community members who were treated to an amazing concert by our talented students, kids’ activities, and a selection of foods from around the globe.

The Twilight Picnic certainly highlighted our communities’ spirit, and we are looking forward to hosting this again next year.

The Parents’ and Friends’Association

A Message from the President - Ms Amy Anderton

The MBC Parents’ and Friends’ Association is committed to fostering a sense of community among parents, friends and staff and students. Our aim is to both ‘friend’ raise and fund-raise, ultimately seeking ways to enhance our girls’ learning experience while strengthening our vibrant community.

One of the primary ways we achieve this is through our monthly committee meetings, which are open to all parents, caregivers, and staff. We encourage all members of our community to join us at these meetings to share your ideas and suggestions with the committee and discuss a wide range of topics and initiatives related to the College and its community.

A great variety of support groups operate under the auspices of the Moreton Bay College Parents’ and Friends’ Association, including:

• Performing Arts Support Group

• Sailing Support Group

• Tennis Support Group.

All Moreton Bay College parents and carers are welcome to join as many or few support groups as they wish.

The MBC P&F are also supported by the wonderful work of the year level Parent Representatives. The role of the Parent Representatives is to help enrich families’ experiences at Moreton Bay College by providing a social link between the school and families and help integrate new families to our vibrant MBC Community. We encourage all families to join your year level Facebook page/s and attend year level social gatherings and get-togethers at MBC community events.

The MBC P&F Committee is pleased to share some preliminary information regarding our main friend and fundraising event for the year. Further information will follow.

It’s time for tea!

MBC P&F Afternoon Soirée by the River Sunday 4 June, 1.00pm – 4.30pm Waters Edge Weddings and Events at Portside, Hamilton

Interested to Know More?

There are many ways parents can support the College. We welcome anyone to get in touch about becoming a P&F Committee member, a year level Parent Representative, or a general volunteer for the various initiatives run by the P&F throughout the year.

Find meeting dates, event dates, key contact details and more on our website at

Moreton Bay College P&F Association Calendar

Wednesday, 19 April - 7.00pm

MBC P&F Meeting | MBC Founders Room

Friday 21 April - 8.30pm

MBC Parent Representative Meeting Eric Bingham Community Room

Friday 12 May

P & F Mother's Day Stall (Pre-Prep - Year 6) Outside Leita Boswell Hall

Friday 5 June

P&F Mother's Day Stall (Years 1 - 6) | Outside Leita Boswell Hall

Wednesday 17 May - 7.00pm

MBC P&F Meeting | MBC Founders Room

Sunday 4 June - 1.00pm

Afternoon Soirée by the River | Waters Edge Weddings & Events

Wednesday 14 June - 7.00pm

P&F Meeting | MBC Founders Room

Wednesday 12 July - 7.00pm

P&F Meeting | MBC Founders Room

Friday 14 July - 8.30am

MBC Parent Representative Meeting Eric Bingham Community Hall

Friday 28 July

P&F Colour Run | MBC P&F Oval

Wednesday 9 August - 7.00pm

P&F Meeting | MBC Founders Room

Wednesday 30 August

P&F Father's Day Stall (Pre-Prep & Prep) | Prep Centre

Thursday 31 August

P&F Father's Day Stall (Years 1-6) | Outside Leita Boswell Hall

Wednesday 6 September - 7.00pm

P&F Meeting | MBC Founders Room

Wednesday 4 October - 7.00pm

P&F Meeting | MBC Founders Room

Friday 6 October - 8.30am

Parent Representative Meeting | Eric Bingham Community Room

Wednesday 1 November - 7.00pm

P&F Meeting | P&F AGM | MBC Founders Room

MBC Old Girls' Association

A message from the President – Mrs Gemma Adams

I am very pleased to write my first message as the new President of the Moreton Bay College Old Girls’ Association (MBC OGA) for the Rising Star.

2023 is looking to be a very eventful year for the MBC OGA, with the 2023 committee working to improve communication with our members, database systems (including data retention), archives, engagement with the MBC graduating class and current students and, of course, planning more functions and events for our membership to take advantage of this year.

To update your contact information and to find out more information about upcoming meetings and events scan here.

Our committee is working closely with the College leadership team to grow the partnership and collaboration between the MBC OGA and the College, with the MBC OGA looking forward to supporting a number of events at the College throughout the year.

As part of an ongoing plan to revitalise the MBC OGA, we encourage all MBC OGA alumni to attend committee meetings and get involved with the OGA, which you will be able to do through Microsoft Teams or in person. We have a strategic planning day in April and look forward to contacting our members after this to day to update them on our plans for the year.

We are also actively seeking Old Girls to assist in coordinating the milestone reunions in 2023: classes of 2018, 2013, 2003, 1993, 1983, 1973 and 1963 and 1953. If you are in these cohorts, we invite you to reach out to provide your updated contact information and let us know if any plans are underway and see how the College and the OGA can assist.

MBC Alumnae Spotlight

Oriel Copeland - Class of 2022

Where has your post school journey taken you?

I have had a very lucky journey where my ‘dream school’ became my place of study. In February, I moved to Perth to study a Bachelor of Arts (Dance) at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) at Edith Cowan University.

Has this differed from your original plan while completing your final years at Moreton Bay College? In completing my final years at the College, I definitely envisioned studying dance post-school, so I completed a Certificate III in Dance for some additional study. I knew this was always the path I wanted to take, but I also investigated teaching or musical theatre as potential pathways to keep my options open. In the end, acceptance into WAAPA led me back to my original goal of a future in dance.

How do you plan to stay connected with the College and why do you feel that is important?

The Dance programme at Moreton Bay College truly became an integral part of my journey and I would not be where I am today without the years I spent working with, and learning from, the incredible Dance staff. I hope to be able to give back to the College in the future and help Dance and Performing Arts flourish even more, reaching my long-term goal of becoming a teacher.

The Foundation

A Message from the Chair – Mr Anthony Lee

In 2023, the Moreton Bay Colleges’ Foundation seeks to build on the impact and programmes we have established to support the Colleges' five pillars of Learning, Wellbeing, Sustainability, Environment and Community, as articulated in the 2023-27 Strategic Plan. Our role as a Foundation is to provide a clear pathway for our community to engage and provide support for the long-term infrastructure and bursaries that provide outstanding student experiences. We will continue to support students through the Quentin Bryce and Jennifer Haynes bursaries, providing tuition to those who would otherwise not have had access to each College.

Achieving impact of scale for the Colleges importantly requires a total community approach. To this end, we look forward to holding our annual Giving Day to support our key funding priorities and engaging more broadly with the community through our Business Breakfast and Lunch series. Furthermore, we look to better engage the business community in The Moreton Circle partnership programme to enable organisations aligned with our purpose to provide support for our programmes.

I encourage all members of the Moreton Bay Colleges’ community, however they may be associated, be it supplying services to the Colleges, alumni, past staff, relatives or friends, to engage with our programmes and consider how they can assist us in continuing a legacy of benevolent contribution to the current and future generations of students.

Business Breakfast

In March, The Foundation was thrilled to host Dr Kay Danes OAM, Grant Robert Menzies and Jessica Danes with MC Brad Ralph (MBBC Parent) for the Business Breakfast at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron to discuss Business Leadership. Special guests included Cameron Costello, who delivered the Welcome to Country, and Councillors Krista Adams, Lisa Atwood and Ryan Murphy. It was an engaging morning with business professionals attending from Wynnum/ Manly, Port of Brisbane and the wider South East Queensland region. The breakfast was the perfect opportunity to launch the Foundation’s new partnership programme, The Moreton Circle.

With thanks to our corporate partners

The Moreton Circle – Partnering with The Moreton Bay Colleges’ to Support Our Learning Community

The Moreton Circle programme has been developed to build a community of aligned corporate organisations and provide these businesses with opportunities to support our Colleges through the generosity of financial sponsorship, sharing of expertise and the gift of time, to enhance our students’ educational experience.

Generations of The Moreton Bay Colleges

To find out more visit our website

The Generations of The Moreton Bay Colleges’ come together for an annual afternoon tea in the Quadrangle to reminisce on their time at the Colleges. In March, The Foundation hosted many of our MBC past students and their daughters, sons, granddaughters and grandsons to celebrate our multigenerational families. In 2023, we have 131 students enrolled at MBC and MBBC who are part of this special group. Each year we invite current and long-standing past staff to the event and this year we were privileged that Mr Ken Waller, past MBC Headmaster, and his wife, Mrs Janet Waller, were able to join us. The Foundation values growing a community of legacy families, as we are proud to support the tradition of one generation looking after the next.

450 Wondall Road

Manly West, Queensland 4179

P 07 3390 8555

mail@mbc.qld.edu.au mbc.qld.edu.au

An Early Years to Year 12 Uniting Church School for Girls CRICOS 03371K