Rising Star Term 4 2022

RISING STAR

Breadth of mind, Depth of heart

We

We look forward to an exciting year ahead!

A sincere thank you to outgoing President Véronique van Heeswijk, Vice President Theresa Jury, Secretary Felicity Donaldson, Committee members Alison Kubler and Sally Griggs, Performing Arts Support Group member Rae Copeland and the other outgoing supporters for your contributions to the College and our students in 2022.

are excited to announce our incoming committee for 2023, President Amy Anderton, Vice President Erin Cardell, Secretary Nardia Lewis, Treasurer Renee Blackwell (Continuing) and Committee members Elizabeth Harding, Lily Ling, Toni Hume and Lea Bearley.

The Purpose of Schooling and the Importance of Community Engagement

The Brookings Institute posed the question “What do parents see is the purpose of a P-12 School”? To answer this question, research was conducted by Rebecca Winthrop et al and their findings were published in a report “Collaborating to Transform and Improve Education Systems: A playbook for family-school engagement.” In this report, Winthrop indicated that there were four key responses from parents as to what they believe is the purpose of schooling.

• To prepare students academically for post-secondary education.

• To prepare students with workforce skills and competencies.

• To prepare students to be good citizens ready to lead political and civic lives.

• To help students gain self-knowledge, find a sense of purpose and understand their values.

I found this research closely aligned with the feedback we have received from the Moreton Bay Colleges' community and the direction we are now taking as we embark on our newly revised strategic plan for 2023 and beyond. Through our own research we have identified five Key Priorities for the Colleges. These are: Learning, Wellbeing, Sustainability, Environment and Community. The Key Priorities are all closely associated with the expected outcomes listed above.

One area of the report which particularly caught my attention was that Winthrop and her colleagues also stated that “Schools with strong family engagement are 10 times more likely to improve student learning outcomes” *. There are many factors which play a part in the education of a child. The relationship between the teacher and the student being a critical one. Yet, outside of the classroom walls, parent and family members play a crucial role with respect to educational outcomes.

In another study across 200 primary schools in Chicago (Bryk, 2010), researchers found five key areas which were drivers for schools to substantially improve students’ reading and mathematics ability. Apart from the key areas of teacher quality, school leadership and the school’s learning climate, a major factor directly linked to improved student outcomes was the level of family and community engagement.

Time and time again, researchers have shown that the importance of community engagement in education cannot be overlooked and this supports its inclusion as one of the five key priorities within our new strategic plan. From 2023 and beyond we will be sharply focused on building productive, strong, effective, and strategic relationships with our stakeholders and partners. We aim to more closely engage and connect with our alumni with the goal of further strengthening our strong sense of Moreton Bay identity, pride and belonging.

I look forward with great enthusiasm as our Colleges embark on our new strategic plan. I am excited at the prospect of collaborating with our current parents and alumni as well as creating strategic partnerships with key stakeholders so that we can build an inspiring and nurturing learning community which empowers students to be future-ready global citizens.

References

Bryk, A. S. (2010). Organizing schools for improvement: Lessons from Chicago. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(7), 23–30.

Parents as Allies project working to build connections between schools and families. Kidsburgh. https://www.kidsburgh.org/parents-as-allies-project-workingto-build-connections-between-schools-and-families/

Queensland Government Department of Education. (2019). 2019 School opinion survey. https://qed.qld.gov.au/our-publications/reports/statistics/Documents/2019SOS-summary-report.pdf Rayworth, M. (2021, February 15).

Varkey Foundation. (2018). Global parents’ survey. https://www.varkeyfoundation.org/media/4340/vf-parents-survey-18-single-pagesfor-flipbook.pdf

*Winthrop, R., Barton, A., Ershadi, M., Zeigler, L. (2021). Collaborating to Transform and Improve Education Systems: A playbook for family-school engagement. The Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ Family_School_Engagement_Playbook_FINAL.pdf

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

Mrs Janet Stewart Principal

A Time of Transition

This term we have celebrated a number of significant occasions to commemorate the final days of school for the Seniors of 2022. These symbolic events - the Academic and Service Awards Evening, the Valedictory Service and the Final Chapel, followed by the unforgettable Hat Throw - are all parts of the Seniors’ final transition – the transition to life beyond the pink checks, to adulthood and all the promise this holds.

Yet this significant Senior transition is not the only transition which occurs in Term 4; indeed, our last term of each year abounds with transition experiences for all year levels from our Early Learning Centre students through to Secondary. And each one, is underpinned by the importance of building relationships, strong connections and the palpable sense of belonging we wish every Bay girl to experience.

There can be no doubt that these positive transitions for our students, regardless of their age, are vital, and our enrolments team working with staff have devoted considerable time to ensuring there are experiences for our first learners starting school; our Preps who move into the Primary school; our new students who join us at each year level; our Primary students moving into the their secondary phase of learning and our Seniors stepping forth into further study or employment.

Thus, we have hosted numerous important transition events. In Primary, our leadership team and teachers have hosted several new Parent Information sessions, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) iPad sessions, and new families have also been invited to join our Fathering Project evenings, helping fathers and father figures in the girls’ lives build their own relationships among other parents. Similarly, there have been a number of transition opportunities for students too. From play dates for new Pre-Prep/Kindergarten students and our new Prep children, to regular Pre-Prep/ Kindergarten visits to the Prep rooms, to Prep visits to the Year 1 classrooms and play areas, to our Preps going on walks to the Tuckshop to order lunch, our youngest learners are being prepared to handle change and the challenges they may encounter in their new experiences.

Moreover, our current Prep to Year 5’s have been involved in a Step Up morning, when they attend the classroom of their next year level and experience the new routines, expectations and activities. For those students completely new to the Moreton Bay experience, Primary also host a New Student Orientation Day, filled with opportunities to meet class buddies, engage in classroom tasks, and trial new specialist subjects like French, Art, Dance and HPE. And, for those unable to attend the official Orientation Day, we have offered new families a Spend-a-Day experience to orient them to the Bay environment.

The transition to Secondary has also been a focus in Term 4, with events for students, parents and teachers. Importantly our Heads of House in Secondary have visited Year 6 classrooms with their House Captains, a current Year 7 and their Inter Year Carer (a Year 11 student who has supported the Year 7), to talk about Secondary and answer any questions the Year 6 students may have. Equally important are the opportunities for Secondary teachers to work with Year 6 students – this has been happening with Science and Mathematics staff and gives girls some insights into what to expect in their Secondary classes. Our Secondary Leadership Team have also been meeting with current and new families and taking some on tours of the Secondary College. The Secondary transition culminated with an Orientation Day when girls met their new Form Teachers, their Inter Year Carer (IYC), toured locker rooms and did some diagnostic testing and then took part in various co-curricular activities such as Sport and Dance. Parents too joined this orientation experience, meeting Secondary Leadership staff and gathering in House groups to connect with each other and have a presentation from their daughter’s Head of House.

It has been a full and rich final term of 2022, and each step in our busy and comprehensive transition programme has hopefully provided all students with a sense of reassurance and comfort that as they prepare for a new stage in their Bay journey, they will be supported and nurtured each step of the way in 2023.

May I wish you all a happy and holy Christmas season and may 2023 be blessed with peace and joy.

Reverend Peter Lockhart College Chaplain

Final Reflection –Head to Head, Heart to Heart

The end of a year is a significant time for the Senior cohort as they say their farewells and as the College farewells them for the last time.

One of the keys events at the beginning of this process is the last Chapel that the Seniors share with the rest of the school. The Worship and Service Captains play an instrumental part in leading the Chapel.

Piper Miller and Priy Hapuarachchi delivered their final “Head to Head: Heart to Heart” as mixture of live action and video. They were well supported by Aileen Chiang and Taleah Parkes. In their final reflection the Chapel Team reminisced on God’s presence throughout their school journey. The school community has responded well to the “Head to Head: Heart to Heart” videos and they will be remembered long after 2022.

Moving from this Chapel the Seniors entered their external examinations and then returned for the last two days of school for their Valedictory Service and Event on the evening of 17 November and then the Final Chapel and Hat Throw on Friday 18.

The traditions of the Final Chapel involve the handing of the College Symbols, the Furling of the House Flags, and a reflection on the transition between school and life after school. The Chamber Choir welcomed the Seniors into the space with a beautiful song Omnia Sol by Z. Randall Stroope. A song of farewell it encouraged our Seniors with the words “Let you heart be staid.”

I shared a message based on Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem as a metaphor for the destruction and reconstruction of our ego and soul at times of transition and existential crisis in life. These ideas of reconstruction were connected to Emma Bible from her Sports Awards Night Speech, “If you ever feel like you’re losing passion, maybe it’s time to reset and refigure your purpose.”

The relationship between a Christian faith worldview, the insights of the five College Captains, and the five points of the Learning Star help provide students with some building blocks to consider in the resetting and refiguring of their lives after school. A clear invitation to remain curious about the place of God within their lives and to choose to accept God’s love as they learnt to love others was given.

Following the Chapel, the students proceeded outside for a brief time to socialise with family before running through the Guard of Honour formed by students from the whole school. The Seniors finish their school life in the Quadrangle with a series of War Cries, then a countdown to the final bell rung by Mrs Stewart when the students toss their hats high in the air with all the emotion of finishing their school journey.

We wish the Seniors of 2022 all the best as they step into the myriad pathways that they will follow in life. May God go with them all.

Mrs Nicole Bowers Deputy Head of Primary –Teaching and Learning/PYP Coordinator

The PYP Exhibition at MBC

This year for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition, our Year 6 students explored the Transdisciplinary Theme of Who we are for the first time. As a school, we change our PYP Exhibition Transdisciplinary Theme every two years so that students and staff are presented with fresh opportunities for curiosity, creativity, and action.

Who we are contains an extensive number of elements, so in collaboration with the students, a decision was made to narrow this down to focus on the following in 2022. An exploration of:

• the nature of self

• beliefs and values

• personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health

• rights and responsibilities

The ‘tuning in’ phase of this inquiry saw the students exploring these areas and working through a process to collaboratively coconstruct the central idea, understanding humanity empowers personal growth. A diverse range of issues relating to gender stereotyping in childhood, cyberbullying, wellbeing, animal therapy and issues surrounding managing stress and other health related concerns/disorders were explored – just to name a few. Considering the complexities of some proposed individual inquiries, students were supported to use the following reflective questions to guide decision making.

• Have I identified an issue or opportunity that can be explored?

• Does my idea fit within the transdisciplinary theme?

• Is the issue/opportunity relevant to my local community?

• Is the issue/opportunity transferrable anywhere in the world? Is it globally significant?

• Is the issue/opportunity age appropriate for the audience?

• Are there possibilities for taking action following on from what I learn?

One of the features of the PYP Exhibition is the opportunity for several types of collaboration. This year, teachers from MBC and MBBC collaborated to initiate some virtual meetings with Year 6 students from both Colleges to discuss ideas and get feedback. The students also benefited from visiting each other’s Exhibitions.

Students also collaborated with mentors from all areas of the College (Primary, Secondary and Support Services staff). These staff volunteered their time to support and guide the students, offering a unique perspective and an opportunity to share new understandings and oversee external communication. Mentors were particularly helpful with all students encouraged to extend their research beyond media to include other primary sources such as personal interviews with experts, communication with organisations, visits to speciality locations and/or surveys of the community.

A key feature of the Exhibition was the creation of a piece of artwork connecting to the Transdisciplinary Theme. The students demonstrated incredible thinking processes as they created their visual representation of Who we are through artwork and an artist statement. Some very stirring and emotional responses were represented through artworks that brought a tear to many of the viewers.

We are enormously proud of the Year 6 cohort, both for the maturity with which they approached some complex and challenging issues and for the resilience and determination they displayed as learners.

Mr Stewart Kemperman Deputy Head of Primary – Students

The Fathering Project

The culmination of the Fathering Project 2022 was a fathers and father figures only event with renowned public speaker, and Moreton Bay College community member, Glen Gerreyn. Over the past 20 years Glen has shared his message of hope with over a million people around the world; engaging with students, parents teachers, employees, sporting groups and community leaders. Glen’s been invited to speak at TEDx events and on national TV and radio. He’s authored five books and created the ‘Men of Honour” character development course, currently implemented within clubland of the National Rugby League.

On this particular evening, Glen presented a Positive Parenting Seminar to a group of ELC, Primary and Secondary father figures from both MBC and MBBC. Within this, he shared the following tips for positive parents:

1. Give them vision:

Identify their strengths and help them to use those strengths to run their life. This strength-driven approach elevates their wellbeing and provides self-confidence and fulfilment. Identifying a vision for your child can be achieved by exposing them to myriad different activities and experiences and then watching to see what resonates and engages their heart and soul. This will give them options to draw out unseen strengths.

2. Encourage them:

The best method of encouragement is to applaud the process rather than the outcome: honour the means, not just the trophy. Celebrate the early mornings and the late nights and how they listened to their coach/teacher and made the necessary sacrifices to achieve an outcome. In a world that is prevalent with ridiculing and bringing others down, particularly within social media platforms, filling your child’s cup with encouragement, hope and optimism is an important way to ensure they know they have the support of a loving parent, and the strength to withstand setbacks and press on.

3. Be where you are:

At times, we are so distracted meaningless and worthless things while the important things are often ignored. Technology, specifically social media, in increasingly responsible for this. Our smartphones are incredibly powerful devices that can connect us with people across the world and disconnect us from the person sitting right in front of us. They are powerful devices for global reach but harmful for daily presence and connection. Being present gives us the opportunity to enjoy our children, and the wonderful traits that make them who they are. I challenge you, to pause and reflect on your own smart phone usage – what would your children say? Are you always on your phone?

4. Teach them how to fail:

Some may be familiar with the term the ‘helicopter parent’ and overprotective parent who hovers above the child every step of the way- a new term the ‘snowplough’ parent has emerged, determined to clear all obstacles and challenges from their child’s path. The problem with this is by clearing every obstacle and never letting them fail, fall or be disappointed does not develop resilience or grit. Be a shining example to show them that failure is not fatal.

5. Make the house a haven:

The home should be a haven. We know our children will make mistakes, some of them bigger than others, just like we did when we were their age. But, no matter what they do, at any age, our children need to know that, when they come home, they will receive mercy and forgiveness. Yes, there may be consequences from their actions but in the end, the goal is for your child to be healed and restored. This family unit you have created is a tribe and there should be no obstacle so great that can destroy the connectedness and harmony of this family. It’s a choice we can all make to ensure our family bond remains unbreakable.

We are so thankful for the time and resources Glen shared with us and look forward to continuing this partnership with him and The Hopeful Institute in the future.

Mr Michael Bos Director of International

Connecting MBC Around the World

At the end of Term 3 and through Term 4, there were three very exciting online connections made by Moreton Bay College around the world.

The first connection with a school in Taiwan occurred over four lessons, finishing on 24 November. This was a co-teaching partnership between the Moreton Bay College Mathematics department and the Mathematics department at Zhong Zheng Senior High School in Taipei. The topic taught was time zones and with the two-hour difference between Taiwan and Brisbane, this provided the perfect platform and learning experience for our Year 10 students here in Australia and the students in Taiwan. The students enjoyed the experience of learning Maths from a different teacher in a different way and we are pleased to have been able to provide this unique learning opportunity.

The second connection occurred on 18 October with Hong Kong. In partnership with Queensland Institute, this connection was for MBC students in Years 5 & 6 with pre-service teachers in Hong Kong. Our students learnt a little bit about Hong Kong in an engaging way from the Hong Kong University pre-service teachers. The students learnt about some famous food, wellknown and popular music, and a little bit of the Cantonese language. The students engaged and connected with the teachers as they learnt about this new culture. The student reflections echoed their enjoyment of the session with some

students commenting that they would like to visit Hong Kong in person. With these students now equipped with some cultural knowledge, perhaps that family holiday to Hong Kong is a little bit closer …

The third connection occurred on 3 November with Japan. Moreton Bay College teachers connected with Japanese students studying English across Japan. In partnership with Tokyo English Channel, the Head of Science Ms Fiona Seychell and Head of Arts Ms Emilia Keene conducted a live, online STEAM lesson. The students learnt about adaptations and how this topic is taught across two different subject areas. The session included the wonderful work of Olympia in Year 9, who created an art piece of an adapted human who could live on Mars. Even though the video was broadcast live, it will be available for students to view and study over the next 12 months. Moreton Bay College is proud to have been selected for this partnership and continues to foster deep relationships in Japan.

These three connections have not only created teaching and learning experiences, but links for Moreton Bay College to provide more opportunities for students and share more of the great work done in this community. We look forward to growing our international reach in the months and years ahead.

Mrs Kay Gleeson Head of Secondary

Celebrating the Leaps of 2022

We were delighted this year to return to our wonderful flow of events celebrating the significant achievements of our students in 2022. All the Secondary students have grasped the courage to leap in their own way throughout 2022. From the classroom to the dance and drama studios, to the music programme to the sporting fields and the myriad of other opportunities - students have dug deep, surrounded themselves with their support team and trusted their inner voices. Another important component of taking a leap is celebrating the wins with those who have supported us on our journey.

Congratulations to the graduating cohort of 2022, you have continued to leap this year amidst the many challenges and have truly lived your senior legacy of “The bay spirit call unite us all”. Congratulations to our Valedictorian Milana George, who on behalf of her fellow Seniors, left us with the following words:

“In closing this chapter of our lives, let’s acknowledge our growth over the years, becoming rebel girls – girls who aim higher, dream bigger and fight harder. We have learnt so much more than just the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, and looking out at this wonderful group of Seniors in front of me, I feel blessed to not only call you my cohort, but my friends.

As we near throwing our hats into the air… remember the words of American ethics lecturer, Michael Josephson, “Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” I will always cherish the growing, the learning and the memories from Moreton Bay College that we can take with us as we journey beyond the pink sea. Hence, I will conclude by saying, once a bay girl, always a bay girl”.

Goodbye and good luck Seniors of 2022.

Our annual Award evenings and showcased all that it is to be a Bay student. Congratulations to every student who received an award - your hard work, determination and commitment are inspiring. However, each student at Moreton Bay has had their individual wins in 2022 and I encourage each of you to celebrate these achievements. Congratulations and remember to continue to have the courage to leap so that you can continue to discover the best “me” that you can.

Mrs Michelle McKersey Deputy Head of Secondary – Students

Leadership & Legacy

“It is with great honour and privilege that I stand before you as your 2023 College Captain. Entering my 13th and final year at the College, I hope that I can give back to the place that has become my second home, and the people who have become my family.”

Olivia Atkins (2023 College Captain)

These opening words from Olivia – in her first official address as College Captain at the 2023 Seniors’ Induction – reflect her personal commitment to her school, which has clearly played such an important role in her life. This desire to ‘give back’ was a theme shared by 64 other Year 11 students who, like Olivia, had the courage to apply for a leadership position in June this year.

As is tradition, the Seniors’ Induction held early in Term 4 was an important cultural marker and the end point of a rite of passage for our Year 11 students as they transitioned from MBC Year 11 student to MBC Senior. This special event was the culmination of a comprehensive leadership program for our Year 11 cohort which they engaged with through the Positive Minds Program (PMP) and the leadership conference they attended in the final week of Term 2.

To prepare our Year 11 students for their leadership experience as the 2023 Seniors, the focus in Term 1 PMP was on values. This unit of work gave them the opportunity to clarify their personal values before considering their own vision and goals as incoming student leaders. In Term 2 PMP lessons, Year 11s explored the meaning of authentic leadership and the notion of legacy, both collective and individual. At the end of Term 2, we partnered with Michael Knight and his team from Peer Power to facilitate a four-day leadership conference, which included three days off campus at Alexandra Headland. Throughout the conference the Year 11 cohort collaborated to develop the 2023 Senior Legacy: Embrace Your Gold Heart. Unleash Our Bay Spark.

As the cohort worked through the challenging process of deciding on their legacy, Peer Power facilitated sessions where students were able to identify their own dominant traits and learn about concepts such as social capital and rectitude, which are prerequisites for effective leadership.

Towards the end of the conference and under the guidance of their Head of House, students affirmed their peers by acknowledging each other’s strengths in a special honouring activity. Each student also identified behaviours they intended to leave behind and take up in their role as an MBC Senior and shared these with their fellow House members. Reverend Peter

then concluded the conference with a very meaningful session of reflection and prayer, threading together the key learnings and themes from the four days.

Having engaged with the student leadership program throughout Terms 1 and 2, and following the appointment of College, House and Co-curricular Captains, on 11 October the Year 11 cohort’s leadership was formalised at the 2023 Seniors’ Induction. This was a special celebration where the 2023 Seniors were acknowledged and presented with their Senior Badges. The Senior Badge is not a given but is earned when an incoming Senior commits to at least two responsibilities and to upholding the College Values and expectations in their final year of school. A very moving part of this milestone event was when they publicly declared their commitment to the College as Seniors by reciting the Senior Pledge before staff, students, and parents.

The Senior Badge forms the basis of the College’s serviceoriented leadership model, which centres around the service of others. Leadership at MBC is not necessarily about heroics, although we do certainly see acts of heroism from students who are in official leadership positions, just as we do from those who are not. We believe that leadership can be covert and unassuming; that those who have quieter personalities and are more introverted have as much potential to lead as those who are more outgoing and extroverted. It can be found in the gentle word of encouragement, helping another student, making a suggestion, solving a problem, or some other small act of service.

This is different to the traditional view of leadership, which is more about prestige and power. The contemporary view of leadership – and certainly the view we adopt at MBC – is more collegial and is accessible to each student. While there is the opportunity to hold official positions, a leader is not necessarily someone with a badge or significant responsibilities. A leader does not need to be someone with rank, power, or position. As social researcher Brene Brown says:

“Leadership is not about titles or the corner office. It’s about the willingness to step up, put yourself out there, and lean into courage. The world is desperate for braver leaders. It’s time for all of us to step up.”

Leadership is not just for a select few and nor is it simply about having a badged position. People will lead to different extentsthere can be small ways of leading and big ways of leading, but the small expressions of leadership are incredibly important for the individual and the community they are leading. Collectively, they contribute to a person’s character and the culture of

a community. These small expressions of leadership also determine the legacy left by an individual or a group of people.

The 2023 Seniors have committed to expressing their leadership through the legacy they developed together - Embrace Your Gold Heart Unleash Our Bay Spark. Following their induction, they collaborated once again for the launch of the Senior Legacy to secondary students and staff in week 5 of Term 4. Through their creative and engaging approach, which included an entertaining whole cohort video, the Seniors invited all students to play a part in transforming the words of their legacy into action.

As a College with a rich and inspiring history such as ours, MBC students become very familiar with the concept of legacy as they move through their secondary schooling. Each day, every MBC student is building their high school legacy and they have agency in what that legacy will be – the choice to show up as their best self and in doing so, realise their own potential to lead and build a legacy they are proud of.

We are excited to see how the 2023 Senior Legacy is brought to life and how all students rise to the challenge, strive to do their best, and make MBC an even better school over the next year.

Seniors' Advocating for Youth

Following their induction early in Term 4, the 2023 Seniors were keen to connect with their peers at Moreton Bay Boys’ College (MBBC) and build on the work of previous MBC and MBBC Seniors by forming the 2023 Seniors Advocating for Youth (SAY) Committee.

The inaugural SAY Committee was formed in 2021 under the leadership of the 2021 College Captains. Comprised of Year 12 MBC and MBBC students, the first SAY Committee focused on the issues of sexual consent and adolescent mental health and met several times throughout the school year. The work of the committee included writing a letter to all local, regional and federal members of parliament regarding the necessity for uniform national consent and sexual assault legislation in Australia and preparing a business proposal to introduce Teen Mental Health First Aid training at both Colleges.

The first meeting for the 2023 SAY Committee took place at MBC in week 4 and was a wonderful success, with 24 Year 11 students from both Colleges attending. Those students who attended had the chance to discuss issues of concern for young people and make decisions about the committee’s focus in the year ahead.

Looking ahead they plan to collaborate to support the young people in our school communities by focusing on important issues such as social media, mental health, racism and cultural discrimination, vaping and substance abuse.

We value the opportunity to bring students from the Moreton Bay Colleges together as we work towards our shared vision of Two Schools, One Community, Preparing our Students for Tomorrow’s World. The SAY Committee is an ideal forum to realise this vision, while simultaneously providing a vehicle for our young people to effect change.

The energy and passion of the students who attended the first meeting was inspiring and we look forward to seeing the direction taken by the 2023 SAY Committee as they advocate for youth.

Mrs Michelle McKersey, Deputy Head of Secondary (Students)

2022 Seniors#ROCKTHECHOP

True to their Legacy – The Bay Spirit Call Unites Us All - the 2022 Seniors were very keen to continue the tradition of Year 12 students supporting the Cancer Council Ponytail Project. This program creates specialised wigs for people who have lost their hair due to a medical condition such as alopecia or cancer and takes donations of hair to be made into wigs to help instil confidence, independence, and self‐esteem.

With their External Exams fast approaching, our Year 12 cohort remained committed to this worthy cause with a record fortyone senior students bravely taking to the Music Centre stage to #ROCKTHECHOP and donate their ponytails to the Cancer Council on 19 October.

Held at lunchtime, this service activity once again drew a large crowd of fellow Seniors, younger students and staff who were there to support those donating their hair and help raise awareness for the Ponytail Project.

We were also joined by local hairdressers, Mandy Ellis Sorrentino, Kirrily Page and Lisa Featherstone, who generously gave their time and skills to cut forty-four students’ hair in less than forty minutes! We are very grateful for their ongoing support year after year.

This is a tradition that started in 2014, with only a couple of students who were brave enough to have their hair cut and since then, the numbers have grown each year. For some students participating this year, it is a cause that is very close to their hearts, having seen close family experience firsthand the anguish that comes with hair loss. Shannon Dean, College Cultural Captain, bravely shared with those in attendance what this event personally meant for her when she spoke about her late mother’s hair loss due to cancer treatment.

In addition to donating their hair, the 2022 Seniors also united to raise over $28 000 for the Cancer Council! We are very proud of their efforts and the commitment they showed to the Ponytail Project, which embodies the College motto, with courage and hope

Mrs Michelle McKersey, Deputy Head of Secondary (Students)

Expanding Opportunities Within the Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum

At MBC our learning community aims to provide opportunities for student agency in their own learning through voice, choice and ownership. Developing their ability to question, think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively. Students in Year 10 now have options within the Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum to select their preferred pathway, aligning with their own interests and possible Senior subject selection. While History remains a staple of their academic journey under the Australian Curriculum students individually make a learning decision to study Geography, Civics and Law, or Studies of Society and Religion.

In Geography, students explored both physical and human geography, beginning with a case study on the impacts of global warming on the natural coastal processes of the Gold Coast Spit. Online resources and an excursion allowed students to examine coastal and ocean processes, applying this knowledge to the human development of the Spit. In Term 2, Geographers shifted their focus to human wellbeing, unpacking the World Happiness Index and the link between population and wellbeing. Case studies were co-designed with students who had direct experience through traveling and or living in countries such as Finland, South Africa, Malaysia, and India. Learning about the wellbeing issues facing these countries through the eyes and ears of their peers.

In Civics and Law, students examined global connectedness and its impact on contemporary Australian society, investigating how citizens participate in a democratic society. Through independent research tasks, the classes learned about Australia’s political parties and their policies, planning their own presentation to appeal to voters. This timely task allowed for deeper understanding of our recent election processes, and lively discussion and analysis of its outcomes. The focus then shifted to Australia’s court system and law, with students examining how government policies shape our justice system. A case study focused on the effects of social media on trial outcomes allowed students to make connections to real life cases and consider the relevance in their own lives.

In Semester Two, our first Study of Society and Religion class examined Australia’s religious history, analysing and evaluating the recently released Australian Census 2021. Connections were made to contemporary ethical and social justice issues, with students independently researching and presenting on topics that inspired discussion and debate. A strong focus on the beliefs and practices of our First Nations Peoples has allowed students to explore stories, artwork, accounts and articles in preparation for their assessment.

As agents of choice in their own learning, our Year 10s have experienced a diverse range of opportunities to study contemporary issues that impact our communities.

Mrs Jessica Robertson, Head of Department, Humanities and Social Sciences

Mathematics

During 2022, the Mathematics Department have had the privilege to play a leading role in two projects: an international collaboration with Zhong Zheng High School, located in HuiChen, Taiwan and the LYLAC Project with the University of Queensland (UQ). International team teaching aligns with a globally focussed curriculum that ensures learning is relevant, engaging and fosters the growth of 21st century skills. Furthermore, we recognise that research and innovation is a powerful driver to inform best practice to enhance teaching strategies that support a differentiated curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.

The LYLAC Project is a three year project that aims to tailor professional development to enrich teacher capacity to meet the diverse learning needs of students in a supportive, inclusive classroom. Our team of Mathematics teachers have a genuine passion to have positive impacts on student learning and are excited to work alongside UQ researchers and partner schools in this initiative. The project will continue to help teachers develop evidence informed approaches to include problem solving and practical approaches to adjust, teach and assess mathematics and increase performance of all students in this subject. In 2022, the focus has been on Year 7 and students have explored linear patterns through multiple lenses to build new knowledge based on concrete foundations.

The International collaboration with Zhong Zheng High School is an ongoing relationship that will help students develop understandings about responsible global citizenship and celebrating cultural diversity. These strong connections have been created through lessons delivered by both our teachers and teachers from Taiwan in our Year 10 General Mathematics programme. Topics have included time zones, longitude and latitude and distances between locations within earth geometry. Students have enjoyed the authentic learning and exchanges and look forward to their next encounter with quadratics. As a department we have enjoyed modelling lifelong learning with our students and collaborating on meaningful projects that help deliver the outstanding experience offered at Moreton Bay College.

Ms Jennifer Johnstone, Head of Department - Mathematics

Primary Years 1 - 3 Swimming

Women in Digital National Awards

On 4 November, four Year 11 students who study Digital Solutions were invited to attend the Women in Digital National Awards ceremony, which recognises the outstanding achievements of women across all aspects of the digital world. The theme this year was You can not be what you can not see. This gala event of 1000 guests, was held at the Plaza Ballroom, and the Brisbane Convention Exhibition Centre.

The students were guests of Professor and Chair in Digital Economy, Marek Kowalkiewicz of QUT - Future Enterprise; this opportunity was granted to our Moreton Bay College girls, as part of our school fostering stronger connections with universities including University of Queensland and QUT which can help our students realise their dream and gain skills as future focused global citizens.

At this great event, our girls also met an MBC Old Girl, Karen Balfe, Class of 1994, who is Strategic Commercial Manager working across different areas of technology, operations in the complex international world within Telecommunications.

It was wonderful for our girls to see the vast variety of roles they could move into within the world of technology.

Eloise McKeon, one of the students in attendance, mentioned that her takeaway from the event was “the different career paths that are on offer through multiple degrees and networking opportunities”

Cynthia Nolan, MBC Director of Enterprise and Innovation

Mrs

CULTURAL

MBC @ Wynnum Fringe

Moreton Bay College students have been thrilled to be intrinsically and authentically involved in Wynnum Fringe 2022. The festival, of which The Moreton Bay Colleges are now official sponsors, has almost completed its three-week season (16th Nov-4th Dec). Youth Ambassadors Catelyn Greasley Year 9, Alexandra McDonald Year 9, Ruby Hart Year 10, Scarlett Jensen Year 10 and Harper Plant Year 12 had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside industry professionals in the months leading up to the festival and throughout the event.

Drama enthusiasts Jessie Hawkins Year 7, Alex Griffs Year 10, Imogen Griffs Year 10 and Piper Miller Year 12 worked with world renowned UK theatre company Cocoloco to devise and realise a roving performance that interacted with festival goers in the garden along the Wynnum Esplanade.

Ms Emilia Keene, Head of Department - Arts

CULTURAL

Dance Showcase and Performing Arts Awards

The Dance Showcase and Performing Arts Awards event took place on Saturday 15 October in the MBC Music Centre to sell out audiences. The event was a celebration of the wonderful work of the College’s Curricular and Co-curricular Dance and Drama programmes showcasing student and teacher devised pieces from throughout the year.

Audiences witnessed the beautiful and moving works of students studying Dance and Drama in the Senior levels (Years 10-12), highlighting the importance of the Arts in tackling important societal issues that impact us all. Students approached topics such as nuclear warfare, women’s rights, homelessness, technology, and the impact of unregulated influences, to ensure the audience came away with renewed understandings of these sociological matters.

With over 150 students in the co-curricular Dance Troupe programme, audiences were treated to a display of awardwinning routines and exceptional talent from both students and teachers alike. An exciting addition to the programme was the inclusion of the College’s first Junior Hip Hop team with 40 students taking part in extra rehearsals, along with the fabulous Mrs Stewart, to develop their skills in this exciting and popular genre of dance. Of note was the inclusion of the

inaugural Moreton Bay Boys’ College Hip Hop team which saw 30 students take to the stage to show off their skills in popping, locking, breakdancing, up-rocking and funk, alongside the MBC Dance Troupe teams!

The event also saw the inclusion of students representing the College’s co-curricular Drama Troupe programme in which Flo (Year 10) and Scarlet (Year 11), performed an original thoughtprovoking and humorous piece written by their teachers Ms Lloyd and Ms Schmidt. Audiences were also treated to a beautiful homage to growing up, sung by Shannon (College Cultural Captain), and danced by Oriel (Year 12), to the lyrics of Adele’s When We Were Young

The Arts is a powerful platform for our students to develop essential twenty-first century skills in which creative thinking is nourished and developed in a safe and supportive environment. More and more it is evident that such exposure encourages critical and healthy thinking about our importance and place within the world we live, giving out students direct access to the skills needed to become giving and valued citizens.

Ms Kate Fitzgerald, Director of Co-Curricular Performance Dance & Drama Secondary Teacher - Dance

CULTURAL

Visual Art and Culture

Olympia Zavros with her artwork 'Dad'

Last semester, Year 9 Visual Art students explored the subject of Portraits. Students were asked to explore self or significant others in their life. They identified key features and characteristics which reflected the subject and explored objects, symbols and places of significance to help communicate the story of the portrait. Working with artist Dan Butterworth, the students explored expressive paint application and techniques to resolve an artwork. This year, eight students nominated their artworks to be included in the prestigious Next Gen Brisbane Portrait Prize and one of our students, Olympia Zavros’ artwork received a Highly Commended and was included in the hanging exhibition of Next Gen work. Olympia explains her artwork titled ‘Dad’, ‘I was very excited when the school selected my artwork to be entered. In class, we were looking at symbolism in portraiture and were tasked with painting someone important to us. In my artwork, I’ve painted my dad Michael, with a Greek halo surrounding his head as my chosen piece of symbolism. The halo, with the pattern of the Greek key, references one of Dad’s photographic self-portraits and his /our Greek heritage. I thought it would be appropriate to reference this as my dad often links back to our culture in his own artworks. Greek representations have become a motif in our family.’

Congratulations Olympia!

Ongoing Commitment to Reconciliation -

Day of Culture and Connection

As an ongoing commitment to Reconciliation at The Moreton Bay Colleges’ a group of staff, students and parents embarked on a collaborative Indigenous art project. The project was created in two parts. The first phase as an excursion to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Working with Quandamooka artist and designer Delvene Cockatoo Collins and Cultural presenter Matt Burns we engaged in an authentic experience building knowledge, listening to language of First Nations People, Quandamooka Country culture and heritage.

The day began with a short visit to Delvene’s studio where she spoke of her artworks embodying stories shared by her grandmother and mother. Her work, inspired by nature and symbolism of culture on country such as Eugaries, Jalaman

(Native Bee), Migalu Yallingbinga (White Humpback Whale). Following the visit to the studio we walked to Polka Point where we heard language, stories of history and ancestral knowledge and the interconnectedness of place. With a stunning view of Moreton Bay, the smoking ceremony was particularly heartwarming. From here we walked to the foreshore where we collected cotton tree fibres from the Hibiscus tiliaceous tree, stripped them, soaked them to remove the sap in preparation for using with our artwork. Moving from the foreshore further around to the rock pools where natural erosion has occurred allowed us to collect and make ochre with stunning earthy, rich colours and tones of reds, browns and yellows.

We started our mark making – using nature and our hands as tools inspired by our surrounds, our experiences, and the stories we had heard. Finally, we gathered in the afternoon see historical documents and artifacts and to apply drawing of patter, textures and layers back into our ochre work inspired by shells, bark and natural earth elements and record our experiences from the day through written reflections.

The second phase of the collaborative project was held at MBC in the quad. Under a beautiful setting of the jacaranda tree another group of students, staff and parents gathered from both Colleges for a shared vision to take notice and build relationships. To begin the day, we spoke of the importance of the story behind the artwork. Whilst the artwork will be a symbol of our ongoing commitment to Reconciliation, it is the story behind the artwork which means more. The story of the coming together as one community, one people, the story of building knowledge and sharing authentic, engaging experiences with our First Nations People inspired by Country, land, sea, sky, place and natural found materials. This will forever be a moment etched and woven into the fabric of the Colleges history and the artwork an archival representation and symbol of this important step towards Reconciliation. We gathered ochre and found objects form nature from our own surrounds. It was a wonderful morning of sharing, appreciating, respecting and importantly building relationships. We have created a magnificent collaborative artwork. We look forward to revealing the artwork in the New Year.

Mrs Jacquie Jones, Secondary Visual Art Teacher MBC

CULTURAL

Battle of the Rock Bands

The 2022 Battle of the Rock Band’s competition provided the MBC student rock band “The Originals”, with an incredible performance opportunity and great exposure to real life, live music. After putting on our finest black and gold outfits and way too much glitter, we were ready to hit the stage – just as soon as a very late taxi arrived…. But even in the face of struggles and nerves, we made it in time to rock out with smoke machines and sparklers. The experience brought us closer than ever as a band, even if it was our last gig together, and served as an amazing opportunity for the MBC students. Working with professional stage crew and performing for a live audience was so exciting and it was incredible to perform for such a large and enthusiastic crowd after many challenging COVID-19 impacts. Despite not taking home the winning title, it was still an amazing chance to extend our musical skills and enjoy some exceptional rock music from the other bands.

Alex Griffs and Lakhsheeny M Parasuraman

Instrumental Music Camp

Without a doubt, the 2022 instrumental Music Camp maintained its legacy as a fun-filled, rewarding and upbeat weekend of music making! Held at the QCCC Mount Tambourine Campground, the camp was an experience which allowed musicians from Years 6 to 12 at MBC and MBBC to improve as players and connect with new people.

The focus of this year’s camp differed from previous times, as students were placed into smaller, instrument family ensemble groups to learn repertoire relevant within the school context, such as the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand and our school songs and hymns. Over the weekend, our musicians worked diligently within rehearsal sessions, which were led by our group of dedicated and passionate staff members.

To showcase this hard work and effort, a talent-show was held on the Saturday night to create some friendly rivalry as well as another great performance opportunity. The night kept on giving, as the music captains hosted the annual ‘Saturday night activity’, this year, featuring a selection of 80’s hits and an intense match of knights, mounts and cavaliers, as well as guess the song and finish the lyrics challenge!

Overall, the 2022 Instrumental Music Camp was a wonderful opportunity for our talented students to make headway into new repertoire which is both relevant and real in our community context. The students love for the College’s Music Programme was felt through the vibrant and energetic atmosphere, making for a highly enjoyable camp experience!

Sophie Donohue, MBC Music Captain

Viva La Música 2022

In Week 2 of Term 4, the College hosted its annual Viva la Música concert, an event which celebrates the talent of all ensemble members and recognises students who have received music awards. The event saw students from all different branches of our Music Department come together to harness their talents, and this was well-received by a lively audience.

Ensembles from MBC and MBBC showcased their hard work over the course of the night, with ensembles performing a variety of pieces. The Colleges’ Wind Ensemble played Russian Christmas Music, composed by Alfred Reed. The 12-minute piece certainly tested the stamina of all musicians, and the audience was very impressed by their ability to perform the whole piece with great unity and incredible sound-quality. The MBBC Vocal Ensemble performed the lively Viva la Vida by Coldplay, which was very fitting for our Viva la Música concert! The boys then joined with the MBC College Chorale to sing The Ground by Ola Gjeilo. The joint performance was accompanied by a video montage which showed music students at different locations across both schools. My personal favourite performances were the combined Chamber Strings and College Strings piece; Song of the Wellerman and the on-screen showing of two of our College Rock Bands, The Originals and the Bayside Boys at their recent competition, Battle of the Bands. The Originals performed a rendition of Amy Winehouse’s Valerie, while the Bayside Boys played Powderfinger’s On My Mind

The night was certainly one to remember, as our senior students reflected on their favourite memories of Music at MBC. On behalf of my fellow music captains and music students, I would like to thank our incredible music staff at both Colleges, whose hard work and dedication led our schools to another successful year of Music.

India Townsend, 2023 Music Vice-Captain

Moreton Muster

The Moreton Muster, hosted each year at the Moreton Bay Boys’ College, was our final music concert for 2022, and what a great way to round out the year’s performances! Six College rock bands shared the outdoor stage to entertain a lively crowd. From Pearl Jam to Billy Joel, Madonna to Dire Straits, and The Eagles to Alice in Chains, the mix of classic rock and pop tunes truly captured the event’s Icons theme: a theme that was further enhanced by the presence of an icon of Australian TV and Radio – the voice of Countdown and our MC for the day, Mr Gavin Wood!

With all contemporary groups having only re-formed early in Term 4 with new membership, it was amazing to see the students already able to put on such a fun concert, demonstrating not just their talent and enthusiasm, but also the dedication of the staff guiding each group – Mrs Angela Bowen, Mr Sam Nixon, Mr Cameron Burridge and Mr Dave Cox. Thank you to all staff and students involved in what has become a much-anticipated annual event in the MBCs’ music calendar.

Mr Ben Langford, Director of Music – The Moreton Bay Colleges

À La Mode Fashion Show

A highlight of the MBC Calendar, the À La Mode Fashion Show, returned with excitement in 2022. The designs of the Year 10 Textiles and Design students and Year 11 and 12 Fashion students were showcased, providing the designers with the opportunity to style and present their creations for the MBC community. The students enjoyed the experience of presenting their designs and getting to experience the excitement of being involved in a professional fashion show.

This year, Fashion Designer of the Year was presented to Eva Shi, a reflection of her innovative design ideas showcased across the two-year Fashion course. Eva’s Fashion creations culminated with her ocean inspired collection featuring asymmetrical hems, hand crafted fabric flowers and layers of gathered tulle in shades of blue.

The People’s Choice Year 12 Fashion Collection, as voted by the Fashion Show viewers, was Aileen Chiang, a credit to her

intricately detailed ‘Reverie’ collection which featured hand dyed fabrics, professional sunray pleats, pattern drafted garments and hand embroidery.

The Fashion Design Awards were presented to Roxy Place (Year 11) and Leyna O’Neil (Year 10) in recognising their creative appreciation for the Fashion designing process.

Technical Skill Awards were presented to Ella Fitzgerald (Year 11) and Lara Thiele (Year 10) to acknowledge their outstanding application of technical sewing skills and independence.

We look forward to the À La Mode Fashion Show returning in 2023.

Miss Phoebe Hanau, Year 11 and 12 Fashion Teacher

Project8 Wrap-Up 2022

What is Project8?

PROJECT8 is Moreton Bay College’s bespoke STEAM subject taught within the Arts and Design elective lines in Year 9 that promotes student choice, voice and ownership. This transdisciplinary course aims to empower students to pitch and refine their own solutions to the United Nations 17 Sustainability Goals.

Where did it come from?

This is a very popular question! In PROJECT8, students are challenged to create, innovate and advocate, hence the rhyme with the number “eight”. The figure “8” is also reflective of the infinity symbol which denotes the limitlessness involved in PROJECT8’s cycle of inquiry.

How do students engage with Project8?

The course begins with an exploration of all 17 Sustainability Goals, eventually resulting in students determining their individual goal of interest. They then investigate their goal; collecting data, research, hypothesising solutions and pitching their project. Projects are many and varied, but all involve some sort of innovation, design or arts.

What have the Project8ers been up to in 2022?

In 2002, our inaugural year, 45 Year 9 students have dared to take on PROJECT8, and each of them have produced deep, creative and inspiring work. The refined projects have included; the creation of websites, paintings, sculptures, choreography, textile prints, patterns, installations, recipe books, zines, CAD

designs, jewellery, films, dioramas, landscapes, animations, circular fashion tutorials, and fund raising events.

What did our Semester 2 Project8ers learn?

“I learnt that I am capable.” – Charlie “PROJECT8 has taught me time management.” – Mia

“I have learnt a lot about sustainability.” – Jordan

“I learnt how to problem solve on my own with simple help from peers and teachers.” - Piper

“In PROJECT8, I had to experiment with different designs and ideas and be open to change in order to improve my project.” –Charity

“I realised that there are many solutions to problems. Learning and creating doesn’t have to be linear.” – Mischa “Resilience.” – Ada

“The importance of preparation.” – Grace

“When creating, it isn’t always necessary to have the final product in mind, instead, you can let process and purpose lead you to your final result.” – Isobel

“I now believe that we can make a difference. If there is a problem, we have the power to create change.” - Angelique

Ms Emilia Keene, Head of Department - Arts

SPORT

Athletics

After a season challenged by weather and injuries, the MBC Athletics team set out to defend the title as Champion School and accept the challenge of securing a seventh consecutive Premiership. In what all suspected would be a tight competition, MBC led the points score all day, amassing a final tally of 974.5 points, 73.5 points ahead of second placed St Peters. Our Captains proudly held aloft the Aggregate Pennant and the Stephens Cup for Champion school.

First placings were recorded across all age groups. Congratulations to Emily McBrien, Georgia Green, Maddi Reisinger, Chloe Munro (2), Aoife O’Carroll, Ash Jones, Charli Nikola, Taya North, Jazmyn Green and Estanoa Faitala who all won their events. In an impressive team effort, these wins were supported by 54 second and third placings. MBC relays also showed the strength of the team with 10 of our 12 teams in the top three places. The 14 and 15 B teams ran winning races. The 15 years age group also were winners of their Age Premiership pennant.

Volleyball

In 2022 the Volleyball programme at MBC has gone from strength to strength. The QGSSSA season was very successful for MBC. With four premierships and competitive placings in each division, including four second placings. The Opens Team won their premiership and went through the entire season undefeated, something that has never occurred before for an Opens team in Volleyball at MBC. There was some very tough opposition for the QGSSSA season, and the girls performed exceptionally to come away with the premiership. Along with the Year 9A, Year 8B and Year 7B teams that also were awarded premierships.

MBC also sent separate teams to the Queensland Volleyball schools Cup. The Opens team performed well in a tough pool and ended up making the quarter finals. Where they went on to finish in the top 8 in Division one, a great effort and result. The Junior team that was entered into the Year 8 competition, also won through to the quarter finals. Where they finished top 8 in division one, a fantastic achievement, given for all the year 7 and 8 girls in the team, it was their first major volleyball tournament. We have also had a few pairs represent MBC in the Beach Volleyball Schools Cup, again representing the College well and performing admirably against some high quality opposition.

The Engagement, commitment and determination of the girls in the volleyball programme through 2022 has been amazing. We know this will continue as volleyball at MBC continues to grow and improve.

Aerobic Gymnastics

Recently, MBC athletes competed at National Clubs competition and recorded great results. Primary students Jessie Dixon, Alex Hawkins and Caitlyn Bock gained top three placings as did Macy Colton, Soracha Martin and Amelie Foreman from the Secondary school. These girls were ably supported by Jessie Hawkins, Kiran Simon, Skye McKibben, Abbey Johnson and Lily Bock who all finished in the top six placings.

Congratulations to all girls for their contribution to MBC’s seventh overall schools’ placing.

Many of these athletes also competed at the AeroSchools National Championships. MBC dominated the podium in the Intermediate Pairs with Macy Colton and Jessie Dixon taking out the gold and Skye McKibben and Lily Bock winning the bronze. Strong performances saw the Level 5 Senior Group of Kiran Simon, Milana George, Lily Carrick and Jema Gilchrist place second and Caitlyn Bock and Alex Hawkins placing third in the Level 3 Junior Pair. MBC athletes also competed in the Level 3 Intermediate Group, the Level 5 Senior Pair and the AeroDance division 2.

Mountain Biking

MBC Mountain Biking has really kicked back into action in 2022 and all our teams’ hard work and training is paying off. After missing a couple of years of competition, this year we represented the College in numerous Rocky Trail Academy races, the Brisbane School Championships, National Championships and the EPIC competition.

The four Rocky Trail Academy Mountain Bike races focused on Endurance, Speed and Technical Skills. Taking place around a variety of Southeast Queensland’s best mountain bike tracks, in addition to Brisbane, our team has travelled to Darling Downs, Caloundra, as well as the famous Commonwealth Games tracks based at Nerang.

In August, MBC were crowned Gold Coast Schools Champions, winning by just one point, out of 31 schools, with a rider pool of 280 competing. In Caloundra that same month, our riders faced tough track conditions with loose dirt and hot sun, but nonetheless, still produced some great performances.

Further highlights from the season saw the Moreton Bay Colleges team proudly taking out the Inaugural Brisbane School Champion Title, by a whopping 64 points, ahead of Iona in second place. Millie French, Sophie Donahue, and Annabelle Mayne, all took out first place podiums in their respective categories.

In September, our mountain biking team represented Moreton Bay Colleges at the Nerang AusCycling All Schools National Championships. Whilst the weekend brought wild weather conditions, consisting of heavy rain and wind, it also brought the opportunity for growth, experience and team building. Over the course of the Championships, our riders competed in the road criterium, cross-country race, 200m hill sprint, mixed relay event and the enduro event. With an accumulation of 5999 points, we came out in second place out of 92 schools from across Australia. Two of our girls, Annie and Millie, were awarded the

highest honour of category Champion of Champions and have recently been awarded their trophies by AusCycling.

Following on from the National Championships, the Mountain Biking team competed at the 99 Bikes EPIC competition at Hiddenvale. This competition was the largest representative opportunity for the Colleges, with riders from Years 1 to 11 competing in their respective categories. Namely, students competed in the 4.2km ‘mini epic’, 11.5km ‘minor epic’ or the 22km ‘all clear chaser’. With a huge effort from all team members, and seven individual podium results, our schools were able to take home the ‘Most Epic Schools Championships’ title and $1000 prize money for the seventh year in a row!

Throughout the season, Amber Dalzell, Cyana Titman, Millie French, Sophie Donohue and Annabelle Mayne have all achieved outstanding results personally and have contributed to the exceptional achievements of the College team.

Sophie Donahue, Mountain Biking Captain 2022

Andrews Cup Cricket

MBC’s A and C grade cricketers took to the pitches for the second Andrews Cup T20 blast Competition. The girls revelled in the modified format, using both their batting and bowling skills to their advantage.

Although MBC could not emulate last year’s premierships, both teams secured second places in two very close finals. The A grade lost by two runs to St Aidan’s and the C grade by 11 to The Glennie School.

Primary AFL

On Thursday 8 September two teams from the MBC Primary School participated in the AFLW Gala Day, run by AFL Queensland. In the lead up to the event, students from Year’s 5 and 6 trained weekly for seven weeks learning the rules and skills of Australian Rules Football. The growth and development of these players across this time was enormous, as was their game sense, which in turn, positively influenced their overall experience and enjoyment of the game.

To begin the Gala Event, our students first participated in a skills session, run by Brisbane Lions AFLW players. Following this, the round-robin of matches began. Our Year 5 team showed great promise, completing the round-robin undefeated. Our Year 6 team won three out of the five games they played and further developed their skills and understanding of the game. Overall, the day was a great opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in the game of Australian Rules Football, whilst building their skills in the College values of Teamwork, Character and Engagement. We look forward to expanding the AFLW offerings to our Primary students

Andrews Cup Basketball and Artistic Gymnastics

The final Andrews Cup events were held on 3 November. This year saw an increase in interest in both these sports and it is gratifying to know that our younger age groups are interested in taking up new disciplines and sports. MBC procured both the A and B Grade Artistic Gymnastic Premierships. Our C 1 and 2 teams placed fourth, along with the D1 team sixth while the D2 team was seventh.

After an action-packed day of competition, the Andrews Cup basketball results were as follows

A grade eighth, B Grade sixth C grade fifth D1 second and D2 seventh.

Congratulations to all the winning Teams and Coaches and to all our girls who competed with pride for MBC.

COACH PROFILE

Matt Denny – MBC Throws Coach

Matt Denny has been coaching the MBC throwers for the past six years. The experience he brings to our team as a dual Olympian, World Youth and World University Champion and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist is invaluable.

Matt believes in giving back to the sport through his coaching “My background in sport gives me a great deal of experience in things that the MBC girls will go through in their training, competitions and even in life in general. My experience also gives me the chance to show the girls how it is done from a professional side, instead of the girls guessing how they are supposed to train.”

As well as developing the skills needed for throwing events, Matt encourages the girls to believe in what they are doing and what they want to achieve, and to focus on the things they can control.

Interviewed by MBC 2022 Sports Captain, Emma Bible:

How do you manage to balance competing at an elite level and staying committed to coaching the Moreton Bay throws team?

Well currently MBC is the only school I currently coach for. The reason for that is that everyone is so lovely to work with as well as so understanding of my position as an elite athlete. I’ve always wanted to make sure I have a good work like balance between my sport, giving back to my sport and doing other things that I enjoy. Which lucky for me, coaching is one of those things.

After competing at the recent Tokyo Olympics, what main takeaways and advice would you give to young athletes aspiring to achieve high results?

My biggest take away is to always back yourself no matter what has or will happen. You need to believe in what you are doing and what you want to achieve. You also need to be proud of what you want to achieve. Don’t ever think that saying what you want to achieve in life out loud will be deemed arrogant as the first step in achieving something is realising what you want to achieve.

What are some of your own techniques to dealing with pre-competition nerves and pressure?

Be honest with where you are at, be honest of what your goal is and be venerable to what is about to happen to you. The thing with being in high pressure situations is people want to succeed but don’t want the uncomfortable feelings that come along with it. The more you can own your fear/nerves/doubt/negative talk the better off you will be. Don’t be scared of what could or couldn’t be, focus on what you can control.

How does your athletics background as a high-performing athlete give you an edge in coaching?

My Background in sport gives me a great deal of experience in things that the MBC girls will go through in there training, competitions and even life in general. My experience also gives me the chance to show the girls how it is down from a professional’s side. Instead of the girls guessing how they are supposed to train.

Jazmyn Green U16 Australian Water Polo Squad

Jayda Milligan

Polo

Charlotte Hansen Captain - U16 QLD Representative Volleyball

Annabelle Bradford

Annie O'Farrell

Representative - Cricket

Lucy Tunstall QLD Representative Volleyball

Jess Cremin

Charli Nikola QLD Representative Touch

QLD Representative

Ava Jacobsen

Cricket Isabella Zarb

Chloe Munroe

QLD Representative Athletics

Annabelle Barnett QLD Representative Athletics

Emily Cane QLD Representative Target Rifle Shooting

Kobie Walker QLD Representative Athletics

Chiara Wise

QLD Representative Indoor Netball

Harper Greer

QLD Representative Athletics

Grace Gerreyn, Amarni Alobaidli, Francesca Chitukudza,

Representative Swimming

Tegan Hamilton QLD Representative Indoor Netball

Eloise Nealon QLD Representative Athletics

STAFF PROFILES

Katie Farley | Business Manager

It is said that education is a gift. To me, an education at The Moreton Bay Colleges’ is the greatest gift.

I am an alumnus of MBC and look back with fond memories of my time at the College. I will be forever grateful to my parents for the hard work and sacrifices they made, running a family business to give me the best possible start in life.

My passion for education led me to a career in universities where I led the business operations for both the UQ Business School and more recently the QUT Faculty of Business and Law. I am now delighted to have joined The Moreton Bay Colleges’ as the Business Manager and look forward to implementing The Colleges’ next Strategic Plan.

As a College parent myself, I am delighted that my daughter has so many opportunities to try new experiences, and to be educated by passionate teachers and coaches in a nurturing, supportive environment where she can be anything she wants to be.

Over the years I have worn many ‘hats’ with the College. From student to ‘old girl’, parent, Foundation Board member, and now staff member. To be here where it all began and to be so invested in the Colleges’ ongoing success is a true privilege.

Mrs

Mrs Chloe Cao | International

Student

Tell us about your role at The Moreton Bay Colleges?

I’m the International Student Services Officer at The Moreton Bay Colleges. I work with the Director of International and look after the international programme at the Colleges. My role includes handling short-term and long-term study enquiries from international students and looking after their enrolment processes, providing ongoing support to students and their families, and building global relationships with partner organisations.

What is your favourite part about your role?

My favourite part about my role is the connection I make with young international students from different cultural backgrounds, and it allows me to help them with their life in Australia. I enjoy it when I see I can help international students with their life or study in Brisbane.

Who inspires you and why?

I came to Brisbane 15 years ago as an international student, and as I travelled along this journey, I appreciated the mentors and teachers I met here who guided me through hard times when I felt lost. There were still sometimes that I felt unsupported and really wished somebody could give me advice about all perspectives of life. So, I wish I could be just like them, to light the young students’ life abroad and guide them through this very special experience of their life.

Support Officer

Greatest lesson you have learnt from a student?

The resilience that has been shown by most international students definitely amazed me. The greatest thing I learnt from students is their internal strength during COVID. Those students have been away from their families for three years and have built independence, resilience and character. It is amazing to see how far they’ve come along in these years. These are great lessons from our young international achievers.

What is your favourite book?

My favourite book is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. WHY? – It gives you internal strength to believe something, and it will come true.

A little fact about me you may not know?

I like playing snooker, and I used to be a semi-professional speed skater. My hometown gets to -25°C in winter, so ice skating was very popular. I took it up and wasn’t too bad.

Miss Sasha Protopopoff | Primary Teacher

Tell us about your role at The Moreton Bay Colleges?

I have the privilege to guide Year 6 girls in the Primary School at Moreton Bay College through their everyday learning journey.

What is your favourite part about your role?

Every day I look forward to sharing in a new experience that the girls may have. I love being a catalyst in those ‘lightbulb moments’ that ignite a deep connection to learning. I also promised my class that I would say that their humour is my favourite part of every day.

Who inspires you and why?

A mover and shaker in her very own right – Michelle Obama. I am inspired by her drive to motivate and encourage girls in every region of the world to embrace their potential and be whoever they dream to be.

Greatest lesson you have learnt from a student?

To simply, have fun! From the words of 6B, “The best way to teach is to have humour, connection and fun”.

What is your favourite book?

I don’t think you can be a Primary Teacher without having a favourite picture book! My favourites include Florette, Macca the Alpaca and The Gruffalo. The girls in Year 6 love the excitement and magic that breathes through the pages of a beautifully illustrated and written text.

A little fact about me you may not know?

Before I became a teacher, I was a Registered Nurse! The girls allow me to feel proud of my emergency nursing skills every time I apply a band-aid or suggest some rest for a sore limb.

House Prep Day

In keeping with tradition, on 28 November the 2023 Seniors participated in the annual House Prep Day. Regarded as a Senior privilege, this is a day set aside for the incoming Seniors in each House to give the locker rooms a ‘makeover’.

Under the guidance of their Head of House, the 2023 Seniors worked tirelessly all day in hot, humid conditions to transform their locker rooms with new murals, personalised locker labels and other special touches to match their chosen House themes for 2023. It was a surreal experience at the end of the day to walk from the Drewe Minions to Monsters Inc in Whitfield, to Looney Tunes in Ali Greene and the question on everybody’s minds was: Where’s Wesley?

The four House Captains took some time after a hard day’s work to reflect on what they and their fellow Seniors had accomplished…

The 2023 Wesley Seniors all participated in an enthusiastic manner and put our best efforts forward to create the locker designs. Where's Wally was collaboratively chosen as the theme, and to help the idea relate more closely to the House, a play on words was used to form Where's Wesley. In doing so, the Wesley Seniors decided to incorporate our Senior Legacy within the locker designs to resemble each person ‘embracing their individual spirit’ and ‘unleashing their contribution to the Wolf Pack’. This message came to life in the representation of wolves being placed in different locations. We hope that this demonstrates to the younger students that our diverse community can come together and embrace one another, becoming stronger and more spirited as a whole. We truly have an amazing community of students in Wesley House and House Prep Day certainly gave the Wesley Seniors the opportunity to represent the powerful and passionate Wolf Pack that we are.

Laura Garland (Wesley House Captain)

Whitfield has decided to take on the fun filled, nostalgic theme of Monster’s Inc in 2023. This theme highlights the effort and teamwork it takes to step out of your comfort zone into your courage zone, just as Mike did in the film. House Prep Day in Whitfield was filled with buzzing noise and smiles as we worked our way through painting mural walls and sticking up the lockerfronts. Whether it was the tragedy of wet paint smudged or missing locker-fronts, the 2023 Whitfield seniors worked together to produce an amazing end result. Our efforts were made worthwhile when the younger students got the opportunity to explore their new and transformed locker space. Overall, I can say on behalf of the 2023 Whitfield Seniors, this incredible day has allowed us to grow closer as a House and has also set us up for an amazing year in Whitfield.

Darcie Tindall (Whitfield House Captain)

The Alison Greene Seniors of 2023 genuinely enjoyed every minute of House Preparation Day. Our House theme for 2023 is Looney Tunes, where the key character Sylvester displays our connection to Alison Greene through the continuation of the cat mascot. On the days leading up to House Preparation Day,

we sanded 11 walls, did several base coats of white on these respective walls and brainstormed designs to later project, paint and complete on House Preparation Day. On this day, all of the incoming Seniors painted every wall in various colours, intricately sketched the planned designs and brought these to life through artistic skills and methods. The 2023 Alison Greene Seniors envisioned a fresh, polished, and clean look for the locker rooms. The dream was brought to reality by our incredible artist, Bella Winning who worked collaboratively with her fellow Seniors to create the Looney Tunes themed Locker Rooms we had all dreamed of. Our ability to work together in a positive manner is clearly demonstrated in the overall execution of the designs, where we were able to work within in a limited timeframe to capture the essence of our Alison Greene Senior cohort. The artistic, colourful, and overall, visually pleasing designs were well received not only by Alison Greene but the other Houses too. The day was enjoyed by all Seniors, and we really hope that the House is able to honour our efforts and the hard work that went towards creating the locker room of our dreams.

Lily Harms (Alison Greene House Captain)

Monday 28 of November was a day for the 2023 Seniors of Drewe House to proudly put together our artistic abilities and creativity to make our first mark, and a large one at that, on Drewe House. Working with the chosen theme, Minions – The Rise of Drewe, our locker room was transformed, through great displays of teamwork, collaboration and passion, into a bright, bold and beautiful space. Our minions theme and choice of bright colours represent our ambitions as 2023 Seniors, as we aim to bring back spirit, energy and participation within Drewe House events and activities. May the rise of Drewe begin!

Sophie Donohue (Drewe House Captain)

Alex Givney Director of Philanthropy

The Foundation Update

Generations of Moreton Bay College

On Friday 7 October the Moreton Bay Colleges’ Foundation hosted the Generations of Moreton Bay College’s afternoon tea at MBC in the Quadrangle. This annual event is an exclusive occasion to bring together and celebrate our legacy families of MBC and MBBC. Any student whose mother or grandmother was an Old Girl of Moreton Bay College is invited to be a part of the group photo and stay for afternoon tea. In 2022 our list of students has grown to 127 students across the Colleges.

Several of our long-standing past staff and valued College supporters are invited to join this special event. Our Old Girls come to reminisce on their time at the College and share memories with their own children and in some cohorts, their fellow classmates.

We look forward to continuing to celebrate our legacy families with various plans to further recognise them in 2023 and beyond.

Mrs

Dame Quentin Bryce reflects on her time at MBC

On Tuesday 8 November, we hosted the honourable Dame Quentin Bryce, AD, CVO, former Governor General of Australia, and MBC Old Girl for morning tea. Nee Strachan, Dame Bryce attended MBC at the Bay Terrace campus from 1953-1957. The MBC 2023 college captains, our podcast students and the 2023 Quentin Bryce Bursary student were invited to attend. Dame Bryce reflected on her memories of her time at school, including how she would creep out the window onto the roof at night so she could read, using the light from the shop next door.

Dame Bryce has led an accomplished life, including that she was one of the first women to be accepted to the Queensland Bar to practice law, advocating for human and women’s rights and becoming the first female Governor General of Australia. The MBC students who attended were engaged with Dame Bryce’s stories and our students interviewed her for a podcast. We are thankful that the College has a bursary in her name so that girls can receive an MBC education who would not have been able to without this opportunity.

Thank you to our donors!

It has been a big year to the Moreton Bay Colleges’ Foundation. Did you know?

$257,623 donated MBC VBF and Giving Day total donated

Average gift $304 848 donations

The Moreton Bay Colleges’ Foundation would like to formally acknowledge the generosity of our matching donors in 2022 for our inaugural Giving Day:

• The Titman Family

• The O’Brien Family

• Richard Henry

• The Haynes/Reynolds Family

• Phillippa and David Farley

• Tania Seary (MBC Class of 1986)

• The Handley Family

• MBBC Old Boys Committee

• MBC Old Girls Association

• MBBC P&F

• MBC P&F

We hope that the wider Moreton Bay Colleges community will be able to support us for our planned activities and events in 2023 including:

• Business Breakfast - Wednesday 1 March

• Giving Day - Thursday 18 May

• Business Breakfast - Friday 8 September

• Sports Lunch - Friday 3 November

If you would like more information, please contact the Foundation office on 3906 9422 or email foundation@ moretonbaycolleges.qld.edu.au

Follow us to keep up to date on all our news and events:

Find out more

Visit our website and download a Prospectus. mbc.qld.edu.au

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Book a College Tour with our Enrolments team. registrar@mbc.qld.edu.au 07 3249 9322

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For your convenience our online enrolment process is now available. mbc.qld.edu.au/enrol

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

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which the College stands, the Quandamooka Peoples. We pay our respects to the Elders, past, present and emerging.