29th August 2011 Principal: Mr Luke Reed Assistant Principal - Mission: Ms Janette King Assistant Principal - Curriculum: Mrs Janine Conolly Head of Boarding: Ms Veronica Loudon Business Manager: Mr Paul Withnall Office Manager: Mrs Sue Wegert Dear Members of the MSB Community Last week the MSB community celebrated the feast day of college patron, St Bernard of Clairvaux. In his homily at Mass, Fr Greg Moses reminded us of the reputation the young Bernard quickly established as an innovator and pioneer. Bernard lived over 800 years ago and was renowned as an influential speaker and a peace maker between feuding communities. As a young person, Bernard was captivated by the good news Jesus proclaimed; about the dignity of human life and possibilities for a better life when communities live generous lives focused on the needs of one another. Bernard was also very careful to think through the possibilities when making important decisions; however when a course of action was decided, he was totally committed and threw all his energies and resources into the project.

The name of Bernard’s home, Clairvaux, literally means ‘light that surrounds’. It is a fitting meaning given what is at the heart of our educational enterprise at MSB. As a community we strive to create an environment, an environment of light if you like, in which growth in learning and living takes place. As a Christian learning community, we share Christ’s transformative vision “that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Education transforms. We pursue a quality, holistic education for our students because it expands the choices available to them as they take charge and fashion their futures. In spiritual terms, education is pivotal in helping our students grow into the people God created them to be.

Our mission is education; our vision is transformation. These last few weeks of term are important for the completion of units of learning across subject areas. I encourage our support for students to stay focused on the important learning tasks at hand. Like Bernard, may our students put all their energies into completing the good work already started! Take care in this busy time. God bless!

Mr Luke Reed MSB College Principal

On Thursday 4th August, 25 students from MSB sat the Australian Mathematics Competition. The Australian Mathematics Competition was introduced in Australia in 1978 as the first Competition in Australian Schools. In this time it has served almost all Australian secondary schools, providing feedback and enrichment to schools and students. It has become the largest single event on the Australian Education Calendar, allowing students to attempt the same tasks, on the same day in about 40 countries. The problems are designed to test mathematical thinking rather than focus on calculations themselves, and as such questions are designed so that they answered just as quickly without a calculator as with one. All students are allowed to work on scrap paper and teachers may help explain the meaning of words in the paper. All students receive a detailed report showing how they went on each problem, with comparisons as to wider statistics. Unlike formal examina-tions in mathematics, many of the problems are set in situations to which students can relate, indicating the relevance of mathematics in their everyday lives. Results of the competition will be announced in October. Andrew Jamieson HOD Maths/Science

NET TEAM NEWS It’s been an exciting and eventful couple of months here at MSB for the NET Team! June saw the NET Team run a weekend leadership retreat for the 12 school leaders, which was a lot of fun for everyone and very successful. We shared with the leaders of the school the importance of leadership being grounded in strong values and a conviction to do what is best for the people you lead. The weekend received a lot of positive feedback and a big thank you to Mr Reed, Ms King and Ms Rossiter for helping out over the course of the weekend. In late June/early July the NET team headed back to our homes in South East Queensland and in Melbourne for our annual two week midyear break, which was both eventful and restful for all of us. We returned to MSB in mid July and upon returning we have continued with our youth group, Switch, our RE Classes for the whole school on a weekly basis, and our Friday Night Entertainment and hang out nights with the boarders. As well as this, this term we are very excited to announce that we have started a Sacramental Program at MSB for fourteen wonderful students who are taking the journey in stepping into the Catholic Faith. We have also started a weekly lunchtime discussion group called Pit Stop, aimed specifically at the day students that don’t get the opportunity to come to our weekly night time Youth Group (Switch). In other exciting news we have been running Encounter Days at MSB (at time of writing we have done Baggot St/Dungarven and Grade 8). Encounter Days are whole day retreat days we run with the students, with an opportunity and invitation to encounter Jesus, through specific themes like Peer Pressure. These have been a lot of fun so far and we are looking forward to running them with the rest of the Grades.

That’s all from the MSB NET Team this week, God Bless!

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - CURRICULUM YEAR 12 Congratulations to all Year 12 students who worked exceedingly well through the QCS Test on the 30th and 31st August. It is an extremely busy time of year with high expectations from families, teachers and students themselves, along with assessment pieces due and other exams. I was very impressed with the level of commitment and the maturity with which our senior students approached their external testing – well done! I look forward to see-ing you achieve your goals as you move towards further education and training, and the world of work. Thank you also to Ms Morton who cheered along the students with some sugar to get the neurons firing. YEAR 10 Thank you to all who attended the Subject Selection Evening for year 10s moving into year 11. It was a valuable evening during which a lot of information was disseminated to students and their parents. To continue this career development process, Mount St Bernard College will be holding Subject Selection interviews for year10 students and their families commencing on Monday 5th of September. I encourage you all to attend your student’s interview, as we will be discussing a variety of topics important to your student’s transition from middle schooling to senior education, and vocational education and training pathways. These are important decisions that will impact on your student’s choices at the end of year 12. We will be documenting each student’s SET Plan, and finalising their senior subject choices for 2012. Please bring along to the interview your yellow coloured Subject Selection form and the blue SET Plan Summary sheet. Interviews will be held in 20 minute blocks, so please ensure that you have notified the office of your attendance, and arrive a few minutes prior to the designated time. YEAR 12 QTAC All year 12 students have been given this year’s QTAC Guide, and we have discussed the process of applying for further study in 2012. QTAC is now open for applications online, and will close for ‘on time’ applications on the 30th Septem-ber 2011. I encourage you to discuss the varying options available for your student in light of this QTAC information, and courses available – remembering that you also apply to TAFE through QTAC. If you have any queries about this process, please don’t hesitate to contact me, as each year brings a variety of changes to the system. I have asked students to talk through this information with their parents and carers, and come in together to discuss the process further with myself, settle on your shortlist of courses, and/or to finalise your application. Please make a time through the office, so that we can work through all possible options. YEAR 8 Early next term we will be talking to our year 8 students about their future planning and subject selection for year 9, 2012. We will be asking students to select elective choices for next year. Please take the opportunity over the forth-coming break to discuss options with your students, and link them to their strengths and areas of interest. Term 3 Assessment All students will be sitting exams and submitting their assignments through their classes in weeks 9 and Monday of week 10. All classes will continue with their lesson times to enable students to complete all of their assessment. An Assess-ment Schedule has been included in this envelope for your information. Mrs Janine Conolly Assistant Principal - Curriculum

       

By Emily Pensini

This was the song that was in my head for the majority of Year 9 Expedition. We surely did look like little ants traipsing up the Walsh River! My group began their journey up the Walsh River before lunch on Monday the 15th August. The day was hot and the road was long and our lunch-stop, on the sandy banks of Planted Tree Crossing, was welcomed. We got to our first campsite during the early hours of the afternoon where there was much swimming, laughing (and recovering!). The second day saw us continue to what remains of the Rocky Bluff Township and up the ‘Inclinator’, following Ms Dillon and Mr Lee’s group, up and down a couple of hills until we reached our goal above the waterfall. The next day we ‘rock-hopped’ up to Natural Bridge and made camp for the night around this area. From the night spent at Natural Bridge (and a yummy Tuna Mornay – Indian inspired – by Mr Raj) we headed along the road, up Lion Mountain and back onto the Walsh River by the afternoon. Our last night was spent close to the fire, eating lots of good food, cooking damper and chatting about the days past.

“The ants go marching two - by - two Hurrah! Hurrah!”

Our final day was long, hard but totally worth it! After the torturous Powerline hill, we headed back over the Empress to Anniversary Falls, and then back to school. On behalf of myself, Mr Jamieson, Mr Raj, Ms Dillon, Mr Lee, Blake, James and Mitch we say congratulations to both groups who were determined and worked so well together without bickering or giving up. Next year, Shipton’s Flat Expedition will welcome you!

Things learned on Yr 9 Expedition:

1. Diving or jumping into unknown water is a BIG no-no! 2. Hills that look easy to climb, usually are not 3. Rocks with water on them are slippery (and can cause people

to look like turtles on their backs) 4. One 750 ml water bottle is not enough water to take on Expedition – EVER! 5.Yabbies can be hard to catch with your hands at night time 6.When the teachers say “pack light”, they aren’t joking 7.Asking questions every 10 minutes like, “where are we going?” and, “how long now Miss?” drive Miss Pensini crazy! 8. Everyone should get a sleeping bag like Mr Jamieson’s to

avoid sleepless nights in the cold 9. Sweat dripping down your back becomes a part of life after

the first hour of walking 10.T he Walsh River water is not FREEZING, just invigorating 11.I n the words of Mr Raj - “Never say die!” 

Heidi Steinmann

The following results were achieved by our MSB Students:  

Heidi competing at Coral Coast 

Alex Newman 200m 

As  you  can  see  our  Students  did  very well,  the  competition was  extremely tough and the results show that our students are up there with the best  athletes in the region.  Best of Luck to Heidi and we hope you can bring home some medals.  Cheers  Anne Quinn Sports Coordinator 

Pamai Dau  100m  4th 

Layla Fauid  Javelin  7th 

Heidi Steinmann  Hurdles High Jump 800m 

2nd 4th 3rd 

Jack Daniel  100m 400m 

7th 4th 

Alex Newman  200m 100m 

5th 3rd 

Charles Thaiday  Triple Javelin 

6th 3rd 

James Cockburn  Javelin  1st 

Irene Bani  These students competed very well in their selected events. All results were not available before we de‐parted the event. These will be updated as soon as the information is available. 

Ruth Naawi 

Rachel Pilot 

Taleesha Aniba 

Julian Sesar 

Jinnarra Logan 

PENINSULA TRACK AND FIELD 2011 PENINSULA TRACK AND FIELD 2011

A great day was had at the Peninsula Athletics Carnival on Friday 26 August. After a very early start, we had a slow trip down the range and got to Barlow Park in Cairns at 7.55am for the start of hurdle events.  The day went extremely well with our students placing well in their events.  

Exciting News ‐ 1 of our students have qualified to compete in the Queensland State Athletics Championships, 

CEDAR  BAY  2011...The  year  11’s  Expedition  began our  expedition  at  6:30am  when  we  left  school headed  for  Cooktown.  We  met  Sister  Pam  at  the original Sisters of Mercy Convent which is now a mu‐seum. She proudly gave us a guided tour of this his‐torical  display.  After  a  quick  lunch we  hit  the  road and arrived at Home Rule Camping Ground. Here we trekked  to  the waterfall  and  then made  the  neces‐sary preparations before Sunday’s great journey over the mountain into Cedar Bay.   

It was unforgiving as the near vertical track climbed skyward. We soldiered on up and over the mountain and just when we thought we would never make it, the forest cleared to reveal a tran‐quil beach of white sand and crystal blue water. The ultimate reward was having  the beach  to ourselves for the next two days. Cooking over open fires, relaxing, walking on the sand and mak‐ing rafts took up our days. We also cleaned up the beach, which we do every year, we found that this  year  the  rubbish was  considerably  less.  Is  this because we clean this beach every year, or  is  it the changes  in  the  tides  and  the phenomenal weather patterns that we had earlier  in the year? Only time will tell. The journey home was a little wet but nothing could dampen our spirits. Yes we were tired and desperate for a hot  shower but we had all achieved  so much that the journey seemed worth it. This  challenging  yet  rewarding  experience  has brought out the best in all of us, leaders were forged and as a group we learnt to rely on and provide sup‐port for each other.  

  

   

 

 

If your child is absent from

school, please call the school office on 4096 2246.

If calling before 8.00am you are welcome to leave a message on the answering machine.

Food crisis in East Africa

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Support the people of East Africa by donating online at www.caritas.org.au Alternatively please phone tollfree

1800 024 413 or send a cheque to Caritas Australia, 24-32 O’Riordan st, Alexandria, Sydney 2015.

Caritas members are responding to a growing humanitarian crisis in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. The worst droughts in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia in 60 years have left at least 10 million people in need of aid. Half of those are children.

Tanzania and the new state of South Sudan are experiencing serious food and water shortages too. With no rains expected until October the situation will get considerably worse. The crisis is acute in Somalia. Caritas Somalia President Msgr. Giorgio Bertin said, “The humanitarian situation in Somalia is simply disastrous. In Central Southern Somalia, the drought is coupled with a lack of government and 20 years of conflict. If we want to avoid a human catastrophe we must act quickly but carefully in this complex insecure environment.” Thousands of Somalis are arriving in Ethiopia and Kenya every day. Malnutrition rates among Somali children arriving into Ethiopia or Kenya are as high as 47 per cent. Child malnutrition rates have doubled since January. Caritas Somalia is reaching 7000 people through Operation Lifeline with food aid. This includes over 1400 children and the elderly. Caritas Somalia is also providing supplementary feeding to over 4000 people, targeting new mothers and children and the elderly. Caritas Switzerland and Caritas Luxembourg are providing 70,000 semi-nomadic people with access to clean water in Eastern Somaliland. In Kenya, Caritas Kenya says malnutrition rates, particularly for children, are critical, livestock are dying due to lack of water and there have been outbreaks of cholera in parts of the country where water is scarce. Caritas Kenya and other Caritas members are providing food relief to 40,000 people in the worst affected areas in Eastern Kenya and the Rift Valley. Again, children and new mothers are being reached first with aid. Veterinary programmes hope to keep 15,000 cattle healthy. Bishop Peter Kihara, the Bishop of Marsabit in one of the worst-hit areas of Northern Kenya said: “There is no question that we have a very desperate situation and it is deteriorating rapidly. We urgently call to our brothers and sisters across the world to help us in this time of need.” In Ethiopia, the Deyr (long) rains failed totally at the end of last year and this year’s Belg rains have been very poor. The lowland pastoralist regions in the south and the south-east are facing critical shortages of water and pasture for livestock. Caritas Ethiopia (known nationally as the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat) is reaching over 80,000 people in Haraghe and Meki with food distributions with the support of the Caritas confederation. Caritas members are also supporting livestock programmes in the southern Borana region, helping 25,000 households to maintain the health of their cattle.

During September the Red Frogs Australian Chaplaincy Network in partnership with Tablelands Regional Council are hosting a Skills Development Day at the various Skate Parks across the Tablelands

Region.

There are limited numbers for the event and a completed registration form needs to be submitted to ensure a spot in the program.

Registration forms can be accessed through the TRC website,

www.trc.qld.gov.au or collected at any of the TRC offices or Libraries.

Offices: 41 Mabel Street Atherton

40 Grace Street Street Herberton 31 James Street Malanda

65 Rankine Street Mareeba

Libraries: Raleigh St Dimbulah

4-12 Thooree St Kuranda 24 Moore St Ravenshoe

Registration closes on the 7 September 2011

Dates for following venues:- Mon 19 September 2011 Barron Falls Road, Kuranda Tues 20 September 2011 Griggs St, Ravenshoe Wed 21 September 2011 Jack May Park, James Street Malanda Thurs 22 September 2011 Vernon Street Atherton Fri 23 September 2011 Crn Glynn and Park Ave Dimbulah Sat 24 September 2011 Arnold Park Walsh Street Mareeba

If you can pass this information through your networks and into the

school newsletter that would be greatly appreciated.

For more information on the Skills Development Day you can contact Shiralee McHardie on 4043 4111.

FREE Well Women’s Clinics

Service includes Pap Smears, Sexual Health Screening, Breast Awareness, also info on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Domestic Violence, etc. All services are provided by a specially trained Women’s Health Nurse. Millaa Millaa Health Centre Tuesday 6th September Ph: 4097 2223 Malanda Health Centre Wed 7th September Ph: 4096 5339 Herberton Hospital Thursday 8th September Ph: 4096 2222 Atherton Community Health Friday 16th September Ph: 4091 0263

Upcoming Events Tues/Wed Aug 30th-31st Year 12 QCS Testing Fri 2nd Sept Year 10 Net Team Encounter Day Wed 7th Sept Naidoc Day Thurs 8th Sept Year 9-Day of the Notables Presentation Fri 9th Sept September Showcase Sat 10th Sept MSB Open Day Sept 5th—9th In class assessment week Tues 13th Sept Mass at 12noon Tues 13th Sept All students finish Term 3 at 3.05pm