There are few things so pleasant as a picnic, eaten in perfect company  

W. Somerset Maugham

Community is fundamental to human experience. Being part of a community gives us a sense of belonging and pride, and often reminds us that we are inextricably linked to something bigger than ourselves. On Friday night at our Twilight Picnic to celebrate 120 years of Moreton Bay College, we were in ‘perfect company’ as we united to create a palpable sense of what it means to be part of the Bay family and honour the legacy of learning entrusted to us all by the Greene sisters.

The Twilight Picnic gathered 953 members of this community on our main oval to enjoy some fun family games, be entertained by our talented musicians and vocalists, savour the company of friends, and rejoice in the new connections fostered with families just beginning their Bay journey. This level of support is a wonderful reflection of the sense of community which abounds at MBC.

Among the attendees, it was fabulous to see families of current students, current members of staff, ‘old girls’, past staff and some members of our Board. Many in attendance expressed their thanks for the opportunity to come together at such a safe gathering, uniting the College after a year when so many of us felt isolated, unable to engage in school life as we have done in the past.

It is exciting to be part of a community of people who share a passion for working together to ensure our girls enjoy an outstanding student experience, giving them a firm foundation on which to build their future. Having this bond and shared purpose builds invaluable relationships, affirming our College Values of Engagement and Teamwork, helps us achieve common goals and shape respectful daily interactions.

Our strategic plan identifies the significance of community in the life of a young person – it does take the village to raise a child - and so promotes such involvement. Moreover, a growing body of research confirms the benefits of building a sense of community in a school. Students in schools with a strong sense of community are more likely to be academically motivated (Solomon, Battistich, Watson, Schaps, & Lewis, 2000); to act ethically and altruistically (Schaps, Battistich, & Solomon, 1997); to develop social and emotional competencies (Solomon et al., 2000); and to avoid a number of problem behaviours, including alcohol and drug use. (Resnick et al., 1997).

Supportive relationships lie at the heart of this community and they are cultivated at events such as the Meet and Greet opportunities, Parent Information Evenings, Parent Teacher Conferences, P&F Meetings, Parents Rep meetings, and are fostered at other more informal interactions on the sidelines at sport or when we gather to marvel at the musical, dance and dramatic talent of our students. We welcome our parents to be part of the life of this school, and in the months ahead we hope that this can happen more frequently and safely. 

The Twilight Picnic exemplified the best of MBC community. Today we received the final folder of photographs and below are some great photos which capture a community enjoying (in the words of the College song written by Mary Slater in 1946) ‘the happy hours we spent when work was done’. It was indeed a ‘pleasant picnic’. 

Finally, may I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who attended and my gratitude to our amazing musicians, vocalists and Music Staff, Grounds, and Facilities staff.  The consensus among the gathered throng was that this event must become a start of year ‘tradition’ as it captured a palpable desire to connect among our community. 

References: Educational Leadership, March 2003, Volume 60, Number 6, Creating Caring Schools 

Please find our TASS Calendar for up to date information regarding school activities.

We have had some parent enquiries relating to the organisation of classroom spaces. When many of us were at school, there was only one way we would see a classroom arranged…desks in rows and all facing the front. But education has evolved to keep up with the exponential changes taking place in society. Many of the skills children need to contribute and participate in life are quite different to the past. 

In Daniel Pink’s book A Whole New Mind, he explores the changing needs in society. He discusses the era of “left brain” dominance, and the Information Age that it engendered. This is the time when many of us as parents went to school. We are giving way to a new world in which the “right brain” qualities of inventiveness, empathy and meaning are predominating. With this in mind, it is important for children to develop skills of collaboration, independent decision making, ethical behaviour and intercultural understanding. Knowledge is so global, abundant and dynamic that creativity in thinking requires greater emphasis.  

In the modern day classroom, you will see a balance of activities throughout the day…some direct teaching, some small group work and some independent learning. The teacher’s role becomes more frequently a facilitator alongside the traditional role of teacher. In recent times, we have become far more aware of the fact the people learn in different ways. Some learn best by listening or through visual cues, some through discussion and others through movement. Children need to engage in different opportunities and a delicate balance of planned learning experiences.   

In upper primary classrooms, there is greater emphasis on independent thinking and there will be times where desks will be grouped for collaboration and this is the benefit of having flexible furniture. In lower primary, there is only a very limited amount of time where the girls are asked to copy things from the “board” (nowadays an interactive whiteboard). In some year levels, it can be as little as one hour in total for the whole week. Information can be distributed through task cards, on paper and in students’ own books and now on devices. This is why our classroom furniture will often be arranged to facilitate group work, interaction and discussion. We do have some girls, who for particular reasons, need to sit and face the board in times when information needs to be copied down. Due to the flexibility that exists, we are able to ensure these students can do this when needed. We have much time where discussion and preparation for an activity is done prior to the work done at desks. There will always be times in a classroom where silent independent learning is required. However, it is a teacher’s role to identify the most appropriate method of learning to ensure the girls are best placed to construct meaning.

We proudly watched our Year 6 Leaders this week as they embraced their leadership roles. Through our programme, we acknowledge the very positive contribution each individual makes. We reflected on the journey the girls have made throughout their Primary Years, and the responsibility that now exists for them to serve others. The girls engaged in leadership workshops that allowed them to demonstrate collaboration, agility and problem-solving challenges. Character Builders led the girls to shift out of their comfort zone and take risks to step up. 

Our Leaders’ induction ceremony will be on Monday, February 22, where the girls will be presented their badges. We are pleased to be able to invite Year 6 parents along to this milestone event with our COVID Safe plan. We wish all our Year 6 Student Leaders the very best as they learn and grow this year in their transition to the next very important stage of their lives.

Sincere thanks to our families for the positive approach and extremely high attendance at the Parent Information Evenings this week. Our teachers work hard to ensure really meaningful information is shared with you about the programme and the focus in the year levels.   

We enjoyed a visit from the Honorable Mr Ross Vasta, our local Federal Member who presented our Year 6 protocol leaders with a new Australian flag for the Primary School. We are very grateful to Mr Vasta for presenting the flag in person which helps us to understand decision making processes within our local and national community.

From next week, we request all Primary parents please drop off their girls before school, rather than walk them to their classrooms. You are welcome to park and escort your daughter to their classroom should you be staying on campus to assist with a school activity.

During 2020, our mantra in the secondary school “You’ve Got This” was inspired by 2 women:

• Amy Bockerstette – A 21-year-old young women, a College Student, a golfer, a friend a sister, a daughter who happens to have Down Syndrome.

and

• 2019 Moreton Bay Medallist Sr Melissa O’Dwyer.

As a Secondary School the students and staff rose to meet many challenges, adapted to change and were agile in their approach to school life in 2020.

However, in revisiting Amy and Sr Melissa’s stories, and stories of our Old Girls, staff, and many others, I began to dig a little deeper. Each person I encountered in my reading went about as we do, trying to be a little better each day; by being grateful, by making the most of opportunities, by working hard, by being a good person, by persevering and by helping others. Over time, they too began to believe they had the ability to “get this” and make a difference.

But the one thing that most of these people had in common, was that at times in their life, they admitted to something holding them back a little. It may have been a feeling, a questioning, or an uncomfortableness.

Michelle Obama would confess in People Magazine’s 40^th Anniversary issue that these feelings, questions, and doubts she saw in herself and sees in other young women could be characterised as “fear”. In her own life she felt that these fears / doubts / worries affected her input in class, her willingness to try new things, to meet new people, to take risks and to have the courage to push herself. The one piece of advice she would give her younger self and to our Bay students today would be “Stop being afraid - and be fearless”.

“Be fearless” … what does that actually mean?

It simply means to:

1.     Be brave enough to make a change

We are naturally cautious. We look at what has worked in the past and try to do more of that, but transformation happens when people strive for change. A change to work habits, activities, systems, and procedures are just a few. At MBC, we have 120 years of history where girls and staff have been brave and made changes, such as moving campuses and updates to the school uniform.

2.     Choose courage over comfort

Have the courage to try new, unproven things and the rigor or determination to continue experimenting or trying when get things get tough. Opt to choose courage over comfort and take a risk when opportunities arise. Risk taking is not a blind leap into the unknown, but a process of trial and error and we often learn more from the trials and errors than we do from our wins. 

3.     Fail well

No one seeks to fail, but if we are trying new things the outcome is uncertain. Great innovators or change makers make setbacks matter, apply the lessons learned and share their reflections with others. They stay positive, seek feedback, give their opinion on how to improve and make the most of their setbacks or mistakes. 

4.     Reach beyond your bubble

Innovation happens at intersections or when opportunities present themselves. This is usually in moments that expand our world view; connecting with different or new people, learning a new skill in a new environment or seeking new experiences. Great and original solutions come from engaging with people with diverse experiences, views and ideas, often resulting in unexpected partnerships and relationships. 

5.     Don’t over think it

Do not overthink. It is natural for us to want to study all angles of a problem, to weigh up the pros and cons before we begin. However, don’t get caught up in what could go wrong or with having a solution for every possibility—allow yourself to experience an opportunity, to act or to have a go, because you’ve got this. 

Finally, being fearless at Moreton Bay College also means being people of hope and compassion. Believing in ourselves, yet also believing in each other. Some tips to help each other on the journey and to Be Fearless are:

• seek inspiration from those around you and let them know by a card or a quiet chat how they have encouraged you.
• seek opportunities to challenge and include others – reaching outside your bubble.
• When things don’t seem to go to plan, support, listen and offer constructive feedback.
• encourage your children, students, teachers and members of your family to be brave, to choose courage, to fail well, to reach beyond and to go for it.
• For in 2021 – The mantra Be Fearless will enable us all to be the best version of our selves. 

https://hellobeautiful.com/2748820/michelle-obama-advises-her-younger-self-you-to-be-fearless/

https://brenebrown.com/blog/2019/05/01/lets-rumble/

https://readbefearless.com/

https://www.mbc.qld.edu.au/discover/why-mbc/our-graduates

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-it-means-to-be-fearless_n_1457118 

Colour Processes in 2021

Our annual Colour Award processes and procedures have been updated for 2021. These can be found on the College website by using the following link.

This year we have made changes to the Awarding of ‘Excellence Colours’ and students are now able to apply for an Excellence Colour in the area of Performing and Visual Arts. As a result of this change, the decision has been made to permit students the opportunity to apply for this colour retrospectively, for the 2020 Academic Year. Applications are to be completed following the Excellence Colour criteria and Performance and Visual Arts application form which can be found on page 16 of the 2021 Colours Handbook. Applications will close on 31 March and will be awarded during Term 2.

If you have any questions regarding Secondary Colours, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Importance of being at school.

As we move through the semester to our next term break, it is essential that students attend school for the entire day, as this provides students with:

• the best possibility of achieving academically.
• the time to continue to build teacher and class relationships to keep learning.
• exposure to constant and continuous feedback to promote a feed forward culture.
• opportunities to promote mastery and reflection to enhance new learning.
• consistent opportunities to connect to peer, staff, and all aspects of College life.
• opportunities to be active.

Even missing a few minutes each day by arriving late or leaving early impacts on the learning and social connections of students. Therefore, we actively encourage you to schedule appointments or arrangements outside of school hours. The table below explores what this looks like for an MBC girl.

Wishing you all al wonderful fortnight of learning,

Kay

This past week has seen the start-up of the Primary Music Immersion Programme for 2021, meaning lots of excited year 4 students trialling instruments from double bass to flute, and bassoon to trumpet. It’s a complex process that considers student preferences, matching natural aptitudes for each instrument type, creating musically balanced groupings, physical size of students versus each instrument, etc. The aim is to put each student on an instrument they will enjoy and be successful on for the next two years – a significant commitment of time and effort. 

One of the most important indicators of success is that the student likes the sound of the instrument with which they are paired, as they will need to listen to themselves create this sound daily while they play at school and at home. Creating a beautiful sound makes this playing so much more satisfying, but it doesn’t happen instantly (as many Year 4 parents are about to find out…..). Just as a child learns to speak by listening to those around her, listening to great players on your instrument is a really important part of learning to develop your own sound. You can’t create a sound you haven’t heard! This idea got me thinking about who our music captains and Senior students listen to and over the next few weeks I will share what they have told me. But first, I thought I would start by giving two of my own favourites. 

As a trumpet player, two musicians who inspire me are jazz legend Clark Terry, and contemporary classical virtuoso Alison Balsom. HERE is a clip of Alison Balsom playing the third movement of the Hummel Trumpet Concerto. Her sound is so pure and effortless, and is combined with absolutely immaculate technique (skip to the passage at 3’09’’ to 3’17’’ and you’ll see what I mean). HERE is Clark Terry playing the jazz standard Mack the Knife with Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown. Again, a beautiful sound and such an amazing improviser! So, who do you listen to for inspiration on your instrument? 

Congratulations

Thank you and congratulations must go to all the young musicians in String Sextet and Vocal Point (performing at the Awards/Scholar’s Assemblies), Senior Stage Band, Vocal Soloists and Rock Band members (performing at the Twilight Picnic) who have already ticked off their first events for 2021 with impressive performances during Week 2. What a great way to get underway for the start of the new year! 

Upcoming Events

Classics Concert date change!

Could all families please note that we have moved the date of the Classics Concert to Wednesday 31 March 7.00pm in the MBC Concert Hall. Performing groups for this event are: Orchestra, Chamber Strings, College Strings, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Percussion Ensemble, Chorale, Chamber Choir, Vocal Point, MBBC secondary Vocal Ensemble, and the Senior Stage Band. 

Music Camp

I hope all our senior instrumentalists are looking forward to Music Camp at Mt Tambourine this weekend. We will be taking students in Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Senior Stage Band, Chamber Strings and College Strings. The camp is a major part of our preparation towards Term 1’s Classics Concert, as well as a nice social opportunity. I’m looking forward to hearing how the groups develop over this short but intense session of rehearsals. 

Choir Day Camp

This event is scheduled for the end of Week 4 (Sunday 21 February) and is the choral students’ extra preparation for our Term 1 Classics Concert. More information will be sent to families very soon, but please make sure you are available for this event if you are in Chorale, Chamber Choir, Vocal Point or MBBC Secondary Vocal Ensemble.

Kiarra Milligan

On Friday 11 December, Kiarra competed in an online 3 metre International Diving Competition – The Woman’s 3 Metre Stay at Home IDC.

There were 11 divers all competing from different parts of the world, each in their home City.

Their dives were videoed, and then submitted to an independent judging panel, who were based in Amsterdam.

Kiarra performed outstandingly, finishing in 1^st place for this new style International competition.

Basketball

Congratulations are extended to Lil Dart who has recently been selected in the U18 Queensland Basketball Team, and also named in the Australian U19 Gems Basketball Squad for the 2021 FIBA World Cup.

Lil will attend her first training camp for this Australian squad at The Centre Of Excellence in Canberra from 27 February to 2 March.

Lucy Reid was named shadow for the U18 Queensland Basketball team.

Metropolitan East Girls 14-15 years and 16-18 years Rugby League Trials

All paperwork to be collected from the Waller Centre Sports Office and returned no later than 3.00pm on Wednesday 24 February.

Trial Date: Thursday 11 March 2021

Time: Player sign on from 8.30am

Venue: Carina Junior RLC, Creek Road, Carina

Transport: Transport to this trial is the responsibility of parents

Requirements: Parent Consent and Medical Form – available from the Waller Sports Centre

Metropolitan East Girls 13-15 years AFL Trials

All paperwork to be collected from the Waller Centre Sports Office and returned no later than 3.00pm on Wednesday 3 March.

Trial Date: Tuesday 16 March 2021

Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Venue: Morningside AFC, Oak Street, Hawthorne

Transport: Transport to this trial is the responsibility of parents

Requirements: Parent Consent and Medical Form – available from the Waller Sports Centre

Composite 13-15 years Netball Trials:

Trial Date: Thursday 18 February 2021

Time: 4.00pm – 7.00pm

Venue: Stella Centre, Lourdes Hill College (access from Virginia Avenue, Hawthorne)

Transport: Transport to this trial is the responsibility of parents

Requirements: Parent Consent and Medical Form – available from the Waller Sports Centre.

Successful students must be available to attend the Met East trial on Thursday 18 March at Hibiscus Sports Complex. 

We have been advised by the Convenors that we are limited on the number of students we can nominate, and as a result, a trial may be required.

You will be notified on Monday 8 February via your student email address, if a trial is needed and when the trial will take place. Students will be notified if their nomination has been successful. 

All paperwork available to be collected from the Waller Centre Sports Office no later than 3.00pm on Friday 5 February and returned no later than Monday 8 February.

Composite 16-19 years Netball Trials: 

Trial Date: Thursday 25 February 2021

Time: 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Venue: Lourdes Hill College, Stella Centre – access from Virginia Avenue, Hawthorne

Transport: Transport to this trial is the responsibility of parents

Requirements:   Parent Consent and Medical Form – available from the Waller Sports Centre.

All paperwork available to be collected from the Waller Centre Sports Office no later than 3.00pm on Wednesday 17 February.

Composite 13-19 years Hockey Trials: 

Trial Date: Tuesday 23 February 2021

Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm

Venue:  Easts Hockey Centre, Zahel Street, Carina

Transport: Transport to this trial is the responsibility of parents

Requirements: Parent Consent and Medical Form – available from the Waller Sports Centre. 

All paperwork available to be collected from the Waller Centre Sports Office no later than 3.00pm on Monday 15 February. 

All students must bring their own stick and will not be permitted to trial without a mouthguard and shin pads. Students will need to wear appropriate footwear for turf and school sports uniform.

Composite 16-19 years Football Trials: 

Trial Date:  Monday 1 March 2021

Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm

Venue:  Moreton Bay College

Transport: Transport to this trial is the responsibility of parents

Requirements: Parent Consent and Medical Form – available from the Waller Sports Centre. 

All paperwork available to be collected from the Waller Centre Sports Office no later than 3.00pm on Monday 22 February.

Composite District Date Disclaimers

These dates are subject to change. Information regarding these sports will be distributed as it is received.

Students turning 13 years to 18 years in 2021 (born 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003). As MBC have large numbers, we may hold internal trials to select girls to attend the district trial.

• Baseball – direct to Met East – 5 February
• Softball – direct to Met East – 11 February
• Tennis – direct to Met East – 11 February
• Golf – direct to Met East – 15 February
• Hockey 23 February
• Netball (13-15 years) 18 February
• Netball (16-19 years) 23 February
• Football (16-19 years) 1 March
• Swimming – direct to Met East – 2 March
• Water Polo – direct to Met East – 4 March
• Football (13-15 years) 8 March
• Basketball (16-18 years) 9 March
• Touch (13-15 years) 11 March
• Rugby League (14-15 years) – direct to Met East – 11 March
• Rugby League (16-18 years) – direct to Met East – 11 March
• Touch (16-18 years) 16 March
• AFL – direct to Met East – 16 March
• Volleyball (12-15 years) 19 March
• Volleyball (16-19 years) 19 March
• Rugby 7’s – direct to Met East – 22 March
• Rugby Union (17-18 years) – direct to Met East – 23 March
• Surfing – direct to Met East – 26 March
• Cross Country 29 April
• Rugby Union (14-15 years) – direct to Met East – 6 May
• Basketball (13-15 years) 13 May

Lytton District Date Disclaimers

These dates are subject to change.  Information regarding these sports will be distributed as it is received.

Students turning 12 years or under in 2021 (born 2009, 2010, 2010 or 2011). As MBC has a large 10-12 years population, we may hold internal trials to select girls to attend the district trial.

• Lytton District Swimming 12 February
• Lytton District Netball 23 February
• Lytton District AFL 24 February
• Lytton District Hockey 4 March
• Lytton District Basketball 10 March
• Lytton District Touch 18 March
• Lytton District Rugby Union 25 March
• Lytton District Soccer 20 April
• Lytton District Cross Country 6 May
• Lytton District Tennis 7 May
• Lytton District Softball 2 June

There have been some reported cases of head lice in the College. Head lice are a very common problem in schools. While they are not a threat to health and do not transmit disease, they do cause a lot of distress and anxiety for families and schools. Anyone can get head lice; they have no preference for ethnic background, hair colour, hair type or age. Head lice do not jump or fly; they are spread mainly be direct head to head contact. All parents should check their children and other family members for head lice regularly as early detection decreases treatment time and helps break the breeding cycle.

For further information on the detection and treatment of head lice to the Queensland Health website http://conditions.health.qld.g...

Thank you to the parents that attended our first meeting. We truly appreciate your support. We are looking forward to seeing you at the next meeting. 

Outcome first P&F meeting 3 February:

• All meetings will be face to face and virtual
• Guest speakers will be invited to speak at the P&F meetings
• New events will be added to the current events (High tea, Mother’s and Father’s day stall)

Sailing:

A great start to the 2020/2021 season during Term 4 with good results in both the fleet and teams racing. Six new boats have been added to the fleet ready for Term 1 racing. Events for sailing in Term 1 and 2 include a Blessing of the Fleet and the annual end of season dinner. 

Performing arts:

We successfully provided morning tea and lunch for the 2021 Connect 4 day, catering for 285 new students, MBC Captains and MBC staff. The big event for this year will be combined MBC/MBBC musical “The Wiz”. We will be looking for volunteers in the coming weeks to assist with sewing bees, canteen duties, prop making and donations. After a quiet 2020, the PASG is looking forward to promoting the performing arts in 2021. 

Aquatics:

Very busy swimming season. The athletes are enjoying their smoothies for breakfasts before training. The pool has new blocs and bloc covers. 

Our next P&F meeting will be on Wednesday 17 March. The Zoom link to join the meeting will be posted that day on the MBC P&F Facebook page.

Search ‘MBC P&F Association’ and join our group. For more information on P&F Meetings and events click here. (please ad link: https://www.facebook.com/moret...)

The Aquatics Support Group is seeking your help for the Andrews Cup Swimming Breakfasts (every Friday Morning) and for the QGSSSA Swimming Breakfasts (every Tuesday and Thursday morning). Click on the links to sign up.

The Moreton Bay Colleges’ Foundation welcomes all the MBC families back to school and a special greeting to the new families joining our Bay community. 

For any families interested The Foundation and the work that we do, please visit our website- https://foundation.moretonbaycolleges.qld.edu.au/ or feel free to contact me via email- foundation@moretonbaycolleges.qld.edu.au or give me a call- 3906 9422. 

Late in 2020 we were excited to launch the Foundation folders to store your school keepsakes. 

They can be ordered here- https://foundation.moretonbaycolleges.qld.edu.au/what-we-do/foundation-presentation-folders 

 We hope that our girls have a wonderful term, and we look forward to seeing you at some of the College events throughout the year.

Join ex-MBC Teacher Maggie Purcell for workshops building confidence in young girls and tweens.