I am delighted to welcome everyone to a new school year, 2021. May I also I extend a warm welcome to our new families and new staff members. 

Last week brought a sense of excitement and buzz around the College as the boys returned to the College. Staff have genuinely missed the boys and it was clear to see the positive relationships that exist between staff and students as lessons commenced. It was wonderful to see their smiling faces and the energy that the boys bring to our community. I have been very impressed with how smoothly they have settled in and I look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Each morning, it is a pleasure to greet the boys as they arrive. I thank the parents for their patience and understanding in following our drop off and collection practices. Ensuring a safe College is our highest priority and I thank you for your cooperation.

We welcome the following new staff:

• Mr Ben Langford: Director of Music across both Colleges
• Mrs Lynley Brown: Learning Enhancement Coordinator
• Mrs Alice Wollenweber: Chemistry Teacher
• Ms Bonnie Masters: English and Legal Studies Teacher
• Mrs Jenna Woodforth: Primary Music Teacher

I am also delighted to welcome back:

• Ms Alannah Secis: Year 6A Primary Teacher
• Mrs Meg Andersen: Year 1B Primary Teacher
• Mrs Rachelle Carter: College Receptionist

During my first assembly address last week, I focussed on the theme of the Little Things matter. I referred to a clip of Admiral William H. McRaven presenting a graduation speech at the University of Texas in 2014, which refers to how making your bed can change the world.

The speech outlines that if you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, a greater sense of wellbeing and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. More importantly, it refers to that by focusing on the Little Things you can change your life, and maybe the world. It also refers to common themes such as compassion, courage, determination, and the importance of values.

As you can imagine, I was delighted the following day, when one of our young boys told me that he had made his bed that morning and his Mother was happy!

Last Friday, I was delighted to welcome new parents to the College while attending the New Parents Evening. It was an opportunity to highlight that MBBC’s culture is clearly characterised by a strong sense of community and purposeful endeavour. I am proud that MBBC has a strong philosophy of educating the whole child – our vibrant and caring pastoral programme underpins the focus on academic excellence, complemented by a rich co-curricular programme. As the boys commence their journey at MBBC, no doubt they will embrace the rich learning experiences in a safe, happy and connected environment.  

Congratulations to our Semester One House Vice-Captains who were inaugurated during our Primary Assembly this week:

Doherty – Samson Morrow-Woods

Dunlop – Kalan Kenniff-Clapper

Flynn – Ronan Simpson

Nicholls – James Davis

As I addressed the boys during the Inauguration, I referred to influential leaders who have made a significant difference in their respective roles: Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi. I also referred to characteristics of an effective good leader, but the most important of all the characteristics are compassion and authenticity. In other words, they are true to themselves and care deeply about those around them.

I encouraged the newly elected House Vice-Captains to always remember that Leadership is a privilege and when you are in a leadership role, your influence may affect the pathway of others. In fact, it was this key word, influence, which formed part of my address to our leaders. I asked them to take the responsibility of the influence they have over others very seriously, explaining to them that they have the capacity to leave a lasting impression on everyone they meet, based on how they conduct themselves and treat them. I asked the boys to think about how they can influence other people – how as a leader they have the capacity to make others smile, feel valued, feel confident, help them succeed, get the best out of others, and help them achieve their goals.

I have every confidence that our new Year 6 Leaders will make a difference and live by our College values of Character, Care, Teamwork and Engagement through their actions, positive influence and modelling good behaviour.

We have much to look forward to as we embark on a new year which will provide an abundance of opportunities and present an exciting and engaging learning environment for your son to maximise his potential.

Faith & Integrity

Best wishes,

Please refer to the TASS Calendar for up to date information regarding school activities.

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new and returning families. I hope you all had a restful break and were able to spend time reconnecting with loved ones.

At Assembly this week, I shared some wisdom from Chuck D, Flavor Flav and Terminator X. While they might sound like characters from an action movie, they are actually members of the Hip Hop group Public Enemy, formed way back in 1985. Some parents may recognise them like a couple of teachers did.

I shared with students a quote from the title track of their soundtrack to the 1998 film He Got Game, starring Denzel Washington. In it, he plays the role of an incarcerated father who is trying to convince his son, a talented basketballer, to take up a scholarship at a particular College.

The film, and the soundtrack, deals with the commodification of young African American men by billion dollar institutions, such as the NBA, NFL, the sneaker industry, etc.

This particular track, speaks to me about finding your own purpose in life. One line in particular stands out for me

“Don’t let a win get to your head or a loss to your heart”

While this advice is given in the context of basketball, it could be applied to any sport, in fact, beyond sport it applies to any endeavour you might pursue.

When we achieve success, we must guard against conceit or arrogance, and when we encounter obstacles and stumble, we have to remain optimistic to persevere and eventually triumph.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t be proud of achieving something you have worked hard to achieve. You should absolutely enjoy your successes and celebrate them, being mindful your pride does not become arrogance.

Nor am I saying you should not be disappointed if you don’t succeed at something. It is ok for it to hurt and to prompt some introspection. It’s right to ask yourself what went wrong? What do I need to change to be successful? What help or resources do I need to achieve a better outcome? Be careful not to dwell on the failure though.

In short, these words from Public Enemy are inviting us to think about our wins, but not too much, and feel our losses, but not too much.

There is a fine line between confidence and conceit and disappointment and despair.

I asked all students to consider this as they embark on a new year that holds so much promise and so many opportunities.

They can approach their studies, co-curricular activities and relationships with others with confidence they will enjoy success, sometimes immediately, sometimes after hard work and possibly some painful lessons, but with perseverance, they will get there.

It has been a pleasure this past week starting at The Moreton Bay Colleges, meeting staff across both schools, and beginning to learn the culture here. 

During even this short time, a phrase I have heard quite a few times already is “Two schools, one community”, which I think is an important and exciting concept. We live in a world where students must navigate wildly conflicting influences, and so I believe accessing an education that values seeking meaning and engagement across communities is fundamental to building societies that are places of compassion, understanding and justice. 

Within this context, the Arts hold an almost unique position in our education system. We can offer our students few other endeavours that so integrate the 21^st-century requirements for critical and creative thinking, emphasise a team ethic that build personal and social skills, and hold an integral obligation to listen and communicate. These all sit within an environment that is collegial instead of competitive, and collaborative rather than individual. In a society that undervalues principles and overvalues judgement, there are huge benefits to involvement in activities that promote cultural sensitivity and aesthetic learning.  

Participation in ensemble music therefore becomes an invaluable component of a well-rounded and holistic education, as well as a source of great connection and joy within our community.   

But don’t just take my word for it – follow this link to hear what renowned jazz trumpeter and music educator Wynton Marsalis has to say about music education. His words are aimed initially at teachers, however, they also speak directly to the importance and impact of learning music for both our students and the whole of society.

Welcome to new staff

We are fortunate to welcome a number of new staff to the Music Department for 2021. Mrs Jenna Woodforth will take on the role of Primary Classroom teacher and choral conductor at MBBC during Semester One. Mrs Woodforth comes to us most recently from teaching at Iona College and I know this experience working in a boys school environment will transition to our school seamlessly. 

Mr David Cox brings to us a wide range of experience not only teaching at a variety of schools but also working professionally in corporate and army reserve bands. He will take on a role as Multi-woodwind teacher, working with private clarinet and saxophone students, as well as within the immersion programmes. 

I would also like to welcome Miss Emily Moolenschot, who started at the end of last year teaching immersion and private percussion at MBBC and will this year extend her work further by taking on some advanced orchestral percussionists at MBC.

Upcoming Events   

We have a busy start to 2021 with two Scholars Assemblies, the Twilight Picnic, Instrumental and Choral Music Camps and the start of the combined college’s musical production The Wiz, all during February. These events provide exciting performance opportunities for our rock bands, stage band, Vocal Point, and Senior string & vocal students, as well as some intensive rehearsal opportunities for many advanced students.

Please keep a close watch for email communications from the Music Department so you are up-to-date with all the information you will need to make these events as successful as possible.

We offer weekly Group Drama classes for building confidence, creativity, imagination and social skills through the art of Drama. Classes are tailored to all students, whether they're in need of a little confidence or love performing already!  

Classes currently being offered include Years 1-10 at MBC and Years 2/3 and 5/6 for MBBC. Classes resume in Week 2 Term 1 (week beginning 1 Feb.) Fees for the Term are $180 per student.  

All new and returning students can enrol through our online form available here - Extra-Curricular Group Drama Online Enrolment Form- or through the link in our information booklet attached.  

If you would like further information or to register your interest for other grades, please feel free to contact the Coordinator Talisa Pariss-Proby at talisa.pariss@gmail.com. 

Welcome to the 2021 school year. I trust that MBBC families had a restful holiday and that everyone is eager to engage in the making of another prosperous school year.

Like any year at Moreton Bay Boys’ College, there is much on the agenda. As we embark on another year of Co-Curricular sporting opportunities it is important to remember that continuity of learning experiences from the classroom to the competition environment is instrumental to the success of MBBC students.

As we start the year, I would like to provide some guidelines for how parents can be involved in MBBC Sport and Activities to improve everyone’s experience.

• Ensure you and your son stay up to date by checking the specific sport or activity tab on the College App.
• Sign-on to the sport and activity invitations on Parent Lounge via the ‘Tours and Excursions’ tab. 
• Install the MBBC app on your phone to receive push notifications advising any last-minute changes such as weather interruptions.
• There are many students involved in Co-Curricular programmes, and some boys are disappointed when they do not make a particular team. If your son experiences a minor setback, encourage him to accept the decision and consider it a learning experience. He may want to talk to his coach about where he can improve.
• For our part, we aim to conduct a transparent, fair, and thorough trial and selection process. Selection is ongoing, which may see boys move up and down during the season and from year to year.

Finally, a reminder to stay up to date with the MBBC Sport Instagram page.

Good luck to all boys competing this weekend.   

I look forward to catching up with you as we progress through the year.

Team before self

1. You show up on time to work hard.
2. You wear the correct uniform at all training sessions and competition events – no exceptions.
3. Your training sessions will demand your best.
4. You own your performance, you own your sessions, you own your intensity, you own your attitude.
5. You will leave a better person today than you were yesterday.
6. You will work to maximise the training performance of others by supporting, helping, challenging, and coaching one another.
7. Sweep the sheds mentality.
8. You communicate with the coaching staff any reason why the above standards cannot be met. 

“Everything we do is practice for something greater than where we currently are.”

The annual Year 4 to 12 Interhouse Swimming Championships will be held on: Date: Friday 5 February Location: Moreton Bay College Aquatic Centre. Students are required to be at the MBC pool by 8.30am for roll marking. The carnival will commence at 8.45am and conclude by 2.30pm. Please read the information below, which provides the details for the event. The event is based on participation and enjoyment with an expectation that all students compete for their house. Please note: Times recorded at the Interhouse Championships will form part of the selection criteria for students vying for selection on the CSSAQ and Britton Shield Swim Teams.   UNIFORM All students to travel to and from the Championship event in house shirts, with MBBC sports shorts, socks and joggers. MBBC cap or bucket are hat to be worn.

• Students in Years 4 to 6 to compete in MBBC swimmers or jammers and house rashies (optional).
• Students in Years 7 to 12 to compete in black or blue swimmers, jammers or shorts. House rashies are not required.

WHAT TO BRING

• Water bottle
• Towel/s
• Goggles
• Sunscreen (additional sunscreen will be available on the day)
• Packed morning tea and lunch and money for canteen

Please note: The P&F Canteen will be providing drinks, ice blocks and pre-packed snack foods only (cupcakes, chips, biscuits etc). There will be no BBQ due to COVID restrictions. ARRIVAL Students are to arrive at MBC by private transport. Please refer to details below regarding pick up and drop off zones. Students attending before school care will be transported to the MBC Pool by the MBBC bus. Staff will be in attendance from 8.00 am. ENTRIES  All students wanting to swim and compete for their house on the day MUST nominate via the registration link enclosed below.  Nominations will close Wednesday 3 February at 12.00pm.  Late entries will not be accepted.  Student results will not be recorded if they have not nominated.  REGISTER HERE - Interhouse Swimming Championships

AGE GROUPS Boys will swim in the following age groups. Division 1 races for faster swimmers to be swum first.

• 9 years (born 2012)
• 10 years (born 2011)
• 11 years (born 20010)
• 12 years (born 2009)
• 13 years (born 2008)
• 14 years (born 2007)
• 15 years (born 2006)
• 16 years (born 2005)
• Open (born 2004 and 2003) 

DEPARTURE Students are to be collected from MBC. Students attending after school care will be transported to MBBC by the MBBC bus. Students who travel by bus will be escorted to the bus stop by members of the MBBC staff. DROP OFF AND PICK UP LOCATION  The drop off and pick up zone will be on Wondall Rd outside the MBC P&F oval and Jim Brittain Oval. The drop off and pick up zone will be supervised by MBBC staff for drop off from 7.30am- 8.15am and for pick up from 2.30pm to 3.00pm. If you have any questions, please contact MBBC Sport sports@mbbc.qld.edu.au 

SPECTATORS

MBBC Sport is looking forward to hosting the annual Interhouse Swimming Championship event on Friday 5 February.   

As we come to terms with ‘COVID Normal’ and maintain our commitment to the safety of all members of our community, the Colleges will continue to manage parent presence on campus, with invited visitors adhering to stringent reviews and activities closely managed. 

This is in accordance with the direction provided by Education Queensland and the Queensland Government that events need to meet strict COVID operating requirements. 

While we have all seen large scale sporting and music events happening around the country, these are large venues backed by the government with the appropriate COVID safe plans considering their staffing levels, resources and systems that can support compliance. 

COVID requirements for each event are reviewed and determined by the College with respect to the activity and the venue and assessed as to whether the College can meet its mandatory COVID safe requirements including but not limited to physical distancing and occupancy limits. Each activity is reviewed on a case-by-case basis - there is no one size fits all approach. 

Unfortunately, the MBC Aquatic Centre dos does not have the capacity to accommodate parent attendance and maintain the required physical distancing to allow the College to meet its COVID obligations. 

We realise this will cause disappointment to our community. and we are looking forward to being able to welcome parents back to these types of events when safe to do so. Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to focus on keeping our College community safe and well.

As we enter the new school year, The Smith Family Saver Plus Program continues to provide much needed assistance with the costs of setting up students with all the required resources for school. 

I would greatly appreciate your on-going support by including  the attached flyer in your school newsletters and on your Facebook page this year.  

The aim of the program is for participants to achieve a savings goal of $500 , which is then matched by a further $500 per family which must be spent on education expenses. (click here for the Saver Plus Facebook page) 

Saver Plus is funded by the Federal Government and has been delivered by community organisations across Australia for 15 years, assisting over 45,000 families. 

The matched savings has assisted with costs such as:

• School uniforms and shoes
• Text books and stationary needs
• School Camps and excursions
• Sporting, Art, Dance or Music fees
• Laptops or IPads

The Moreton Bay Colleges’ Foundation welcomes all the MBBC 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 boys have a wonderful term and we look forward to seeing you at some of the College events throughout the year.

The Wynnum Vikings AFL club is welcoming new players of all experience levels.

See details below for more information.

Please find attached a flyer for Term 1, 2021 for BABI’s Parenting and Enjoying Teenagers 6 week group programme.  

There will be two groups offered this term. The Group will be offered on a Tuesday morning, commencing from 10am – 12:30pm, and also on Thursday morning, commencing from 6pm – 8:30pm

at BABI Youth & Family Service, 34 Bay Terrace, Wynnum. 

To book a pre-group conversation, with the Family Support Counsellor Anna (face to face or by telephone), please contact BABI on 3393 4176.

Are you interested in learning Karate

See details below:

Chess Mates chess classes are about learning, not just facilitating games of chess. We teach about winning and losing in a supportive environment. It’s been shown that learning to play chess can improve a child’s overall performance at school compared to children who have not learnt chess. In other words, learning chess helps your child to become future proof. Our chess classes help your child improve their concentration, problem-solving skills, developing their emotional intelligence, making friends, and having fun… all at the same time.  

Chess Mates at Moreton Bay College

Monday 3.15pm – 4.00pm

Location: Learning Room 1

Starting Week 3

$15 per session 

To know about what we stand for, our founder Ash did a TEDx talk at UQ last year. Here is a link to it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMTga50-j3g&t=7s