A community remaining positive and strong
Mr Andrew Holmes | holmesa@mbbc.qld.edu.au
As we continue to face the challenge of the COVID-19 global pandemic, I am inspired by our College community who continue to support and care for each other during this period of uncertainty. The recent lockdown clearly demonstrates the collegiality, resilience, adaptability and sense of togetherness shown by the MBBC community.
The Queensland Premier’s announcement last weekend, advising of a lockdown, triggered the College to offer a Remote at Home Learning academic programme. As Principal, I am extremely proud of the calm, balanced and measured approach that the staff, parents and the boys have taken as we returned to remote online learning while conforming to measures of social distancing. It is a true test of character how a community responds in challenging times and I am extremely proud to be associated with such a strong caring community that continues to provide exceptional support to our boys.
While we have planned for the possibility of a potential lockdown, the creativity, adaptability and flexibility shown by our dedicated staff has been nothing short of amazing. I am privileged to work alongside such exceptional practitioners who are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for your son.
The unfortunate timing of the lockdown also meant that the Year 12 Formal had to be postponed. I am so proud of the way the Year 12 cohort have responded to this outcome. Regardless of the disappointment of having to postpone the Formal last weekend, it is a pleasure to witness the boys remain positive, connected and support each other during these uncertain times. The collegiality, resilience and strength of character shown by these fine young men in their senior school year has been incredible. Once we have secured a new date for the Year 12 Formal, we will communicate this to families in the coming days.
As the Class of 2021 count down to their graduation in 62 school days, last week the Class of 2033 celebrated their first 100 days of schooling in Prep. Our preppies were asked to come to school dressed up as a ‘100 year old person’ as they celebrated being 100 days wiser. They enjoyed a day filled with fun learning including literacy and numeracy activities based around the number 100.
Last week I had the opportunity to spend the day with the Year 11 cohort during their Leadership Camp at Emu Gully Adventure Education Centre. The Camp was a wonderful experience for all the boys to embrace personal growth and challenges, as well as forging new friendships and creating great memories. It allowed the boys to experience the elements of leadership and reflect on the core character values displayed by the ANZACS.
Each activity gave the boys the opportunity to demonstrate and reflect on the character values needed to succeed in the activity, and more importantly in life. Furthermore, it allowed the boys to step outside their comfort zone, reflect on their own personal character values and develop goals for the final year of school in 2022.
My sincere thanks to Mrs Naomi Williams, Mr Shane McCarthy and Mr Anthony Lewis for giving up their valuable time to attend the Year 11 Leadership Camp.
On behalf of the staff, may I extend our heartfelt best wishes to each and every family as they continue to navigate this pandemic. We understand these are challenging times and have made available on the Colleges’ websites useful resources to assist parents in discussing what is happening. Please remember that wellbeing support for the boys and their families is available from our College Chaplain, Student Wellbeing Leaders and College Counsellor. Our Access EAP Counselling service continues to be available to parents.
Together, we look forward to the community remaining positive and strong. We encourage all members of our families to find ways to Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give while living our values of Care, Character, Engagement and Teamwork. It is our strong partnership between school and home that stands us in good stead to achieve the best possible outcomes for our boys, and your support is greatly appreciated.
With Faith and Integrity