As the boys in Years 7 to 10 departed for Camp this week, I was reminded of the significance and importance of holistic education, and that the primary business of a school is to provide growth in student character and platforms for them to achieve in their academic studies.

As Principal of this wonderful College, I am committed to ensuring student aspirations are achieved through providing an education in which we value the development of the whole person and focus on the development of the academic in an environment that is inclusive, safe, connected and enjoyable and in which students feel confident to take risks. I truly believe in the limitless potential of boys and we are committed to providing outstanding student experiences which will realise it.

Along with the abundance of co-curricular opportunities on offer, emphasis on student wellbeing and acknowledging that Teaching and Learning is our ‘core business’, MBBC is committed to championing our wonderful holistic education.

Educational research is clear, that those boys who are provided with experiences which are rich in sporting, creative and other activities, and who have an environment that is inclusive, safe and relaxing in which to work, are those boys who achieve their potential in the classroom. Furthermore, the philosophy of educating the whole person continues to grow as schools realise that students need more than just a strong foundation in a core curriculum, they also need to be supported by a community and to develop a compassionate understanding of the world around them.

I have stated many times during assembly that I believe every boy has a strength, whether that is academic, co-curricular, leadership or service, and it is our role as educators to provide the platform of opportunity to nurture their talent. I am proud to witness firsthand the abundance of opportunities offered to the boys, that contribute towards developing the whole person.

The Sport Programme continues to grow with a record number of boys registered to play in the Football Programme, the upgraded Mountain Bike course facilitating a high number of riders and the Touch and Basketball Programmes now providing an opportunity for the teams to compete for a semester.

The joint Colleges’ Musical The Wiz is full steam ahead, with a busy schedule of rehearsals over the next two terms. May I thank in advance all the staff, students and parents involved for providing a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their creative talents.

Week 6 is an enormous week of activity for Secondary boys and staff attending Camp Week. My sincere thanks to Mrs Chantelle Cross, Administration Assistant Student Reception for coordinating the programme which will allow the boys to embrace the opportunities available to them and to develop the skills and character required to become lifelong learners. This undertaking is not possible without the generosity, expertise and care of our staff, and I thank them for providing this outstanding student experience.

Congratulations to the Year 7 boys who competed in the Middle School Maths competition at All Hallows and to the Year 9 and 11 Debating teams who competed in first round of Queensland Debating Union 2021 competition. Along with Robotics Club, Dungeons and Dragons and Chess, MBBC provides many opportunities to help the boys develop critical thinking skills, complex problem skills and creativity. Skills that will undoubtedly contribute towards their academic outcomes and prepare them well for the future.

Service is important at MBBC and the Leo’s (Leadership, Experience and Opportunity) Programme is a perfect example of the College’s commitment to providing an opportunity for the boys to server others. The MBBC Leos club led by the executive committee of Will Zerner (President), Virha Khati (Vice-President), Jacob Williamson (Treasurer) and Miku Sugimura (Secretary) involves an active group of 40 boys looking to make a difference in the world by serving others. Later this term the MBBC Leo’s Club will be organising a Primary Movie Madness afternoon to raise funds to sponsor a student’s educational costs in Tanzania.

There is no doubt that offering young people the opportunity to be responsible, caring, participating members of society, enriches the lives of individuals and ultimately creates a more just and caring world. The boys are taught to reflect on their actions and how they impact the global and local community. Furthermore, research has shown (Konrath et al 2012) that service can significantly enhance a person’s well-being and can have lasting effects up to four years later.

As I reflect on the abundance of creative, exciting and engaging opportunities, it is evident that success comes to young people when they are self-confident, feel a sense of purpose and belonging, and are working from their strengths. I am delighted to serve a school that mirrors my own philosophy of providing a holistic education to enhance the students’ learning potential and one that shapes young people who are committed, active and compassionate. 

Faith and Integrity 

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

It has been great to see your boys settle back into life at MBBC and the vibe around the college is clear to see. As we are halfway through the term, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on news around the campus. 

New House Badges

To encourage House spirit amongst our students the school will be including a new House badge for students to wear on their hats. As this is a new initiative, all students will be gifted a badge which will be sent home today. Subsequent badges may be purchased from the uniform shop. 

Positive Behaviour (PB) Tickets

This year we have decided to reward and acknowledge students demonstrating the College Values of Teamwork, Engagement, Character and Care through our new ticket system. It has been great to see the boys posting their tickets in the post box near Mr Curtis’s office in preparation for the raffle at the end of term. Students whose names are pulled out will receive an afternoon reward experience in Week 10. I am already looking forward to the surprise reward and know the boys will be excited to hear what is in store for them. 

Poor Choice Tickets

A reminder that boys making poor choices will receive ‘Poor Choice PB ticket’ which will be sent home via your son along with a standardised email from the issuing teacher. As part of our restorative processes, it is important for the boys to take ownership of their behaviour and hand you the ticket when they return from school. We would appreciate you speaking with your son and discussing his choices. Having the support from home as a vital part of educating the boys in the development as young men and we greatly appreciate your assistance. 

Lunchtime Clubs

As part of our Five to Thrive Wellbeing Framework, we offer a range of clubs for the boys to attend during second lunchtimes. We are lucky to have some wonderful teachers who have volunteered their time to share and teach areas of interest to our boys. 

Term 1: 

Monday

Film Club (4-6)

Mr Rofeta teaches the boys a range of film making techniques on their iPad. 

Tuesday

Art Hub (1-6)

Mrs Fogg and Mrs Lee provide a calming environment for the boys to work on their drawing skills and learn new techniques. 

Wednesday

Dinosaur Club (1-6)

Mr Dack teaches the boys about the history of dinosaurs through a range of activities and resources. 

Thursday

Chill Time (1-6)

Mr Eames opens up the lecture theatre to share an SBS series named ‘A World Of Calm’ designed to promote mindfulness. 

Friday

Fitness Friday (1-6)

Mr Eames hosts a range of workouts in the sports hall to keep our boys fit and active. Exercise improves a boy’s concentration and overall wellness. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information and I look forward to working with your sons for the rest of the term.

One of our strengths at Moreton Bay Boy’s College is the genuinely caring community that has developed. Our students really are surrounded by people who care about their wellbeing and want them to thrive. We recognise and celebrate the primacy of relationships in all that we do as we want our students to feel safe, happy, and connected.

Sometimes, as parents, you might feel confused about who to contact in a particular situation when you have a question or a concern regarding your son, so I write to provide clarification.

For logistical enquiries or questions related to arrangements such as event dates, bus times etc, it is probably appropriate to contact main reception or student reception.

To discuss something to do with academic progress in a specific subject or behaviour in the classroom, you should contact that teacher directly in the first instance as they will be best placed to discuss your son’s particular circumstances. I would encourage you to send a short email with a summary of what you would like to discuss and request a time to have a conversation. You could try to phone the teacher directly, but they may have a full day of classes and might not be able to reply immediately. They will, however, be able to acknowledge receipt of an email and should get back to you within 24 hours, though there may be times when this is not possible or practical.

If your question is of a more general nature and not necessarily to do with a specific class, it might be appropriate to contact the Deputy Head of Secondary - Teaching and Learning, who is in a good position to assist you with questions regarding academic policies, subject selections, QCAA/ATAR and other issues related to academic programmes.

There are several people with whom you can discuss your son’s social/emotional wellbeing, but the first point of contact should be his Form Teacher, who sees your son each day. They will either be able to assist or discuss with you who can. This could be the Head of House, the Chaplain, the counsellor or the Deputy Head of Secondary - Student Wellbeing.

There may be times when your enquiry with the Classroom Teacher or Form Teacher might need input from additional staff members, but it is important to make the initial contact with the staff member most closely involved and in the best position to assist you and your son.

Please do not hesitate to make contact to ask any questions or seek any assistance you might require and be assured that MBBC staff members are committed to providing the best experience for students and staff.

On Thursday 18, five Year 7 students were selected to attend the Maths Tournament hosted by All Hallows’ Middle school and Gregory Terrace. Fifty teams from across Brisbane competed in a series of team maths challenges. 

Our boys showed tremendous teamwork and persistence, even when travelling to and from the event in torrential rain! 

We are extremely proud to report that the boys placed 13th in the field of 50. This is an amazing effort. We were excited to be part of this event for the first time and look forward to attending again next year. 

In the last newsletter, I spoke about the importance of listening to professional musicians who play your instrument and how this helps you develop your own personal sound and sense of musical style. This week I asked some of our Music Captains who they like to listen to – here’s what they said: 

Jared West - One of my inspirations for bass playing is Victor Wooten's Amazing Grace . In this piece, Victor demonstrates masterful precision with harmonics and a great fun funky rhythm. 

Hugh Bettinson – One of my favourite artists to listen to is Itzhak Perlman, an American-Israeli violinist. His playing style and discerning manipulation of bow pressure and string contact produces a rich, dynamically contrasting sound; one which is warm, inviting and highlights his phenomenal technical abilities. This is showcased in arguably one of his most well-known performances, the Theme from Schindler’s List. By carefully phrasing tempo changes, and incorporating a variation of dynamics, wrist vibrato and lilting shifts, Itzhak Perlman gives an outstanding, cohesive performance which truly captures the artistic intention of the Theme from Schindler’s List. 

Who do you like to listen to? If you don’t have a favourite musician who plays your instrument, try googling / youtube searching or ask your teacher and see who you can find. 

Musician(s) of the Week spotlight – Edward Carroll & Machlon Woolley 

We have heard two fantastic performances over the past two Primary Assemblies. First from Edward Carroll, playing South Brisbane Tango on Violin, then from Machlon Woolley, playing You Give Love A Bad Name on electric guitar. Both boys showed admirable composure to play solo in front of so many people, and to do so along with backing tracks. This is quite tricky as there is no room for error – the backing track doesn’t follow you or help you catch up if you get lost, like a live accompanist can, so both boys had to be very confident and certain in their playing – which they were. Well done Edward and Machlon! 

Congratulations 

Congratulations to all the students from MBC and MBBC who attended last Sunday’s Choir Day Camp. All groups made excellent progress in preparation for the Classics Concert, particularly on the Finale that will see the MBBC Secondary Vocal Ensemble, MBC Chorale and College Orchestra combine for a very special performance item. Thanks to Mr Chamberlain, Ms Ellis, Ms Inglis, Mr Connors, Mrs Lynagh and our guest Vocal Point Clinician Dr Debra Shearer-Dirie for working with our students on the day. 

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, Senior Stage Band.

Please see Term dates for 2022 here.

The boys have been very active outside lately, playing imaginative games on the green zone and up at the playground. The Lego table is popular everyday with the boys constructing amazing creations like mega towers and Beyblade battles. 

The Year 6 boys that attend OSHClub have been super helpful with setting up and serving afternoon tea. The most impressive thing to see is them helping the new Prep boys settle into OSHClub and showing them what to do. The boys have also requested activities on the whiteboard such as quizzes, word jumbles and hangman, which the boys love solving each afternoon. 

Afternoon tea has seen us try a full range of different foods such as cheese and spinach scrolls, jelly and fruit cups and we even had scrambled eggs on our revamped breakfast menu! 

We’re looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings.

Just a few updates and reminders: 

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Friday 2 April (Good Friday) and Monday 5 April (Easter Monday) we are CLOSED!

VACATION CARE FAST APPROACHING: 

Bookings are now OPEN for the next School Holidays, starting Tuesday 6 April until Friday 16 April. Our holiday programme brochure will be released 2 weeks prior to the school holidays so we will be able to provide you with the link or hard copy in week 8. We have excursions to the movies, Lollipops play centre and incursions laser tag and jumping castle/bike scooter day. So jump online and book your child in today.

WE ARE ASKING FOR DONATIONS

If you have any toys sports equipment, spare clothes, stationary, furniture or recycled materials that you no longer require we are happy to take them of your hands 😊

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

If your child is participating in any activities before or afterschool whilst attending OSHClub could you please let us know and complete the extra curricular form located on the sign in/out desk. This includes for term 2.

PICK UP/CHILD NOT ATTENDING OSHC

Just a reminder to let OSHClub know if your child is being picked up by someone that is not a regular person that picks up your child and also if your child has gone home early from school or is getting picked up straight from school. This can be done by sending us an email moretonbayboyscollege@oshclub.com.au or text message 0401 744 066.

SIGN IN and OUT

Can we please make sure your child is signed in and signed out properly when they attend OSHCLUB. We have had quite a few instances of this happening recently from parents either not pressing the sign in/out button and then the save button or just forgetting completely. If you are unsure if you have done this correctly please ask a staff member for confirmation.

BOOKINGS

You CAN NOT make a booking on Sunday night for your child to attend OSHClub on a Monday. So please try make your bookings beforehand because we have been receiving a large amount of casual last minute bookings which is hard to organise staff for. We don’t want to have to turn anyone away.

All the best for remainder of the term. 😊

Lastly, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Thank you