9th May 2014

Principal: Br Bill Tynan

Assistant Principal - Curriculum: Mrs Janine Conolly

Assistant Principal - Mission (Acting): Mr Paul MacCallum

Head of Residential: Ms Veronica Loudon

Business Manager: Mr David Osborne

Office Manager: Mrs Sue Wegert Br Bill Tynan

Easter season continues, and we hope that all of us involved at MSB are intent on New Life, and renewing ourselves day

by day.

Education for all is becoming increasingly important. The preparation of the federal budget continues to dominate on TV,

radio and newspapers. It seems that over the next few years there will be a significant decrease in Federal government

payments eg the dole might not be paid until young people are 21 years old. So very soon it might be: no work , no

money. And it is definitely true: No education, then little chance of work.

Most students have made a punctual return to school, and term 2 classes have commenced well for most.

It disappoints me greatly that there are some who still take 3 or 4 weeks holiday, instead of the two set down. You have

to realise, the wrong message is going to the students: “What goes on at school does not matter, missing a few weeks

won’t matter.”

Dear parents, you can’t continue to steal your childs’ education. The missed weeks can’t be caught up.

So lets hope each of us can make a concentrated effort with the school work for

the 28 teaching days left this term.

Please take the chance to visit us, accommodation remains available in the boarding school.

Lots of success in sport lately, with 11 boys representing the Eacham area in Rugby League this Sunday. Athletics has started,

and will conclude on June 25-26.

Take Note Term 2 ends on Thursday afternoon June 26,

and the holidays last for 25 days,

until travel day back on July 21.

I can’t see any reason for families to go home before June 27.

Br Bill Tynan - Principal

THE Moot is on again

Senior Legal Studies’ students are currently preparing for the 2014 Tableland Schools’ Moot Competition. The MSB team of five: two barristers, (Felix and Roscoe), assisting solicitor (Tom) and two witnesses (Ludo and Siyesha) are defending a client charged with driving with undue care and attention. Our client is clearly innocent but how to convince the Magistrate and refute the Prosecution’s argument becomes the critical issue. What are the facts of the case?

Hours of work go into the Moot. It demands close attention to detail, discerning the elements of the charge, astute questioning and pummelling cross-examination. A solid understanding of court room procedures is vital. On all counts, students gain a rich and real-world appreciation of the law at work... and have fun.

Fortunately, the class has the expert assistance of solicitor, Ms Melinda Parker from Atherton Tableland Law (pictured working with students after-school) Melinda is a past student of MSB and a vital source of knowledge. Our sincere thanks to her and her firm . Good luck Moot team 13 May. Mrs Chris Weedon—Legal Studies teacher

Assistant Principal - Curriculum

QCS PRACTICE This term students are working on specific writing task skills development, followed by practice papers. The QCS test is on the 2nd and 3rd of September this year, and all students are working hard towards achieving well. Please encourage your student to be reading and widening their vocabulary, as this is a very important skill area. NAPLAN All year 9 students will be sitting for the NAPLAN tests From Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th May. I have included the timetable in this newsletter for your information. NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills, and we encourage all students to do the best they can on the day. Students have been familiarised with the test formats, and College staff will be administering the tests in a familiar setting. Students will need a 2B pencil, eraser, sharpener, scrap paper and calculator – can you please check that your student has these items prior to the test. For more information about NAPLAN, please visit the website: www.nap.edu.au This is moment-in-time data, and we encourage all students to give their best effort. PARENT / TEACHER INTERVIEWS I would like to thank all parents and carers who attended the Parent/Teacher/Student conferencing held on the 1st May. It was a productive time for parents, students and teachers to meet to discuss student progress, and strengthen our partnerships. I encourage all parents to continue this conversation with individual teachers through phone conversations and/or e-mail as the year continues. CAREERS During Term 2, we have been interviewing year 11 & 12 students to discuss their transition plans from High school to either: study, a traineeship or work. We will also be presenting workshops for students targeting resume writing, job applications and interview skills, and into term 3 we will be looking at University and TAFE application process. Year 10 and 12 students will be visiting the BLA Careers and Education Expo next Tuesday 13th May, to further inform their pathway planning. This will be valuable information for both cohorts—year 12s working towards their next phase of life, and year 10s moving into Senior Education and Training Plans (SET Plans) and subject selection for senior school. LEARNING Term 2 is a crucial term, particularly for senior students. Please revise your study habits and organisation, and ensure that you are on track with assignments. Remember to always hand in rough drafts, and see your teacher if you need any extra assistance. Many thanks, Janine Conolly Assistant Principal - Curriculum

STUDENT DIARIES

Term 2 is a busy term, so we will all need to be focussed on the tasks at hand. Please ensure that your student is using their student diary, and bringing it to class each day. This is an effective tool to assist with scheduling homework, working towards assignments and prioritising. Home Form teachers will be checking student use of their diaries on a weekly basis. If your diary has been misplaced – a replacement is available from

By Jenny Rossiter

Science Department Report Refreshed from our break and invigorated by the bracing weather we are ready to plunge into another term of and discovery and mental challenge in Science. Year 8’s are investigating the world of (very small) living things as they learn to use microscopes. Year 9 students are starting on the learning ladder of Chemistry — an essential pre-requisite for anyone interested in a career in medicine, nursing, engineering or any science-related field. Year 10’s are studying genetics and evolution and so far making good progress in what can be complex concepts. In the Senior School, Biology students in Year 11 are studying ecology in preparation for their coastal and marine field trip later in the term. Year 12 Biologists are continuing with the theme of the human body in their studies of human reproduction. Chemistry students are working hard to get enough theory behind them to make a start on their EEI’s. (extended experimental investigations—for those not familiar with QSA jargon) Year 11 Chemists are learning the fundamentals of stoichiometry while the year 12’s are studying rates of reaction. In Physics, students are also working on gathering results in practical examples to assist in future EEI’s. In this case, putting their studies of Newtons laws and projectile motion to good use by constructing medieval siege weapons! No need to worry about flying boulders around MSB however, as these weapons are the miniature versions of their castle-destroying prototypes. Enjoy the pictures of the physicists at work! Keith Smith Science Co-Ordinator

Thursday afternoons during periods 5 and 6 have taken a new direction for nine Year 11 and 12 students with the launch of Metalworking Skills. Trainer, Blue Langtree has been engaged

by the College to introduce a new skillset to give these students some fundamental experience with metal work and

assist them in achieving a career pathway when they leave school. Welding, sheet metal work, basic panel beating

and small engine repairs are all on the agenda during the remainder of this year.

Early lessons have dealt with Occupational Health & Safety training and an introduction to welding operations.

Watch this space for exciting developments with this course.

Math Department Report With Term 2 bringing in cooler months, there are a number of items being readied in the mathematics department . Next week, 13-15 May, NAPLAN is going to be a feature for the Year 9 students. To understand approaches associated with NAPLAN, quick tasks have been given to students at the beginning of some mathematic lessons. Over the course of the last several weeks of Term 1, the Pre-Vocational Mathematics students have been gathering information and analysing it to produce a document for travellers to the Southern Tablelands region. The final part of the 9 stage report is to collate bearings, distance and other mathematical variables at each of the sites to be visited between Herberton and Mena Creek. The skills learnt in the topic will harness skill sets required in the areas of Park Rangers, Tour Guides and other similar fields. I invite any parent/ guardian to contact me regarding building foundation skills in mathematics. Please advise specific student information, areas of concern and support required. I’ll be working with all teachers in the mathematics department for all students to achieve. Ben Smith bsmith@msb.qld.edu.au Mathematics Department

Term Two has started brilliantly for Social Science students at MSB. NAPLAN practice tasks are being implemented in all Year 9 English and Social Science classes. I wish our Years 9s the best of luck with their exams next week. Thanks to staff members for finding time within their busy planning schedules for NAPLAN preparation. Currently, all classes are busy studying History units: 8.1 and 8.2 are studying ‘Japan under the Shoguns’ with Mr Read and 8.1 will finish the semester by studying the Spanish Conquest of the Americas. 9.1 are currently studying the ‘Making a nation: Australia’ unit and will finish the semester studying ‘World War 1’ with Mrs Bakker. 9.2 are presently learning about the ‘Industrial Revolution’ and ‘World War 1’ with Mr Read. 9.4 are taking in all there is to know about ‘Egyptology’ with Mr Pearson. This class will finish the semester by delving into all things money with their ‘Managing your money’ unit. 10.1 and 10.2 are learning about how far we’ve come in their ‘Rights and freedoms’ unit by focusing on the Civil Rights Movement. 10.1 will finish the semester by delving into ‘Popular culture’. Our Modern History students in Years 11 and 12 are keenly discovering all there is to know about Australian Foreign Policy and will develop an inquiry into the Vietnam War. Next semester, all classes will begin studying Geography. This will be the first time this program has been run under the National Curriculum and so it will be interesting to see how we go. Exciting times ahead! Lastly, I thank those parents and carers who to took part in Parent / Teacher interviews, via phone or ’face’ time, last Thursday evening. If you missed this opportunity and would like to catch up with any staff regarding any queries or concerns, please contact the school. We would love to hear from you. Only 37 weekdays until holidays (whoops...so much to do)! Emily Pensini epensini@msb.qld.edu.au Social Science Department

Update on Year 11 and 12 Creative Arts

The students from Year 11 and 12 Creative Arts have completed

their graffiti inspired artworks and would like to share them

with you.

After the visit from contemporary visual artist Daniel Wallwork

the students became extremely motivated to experiment with

different materials and techniques.

Based on the themes of ‘peace and war’ and ‘sense of self’ the

students developed on their knowledge and produced

exceptional pieces of artwork on canvas.

It is hoped that we will be able to exhibit these artworks at the

Cairns Show! Ms Traylea Sexton - Art teacher

Above: Seiji Gabey - Year 11.

Above: Genesis Singut

Year 11

Above and right: Lorna Hill-Cunningham

Left: Taleesha Aniba - Year 11.

Above : Monique

David- Mosby - Year 11

Left: Kyra Yeatman - Year 11.

Left: Jilla Wurki

Year 11.

Below left: Maria Bosen - Year 12.

‘Sense of Self’ Painting.

Work Experience 2014 This year 10.1 will be attending Work Experience during week seven the 2nd—6th June 2014. In Career development this term, the students have been discussing in class career options, based around their personality, interests and abilities. Many of our students already have a clear understanding of where they see themselves in the future, and some are still figuring out what industry best suits them.

Making career decisions whilst still a teenager can be a very daunting task. We have discussed in class that our current year ten students may still be working in the year 2080. Who knows what jobs will be available then! Work Experience is a valuable time for students to experience the world of work. Gaining first hand experience and working on the job is an excellent way for our students to obtain an insight into a particular field of work. It helps to know early on if you are suited to, or enjoy a particular profession. Students in 10.1 will all have received their Work Experience paperwork. If you can assist your child with a work experience placement, please read through the information and complete and sign the relevant documents. If you would like to have a chat with me about a suitable position for your child please do not hesitate to contact me at the school. Mrs Natalie Van der Zant Vocational Education and Training Coordinator

NAPLAN 2014 tests timetable

- Language conventions includes spelling, grammar and punctuation

- Numeracy includes number, space, algebra, function and pattern, measurement, chance and data

- Calculators are NOT permitted in the Numeracy test in Years 3 and 5. In years 7 and 9, there is one Numeracy test

where calculator use is permitted and one where it is not.

Tuesday 13 May Wednesday 14 May Thursday 15 May

Year 3 Language conventions

40 minutes

Writing

40 minutes

Reading

45 minutes

Numeracy

45 minutes

Year 5 Language conventions

40 minutes

Writing

40 minutes

Reading

50 minutes

Numeracy

50 minutes

Year 7 Language conventions

45 minutes

Writing

40 minutes

Reading

65 minutes

Numeracy

Calculator

40 minutes

Non-calculator

40 minutes

Year 9 Language conventions

45 minutes

Writing

40 minutes

Reading

65 minutes

Numeracy

Calculator

40 minutes

Non-calculator

40 minutes

Health Services Excursion

Year 8 Visit Atherton Health Services

The year 8’s are studying the Health Services of Australia and in particular the

Health services that are in Atherton.

We visited a variety of Health Services available to the public of the Atherton

Tablelands.

They are investigating their services, who their services are aimed at, timings

and days that are opened so that they can produce a brochure of a chosen

Health Service.

All enjoyed the tour and are keen to produce

their brochure.

By Pam Dillon - PDHPE Teacher

Upcoming Events - 2014

Sun 11th May Mothers Day

Tues 13th-Thurs 15th May Naplan Tests - Year 9

Tues 13th May Years 10 & 12 Careers and Education Expo - Cairns

Fri 16th - Sun 18th May MSB Team @ Wheelbarrow Race - Mareeba to Chillagoe

Wed 21st May Year 10 Hospitality Excursion - Hilton Hotel Cairns

Mon 26th May National Sorry Day

Year 11 Biology Excursion - Trinity Beach Cairns

Wed 28th May Year 11 and 12 Hospitality - Restaurant Function @ MSB

Mon 2nd - Fri 6th June Year 10 Work Experience

Year 9 Expedition - Walsh River

Wed 4th June Science Skills ICAS Test

Fri 6th June Readers Cup Regional Final @ Malanda SHS

Mon 9th June Queens Birthday Public Holiday

Tues 10th - Thurs 19th June Study Zone

Mon 16th - Fri 20th June Writing Skills ICAS Tests

Thurs 19th June Australian National Chemistry Competition

Fri 20th - Tues 24th June Block Exams

Wed 25th - Thurs 26th June MSB School Athletics Carnival

Thurs 26th June Term 2 ends @ 3pm

Fri 27th June Boarders Travel home

School Holidays commence

MSB Office closes @ 4pm

Tues 8th July Atherton Show Holiday

Mon 14th July MSB Office Re-Opens @ 8am

Fri 18th July Cairns Show Holiday

Mon 21st July Boarders travel to school

Tues 22nd July All classes commence Term 3

The best way to protect your child from the negative effects of cyber bullying is to educate yourselves and them about: Online respect and manners Keeping passwords safe Not giving out personal information and images Building strong, supportive relationships with family and friends Not replying to the bullies online. Reporting bullying behaviour to parents, teachers and police Teenagers are afraid that if they tell you about cyber bullying, they will lose their rights to have their phones

and computers. This puts them at more risk because they will not tell you when there are problems. Teach them to use the technology acceptably and deal with bullies properly.

The technology is here to stay. Try to understand the social media world your child lives in.

Pay attention to the programs and apps they are using.

Visit www.thinkuknow.org.au for more information and ideas.