Montrose Bay High School Newsletter - Term 1 Week 6

Message from the Principal

I am thrilled to share that we have had a great start to the school year, filled with a variety of engaging activities and events that have set a positive tone for the months ahead. We kicked off the year with our Meet the Teacher BBQ, which was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with our dedicated staff and wider community. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and it was fantastic to see so many of you there enjoying some music and food.

Our Outdoor Education program has also been a highlight, with students enjoying kayaking sessions in the pool at the moment before heading to open water in the coming weeks. It's always a joy to see our students embracing new challenges and learning outside the classroom.

In addition to these activities, we have conducted student testing to better understand each student's strengths and areas for growth. This information is invaluable as we tailor our teaching approaches to meet the needs of every learner. Our catering classes have been a hit, with students learning essential cooking skills and exploring their creativity in the kitchen. The delicious aromas wafting through the school have been a highlight for both staff and students.

The 24Carrot Garden program has been another exciting initiative, teaching students about sustainable gardening and healthy eating. Watching our students plant, nurture, and harvest their own vegetables and turn them into sauces and meals for our community has been fantastic. Our Tier 2 classes are in full swing, providing targeted support to students who need it most. The progress we are seeing is a testament to the hard work of our teachers and the determination of our students.

Starting next week our Year 7 and 9 students will complete NAPLAN testing, in a school of our size the testing is a significant logistical puzzle so I would like to thank all staff and students who will support and participate. A big thanks to Mrs Buchhorn who manages this across the school supported by Mrs Stewart. We would encourage all students to ensure they are prepared for the testing period with good sleep and healthy foods across the week.

Looking ahead, there is a sense of excitement around the upcoming Year 7 camp at Blue Lagoon. This end-of-term adventure promises to be a memorable experience, filled with outdoor activities, team-building exercises, and plenty of fun. It is an expectation that all Year 7 students attend this camp unless they have a medical illness or condition that prevents them. There is a cost associated with the camp but as a school we are very supportive around payment plans and working with families to ensure all students can engage in the event. We can't wait to hear all the stories and see the photos from this much-anticipated event.
     
As we move forward, we are committed to our main improvement priorities:

1.    Reading: We are implementing new strategies and resources to enhance reading skills across all year levels. Our goal is to foster a love for reading and ensure every student achieves their full potential in literacy.

2.    Student Engagement: We are dedicated to creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and motivated. Through diverse programs and activities, we aim to keep students actively engaged in their education.

3.    Attendance: Regular attendance is crucial for academic success. We are working closely with families to address any barriers to attendance and ensure that students are present and ready to learn every day.

Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm. Together, we are creating a vibrant and dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive.

Tim Nicholas
Principal

School Association

Parents and carers, are you curious about the behind-the-scenes of teaching and learning at MBHS? Do you want to have a say on school matters? Please consider coming along to the MBHS Association. We meet once a term on a Tuesday afternoon and always welcome new members or parents who just want to drop in and observe. Contact the school office for details of the first meeting of the year.

Zoe Smith
School Association Chair

Year 7

As the new school year begins, it's been an exciting time in the Year 7 space as we welcome fresh faces to Montrose Bay High, marking the start of their next chapter in education. The first five weeks of the term have been filled with learning, socialising, and adjusting to new teachers and classroom environments. Our students have been embracing this transition, demonstrating the Montrose Mindset, and upholding the core values of respect, courage, connection, growth, and responsibility.

It’s been wonderful to see students recognized and rewarded for their excellent attendance during assemblies. We will continue to encourage all students to aim for ‘5 from 5 days at school’, as regular attendance plays a crucial role in academic success. Every day at school truly matters.

Looking ahead, the second half of the term holds exciting events, including our Year 7 camp. It’s important that validation forms are returned promptly. The first class to do so will be rewarded with a high-stakes pizza lunch!

From the staff perspective, we are incredibly proud of the effort Year 7 students have shown so far, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them and their families throughout the year.

Liam Rice
Grade 7 AST 

Year 7 Mathematics

Starting the term in Mathematics, Year 7’s focus is on the use of the four operations and using efficient calculation strategies to solve problems.

We are also becoming ‘Thinking Classrooms’! This is supporting students to share their mathematical knowledge and skills with each other.

Rebecca Jeffrey
Teacher

Year 7 HASS

In Year 7 HASS, students are diving into the exciting world of business and entrepreneurship! They’re learning all about what it takes to start and run a successful business. From understanding needs, wants, goods and services to collecting data from their peers to inform their business plan, they’re developing key skills of being successful entrepreneurs. They are now in the process of applying their knowledge to create their own business ideas and preparing to pitch them. We can't wait to see the innovative business ideas they bring to life.

Nagaela Hall
Year 7/8 English & HASS Teacher

Year 7 Science

Starting the term in Science, Year 7’s focus is Lab Safety and obtaining our Lab Licence. By the end of the term, we will do our unit on Earth and Space. We had our first lab practical and it involved a Colour Challenge by carefully following the method and measuring liquids.

Rod Pontes
Teacher

Year 8

Year 8 students have settled nicely into the new school year thanks to an emphasis on fostering strong relationships between students and teachers to create a positive and supportive learning environment. 

A big focus for Year 8 term is the following values and positive behaviours from the Montrose Mindset:
•    Courage: We don't say no, we have a go.
•    Connection: We are welcoming and inclusive of all, regardless of differences.
•    Respect: We follow reasonable instructions.

Assemblies have been a great way to promote a positive culture in our grade by celebrating these positive behaviours, as well as student learning and achievements. A highlight of assemblies has been our Home Group Challenge where students compete against other home groups in mini challenges for the prestigious plastic championship Home Group Trophy. 

The Prioritised Australian Curriculum is well underway in year 8, with core subjects undertaking the following units of work -

 English: Big Hero 6 - Film and Narrative techniques
Mathematics: Integers and the 4 Operations
Science: Planning Investigations
HASS: Medieval Europe
Health: Bullying and Resilience 
Physical Education: Basketball 

In addition to core subjects, students are exploring a range of specialist classes, including Materials, Design and Technology (MDT), Media Arts, Music, and Drama. These are half year subjects done in home groups. We also have classes accessing the 24 Carrot Garden program to learn more about growing fresh produce and how to use it in our cooking. 

We look forward to the positive vibes in Year 8 continuing. 

Jack Young
Year 8 Assistant Principal

NAPLAN 2025

Year 7 and 9 students have been exploring the NAP online platform in English and Maths lessons in preparation for NAPLAN assessments next week. NAPLAN assessments will be taking place from March 12th until March 24th -  

•    Wednesday 12th March – Writing
•    Thursday 15th March – Reading
•    Friday 16th March – Conventions of Language 
•    Tuesday 18th March – Numeracy 
•    17th March – 24th March – catch up testing

Families can help students to prepare by supporting them to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast, and encouraging them do their best in every assessment. Don’t forget that Breakfast Club is available in our Canteen area every morning before school.

For more information about NAPLAN, please visit the NAPLAN website (link below) or contact the school.

Student Health

School Photos Day

A reminder that our School Photos Day is on Monday 17 March 2025.  To order photos, please refer to the information below - 

Dates to Remember