8 May 2023

Newsletter Articles

Message from the Principal

Being ‘truly international’ isn’t about the number of languages you can speak, or how many stamps there are in your passport. With regards to education, being international is about opening your mindset to a broader way of thinking. As we become more global, both as individuals and as communities, we begin to look at issues differently, and topics such as politics, international relations, and international development become increasingly relevant.

(University of Leeds, 2018)

When I first considered accepting the principalship of Montessori International College, it was the values espoused in its name and teaching philosophies that excited my curiosity. Since then, the past 15 weeks has reinforced how important our College’s raison d’etre is for offering a unique contemporary education for our students here on the Sunshine Coast.

Previously, I have written about our Montessori values and how they inform all we do here at the College. We place our students at the centre of everything we do: recognising, respecting and celebrating their uniqueness and boundless potential; respecting their freedom to choose, and the importance of multi-age classrooms on their growth and development. Strategically, the leadership team is reviewing a realignment of our early years and primary organisational structures and locations to better accommodate ages and stages for optimal experiential learning and personal development in the Montessori tradition. Our team is very excited by the process so far and I look forward to announcing the improvements by the end of Term 3 for commencement in 2024.

Today, I want to explore the “International” component of our College and what it means in our context, both strategically and for our students. Originally, MIC was set up to include an internationally focussed curriculum and was selected as part of the Montessori international group of schools recognised for their Adolescent Programs. Some years ago, the International Baccalaureate Careers Programme was introduced briefly into the senior years at MIC but coinciding with the Qld introduction of the ATAR system and then the onset of the pandemic, the decision was made not to continue with the program at that stage. However, the alignment between Montessori values and the International Baccalaureate’s values is considerable and worth revisiting. For example, the IB Diploma Programme is:

A future-ready programme that builds students’ inquiring mindset, fosters their desire to learn, and prepares them to excel at their careers and lead meaningful lives.

(International Baccalaureate Organisation ibo.org)

As a designated “international” college, we now need to strategically review our offerings for students’ pathways beyond MIC, so hence we will be revisiting the College’s interest in the International Baccalaureate’s programs and assessing their fit with our core values and educational philosophy. I look forward to providing more information on our strategic planning in Term 4.

We will also be reviewing our communications with parents and our community. It is timely to analyse what is currently occurring and re-think our frequency, format, audience and access opportunities. The College has engaged a highly experienced expert in communication strategy and you will see over the coming months some improvements to our interactions with our stakeholders. Parents and carers are key to our partnership in educating and caring for our students. I look forward to enhancing our understanding of each other over the coming months.

Ms Natalie Smith
Principal

Tomorrow and Wednesday this week we will be having a photographer on site at the College to capture our students and staff doing what you do best, learning creatively and engaging in the College community.

The brief from the photographer regarding preferred clothing for the photoshoot is as below, and can be considered for outfits on the day:

• Dress in neutral colours (that's beiges, light colours, denim, natural colours, no brights) - this goes for shoes wherever possible too
• Arrive with neat hair and nails
• Don't wear any loud jewellery
• Put your best smiles on for the day!

Please note: Care will be taken not to involve the students listed in the no published photos.

We will be coming in and out of learning spaces and the photographer will be selecting different students to participate. Please don't be disappointed if you aren't picked, he will only have limited time so will be choosing very quickly as he goes.

Thanks in advance for your help making the College shine this week!

School Calendar

Message from the Deputy Principal

I hope that you are all well and have enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating weekend. As we head into Week 3 of the term, I trust that you’re enjoying the slightly cooler weather that Autumn brings.

I wrote at the beginning of the term, informing you that we had undertaken a full security audit with our IT providers and that the initial, most urgent, outcome was to be the updating of student email addresses to ensure better child protection and e-safety. The preparatory work to enable this to happen has now taken place and you’ll receive some communication regarding this update later in the week with instructions for any steps you are required to take.

Teaching and Learning

I read with interest last week that the WHO has declared the Covid-19 global health emergency over. As we move further from the restrictions that Covid presented, it’s good to remember what is important and reconnect with important relationships and practices that were in place previously. Professional learning and growth are fundamentally important to the ongoing development of a school and its staff. This year so far, we have made connections with Montessori training centres and providers, and Montessori schools in our local and wider region with a view to working closely in creating opportunities for MIC staff to undertake and continue a journey of learning and personal and professional growth, and to share best practice with our peers and colleagues. It is important that we continue to reflect critically on our practice, both individually, and collectively as a school, so that we ensure we place students and their learning, growth, and development, at the centre of all we do.

We have recently reconnected with Montessori Australia, the leading national Montessori organisation. Amongst many benefits and professional learning opportunities for our school, one aspect that we will be undertaking soon is the Montessori Quality:Authentic Practice program. This program is designed to support schools in engaging in a process of review, improvement, and maintenance to ensure the highest level of Montessori experiences for every child. I will write to you further regarding this and what it means for our school later in the year.

Inclusion and Learning Support

For parents with children with IEPs or PSPs,, the team will soon be in touch soon, if they haven’t been already, to arrange to review and update provision and documentation and ensure that we’re meeting the needs and requirements of all learners. If you have any questions or queries regarding this, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

We have recently reconnected with Montessori Australia, the leading national Montessori organisation. Amongst many benefits and professional learning opportunities for our school, one aspect that we will be undertaking soon is the Montessori Quality:Authentic Practice program. This program is designed to support schools in engaging in a process of review, improvement, and maintenance to ensure the highest level of Montessori experiences for every child. I will write to you further regarding this and what it means for our school later in the year.

Tours

I have enjoyed meeting and touring families that are keen and excited to join our school and community. We have families touring and learning about our school regularly, and also commencing their MIC journey almost weekly. I am sure that you will, but please remember to make them all feel as welcome as you have made me feel.

I was fortunate enough to join a Land Walk with Andrew Maitland and a group of parents at the beginning of the term. These walks happen regularly (the next one is next Thursday). It was an incredible experience; we learned so much about the rich and diverse history of the land we are on and the work that is undertaken every day to care for it in respectful and appropriate ways. Andrew is amazing and is an absolute fountain of knowledge. I urge and encourage you to sign up for an upcoming walk, you’ll learn so much.

Finally, it’s a busy term ahead with a number of events upcoming, including Caring for Country, Reconciliation Week, and Sports and Family Fun Day; you will be updated with regard to all of these in the coming days and weeks. Ahead of those, at 6pm tomorrow, is the Year 6 Parent Conversation Evening. This evening is specifically for parents of Year 6 students, during which you can find out more about the developmental transition of a child to adolescence, and the rhythm of the day, and life, in Year 7 at MIC. Ahead of this, today, our Year 6 cohort visit the Adolescent Community. This Conversation Evening is a valuable opportunity for your family to discuss and ask any questions you may have. You are welcome to bring a shared plate for 6pm drinks and nibbles; I look forward to seeing you there.

Wishing you all a great week.

Rael Matthews
Deputy Principal

Message from the Assistant Principal

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Every day of the week ahead is filled with activities, events and endless possibilities for our community.

Monday will see the Year 6 students tour the Adolescent Community. The tour will focus on the differences between the Senior Primary years and the Adolescent Learning Program. They will catch up with friends of the past and ask any burning questions. Following this visit on Tuesday evening, the Year 6 families will join the Land and Community teachers and I for a conversation evening about the program and transition to the Adolescent Community.

Beginning Tuesday, a group of adolescent students from 7-10 will start producing and writing this year’s drama performance which will culminate in performances in August. If your adolescent wants to be involved, please register them for Tuesday Extended Day here . We are excited to see where their efforts take them and will share the journey in our weekly updates.

Wednesday and Thursday are all about sports, with students heading offsite to attend the District Cross Country and the Interschools Sports for Basketball and Volleyball. The District Cross Country team will run at the Big Pineapple on Wednesday. The two teams participating in the Interschools Sports round-robin competition which will take place over two days beginning Thursday, and concluding in week 6. We look forward to hearing all about the experiences and will share them in next week’s update. Please make sure all forms are completed and returned to Steve Ling. If you have questions, please contact Steve .

Thanks to Jakub and his dad Martin we will finish the week with a Pizza Lunch on Friday for all the Adolescent students and Parents along with the MIC staff. All proceeds from the lunch will assist the Year 12 students in their quest to reduce this year’s Graduation costs. All pizzas need to be pre-ordered and cannot be purchased on the day. Orders close Wednesday, May 10 - Order here.

Friday will also be the final day to support MIC Community Food Drive. Donations of non-perishable food items have been slowly dribbling in. Please take a look in the pantry and gift a couple of items. All items will be distributed to community kitchens on the Sunshine Coast. Containers to collect these donations will be placed outside the Roundhouse Main Entrance and Art Barn/White Space in the Adolescent Community. See our Schoolzine entry here for more information.

Year 12 student Lissy with some of the amazing donations at our Adolescent Community container.

MIC Sunshine Arts Fest Installation and Location

Have you heard?! We were selected as one of only six schools from the Sunshine Coast Region to take part in the annual Sunshine Arts Fest for 2023. The theme this year is Let the Shine In!

With only four weeks until the unveiling, the art installation is now well underway, with students feverishly working on the various elements which will come together to complete the final piece

Elyse Johnston and the group of dedicated adolescent artists working on the installation will host Sarah Sculley, the Artist Ambassador for Sunshine Arts Fest, on Wednesday, May 17. This will be the final workshop with Sarah before the Wednesday, June 7 installation date.

The installation will be located at Sunshine Plaza on Level 1 between Nude Lucy and Dotti stores and will be available to view between 8 June – 17 July, and public voting to determine the People’s Choice Award will open on Thursday, 8 June.

Duke of Edinburgh

Over the last few years, MIC has offered The Duke of Edinburgh program to students from Year 9 to Year 12. The program runs year-round, and students can enrol at any time. It is important to note that MIC’s Bronze-level Adventurous Journey takes place towards the end of term 2 and into term 3.

The Duke of Edinburgh is an exciting development program that provides young people with the opportunity to accept challenges and explore their interests in a program tailored to suit personal circumstances and choices. The Award is both fun and challenging and helps participants aged 14 - 24 build confidence and resilience.

Successful completion of The Duke of Edinburgh during Years 10 to 12 will contribute credit towards a student’s Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and is increasingly being recognised by potential employers.

The Duke of Edinburgh has three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold. To achieve these Awards, participants will complete an Adventurous Journey and regularly commit to three ongoing sections: Learning a Skill, participating in a community Voluntary Service and taking part in Physical Recreation.

For General Information, browse the Duke of Ed website

For further information on the Bronze Award offered at MIC, please view the Duke of Ed brochure or contact Steve Ling by email .

Year 10 Transition Letter

Parents with adolescents in Year 10 will receive a comprehensive letter this week with all of the essential information about the Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan journey, transition dates, work experience and much more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Year 11-12 Driver Education Program RYDA - Monday, May 15
Year 7 and 10 Student Vaccinations - Tuesday, May 16
Yr 11 and 12 Student Community Lunch - Wednesday, May 17
2023 Sunshine Coast Individual Age Chess Championships - Thursday, May 18

A small group of Adolescent students will be attending this year's Championships next week.

Land Walk with Andrew - Thursday, May 18

MIC parents are invited to a Rainforest Land Walk with Andrew from 8.30 am - 9.30 am (finish time will be flexible). Please RSVP via the ‘Book Tickets’ button here to give us an idea of the numbers.

Warmest regards,

Larissa Rook
Assistant Principal

Message from the Primary Program Director

Cross Country

Following on from our cross country training and this week's trials we selected a team of athletes to attend the Nambour District Cross Country Trial at the Big Pineapple on Friday 12th May. Our PE specialist Jaclyn Munge will accompany the students as they tackle the challenging 2 and 3 km courses.

We wish the following students good luck,

• Tadhg Campbell-Lee,
• Bruce Kalch,
• Banjo Grant,
• Elijah Wood,
• Jason Macdonald,
• Tye Ridland,
• Mahlo Green,
• Harrison Kenman,
• Grace Ireland,
• India Ezzy,
• Dare Cozens
• Xander Fraser

Jaclyn Li-lin Munger and Steve Ling
HPE Specialists

Proud Community Representatives

Xander Fraser District Football

We’d like to congratulate Xander for his incredible achievement of being selected to represent our Nambour District in the 10-12 years old boys’ Football Team. Xander was picked for his outstanding skill and ability as a defender. Xander’s commitment, hard work and passion for the game are an inspiration to all aspiring soccer players and athletes alike. Look out for this young talent as he continues to pursue his passion and hopefully take it to new heights in the near future! Well done Xander!

Harrison Kenman District Softball

We’d like to congratulate Harrison for his amazing accomplishment of being selected for the Regional Team for 10-12 years old Boys’ Softball Team. Harrison’s passion and dedication to the sport has paid off and we are extremely proud of him for earning his spot in the Regional Team! Onwards and upwards! Well done Harrison!

Lunchtime Clubs

Gardening

Gardening club has commenced and students have been busy weeding out the compost bays, planting new seedlings and sampling the delicious mandarins and passionfruit. So far we have added asian greens, tomatoes, radishes, golden beetroot and a selection of lettuces. We look forward to watching new growth and future cooking from our wonderful garden.

Reni Johnstone

Choirs

The Senior Primary Choir is well underway with Jeunae Rogers leading the group. They are working on the song “The Seed” by Aurora. I stopped in and heard some of their last rehearsal and it is sounding amazing, complete with 3 part harmonies.

Junior Primary Choir excitedly got their first session in, we have a large and enthusiastic group. We started with some vocal warm ups and then began learning the song “Never Argue with a Bee” by American songwriter Malvina Reynolds.

Shannon Green
Music Specialist

Playspace and M+

Our Playspace afternoons have been busy with outside play, lego creations and cubby building. We've also been learning cup stacking which has been challenging and fun. It's wonderful to see imaginations soar and minds create!

Our M+ activities have kicked off for Term 2 with lots of excited faces heading off to Chessmates, Gecko Sports, Calmer Kids Yoga, Clay Club and Soccer-X. There are still limited spots for Gecko Sports and Soccer X so it's not too late to register! John from Gecko Sport is offering a free trial for any newcomers so please contact him! john@geckosports.com.au

Tracey Hall
Playspace and M+ Coordinator

Wandi’s New Friend!

This week, Wandi prepared the fish tank for the arrival of a new friend. Hardwin and Yegor went on a ´Going Out´ to the local pet store to purchase a new pet for the classroom. They chose an orange and white spotted fish that we are eager to name next week. The boys were responsible for speaking to the shop attendant and making the purchase, practising the skills required to engage with society outside the walls of our school environment.

Wira Mathematics

In Wira we love our maths and materials!

Dr Montessori believed that a child's mind is mathematical and based on the order of perceptual awareness found in the development of the senses. The acquisition of mathematical principles is seen as developing logically from concrete to abstract, and from simple to complex.

Junior Primary Chrysalis Investigation

Junior primary students have been learning about lifecycles and have had the excitement of watching real chrysalises turn into butterflies! Once the butterflies emerged and their wings were dry, we were able to release them into the veggie patch to start the lifecycle again. In the coming weeks, they are going to plant some different seeds in the veggie patch to explore the different life cycles of plants.

Prep - Science Unit - On the move

This term the Prep classes are investigating how and why things move in our ‘On the Move’ science unit. Through their investigations the students are learning about forces such as push and pull through movements such as rolling, bouncing, spinning and tumbling. They start to discover how scientists and engineers apply these concepts to study the performance of athletes, and in the design of toys, cars and other vehicles.

In class we looked at several toys and sorted them according to what force or action we observed.

Prep Outdoor Walk

The Prep children have commenced their outdoor program with Andrew. They have been walking around the college looking at the different native plants and trees. The children are learning about the different trees, identifying important or unusual features and looking at leaf shapes. In the coming weeks, we will continue to look at the parts of a tree and discuss its important function.

Senior Primary - Cultural Fair Preparation

One of the big highlights of the year for the Senior Primary students is the annual Cultural Fair. This year we are zooming in on the continent of Asia. The students have organised their groups and chosen the countries that they will report on and begun their information research. Through our studies, we look at culture, geography, history, politics, geography, statistics, resources and national symbols. This deep work will continue over the next few weeks, culminating in the big Cultural Fair event in week 8.

Term Dates 2023

*Wednesday 15, November 2023 (Year 12), Thursday 23, November 2023 (Years 10 & 11), Wednesday 29, 2023 (Prep-Year 9)

Student Free Days:

Friday, March 31
Friday, September 1
Thursday, November 30
Friday, December 1