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Mount St Bernard College, Herberton QLD

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Mount St Bernard College, Herberton QLD
Mount St Bernard College offers a quality, co-educational Catholic secondary education for Years 7 through 12 in the Mercy tradition.
15 Broadway
Herberton
QLD
4887
PO Box 14 Herberton Qld 4887
Cairns & Far North
07 4096 1444

Enrolment Spaces available

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Narelle Hunt
  • Secondary School
  • Single School Location
  • Catholic
Year 7 - 12
Catholic
No
Co-ed
165
BoardingBoarding Available
  • Academic Achievement
  • Co-curricular Activities
  • Community
  • Creative Arts
  • Culture / Tradition
  • Discipline
  • Educational Support
  • Employment Pathways
  • Faith / Religion
  • Information Technology
  • Music
  • Numeracy / Literacy
  • Pastoral Care / Guidance
  • Performing Arts
  • Personal Values
  • Resources / Facilites
  • Science/Technology
  • Social & Emotional Learning
  • Sport
  • Tertiary Pathways
  • Welfare
  • Chinese
  • French
  • Cross Country Running
  • Netball
  • Rugby League
  • Swimming
  • Touch Football
  • Volleyball

Mount St Bernard College offers a quality, Catholic secondary education for young people, male and female, in Years 7 through 12.  At MSB we are proud of our Mercy traditions, while remaining responsive to the contemporary needs of students who seek a faith-based education that will stand them in good stead for the future. 

Our College is a culturally diverse community which provides a holistic education that nurtures the academic, spiritual, emotional, physical, cultural and social development of individual students in a caring, safe and supportive environment. At MSB we recognise the individuality of every one of our students. We seek to help each student become the best person they can be, by providing quality learning and teaching and making available a rich tapestry of sporting,artistic and other co-curricular activities, to help them discover and develop their personal giftedness.

Mount St Bernard College offers a quality, Catholic secondary education for young people, male and female, in Years 7 through 12.  At MSB we are proud of our Mercy traditions, while remaining responsive to the contemporary needs of students who seek a faith-based education that will stand them in good stead for the future. 

Our College is a culturally diverse community which provides a holistic education that nurtures the academic, spiritual, emotional, physical, cultural and social development of individual students in a caring, safe and supportive environment. At MSB we recognise the individuality of every one of our students. We seek to help each student become the best person they can be, by providing quality learning and teaching and making available a rich tapestry of sporting,artistic and other co-curricular activities, to help them discover and develop their personal giftedness.

 

 

Years 7 & 8
• English
• Mathematics
• Health and Physical Education
• Religious Education
• Science
• Humanities
• Social and Emotional Learning
• Elective Rotations: Food & Fibre Technology, Industrial Technology, Digital Technology, Business Education, Visual Art, Music & Media.

Years 9 & 10
• English
• Mathematics
• Health and Physical Education
• Religious Education
• Science
• Social Science
• Social and Emotional Learning
• ICT10115 Certificate I in Information Digital Media Technology (MSB30410) (Year10)

Students may then choose subjects in areas such as:
• Visual Arts • Graphic Design
• Food & Fibre Technology
• Business Education
• Drama • Industrial Technology
• Digital Technology
• Music

Years 11 & 12
SENIOR GENERAL COURSES
(these are used for Tertiary Entrance and ATAR requirements)
• Biology
• Chemistry
• General English
• English as an Additional Language
• Graphics
• Mathematical Methods
• General Mathematics
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Study of Religion
• Visual Arts
• Business
• Design
• Digital Solutions
• Modern History
• Legal Studies



Please note the courses offered in the elective courses in years 9, 10, 11 & 12 vary from year to year according to student selection of the courses and numbers which make courses viable.

SENIOR APPLIED SUBJECTS:
• Agricultural Practices
• Visual Arts in Practice
• Essential English
• Essential Mathematics
• Industrial Technology Skills
• Information & Communication Technology
• Religion and Ethics
• Business Studies

CERTIFICATE COURSES:

• SIT10216 Certificate I in Hospitality (MSB 30410)
• SIT20416 Certificate II Kitchen Operations (MSB30410)
• HLT23215 Certificate in Health Support Services (Connect N Grow and Binnacle Training 40518)
• 10324NAT Certificate III in Education (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) TAFE and RATEP (0542)
• CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services (Connect N Grow and Binnacle Training 40518)
• SIS20313 Certificate II in Sport and Recreation (MSB 30410)
• MEM20413 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MSB 30410)
• AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations (Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges 31258
Situated above the rolling hills of the AthertonTablelands, on the very top of the mountain range in Herberton, Mount St Bernard College provides the best of both worlds - access to Cairns’ facilities including its domestic and international airport and shopping complexes, as well as the tranquility and quiet rural world of Herberton with its bird song and leafy grey gum trees.

The campus is a blend of beautiful, historic buildings and modern facilities that together provide the physical spaces for the traditions, resources and essential elements of a quality education designed to meet the needs of today’s students.

The new residential facility has been cleverly designed to blend unobtrusively into the environmental surrounds of its peaceful and picturesque location.

These new and refurbished boarding facilities will equip the college to provide a modern and quality environment for our boarders, where ‘living and learning’ is integrated and natural.

Updated Library, Science, Teaching and Administration facilities will also enhance the College’s service delivery to families and students. Significant technology upgrades demonstrate the College’s level of commitment to meeting current and future student learning needs.

The stunning blend of heritage buildings and modern facilities reflects both the College’s historical richness and its investment in the future of its students.

Apart from the well-appointed general teaching areas, some of the features of the day campus include:

An extensive, up-to-date Resource Centre
IT computer rooms and laboratories
Interactive whiteboards and overhead projectors
Fully equipped general Science laboratories (Biology laboratory and Physics laboratory)
Visual Arts Centre, Technology, Manual Arts (Trade Training Centre) and Home Economics Centres
Large multi-purpose main hall for sports and school assemblies. Main Hall is also utilised for parent community meetings, and serves as an examination centre.
Sporting facilities including rock climbing wall, tennis courts, basketball courts (indoors and outdoors), hockey field, netball courts (indoors and outdoors), volleyball courts, soccer fields and cricket nets
A fleet of six buses and three cars to transport students to and from excursions and sport.

Boarding at MSB

Morrissey2

 

Residential facilities at Mount St Bernard College offer a safe, nurturing and caring environment for girls and boys from many areas across Far North Queensland, the Torres Strait, Tablelands, Northern Territory and beyond who need to be away from home for their education.

Mount St Bernard College can accommodate 170 boarders in contemporary and comfortable facilities. The modern and progressive design of these facilities promotes independent living as part of the educational experience. The design has also taken into account the serenity of the surrounds, to blend with the magnificent old gum trees on the site.

An Orientation program helps new students to settle in to their new surrounds. New boarders and a close family member spend time at the College’s boarding facilities before the start of the term. Students have the chance to make new friends and find their way around the College, eating meals in the dining room and sleeping in the dorms. Parents have the opportunity to finalise administration matters and familiarise themselves with the school’s facilities and ancillary services. They meet boarding, teaching and tutorial staff and form friendships with other parents and carers who attend.

 

Weekly Boarding

Weekly Boarding is available as an alternative to full boarding. Weekly Boarders must be picked up and returned to the College either by parents or someone delegated in writing by parents or upon arrangement with boarding staff may be permitted to leave by bus. Parents or the nominated person must sign the student out on Friday afternoon at 3.30pm and have them back and signed in by 6.00pm on Sunday evening. There is a reduction in fees for weekly boarding.

Morrissey Bedroom 1

An atmosphere of care, an environment in which students feel safe and valued, a sense of belonging and identity, and the development of the whole person is the essence of Pastoral Care and one of Mount St Bernard College’s greatest strengths.

Pastoral Care allows for the integration of the academic, social and spiritual dimensions of the College and is founded on the Gospel values of Love, Care, Faith, Justice, Forgiveness, Peace, Compassion and Hope, so that “they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Based on the concepts of community and family, each student at Mount St Bernard College is acknowledged as an individual with particular needs and all are welcomed and cared for within the context of a small community where each member is valued.

Students are encouraged to respect themselves and others and to be sensitive to the rights and needs of fellow students. The College has high expectations for student behaviour and presentation that begin with a willingness towards self discipline and achievement on the part of students. The College’s Mission Statement, Code of Expectations and Behaviour Management Policy form strong foundations for ensuring the rights and responsibilities of students are protected, and a favourable learning environment free from distractions is created.

Counselling and guidance services are an integral part of the Pastoral Care program of the College.  Both personal and careers counselling is provided to promote student wellbeing.

‘Respect, Participation and Effort’ are the key values underpinning life at MSB.

‘Respect, Participation and Effort’ are the key values underpinning life at MSB.
As a Catholic school, Mount St Bernard College is an integral part of the work of the Church. The values and mission of the Church, drawn from the life and teaching of Jesus, are the foundations of the college ethos; an ethos supported by all members of the school community – students, parents and staff.

A Catholic education nurtures and celebrates God’s presence in people, community and creation. It celebrates the inherent goodness of people, nurtures their dignity and self-worth, treats them with respect and helps them develop their God given uniqueness.

Catherine McAuleyMount St Bernard College’s tradition stems from the charisms of the Sisters of Mercy and their founder, Catherine McAuley. Catherine’s vision was to empower persons, especially poor young women and children, to improve their human situation through education and so have the opportunity to realise their potential.

According to Catherine’s vision, education is an essential ingredient in the betterment of both individuals and society.

Through her abiding respect, love, and concern for the needy, Catherine demonstrated her commitment to the social justice dimensions of the Christian educational vision. For Catherine, loving the poor meant empowering them, especially through education, to become architects of their own future.

These Mercy values pervade Mount St Bernard College and help all within it to live out the vision of Catherine McAuley as an expression the call of Jesus.
Drawing our inspiration from the Gospel of Jesus and the Mercy Tradition, we empower young people through our commitment to education to become persons of faith, learning and hope, and so contribute to their communities. We are committed to the values of:

Community – living and giving gracious hospitality in the spirit of family,
Mercy – acting justly with a compassionate heart,
Respect – valuing self, others, environment and the purpose of school,
Excellence – striving towards personal best, and
Wisdom – gaining life enhancing knowledge and skills.

Within the context of these values, all students and staff at the college are expected to:

Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible

Non State Schools Transport
Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS)
PER SEMESTER
The Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) provides financial assistance to eligible
applicants paying more than a certain weekly threshold in bus fares to enable their children to travel
to non-state schools located outside the Brisbane City Council boundary.
The college will pay the families’ bus transport costs up-front so they do not have to outlay money
before receiving the benefit of the Qld Government funded Bus Transport assistance scheme. This
means the maximum any family pays for bus transport to and from MSB is $9.00 per day irrespective
of the number of children enrolled. Also included in the maximum daily family payment is siblings’
bus transport to Tableland Catholic Primary schools. The threshold payment of $35.00 per family per
week will be included in the Statement of Account for fees from the College.
During Semester 1, 2025, the standard weekly threshold is $35.00 per family per week. For
applicants who have an approved Commonwealth concession card (Health Care Card, Pension
Concession Card (PCC) or Veterans Affairs PCC) the threshold is $25.00 per family per week. This
concession card must be in the name of the applicant, not the student.
BUS COMPANIES
RTM Bus Service – Robert McCarthy PH: 0417 787 301
Mareeba – Tolga – Atherton
Altitude Bus Service – Terry Shelley PH: 0427 566 338
Ravenshoe – Herberton
Trans North – Michael Comino PH: (07) 4096 5262
Millaa Millaa – Tarzali - Malanda – Yungaburra – Atherton – Herberton
Following enrolment at Mount St Bernard College, parents should contact the relevant bus company
to secure a seat on the bus. Midway through terms one and three, application forms are sent home
for completion to participate in the Assistance Scheme.
Further information is available at the student enrolment interview.

Screenshot 2025 11 03 at 12.24.19 pmScreenshot 2025 11 03 at 12.22.09 pmScreenshot 2025 11 03 at 12.22.24 pmScreenshot 2025 11 03 at 12.21.31 pm

Mount St Bernard College has a long tradition of educating children from diverse backgrounds and has established scholarship programs to support students and their families.

We are fortunate to be able to offer a range of Scholarships and Bursaries for entry to Years 7 – 12. Many of these awards have been established due to the generosity of the Sisters of Mercy, Colleen & Frank Sims and Mount St Bernard College.

Scholarships may be full or partial awards towards the cost of tuition.

All scholarships and bursaries are subject to specific terms and conditions.  Awards will commence in 2026, and, subject to the conditions detailed, the offer letter will generally continue for the duration of the student’s enrolment at Mount St Bernard College until graduation from Year 12.

Please forward completed applications to the Enrolments Officer – msb.enrolments@cns.catholic.edu.au

For further information please Ph: 4096 1485

2026

 

See Also:

Love this college. They do a wonderful job for their students. Susan J Burke

 

If you are interested in employment opportunities at our school please visit the following page:
Principal's Image

Welcome to Mount St Bernard College, a Catholic co-educational day school and boarding college for Year 7 – 12 students.  Our vision is to empower young people to commit to the values of community, mercy, respect, excellence and wisdom.

Thank you for showing interest in our College.  By exploring our website, you will experience Mount St Bernard’s vibrant, inclusive and welcoming school community and gain greater insight into our Catholic Identity and Mission, enrolments, curriculum offerings, wellbeing supports, community service, boarding facilities, extra-curricular programs and scholarships.  We strive to generate environments, opportunities, support and pathways for every individual student to flourish and thrive – academically, socially, spiritually, emotionally and physically. We celebrate the cultural and religious diversity of our community ensuring authentic connection, understanding and mutual respect.

Mount St Bernard College is an integral part of the Herberton community and welcomes students from both the local community and regional and remote locations.  The College offers holistic education and prides itself on building futures through education in the Mercy tradition and spirited learning so that students can “Let their light shine.” An education at Mount St Bernard College nurtures students to become well-rounded, aspirational, confident young people ready to embark on their own personal career journeys.  Our students develop a sense of social justice; a voice and the skills and courage to make a difference in the lives of others. It is an education where the leaders of tomorrow are formed. It is an opportunity to form friendships for life.

Our Catholic identity and Mercy values are at the centre of all that we do.  Religious education is an integral aspect of our College’s curriculum but students also experience sacramental life throughout their daily life at the College.  Active participation in special celebratory mass, Caritas Australia fundraising and service in social justice activities to educate and encourage our students to contemplate and develop empathy for others.

Our College welcomes cultural diversity and nurtures students to develop an understanding of each-others stories, traditions and beliefs.  It is through this compassion and understanding of each other that we create a strong family spirit at the College, ensuring our Day and Boarding students feel welcome, understood, listened to and valued as individuals.  We pay homage to First Nations People and take great pride in our annual NAIDOC celebrations.

The College strives to lead an innovative and engaging curriculum that supports students to become lifelong learners.  All of our teachers are encouraged to develop and implement evidence-based strategies that enhance and promote student learning.  Our teaching teams undertake professional development each year to build their expertise in contemporary pedagogical practices to enable them to bring contemporary skills and knowledge to the classroom.

We realise each student progresses developmentally in their learning at their own unique pace and we ensure we know our students so we can best support them on their learning journeys.  A range of support and extension programs are delivered to meet students’ diverse learning needs.  Small class sizes allow for personalised learning and a focus upon pathways to post-school ambitions for each student. The College provides tertiary, trade and vocational pathways to ensure all students are catered for.  Each year our graduates go on to university, trade and employment pathways after completing Year 12. 

As a Catholic residential boarding College we can offer students, in partnership with their parents, a very complete and fulfilling educational experience. The College has effective pastoral and wellbeing support for all students whether they are local day students or boarders. This support goes a long way to ensuring students are ready and able to learn. If you would like to know more about what we can offer please feel free to visit the College or contact us by email or phone. We also make regular regional and remote community visits. We are committed to working with families in the interest of the best outcomes for each student.

I personally would like to welcome all new and returning families to the College.  It promises to be an exciting year.  I look forward to sharing this with you all.

Yours sincerely

Narelle Hunt
Principal

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Mount St Bernard College, Herberton QLD

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