31 July 2026
Every Bay Girl Has a Story: Celebrating the Launch of Bay Girls
Moreton Bay College is delighted to share Bay Girls, a special commemorative picture book created to celebrate the College’s 125-year milestone and honour the generations of girls who have shaped our community.
Commissioned with the support of the Moreton Bay College Old Girls’ Association and the MBC P&F, Bay Girls was created as a book for every girl. Through its pages, readers are invited to discover the many qualities, interests, passions and dreams that make each Bay Girl unique.
Written by MBC Old Girl and acclaimed children’s author Dannika Patterson and illustrated by award-winning Australian illustrator Kristen Willis, the book reflects the spirit, values and rich history of Moreton Bay College.
The creators shared a common goal from the outset: to create a story in which every Bay Girl could see something of herself.
“Our hope is that every Bay Girl will see something of herself in the pages of this book, no matter what unique combination of things lights her up and makes her shine,” said Dannika and Kristen.
That vision is already resonating with readers, with many of our youngest students excitedly identifying themselves in the characters, interests and experiences woven throughout the story.
A Special Contribution from Our Youngest Bay Girls
Adding an extra layer of meaning to the book is the contribution of the Prep cohort of 2025, now our Year 1 students. As part of Dannika’s Textures of our School workshops, students explored the College grounds, creating texture rubbings from natural and built elements around campus, including logs, leaves, pavers and play spaces. These textures were later incorporated into Kristen Willis’s illustrations, becoming part of the visual landscape of Bay Girls.
Families reading the book are encouraged to keep an eye out for these unique details hidden throughout the pages, creating a fun and meaningful connection between the students and the finished story. The original texture rubbings will also become part of the College archives, preserving an important contribution to this milestone project.
Hidden Treasures and MBC History
For keen observers, Bay Girls contains a number of thoughtful references to Moreton Bay College’s history, traditions and values.
Throughout the illustrations and text, readers will discover subtle “Easter eggs” that pay tribute to the College’s heritage. From Alice Greene’s ruler and the chapel dove to symbols inspired by the College crest and meaningful words such as heart, mind, courage and hope, each detail helps tell the story of MBC’s past, present and future.
These hidden elements create opportunities for Old Girls, current students, staff and families to reflect on shared memories and discover new connections to the College’s rich history.
A Lasting Keepsake for the MBC Community
For 125 years, Moreton Bay College has educated, nurtured and empowered girls, beginning with the visionary leadership of the Greene sisters in 1901. Today, Bay Girls stands as a celebration of that legacy and the countless stories that continue to be written by the girls who walk through the College gates.
Beautifully written and illustrated, the book is a keepsake for current students, future Bay Girls, Old Girls and families, capturing the heart of what it means to belong to the Moreton Bay College community.
Copies of Bay Girls are available for purchase from the MBC Uniform Shop or online via Flexischools.
About the Author
Dannika Patterson is an award-winning children’s author and presenter who has written more than 20 books, including Jacaranda Magic, The Big Book of Rights and Hedgehog the Wonder Dog. A proud MBC Old Girl, she is passionate about inspiring and empowering young people through storytelling and creative workshops.
About the Illustrator
Kristen Willis is an award-winning Australian children’s book illustrator whose warm and playful artwork brings stories to life. Trained as both a fine artist and graphic designer, she combines traditional and digital techniques to create vibrant and engaging picture book worlds. Her debut picture book, Peek-a-Boo Lottie, was shortlisted for the CBCA Awards.
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Every Bay Girl Has a Story: Celebrating the Launch of Bay Girls
Moreton Bay College is delighted to share Bay Girls, a special commemorative picture book created to celebrate the College’s 125-year milestone and honour the generations of girls who have shaped our community.
Commissioned with the support of the Moreton Bay College Old Girls’ Association and the MBC P&F, Bay Girls was created as a book for every girl. Through its pages, readers are invited to discover the many qualities, interests, passions and dreams that make each Bay Girl unique.
Written by MBC Old Girl and acclaimed children’s author Dannika Patterson and illustrated by award-winning Australian illustrator Kristen Willis, the book reflects the spirit, values and rich history of Moreton Bay College.
The creators shared a common goal from the outset: to create a story in which every Bay Girl could see something of herself.
“Our hope is that every Bay Girl will see something of herself in the pages of this book, no matter what unique combination of things lights her up and makes her shine,” said Dannika and Kristen.
That vision is already resonating with readers, with many of our youngest students excitedly identifying themselves in the characters, interests and experiences woven throughout the story.
A Special Contribution from Our Youngest Bay Girls
Adding an extra layer of meaning to the book is the contribution of the Prep cohort of 2025, now our Year 1 students. As part of Dannika’s Textures of our School workshops, students explored the College grounds, creating texture rubbings from natural and built elements around campus, including logs, leaves, pavers and play spaces. These textures were later incorporated into Kristen Willis’s illustrations, becoming part of the visual landscape of Bay Girls.
Families reading the book are encouraged to keep an eye out for these unique details hidden throughout the pages, creating a fun and meaningful connection between the students and the finished story. The original texture rubbings will also become part of the College archives, preserving an important contribution to this milestone project.
Hidden Treasures and MBC History
For keen observers, Bay Girls contains a number of thoughtful references to Moreton Bay College’s history, traditions and values.
Throughout the illustrations and text, readers will discover subtle “Easter eggs” that pay tribute to the College’s heritage. From Alice Greene’s ruler and the chapel dove to symbols inspired by the College crest and meaningful words such as heart, mind, courage and hope, each detail helps tell the story of MBC’s past, present and future.
These hidden elements create opportunities for Old Girls, current students, staff and families to reflect on shared memories and discover new connections to the College’s rich history.
A Lasting Keepsake for the MBC Community
For 125 years, Moreton Bay College has educated, nurtured and empowered girls, beginning with the visionary leadership of the Greene sisters in 1901. Today, Bay Girls stands as a celebration of that legacy and the countless stories that continue to be written by the girls who walk through the College gates.
Beautifully written and illustrated, the book is a keepsake for current students, future Bay Girls, Old Girls and families, capturing the heart of what it means to belong to the Moreton Bay College community.
Copies of Bay Girls are available for purchase from the MBC Uniform Shop or online via Flexischools.
About the Author
Dannika Patterson is an award-winning children’s author and presenter who has written more than 20 books, including Jacaranda Magic, The Big Book of Rights and Hedgehog the Wonder Dog. A proud MBC Old Girl, she is passionate about inspiring and empowering young people through storytelling and creative workshops.
About the Illustrator
Kristen Willis is an award-winning Australian children’s book illustrator whose warm and playful artwork brings stories to life. Trained as both a fine artist and graphic designer, she combines traditional and digital techniques to create vibrant and engaging picture book worlds. Her debut picture book, Peek-a-Boo Lottie, was shortlisted for the CBCA Awards.
