By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Gospel – Mark 1: 21-28

Mark’s Gospel tells us of a time when Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, where he encountered a man possessed by an unclean spirit. Jesus was able to command the spirit’s departure, demonstrating his authority over demonic forces and his role in bringing spiritual liberation to all.

Within the context of Assumption College, how does this Gospel relate? The answer is found within Jesus as a Teacher.

Authority and Authenticity:

Effective teaching often involves speaking with authority, passion and authenticity. Our teachers are challenged to be knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. For example, our Mathematics Teachers are currently involved in a Professional Learning Team (PLT) called Effective Pedagogy in Mathematics. This PLT is designed to advance and enhance effective pedagogy in Mathematics. This team will explore innovative strategies grounded in research to inspire deep mathematical understanding and positive outcomes for our students. To achieve this, the PLT will collaborate to enhance our teachers’ teaching skills and foster and promote critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This PLT will empower staff through professional dialogue, observations, visitations, profiling, data narratives, and practical classroom experiences. This empowerment will elevate our teaching and ensure our students gain confidence and better outcomes.

Engagement and Impact:

Successful teaching goes beyond the transfer of information; it involves engaging learners intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually – educating the whole individual. Teachers who can inspire a sense of curiosity and foster active engagement often leave a lasting impact on their students. Some teachers selected the PLT as the Development of ACW’s Aspirational Culture. Assumption College is committed to developing an aspirational culture that encourages and promotes all students to be the best they can be, including positive engagement in quality learning and wellbeing experiences and leadership opportunities. Key improvement strategies have been proposed as being, networking with high-performing colleges and schools that enliven aspirational cultures and discernment of best practices for ACW, continuing to develop, investigate and support leadership opportunities across all year levels, and convening a student/staff/community committee to establish the definition of the behaviours that need to be established for the development of an aspirational culture. Furthermore, we are committed to continuing to develop an understanding of ACW’s attitudes and behavioural characteristics (how we work and what we do) within the community – led by student leaders, as well as utilising assemblies, meetings, etc. to reinforce our culture. 

In drawing parallels between Jesus as a teacher and our teachers at Assumption College, we find common principles related to authority, authenticity, engagement, and impact. Whilst there are countless other parallels that we could draw, such as recognising and empowering the individual or spiritual and moral guidance, at the heart of it, Jesus as a teacher serves as an inspiration for educators, emphasising the profound impact and responsibilities that teachers have within our community.

Opening Mass Address

For those of you who were unable to join us at our Opening Mass, Presentation of 2023 Dux, and Academic Pin Awardees for Semester 2, 2023 – I have attempted to recreate my Opening Address. For those who have heard me speak, you would know that I contextualise these speeches. Therefore, it is not a perfect rendition; however, I present to you what I recall.

Welcome to our esteemed guests who were able to make it this morning; I do have an apology from Ms Madonna Sleba – Director of Teaching and Learning from Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office.

Our Mayor Vic Penisi, Fr Franco, Laura Watson – Principal of Freestone State School and Emma Timmins – Principal of St Mary’s School, Warwick.

The theme of 2024 is the Sower of Seeds, a theme that our 2024 Senior Cohort created when they became our College leaders at the end of Term 3 last year. I have spent the last few months thinking about this theme and how to tie it to my opening address. The opening address is a pivotal time, as it sets the tone for the entire year – I take this responsibility seriously.

How do I ensure that I am able to make our theme relevant to each member of our community, to our students, to our staff, to our parents and guardians, and our entire community?

Naturally, it came to me when I had to repair the garden that Honey had lovingly assisted in digging up. Replanting seeds to replace the damaged plants – I was amazed by how small the seeds were that would one day (hopefully) grow into a beautiful garden.

So, it is the little things, not a foreign concept for us, as this is what Julie Collins has spoken to us about all last year. Do the little/small things well, and the rest will follow.

So here are my three little seeds to start this year –

1. Embrace gratitude and let it fuel your ambition – be grateful for all that you have and that you have achieved so far, but recognise that it is simply the start. The gains you made last year are the benchmark for this year – they are the starting line.
2. Abby Wambach – two-time American Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion – writes in her book Wolfpack:

Make failure your fuel. The old rule used to be that failure meant you were out of the game; the new way of thinking and knowing is that failure means you are finally in the game. Participation is key.

3. Remember that as a member of Assumption College, you are never alone. I want you to take a moment to look around. Smile at the people next to you, across from you, within your pastoral care group, in your classes … these are the people who are on this journey with us. I now want you to look down at the emblem – our college crest - on your blazer, your shirt, your jumper. Take note of where it is sitting – over your heart. This is not an accident. Our College Crest was designed by Sr. Mary Soubrious, a teacher from 1971 to 1973. Right in the centre is our symbol of Mary – our staff and the Marian ‘M’ with a crown honouring our Mother Mary.

While reading over the holidays, I came across a sermon from St Bernard of Clairvaux. He encourages us to Respice stellam, voca Mariam! Look to the star, call upon Mary.

If the storms of temptation arise, if you crash against the rocks of tribulations, look to the star, call upon Mary. If you are tossed about on the waves of pride, of slander, of hostility, look to the star, call upon Mary … In danger, in anxiety, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary … when you are terrified by judgment or in despair, think of Mary. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear. If Assumption holds you, you will not fall; if Assumption protects you, you need not fear. Our Lady is our guide and safe haven … in all ways, for always.

2023 Senior Cohort Results

As no doubt you would have seen, our 2023 Year 12s achieved exceptional results.

Snapshot of our 2023 Cohort results:

• 100% of students attained a QCE
• ATAR over 95% - 98.60 – Tom Ryan and 98.25 - Alex Newley
• 22% of students achieved an ATAR over 90
• 35% of students achieved an ATAR over 80
• 69% of students achieved an ATAR over 60
• 50% of students received an early offer to university
• 12 students completed a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship
• 100% of school-based apprentices and trainees completed or converted to full-time work
• 100% of students who applied for university gained a position.

The success of Assumption College’s 2023 Senior Cohort has been attributed to a commitment not simply to reach a benchmark but to soar above it consistently. It would be simple to reach for cliches to explain the exceptional work of students, parents/caregivers and staff; however, that is not a true reflection of the grit and determination that every community member demonstrated to ensure the success of our young people. Quite simply, the success of 2023 is grounded in the understanding that every young person proved to be the hardest working person for their own success and that through the support of the entire Assumption College community, they are now soaring.

May our Mother Mary grant her blessings upon our College Community. 

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal Curriculum 

As we embark on the 2024 school year, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the successes and achievements that lie ahead.  It is with great pleasure that I introduce some key members of our dedicated Teaching and Learning team, who will play pivotal roles in shaping our students' academic journey.

Mrs Natalie Bennett - Director of Teaching and Learning: We are delighted to welcome Mrs Natalie Bennett as the Director of Teaching and Learning.  Mrs Bennett will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our curriculum, QCE, and academic endeavours.  Feel free to contact her at natalie.bennett@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Ms Megan Lawler - Enhanced Learning Program Leader: Joining our team is Ms Megan Lawler, who takes on the role of Enhanced Learning Program Leader.  Her focus is to enhance all students' teaching and learning experience, providing support and opportunities for extension.  Reach out to Ms Lawler at megan.lawler@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Mrs Cate Tunstall - Data and IT Program Leader: Mrs Cate Tunstall has assumed the position of Data and IT Program Leader, overseeing all aspects of IT integration and data collection for teaching and learning purposes.  You can contact Mrs Tunstall at cate.tunstall@twb.catholic.edu.au.

New Curriculum Leaders:

Mr Richard Coe - Curriculum Leader – Arts and Performance

Mrs Bianca Retallick - Curriculum Leader – English and Languages

We warmly welcome Mr Coe and Mrs Retallick to their respective roles and are confident that their expertise will contribute significantly to our curriculum team.

Subject Choices and Changes: Students are encouraged to finalise their subject choices promptly.  Subject changes will only be permitted after the end of this week if there are extenuating circumstances.  Decisiveness at this stage ensures a smooth start to the academic term.

Tutoring Program: Our tutoring program resumes this year every Thursday afternoon in the library from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm.  This invaluable opportunity provides students with support across various subjects.

Assessment Calendars and New Assessment Policy: Assessment calendars will be distributed shortly, accompanied by our updated assessment policy, available on the College website.  We urge all students and parents/guardians to familiarise themselves with this document to ensure a fair and just assessment process.

Semester 2

2023 Academic Awards

Last week, we presented students with the following criteria on their Semester 2, 2023 report with Academic Pins.  Congratulations to all the students!

Year 7, 8, 9 and 10:  GOLD - 7 As and nothing less than a B

                               SILVER - 6 As and nothing less than a B

                               BRONZE – 5 As and nothing less than a C.

Year 11 and 12:       GOLD - A combination of 5 As and/or Achieved All Competencies                               (CA) for certificates, and nothing less than a B.

                              SILVER - A combination of 4 As and/or Achieved All                                  Competencies (CA) for certificates, and nothing less than a B.

                              BRONZE - A combination of 3 As and/or Achieved All                               Competencies (CA) for certificates, and nothing less than a C.

For any curriculum-related concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact your child's Curriculum Leader or any of the team members mentioned before.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to a year filled with academic achievements and growth.

 By Mrs Jo Winlaw, Acting Assistant Principal Mission and Identity 

Hello Assumption College!

I am delighted to have joined this vibrant community and look forward to meeting more of you as the year progresses.

The term began with our Opening Mass and it was heartening to see the College community come together to celebrate one of the key elements that makes us a distinctively Catholic community. Thank you to Fr Franco for leading us in this wonderful celebration of the Eucharist that reflected the theme for 2024, ‘Sower of Seeds’, selected by the senior students of the College last year, promoting their goal of leaving a legacy.

YEAR OF PRAYER

On January 21 this year, Pope Francis announced that 2024 would be the ‘Year of Prayer’. He encouraged us all to pray for unity and peace as well as stating that, "Today we begin the Year of Prayer; that is, a year dedicated to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in personal life, in the life of the church and in the world." A prayer for peace seems a good place to start for 2024.

We will be looking for opportunities to enhance the prayer life of the College this year in aspiring to follow this exhortation of Pope Francis.

I look forward to working with the College community to pray and serve as we are called to model generosity, compassion, wisdom and justice to all.

Blessings,

Jo Winlaw

By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing

Welcome back to returning students and families, and welcome aboard to our new families!

There is certainly an information overload at the beginning of any school year, so please contact the College if you are unsure or need clarity on any of the events the College is hosting.

Initial contact for families regarding wellbeing should be directed to the Pastoral Leaders.  Your children have been introduced to their Pastoral Leaders and for your reference, they are listed below.

Year 7	Mr Fabian Carrasco
Year 8	Mr Brady Retallick
Year 9	Mrs Dimity Gardner
Year 10	Mrs Jill Hume
Senior	Mr Patrick Donnelly

Brett Lee

We were fortunate to have Brett Lee from Internet Safe Education present to every student in the College.  This was followed by a parent/guardian session which was also well attended.  There never seems to be enough reminders for our young people to stay safe online.  Please see the Safety Hub information from Internet Safe Education. 

We have also provided information from the eSafety Schools’ Hub.  eSafety is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety.  Please take advantage of the support offered by eSafety through the information and link below. www.eSafety.gov.au/schools-hub

By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager 

Recently the Australian Government announced an additional mechanism to support families to apply for the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) if they consider themselves to be eligible. The SSBI National Referral Centre, managed by Anglicare Victoria, will work directly with families to assess eligibility, and support them through the process.

 The steps families should follow are as below:

1. Contact Anglicare Victoria on 1800 954 610 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm AEST/AEDT), www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet or email studentinternet@anglicarevic.org.au. Callback and webchat functions are also available via the website
2. Check eligibility – the Anglicare team will help determine eligibility and confirm suitability for the program, by checking a number of things including the residential address and current financial situation of the applicant
3. If eligible, the family will be issued a voucher for redemption at any of the participating SSBI retail service providers. Anglicare will also be available to assist with contacting SSBI service providers of choice or follow-up support. 

 To be eligible for SSBI, a family must: 

• Have a child living at home who is enrolled in an Australian school in 2024
• Not have an active nbn network internet service at home (having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility)
• Live in a premises that can access the nbn network
• Not have had an active nbn connection during the previous 14 days. Families recently disconnecting an nbn service will be required to wait 14 days before applying for the SSBI program. 

Feel free to encourage families to contact the SSBI National Referral Centre directly if they consider that they may be eligible for the SSBI.

Please find an information brochure attached which can be distributed to your students and families. For further details about SSBI please visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI.

I am pleased to share with you the latest update on the construction of our new Learning Resource Centre and classrooms, a project that marks a significant milestone in the enhancement of our College's educational facilities.

It is our responsibility to ensure that our College not only excels in providing top-tier education but also in creating an environment that fosters learning and growth. I am delighted to report that our building project is progressing smoothly and remains on track to be completed within the scheduled program dates.

Current Progress:

Our construction team at DMC Construction Group has been working diligently, and we have seen considerable advancements in the building phase. The blockwork has been successfully completed, laying a strong foundation for our new facilities. Structural steel has been erected, paving the way for the next stages of construction.

What's Next:

The coming weeks are set to be busy, with several critical activities planned. We will see the fitting of trusses, which will support the roof of our new building. Concrete will be poured in more ground floor sections, ensuring a solid base for our educational activities. The completion of drainage works, and the installation of a new lift well are also on the agenda, improving accessibility and functionality within the campus. Additionally, the steel framing and roofing of the first-floor section will commence, shaping the exterior of our new learning spaces.

Looking Forward:

We understand the importance of keeping our community informed and involved in our College’s developments. Rest assured, we are committed to providing regular updates as we move closer to completing this transformative project. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to welcoming you to the new Learning Resource Centre and classrooms.

To give you a glimpse of what's to come, we are excited to share an artist’s impression of the finished product. This visual representation brings our vision closer to reality, showcasing the modern and dynamic spaces that our students and faculty will soon enjoy. The completion of this project will not only enhance our College’s infrastructure but also enrich the learning experience for our students.

By Mr Thomas Duggan, Sports Coordinator 

Welcome back to all of our families and students for 2024. 2024 is going to be yet another wonderful year for all of our young athletes here at Assumption College with many opportunities for them to participate in their chosen sports or even try their hand at something new.

We have already kickstarted 2024 with our Annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival on Thursday of Week 1. This was a wonderful start to the year as we were able to showcase to our new Year 7 cohort and a number of new students in other year levels, what the sporting life here at Assumption College is all about. Participation was great, yet again, across all of our competitive and social races. We also had a phenomenal amount of records broken by three of our students. Well done to Maeve Moore, River Stewart and Jett White for breaking these records:

Please also see our list of Age Champions and Runners Up. Congratulations to these students on their fantastic efforts:

                              GIRLS

                                 BOYS

Congratulations to all students in Donovan House and their leaders Gracie Forbes and Tahlia Wallace for winning the Lee Gundermann Spirit Award for their displays of aspirational culture and spirit.

Congratulations to Romero House students and their leaders Amity Willet and Morgan O’Leary for their efforts in the pool to win the Interhouse Relay Trophy and the overall Champion House.

The sporting calendar is very hectic during Term 1 and we are working towards rolling out a digital Sporting Calendar for Parents/Guardians to access via our College Website. Until this has been rolled out and made available, please check the Darling Downs School Sport Website for all dates for regional trials, otherwise students will be notified of trials within due time of them occurring.

I look forward to updating you all throughout the year with all of our sporting successes.

By Mrs Amanda McCosker, College Chaplain

Welcome back for 2024! I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing break and that you all found some time to indulge in something that makes you happy. It is so lovely to see everyone back at the College, filled with excitement and enthusiasm for the year ahead of us. 

Our Year 7 cohort have spent their first few weeks at secondary school receiving lots of information about new routines and expectations, while making new friends and exploring all the new opportunities available to them here at the College. It’s been great to see our senior students step up and make sure nobody is left unsure of what to do or where to go in their early days here. 

Breakfast Club will be back in Week 3! We will have our usual offerings of juice and toast to help everyone have the best possible start for their day. You can find me outside Room 204 every morning, so feel free to swing by and say hi.  

One thing I’d love for you all to keep in the back of your minds as we tackle this new school year together is the value of being kind to each other. You may never know the difference a kind act will make in another person’s life. Look out for each other and look after each other; every person deserves to feel valuable.  

Have a great week!     

By Ms Taylor Quinn, Teacher Librarian

Welcome back to the library in 2024 – we are very excited about the new building that is taking shape, a little more each week.  Bring on Term 3 and the big move to our new and exciting space!

In the meantime, we have a multitude of Year 7 students popping into the library to check out the space and lots of returning friendly faces catching up on holiday news. 

Our lunch program will commence next week (first break) with craft on Tuesday with Mrs Driver, Chess on Wednesday with Mrs Wooding and Dungeons and Dragons with Miss Quinn on Thursday.  There are games and books available every day. We look forward to getting to know our new students and perhaps challenging them to a game or two!

We regularly have discussion boards in the library for students to share their worthy ideas and inspirations.

Our first discussion board topic for 2024 is ‘What new thing are you going to try in 2024’?  Some of the thoughtful answers show that our students want to grow in many different ways this year!

The library also holds a wonderful collection of books that may be of interest to our wider community. If you would like to browse our collection, please check out our library catalogue at https://au.accessit.online/ASS01 and contact the library directly to borrow (assumptionlib@twb.catholic.edu.au).

After our wonderful presentations last week by cyber-safety expert Brett Lee, we would like to let our community know that we hold a copy of Brett’s book ‘Screen Resolution’ in the library that may be borrowed by parents.

From Brett Lee's book, we know he has spent thousands of hours online as an internet detective pretending to be a teenager, hunting down and prosecuting offenders. In Screen Resolution, Brett describes his experiences in real and powerful terms, profiling predator behaviours and exposing their sinister intentions. Often confronting and at times disturbing, Brett’s account will help you discern the truth behind the screen and what you can do to protect your families online.

                      Supporting Families at home - SSBI engagement team

Trusting the start of 2024 has been kind to you all.

With the start of the school year just around the corner, this is a great time to be having conversations with your networks, communities, families, parents, and carers about the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).  

With the recent program extension there is now more time to promote and support families to sign up to SSBI.

• New families have until 31 December 2024 to take up the SSBI offer.
• If families sign up asap - this offer means close to 2 school years of free internet until 31 December 2025.
• For families who have already connected, their free internet will automatically be rolled over until 31 December 2025.  

  Back to School Communication Materials

We’ve created assets to help organisations promote SSBI to families with students as they begin to return to the classroom, ensuring they are back to school ready!  We would be extremely grateful if you were able to use these materials to spread the word about SSBI to your networks and communities.

 Please follow the link here – for the available Back to School assets including a banner and newsletter/communication content.

The National Referral Centre is here to help both Nominating Organisations and families!

A reminder that families can continue to directly contact the SSBI National Referral Centre (NRC) to check their eligibility for the Initiative. After a family contacts the NRC, an operator will check their eligibility and support the family to get connected through a participating internet provider. 

What can the NRC help with?

• Eligibility checks – the National Referral Centre team will assess the family’s need and check their residential address against the eligibility criteria.  
• Call back, webchat and interpreting services are available for families and organisations.  
• Available to assist the family with contacting the SSBI internet service provider of choice.  
• Providing follow-up support for eligible families and available for any queries.  

 The SSBI eligibility criteria includes: 

• Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school. 
• Do not currently have an active nbn network internet service at home – Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility.   
• Live in premises that can access the nbn network through a standard connection.   
• Have not had an active nbn connection during the previous 14 days.  

 Contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm AEDT) - or by visiting the website: www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.

SSBI – National Referral Centre Poster: Translated Versions now available

The posters have been translated into 11 languages and can be accessed here.

The last file (found bottom right) combines all translations into a combined file – available within the same above link. We understand many of you were after one consolidated document so trust this is helpful.

Currently more than 6000 families have free internet at home thanks to SSBI, but there’s still more we can do. We very much hope, with your support, we can reach the target and provide free internet to 30,000 families by the end of 2024.

As always – thank you for the support of the School Student Broadband Initiative.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us directly.

SSBI engagement team

   St Mary’s Catholic Debutante Ball 2024.  

Calling all girls interested in making their debut at the Catholic Debutante Ball to be held on Friday,14th June 2024 in St Mary’s Hall. 

An Information Evening will be held on Sunday, 25th February 2024 in Assisi Place at 7p.m. All prospective debutantes and an accompanying family member are invited to attend.

Even if you are undecided and would like more information, you are most welcome to attend as registration is not required until May. 

For more information please contact 

 Sue Harris at tellsue@gmail.com

Christine Smith at Andersens Wood Street Warwick or by email at 

csmith@andersens.com.au.

Looking forward to meeting you on the 25th of February.

Strengthening Children Through Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can come with loads of heartache for children and their important adults, but there’s something else it comes with – the opportunity to strengthen all children against anxiety and build their brave – and we know they can be brave.

Saying ‘goodbye’ can be tough! Not only for our children, but for us too – even the strongest and bravest of parenting hearts can feel the wrenching that can come at separation. Separation anxiety exists for a good reason. We want our children to feel loved and supported, and we also want to build their brave so anxiety doesn’t stand in the way of the important, growthful things they need to do.

Of course we’d rather our young ones never feel the tailwhip of separation anxiety, but so many young people (and the adults who love them) are going to experience anxiety at separation from a loved one. It’s part of being human, but it doesn’t have to hurt. As their important adult, you have a profound capacity to support them through separation anxiety and help them feel braver, stronger, and closer to you, even when you’re not beside them – at school, at bedtime – any time they are away from you. In this one-and-a-half-hour webinar, we will explore practical, powerful ways to do this.

This is information I wish every parent could have. I’ll be speaking to you from my professional experience, but more importantly, I’ll be speaking to you from my parenting heart. Something you might not know about me is that my own experience with my daughter’s separation anxiety when she was a little person is what led me to this work. (She’s now one of the bravest women I know!

I know we can get kids through separation anxiety. I know the heartache. I know the feelings of helplessness. And I know we can get them through. 

If you can’t make the ‘live’ online event, that’s no problem at all. A recording of the webinar will be made available to all registered participants for 30 days.

We will explore:

• why separation anxiety happens, and the important job it’s there to do;
• the thing all loving adults will do (we’ll all do them!) that can inadvertently make their anxiety worse, and what to do instead;
• why their anxiety will fuel yours;
• what adults can do to soften the impact of separation;
• how to respond in the midst of anxiety – strategies for children, parents and carers (including teachers and other important adults);
• practical ways to support your child through separation anxiety;
• specific strategies for bedtime anxiety;
• the toolbox for young people – how to help all children feel bigger at separation;
• the connection between anxiety and aggression, and how to respond to big behaviour in the moment;
• the connection between anxiety, behaviour and learning, and how to work with this;
• a road map for supporting your child through anxiety – before, during, and after;
• why relationships matter, and how to facilitate relationships between children and their important adults (teachers, other important adults) in ways that will build brave behaviour.

Register for Webinar

Presented by: Karen Young (AUS)

Location: Online

Start Time: 6:30 pm

End Time: 8:30 pm

Cost: AUD $40

Date: 08/02/2024