By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Gospel – John 3: 14 – 21
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, … Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who hates the light, will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed…”
As Father Terry stated on Sunday, this Gospel is one of the most quoted and remembered Gospels of all time. Imagine believing in something so completely, that you would give the one thing that you wholly and utterly love to ensure its success.
Within the halls, classrooms, and breezeway of Assumption College, the juxtaposition of this Gospel’s understanding of light and darkness can be found in many interactions. Our belief in the message of Truth and Love serves as a reminder that our community members may experience moments of doubt, of discomfort and of hurt; however, when we are able to recognise the importance and power of Truth and Love, then the darkness cannot exist within the brilliance of that light.
Just as God was prepared to send his most beloved son to support and guide us through the darkness, that same light allows us to be open to all, regardless of background or circumstance. We, as the Assumption College Community, are an inclusive community that promotes and enlivens a positive and supportive place of learning for all.
John’s Gospel, provides us with a meaningful framework from which we can all strive to act with love, truth, integrity and a willingness to embrace inclusivity.

International Women’s Day

On Friday, 8 March 2024, Assumption College was once again invited to the Zonta Club of Warwick breakfast. Our College and House leaders, together with recognised STEM students, engaged with other members of the Warwick community, enjoying a meal and listening to the special invited speaker, Professor Deborah Terry AC, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland.

Project Compassion and Harmony Day

On Wednesday 13 March 2024, Assumption College celebrated Harmony Day in conjunction with a fundraising activity for Project Compassion. With Romero and McAuley House Leaders taking charge, students and staff were able to purchase red and green hearts for $1 each and write positive, inclusive messages to other members of our community. The next day, House Leaders delivered these messages, bringing much joy and fun into the lives of many. College leaders also sold icy poles for $1. This has seen our current collections for Project Compassion stand at $198.00 with more adventures planned between now and the end of Term 1.

March Charge

Thursday, 21 March 2024, is our annual Assumption College Cross Country. We have had two Year 10 students, April Nelson and Summer McKelvey, present to our Student College and House Leaders a proposal to have Assumption College enter a team in the Cancer Council’s March Charge for cancer research. House Leaders and April and Summer, will be encouraging all students at Assumption College to complete a lap of Queens Park to contribute to the 86 kilometres that each House will walk, run or dance, in order to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Encounters of the Heart – Brother Damien Price
Touch Says Love When No Words Can

My wonderful sister-in-law recalled in a letter to me the joy of holding her son Shannon in her arms for the first time. She wrote,
“Till the day I die Damien, I will never forget the joy of holding Shannon in my arms for the first time. Having a baby would have to be the deepest emotional experience that can happen to a woman and the most beautiful. A newborn almost transports you into another world away from inflation, greed, and violence, and leaves you laughing. And when you think about it some more, a baby would have to be the greatest teacher of us all; in that he teaches to find joy in all the simple little things in life. Shannon showed us for the first time that the garden is a wonderful place, the kitchen even more fascinating and bath time is splash time with a capital 'S'. They teach us the glorious fun of living and they make all our Christmases what they always should be. Unfortunately, they are only on loan and babyhood is so short. It is hard to believe that Shannon is almost two years old. That is why every precious moment with them should be savoured and enjoyed. I wonder what God will bless us with this time?”
I have never had the privilege and joy of being a father or mother, but I can recall holding my godson, Jacob, in my arms several hours after he was born. It was one of the most ‘wow’ times of my life. So delicate, so ‘at peace’, so snuggled into my arms – so one with the world and gifting it with his presence.

John's and Shannon's and Jacob’s stories could not be in more stark contrast to Alen, a Bosnian baby born to a rape victim during the Serbian – Bosnian war of 1992 – 1995. Alen was one of hundreds of orphan babies abandoned at the height of this most barbaric of wars centred on ‘ethnic cleansing’. While Alen, and the forty or more other babies, were given the basics of food until the abandonment by staff of the orphanage for fear of their own lives, what they were starved of most was physical touch. Luckily a humanitarian group quickly became aware of the plight of the abandoned babies and they were collected and resettled with families in Italy and other European countries. But the scars remain to this day for Alen and the others.

On another very sad occasion, I was visiting a Brother who had taught me at school. Denis was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and he knew it. He was so scared to know he was losing his awareness and ability to relate and connect: two of his greatest gifts. As I went to leave, Denis hugged me tightly crying, “Please don’t leave me!” When I finally slipped away about thirty minutes later it was one of the hardest walking aways I have ever done, with tears streaming down my face.
You may recall that last year I had the privilege of some weeks of sabbatical, and during that time, I walked some 400 km of the Camino in the North of Spain. I loved it. While the Spanish countryside was beautiful, our walking companions wonderful, the beers, food and wine to be savoured, one of the things that made it really special was the presence of my Camino companion. As we walked, we laughed and shared stories, cried at times, stood in awe at others, and generally honoured the gift of one another’s company. The icing on the cake, however, was the hug at the start of the day and the other that bookended it.
One of the most powerful learning moments of my life occurred when I was teaching away from Brisbane. I taught History and Geography in a co-educational school. One beautiful young lady, lets call her Simone, had been my student in both Year 9 and Year 10. The school finished at the end of Year 10 and Simone left to attend a large Senior Secondary College. I rarely saw her during her Senior schooling. Sadly, during her ‘Schoolies Week’, she was assaulted by two young men. The following February, I was back teaching at the Junior Secondary College and just returned to my office when there was a knock on my door.
I looked up and there was Simone. She stepped into my office and burst into tears. I moved over to her and she fell into my arms and hugged me tightly. Her sobbing came from deep within her. She just cried and cried and her body shook. From deep within me a voice said, “shut up!” So all I did was stand there hugging her. I don’t think I have ever felt so powerless in my life. I was empty. I could say nothing that could take away her pain. All I could do was come as a guest to her story, her trauma and her pain. All I could do was be present for her through my silence and my hugs.
Finally, I pulled up two chairs and we sat down. I took her hand as gently as I could and from deep within me came the words, “I’m sorry!” Simone looked at me. Her eyes, though still full of tears, seemed to know that I was there for her. After some time, I asked her if I could phone a female counsellor I knew who could walk the journey of healing with her, and thankfully, Simone agreed.
There is something powerful, healing, wholesome and beautiful in human touch - an expression of love. How many times have we heard a baby cry until they are picked up and cuddled? How many times have we had a baby or small child snuggle into our chests? Conversely, how many times have we seen sadness in the eyes, hardness in the body and a lifelessness in the spirit of those who have been deprived of touch?Touch must always come from a deep and profound place of respect. Touch says, “Namaste!” to the other: Namaste = the God and the sacred in me, see and honours the God and the sacred in you! But when touch, respectful touch, comes from a place of love, it liberates, it gifts, it heals, it makes whole and it points, heart and soul, to life to the full!

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

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal Curriculum 

NAPLAN

We extended our best wishes to all Year 7 and year 9 students who participated in NAPLAN assessments from Wednesday, 13 March until Monday, 18 March 2024. Catch up tests are scheduled from Tuesday 19 March to Thursday 21 March, 2024. It's important to note that any student present at school during this window who has missed a test will be required to complete the NAPLAN assessment.
Testing occurred within students' core classrooms, providing a consistent environment and familiarity for all participants. NAPLAN, the National Assessment Program — Literacy and Numeracy, evaluates skills in reading, writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and numeracy. These assessments offer insight into students' performance and complement our ongoing classroom assessment practices. Additionally, they provide valuable data for informing teaching strategies tailored to the needs of our student body.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) develops the tests and associated marking standards, while the QCAA (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority) coordinates administration, marking, and reporting of NAPLAN tests within Queensland.
Should you have any enquiries regarding the NAPLAN testing process, please don't hesitate to contact us at the College office.

Extension Process for Assessment

As we progress through the term, it's essential to understand the extension process for assessments, particularly for Years 7-10 students. To assist you, we've provided a flowchart below outlining the steps in our assessment policy.
For Years 7-10 students, extensions require a note from home to support their application, whereas Years 11-12 students necessitate a medical certificate or explanation of extenuating circumstances, including misadventure. It's crucial to note that this process encompasses exam periods as well.
Unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, incidents on the assessment day, family circumstances, or bereavement may warrant an extension. However, it's important to remember that technology failure is not considered an unforeseen circumstance, as students are expected to maintain backups of their work on OneDrive.
The QCAA has specific criteria for illness and misadventure extensions, including demonstrating that the situation was beyond the student's control and could not have been anticipated or chosen. If an illness or misadventure affects internal assessment, supporting documentation will be required, including diagnosis, onset date, symptoms, and the probable impact on assessment participation.
For non-medical claims, written evidence from relevant independent professionals or third parties may be necessary.
Should you require further clarification on the extensions process, please feel free to reach out to us.

By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing

Illness at School

Rude versus Mean versus Bullying

The term bullying is not new to College settings. When teaching students about bullying, it is important to provide clear definitions and distinctions to help students understand what constitutes bullying behaviour and what qualifies as being mean or rude.

A reminder about the expectations with regards to attending extra-curricular and co-curricular activities at the College. The following excerpt is from the letter sent home to all year levels at the beginning of the year.

We thank you for your support in ensuring your child is meeting standards and becoming the best version of themselves.
If your child has not met standards or expectations, and there is enough time for restorative practices to occur before an event, the student will be able to work with their Pastoral Leader and Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing to earn the right to attend.

If your child finds themselves in a situation where they are in jeopardy of not meeting the expectations of the College, then you are encouraged to contact their Pastoral Leader, Julie Collins (Assistant Principal – Pastoral and Wellbeing) and/or Liisa Hammond (Principal).

By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager 

Building Project Update - Learning Resource Centre and Classrooms

We are thrilled to share the latest progress on the Assumption College Learning Resource Centre and Classrooms project. Several critical milestones have been achieved, bringing us closer to transforming our educational spaces. Here are the key highlights:

1. Trusses and Roofing: The fitting of trusses and the completion of roofing on the first-floor section have significantly shaped the exterior of our new learning spaces.

2. Concrete Foundations: Concrete has been meticulously poured in additional ground floor sections, providing a solid foundation for our educational activities.

3. Improved Accessibility: The installation of a new lift well ensures improved accessibility and functionality within the campus.

Should you have any further inquiries, feel free to contact the College office on 4660 4000.
Thank you for your continued support as we shape the future of Assumption College Warwick!

By Mr Thomas Duggan, Sports Coordinator 

Jim Stevens Cup and Steph Hancock Cup

On Monday 11 March, 2024, Assumption College students attended the annual Jim Stevens Cup and Steph Hancock Cup which is a Rugby League Gala day for boys and girls in our region. This year, ACW had over 100 students attend which is a record number for us. We fielded four boys' teams, which included two Junior u13 teams, one u15 team and an Open team. We also fielded two girls' teams, which consisted of Years 8-10, as well as a Year 11 and Year 12 team. The girls played in a fixtures format with no final series. Our girls all did extremely well and were able to demonstrate the development of Girls' Rugby League within our region. All of our Boys' teams featured in the Grand Final for their age groups. Our two u13 teams played off against each other in the Grand Final, which was an amazing achievement. Our u15 boys' team narrowly lost in their Grand Final. Lastly, our Open Boys' team had a win in their Grand Final. Overall, this was yet another great day for Sport at our College.

Important Sporting Reminders

Cross Country
Date: Thursday, 21st March
Venue: Queens Park, Warwick
Notes: Students arrive at school as per normal and will be collected from school as per a normal school day.

By Town and Country Journal

Doc Bodimeade Encouragement Award

After showing amazing improvement in the past year, Assumption College student Aiden Brown was presented with the Doc Bodimeade Memorial Encouragement Award by Jacque Bodimeade and received $250 from the Condamine Sports Club at the annual junior sports awards.
He won bronze in the 50m breaststroke swimming in the S19 multi-event class for 13-year-olds at the nationals at the Gold Coast.
Aiden also competed in 50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke.
He trains four to five times a week under Andrew Fidge at the Allora Pool and then keeps fit swimming at WIRAC during the colder months.
Aiden had earlier won $100 from the Warwick Credit Union for his monthly junior sports star win.
Nominations for sports awards (under 18) welcome to Town and Country Journal, email editor@thedailyjournal.ink

Jacque Bodimeade presents the Doc Bodimeade Encouragement Award to Assumption College student and champion swimmer Aiden Brown at the annual sports star dinner. Photo Gerard Walsh, Town and Country Journal.

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie, College Counsellor

Raising Body-Kind Teens - For Parents (Zoom)

Join the experts at Butterfly Foundation for this practical webinar on supporting positive body image in teenagers. Includes strategies on:

• Managing social media
• Reducing appearance talk and body comparisons
• Increasing body appreciation
• Supporting Body Kind eating and movement
• Responding to negative self-talk and
• Appearance bullying
• What to do if concerned.

WHEN: Wednesday, 20 March 7 - 8.30pm (AEDT)
COST: $15
VIA ZOOM: Time-limited recording available

Butterfly Foundation are a nationally recognised charity dedicated to the prevention of and early intervention for eating disorders.

Art Excursion

On Friday 1 March, 2024 students travelled to the QAGOMA in Brisbane to take in the many and varied art displays at the two galleries and the current feature exhibition of Fairies at GOMA. Much conversation was had about the diversity in the national and international collections. It was pleasing to see students gather together to discuss  different artworks and the overall conversation at the end of what they liked, ideas they could explore, connections to their current studies and works they could never have imagined themselves.
The gallery had some interactive artmaking displays where students paused to make their own characters and objects and played with film and reflection - parts of this Tarragindi Castle will be coming to the Warwick Art Gallery in coming weeks.
The Fairies collection of artworks also drew from the history of books and film. There were artworks representing famous stories, some challenging expectations of the stories, and also artefacts from film and stage as well as many inclusions of many film-based works. The galleries' cinemas are playing a roster of fairytale films from across film history and international classics.
Thanks to the students for how they represented Assumption College on the day and for their willingness to be open to the experience.

By Donna Williams, Teacher

Friendship Morning Tea

On Tuesday 5 March 2024, an enthusiastic group of Year 10 Hospitality students joined our local senior citizens for a morning of friendship and food at the Warwick Senior Citizens Centre. Our hardworking students came in early to make the morning tea before College. The senior citizens were treated to a morning tea of freshly made sandwiches, cake and fruit. We hope that they enjoyed their morning as much as we did. Well done students!

By Richard Coe, Curriculum Leader

Variety Showcase Rehearsals in Full Swing! 

The last few weeks have seen rehearsals for, and ‘buzz’ around, the Assumption College Variety Showcase, step up a considerable notch! The Senior T-Birds, directed by the inimitable Denise Dewhurst, have been stepping back in time every Friday, and their tribute to a music theatre classic promises to be a real treat for our audience. Years 7 and Year 9 Drama students, under the direction of Mr Salter, Miss Quinn and Mr Coe, are set to deliver hilarious and touching performances to keep watchers entertained and intrigued. And, as always, the musical performances, under the skilled stewardship of Ms Wijesooriya, Ms Hohenheim and Mr Buchannan, highlight the diverse and wide-ranging talent we have at Assumption College. Our fantastic showcase of talent (alongside a few guest staff appearances) will set the Warwick Town Hall ablaze on Friday 26 April and Saturday 27 April, 2024. Information on how to obtain your free ticket will be provided soon.(Donations on the night encouraged)

Junior House Band Makes ACW Debut!

The brand new Assumption College Junior House Band made their debut during the whole school assembly held on the 12 March, 2024. This new and exciting ensemble, facilitated by Sathumi Wijesooriya, chose the classic Train song ‘Drops of Jupiter’ to introduce themselves to the world – and what a great performance it was! Ably assisted by the technical wizardry of Abraham Fern, the group (consisting of Rose Walsh, Susanna Spiller, Lucy Spiller, Charlie Thomson, Olivia Pfingst, Gabriella Riordan, and Tia Stewart ) sounded fantastic and received rapturous and warm acclaim from the rest of the school community. Following in the footsteps of the Senior House Band, (who took us back to the 1960s with their rendition of ‘Ob La Di, Ob La Da’ by the Beatles in the previous assembly), the Junior House Band look certain to become a permanent fixture in the ACW Arts Collective!

Coming Up!

Saturday 27 April, 2024 - Workshop by internationally renowned artist Svenja on ‘Wearable Art’.

Friday 26 April - 27 April, 2024 - ACW Variety Showcase

Tuesday 30 April, 2024 - International Dance Day. Look out for a letter promoting a full day workshop with education group Australia

Satuday May 11, 2024 - Theatre trip to see Woman in Black at QPAC

By Mrs Amanda McCosker, College Chaplain

Harmony Day

We may only have two weeks left of this term, but they are going to be busy! This week, we celebrated Harmony Day and recognised the importance of our cultural differences, by wearing splashes of orange and sharing positive messages with staff and fellow students. The red and green hearts we shared with each other were also a symbol of our support for the ongoing struggles of the people of Gaza. It was so great to see the students getting involved in this activity and great to hear such positive conversations happening around the College.

Easter

Next, we will be thinking about all things Easter and we will be running a “Guess the Number of Easter Eggs competition”. So, get excited, get your guesses ready and keep an eye out for the jar of eggs. We also have several fun (and perhaps a little challenging?) Easter-themed activities planned for the last day of term.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is still proving to be a popular place each morning, with lots of conversations being had and new friendships developing. As we head into the cooler weather, I have had a few requests for the return of a warm milo or tea, so we will look at that for Term 2.

Finally, a thought to take into your weekend, as we reflect on what Harmony Day represents, “Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.” – Winston Churchill
Enjoy the last two weeks of the term, they are sure to fly by!

By Ms Taylor Quinn, Teacher Librarian

Esports

A few weeks ago, students attended Esports at QUT and played Valorant. We were so proud to see students of all grades representing our College with pride. Our team members were great sports, and we hope they had a fantastic time facing off against the other schools. Thank you to all the students for taking part and to their parents and guardians for supporting them in attending this competition.

Preparations for new building

We have been preparing for our new space this week by culling some old and unloved books that have not been borrowed in a long time. This will allow us to take only what we need into the new building.

We were incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful Year 12 library helper this week who made the process much faster. Thank you so much Chloe! It has been very refreshing to see space on the shelves for new arrivals and displays. We hope this will make it easier to find new books that students will love to read; but fear not! While we have been ruthless, the classics are still available, there are still plenty of books, and we are as determined as ever to find a book that each student will love to read.
We are so glad that we can provide a safe space for students to create, debate, chat, play, learn, and be together, here in our library. We hope everyone is having a fantastic week and remember, if you don’t know where to go, come to the library!

International Womens' Day

Dear Assumption staff and students,
Thank you for your attendance at our International Women's Day event. Plus a special thank you to the students who sat at the STEM tables; I received great feedback about how well they engaged with their Ambassadors. In fact, the Inspiring Australia Queensland team were so impressed that they promised to return to your school for future collaborations.
I have attached some photos from one of the photographers.
Thanks,
Colleen Hunt (President).

During Term 1, Early Childhood Studies students in both Year 11 and Year 12 were actively involved in visits to local Early Childhood education settings. The students gained valuable practical experience engaging in play-based learning opportunities with children aging from nine months to four years old. The students thoroughly enjoyed the visits and were able to see first-hand how to best support child development using a wide range of deliberately chosen activities that scaffold Developmental Milestones. The students are extremely grateful to St Mary’s Kindergarten and Whispering Gully Childcare Centre for so warmly welcoming them into their settings and look forward to continuing their learning with the children throughout the year.