By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Gospel John 6: 41 – 51

In John’s Gospel, Jesus addresses the ‘Jews’ who were ‘complaining’ about his claim that he was the bread from heaven. Jesus declares that he is the “living bread”, and those who eat this bread will live forever. Central to this Word, is the importance of the Eucharist. A sacred sacrament that is celebrated each time we gather for Mass. The final line within the Gospel reveals that “… anyone who eats this bread will live forever…”. As Catholics, we believe this on a visceral and a metaphorical level - we observe this as our spiritual nourishment. 

Within our Assumption College community, we are aware of the responsibility we hold to provide a nurturing spirituality. We make this explicit through our commitment to enlivening the values of Justice, Generosity, Compassion, and Wisdom. We enliven our charisms, guided by Mary of the Assumption and grounded in the teachings of Edmund Rice and Catherine McAuley. 

For Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, this is a commitment to the Touchstones of a Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, and Justice and Solidarity. 

For Catherine McAuley and The Sisters of Mercy, this is a commitment to Mercy, Human Dignity, Justice, Service, and the Option of the Poor. 

The practical expression of spiritual nourishment within our College can be found in several examples; however, the most explicit is within our Religious Education curriculum, which explores various beliefs and values, seeking to provoke curiosity and awe for the wonders that exist within a faith framework. Another example is our retreats and camps, the opportunity to explore and learn outside of the classroom and engage in real-life adventures that challenge and support the growth of our students and staff. Further examples are our engagement within our community through participation in service projects and justice initiatives that foster compassion and responsibility. 

Assumption College believes that spiritual nourishment provides a holistic sense of self. It is a dimension to our students’ education and our community’s identity, ensuring that no matter the pathway we tread, we will experience a full and flourishing life—all ways, for always.

Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption Mass and Student Leadership Induction for the Senior Class of 2025 

On Thursday, August 15, 2024, Assumption College celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption with a Mass and our Student Leadership Induction for the Senior Class of 2025. 

Traditionally a Holy Day of Obligation, the Feast of the Assumption is one of the oldest holy days, with celebrations recorded as far back as the sixth century. Apostle John, whom Christ entrusted Mary’s care to upon his crucifixion, wrote of this occasion as the falling asleep of the Mother of God. We greatly thank Father Franco for his service to the College, in particular for sharing this celebration. 

This most important of all Marian feasts is celebrated at Assumption College, with our Student Leadership Induction. It is a rite of passage for our incoming senior cohort. During this occasion, our 2025 Seniors had their senior badges blessed by Father Franco and then pinned to their blazers by their parents or a significant adult in their lives. This act symbolises the coming together of all supports, home – college – parish, for our senior students, as they embark on the final chapter of their schooling. 

Once the seniors have their leadership pins, they recite the Senior Class Pledge, as they take up their leadership roles within our community. 

We, the Senior Class of 2025, pledge to be the leaders of Assumption College. 

We commit to a leadership grounded in Truth and Love. 

We commit to the leadership models of Service and noble purpose, which will demonstrate the College values of Generosity, Compassion, Wisdom, and Justice, thereby ensuring that Assumption College is a place where all are welcome. 

We pledge to strive for personal excellence in all aspects of College life, engaging our hearts, hands and minds in all we do. 

Through our words and our actions, we will honour this pledge. 

The leadership selection process was a little different this year. Given that my own child expressed her interest in a College Leadership Position—Faith and Social Justice Captain—I advised of my conflict of interest and recused myself from the process. I would like to publicly acknowledge the hard work of Julie Collins, Anna Hardy, and Codie Ellis. 

I would like to acknowledge that while there are official portfolio holders for College and House Leadership roles, we consider all our senior students to be leaders. As such, they will be developing their capacity to respond effectively to the needs of their fellow students during various retreat days. 

Assumption College would like to congratulate the following students who have gained formal leadership positions for their final senior year: 

Faith and Social Justice Leader – Abigail Hammond 

Academic and Digital Technologies Leader – Bailey Timmins 

Inclusivity Leader – Isabella Sullivan 

Cultural Leader – Ziggy Gibson 

Sports Leader – Lachlan Bruton 

Spirit Leader (Oogie) – Harry Hume 

Donovan House Captains – Hannah Hamilton and Amy Ryan 

McAuley House Captains – Riley Bacon and Tyson Prosser 

Rice House Captains – Jack Coleman and Ashton Costello 

Romero House Captains – Joshua Collins and Kihan Marshall

You will note that this year, a new coordinator role was added to the responsibility list for senior students, and that role is the Year 7 House Coordinator. This role is to provide further support and guidance to our Year 7s as they transition into high school. We recognise that carnivals and whole college events can be overwhelming for our younger students. Therefore, a senior student is now specifically designated to help our Year 7s at all these events and at lunchtime. I would like to congratulate the following students for accepting this role:

Donovan Year 7 Coordinator – Henri Eastwell 

McAuley Year 7 Coordinator – Lily Bennet 

Rice Year 7 Coordinator – Erik McConnell 

Romero Year 7 Coordinator – Alivia Hallman

Over the next few weeks, the 2024 Leaders and Captains will be walking alongside the incoming Leaders and Captains, participating in an informal and formal handover. This will allow our current Year 12s to gradually release the responsibilities of their roles before focusing purely and wholeheartedly on their final assessments in Term 4.

Term 3 Leadership Forum 

This term, the TCS Leadership Forum was held in Chinchilla and hosted by St Joseph’s School. The theme of the year, Living Full and Flourishing Lives, continued with Dr Pat Coughlan’s keynote address exploring the idea of a leap of faith and our moral imperative of progressing our schools through innovation. The address also recognised the importance of the difference between being courageous and reckless.
The forum was held over three days, with the following topics being addressed: 

• Finance, infrastructure and information services – including, financial literacy training
• Strategic thinking in leadership
• TCS Leadership Framework and Leadership Capabilities – including, a practical example of how to apply these documents in the construction of strategic thinking and actioning within our individual contexts
• Leadership check-ins and shared wisdom
• Update from the Teaching and Learning directorate – including Subject Discipline Literacy (SDL)
• 2024 NAPLAN and 2023 ATAR Data Analysis – with Dr Judy Smeed
• NCCD and Enrolment processes
• Student Wellbeing and Engagement Framework
• 2024 Annual Action Plan review
• 2025 Annual Action Plan construction
• TCS Update. 

While a lot of information is shared and divined at these forums, the strength of these days lies in the calibration and camaraderie of the 32 schools and colleges present and the leaders from TCS. 

Feast Day of Mary of the Cross MacKillop 

On Thursday, 8 August 2024, Australians observed the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop – Australia’s First Saint. The significance of Mary MacKillop, especially for educators, cannot be understated. “I’m a teacher, let’s start today!” were words spoken by Mary MacKillop in 1867. Saint Mary MacKillop believed in the power of education, and this dedication to the vocation of education saw Mary establish schools to ensure that those children who needed it most were educated. Mary’s words and actions are not to be simply relegated to history books but should be expressed by our own words and actions. Her legacy is a lived expression of advocating for the marginalised and a commitment to create a more equitable and just society. 

Toowoomba Catholic Schools are honoured to have nine (9) schools and one (1) college, whose charism is grounded in the Josephite Charism, guided by Mary MacKillop. We acknowledge St Finbarr’s - Quilpie, St Patrick’s School – St George, St Joseph’s School – Tara, St Stephen’s School – Pittsworth, St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School – Toowoomba, St Maria Goretti Primary School – Inglewood, St Joseph’s School – Chinchilla, St Patrick’s School – Allora, and Mary MacKillop Catholic College - Highfields. 

Prayer for the Feast Day of Mary of the Cross MacKillop 

God at the centre of my being, help me to listen to your Word 

and know what you desire for me: 

For an open and attentive heart, 

For humility and courage, 

For trust and faithfulness to God’s word, 

For a deeper understanding of God’s will in my life, 

For truth and justice in the face of opposition, 

Mary of the Cross, intercede for us. 

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

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal Curriculum 

Subject Selections

Students from Year 8 to Year 10 have made their subject preferences for Semesters 1 and 2 of 2025. A detailed letter of their choices will be sent to parents. Please note that the subject lines for Years 9, 10, and 11 in 2025 were designed to accommodate most students’ preferences. This may result in some clashes as certain subjects may need to run concurrently. If students are unsatisfied with their selections or wish to change them, they should consult with the Careers Office – Mrs Porter, our Careers Development Practitioner, or Mrs Bennett, the Director of Teaching and Learning. Following this, students can collect the necessary form to request changes.

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences 

Conferences will take place, in Term 4, on Tuesday 8 October 2024. Bookings can be made via Sentral, and instructions will be included in a letter to all parents. The booking window will close on Friday 4 October 2024. We encourage students to attend these conferences as they play a crucial role in discussions about their learning journey.

Year 11 Formative Assessment 4 Exam Block

Year 11 students will have an exam block from Tuesday 8 October 2024 to Friday 18 October 2024. Timetables and related information will be emailed to students and parents/guardians. This exam block is designed to simulate the external exam block students will experience in Year 12. Students who are up-to-date with their assessments and not at risk of failing to receive a QCE will be granted study leave. Those not granted study leave will receive a separate notification. The conclusion of this exam block marks the completion of Unit 2 in all general subjects. From Monday 21 October 2024, all general subjects will commence Unit 3 content, which will be assessed through summative internal assessment early in 2025. It is crucial that students attend classes until the end of term to ensure they do not miss important concepts.

Year 12 External Exams 

Term 4 will see Year 12 students undertaking essential revision in preparation for the external exams commencing on Monday 21 October 2024. We wish them the best in their exam preparations. Many students will participate in the External Exam Preparation Program run by Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. This program includes subject workshops conducted by teachers across the diocese, sharing their expertise in subject knowledge and external exam preparation. Year 12 students are still able to register for these workshops, and we highly recommend they do so. A letter with a QR code has been sent home for students to register for the workshops. Each subject has two workshops, and students are expected to attend both. For any queries about this program, please contact the College office.

Elevate Education Parent Webinar

Live Parent Webinar: How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!)
Wednesday 21st August 2024 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)

Our upcoming webinar shows parents how they can help their child to remove distractions with the help of app blockers, improving focus and reducing procrastination.

Attendees of our last webinar on technology and focus came away with relevant, practical advice that could be used that evening:
‘I learned so much and it felt so on-point with my teenage son. It also helped me see that some of the things I am already doing are on the right track.’
‘Informative, with practical examples and real-life applications. Simple and easy to remember.’ 

By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and

Wellbeing 

In order to raise awareness for mental health, the senior students organized a Funky Hair Day. This gave students the opportunity to have their hair styled in a loud, colourful manner and in turn, open up conversation opportunities.

The students also heard an amazing presentation from a LIVIN presenter. 

LIVIN aim to break the stigma attached to mental health and wellbeing and we were introduced to LIVIN through Colette Locke. 

Colette explains Zack Locke’s Flock:

Zack Locke’s Flock is a team of four who came together after local teenager, Zack, lost his life at the age of 17 to suicide. 

Since 2021 we have been working to build awareness around mental health and to help our community feel more connected, building resilience and reducing the stigma many people feel about discussing theirs or others' mental health. 

In rural areas, it is sometimes difficult to access educational opportunities especially for our school age children and young adults. 

Zack Locke’s Flock, working with the Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Network, were excited to work with ACW and LIVIN to have a facilitator visit our school to educate students on strategies to help with maintaining their own positive mental health and what to do if they have concerns about a friend or fellow student.

LIVIN are a non-profit organisation that rely on donations to continue their work. We would sincerely like to thank Colette and Zack Locke’s Flock for donating to LIVIN and making the presentation possible for ACW students.

Students were engaged with the stories during the presentations and challenged to speak up and advocate for mental health.

We look forward to inviting LIVIN back in 2025.

Please see below more information about LIVIN or visit their website.

About Us - LIVIN

Meet LIVIN

LIVIN is a non-profit mental health organisation that was founded in 2013 in loving memory of our friend and a great man, Dwayne Lally. Dwayne took his life after living in silence with a mental illness. Like a lot of people, Dwayne lived in silence because of the stigma that surrounds mental health and he didn’t know how to ask for help. Everything we do is about empowering people to speak up because It Ain’t Weak To Speak®. We want to be proactive in combating mental Illness, through championing mental health; encouraging preventative action and help seeking before things become unmanageable.

Vision:

We want to break the silence and spark national conversations by encouraging all Australians to speak up and
share what they are going through.

Mission:

Promote positive mental health and well-being for people through early education and awareness
programs.

We educate, motivate and advocate!

Educate: to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in a way that’s real and engaging, ensuring it grabs attention and keeps it.

Motivate: to empower people to step up and take action for their mental wellbeing, especially when the going gets tough.

Advocate: giving a voice to those struggling in silence, and striving for a world where everyone reaches out for support without facing stigma. It Ain’t Weak to Speak.

Leadership Process

This week sees us officially acknowledging our senior leaders.

The process for leadership applications was as follows:

Term 2 Week 10                Application link sent to students

Term 3 Week 1                  Shortlisted students notified of interview opportunity

Term 3 Week 2                  Applicants interviewed, presented speeches at assembly, voting

Term 3 Week 3                  Successful candidates notified

Term 3 Week 4                  House Leader speeches and voting, all candidates notified

Term 3 Week 6                  Feast Day Mass and Student Leadership Induction

We congratulate all students on their applications and look forward to welcoming our next cohort of students leaders.

By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager 

Progress Update of Assumption College Warwick Learning Resource Centre and Year 7 Precinct

The new buildings and infrastructure are designed to enhance the educational environment for both students and staff, whilst upgrading our facilities and the associated academic experience.

Should you need further details, feel free to contact the College office on 46604000. 

We have previously issued the statements for our College fees via email and we ask that you take this notice as a friendly reminder to make payment by the due date. Please disregard this notice if your payments are already scheduled accordingly.

We are committed to supporting every family within our community and believe that open communication is key to overcoming any challenges that may arise.

We are currently undertaking a review of our College fees. This review takes into consideration external factors including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a review across the overall CPI and Education CPI, as well as the local factors including the cost-of-living issues for families in our local community. Once the full review has taken place, we will advise our community of our decision in relation to the College fees for 2025.

By Mrs Alison Porter, Career Development Practitioner 

2025 TAFE at School courses

TAFE is excited to announce that the 2025 Darling Downs, South Burnett and South West Queensland applications are open. Please click the link to see the attached information about courses or students should talk to the school Career Development Practitioner about the courses and those that might suit.

How to apply

To apply to the 2025 TAFE at School Programs, students will need to go to:

Enter the application code for the course and campus location they wish to apply for. Please refer to the table at the back of the TAFE at School Course Guide for the codes. Darling Downs, South Burnett and South West Queensland Course Guide can be found by clicking the below link:

Reminder: Students WILL need their Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) and their Unique Student Identifier (USI) numbers to be able to apply for TAFE at School Programs.

What’s new for 2025

Aviation Australia

Aviation Australia are officially a part of the TAFE Queensland family – See the programs on offer on page 32 and page 34 of the Darling Downs, South Burnett and South West Queensland Course Guide.

Date Claimers

Aspire2Health Program is a collaboration between Griffith University, Southern Queensland Rural Health, the University of Southern Queensland, and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise. It is a one-day program that offers workshops and information sessions about careers in the health industry. We have 15 students attending the program on Wednesday 28 August 2024, and we hope all that are attending find the day interesting and informative.

First Aid Course (skills cluster) for Year 10 & Year 11 students, Wednesday 11 September 2024. Letters have been sent home to parents/guardians. Parent/Guardian signed permission slips are due Friday 16 August 2024. Please note this is a strict due date owing to the requirements of the training organisation delivering the course. Late permission slips and student course enrolments cannot be accepted.

Year 10 Pathways Days will be held on Thursday 12 September and Friday 13 September 2024. We hope students are looking forward to the scheduled Pathway days at the end of Term 3, where students will potentially tour a university, TAFE and other organisations and hear from industry insiders on the range of careers and pathway options available. 

Espresso Barista Course for Year 10 students, will be held Wednesday 2, Thursday 3 and Friday 4 October 2024. Letters with further information will be sent home soon.

By Mr Brett Armstrong, Guidance Counsellor

Camps - Coping Strategies

We are in the middle of a lot of exciting events and opportunities for our students. One of the key events would have to be the year level camps and excursions. For many students this is a time of fun with their peers. For others, this can be a stress inducing and anxious time which can lead to reluctance to attend, camp refusal and school refusal.

A reason why attending camp is important is not just the educational opportunities that our camps offer, but also the formation and development of social and emotional skills that go beyond the school environment. Camp non-attendance can also be an indicator of a broader social and/or emotional difficulty.

In these cases, anxiety and school refusal can be having a significant impact on your child. Lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders in young people is as high as 15-20%, with girls showing rates twice as high as boys. Separation anxiety, social anxiety and specific phobias are the most common forms of anxiety in young people and could be attributing to refusal.

There is no universally agreed definition of school refusal – commonly it is referring to avoidance of school, for an extended period. While there are non-anxiety behavioural driven factors that can be attributed to school refusal. I would like to focus on school refusal, that is anxiety driven. Generalised anxiety, social anxiety and separation anxiety could be considered the main three when discussing anxiety-based school refusal. More recent work in this area focused on what function the absenteeism may be having for the student, whether it is avoidance of discomfort, seeking attention from significant others, or seeking out reinforcers that result from absenteeism, such as increased participation in other activities. This is a developing area with a broad range of factors that are influencing the child’s school attendance, it is important to be able to have open conversations and provide supports to limit the ongoing effects of school refusal.

Useful strategies:

• Cognitive strategies such as recognising faulty thinking or using positive affirmations
• Additional time in the morning for dealing with avoidance behaviours.
• Mindfulness exercises; listening to music to reduce stress
• Assisting your child to recognise that anxious feelings will come and go in surges and that these surges can be ridden imaginatively like a wave
• Maintaining social connections and joining in activities
• Having a ‘go-to’ person who will be attending camp or can meet them at school
• Planning a special meal for the first night home from camp which acts as a celebration of the student’s achievements.

Resources

There are many resources available to support families with anxiety, school refusal and other mental health concerns that may be contributing to lack of attendance. These include:

• eheadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 - 25 and their families and friends. 

        Call 1800 650 890, 9am-1am AEST / 7 days a week.

Eheadspace https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/

Understanding School Refusal https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/school-refusal/

• moodgym is a free interactive program designed to help you identify whether you are having problems with emotions, like anxiety and depression, and learn skills that can help you cope with these emotions. moodgym is based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy which have been shown to be successful in preventing and treating depression and anxiety.

        There is broad evidence supporting the effectiveness of moodgym in improving         wellbeing and reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in users. Suitable for          users aged 16.

Moody Gym https://www.moodgym.com.au/

• e-couch for Social Anxiety provides information and self-help for the intense anxiety that some people experience in social or performance situations. It teaches how thoughts and behaviours can contribute to social anxiety, as well as how social anxiety disorder is diagnosed, risk factors for social anxiety and which treatments are available. It also teaches a range of evidence-based approaches which might help you to manage your symptoms and improve your life.

        The program is like a brief, interactive self-help book, which you can log back in         to at any time to learn more skills or to add to your workbooks. Suitable for              users aged 16+ 

Ecouch https://www.ecouch.com.au/

• Momentum offers tailored online treatment programs to help children and adolescents learn new ways to cope with feelings of anxiety and/or unhappiness. Momentum also offers help with sleep difficulties, as well as information on well-being and help-seeking, and tips and information about substance use for adolescents. Momentum is Free and available to all young people 7-17 years old 

Momentum https://www.momentumhub.org.au/

• The Brave Program is an interactive, online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety. The programs are free, and provide ways for children and teenagers to better cope with their worries. Three programs are available Young Child program (3 -7), Child program (8 -12) and Teen Program (12 -17) There are also programs for parents. 

The Brave Program https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/

• BITE BACK is the Black Dog Institute’s FREE, self-guided online wellbeing and resilience program for young people aged 13 – 16 years old. BITE BACK is the very first online positive psychology program designed to improve the overall wellbeing and resilience of young Australians. Evidence shows that using BITE BACK can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and increase wellbeing.

Bite Back https://www.myeverydaywellbeing.com/contact-form/?utm_source=gacampaign&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyrquiMb1hwMVK6tmAh3Iwg-5EAAYASAAEgKuUPD_BwE

• Chilled out online this engaging, interactive online program for 13 – 17-year old’s allows teens to learn strategies to help manage anxiety. Chilled Out is based on the Chilled (Cool Kids for teens) face-to-face program which has been running at Macquarie University since 1993. The Chilled program is a structured, skills-based program that teaches teens how to better manage anxiety. Results show most young people who complete our program experience significant improvements, with decreases in worry, fear, family distress and life interference.

Chilled Out Online https://www.mq.edu.au/about/facilities/hospital-and-clinics

Thank you for taking the time to read this – if you require more information or  resources, or if you are concerned about your child’s mental health, whether it be school refusal, anxiety, depression, or other academic concerns, – please feel free to contact. Preventative measures and early intervention are key to success.

Brett.Armstrong@twb.catholic.edu.au

By Mr John Hodder, Curriculum Leader 

Assumption College Concert Band at QCMF

Assumption College’s Concert Band made their much-anticipated debut at the Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival (QCMF) on Thursday! This prestigious event, hosted by Villanova College in Coorparoo, stands as the premier music festival on Queensland’s Catholic school calendar and holds the title of the largest music festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Concert Band delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing their talent with two captivating pieces: 'Celtic Air' and 'Dance No. 2', arranged by Michael Sweeney, and 'Arabian Dances', composed by Roland Barrett. Their hard work and dedication culminated in a remarkable achievement—a Silver Award. The band not only impressed the adjudicators but also captured the attention of the section’s MC, Mr Paul Begg, Principal of Villanova College, who praised their performance.

A highlight of the event came when representatives from each school were called to the stage. To keep the audience entertained, volunteers were invited to participate in a fun Q&A session. Our very own Cultural Captain for 2025, Ziggy Gibson, stepped up and had everyone laughing with his quick wit and charm.

The Concert Band's success is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Aaron Buchanan, who has skilfully conducted the ensemble, fostering its growth in both size and musicality. Special thanks also go to Sathumi Wijesooriya for her tireless support and commitment to the co-curricular music program at Assumption College.

We eagerly look forward to returning to QCMF in 2025, with high hopes of bringing home a Gold Award. Until then, let’s celebrate this fantastic achievement and continue supporting our talented young musicians!

Art Department

Reflecting on my initial fortnight at Assumption College, I am thoroughly impressed by the exceptional calibre and diversity of The Arts at the College. With an impressively thriving and diverse co-curricular music program, I’ve been blown away by the vibrant energy of the concert band, jazz band, of both the junior and senior house bands, and the vocal ensemble, who are all truly enriching the College's atmosphere. I wholeheartedly encourage every student to join an ensemble; even if you have no musical experience, the Vocal Ensemble is open to all. Engaging in music has been shown to have a remarkable impact on learning and academic performance. Studies reveal that students who participate in music often outperform their peers in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English, while also building skills in creativity, problem solving and collaboration.

The drama students' access to live performances, the stunning array of artwork adorning our halls, and the delightful aromas wafting from the hospitality rooms are a testament to our vibrant arts culture. What has struck me most profoundly is the spirit and culture permeating our entire College. The joyous dancing post the Livin’ presentation last week was a heartening experience, with nearly all students involved in the Just Dance activity, dancing with abandon. Reports of the uplifted spirit at the athletics carnival, thanks to Harry Hume's addition of a few percussion instruments, was also incredible to hear, and will become a staple at future events. This is all testament to the culture of spirit and arts that has been built at this College, and I am excited to be a part of its continued growth.

Looking ahead, I am ecstatic over the concert band's recent performance at the QCMF (Queensland Catholic Schools & College's Music Festival). Their dedication and talent were palpable, and I eagerly anticipate sharing an article and photos in our next newsletter to celebrate their achievements.

By Mrs Amanda McCosker, College Chaplain

Message From The Chaplain

The importance of balance

We are officially past the halfway mark of the term! No doubt many of us are knuckling down and working hard on our assignments or studying hard for upcoming exams as due dates loom. Although you might be feeling the pressure, try not to forget the importance of balance. In between your study or research sessions, take a moment to recharge; whether through a quick walk or spending some time with your friends. A well-rested mind is a productive mind.

LIVIN presentation

Last week, our College community had the privilege of hosting Mick from LIVIN, who shared with us all the importance of maintaining positive mental health. He spoke about self-care and some of the warning signs that our friends may be struggling. At the heart of Mick’s message was, “It Ain’t Weak to Speak.” He inspired us to break the silence surrounding mental health, fostering open dialogue and supportive connections. Together, we can create a safe place where seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

Have a great week and take care of each other.

By Ms Taylor Quinn, Teacher Librarian

Bookweek is Here!

We are always so excited to celebrate books every year. The theme this year is reading is magic! We have games and competitions in the library, a scavenger hunt, emoji book clues and search and finds – Ms Quinn has organised some cool prizes.  We have the finalists of the book awards on display, they are guaranteed to be a good read!

Dress up day is Tuesday 19 August 2024, students are invited to dress up as their favourite book character. Outfits must be sun-smart and closed in shoes must be worn.  Accessories can be left in the library or the front office if they are too big for lockers. 

We have been lucky enough to tour the new library space – and we are excited!  There is going to be quiet areas for students to study, some lovely areas for students to sit and read, and an area with hard flooring for more messy activities!  We are starting to box up some books in our current space in anticipation of the big move, so please bear with us, and our boxes, for a few weeks.

We are looking for  students in Years 7 to 9 to participate in Readers Challenge this year.  We love this inter-school competition and we have a teachers team preparing to take on the challenge as well.  If your child would like to be involved, we would love to have them join the fun!   How it works: the team read 3 books and 1 picture book between them.  The students then participate in a trivia style question and answer competition which tests their recall and comprehension of the texts.  It is on Thursday 10 October 2024 (Week 2) from 4:00pm to 5:30pm.