By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Term 4 Newsletter Number 1

Gospel – Mark 10: 2-16

Mark’s Gospel allows us to reflect upon the significant relationships that we have in our lives. In particular, marriage and divorce. Fr Bony’s reflection on the readings of the week is published on the front cover of our Parish Bulletin, and whilst all reflections are insightful and life-giving, this week’s reflection was so poignant in understanding that I have (with permission from Bony) reproduced it here for you:

The Weight and Lightness of Permanence

There have been times in my priesthood when things became difficult or when life didn’t unfold the way that I had hoped. In those moments, I’ve entertained thoughts like, “Maybe I’m not doing enough as a priest,” or even, “I just want to walk away.” Though I knew deep down I wasn’t serious, I’ve had moments of doubt. What kept me steady during those times – when I could have easily been swayed – were two things: “the call” and “commitment”.

The first reading (Genesis 2: 18 – 24) and the Gospel reading for this Sunday echo the theme of “call” and “commitment” as they deal with the issue of marriage and divorce. In the past few Sundays, we have heard Gospel readings from Mark, chapters 8 and 9, focusing on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, emphasising teachings on suffering, self-denial, humility, and service. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus applies these lessons to marriage, where the challenges of family life become the most personal expression of these values.

However, I admit that the passage on marriage and divorce requires more sensitive handling. I know committed and faithful Catholics who went through a divorce or are in their second marriage or people with family members in that situation. Most of the people I come across who had to go through a divorce, when through it, they felt that they were being reduced to mere objects or secondary roles and also felt stopped from being fully alive and flourishing as persons. To simply read out the ruling of Jesus in the Gospel without comment or nuance would be to turn the Gospel into Law and simply add a burden of guilt that may already be oppressive.

I, as a counsellor and priest, try to understand Jesus’ teaching on divorce in light of “commitment”. Today, many enter marriage with the mindset, “If it doesn’t work out, I can get a divorce”, which can carry the seeds of failure. In any committed relationship – whether marriage, religious life, or priesthood – one takes on a partner who is just as flawed as oneself and commits not to leave, no matter the challenges. If the option to walk away exists, the full truth cannot be shared, as there is no obligation to face difficult issues. True commitment requires permanence, allowing both to confront and share the truth.

In a context of permanency and commitment that binds the couple together, they can or have to face the truth and work towards the truth so that the truth can set them free to love. When the truth is not shared due to the option of divorce, nobody puts in the effort, and walking away becomes the easier choice. The mindset of divorce undermines commitment, which naturally evokes responsibility. When one believes in the permanence of marriage, vows (in good times and bad, in sickness and health, and in wealth and poverty) are taken seriously.

No marriage, no priesthood, no religious life or any committed life, for that matter, is perfect. It’s a lifelong wrestling to strengthen each other, help one another, and be committed to seek the truth and embrace the truth. In my experience, I have gained strength in my married life (married to people of God and Christ through priesthood – sounds corny – but it is the truth) through the right disposition in three key areas: reflection, love, and suffering. Reflection – the pursuit of knowing my weaknesses and being committed to correction and learning; Love – regularly receiving God’s love for me through everything that surrounds me and allowing others to love me; Suffering – embracing the tragic nature of life, finding purpose and meaning in life’s hardships through His cross and the power of His resurrection. Fr. B.

When I listen to the Gospel and the readings on Sunday morning, I filter them through the lens of how I can respond to that Gospel and how I can connect the Gospel to our community of Assumption College. I did struggle a little with the idea of dealing with marriage and divorce and how that relates to our schooling context. It wasn’t until I read Father Bony’s reflection and listened to Father Franco’s Homily that I started to understand.

There are so many ways of teaching and learning: Explicit Teaching, Inquiry Learning, Project-Based Learning, Blended Learning etc., etc.. Within our context, we grapple to understand each methodology to ensure our students are able to gain quality outcomes from their learning. Whilst all these practices have their place within the teaching and learning cycle, I was reminded this week of the importance of relational pedagogy, especially within our Assumption College context.

Relational pedagogy emphasises the importance of building strong and meaningful relationships between staff and students, between students and the curriculum, as well as between the student, home and our college. This approach fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment where students, staff and families feel valued and understood. Our College motto is Truth and Love, and Relational Pedagogy aligns perfectly with this endeavour. It encourages our educators to embody the principles of truth by being honest, transparent and authentic in their interactions. At the same time, it promotes love through compassionate, caring relationships that nurture our students’ journeys through their education. This does not mean that we do not address moments of poor decision-making or challenging behaviours that do not align with our values or expectations, what it does mean is that we not only enhance our students’ academic learning but also support the development of their moral and ethical values, creating a holisitic approach that is grounded in mutual respect and understanding – thereby allowing our young people, the best opportunity to experience full and flourishing lives.

Reflection of Week 10, Term 3:

Week 10, Term 3 is always an amazing time at Assumption College. This is a dedicated week of experiential learning, from camps and retreats to leadership and career development days.

Year 12 - Road to Emmaus Retreat

The Road to Emmaus Retreat is a culmination of our Year 12 experiences with the Religious Life of our College. The Retreat is designed to create the opportunity for students to spiritually reflect upon the journey they have travelled and those who supported them on this journey.

I would like to borrow from Father Bony’s words to express our Retreat experience:

At the Year 12 Retreat, the staff shared vulnerable stories. They shared courageously about their failures, passion, crucifixion and resurrection in their lives by brushing any false notion of life withou sacrifice and death. But they all highlighted one factor – that they were able to face challenges because of who they were as persons shaped by their faith and the people they encountered along their journey – family, friends and strangers.

As our Year 12s prepare for their final external examinations, it is with great heart that we were able to spend time having fun and contemplating, allowing each member of our Year 12 cohort to be truly seen and valued.

We would like to thank all staff who were such an important part of this sacred rite of passage, including Fr Bony, Paul Grealy, Theresa Bourke, Matt Bruton, Codie Ellis, Jill Hume, and Riley Salter. Further thanks go to our College Chaplain, Amanda McCosker, and Marita Lunney, Principal PA, for all of their organisation and resourcing of these days.

Year 11 Leadership Days

Our Year 11 cohort used this week to prepare and plan for their time as leaders at our College. It was exceptional to witness the impact of our guest speakers, including Maryanne Walsh OAM, Dr Patrick Coughlan, Harley Attard, Denise Dewhurst, and Sally Higgins.

The two days were pivotal in helping the students gain an understanding of the privileges and responsibilities that come with the title of leader. The 2025 theme, hymn, and legacy were discussed, and the chosen theme was presented at the first assembly of this term.

Many thanks go to Mrs Julie Collins and Mrs Anna Hardy for their work in ensuring that these days were able to see our Cohort of 2025 begin their leadership with such clarity, vision and mission.

Our Build

For those who may not have been aware, the middle of our college grounds has been a building site for just under twelve months. It is with great excitement that we were granted the occupancy certificate at the start of this term, which has seen us move into this amazing new space.

The formal naming and opening of this building will occur next year; however, in the meantime, many thanks to the tireless work of DMC Construction Group – Dean McCarthy and his team, Aspect Architects & Project Managers – Rachel Jenkins and Jesse Muntz, Toowoomba Catholic Schools Facilities team – Paul Bryant, Mandy Kulczynski and Peter Muscat, and our own Business Manager – Scott Clegg.

These new spaces are an exceptional testimony to the hard work and vision for our College, and no doubt, these will be enjoyed by many an Assumption College student to come.

Events and Experiences

Seeing as though we are only two weeks into our final term of 2024, it is amazing to see all the events and experiences that our community has already had, including:

• Grandparents Morning Tea and College Tour
• External Examination Preparation Program
• QLD All Schools Touch Competition
• Warwick Senior Citizens
• Wicked performance at QPAC in Brisbane
• Barista course for Year 10 students
• Celebration Assembly for our Assumption College Aspirational Achievement Award recipients
• Year 11 Examination Block
• Years 7 to 10 PAT M and R (literacy and numeracy testing)
• Junior Secondary Readers Challenge
• Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

Thank you to all our staff and Student Leaders for making these events such a wonderful expression of our community and our commitment to ensuring full and flourishing lives for all.

Change to Summative Reporting

This is to notify our community of a change to our end of semester, summative reports. Up until now, we have had subject comments from our teachers. These reports come after a lengthy process of drafting, feedback and final submissions of assessment responses that are used to produce a result for the end-of-semester report card.

For the past several years, the secondary principals and their curriculum teams have been working with Toowoomba Catholic Schools to set up a continuous feedback loop for students and parents, known as Live Feedback.

Over the next few weeks, you will receive information regarding Live Feedback, its importance, and how it can enhance the connection between home and the College, particularly our conversations regarding student performance.

Live Feedback will impact the need for subject report comments in the summative reports at the end of each semester. Therefore, we will remove the subject comments from the reports and add a Pastoral Care comment that will demonstrate the holistic development of our students, academically, culturally, and spiritually, as they journey through their education at Assumption College.

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

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal Curriculum

Appreciation for Parental Involvement

We extend our gratitude to all the parents who participated in the recent Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity for constructive conversations about your child's educational journey. Furthermore, they allowed teachers to collaborate with you as an integral part of your child's ongoing learning process. This is not the only time you are able to meet with teachers, feel free to contact teachers at any time for a meeting.

Year 11 Examination Block

Year 11 students are currently engaged in their Unit 2 examinations. This examination block ensures that the students can hone their exam readiness, endurance, and strategic approach. It closely mirrors the conditions of external examinations that students will experience in Year 12. We wish our Year 11 students the very best in their upcoming exams.

Year 12 External Examinations

In preparation for their external examinations commencing in Week 4, our Year 12 students are working hard in the limited class time that is left. Detailed information regarding these arrangements has been communicated to Year 12 students and their families. There will be some individual subject workshops held during this time to allow students to access their classroom teacher before the external examinations. We extend our best wishes to our Year 12 students for their final piece of assessment.

Year 9 to Year 11 2025 Subject Selections

We have recently sent emails to all families containing the subject selections for the Year 9 and 10 students in 2025. These selections have been thoughtfully designed using the subject selection data from the students to consider the class schedules for the upcoming year. We kindly request parents to bear in mind that if their child was assigned a reserve option due to unavailability of their first and second preferences, it may be because these subjects operate on the same line, which means they occur at the same time in the timetable. You have the flexibility to request changes if necessary, and the relevant forms are available for collection at our office.

The subject selections for Year 11 students in 2025 have also been sent. We are actively working on the Distance Education, VET (Vocational Education and Training), and Headstart enrolments to ensure a seamless transition.

Assessment Calendars

In the coming week, we will be sharing the Assessment Calendars with all parents and guardians. Links to these calendars will be directly emailed to the students, and parents can access them through the College website under the "Calendar" tab.

We appreciate your continued support and partnership in the academic journey of our students and your children. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Semester 2 Reports

This semester our College report card will be in a new format. This format will include a Pastoral Care (PC) Comment that will be written by the PC teachers about your child’s semester at the College. It will include statements about their endearing personal qualities, as a learner and what they have contributed to our community. We are looking forward to a more personalised comment for each student that reflects a holistic approach.

This means that we are also looking to give parents and guardians, access to Canvas. This will allow parents to see the grid for the unit of work, assessment due dates, draft feedback and final assessment result.

There will be more details released about this as the term progresses.

By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing

Welcome back to our Term 4 sprint!

Uniform Reminders

Jewellery:
• Plain watch
• Necklace with a religious crucifix
• One pair of discreet (5mm) or less studs or sleepers in earlobe
• Permission to utilise clear studs must be sought from the College Executive Leadership team and Pastoral Leader by following the uniform exemption procedure
• Facial piercings and tattoos are not permitted.

Undergarments - Natural coloured undergarments are to be worn under the blouses, singlets are available for loan from the front office.

Any students wishing to apply for a uniform exemption need to follow the following process:

By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager 

Assumption College Warwick, Year Seven Precinct and Library Project

We are very excited to gain access to our new Year Seven Precinct and Library, with practical completion for our current project being achieved in late September 2024. The project was designed by Aspect Architects & Project Managers and constructed by DMC Construction Group. We are grateful for their expertise and dedication in bringing this project to fruition.

During the holiday break, we furnished these areas and prepared for the physical reveal on the first day of Term 4, 2024. Since returning from holidays, we have put the new spaces to great use, with the Parent Teacher Student sessions and the senior examinations having been held in our new facilities.

Our new building project features six new classrooms that will be utilized as a dedicated Year Seven Precinct. This precinct incorporates classrooms, offices, separate locker and toilet facilities, and a lift for easy access. The Year Seven Precinct is designed to provide a smooth transition for students moving from primary school to high school, offering them a supportive and well-equipped environment to begin their secondary education journey.

Additionally, the project includes a state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre, which will replace our existing library. The newly constructed buildings and infrastructure are designed to significantly enhance the educational environment for both students and faculty. These upgrades aim to improve our facilities and elevate the overall academic experience.

Assumption College - Business at Dusk

We are hosting the Assumption College Business At Dusk event on Tuesday, 15 October 2024 at 5:30pm. This event is co-hosted with Warwick Chamber of Commerce and Stanthorpe & Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce. During this event we will be showcasing our new building and discussing all that Assumption College has to offer in regards to student achievement and employment opportunities. All members of our community are welcome.

By Jess Cantwell - Marketing and Enrolments 

Introducing Our First-Ever Alumni Profile! 

We are thrilled to launch our Alumni Profile series, celebrating the incredible journeys and achievements of our former students. 

Our inaugural profile features Kellie Doherty, a proud graduate of 1991, who has gone on to make remarkable strides in her field. She exemplifies the values of our community, demonstrating excellence, dedication, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Stay tuned for more inspiring alumni stories in the coming months!

If you would like to be a part of our alumni group or are keen for us to do a profile on you, please contact Jess Cantwell via email at jess.cantwell@twb.catholic.edu.au to discuss further.

By Mrs Alison Porter, Career Development Practitioner

Year 10 and 11 First Aid Skill Set Course

At the end of Term 3, Year 10 and 11 students participated in a first aid skillset course, held at the College and delivered by an external training organisation. Congratulations to the students involved, we hope you found the course beneficial.

Year 10 Pathways Days

At the end of Term 3, the College hosted Year 10 Pathways Days on 12 and 13 September 2024. On Thursday 12 September, Year 10 students travelled to Toowoomba and had the opportunity to visit the University of Southern Queensland for a campus tour or visit Russell Mineral Equipment, a local trade business to explore vocational pathways and trade options. On Friday 13 September the College hosted several guest speakers, workshops and career relevant information sessions for Year 10 students. These Pathway Days allowed students to hear from industry representatives regarding the range of careers and pathway options available in various industries. Friday finished with a Careers version of ‘The Amazing Race’ where competition amongst students was fierce, and prizes were awarded to winning teams. The Careers Department hopes that Year 10 students enjoyed these two days and found them valuable and informative.

Year 10 Espresso Barista Course

Year 10 students were offered the opportunity to participate in an Espresso Machine Operation Skillset Course from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 October 2024. This three-day course provided students with the skills and knowledge to work in Barista environments. Successful completion of the course opens opportunities for many hospitality pathways and the course has the benefit of potentially awarding two points towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) to eligible students. The College would like to congratulate the students who completed this course.

Year 12 School-based Apprentices and Trainees Thank You Event

A reminder to Year 12 School-based trainees and parents of these students, that the School-based Apprentice and Trainee Employer Thank You event is being held next Monday, 14 October 2024 from 4:15 pm.

Assumption College and guests are looking forward to meeting with all Year 12 school-based apprentices and trainees at this event to celebrate their hard work and successes.

By Mr Thomas Duggan, Sports Coordinator 

Ariat Percentile Cup Campdrafting Competition

Over the weekend, four students represented Assumption College at the Ariat High School Percentile Cup Campdrafting competition held in Pittsworth. Caitlyn Rhodes captained the team including Ashton Collins, Taylah Rhodes and Lincoln Cooper. This competition involved 42 schools from across Queensland and NSW. Each student had three runs and the top 6 scores were then added and averaged.

Being a small contingent, Assumption College had limited runs compared to other schools with up to 10 competitors; however, our students were very competitive against other small teams. All students rode very well with some great displays of both horsemanship and sportsmanship.

Lincoln received an encouragement award for Round One, being one of the youngest competitors on the ground, and Ashton was Assumption College’s top point scorer.

Despite all students riding to the best of their ability, the added element of some unpredictable cattle did not make their job easy. Thank you to the parents for getting the students there and Mr Errol Cooper for his supportive role. Student behaviour was exemplary and Mrs Meek was very impressed with how the students conducted themselves over the three days of competition, with some very early starts. Great comradery was shown between schools, and the team is looking forward to next year.

QLD All Schools Touch Football Competition

During Week 1 of Term 4 Assumption College attended the QLD All Schools Touch Football Competition on the Gold Coast. Assumption College fielded 2 teams, including an u15 Boys and an u15 Girls team. These teams have been preparing since the beginning of Term 3 with weekly training sessions and weekly fixtures in the local mixed competition.

The u15 Girls had a great week consisting of 1 win and 1 draw out of their 7 games. Well done to Jazmine Cruda, who was voted by her teammates, as the best player for the week. Well done also to Jenna Mutch who was voted as the Tourist of the Carnival, by the coaching staff.

The u15 Boys team also had a great week consisting of 2 wins out of their 6 games whilst losing 2 games by only 1 try. Well done to Aiden Byrne, who was voted by his teammates, as the best player for the week. Well done also to Hugh Denny who was voted as Tourist of the Carnival by the coaching staff.

Overall it was a wonderful week of competition, fun was had and memories were made. We would like to commend the superb behaviour and conduct by our Assumption College players both on and off the field. We look forward to continuing competition in the Warwick Mixed A grade competition for the remainder of the term.

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie, Counsellor

Teens and Stress

Like adults, teens vary a lot when it comes to how they perceive and respond to stress.

Teens’ social, personal, organisational and academic skill levels vary considerably and sources of stress for teens are also wide ranging. Peer pressure, social challenges, thinking habits, sensory needs, family issues or academic difficulties are just a few potential examples.

Stress can show up for teens through:

Irritability: Teens don’t always have the words to describe how they are feeling and sometimes tension or overstimulation becomes a bad mood. Stressed teens might be more short-tempered or argumentative than normal.

Trouble sleeping: A stressed teen might complain of feeling tired all the time, sleep more than usual, or have trouble falling asleep at night.

Changes in behaviour: A once socially active teen might not want to leave the house. Sudden changes can be a sign that stress levels are high.

Neglecting responsibilities: If a teen suddenly drops the ball in class or on homework, forgets obligations, or starts procrastinating more than usual, stress might be a factor.

Eating changes: Eating too much or too little can both be reactions to stress.

Getting sick more often: Stress often shows up as physical symptoms. Teens who feel stress often report headaches or stomach aches and might make more frequent trips to the school sick bay than usual.

Coping Strategies

Learning to cope is also a normal and important developmental task. These strategies can help keep stress in check:

Sleep well: Sleep is essential for physical and emotional well-being. Experts recommend teens sleep for about 10 hours a night. Adequate sleep needs to be a priority.

Exercise: Physical activity is an excellent stress reliever for people of all ages.

Talk it out: Talking about stressful situations with a calm and trusted adult can help teens put things in perspective and find solutions.

Make time for fun and quiet: Just like adults, teens need time to do what they enjoy (while some teens thrive doing one activity to the next, others will need more down time).

Write about it: Research has found that writing can help reduce mental distress and improve well-being. Some research has found, for example, that writing about positive feelings such as the things you’re grateful for or proud of, can ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Learn mindfulness: Slow breathing exercises and meditation help some teens a lot.

How can Parents help?

Parents and caregivers have an important part to play and can take action by:

• Modelling healthy coping: Parents can talk with teens about what works for them and how they’ve thought about and dealt with their own stressful situations.

• Letting teens be problem-solvers: It’s natural to want to fix your teens problems but it doesn’t work in the long run. Letting teens try to solve their low-stakes problems on their own, allows them to gain confidence that they can deal with stressors and setbacks along the way.

• Promoting media literacy: Teens spend a lot of time online, where they can run into questionable content, cyberbullying, or the peer pressures of social media. Parents can help by teaching their teens to be savvy digital consumers, and by limiting screen time.

• Combating negative thinking: “I’m terrible at school”, “I hate my legs” or “I’ll never make the team. Why try out?” It is very easy for teens to fall into the trap of negative thinking but when teens use negative self-talk, don’t just disagree. Ask them to really think about whether what they are saying is true, or remind them of times they worked hard and improved. Learning to frame things positively will help them to develop significant resilience to stress over time.

For questions, resources or concerns, please speak to Jenny Gillespie or Brett Armstrong in the College Counselling office.

By Mr John Hodder, Curriculum Leader 

Shake & Stir Performance

The Shake and Stir theatre company graced the stage of St James Hall at the end of Term 3 with a riveting adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, "Romeo and Juliet” for the Year 9 students. In an extraordinary display of theatrical innovation, the company managed to distil the essence of the play into a 50-minute performance that utilised the original language while infusing it with a modern twist. With only three actors, they navigated the complex themes and emotions of the play, bringing to life the star-crossed lovers' tale in a way that resonated with students and staff alike. This performance was designed to prepare the students for English next year, when they will study the play, while also immersing them in the incredible magic of live theatre. The audience, comprising students and teachers, was captivated, their reactions a testament to the power and relevance of live performance.

Providing theatrical experiences to students is such an important opportunity, opening students to the realities of live performance. It is always important for students to consider the integral skills developed by drama, as outlined in an article from The Conversation, "drama not only provides skills for creative expression, but also develops workplace skills employers want to see, including collaboration, project management, public speaking and confidence!"

We are excited to welcome Shake and Stir back in Term 1 2025 for a Media Arts workshop, promising another enriching experience for the students of ACW!

Young Voices Showcase at the Romancing the Stones Classical Music Festival

The Romancing the Stones classical music festival in Warwick marked a significant cultural event, celebrating the timeless beauty of classical music and the vibrant talents of young musicians. The Assumption College Vocal Ensemble's participation in the Young Voices showcase was a testament to their dedication and skill, offering them a fantastic opportunity to shine alongside other local school choirs in the combined choral item, "No Wars Will Stop Us Singing."

We would also love to celebrate Esther Hohenheim (Curriculum Leader Mathematics), who was a featured vocalist at the Sonnets of Love event, and Jill Hulme (Voice and Piano tutor) who also sang solo at the Fabulous Classics event. Such events not only enrich the cultural landscape but also foster a sense of community and shared artistic passion, providing fantastic cultural opportunities for students at Assumption College. We look forward to participating in the event again next year and encourage all those who missed it to come along!

2024 Stanthorpe Art Prize Finalist – Riley Gander

The Stanthorpe Art Prize, hosted by the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery, is a prestigious event that celebrates the vibrant creativity and talent of artists across regional Queensland. It's a significant platform that not only showcases diverse artistic expressions but also nurtures emerging talents in local art communities. This year, we extend a heartfelt congratulations to Riley Gander, a remarkable young artist who has been recognised as a finalist in the Youth Artist category. Riley's exceptional oil on canvas works, "The Bear" and "Gordon Setters," exude a sense of depth and movement that echoes the influence of renowned artists like Arthur Wardle. Riley's passion for painting landscapes and animals shines through in these pieces, capturing the essence of the subjects with a dynamic vibrancy. Being a finalist in such a competitive category is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about Riley's dedication and skill.

Congratulations, Riley, on this incredible achievement! Your artistic journey is an inspiration to young artists everywhere. We also congratulate and thank Kate Cullen, for all of her hard work in Visual Arts, producing incredible talent in her students and working tirelessly to bring colour and vibrancy through student art works to the Assumption College campus.

QPAC Performance of Wicked

Last week, a bus filled with an impressive 54 students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) to witness the spectacular musical, Wicked. This was to support Literature students who study the Wicked the novel on which the musical was based written by Gregory Maguire, a revisionist exploration of the characters and setting of the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Music students also study Musical Theatre, and it is an excellent opportunity for them to witness live performance of the cast, but also the pit orchestra who provide the music throughout the show.

The performance was nothing short of incredible, leaving our students utterly amazed and inspired. The dazzling production of Wicked showcased the immense talent of the cast and crew. Experiencing live performances like Wicked is crucial for students, as it exposes them to various art forms, including music, drama, dance, costume, and set design. These experiences not only enhance their appreciation for the arts but also inspire creativity and imagination.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their exemplary behaviour throughout the excursion. Their enthusiasm and respect for the performers and the venue were commendable. We look forward to more opportunities to experience the magic of live performances in the future.

Congratulations to all the students for making this excursion a memorable one!

By Mrs Amanda McCosker, College Chaplain

Welcome to Term 4     

Welcome back to Term 4! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful break and is now ready to embrace the challenges and excitement of our final term for the year.

Last week, we celebrated Grandparents Day with a delightful morning tea on the Green. The turnout was fantastic, and it was heartwarming to witness the special bonds many of you share with your grandparents. Thank you to everyone who made this event so memorable.

Coming up, we have two important events to look forward to at the end of this month: World Teacher’s Day and Day for Daniel. Our Student Leaders have planned some exciting activities for both occasions, so be sure to keep an eye on the notices for more details.

Reflection

As we dive into what might be the busiest term of the year, let’s remember to look out for each other. Our Year 12s are soon to begin their external examinations and before we know it, the rest of the College will be deep into assessment time. Amidst all of this, we also have the excitement of the upcoming Christmas season and the long holiday break. As you move around the school and interact with each other and your teachers, remember that kindness is free. A simple smile or a kind word can truly brighten someone else’s day. Wherever you go, leave a positive wake.

Have a great week.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Written by Abby Hammond, Faith and Social Justice Captain 

This term, Assumption will join the St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas appeal to bring food and other non-perishables to those who need it this Christmas season.

Normally, this is a PC activity; however, given that the financial crisis has hit several families within our community, we, the 2025 Student Leadership Team, have decided to turn this event into a House Competition.

Every morning, baskets will be placed in the breezeway in coordination with houses. These baskets can hold canned goods, non-perishable food, toiletries, and other essentials that people need in daily life.

The aim of this appeal is to support those who need it, whether it be families or individuals. Everyone needs our help.

In addition to the non-perishable items, there will be a chosen genre of items to donate every week. For example, one week, we will ask for Christmas decorations. Therefore, you can bring bonbons, candy canes, and baubles. This will ensure that Christmas time will be a special time in the lives of all members of our community.

Given that so many in our community are ‘doing it tough’ this year, let’s rally up and support this important cause. Please donate only what you can so that a sacred and joyous Christmas can be enjoyed by all.

By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver, Teacher Librarian

Opening of new Library

Welcome to term 4! We are excited to announce that our new college library is open to students! We hope this to be a vibrant hub for learning, exploration, and creativity at Assumption College. Our varied collection of books is on display and ready to be borrowed, and our activities will be up and running soon.

We have had many helpers while setting up the space, and we are immensely grateful to them! We hope to continue to have their assistance when we can move our textbooks and teacher reference books to their new home in the compactus units that have been installed in our lovely new workroom. We also thank everyone for their patience as we await levelling of our compactus units so that everything can be stored away safely.

Our library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a dynamic environment where students can discover new interests, enhance their knowledge, and develop their lifelong passion for learning, and make friends. So remember, if you don’t know where to go, come to the library!

By Mr Mark Baker, Science Teacher

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Did you know that there was a potentially bright comet currently in the eastern pre-dawn sky last week?

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is a comet that originates from way beyond the orbit of Pluto and is thought to be the first time it has approached the inner solar system.

It’s bright coma and long tail were visible with binoculars from 4:30 am until dawn low in the eastern sky. After that the comet passes too close to the sun and appears as an evening comet next week, just after sunset.

This is a photo of the comet taken by Mr. Baker at 4:30 am last Tuesday morning at Rosenthal Heights.

Year 9 Camp - Canberra

During Week 10 of Term 3, Year 9 students arrived dark and early on Monday at the College with suitcases full to depart for their Sydney and Canberra tour. We arrived at Brisbane airport to fly to Sydney, where excitement and nerves awaited. Students explored Circular Quay and the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during their time in Sydney. Students were given the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of the SCG, learning about the history of the grounds and seeing the field of play where so many sporting greats have played. After our time in Sydney, it was time to travel another 4 hours to Canberra.

On Tuesday, our first stop was the National Capital Exhibition. Here the students learned about the story of Canberra, the people, events, history and design which contributed to the development of this unique, modern, fully planned city. We then drove down the memorials along Anzac Parade, the National Capital's major commemorative way. During this drive-by experience, our coach drivers provided us with an in-depth explanation about each of the memorials dedicated to Australian and New Zealand service people who've fought and died in the line of war. We then participated in a guided tour of the Australian War Memorial where students learned about Australia’s involvement in war through the exploration of the many displays. During the afternoon, our campers visited Old Parliament House, took a walk along the Avenue of the Flags display viewing the international presence in the National capital, and visited the National Archives of Australia. Old Parliament House provided an opportunity for the students to experience the ways that people are heard in a democracy through an interactive exhibition trail and taking on the role of politicians in an historic debate re-enactment. At the National Archives of Australia, students viewed photographs, video footage, paper documents, objects and key documents of Federation, including the Australian Constitution and Royal Commission of Assent. We then took part in a driving tour of the Yarralumla Embassies, High Commissions and the Prime Minister’s Lodge. To round out a long day of sightseeing, students and teachers enjoyed a fun night of Ten Pin Bowling where lots of strikes, gutter balls and laughs were had.

Wednesday started with an early morning, with our Year 9 students eager and excited to take on the action-packed day ahead. After a fuel packed breakfast, the campers headed to Parliament House, where students had the opportunity to tour the building and role play an act to experience what it is like to be a member of parliament. We then headed back to our accommodation, where students refueled with some food and down time before heading to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Our Year 9 students started their experience at the AIS by entering the Sportex to challenge themselves with interactive sport activities. We then went on a guided tour with current AIS athletes to view the performance centre; which provided inspirational awe for students. Our campers toured the volleyball courts, the strength and conditioning facilities, the gymnastics training centre and the pool where our Olympic and national athletes train day to day.

To finish an exciting day, our Year 9 campers visited Questacon to challenge their intuition and experiment with a range of interactive and educational activities. At Questacon, students explored the functions of the digital age and the innovation that can be produced at the press of a single button. Experiment with motion and light, seeing how movement can be fluid with the forces at play. Students also had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the natural world through weather change and the impact of natural disasters. Though the most exciting time came when students were presented with the challenge of taking on a free-fall slide. Our brave Year 9 campers took the challenge head on with great effort and courage. Questacon served as a playground of inspiration for aspiring scientists and engineers and was a valuable experience of learning and play.

After the exciting events of Day 3, it was another early cold morning for the students as it was time to visit the snow. Following an early morning briefing and a hearty breakfast, the Year 9 campers set off for Perisher. Leaving before sunrise, our campers enjoyed a two-hour bus ride with great views of the beautiful mountain ranges and serene valleys.

Before making our way up to Perisher Valley, the Year 9 cohort stopped at the Jindabyne ski shed shop where they equipped themselves with snow jackets, pants, and boots. Our campers were all geared up and ready to take the snowfields. After the quick stock stop, our Year 9 campers were on the road again with the next stop being Perisher Valley. As the cohort went further up the windy road, the white snow became more apparent on the mountains. We had made it. Due to unexpected weather, the Perisher ski fields, unfortunately, did not offer the students with the opportunity to toboggan. Although there were no tobogganing opportunities, there was still enough snow for students to play around in. There were many snowball fights, sliding down hills, and great laughs that were had during the few hours there. With the snow melting away, it was time for the Year 9 group to head back to the accommodation. After a snow filled and long travelling day, the campers dropped their snow gear back to the ski shed and headed back to the accommodation. Though, the trip back home was accompanied by a warm hot chocolate and cronut stop at Cooma. The students enjoyed the famous rich hot chocolate, and a decadent ice cream filled pastry to end their day. On the way back, the bus ride was filled with joy and entertainment with the campers and teachers sharing stories of the snow filled day. Arriving back to the accommodation, students were welcomed with a warm final dinner. Here, the Assumption College students thanked staff at the Capital Country Holiday Park accommodation for the service and support provided.

Finally, our Assumption College campers wanted to thank our amazing bus drivers, Jamie and Mark, with an honorary pink Year 9 Canberra trip bucket hat. Jamie and Mark were ecstatic and wore it with pride as a compliment to the students and the College. With that, dinner ended, and it was time for our campers to pack and clean their rooms before they said good night and prepare for another big travel day home.

Friday was the final travel day, where students and teachers were eager to arrive home after an enjoyable yet tiring week of educational fun. A special thanks goes to the teachers who travelled with the students on this camp; Mrs Gardner, Miss Webb, Mrs Tunstall, Miss Quinn, Mr Hay, Mr Dwyer and Mr Felstead.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate Program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Year 10 Camp - Emu Gully

In Week 9 of Term 3, the Year 10 students excitedly headed off to Helidon for three days of fun and learning at Emu Gully Adventure Camp.

Activities commenced upon arrival, with games centred around mateship and team-building completed as the groups for the Camp were decided. Newly formed Units Alpha, Bravo and Charlie then became fiercely competitive as they worked as a group to successfully solve and complete each obstacle and activity.

It was incredibly powerful to watch how each Unit worked together and stepped up at tough times. The activities are designed to promote mateship, courage, leadership, perseverance and self-discovery, and each has a story connected to the ANZAC theme. Our Year 10 students listened to stories of Australians at war, and tales of courage, loss and persistence in times of adversity. The activity then allowed the young people to consider what our soldiers experienced, by participating in quests akin to the Rats of Tobruk, Bridge over the River Kwai and the Kokoda Trail. Not only did our students rise to the challenge, but they lifted each other up, demonstrating care and concern and dedication in the moment.

Emu Gully Adventure Camp provides young people with unique opportunities to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment. These activities sometimes aren’t for the faint-hearted, and to watch our young people step up and out of their comfort zone, and succeed with smiles on their faces, was something of which we are incredibly proud of.