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By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal
Gospel - Mark 10: 35-45
Sitting in Mass on Sunday, I overheard one of the parishioners complimenting Father Bony’s Reflection within the Parish Bulletin. This parishioner was recommending that we should all read and reflect on Bony’s words – a wise sentiment given the nature of the script. Bony reflects on Mark’s Gospel by examining the issue of leadership and power. He explores the corrupting force of power when it lies in the hands of individuals who see power as opportunities for wealth, coercive tactics, manipulation, misogyny and control. Bony finishes with a prayer to Jesus, seeking His guidance and influence to ensure that we are “… meek and humble of heart, (to) make my heart like yours”.
Leadership is not an easy mantle to wear. For those who have experienced both formal and informal leadership roles, it becomes quickly apparent that the wider your sphere of influence, the greater the responsibilities. In 1977, Robert Greenleaf published the phrase ‘Servant Leadership’ in response to the overtly controlling and traditional command-and-control leadership model that had previously been considered to be the most effective leadership style. Commanding leadership is an ordering, autocratic approach where the leader gives orders and others follow those orders without question.
Greenleaf’s Servant Leader model privileged the leader’s position as a servant, one that inverts the leadership hierarchy and sees their role as serving all others – it is known as leadership from the soul. Often, Pope Francis is epitomised as a true ‘Servant Leader’; however, there is more to Pope Francis’s leadership than service. Pope Francis leads with a noble heart, a noble soul, and a clearly articulated noble purpose.
Noble Purpose leadership has evolved from Servant leadership, and while service still holds the primacy of importance at its core, there is a shift in focus. Rather than leaders asking, “What can I do to help you succeed?” they ask “What do you need to excel in our shared goal?”. It is about the impact and achievement of a higher purpose – the growth and agency of the community. It empowers the community to unite for a cause larger than themselves and to seek a positive impact for all.
Our current Year 11s are moving into their final year, and they have accepted the role of leadership within our community. They have already taken this mantle and are leading the way in making an impact. They are challenged to consider the five (5) features of Noble Purpose Leadership:
1. Be clear about your purpose – why do we lead?
2. Be clear about your role - what do you want to achieve, and how will you get there?
3. Who do you serve in this role? – ensure you consider your audience and those that you serve. Servant leadership is not about being a slave, but it is about ensuring that you recognise that leadership is serving others and not yourself.
4. What values drive your leadership? – what is important to you, as a leader, and the people you serve? Wisdom, Justice, Compassion and Generosity.
5. How do you demonstrate authenticity within your leadership? – this is an alignment between your values and your behaviours – people trust you where you are your true self.
Our community is well led by the 2025 Senior Cohort, who are committed to ensuring that their leadership will be impactful as they ‘Light the Lantern’ for all around to see and be guided by.
External Examinations – Year 12
As this newsletter goes out, our senior cohort of 2024 has already experienced their first week of external examinations. Before they set off on this adventure, they went with our prayers and well wishes. I would like to thank the staff and graduates of 2023, Erin Walsh, Tasmyn Walters, Alex Newley, and Savannah Ganly, for taking the time to gift words of encouragement to these seniors.
Twilight Professional Learning Team (PLT) Presentations
For the second year, Assumption College staff have engaged in professional learning teams focused on the continual improvement and enhancement of key priorities within our community. These priorities have been developed from our 2024 Annual Action Plan, the College Strategic Plan, and ongoing discussions and insights from our P&F, Advisory Council, Parent Engagement Evenings and our Student Representative Council.
In 2024, the PLTs included:
• Development of ACW’s Aspirational Culture
• Distinctively Catholic
• Effective Pedagogy in Mathematics A
• Effective Pedagogy in Mathematics B
• Subject Discipline Literacy
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Year 7 Transition
• Effective Teaching and Learning
Each team developed its annual strategic priorities, targets, and key improvement strategies. To meet these, the teams undertook small action research projects.
These teams met once a fortnight, on Wednesday afternoons during Wellbeing time. They consulted current literature regarding their priorities, engaged in conversations and interviews with industry experts and visited other schools regarding their practices in their chosen topic.
It was such a privilege to witness their journeys, challenges and successes – safeguarding Assumption College’s capacity and commitment to continuous improvement in the quality and outcomes for our students.
Assumption College’s P&F
Please note that there is a general meeting on 18 November 2024 to vote for the P&F to move from an incorporated P&F to an unincorporated P&F. We would like to see our community present to answer any questions and to undertake this endeavour as we commit to our governance structure of a P&F and an Advisory Council.
May our Mother Mary grant her blessings upon our College Community.
By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal Curriculum
External Exams
Year 12 students are currently completing their External Examinations. All results for these examinations will be released on Sunday 15 December 2024 through the QCAA Student Portal application.
Student Portal Log in (b2clogin.com)
QCE’s will also be posted out to students from this date. ATAR’s will be released through the QTAC portal on Sunday 15 December 2024. Year 12 students will need to ensure that they have their log in and password details for their QCAA and QTAC portals.
Semester Reports
Semester 2 Reports will be issued through the Sentral parent portal. Please ensure that you have access and can log in to download your child’s report.
Live Feedback
As mentioned in previous newsletters, this semester the College will be working towards a new template for Semester 2 Reports. This will see each student with a comment written by their Pastoral Care teachers outlining their achievements for the semester. Consequently, this means that parents will be granted access to Canvas, our learning management system. This will allow parents to see the unit overview grids, assessment tasks, feedback on drafts from teachers, final submission comments and result. There will be a letter with an outline of how to access and use Canvas for all parents. This letter will include parent/guardian login details. The College will also hold a Parent Information Session to assist parents in gaining access and navigating Canvas.
Year 11 Students
Year 11 students should be accessing their QCE account information through the QCAA student portal. They will require their LUI number and password, which is their date of birth in the following format ddmm, for example, 0605 for the 6th May.
Student Portal and your Learning Account | myQCE (qcaa.qld.edu.au)
This will outline the student’s results and the amount of points they have banked from their Year 11 course of study.
See the student portal FAQ’s for more information.
By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing
Let them struggle…
One of the hardest things for a parent or caregiver to do is let your children struggle – let your children learn. To learn they must be able to struggle and make mistakes. At school it is the same.
Our students, your children, want instant gratification and while this satisfies in the moment, it leaves youth feeling unfulfilled and wanting more. This affects students’ ability to learn because they don’t have to work for something, they don’t know how to problem solve and are unable to build resilience.
Allowing students to struggle allows them to understand content more effectively and can increase their self-confidence. Of course it is easy to swoop in and help; however, a mother bird does not do this with a baby bird learning to fly … they struggle, they learn, they fly!
So when your children have made a mistake and receive consequences, support them! Let them learn while they are in a safe supportive environment.
When we work together, we are going to see far greater growth in our young people, strengthening their resilience, increasing their tolerance and showing kindness.
For more information in supporting your teenagers with struggles and failures, please visit the following site:
Uniform
In the next newsletter, I will communicate the full uniform policy for families to be able to prepare for the new year.
Students are well aware of our expectations and have amazing PC teachers to help support them in sourcing, wearing and promoting their College uniform.
Should you have any questions regarding the uniform, please do not hesitate to contact the College.
By Mr Patrick Donnely, Assistant Principal Mission and Identity
Welcome to our new APMI
I am very honoured to be back at Assumption College and thankful for the warm welcome I have had for these first few weeks. I would like to thank Liisa Hammond and Carol Sharp for all their work regarding the Religious Life of the College and the curriculum for Religious Education. Returning after 6 months and seeing where we are now, here at Assumption College, excites me to continue this journey with you all.
St Vincent De Paul's Christmas Appeal
This term's focus is working around St Vincent De Paul’s Christmas appeal and the new approach to how we both fundraise and raise awareness. The 2025 Faith and Social Justice Leader, Abby Hammond, has worked with her leadership team to take away some of the stress around this. Last week we saw the launch of the appeal and this Wednesday we saw the team come together in action. This year the fundraising is in Houses and not as Pastoral Care Classes. Each week there is a new focus on what students can bring in to donate. So far we have had nonperishable food products and this week was Christmas decorations. Students should keep an eye out for notices and speak with the Year 11 Leaders for more information. As mentioned in the last newsletter by Abby, this is an opportunity for us all to rally up and come together as a community.
PC Liturgies
Pastoral Care classes have been running their PC liturgies again this term. This year, the PC classes had the opportunity to work as a class in creating their liturgy that was specific to their class. Last week I was very privileged to be part of McAuley 2’s PC liturgy. These liturgies are an opportunity for the PC to come together and pray as one. Seeing McAuley 2 do this in their unique way was inspiring as all in the class participated in creating the sacred space, writing the prayers, selecting the music and the reflection whilst keeping their PC’s focus at the forefront. I look forward to interacting with more PC classes this term as we finish off PC liturgies in the coming weeks.
For the next few weeks, I will be spending time learning more about the journey Assumption College has been on so I can continue to work with you all as the year comes to an end and we plan for 2025.
By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager
Review of College Fees for 2025
We have undertaken a review of our College fees, our College Fee Schedule for 2025 will be available on our Assumption College website. This review took 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.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in fostering an enriching educational environment for our students.
Reminder to apply for the Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS).
The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) assists eligible families with the cost of traveling to school, with applications for Semester 2, 2024 now open online and closing on 31 October 2024.
To stay informed with the latest updates and news, we invite you to check out our ACW Website and follow us on social media via our ACW facebook page.
Should you require further details, please contact the College office on 07 46 604 000.
By Mrs Alison Porter, Career Development Practitioner
Year 12 School-based Apprentices and Trainees Thank You Event
The School-based Apprentice and Trainee Employer Thank You event was held Monday, 14 October 2024 in St James’ Hall. It was an event for Assumption College staff and guests to meet with all Year 12 school-based apprentices and trainees to celebrate their hard work and successes. Thank you to all who were in attendance.
Congratulations
Recent Apprenticeship Sign-ups
Congratulations to our most recent school-based apprentices that have recently been signed up. Azailia Grant - Certificate II in Community Pharmacy at Priceline Pharmacy, Rohan Fanning - Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication at Absolute Trailer Solutions and Ryley Collins - Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology at Southern Downs Ag.
Congratulations to our 2024 Health Hub students Sophie Beard, Dakoda Cunning, Kirr-Lee Curtis, Annabelle Gleeson, Abby Hammond, Kihan Marshall, Felicity Mitchell, Karinne Naoum and Abbey Wallace who have completed their Certificate III in Health Services.
Completion of Cert II in Rural Operations
Date Claimers
By Mr Thomas Duggan, Sports Coordinator
South West Rugby 7's Competition
Last week Assumption College took part in the first round of the South West Rugby 7’s Competition. Assumption College entered an u15 Boys team this year who are being coached by two of our experienced Senior Leaders, Harry Hume and Abby Hammond.
In the first round last week, the team started the campaign with a loss against Mary Mackillop College 20-15. After this first match which happened to be all of our players’ first time playing Rugby 7’s, the team bounced back and picked up the skills quite quickly. They managed to defeat Toowoomba Anglican School 20-15.
Coaches Harry and Abby were very proud of the team. The team will play Toowoomba Grammar and Downlands in Round 2. We wish them luck.
Written by Lara Santo - Year 10 student
Queensland State Track and Field Championships
From Tuesday 8 October to Monday 14 October 2024, nine of our Assumption College students attended both the 10-12 years and 13-19 years Queensland Track and Field State Championships. These students represented the College and the whole Darling Downs region with pride and have shown immense talent. All students displayed 100% effort in each event and endured many character defining moments throughout the course of the week.
At the College we strive to infix a sense of determination and grit in our students and these athletes have shown exactly what it is like to be an Assumption College student.
Congratulations to all our athletes on their outstanding performances: Patrick Kajewski, Lucy Spiller, Jack Burton, Matilda Doyle, Logan Hallman, Riley Wainwright, Hayley Wainwright and Mary Santo.
A special congratulations to Harry Hume who competed in the 16 years boy shot put and was awarded with the silver medal.
Good Luck to Hayley, Riley, Harry and Logan who will be competing at the All Schools State athletics Championships at QSAC!
Assumption Coolege Sports Profile Of The Week
At Assumption College, we take immense pride in our students’ sporting achievements. Moving forward, we will be profiling a student in each of our newsletters to celebrate their dedication, hard work and success. We hope you enjoy learning about some of our outstanding Assumption College students. Stay tuned for inspiring stories and highlights from our talented athletes!
By Mrs Jenny Gillespie, College Counsellor
Friendships at School
Every day at school is a social experience of some kind and for all young people, friendships matter. Friendship groups are where young people get to practise being themselves outside of the family and for some highly social young people, there will be many friends in various social settings. Most young people though, will have far fewer friends at any one time.
Regardless, friendships can be a source of great joy for young people but also create angst and confusion when friendships change or sour. Young people can feel upset and wonder ‘what they have done wrong’ or become confused about the ‘number’ or ‘sorts’ of friends they ‘should’ have.
We all experience some degree of pressure to conform to the behaviours and norms of our social groups, yet this pressure is heightened in adolescence as teens attempt to figure who they are and where they fit in the world. Peer pressure can make young people feel reliant on the approval of others and distressed/worried when this approval is not forthcoming.
Parents can help by:
1. Encouraging more than one set of friends
It’s helpful to think of friendships as a series of concentric circles. Most young people will have a few close friends in their inner circle but are surrounded by many friends in the outer circles.
2. Normalising friendship changes
Friendship change is normal in high school. High school friendships almost always change over time. Sometimes these changes will occur quite quickly, or it may be a more gradual process. Understanding this boosts resilience over time.
3. When you disapprove
Sometimes parents disapprove of their young person’s choice of friends, because of behaviour, reputation or adverse influence they may have on a young person. Young people will likely take criticism of their friends personally so consider carefully how you handle these issues. At times being direct and upfront will be helpful, at other times a more subtle approach will be needed.
4. Differentiate between online and offline friends
In all likelihood, your young person will communicate with their friends in real time and through digital technology. Middle years students, in particular, may need reminding of the differences between the two, discussing how behaviours and norms vary between the real world and online.
For further resources or support please contact either Jenny or Brett in the School Counselling office Monday to Friday.
By Mr John Hodder, Curriculum Leader
A Busy Term for Performance Music
This term has been a whirlwind of activity and success for our performance music groups, with several notable events showcasing their talents and hard work.
Senior House Band Shines at Business at Dusk
The Senior House Band delivered an outstanding performance at the Business at Dusk event, impressing the audience with their incredible musical talents. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees praising the band’s skill and professionalism. A special thanks goes to Mrs Hohenheim for her hard work, dedication, and musical expertise in shaping the band into the remarkable ensemble it is today.
ACW Performs at St Mary’s Festival Talent Quest
We had two items at the St Mary’s Festival Talent Quest this year! Two of our incredibly talented Year 11 students, Sam Shaw and Josh Gale, performed brilliantly and walked away with a well-earned first place in the high school Instrumental category! Our Concert Band also had the unique opportunity to collaborate with the St Mary’s Concert Band at the St Mary’s Festival Talent Quest. This event was an incredible experience for our young musicians in the primary school and a fantastic opportunity for our older musicians to demonstrate their leadership in the combined ensemble. The performance was a highlight of the festival, and the feedback was incredibly positive. Special thanks to Mr Buchanan, who has tirelessly worked to grow the concert band and provide incredible opportunities for our musicians. We also want to congratulate staff member Miss Brims, who wowed the crowds at the Festival with her stunning vocals, providing music for the event. We are very proud of her achievements and are so blessed to have her run our vocal ensemble!
Looking Ahead
As we look forward, we are excited about the upcoming performance by the Junior House Band on the Assumption College Float for the Warwick Rodeo Street Parade. This event promises to be another fantastic opportunity for our young musicians to showcase their talents and engage with the community.
The Benefits of Music: Enhancing Academic Success and Wellbeing
Music is more than just an art form; it is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance academic success and develop neural pathways in students. Research from Bigger Better Brains and renowned music educator Dr. Anita Collins provides compelling evidence on the benefits of music education.
Academic Success and Neural Development
Engaging in music education has been shown to improve various cognitive functions. According to research by Bigger Better Brains, learning music can enhance memory, attention, and executive functions. Dr. Anita Collins’ work further supports this, demonstrating that playing an instrument activates and strengthens neural networks involved in these cognitive processes. This neural development is crucial for academic success, as it helps students perform better in subjects like Mathematics and reading.
The Benefits of Joining a Music Ensemble
Being part of a musical ensemble can reduce anxiety and stress. Music has a calming effect, and playing in a group setting fosters a supportive environment where students can express themselves freely. This sense of community helps alleviate stress and promotes mental well-being.
Participation in ensembles also develops key social skills and a sense of belonging. Working together in a band or choir teaches students teamwork, communication, and leadership. These experiences are invaluable, helping students build strong interpersonal relationships and a supportive network.
Join the Assumption College Ensembles and Instrumental Tuition
We encourage all students to join one of the Assumption College ensembles. Every student is welcome to join the Concert Band and Vocal Ensemble. Additionally, students are currently preparing to audition for our selective ensembles, including the Junior and Senior House Band, Liturgy Band, Jazz Band, and Drumline.
Learn More
Parents, guardians, and students interested in instrumental private tuition or auditioning for ensembles can get more information by collecting a letter from the front office or emailing john.hodder@twb.catholic.edu.au.
Music is a powerful tool that can transform students’ academic and well-being journeys! We encourage you to make the most of these opportunities and support our young musicians in their schooling journey.
By Mrs Amanda McCosker, College Chaplain
Upcoming events around the College
This term has kicked off with many various activities and events happening, and while the stress of looming due dates and examinations is being felt by many of us, there’s also a buzz of excitement with many wonderful things happening around the College.
Day for Daniel
This Friday, our College came together to honour Day for Daniel, marking the 20th anniversary of this significant day. Our 2025 College Leaders excelled in raising awareness about child safety, inspiring students to add a touch of red to their uniforms in support. Living in a small town, it’s easy to become complacent about safety; however, our leaders reminded us that keeping ourselves and our friends safe is a responsibility we all share and must continually prioritise.
St Vinnies Christmas Appeal
This week, we launched our St Vinnies Christmas Appeal. This year, donations will be collected within our Houses rather than PC classes. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact many families in our community, this appeal is more crucial than ever. Our contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. We welcome donations of any non-perishable goods at any time. To inspire a wide range of necessary and festive items, our 2025 leaders have introduced weekly themes:
Week 4 Christmas Decorations
Week 5 Dessert Foods
Week 6 Small Presents
Week 7 Dinner and Lunch Foods
Week 8 Essentials
Adding just one extra item to your family’s weekly grocery shop for our donations would be incredibly helpful and greatly appreciated.
As Thomas S. Monson said, “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.”
Take care of each other and have a great week.
By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver, Teacher Librarian
Book Club
Miss Grealy has started a reading book club during lunch on Wednesdays – she is even offering to find students a book they will love! What a great opportunity to discover how much fun can be had in the library from one booklover to another. We all love offering personal reading recommendations.
In our new spot near the tuckshop and breezeway we have more and more students visiting and discovering our awesome games on offer – there have been some big games of UNO, Under 21 and Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese Pizza!
As Year 11s embark on Units 3 and 4, we are busy collecting and re-issuing books. If you have a student in Year 11 or 12, and they are finished with their books, can you please remind them they are due back at the library.
The rodeo is upon us again, we have students making craft for our foyer display. Keep an eye out for photos.
Written by Mrs Jill Hume, Year 10 Pastoral Leader
Southern Downs Youth Council 2024
Lachlan Corney, Emmaline Newley and Eleanor Krueger have represented Assumption College as the youth leaders in the Southern Downs Regional Youth Council.
This has involved quarterly meetings with other local school representatives, where they have participated in active discussions on matters that impact on the Southern Downs Regional Council’s local youth.
Our three Assumption College representatives have been active participants in these meetings, offering valuable input and posing relevant questions to help guide the change needed to meet the needs of local youth. The last meeting, held in Stanthorpe, wrapped up their tenure in this role, to which Deputy Mayor Sheryl Windle congratulated the members on their positive engagement in the meetings. She stated that the local community is ‘in good hands’ with the calibre of our representatives, and invited the students to remain connected to the Southern Downs Regional Council in the future.
Being a Southern Downs Regional Council Youth Representative has allowed our College representatives to be privy to some excellent events and opportunities that develop leadership skills, encourage community involvement and inspire personal growth. We congratulate Eleanor, Emmaline and Lachlan, and thank them for their positive contribution to our College and the wider Council region.
Written by Mr Brady Retallick - Year 8 Pastoral Leader
Year 8 Camp Kokoda 
Camp Kokoda is always challenging and rewarding, with students consistently expanding their own understanding of their own potential. This year’s Year 8 cohort took to all aspects of camp Kokoda beautifully, demonstrating yet again what a great group of students we have. It is gratifying when we arrive to have the camp staff recognise that “Assumption College students will be right,” which means that students will face the challenges, show the respect, and benefit from the experience.
Assumption College and Kokoda staff were genuinely impressed by the groups’ dedication to teamwork as they navigated challenging terrain, at times amid torrential rain. Each member supported one another in managing the essentials of camp life, including carrying supplies, cooking meals, keeping the camp clean, and setting up and breaking down the camp. It was awesome to witness the groups working together to ensure a great experience for all involved.
Although some of the activities challenged students’ natural survival instincts, they pushed through fear and trepidation to be flung (safely supervised by experts and correct safety equipment) around on various contraptions involving height and ropes. It is always rewarding to see someone face their fears and experience enormous benefit after doing so, and the look of excitement and enjoyment on the faces of each student at the end of different activities was tremendously rewarding for all.
As an educator being able to watch young people expand the boundaries of what they think they are capable of is just about as good as it gets. Year 8 did so in every way at camp this year. These life changing benefits are why ACW returns to Camp Kokoda year after year, and is a real marker in our students’ journey through their schooling. Students can proudly say that they went to Camp Kokoda, and I’m sure they will carry the experiences, memories and benefits with them for many years to come.
College Tutoring Program
