By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Gospel: Luke 21:25 – 36 

Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation for our community. For the next four weeks leading up to Christmas, we will focus on the themes of peace, joy, love, and, like this week’s Gospel – Hope. During this sacred time, we are reminded of the importance of preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ—the true meaning of Christmas.

Luke’s Gospel tells us the narrative of Jesus speaking of the signs in the heavens and on earth that remind us that even though we face challenges and uncertainties, we are, at all times, supported. Jesus guides us to be strong in our faith and renewed in our spirit, for he is with us.

At Assumption College, this Gospel holds relevance as we review 2024. Just as Luke speaks of facing challenges, be they academic pressures, social issues or personal struggles, we are encouraged to remain hopeful and resilient as there are many people within our community who will support and guide us. As a community, we actively foster a sense of belonging and engagement, encouraging and championing one another. This Gospel foretells a hope-filled and inspired future as long as we remain true to the teachings of Truth and Love.

2024 in Review

2024 began with the celebration of our outstanding 2023 results and the announcement of Thomas Ryan as our 2023 Dux and Alexander Newley as our 2023 Proxime Accessit. With 100% of students attaining their Queensland Certificate of Education, 22% of students achieving an ATAR over 90, 52% of the 2023 cohort receiving an early entry into university and 100% of our school-based apprentices and trainees converting to full-time work, the 2024 Senior Cohort had definitely been delivered a challenge.

The 2024 Senior Cohort of Sower of Seeds was such a pivotal motivator for success this year. With the core values of Compassion, Generosity, Wisdom, and Justice, they not only embodied these principles but also inspired others to do the same. Their commitment to Compassion was evident in their numerous community service projects, where they worked tirelessly to support those in need, including the March Charge and Day for Dolly. They continued to sow seeds of Generosity as they organised fundraisers and donation drives, ensuring that resources were available for various charitable causes. This culminated in their Founders’ Day celebrations and fundraising for the local volunteer firefighters who worked tirelessly to help our community through floods, fires and other emergencies. The 2024 Senior Cohort’s Wisdom shone through in academic achievements and thoughtful leadership, guiding younger students and setting a high standard for excellence. Finally, their dedication to Justice was reflected in their advocacy for fairness and equality, both within the College and in the broader community. This cohort's influence extended beyond their individual accomplishments, fostering an aspirational culture and an unfailing spirit that will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.

Our 2024 Annual Action Plan consisted of four (4) categories: Engaged Students Learning, Being Distinctively Catholic, Valuing Our People, and Using Resources Wisely. In a year that was committed to a clear improvement agenda, there is much to reflect on; therefore, I shall be noting only the highlights in each.

Engaged Students Learning

Central to our engagement of learners is a commitment to maintaining our clear expectations about attendance to the core business of our College – learning. This has led to a commitment to ensuring limited interruptions so that our students can achieve their educational goals.

This year saw the highest number of students ever achieving an Aspirational Achievement award, setting a new standard of excellence when it comes to our students accepting responsibility to be the hardest working people for their own success. 2024 also saw an increase in the number of students receiving academic and application awards in Year 10 and Year 11, which indicates the depth and breadth of pathways our students are engaging in. With an ever-increasing offering of subjects, we are committed to providing every student with the capacity and opportunity to pursue their desired pathways.

The targeted focus of improvement in academic performance and agency across all learning pathways was met via several strategies, including the continual development of the Senior Tracking Team, where students, parents/guardians and key staff came together to guide, counsel and support our students’ successes.
Through the introduction of Live Feedback, parents and guardians are provided with the opportunity for timely and opportunistic information to ensure that they can support their children when it counts. Pastoral Care classes have been given the prominence they deserve, focusing on report comments reflecting the strong connection these teachers have with their students.

Being Distinctively Catholic

In 2024, our community was challenged to develop an understanding of what it means to be distinctively Catholic. Our staff's core beliefs were reflected in growing confidence in celebrating our faith through the creation of Pastoral Care Liturgies that the Pastoral Care classes created themselves. Furthermore, staff engaged with key strategic documents, including Vatican Statements, doctoral works and Papal Encyclicals, to develop ‘We Believe’ statements.

We celebrated numerous achievements: Riley Salter received the Catholic Education Week award for expert early careers teacher, and Eileen Moyle, an ACW Alumnist, was honoured as the recipient of the 2024 Spirit of Catholic Education award. Two staff members completed their Masters, one in Theology and the other in Leadership of a Catholic Organisation. Seven staff members engaged in Cornerstones, a faith formation group, and two staff members attended the TCS staff retreats.

In sports, we were competitive in swimming, athletics, rugby league, rugby 7s, basketball, netball, water polo, athletics, chess, and esports. Culturally, we experienced an explosion of the arts with artists in residence, QPAC excursions, and success at the Catholic Musical Festival. Highlights included our Concert Band, Jazz Band, senior and junior house bands, staff/student vocal ensemble, and the introduction of the Drumline at the Year 12 Graduation. The Assumption College Variety Showcase featured memorable performances, including a tribute to the Backstreet Boys and a rousing rendition of "You’re the Voice" by Toby Spiller on bagpipes. Students represented our College at all levels of government, with Issy Sullivan speaking at the State Parliament and giving voice to the voiceless.

Our students actively participated in community events like Jumpers and Jazz, the Rodeo Parade, and numerous social justice initiatives, embodying the values of living in a regional town and contributing to the community.

Using Resources Wisely

One of our greatest accomplishments this year was the delivery of the new library and Year 7 precinct. Eight years in the making, the delivery of this key priority of our master building plan was exceptional. The greatest of thanks goes to DMC Construction Group, Dean and his team, and to Rachel Jenkins and Aspect Architects and Project Managers. It would be remiss of us not to greatly thank Paul Bryant, Manager of Facilities Development, and Mandy Kulczynski, Facilities Project Management Officer, both from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. Naturally, I would like to thank our Business Manager, Mr Scott Clegg, for his tireless work and resilience in bringing this amazing facility to life and providing our young people and staff with a workspace that nurtures a love of learning and provides for the future learners of our College.

Not only do we need to highlight our new build, but there have also been classroom refurbishments, the setup of the Wellbeing Centre and several additions and improvements to allow for accessibility and equality of learning for all members of our community.

In 2024, Assumption College, along with all schools and colleges within the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese, moved to a new financial model that has seen staff engage in greater development of their financial literacy skills, ensuring prudent and responsible stewardship over our resources and facilities.

Valuing Our People

We engaged our alumni to strengthen our community with our All Ways for Always campaign, telling the story of our students since they left Assumption College. Our Alumni Committee is growing in numbers and interest, with several college tours being requested by reunion classes – most recently the class of 1972-1974.

Our staff have committed to an enduring and effective improvement agenda that includes engagement in Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) focused on identified areas of growth. In 2024, these teams were Effective Pedagogy in Mathematics, Distinctively Catholic, Subject Discipline Literacy, Year 7 Transition, Positive Behaviour Support, Development of Aspirational Culture, and Effective Teaching and Learning Practices. With the Year 7 Transition Team completing their research, we look forward to introducing the Data Literacy and Storytelling Professional Learning Team in 2025. We especially thank Rosie Gillespie, Mick Floyd, and Jo Tooley from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, as well as other supporters from various schools and colleges.

Parental involvement was strong through our Parent & Friends Committee, our Advisory Committee, the P&F Long Lunch, parent information sessions, Grandparents Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Open Day. Of particular note, I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Sophia McLucas, our retiring P&F Chair, and Mrs Michelle Spence, our retiring P&F Treasurer. These ladies have contributed endless hours, energy and expertise to ensure that our young people and our community are well-supported. For the past three years that I have been principal of our college, these women have consistently ensured best practices and outcomes for our students, and this speaks to the calibre and strength of our community. The P&F will miss these wonderful families, and we thank them for the gift of their service.

This year, we farewelled the 2024 senior cohort and, one week later, at Orientation Day, welcomed the 2030 senior cohort. As we reflect on a year of challenges and growth, we look towards 2025, where we are committed to Light the Lantern, guided by our values of Wisdom, Generosity, Compassion, and Justice, lighting our way to Truth and Love.

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

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal Curriculum 

Year 7-11 Semester 2 2024 Reports

Semester 2 Reports will be published via Sentral. Please ensure that you have access to the Parent Portal on Sentral.

Canvas

Our learning management system is now accessible to all parents. User names and passwords have been emailed to your nominated email address as recorded in Sentral. The parent information session that was held this week was recorded and is available for all parents on the College website (insert link). Results and feedback for Semester 2 will be made available to all students and parents through Canvas. This will complement the Semester 2 report and give more detail to improvements that can be made moving forward for each subject.

Reflecting on 2024, we are excited to share the remarkable progress and achievements of Assumption College. This year has been marked by numerous changes and innovations in our curriculum. Our goal has been to create an environment that nurtures both academic success and personal growth for all our students, with a strong focus on individualised approaches and continuous improvement.

A major highlight this year has been the ongoing rollout of Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum across various departments. This update underscores our commitment to maintaining educational excellence and ensuring our students receive the best possible education.

Students in Years 10, 11, and 12 benefitted from Academic Coaching sessions throughout the year. These sessions are carefully designed to track and support their educational progress, ensuring each student is on the right path to achieving their goals. These sessions are individualised and focus on what each student requires to ensure their success. The academic coach remains consistent through their senior journey to allow for a tailored yet personal approach to each student’s education.

For our Years 7-9 students, Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT) testing was conducted throughout the year as a crucial tool to identify areas of growth and areas needing improvement. This data-driven approach helps us tailor our teaching and learning strategies to meet the unique needs of each student.

At Assumption College, we believe in recognising and celebrating the hard work and achievements of our students. We held Academic Pin ceremonies for Semester 2, 2023, and Semester 1, 2024, where students were recognised for their outstanding academic performance. Additionally, Aspirational Achievement Awards were given based on Term 1 and Term 3 Interim Report cards, further acknowledging our students’ dedication. We also celebrated the significant progress shown by students in their NAPLAN and PAT testing.

Our dedicated teaching staff have been instrumental in every student’s success. They have actively engaged in professional development in their areas of interest, striving to enhance the learning experience in their classrooms. To foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, teachers have formed professional learning teams to conduct research and find innovative ways to improve our teaching methods.

Our commitment to student success goes beyond academic considerations. We have continuously worked on improving our policies and procedures surrounding teaching and learning to ensure that every student at our College finds a pathway suited to their unique strengths and aspirations. Building strong relationships with our students and their families has been a cornerstone of our approach, enriching the educational experience for everyone involved.

As we wrap up this year, we eagerly look forward to another year of teaching and learning at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment that empowers our students to reach their full potential. We look forward to building on the successes of 2024 and continuing our journey of educational excellence.

Wishing you all a Happy and Holy Christmas.

By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing

Review of 2024

In 2024, the Pastoral Academic Leaders evolved to Pastoral Leaders who continued their focus on student wellbeing and were able to further enhance the support of their cohort, with support from Curriculum Leaders regarding academic matters.

Our wellbeing programs moved from Pastoral Care sessions to Wednesday afternoons, and alternated between chosen wellbeing activities and healthy minds activities. The healthy mind rotation allowed us to host amazing presenters to support the holistic growth of our students while avoiding some interruption to class time.

As always we started the year with online safety reminders from Brett Lee at Internet Safe Education, raising awareness for students of the dangers and risks they can be exposed to online. His presentations also offered the necessary tools students can arm themselves with when navigating this complex space. Parents also learned tips about the importance of educating themselves about their child’s internet use and the absolute necessity of supervision.

Responding to enquiries regarding parenting support, we were fortunate to secure three sessions from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. This program included sessions on Getting Teenagers Connected, Raising Responsible Teenagers and Raising Competent Teenagers. Further information on these topics has been provided in the newsletter throughout the year, along with links to free online programs.

For the senior students, we had Adair Donaldson present the facts from a legal perspective about consent; very powerful, and in some cases, confronting. Nevertheless his presentation was a necessity.

RACQ Road Safety Program for Years 11 and 12 students was an opportunity for students to make connections with their own driving skills, the decisions they make and the consequences. Further consideration of decision-making and consequences followed with a visit from Red Frogs for our departing Year 12 students.

LIVIN presented an animated awareness session on breaking the stigma associated with mental health and promoting positive mental health.

Our leadership development days for the Year 11 cohort were held at the end of Term 3, giving students the opportunity to decide on their theme for 2025, special guests to help support their understanding on what it means to be a leader and how imperative it is to work as a team. We look forward to working with our Year 12s in 2025.

Camps and retreats are always a highlight for each year level along with the organisation that is required to make each adventure a success. The effort and time is worth it when we see the smiles and appreciation from students. 

The pastoral team for 2025 has seen a couple of shuffles as Pastoral Leaders move to their year levels for 2025.

Year 7       Mr Fabian Carrasco
Year 8       Mrs Jill Hume
Year 9       Mr Brett Hay
Year 10     Mrs Dimity Gardner
Senior       Ms Codie Ellis

I am sure you are vey much aware that our main pastoral focus this year has been on the little things and being kind. Each assembly, students have been given examples, shown clips, watched skits or been given a challenge for their PC on these topics. We look forward to building on these in 2025 and having our seniors lead the way.

Communication and working together is how we wish to continue to help shape your children and our students into amazing adults!

Thank you for the support you have shown the Pastoral Leaders and our wellbeing team at the College during 2024. We look forward to an even better 2025.

By Mr Patrick Donnely, Assistant Principal Mission and Identity 

Advent

On Sunday 1st December, we started the Advent season. This season we prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus. In modern times we use Advent Calendars to count down the days to Christmas. Recent trends on social media have people sharing the chapters from the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s Gospel has 24 chapters, one for each of the days in Advent. Reading a chapter a day in the lead-up to Christmas will allow us to truly be aware of who we are awaiting and the reason why.

Often, we forget about Jesus or struggle to keep Christ centred in the busyness of the Advent season. This Advent Calendar allows us to set aside five to ten minutes of our day to go through the life of Jesus from his incarnation to his death and resurrection, then to his ascension.

By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager 

From the Business Manager's Desk

As the 2024 school year comes to a close, I acknowledge the hard work and efforts of our students, staff, and families. Our College is built on a sense of community and a shared goal of providing a high-quality educational experience for everyone.

There have been several notable developments and initiatives at our College during the 2024 year. These include the completion of our advanced learning environments, which were part of our new Year Seven Precinct and Learning Resource Centre building project. We took possession of a new Kluger to upgrade our 5-year-old Kluger to a new hybrid version. We also purchased two new Toyota HiAce’s (one converted for wheelchair/lift access and one standard 12-seater). These initiatives confirm our ongoing efforts to improve the educational experience of our students and staff and support the diverse needs of our learners

We have also reviewed our College fees, and the 2025 Fee Schedule is now available on our ACW Website. This review considered external factors like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and local cost-of-living issues. The 2025 Fee Schedule includes the recommended weekly instalment amounts. Please consider your child's circumstances and your budgeting preferences when setting an instalment amount.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may affect your ability to pay on time. If you face financial hardship or have concerns about meeting the deadline, please contact us. Our Principal and I are available for confidential discussions to explore supportive measures. We aim to ensure financial issues do not impact our student's education and wellbeing.

Please call our College Office at 0746 604 000 to schedule a convenient appointment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. We are committed to supporting every family within our community through open communication.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are building a bright future for our students.

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 feel free to contact the College office on 07 4660 4000.

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie, College Counsellor

Support over the Holiday Period

As the 2024 school year draws to a close, we would like to take a moment to thank all parents and students for their valuable time and contribution to Assumption College this year.

We also wish all families peace, love and joy over the festive season and extend special mention to those who have experienced loss or some other form of hardship this year. We know that Christmas may be particularly difficult this year and our thoughts are with you.

We would also like to remind our community that when it comes to mental health, early intervention is key and for anyone needing personal or family support over the holiday period that your GP is a good place to start the conversation. There are also numerous support services available online and the link below can be a starting point for this:Head to Health

When you visit Head to Health you can search and access a range of telephone based and online support services, which are either free of charge or low cost. These services range from information, telephone and web counselling services, through to web-based treatment programs and peer support forums.

Written by Alison Porter - Career Development Practitioner 

End of Year Newsletter Article

As we approach the end of another fruitful year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared. As your Career Development Practitioner, it has been a privilege to engage in meaningful conversations with both students and parents, guiding and supporting you through your career exploration and planning.

This year, we have seen a sign up of an impressive number of school-based trainees and apprentices. Our students have embraced these opportunities with enthusiasm and dedication, gaining valuable hands-on experience in various industries. I am particularly proud of those who have taken on new roles and responsibilities, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to their future careers.

We have also expanded our course offerings, providing students with a diverse range of options to develop new skills and knowledge. From vocational education and training (VET) courses to specialised workshops and seminars, our students have eagerly participated and excelled. These courses have not only equipped them with practical skills but also boosted their confidence and readiness for the workforce.

A special congratulations to the many students from different year levels who have successfully completed work experience placements this year. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and these experiences will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for your future endeavours. I would also like to thank the many local organisations that have supported our students and provided great opportunities and career advice to our students.

As we look ahead, I encourage all students to continue exploring their passions and interests. The journey to discovering your career path is unique to each individual, and it is important to remain open to new opportunities and experiences. Remember to set goals, stay focused, and never be afraid to dream big.

Thank you to all the students, parents, businesses and staff for your unwavering support and collaboration throughout the year. Together, we have created a nurturing and inspiring environment that fosters growth and success. I look forward to continuing this journey with you in the coming year.

By Mr John Hodder, Curriculum Leader

A Day of Celebration: Christmas Liturgy, Years 7-11 Presentation Day, and Arts & Design Showcase

What an incredible day of celebration it was! Our community came together to honour the talents and achievements of our students in a series of events that highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of our school.

The day began with the Christmas Liturgy, where the Year 9 Drama class captivated the audience with a dramatic interpretation of Luke’s Gospel and the Nativity Story. Their performance was a poignant reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, bringing the story to life with passion and creativity.

Following the liturgy, the Years 7-11 Awards Presentation showcased the musical prowess of our students. The Concert Band delivered electrifying performances of “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple and “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, filling the hall with energy and excitement. The Jazz Band then took the stage, enchanting the audience with their renditions of “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk and “Get Back” by The Beatles. These performances were a testament to the hard work and dedication of our young musicians and their instructors.

The day concluded with the Arts & Design Showcase, which was a vibrant display of student creativity across various disciplines. The showcase featured stunning works in Visual Art, intricate designs in Textiles, innovative projects in Industrial Technology and Design, and compelling pieces of Literature and Music. Each exhibit was a reflection of the students' unique perspectives and artistic journeys.

A huge thank you to all the staff involved in organising this massive day. Your dedication and support provide countless opportunities for our young people to express themselves and shine. This celebration was not just an event but a testament to the thriving artistic and cultural spirit within our college community. Here’s to many more days of celebration and creativity!

By Mrs Taylor Quinn, Teacher Librarian

What a year it has been!

We’ve shared countless stories, explored new literary worlds, and immensely enjoyed having our community of enthusiastic readers and learners in our old space and now in the new learning centre!

It has been amazing to watch as everyone made themselves at home and settled into the wonderful new building. We are proud of how our young people have embraced the technology and resources available to take learning into their own hands and finish strongly in Term 4. We have also enjoyed having the students enthusiastic about using the space right up to the end of the school year, reading, playing games, and spending quality time with their peers.

As we wrap up this year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the library. We feel fortunate to have such a vibrant and welcoming community to share our passion for reading and learning here at ACW. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday filled with love, joy, and plenty of good books!

And remember, if you don’t know where to go, come to the library!

Merry Christmas!

The Library Team – Mrs Wooding, Mrs Driver and Miss Quinn

Years 7 to 11 Presentation, Christmas Liturgy and Arts and Design Showcase

On Friday 22 December 2024, we celebrated our Christmas Liturgy and Years 7 to 11 Presentation Ceremony. 

A huge congratulations to all our award winners—your hard work and dedication have truly shone through! We are deeply grateful to our special guests who took time out of their busy schedules to attend and support our College. 

Following the Liturgy and Presentation Ceremony, we hosted our Arts and Design Showcase. Thank you to everyone who attended both events; it was a fantastic morning highlighting the diverse talents within our College. 

2025 College Photos 

The College will be partnering with Advanced Life School Photography in 2025. College photos will be taken on Friday 7 February 2025 and may be purchased online through the QR Code link on the below flyer.

Celebrating 50 Years: Assumption College and Christian Brothers Class of 1974 Reunion 

Over the weekend, we were delighted to welcome back the Assumption College and Christian Brothers' students from the Class of 1974 for their 50-year reunion! It was a joyous occasion filled with nostalgia, laughter, and cherished memories.

Our alumni had the opportunity to tour the College facilities, reminiscing about their school days while marvelling at the new developments and improvements. It was heartwarming to see old friends reconnect and share stories from their time at the College.

#ACW #TruthandLove