By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Welcome to 2025

Gospel Luke 2:22-40

It is fitting that the Gospel of the Presentation of Jesus has come to us at this time. As we are welcoming new students and welcoming back our other students, we are reminded of the significance of new beginnings and Luke’s Gospel serves as a beautiful metaphor. Just as Mary and Joseph present Jesus at the temple, our students are being presented to our college community, embarking on a journey that is filled with hope, potential and a little trepidation.

The first few weeks of school, especially attending a new school, is a significant milestone for students, parents and the college staff alike. It is a time filled with excitement and anticipation but also with a sense of uncertainty and awareness of the challenges ahead. Parents, much like Mary and Joseph, bring their children to our college with hopes and dreams for their future. They trust that Assumption College will be a place where their children can learn, be safe, be challenged and thrive.

Our staff, akin to Simeon and Anna, recognise the potential within each student. We see the promise of future leaders, innovators and compassionate individuals whose lives will positively impact those around them. Our role is to nurture these gifts and support and guide our students through the ups and downs of their educational journey. We know that there will be hard times, moments of struggle and doubt, but we also know that with the support of family and our staff, our students can overcome any challenge.

The secondary education journey is not one that our students undertake alone. It is a collaborative effort, a partnership between the home, the college and the student. Together, we create an environment where students are grounded in the values of justice, wisdom, generosity and compassion so that everyone in our community can reach their full potential. We celebrate their successes and provide a shoulder to lean on during difficult times.

As we begin this new school year, let us embrace the hope and the promise that each student brings. Let us allow their light to shine, guiding and supporting them through every challenge and triumph. May we approach this year with Truth and Love, confident that together, we can ensure that our students’ time with us is filled with joy, curiosity and discovery.

Senior Cohort of 2024 Results

As many of you would have already seen on our social media post, our 2024 Seniors experienced great success:

• 100% of students attained a QCE /QCIA
• Dux – Nicholas Garvin 98.50
• Proxime Accessit – Sam Cartwright
• Ordine Tertia – Cooper Morton
• Median ATAR – 83.25
• 100% of school-based apprentices and trainees completed or converted to full-time    work
• 2 Diplomas completed
• 55 Cert I and Short Courses completed
• 41 Cert II and III completed

Ultimately, what is truly exceptional is that every individual has achieved an authentic and valid pathway for their next steps. It is such a privilege for our staff to be able to provide opportunities for our young people to experience such success.
Congratulations to our graduates, and we look forward to hearing and celebrating your future successes.

Week -1 and Week 0

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their time, expertise, and professionalism, which were clearly on show during what is fondly referred to as Week -1 and Week 0 of Term 1. During that time, our staff experienced several professional learning opportunities and collaborative/individual planning time.

Opportunities included:

Week 1: Executive Leadership Team Professional Development Days
- Jen Smeed from Educational Outcomes Strategic Development
- 2025 Strategic Direction and Organisational
- Individual Portfolio reflection and creation.

Week 0: Whole Staff Professional Development Days
- Jen Smeed from Educational Outcomes – Data Story Telling
- Planning for Personalised Learning – Getting to Know Your Learners
- Strategic visioning through the unpacking of the Annual Action Plan discussion with    staff, students and TCS staff
- Mandatory TCSO Training including Child Protection and Code of Conduct
- Behaviour Support
- Introduction to the Year 7 Cohort and their individual needs.

Welcome New Staff

We are very excited to welcome Mr Andre Boon as a replacement for Nat Webb and Aaron Buchanan, who has accepted a new position at the College as School Officer: Performing Arts Classroom Support. 

Parent/Guardian Communication

At the beginning of the year, there is always a plethora of information that is important to send out to our community. Please note the following communications that have been sent, and please contact our college office if you have missed any of these communications:

- Welcome to 2025 Letter
- Parent Code of Conduct Letter
- Year Level specific letter with college expectations articulated
- College Photo Day
- Opening Mass and Welcome Afternoon Tea

Parent Code of Conduct and Amendments to the Enrolment Agreement

Recently, you have received a letter from me outlining a newly created document and informing you of amendments that have been made to the Enrolment Agreement which you would have signed upon enrolling your child at our college.

The new document was the Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) Parent Code of Conduct, which is a companion document to our existing TCS Parent Engagement Charter.

The TCS Parent Engagement Charter affirms the relationship between parents and staff, which, as we know, works best when it is based on mutual respect and acknowledgement of the unique contribution that each party makes to the education experience of students. Positive, healthy relationships are a feature of a distinctively Catholic community.

The new document, the TCS Parent Code of Conduct, defines the boundaries within which the relationship between parents and the college occurs most effectively. The TCS Parent Code of Conduct makes clear and explicit what has largely been assumed and unwritten in the past. It is what most parents would consider essential and appropriate if schools and colleges are to function at their best.

Both documents apply to all schools and colleges within the TCS community and form a part of the Enrolment Agreement between parents/legal guardians and the college.
Links to both documents are included below for your information and convenience.

Together with parents/legal guardians, we seek to support students with additional requirements and medical conditions to succeed. In order to do so, we need to be made aware of all additional requirements, including physical, medical, educational, environmental, sensory, social/emotional, as well as medical conditions and allergies. The current Enrolment Agreement included the requirement of parents/legal guardians to provide all relevant information regarding these conditions.

This clause has been amended to also require parents/legal guardians to:

a. consent to independent specialist assessments to inform reasonable adjustments prior to or during the course of the student's enrolment (as required) and

b. to bring it to the college's attention any new or developing additional requirements and/or medical conditions, e.g. disabilities, special learning needs. 

Power to Search

The College has a legal obligation to ensure that college premises remain safe and secure for students, staff and other visitors. To give effect to this obligation, a clause has been added to the agreement that allows college staff to search college-owned property, which includes student lockers and college-owned electronic devices, if staff have reasonable grounds to believe the student is in possession of certain property or content which presents a risk. 

Parents/legal guardians will be contacted should searches be required for students’ personal property and/or electronic devices, e.g. school bags and mobile phones.

While there is no current issue or concern at the college, this amendment has been made to contemporise and align with our responsibilities.

Opening Mass, Presentation of 2024 Dux and Welcome Afternoon Tea

On Wednesday, 5 February 2025, our college celebrated our Opening Mass. We were blessed that Father Nathan could join us to celebrate this important occasion with an exceptional Homily that carefully crafted a lived experience of our theme for 2025: Light the Lantern.

Congratulations must go to Nicholas Garvin for his attainment of the 2024 Dux Award. Nick’s acceptance speech spoke of the joy, the struggle and the triumph of his journey at Assumption College. An insightful rendition of his journey that will no doubt inspire our current Year 12s and those to come. Congratulations also go to Sam Cartwright’s achievement of Proxime Accessit – a truly exceptional result that embodies the definition of grit and determination. Recognition must also be given to Cooper Morton, who achieved the status of Ordine Tertia, a result that was gained through the strategic execution of a well-thought-out plan that included hard work and discipline. Congratulations to these young people and their entire cohort. Thank you for the inspiration that you provided throughout 2024 and again on Wednesday.

Many thanks go to our families and staff who joined us for the Welcome Afternoon Tea; it was a lovely afternoon to spend time greeting old friends and welcoming new ones.

Parents and Friends (P&F) Committee

No doubt you are aware that our Annual General Meeting of 2025 is being held on Monday, 10 February 2025. As always, we invite all parents/guardians to be active members of our P&F, new and current families of our college.

At the AGM, we are calling for nominations for the roles of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. At the end of last year, we sadly farewelled our President and Treasurer as their final children graduated from the College. With all executive positions declared vacant, we are looking forward to seeing as many families as possible attend to ensure that our P&F continues to effectively represent the interests of our families. Please note that at each P&F meeting, the Principal or a delegate of the Principal from the College’s Executive Leadership Team is present to listen to and respond to the needs of our community.

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

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal Curriculum 

Canvas Access

Parents/ Guardians will have received an email from Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office with their username and password to access your child’s class resources, assessment dates, feedback on drafts and final results in Canvas. If you have any difficulties in accessing this, please contact the college office.

Subject Choices and Changes

Students are encouraged to finalise their subject choices promptly. Subject changes will not be permitted after the end of this week, unless under extenuating circumstances. Decisiveness at this stage ensures a smooth start to the academic term.

Tutoring Program

Our tutoring program resumes this year, every Thursday afternoon from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm in the library. This invaluable opportunity provides students with support across various subjects.

Assessment Calendars and Assessment Policy

Assessment calendars will be distributed shortly, accompanied by our assessment policy available on the College website Assumption College . We urge all students and parents/ guardians to familiarise themselves with this document to ensure a fair and just assessment process.

By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing

Welcome to 2025

With the start of a new school year, our Year 7 and 10 cohorts received new devices. This is a crucial time to establish safe digital habits, discuss risks, inappropriate content and appropriate navigation of the online world. Ben Johnson from Brett Lee Internet Safe Education presented to all year levels, including a parent information session prior to the collection of Year 7 devices.

We are pleased to advise that our college community now has access to a 24hr Cyber Safety Hub provided by Internet Safe Education (ISE) who is a Trusted Provider with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. What does this mean for you and your family?

You will have exclusive access to all the support, resources, and education you will need to raise your child in the online world and create a safe, fun, educated and productive family. The HUB is available to you on any device and applies to school aged children of all ages. This comes at no cost to you as a member of our community.

The Cyber Safety Hub is the only one of its kind in Australia and is designed to provide all you need and nothing you do not.

What you and your family will have access to:

• Courses for you as a parent or carer that will guide you to setting up the ideal home technology environment
• Dozens of targeted downloadable resources including conversation starters, victim indicators and a home technology contract for computers and phones
• Live webinars throughout the term
• Webinar library covering specific topics
• Monthly articles that are recent, accurate and relevant
• Latest App updates
• A direct link to the eSafety website for further resources or to report cyberbullying

To access the HUB:

1. Click on the link below or copy and paste the website into your browser -

https://www.internetsafeeducation.com/hub-home/

2. Enter our unique password -

AssCol25 

College Uniform Policy

Thank you all for the communication with the College regarding uniform clarifications. PC teachers are working to support all students in the correct wearing of the uniform and are more than happy to assist any student requiring assistance with their uniform.

The full uniform policy has been included in this newsletter for your reference, please contact your child’s Pastoral Leader with any concerns.  

By Mr Patrick Donnely, Assistant Principal Mission and Identity 

Light the Lantern

For 2025, we have the theme of “Light the Lantern”, and the College has embraced this well. To keep us focused and reminded of what it means to “Light the Lantern”, each Pastoral Care class and staff team have been given the challenge to make their lanterns and each term they will add to the lantern, expressing their journey. By the end of the year, each lantern will be completed with the 2025 journey, demonstrating how they all took on the challenge of lighting the lantern.

When discerning this theme, two questions come to mind. How do I light the lantern? Who lights the lantern? Throughout 2025 the answers will become clear as students and staff will see themselves as the ones lighting the path as we journey together or as the ones following the light in those times requiring support. Understanding this will take time and experience to be able to witness the true message of “Light the Lantern”.

Jubilee Year – Pilgrims of Hope

A Jubilee Year, or Holy Year, is proclaimed every 25 years as a time for grace, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. It is a chance for the faithful to go on pilgrimages, seek repentance, forgive others, and deepen their relationship with God. This tradition has roots in the Hebrew practice of celebrating Jubilees every 50 years, which involved freeing slaves and forgiving debts, as described in Leviticus. The first Christian Jubilee was declared by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300, and since then, each Jubilee has been an opportunity for believers to experience God's mercy and receive a plenary indulgence.

The 2025 Jubilee, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” kicked off on 24 December 2024 with the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica and finishes on 6 January 2026, the feast of the Epiphany. Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) has created a song and film that shows Australia how we are on the journey of faith, linking to the theme of being pilgrims of hope.

Masses, Liturgies and Retreats

This term we have many opportunities for our community to come together and celebrate in a range of ways. In Week 2 we started with the College Opening Mass.

This term, we will have our first House Mass with Donovan House. This will allow the entire House to journey together to St Mary’s Parish Church, celebrate all things Donovan and then return to the College as one House.

Also in this term, we will see Year 7 and 8 have their Retreat Days. This is a combination of staff led and Unleashing Personal Potential (UPP) activities. As always, through the term, we will see Pastoral Care Liturgies again with Romero and Rice starting us off for the year, followed by Donovan and McAuley in Term 2.

We look forward to what this year brings as we light the lantern and move into our pilgrimage as companions on the journey.

Written by Alison Porter - Career Development Practitioner 

Careers News

Welcome back to a new school year! There are lots of exciting things coming up over the next couple of terms to keep an eye out for, such as Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Gambling Services Course, White Card Construction Course, Senior First aid Skillset Course, Brisbane Careers Expo excursion, Warwick Careers Expo and many more.

The Careers Department at the College offers a range of services to students, for example: work experience placement support, providing support and assistance for students seeking a school-based apprenticeship, QCE discussions, career development programs, career counselling, vocational education and training, flexible education opportunities, skill development programs and discussions around university pathways.

RSA/RGS Course

The College would like to offer Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to participate in the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Course and Responsible Gambling Services (RGS) Course. The RSA course is the required course for Queensland (QLD) hospitality workers serving alcohol in a hospitality venue. This course provides nationally recognised SITHFAB002 Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol Statement of Attainment and allows successful participants to work in licensed venues. The RGS course provides nationally recognised SITHGAM001 Provide Responsible Gambling Services Statement of Attainment and to provide responsible gambling services, information to customers who require assistance with their problem gambling and successful participants can work in venues that host licensed gambling.

The course will be delivered at Assumption College through Aurora Training Institute.

Details are as follows:

Delivery: Wednesday, 2 April 2025 (9:00am – 3:00pm for two courses)
Cost: $40 per course, or $80 for both

A letter and permission slip for this course have been emailed to parents and guardians of Year 11 and 12 students. Hard copies are available at the College office. For interested students, permission forms are due by Monday, 3 March 2025.

Date Claimer: 7 May 2025, White Card Construction Course

The College would like to offer Year 10, 11 and 12 students the opportunity to participate in the Work Safely in the Construction Industry course. The course will be delivered at Assumption College through Blue Dog Training. Details are as follows:

Delivery: Wednesday, 7 May 2025 (8:30 am - until completed, or latest 3:00 pm)
Cost: $89

A letter outlining further details of the course will be emailed to parents/guardians in coming weeks.

Date Claimer: 21 May 2025, Senior First Aid Skillset Course

The College is offering a first aid course for students in Years 11 and 12. This first aid course is a cluster of units from the Certificate III in Fitness. The course may offer two (2) points towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) for eligible students. Students already undertaking the Certificate III in Fitness will not be eligible for these points. Details of the course, to date, are:

When: Wednesday, 21 May 2025 (Practical session 9am – approx. 3pm)
Cost: $100

A letter outlining these details will be emailed to parents and guardians in coming weeks.

Coming Soon: Warwick Careers Expo

It is that time of year again that our College is gearing up to host the annual Warwick Careers Expo on Tuesday, 15 July 2025. Local and district secondary schools are invited to this, and we are expecting many students from Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 to attend.

Following on from last year’s success of over 30+ exhibitors and over 400+ students from schools all over Warwick, we are excited to again be hosting this event at our College. Members of the public are also welcome to attend. If you are interested in being an exhibitor at the Careers expo, please contact the Careers Department on (07) 4660 4000 or via email: careers@acwarwick.catholic.edu.au

By Mr Tom Duggan, Sports Co-Ordinator

College Swimming Carnival Results 

A huge congratulations to all our incredible swimmers who participated in our College swimming carnival last Friday! 

Highlights:

- Relay Trophy: Romero House
- Lee Gunderman Spirit Award: Donovan House
- Champion House Trophy: Romero House

Outstanding Individual Performances:

12 Years Age Group
- Kennley Ruhle
- Harper Byrne
- James Mason
- Noah Schwenke

13 Years Age Group
- Maeve Moore
- Harper Bartz
- River Stewart
- Xyreece Saunders

14 Years Age Group
- Michaela Kynaston
- Alexis Byrne
- Nixon Barrett
- Charlie Thompson

15 Years Age Group
- Natalia Stewart
- Amber Peterson
- Sam Black
- Emmett Schnitzerling

16 Years Age Group
- Abby Hatton
- Alana Hildred
- Aiden Brown
- Caleb Brownlie

Opens Age Group
- Katelyn Fischer
- Imogen Fox
- Jett White
- Ziggy Gibson

A big thank you to everyone who came out to support our students. 

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie, College Counsellor

Beginning Secondary School - Parent Information

Welcome to Assumption College. We are very pleased to welcome you to our community and support your child/ren through their high school journey.

My name is Jenny Gillespie and along with Brett Armstrong, we are the Assumption College Guidance Counsellors. We are here to provide support to students across all year levels regarding various types of social and emotional issues that may crop up. Adolescence is a wonderful time of growth for young people, but it does come with challenges, and these might be via friendship issues, peer difficulties, academic demands, learning support needs, coping skills or family concerns. I am at school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Brett on Thursdays and Fridays. We welcome discussion and referrals from students, parents and staff regarding our students’ social and emotional development along with any issues of concern in these areas.

If your child is new to us, whether in Year 7, or from another Secondary School, they may be excited and also apprehensive at the same time. They might feel:

• excited about new friends, subjects, and teachers
• nervous about learning new routines, making new friends, or wearing a new uniform
• worried about the workload or whether they will ‘fit in.’

You might also worry about these issues and wonder if your child will have the confidence and skills to handle them. These concerns are all very normal and will generally fade over time as students become familiar with their new learning environment.

When students are making the move to a new school, remember you have the biggest influence on how smooth the transition is. Your child’s friends do influence how your child feels about the move, but your support has stronger and longer-lasting effects. Keep talking with your child about their new school, normalise their worries but also convey the message that not only do they have your support, but our college staff are there to assist, and should be approached for assistance as needed.

By the end of first semester, most students will have settled well into their new school environment.

For further reading visit Transition to High School for Teenagers - Reach Out Parents

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact myself or Brett via email Jenny.Gillespie@twb.catholic.edu.au Brett.Armstrong@twb.catholic.edu.au or through the College office.

By Mr John Hodder, Curriculum Leader

Invitation: Instrumental Music Tuition & Ensembles

Are you looking for an opportunity to enrich your life and enhance your cognitive and social abilities? We invite you to begin instrumental music lessons and join one of our dynamic ensembles. This is a remarkable opportunity to discover the joy of music, develop new skills, and connect with like-minded peers.

Learning to play an instrument is more than just a fun pastime; it has profound effects on your brain. Research shows that playing an instrument engages every major part of the central nervous system, enhancing memory, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive function. It requires the use of both the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which can improve your ability to plan, make decisions, and process information quickly. Studies have also found that students who participate in music education tend to perform better academically, with improved test scores and higher overall school engagement.

Music is a universal language that brings people together. By learning an instrument and joining an ensemble, you will develop essential social skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy. Playing in a group setting teaches you to listen to others, collaborate effectively, and respect different perspectives. These experiences can build your confidence and self-esteem, helping you to become a more well-rounded individual. Playing in an ensemble also enhances your musical and technical skills, as you learn to synchronise with others and perform as a cohesive unit. It also exposes you to a wide range of musical genres and styles, broadening your musical horizons and deepening your appreciation for the art form.

If you are interested in joining an ensemble, we have two inclusive options open to all students. If you currently or have previously played any instrument, then you are invited join our Concert Band. If you do not play an instrument, our Vocal Ensemble/Choir is also open to all who wish to join. We also have selective ensembles for our more advanced instrumental students.

We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to enhance your cognitive and social abilities, and to experience the many benefits of music education. For more information, please contact Mr. Hodder john.hodder@twb.catholic.edu.au. We look forward to seeing you in our music lessons and ensembles, and to sharing the joy of music with you.

Cultural Experience Opportunities

QAGOMA Trip

We are thrilled to invite you to an extraordinary cultural experience at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) for the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. Mark your calendars for Friday, the 28th of February, as we embark on a journey through the vibrant and diverse world of contemporary art from the Asia Pacific region. QAGOMA - Click here to discover more about the exhibition

The Asia Pacific Triennial is a prestigious event that brings together an eclectic mix of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia pieces. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the creativity and innovation of artists from countries such as Japan, China, Indonesia, and Australia, among many others. Each piece tells a story, offering insights into the cultural narratives and histories that shape our world today.

Attending this event will not only broaden your understanding of contemporary art but also provide a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry of our region. It is an excellent chance to engage with thought-provoking works, meet like-minded peers, and perhaps even find inspiration for your own creative endeavours. The Triennial is renowned for its ability to challenge perceptions and spark meaningful conversations, making it an invaluable experience for anyone with a passion for the arts.

We encourage you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to explore the dynamic and ever-evolving world of contemporary art. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to email Mrs Cullen. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this remarkable cultural experience together.

Sister Act Musical

We are excited to invite you to a spectacular evening at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) to experience the musical Sister Act on Thursday, the 27th of February. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the joy and energy of live theatre, and we can not wait to share it with you. Sister Act - Click here to find out more about the musical Sister Act

Sister Act is a sensational musical comedy that follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer who finds herself in witness protection at a church convent. Her journey of transformation, filled with hilarious and heartwarming moments, is brought to life through catchy songs, dazzling choreography, and a powerful message about friendship and self-discovery. The show promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you laughing, singing, and inspired.

Attending this musical will not only provide a night of top-notch entertainment but also offer a chance to appreciate the incredible talent of the performers and the magic of live theatre. It's a wonderful opportunity to bond with your peers, enjoy a night out, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of musical theatre.

We encourage you to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to witness a truly remarkable production. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to email Mr. Hodder john.hodder@twb.catholic.edu.au. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this wonderful experience together.

Toowoomba Regional Youth Orchestra’s Galactic Summer Music Camp 2025

Over the break, Assumption College’s very own Tia Stewart, our Concert Band’s principal flautist, had the incredible opportunity to attend the Toowoomba Regional Youth Orchestra’s Galactic Summer Music Camp 2025. This camp is renowned for its exceptional ability to foster musicianship, personal growth, and the chance to meet like-minded peers as they come together to create an unforgettable music performance.

Tia shared her experience, saying, “The Galactic Summer Music Camp was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who plays any instrument. I played second flute in a 100-piece orchestra with people from everywhere around Australia. The music was quite fun to play and it ranged in difficulty. I feel as though my flute playing skills have greatly improved after going to the summer music camp as well as my music reading abilities. I met many new people who had the same enthusiasm about playing music as I did. It was a great experience and I would attend again.”

The camp provided Tia and other young musicians with an unforgettable opportunity to perform in a large orchestral setting, enhancing their technical skills and musical expression. Participants engaged in intensive rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances, all while building lasting friendships with fellow musicians who share their passion for music.

We encourage all students to consider attending the Galactic Summer Music Camp at the beginning of next year. It is an excellent opportunity to develop your musicianship, experience personal growth, and connect with peers who share your love for music.

Written by Amanda McCosker - College Chaplain

Welcome to 2025!

We are thrilled to kick off a new year, and for some of you, a new school journey! It has been great to see our new Year 7 students being welcomed so warmly by everyone at the College. I hope you all had a restful and relaxing break and are ready to embrace everything 2025 has in store.

Breakfast Club is back in action this week, offering toast and juice to start your day right. Join us every morning outside Room 204 for a bite to eat, a chat, and a friendly start to your day. I look forward to meeting many new faces!

As part of my role here at the College, I aim to help everyone have the best day possible, whether that be through offering a piece of toast in the mornings, having a chat or simply being a listening ear if you’re having a tough day.

At the College, we often talk about the importance of the little things—those small acts that might seem insignificant but can make a world of difference to someone else. In line with this theme, I wanted to share the following story with you all this week:

The Starfish Story

One day a man was walking along the beach, when he noticed a boy hurriedly picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “Young man, what are you doing?”

The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

The man laughed to himself and said, “Don’t you realise there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make any difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference to that one.”

Have a great week and take care of each other.

By Miss Taylor Quinn, Teacher Librarian 

Welcome to 2025

We love our new space as much as the students do, and we are so happy to have everyone back enjoying the resources! The Year 7 classes have come into the library for a general introduction, and we look forward to seeing them again for a session on using their new laptops effectively in the classroom.

There are two break-out spaces in the library for quiet individual work. Students are making the most of these spaces during class activities, and some are already using the rooms to study during lunchtime! What an excellent way to start the year.
Our new space also includes the Information Technology department, there is a dedicated hatch within the library where students can go for all their electronic queries.

In reading news, fantasy fiction is popular at the moment, with Year 8 students reading the genre in preparation for writing their own fantasy short story. We love inviting classes in and helping students to find their next read!

In case we have not had the pleasure to meet you yet, let us introduce ourselves:
Mrs. Wooding (Teacher Librarian) will be in the library Monday, Thursday, and Wednesday (week B).

Miss Quinn (Teacher Librarian) will be able to help you on Tuesday, Friday, and Wednesday (week A).

Mrs. Driver (Library Technician) is in the library on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

We can help with finding resources for assignments both physical and online, research and study skills, using technology safely and effectively, online textbook access, helping to find the perfect book to read and much more. We are always happy to chat to and assist students with any questions or concerns.

We will also be kicking off our lunchtime program with craft activities for Library Lovers’ Week next week and information about what is happening at lunch in the library will be shared in the morning notices each day.

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

By Mr Abraham Fern, IT Support Officer

IT News 

Welcome all to 2025. This marks another exciting year for technology at Assumption College!

Device Transition and Discipline

Since 2018, when we implemented our first 2-in-1 convertible Windows devices, we have successfully maintained a hybrid device environment at the College. Over time, curriculum demands have exceeded the capabilities of iPads from a software perspective. Despite their robustness and viability on the hardware front, the absence of certain software and functionalities, required by teachers and the curriculum, led us to transition towards a full Windows device fleet starting in 2023. This year marks the first year that the College will be completely Windows-based for our 1-for-1 device program.

This transition also presents an opportunity to refine some internal procedures and enhance disciplinary measures for students who do not show proper respect for their technology. We will increase communication with all Pastoral Care teachers and, if necessary, with parents and caregivers in cases of repeated offences. We believe this approach will better support our learners than the traditional stern words from the IT office when they drop off and pick up their equipment.

As you may have noticed, if your child has ever required repairs or maintenance beyond a quick fix, we keep sufficient stock on hand to ensure that loaners are available. We will continue to aim for 100% uptime for students, ensuring that they can complete their work without interruption. If you are ever informed by one of your young people that they are unable to complete any work due to tech issues, they may be delaying a visit to us.

Sleeves and Cases

Parents and caregivers may have noticed the new ACW-branded laptop sleeves handed out to all students in Years 7, 8, 10, and 11 last year. The IT Department was pleased to see our newer devices covered regularly, but it was a far cry from the protection we once had from the cases.

A couple of years ago, the manufacturer who produced the cases/shells for our 2-in-1 laptops ceased production. This was disappointing as they provided exceptional protection against wear, tear, and damage. Since then, we have been searching for a replacement without success.

I am thrilled to announce that, after a two-year wait, another manufacturer is now producing an appropriate case for our devices once again! These new cases have design improvements over the previous models and will protect our devices from the normal bumps and scrapes of daily life, as well as some of the more high-impact accidental events.

As expected, all new devices being deployed this year will come with the cases on them. For all existing students, multiple opportunities will be arranged early in the term for them to pick up and attach their new case. This will occur at no extra charge to parents and caregivers.

In regards to the sleeves handed out last year, students will not be expected to return them. Unfortunately, due to the snug fit customized for laptops without the case, they are an extremely tight fit once the case is on. We are happy for the sleeve to be repurposed as a pencil case or for other storage purposes if students do not wish to squeeze the device in and out of the sleeve, which may not last long with such treatment.

If there is any issue with your childs device, please send them to the IT Department, we are in the new Library.

Junior Citizen of the Year Southern Downs

As a College we would like to congratulate Isabella Sullivan on her recent Australia Day Award.

Isabella is a distinguished young First Nations student who takes immense pride in her contributions to her community. With a decade-long commitment to the Warwick Girl Guides, she currently serves as a Junior Leader and is diligently working towards the prestigious Queen's Guide Award, the highest individual honour in Girl Guiding.

In 2025, Isabella was appointed as the Inclusivity Leader at Assumption College. Her past involvement with Top Hat Dance Studios further showcases her diverse talents and dedication. Recently, she has been an active member of the Southern Downs Youth Council and held the esteemed position of Member for Southern Downs in the QLD Youth Parliament. As a key member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander committee, she played a pivotal role in passing a bill on the repatriation of Indigenous artefacts.

Isabella's achievements extend to her selection for the National Indigenous Business Summer School at the University of Sydney. She has been invited to speak at various events, including the Toowoomba Art Gallery and as a returning guest speaker at the SDRC Youth Council. Most recently, Isabella was honoured as one of the 15 winners of the prestigious Country to Canberra Leadership Competition, a program dedicated to empowering young rural women and non-binary individuals to realize their leadership potential.

Congratulations Isabella we are very proud of you.

Her hard work and perseverance have truly paid off, and we could not be prouder of her accomplishments. We are excited to see where her career takes her next!

Wayne Carey

Wayne Carey, Class of 1989, is the proud owner of W. Carey and Sons Quality Meats.

Wayne’s dedication to quality and community has made his business a local favourite. Wayne and his team actively employ locals and mentor our younger generation, providing them with valuable skills and opportunities.

Wayne’s journey is a great reminder that you don’t always have to go to university to achieve success. Hard work, passion, and dedication can lead to incredible accomplishments.

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

If you would like to be featured or know someone who should be, please contact Jess Cantwell at jess.cantwell@twb.catholic.edu.au to discuss further.