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Written by Mrs Anna Hardy, Acting Principal
Welcome to Term 3
Welcome to Term 3
, it is promised to be a vibrant term full of learning and growth, as we look forward to the many celebrations that this term will bring us; Semester 1 Academic Pin and Aspirational Achievement Award Ceremony, Catholic Education Week, Feast of the Assumption Mass and Blessing and Opening of the Library and the Year 7 classroom spaces, 2026 Leadership Announcements and Inductions and the ACW Variety Showcase.
We hope you can join with us at these events to celebrate what makes our College the place it is, full of academic, spiritual, cultural and sporting opportunities.
Last term we bid farewell to the following staff members:
| Mr John Hodder | Curriculum Leader Arts and Performance |
| Mr Tevita Hakohako | Teacher |
| Christopher Kiehne | Teacher |
Therefore, we welcome the following staff to our community:
| Ms Rachel Michael | Teacher |
| Mr Allan Wood | Teacher |
| Ms Grace Twidale | Teacher and Performance Co-Ordinator - From Week 4 |
Mrs Kate Cullen has kindly accepted the Curriculum Leader Arts position to replace Mr John Hodder.
Ms Kodey Brims is also currently on 6 weeks leave and we thank Mrs Kerri Collins for supporting these classes in her absence.
We will also farewell Mrs Alison Orford this week who has accepted a Permission to Teach position. We wish Alison all the very best as she begins her teaching career. Recruitment has begun to replace Alison as a School Officer – Classroom Support.
If your child is in any of these classes and you wish to meet the new teacher and discuss your child’s progress, do not hesitate to reach out to them via the College office on 4660 4000.
Wishing you all a successful start to the term.
May our Mother Mary grant her blessings upon our College Community.
Written by Mrs Julie Collins, Acting Deputy Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing and Organisation
Welcome to Term 3
As we return for another exciting term, we reflect on a vibrant conclusion to Term 2. Week 10 was marked by the energy and enthusiasm of our Athletics Carnivals and Founders Day celebrations, fitting finales to a term rich in academic, sporting, and cultural engagement.
While the pace was undeniably full, it was heartening to witness our students embracing the opportunities before them and discovering a sense of purpose through their involvement. Whether on the track, in the classroom, at a chess tournament or on stage, their commitment and passion were evident. These moments of connection and contribution are what shape not only their learning but their character.
We look forward to building on this momentum in Term 3, continuing to support our students in finding meaning in their experiences and striving toward personal and collective growth.
Finding Purpose: A Path to Wellbeing
I have written before about finding a purpose, wellbeing is more than just feeling good, it’s about living meaningfully. The more research I do on the topic the more I believe that students who develop a strong sense of purpose experience greater happiness, resilience, and motivation.
Purpose gives direction, helping your children, our students, navigate challenges and stay connected to their goals.
Only about 20% of adolescents report having a clear sense of purpose! Yet those who do are more likely to thrive academically and emotionally. Purpose doesn’t have to be grand, it can be found in helping others, pursuing a passion, or setting personal goals.
As parents, educators, and community members, we play a vital role in nurturing this. Encouraging curiosity, celebrating strengths, and connecting learning to real-world impact are powerful ways to support purpose development.
Students with a sense of purpose also report stronger academic identity and joy in learning!
Let’s continue to foster environments where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired to discover what matters most to them.
If you would like more information on supporting your child with their wellbeing, please contact your child’s Pastoral Leader.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our Pastoral Team. Together we get further.
Uniform
The students will continue in their winter uniform for Term 3. If you are having any trouble helping your child meet our uniform standards, please contact their Pastoral Care Teacher or Pastroal Leader for support.
Written by Megan Lawler - Acting Assistant Principal - Curriculum
Welcome to Term 3
As we move into Term 3, our focus remains firmly on supporting every student’s academic journey and nurturing their growth through our Catholic values. We have several important events coming up that reflect our commitment to partnership, progress, and purpose.
Year 11 Academic Interviews
Parents and carers of Year 11 students will have received communication regarding the opportunity for upcoming Academic Interviews. These interviews are a great opportunity for students at risk to reflect on their progress, identify areas of strength and challenge, and ensure we are all working collaboratively to support their successful attainment of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). We encourage families to engage in these conversations as we continue to walk alongside our students in their senior journey.
Year 9/10 (2026) Subject Information Night – Tuesday, 22 July 2025
We warmly invite all Year 8 and 9 students and their families to attend our Subject Information Night on Tuesday 22 July. This evening is designed to guide students in making informed and meaningful subject choices for next year. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide insights into pathways that align with students’ interests, strengths, and aspirations. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
Year 10, 11 & 12 Parent Engagement Evening – Thursday, 24 July 2025
We warmly invite families of students in Years 10, 11, and 12 to attend our upcoming Parent Engagement Evening on Thursday 24 July. This event is a key opportunity for parents and carers to connect with the College, engage in meaningful dialogue about their child’s learning journey, and contribute to the ongoing development of our educational community. Your perspectives help us refine our practices and ensure we are meeting the needs of all students. Whether it’s curriculum, wellbeing, or pathways planning, your input is valued and appreciated.
Semester 1 Academic Reports
With Semester 1 Academic Reports now distributed, this is a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s academic progress and wellbeing. In addition to the report, please remember that ongoing feedback is available via Canvas for each assessment task. If you have any concerns or queries, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s subject teachers or Pastoral Leader.
Catholic Education Week – Week 3
In Week 3, we celebrate Catholic Education Week - a time to reflect on the unique lens through which we approach teaching and learning. Our curriculum is infused with Gospel values, and we are proud to foster a learning environment that promotes compassion, kindness, justice, and service. This week is a celebration of our shared mission and the vibrant faith community we are building together.
Academic Pin Ceremony & Aspirational Achievement Awards – Tuesday, 29 July 2025
On Tuesday, 29 July 2025, we will honour students who have demonstrated outstanding academic effort and achievement at our Academic Pin Ceremony and Aspirational Achievement Awards. These awards recognise students who consistently strive for excellence across all subjects. We are proud of their dedication and look forward to celebrating their success.
For students to receive an academic award the following criteria on their Semester 1, 2025 report was applied.
Year 7, 8, 9 and 10
| GOLD | 7 As and nothing less than a B |
| SILVER | 6 As and nothing less than a B |
| BRONZE | 5 As and nothing less than a C |
| GOLD | A combination of 5 As and/or Achieved All Competencies (CA) for certificates, and nothing less than a B. |
| SILVER | A combination of 4 As and/or Achieved All Competencies (CA) for certificates, and nothing less than a B. |
| BRONZE | A combination of 3 As and/or Achieved All Competencies (CA) for certificates, and nothing less than a C. |
NAPLAN Student Reports
NAPLAN Student Reports will be distributed to families in the coming days. These reports provide valuable insights into your child’s literacy and numeracy development and help inform teaching and learning strategies across the College.
It is important to remember that NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment – a snapshot of student performance on the day of testing. While it offers useful data for teachers and parents, it is just one part of a broader picture of student learning and growth.
We are incredibly proud of the way our students approached the assessments this year, demonstrating resilience, focus, and a commitment to doing their best. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and using the results to continue supporting their learning journey.
If you have any questions about your child’s NAPLAN report or how to interpret the results, please don’t hesitate to contact our Enhanced Learning Team.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. Together, we are shaping learners who are not only academically capable but also grounded in faith and values.
Written by Mr Patrick Donnelly - Assistant Principal Mission and Identity
Founder's Day
On the last day of term, we gathered as one community to celebrate Founders’ Day - a day that honours the lives and legacies of Catherine McAuley, Edmund Rice, and Mary, the Mother of Jesus. These three figures, though from different times and places, shared a common vision: to respond to the needs of the world with faith, courage, and compassion.
Catherine McAuley saw the face of Christ in the poor and the sick, and founded the Sisters of Mercy to bring education and care to those most in need. Edmund Rice, moved by the suffering of the marginalised, dedicated his life to educating young boys and empowering them through faith and knowledge. Mary, the first disciple, trusted in God’s plan and gave her whole life in service to love.
Their stories are not just history - they are the foundation of who we are as a College. Their charisms shape our identity, our mission, and our daily actions.
Students spent the day celebrating the three through fun activities, starting with a liturgy.
Written by Isabelle Sulivan - Inclusivity Leader
NAIDOC Week 2025
The 2025 NAIDOC week theme is something that gives great insight into the legacy I want to leave at Assumption College Warwick. ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, Legacy’ is inherited by the strong desire for elders to care and nurture the young, but I also believe this year's theme is multifaceted. For one, it invites the ‘next generation’ to step forward into a new light, invite them into a new role of leadership, connection to culture and unity. I also believe it is important for non-First Nations peoples to recognise and reflect upon the role the youth have within our society. If we start at a grassroots level, teaching and educating the vital connection to culture, then a real impact can be made within our contemporary society.
This year's shirt design is reflective of the NAIDOC week theme and the Assumption College school theme of ‘Light the Lantern.’ The 7 Days of Creation is illustrative of Jesus as the shepherd who leads his sheep along the right paths, which is why Christ is represented at the start of the design.
The main focus point is the three circles representing ‘community.’ As Assumption College recognises the vital role the Students, Staff and wider community have within our positive school culture, which can be seen as two on the front of the shirt and one on the back shoulder. The interlinking waves represent the impact that one has on another, it goes to show that connection is just as vital as our education. A strong connection between all the key members creates a well-rounded education for all. We are also reminded of Christ's strong presence within our school community.
Traditionally, the NAIDOC painting is reflective of the shirt design, however, I wanted to do something a little different this year. Presenting the school with an image of a fish, connected by three circles. The fish is simply another way to express the theme, still holding the core values of connection, support and wisdom. Using the form of dot painting creates a collaborative approach which is the essence of the 2025 NAIDOC theme. With the three schools, Assumption College, St Mary's and St Mary's Kindergarten, this initiative highlights our ongoing commitment to nurturing a connection to culture for all First Nations students—both past, present, and future. These portraits symbolise hope and strength, leaving a lasting legacy for years to come.
Written by Scott Clegg - Business Manager
Looking Ahead and planning for the 2026 Financial Year
Proactive Steps for PAYG Employees, Small Business Owners, and Families
Now that the 2025 Financial Year has passed, it’s the perfect moment to look forward and set yourself up for success for the 2026 Financial Year. Whether you’re a PAYG employee, a small business owner, or managing family finances, taking action early in the new fiscal year will ensure a smoother, less stressful transition when June 30th, 2026 arrives.
This is an ideal time to reflect on the lessons learned over the past year and to put new systems in place for better financial management. For PAYG employees, consider establishing a routine for tracking work-related receipts and identifying potential deductions throughout the year, rather than waiting until tax time. This ongoing organisation can help maximise your future tax return and reduce last-minute pressure.
Small business owners are encouraged to review their financial processes now; update your record-keeping, monitor cash flow regularly, and start strategising for tax minimisation opportunities well in advance. By staying engaged with your accountant or financial advisor, you’ll be better positioned to take advantage of small business concessions and stay compliant with the latest ATO guidelines.
It’s also a great period to consider long-term financial health; make regular superannuation contributions, set savings goals, and ensure that your financial decisions today support your future ambitions. Proactive preparation isn’t just about ticking boxes for the tax office, it’s about creating clarity, confidence, and security for yourself, your business, and your family.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community. Let’s use this fresh start to plan, organise, and work together toward a rewarding and successful 2026 Financial Year.
Written by Mr Tom Duggan, Sports Program Leader
Bronco's Cup
Senior Girls Rugby League Team Shines at Emily Bass Cup
QRSS Girls Rugby 7s State Championships 2025
2025 Assumption College Athletics Carnival
Our Interhouse Athletics Carnival was held on Wednesday 25 June and Thursday 26 June 2025, and what a fantastic event it was! The atmosphere was electric, and it was wonderful to see so many students getting involved, showing great sportsmanship, and having fun.
We would like to congratulate all students for their enthusiastic participation and effort across all events. Your energy and team spirit truly made the carnival a memorable one!
Special congratulations to McAuley House, our overall winner!
We would also like to congratulate our Age Champions and Runner Up Age Chamions.
Confraternity Carnival 2025
Over the holidays, the ACW Open Boys Rugby League Team travelled to Rockhampton to compete in the 2025 Confraternity Carnival. This year marked 25yrs since ACW debuted at Confraternity with our first ever appearance being in the year 2000. The team had a good preparation leading into the Confraternity Carnival through the Darling Downs Jonathon Thurston Cup Fixtures. The team kicked off the Carnival with a grueling game against Marist College Emerald which ended as a 12-12 draw. Patrick Denny was the standout player in this game scoring both of Assumption’s tries. The boys finished Day 1 with a strong and convincing win against St Thomas Moore’s College Sunnybank 26-6 with Cohen Davis leading the way through his defense.
Day 2 proved to be a difficult day for the team as they played the Runners up team Villanova College which ended in a 32-4 loss. Our co-captain Riley Wainwright was a standout player in this game. Later on Day 2 we came up against Holy Spirit College who proved too good for our boys as they suffered another tough loss 28-8. Riley Wainwright and Caleb Brownlie were 2 of our best in this fixture.
The team enjoyed a much needed rest on Day 3 with a trip to the beach and 9 holes on the golf course. On Day 4, the team were refreshed and put together a strong performance to defeat St Joseph’s College Toowoomba 30-4 with Riley Bacon being a stand out player through his high work rate in attack and defense.
On Day 5, the team came up against a strong Columba College in the play off for 6th place in the Bowl Division. Unfortunately Columba were too good for us as we had a 14-0 loss. Aiden Byrne was a standout player in this game.
Overall the team finished 16th in Div 2 and 7th in our Bowl conference. Special congratulations to Riley Wainwright who was awarded the Team Spirit of Confraternity medal and Paddy Denny who was awarded the Team Best and Fairest medal.
Gladly, the playing season is not over for our Open Boys Rugby League team, as they now prepare for the Jonathon Thurston DD Schoolboy Cup Grand Final against Lockyer District SHS on Wednesday 23rd July. Assumption College has only ever featured in one of these grand finals back in 2023 and this team was successful in winning that premiership. Our 2025 team is hopeful that they can replicate the efforts of our 2023 premiership team. The grand final kicks off at 7:30pm in Highfields on Wednesday night. Best of luck team.
QISSN Carnival 2025
The ACW QISSN team travelled to Bundaberg in the first Week of the Term 2 School Holidays to compete at the 2025 QISSN Carnival hosted by Shalom College. The girls started the week off with a stylish win against Trinity College 25-17. This game was followed with a narrow loss to Emmaus College, Jimboomba 19-11. Olivia Groves was a standout player in both of these games through her extreme work rate.
On day 2, the team came up against St Lukes Anglican School which resulted in a 17-17 draw with Allivia Hallman being recognised as the most valuable player in this game through her defensive efforts. Unfortunately the remaining results on Day 2 were not in ACW’s favour as the team went down to St Teresa’s College in a tough game 18-14. Olivia Groves was once again recognised as the most valuable player in this tough fixture. And later the team went down against St John Fischer College 22-11 with Imogen Fox being a standout defensive player in this game.
Day 3 was another grueling day of fixtures for the ACW team as they come up against some very tough opposition. Ryan Catholic College proved to be to strong defeating ACW 31-11 in the morning despite Olivia Groves again doing her best for the team and being a standout player to continue her week. Later on Day 3 the team was defeated by St Andrews Lutheran College 26-12 with Imogen Fox nullifying the oppositions points through her strong defense yet again.
On Day 4, the ACW Team bounced back into form for finals and defeated Our Lady of the Southern Cross Dalby 23-20 in a very close game. The entire team showed a never give up attitude led by co-captain Imogen Fox once again. Later on Day 4 ACW was defeated by Emmaus College Jimboomba 23-15 in a rough game but credit to Tilly Lever for her efforts in the center of the court throughout this game.
To finalise the week, the ACW team finished their campaign in style defeating Mt Maria College 24-15 in what was described as an incredible team performance led by Olivia Groves that was also awarded the teams Most Valuable Player for the entire week.
Well done to the team and special thank you to Coach Lexie Lever for volunteering her own time throughout the past 6 months and Mrs Theresa Bourke for stepping in as the team manager.
THANK YOU TO OUR
SPONSORS
We are immensely grateful to our sponsors for their generous support of the Assumption College 2025 QISSN and Confraternity Teams. Without their support, this trip would not have been possible.
Written by Jenny Gillespie - College Counsellor
Attention and the Multi-Tasking Myth
Many misconceptions about how we learn exist in the media age of instant information and understanding these can assist students achieve during exams. The following is a summary of a great article by ‘Elevate Education’ on this topic.
The amount of content that a student can remember will directly impact on what they write in their exams and by extension, the marks they get. This makes the act or process of memorising a set of notes extremely important for students to do their best.
The process of memorising information has a number of steps, the first being to simply pay attention to what we are attempting to memorise. This first step is the easiest of the memory steps, but interestingly the one that most students have the greatest difficulty with, as most students find themselves studying whilst surrounded by a range of distractions. Research shows that these distractions serve to limit the amount of information that students can remember and recall in an exam and therefore how well they do in the exam room. As such, students should think of TV, radio, music, younger siblings, phones, text-messages, Youtube and the latest photos or updates on Facebook not just as distractions, but as the causes of lost marks.
The most obvious solution to the problem of distractions is locating students in environments without distractions such as a study or a bedroom. But in many cases parents don’t promote or encourage this for two mistaken reasons:
Firstly, the belief that their children, as members of Gen Z, have been born with an innate ability to multi-task. This belief has become increasingly common as the media increasingly discusses the tech savviness of children. However, one of the problems with this is that your children’s brains haven’t taken an evolutionary long-jump in the last 10 years. That is, just because students have unprecedented access to data and information, doesn’t mean that they can effectively process or use that information. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Research shows that students who multi-task have lower levels of memory retention and recall than students focusing on one separate task, reinforcing the need for students to remove distractions and resist attempting to multi-task.
Secondly, the mistaken belief that because you can multi-task as a parent, that your child should have the same ability. Research shows that the ability to block out distractions increases with age which means that whilst you may be able to block out background noise, your children are much less likely to be able to. As such, every time the volume on the TV spikes for an ad break, the kettle boils or the phone rings, their attention is disrupted and their ability to memorise what they are working on drops.
For further information or specific tips on how to manage study distractions please contact Brett Armstrong or Jenny Gillespie in the School Counselling Office.
Blurred Minds
On Wednesday, students in Year 10 participated in age-appropriate health education lesson run by The Blurred Minds Academy.
The Blurred Minds Academy is an evidence-based alcohol and drug education and research service operated by Griffith University. Students attended a 1.5-hour workshop discussing the use of alcohol (misuse and health) and vaping (health and deception).
We know that teen alcohol and drug use is influenced by many factors including biology, psychology and social influences and the topics addressed included chemical facts, media matters, peer pressure and health statistics.
The Blurred Minds session helped engage students with relevant and meaningful information designed to change their beliefs and behaviours for the better.
I encourage you to discuss with your year 10 student their impressions of this week’s Blurred Mind lesson and use the opportunity to generate dialogue re: wellbeing in general terms.
For questions or further information please contact either Brett or Jenny in the School Counselling Office.
Written by John Hodder - Curriculum Leader Arts and Performance
Drama Workshops at Assumption College
We are excited to announce that Empire Theatre Company will be returning to Assumption College in Term 3 with their fantastic drama workshops! Hosted in St James Hall on a Monday afternoon, these sessions are perfect for students interested in developing their skills in drama or looking to explore their creativity.
We are thrilled to continue hosting Empire Youth Arts at our school. These classes have been a tremendous success, attracting enthusiastic young people from across Warwick. It's wonderful to see students with shared interests coming together in such a special way.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect, create, and have fun!
Senior House Band Shines at Snowflakes Festival
Following their standout performance at the Eisteddfod Battle of the Bands, our talented Senior House Band was invited to perform at the Stanthorpe Snowflakes Festival during the holidays — Queensland’s premier winter celebration, hosted every two years!
They wowed the crowd with a fresh 45-minute set featuring classics like Rhiannon (Fleetwood Mac), Have You Ever Seen the Rain (CCR), and Zombie (The Cranberries), keeping the chilly audience dancing and singing along.
Next up, they’ll be performing at:
- Jumpers & Jazz (Outside of Town Hall) – 24 July 2025
- College Variety Showcase – 8 August 2025.
Come along and support these rising stars!
Written by Ms Taylor Quinn, Teacher Librarian
Library News
Welcome back to the library. It’s getting chilly out there. As such, we have had an influx of students into the library before school and during lunchtime. It has been great to have so many students enjoying the space and having fun with friends in the warmth. We urge students to remember to clean up any games they use and not to eat in the library so that we can have a clean and safe space for everyone to enjoy.
New Signage
Our new genre signs are up and looking amazing. We hope they will help students find their way around the library shelves more easily and lead them to a book they might love.
Reading Chairs
Our reading chairs have been a huge success! We love that students are enjoying reading on the floor with the back support of the floor reading chairs. We encourage everyone to sit back and relax with a book or magazine and test out our new chair options.
Library Notice Board
As students enter the library, they will notice a whiteboard just inside the door. This is our Notice Board. We update this board with news and challenges every day. News is regarding important events on each day and challenges range from puzzles to solve, kindness activities to participate in, and conversation starters to try. On special occasions, there could even be prizes given out for participation. We hope this board will get students talking to each other and trying new things.
Lego
Lego is still as popular as ever. At the moment, students are creating beautiful flowers and vehicles to drive off ramps! The Lego towers by the front door grow every day and we love looking at all the intricate details.
Exams and study
We would like to remind students that library is a great space to study, we implore students to reach out for help if they need it. We are here to help with resources and proofreading, among other things, and we are happy to provide this assistance. We are also glad to see so many students taking full advantage of the quiet study spaces in Marian 1 and Marian 2.
Interschool Chess Competition
Congratulations to the 18 young people who attended the inter-school chess competition at Allora on Friday! Their joy and sportsmanship were lovely to see, and they did a great job of representing Assumption College.
Special mentions go to the below students:
2nd place - Secondary competition
Natalia Stewart
Highest ranking Year 10 player
Havanna Hart
Highest ranking Year 9 player
Katherine Martin
Highest ranking Year 7 player
Xyreece Saunders
We look forward to more exciting competitions in Term 4!️
2025 Assumption College Year 12 - 100 Days
A huge congratulations to our Year 12 students for hitting the exciting milestone of just 100 days left until graduation!
These last 100 days will be a piece of cake for this cohort!
Hands-On Learning at the Dairy Farm
Our Rural Operations students recently participated in an off-campus visit to a local dairy farm. They honed in on their practical skills in animal husbandry, feed and fodder ration distribution, and artificial insemination. Days like this provide invaluable agricultural experience, enriching their knowledge and preparing them for the local industry.
Art News
Next time you're in the library, don't miss the chance to check out the latest artworks by our talented senior art students.
These creative minds have explored different media to bring you a diverse and captivating display. From stunning photos and innovative 3-D light sculptures to intriguing mixed media pieces and thought-provoking films, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Humanities News - Years 7,8,9 Students
On Monday 23 June 2025 our annual Night at the Museum was a vibrant celebration of student learning, where Year 7, 8, and 9 students proudly presented their handcrafted artifacts to parents and families. Each piece told a unique story of inquiry, imagination, and discovery. The evening transformed Assumption Hall into a dynamic museum, filled with creativity and insight, as students brought their studies to life and shared their journeys with their families. It was a night to remember, showcasing the incredible talent of our students.
2025 Assumption College Year 12 Formal
A huge thank you to Mr John Hodder for capturing these stunning photos of our 2025 cohort. What a fantastic job you did!
If anyone would like a copy emailed to them, please contact the College office on 07 4660 4000.
