By Mr Simon Fleming - Principal

As a past Rugby coach for 15 years, I am often asked what is wrong with the Wallabies? The same question can be asked of any team that is not playing well. As a coach we must be in tune with the fine detail. It is not just a matter of saying we need to be better at the breakdown in Rugby. We need to be astute in providing more precise information to players in order to see improvement. And this goes beyond even the physical but the mental side including decision making and having an overall understanding of the game plan. You may be wondering where is he heading with this?

Responding to students and their learning is no different from eliciting the best response from elite players. We need to break down more precisely what it is that will benefit learning. For example, there is little point saying I want to become better at Math. We need to break down what areas of Math we want to become better at and work on how this can be achieved. For this we need a time period and a way of measuring our success or not. This is an aim we have for our students this year. We want each student to be establishing learning goals and importantly social goals. We understand that well being is a key to learning success. Therefore, we must be aware and support the social and emotional needs of students as well as the academic.

Our Pastoral theme to begin the new year is participation and opportunity. The school provides much in the way of opportunity for students to actively participate. Participation in events has been proven to have a positive effect on the individual and as a group. Just like learning goals students can actively participate in enhancing the learning environment. We do not want an environment where students are passive recipients of information. We want them to engage in dialogue, question what they are learning, become problem solvers and take ownership of their learning. As a staff we are challenging students to become the active participant in the classroom.

Hopefully, you may have noticed the signage at the front of the school and importantly the school cross that is placed on the wall of the staff entrance. This is illuminated at night to produce a radiant effect. The P&F have been working hard to deliver a constant and reliable source of water which will enable us to irrigate the oval. A bore was sunk last year and we now have the pump and a 175,000l tank installed. The irrigator has been purchased so hopefully we are not far off commissioning and operational. We also have plans to upgrade the surface of the oval. We are also in the final stages of consultation around the construction of the new learning centre. We are hoping this will go for development approval very shortly. We will also refit the existing Library for science, STEM, agricultural science and a multi purpose classroom.

Congratulations to all involved in the swimming carnival held on Friday and especially to Romero House as champions. McCauley received the spirit award as they displayed excellent support all day. The school swimming squad will now head to Stanthorpe for the Border District carnival.

We also welcome Mr Brett Lee to the school on Monday. Brett will talk to all students around the important message of cyber safety. Brett will also speak to Year 7 parents prior to the iPad information session.

This Friday is Pinks stumps day. This is an important day on our social justice calendar as students raise money for the Jane McGrath foundation. Our goal this year is $2,000.

Have a lovely week.

Simon

 

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Deputy Principal

Monday this week, all students participated in the Internet Safety Education sessions.  The purpose of these sessions was to challenge student’s mindsets and assumptions about the realities of the online world. The sessions were aimed to empower students with the knowledge they need to act responsibly in the online environment.

Students received five principles to staying safe online.

Thanks to the parents that attended the Internet Safe Parent Education session.  It was informative and delivered five key clear messages and actions for technology for parents. 

1. Communicate with your kids.
2. Set clear rules and boundaries.
3. Stay up to date with apps and programs.
4. Consider and use parental controls.
5. Be the one who makes the final decisions.

Each pastoral care class of a morning are featuring more academic care within this 15 minute time slot.  PC teachers will be setting learning goals with each student in their PC and monitoring their progress throughout the term.

College Diary: Year 7 and 8 students have all received a College diary this year.  These diaries will be used to help set learning goals and compliment the social emotional program we use in our pastoral lessons.  There are a few extra diaries that were ordered and are not being used, if your child would like a College diary to encourage them to see their PC teacher, Pastoral Academic Leader or myself for a copy of one.  There is a limited supply though.

Assumption College Welcome BBQ!

Year 11 Biology

By Mrs Carol Sharp, APRE

Social Justice News

Vinnies

A call went out this week for students interested in being a member of the schools Saint Vincent de Paul or Vinnies group. This group of students will develop their knowledge and understanding of what social justice issues are, how we are called to respond and the importance of advocating for those who can’t speak up for themselves. In partnership with Caritas Australia, I will take the students through a ‘Just Leadership’ course and students will get the opportunity throughout the year to collaborate on their response to social justice issues that interest them.

I strongly recommend that any student with an interest in this area come along to our meetings. We meet once a fortnight and new members or curious onlookers are always welcome.

Junior Praxis

In semester 2 of the Year 7 – 10 RE curricula, all students study one of the Catholic Social Teachings. These teachings are drawn from the Papal Encyclicals – letters from successive Popes that explain how the scripture is relevant and should be applied to a range of contemporary social issues. They are a fundamental part of Catholic doctrine as they explain how we should respond in a practical way to issues such as climate change, poverty, consumerism and the COVID pandemic.

To enrich our students’ study of these teachings, we are introducing a ‘Praxis’ or practical component to the course. Over the coming weeks students will receive their Praxis task in their RE class. This task will call on students to donate a minimum amount of time to a service or social justice issue over the year and then reflect on what they have learned. The minimum number of hours will not be intrusive on their lives and they have the whole year to meet the requirements of the task. While they are welcome to include participation in community groups that are run outside of the school, the requirements of the task will be able to be met by all students by participating in school-run groups and events such as: Vinnies, Sewing Group, Environmental Group, helping at Open Day, Pink Stumps Day, reading at masses and liturgies, being a part of the liturgical singing group. Or, in consultation with their RE teacher, students might like to develop their own project independent of any of these.

There are many opportunities to get involved in practical work for social justice within the College and we look forward to students developing a deeper understanding of Catholic Social Teaching. For more information, keep an eye out for your student’s Praxis task sheet that will be handed out in class shortly, contact your student’s teacher or you can call or email me at carol.sharp@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Masses and Liturgies

Year Level Masses

With our school now being too big to fit inside St. Mary’s Church for a whole-school mass, and our new Sports Hall providing a comfortable alternative, we are keenly aware that many of our students are missing the opportunity to connect with the wider parish community. While we very much enjoy our whole-school masses, it is important for our students to know our parish church and feel welcome inside it. To this end, we are commencing Year-level masses this year. Starting in week 5 with Year 10, our students will gather in the breezeway at 8.45am and walk to the church together. We will celebrate the 9am mass with parishioners before walking back to school together. Students will only miss period 1 of the morning and each year level is only scheduled to attend mass once a semester.

Pastoral Liturgies

Our pastoral liturgies will also continue this year. Our first pastoral liturgy is also scheduled to take place in week 5.

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday February 17^th, or Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Lenten period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving (giving to the poor). For a long time now, we have marked the beginning of lent with our Ash Wednesday liturgy in our house groups. This tradition will continue this year, however, there will be no distribution of the ashes due to COVID restrictions.

This date will also see the beginning of Project Compassion for the 2021. This will be our major Lenten fundraiser for Caritas Australia with all funds going to help Caritas achieve their Lenten goals. For further information on Caritas and the projects they are undertaking this Lenten period you can visit www.lent.caritas.org.au.

Year 7 and 8 Retreat

On Thursday, Feb 18^th both the Year 7 and Year 8 will be involved in a retreat. The retreat revolves around the theme of Unlimited Human Potential and Growth Mindset. A letter has been sent home this week regarding the retreat but, in short, students are asked to wear sports uniform, they will be supplied lunch and morning tea and their attendance is expected. If you have any questions or concerns please contact myself or your student’s Pastoral Academic Leader.

Prayer

On February 11 we celebrate the World Day of the Sick, instituted by Pope John Paul the second as this is the anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Lourdes to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Many depictions of this appearance include St. Bernadette and Mary praying the rosary together. And so, for our prayer this week I would encourage you to take some time to say a decade of the rosary: one Our Father, 10 Hail Marys and a Glory Be.

By Mr Michael Simpson - Assistant Principal - Curriculum 

Learning Goals

In our first whole school assembly I spoke to the students about being expert learners. The key message was that all students need to “learn to think, think to learn”. They need to engage in metacognition, which simply means ‘thinking about thinking’. Students who can do this are able to know their current level of understanding, select tools to guide their learning, seek feedback, recognise that errors are opportunities to learn, monitor their own progress, adjust their learning, and practice skills strategically for confidence and competence. These skills are essential not only for success in school, but also in the workforce.

To help guide students, I set them four goals. These goals are:

1. Use your teacher and report card to write a learning goal for this term
2. Ask yourself, or your teacher, periodically if you are meeting your learning goal 
3. Consider several strategies, in class or while studying, that can help you to learn and choose the best one 
4. Summarise what you have learnt through writing a paragraph, drawing a diagram or flowchart, or colour coding in a separate notebook
   
   

This opens a perfect opportunity for parents to work with their children through the discussion of these goals. The College feels strongly that these skills are important for all students, and we hope you take up the challenge of helping to develop these in your child. I will be revisiting this principle throughout the year.

IXL English and Mathematics Practice

This year, I am pleased to inform you that we will be using a program called IXL in our Mathematics and English classrooms. IXL is a comprehensive review site with an unlimited number of practice questions within hundreds of skills—all of which are aligned to the national curriculum. One of the greatest benefits in using IXL is that your child can access it from home, so you have a chance to see their progress. Furthermore, they will always have work to do, even if they have no formal homework. There will be a letter sent home this week with more information.

“The things you learn from sports – setting goals, being part of a team, confidence – that’s invaluable. It’s not about trophies and ribbons. It’s about being on time for practice, accepting challenges and being fearful of the elements.” – Summer Sanders

It’s been a busy start to the year with many sporting opportunities already underway. It is great to see so many students interested in nominating for various events. Please see the below calendar regarding upcoming dates for trials and competitions. Any interested students are encouraged to see myself for further information.

Border District Summer Trials

Summer Trials took place in week 2, a special mention must go to Harry Hume, James Nolan, Ryan Fischer, Thomas Ryan and Jack Wright for representing ACW at the cricket trials. Congratulations to Ryan for being selected to attend the DD Cricket Trials to be held in October.

Swimming Training

Earlier this term, students were offered the opportunity to participate in some swimming training in preparation for the swimming carnival. A group of students took up this fantastic opportunity and worked extremely hard on these mornings before school. Students engaged in sprints, long distance sets, relays, and tumble-turns to develop and practice their swimming skills. It was great to see students across all year levels participate and get their toes wet in preparation for the carnival! A special thanks must go to Miss Dimity Brackin for coaching our athletes.

By Belinda Payne

Swimming Carnival

What a fantastic start to our College’s sporting year. This year’s theme was ‘Going Troppo’ and it was great to see students fitted out in house colours and tropical outfits. We also saw the inclusion of novelty events to encourage student participation. These included a mass participation event and a noodle relay. These events provided students, staff and parents with plenty of amusement. The points were tight between the two front runners Donovan and Romero all day, with McAuley and Rice showing plenty of spirit. Congratulations to our 2021 Champion House winner Romero and our 2021 Lee Gunderman House Spirit Trophy winner McAuley. A huge congratulations also to all participants involved on the day, also to all Runner Up and Champion athletes (named below).

We must also acknowledge the following record breakers on their remarkable efforts:

• Archer Barrett – 12 Years Boys 100m Freestyle (1.31.62)
• Alyssa White – 15 Years Girls 50m Freestyle (29.18)
• 15 Years Girls 50m Backstroke (33.88)

Girls Age Champion Results:

Age Group	Position	Name
12 YRS	Champion:	Olivia Groves
	Runner Up:	Gabriella Riordan
13 YRS	Champion:	Matillda Lever
	Runner Up:	Caitlyn Rhodes
14 YRS	Champion:	Claire Eckersley
	Runner Up:	Katelyn Fischer
15 YRS	Champion:	Alyssa White
	Runner Up:	Casey-Lee Shelton
16 YRS	Champion:	Lily Osborne
	Runner Up:	Macey Hill
OPEN	Champion:	Anna Eckersley
	Runner Up:	Nella Ryan

 

Boys Age Champion Results:

Age Group	Position	Name
12 YRS	Champion:	Archer Barrett
	Runner Up:	Thomas Albrand Caleb Brownlie Lachlan Corney
13 YRS	Champion:	Jett White
	Runner Up:	Ziggy Gibson
14 YRS	Champion:	Kai Hill
	Runner Up:	Lewis May
15 YRS	Champion:	Steven Malbon
	Runner Up:	Jack Wright
16 YRS	Champion:	Jackson Pitstock
	Runner Up:	Lachlan Collins
OPEN	Champion:	Jack Hill
	Runner Up:	Christopher Watt

 

Border District Swimming

Congratulations to all swimmers who participated and represented the College with pride at the BD Swimming trials held in Stanthorpe. It was a tough day of competition for all involved.  Congratulations to our age champions Jett White, Claire Eckersley, Alyssa White and Lily Osborne. Also, a huge congratulations to our 16 years girls (Claire Eckersley, Alyssa White, Macey Hill and Lily Osborne) for setting a record of 2.08.35 in the 4x50m freestyle relay. It was fantastic to see Assumption College so well represented on the day.

Future Nominations:

For upcoming Darling Downs, Warwick All Schools Swimming, Southern Downs and Border Districts trials, nominations will be called for at school. A reminder for students to listen to notices and check with me if unsure about nominating. Permission notes and medical forms will be sent home, and these can also be found on our school website.

 

Don’t forget to pop into the library to borrow a reading book, to set up your new device for printing or check out the latest magazines. Please let us know if you are interested in a book that we don’t have and we can get it for you!

Our activities are now up and running in the library! We will be offering the following activities on these days.  As well as just chilling, reading and doing your own thing.  If a student requires a quiet place to study, a room will be opened and supervised for that student.

Our discussion board and book display is all about possibilities – dreaming big, embracing creativity and aiming high.  We asked the students what their big goals are – either for the year or beyond and their answers are on display in the library.  

We have lots of helpers in the library and we are grateful to any student who participates, helps, offers assistance, or is willing to do a job when asked.  We also notice students keeping an eye out for newer students and including them – that’s what we love about our library community.

by Miss Denise Ryan - Chaplain

Breakfast Club has started again this year we are off to an awesome start with old faces and plenty of new faces coming along and enjoying a bowl of cereal and a hot milo. We have plenty of different options for breakfast available, with choice of tea, juice or hot milo then toast or cereal of the week.  It is amazing to see that different conversations and connections been made over breakfast each morning, and the smiles and laughs.

Lunchtime activities will be starting back soon with Monday first break in the library, then Wednesday and Friday First break, there will be a range of fun games and different activities offered to the students who just want somewhere to hang out and enjoy a good time with friends.

Have a great week and look forward to having some fun and laughs.