Assumption College Warwick
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6 Locke Street
Warwick QLD 4370
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Email: acwarwick@twb.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 07 4660 4000
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Assumption College Newsletter - 25th June 2021

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Assumption College Newsletter - 25th June 2021

By Mr Simon Fleming - Principal

This week I was accompanied by Thomas Ryan and Lilly Oloman to St Patrick's Allora and St Mary’s primary schools to talk about life at ACW. Thomas and Lilly provided a great presentation and connected very well to the years 5 and 6 students. Our enrolments for Year 7, 2022 are filling quickly. If you know  anyone in the community who wishes to attend ACW in 2022, it is essential that they make an enrolment interview with our enrolments officer, Mrs Sharon Newley. Our first Transition Day will be held on Thursday 29th July and is open to all Year 6 students considering or enrolled at ACW for 2022.

In staffing news, at the end of this week we will be farewelling Jaime Slattery, Taylor Jannusch and Belinda Payne. Jaime will be moving to Scots PGC College, Taylor to St Joseph's College in Toowoomba and Belinda is taking some leave from teaching. We also farewell Mr Stephen Connelly who has assisted in Mathematics and Science this term. We welcome Mr Joel Casey and Mrs Cate Tunstall to the Mathematics and Science Departments. We welcome back Mr Matt Bruton from long service leave, and he will return to leading the HPE/ITD Departments. Mr James Cloney will be Acting Curriculum Leader of Mathematics for the remainder of the year. Miss Dimity Brackin will take on the added responsibility of Sports Coordinator for the remainder of the year. We also wish Mrs Anna Hardy all the best as she begins her 12 month maternity leave.

We begin next term with a student free day as staff engage in our Tier 1 Project Elluminate, which is part of the Diocesan Religious Education Strategy. School will resume for all students on Tuesday 13th July.

As this is the final newsletter before the end of term, I would also like to thank staff for all their hard work over the term. We also wish our Confraternity and QISSN teams all the best for the carnival next week and acknowledge the time provided by our staff, Mr Bell, Mr Duggan, Miss Cooper, Miss Brackin, Ms Morrison and Mrs Peters.

I wish everyone a peaceful break.

Kind regards,

Simon.

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Deputy Principal

Expectations of Returning to School - Term 3

Uniform Requirements: please ensure that your children have the correct uniform and that they are appropriately dressed for the first day of Term 3.

All students will return in their Winter uniform – Year 7 girls are able to wear the summer skirt with stockings (no knee hi stocking unless it reaches the hem line).

Seniors must wear blazers to and from school each day and senior jerseys are only to be worn on a Thursday.  The Year 11 order will be placed in Term 3 for the 2022 senior jerseys. 

Sports Uniform

Sports uniforms include the shirts, shorts (for Years 7-9 no plain navy shorts) and the ACW socks for all year levels.  It is not an option to wear your sports uniform to school when an item is ‘wet/dirty/unlocatable etc’.

Hair

Girls’ hair is to be of suitable length and style and should not bring undue negative attention to themselves or the College. Hair should be of one natural colour, cut no shorter than a number two blade and undercuts, tails, tracks, shaven strips and extreme haircuts which draw attention to the student are not acceptable. Hair must be kept neat and clean – not messy and untidy. Long hair touching the collar must be tied back and off the face. Hair bands and accessories should be plain and simple in the colours of bottle green, lemon, white or navy. 

Boys' hair is to be of suitable length and style and should not bring undue negative attention to themselves or the College. Hair should be of one natural colour, cut no shorter than a number two blade and undercuts, tails, tracks, shaven strips and extreme haircuts which draw attention to the student are not acceptable, such as ‘afros’, mohawks, ‘mullets’, dread locks, man buns. Hair length must not be over the collar or over eyebrow and hair must always be kept neat and clean – not messy and untidy. Boys are to be clean-shaven at all times with sideburns no longer than the ear lobe.

Note: Numerous boys have been spoken to about tidying their hair up for the start of Term 3.  The main concern is the mullet style that is not permitted. 

Jewellery

The only items of jewellery permitted for girls are unobtrusive, plain gold or silver studs or sleepers, maximum of one per ear in the ear lobe. The only visible piercings should be in the ear. All other piercings are to be removed. A wrist-watch and a simple neck chain with a religious crucifix is also permitted. Boys are to have no visible jewellery except a wrist-watch and a simple neck chain with a religious crucifix only. Any infringement may result in confiscation. Confiscated jewellery is returned to students at the end of each term. No visible tattoos are permitted for any students.

The high expectations we have of our students include wearing their uniform perfectly both inside and outside of the College grounds, attending school every day, participating in all College events, striving for their best academically and demonstrating respectful behaviour and using their manners on all occasions. Furthermore, our students understand that it is not appropriate to use foul language, intimidate or bully others or to be aggressive and/or argumentative when corrected for inappropriate behaviour. 

While we have these high expectations of our students, we cannot be successful without the support of you, the parents and caregivers.

Thank you for your continued support of your students and our College. 

I would like to wish Natalie Smith (Acting Deputy Principal) all the best for her time at the College and thank her in advance for the work she will put in to making our College the best one it can be.  I trust she will be welcomed into the community with open arms.

By Mr Michael Simpson - Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Semester 1 Reports: Semester reports have been emailed home to all parents.  If you did not receive the copy please contact the College office.  Please note there are parent/teacher interviews next term and bookings are available through SOBS. There is a letter outlining these details going to all parents. 

Academic Interviews: Letters have been sent home with students for Academic Interviews for all Year 11 students.

Tutorials: A reminder too that tutorial sessions for students run from 3.15-4.15pm each Thursday and offer students the opportunity for more study time and teacher assistance with school work and assignments. 

Assessment calendars: These will go live on the College website early in Term 3 – these should help students keep ‘on top of’ their assessment and plan for important dates. Students are to check the calendar regularly for changes and updates.

Year 11 2022 Subject Information evening:  The Year 11 2022 subject information evening is scheduled for next Wednesday 28th July from 6pm in the Hall.  This sessions are invaluable for the information that they provide to students and parents.  They are also an opportunity to meet with teachers to seek more information and assistance regarding students’ future pathways and subject choices.

Academic pins ceremony – Semester 1 pins will be handed out at our first assembly on the 16th July.  All parents of students receiving pin awards will receive an invitation to attend the ceremony and afternoon tea.

By Mrs Carol Sharp, APRE

Term 3 Events

Next term is a very busy term for mission and identity. We have serval events that will offer both staff and students opportunities to develop spiritually and personally.

Retreats

Year 10 Retreat: More information will be sent home in week 1 of next term. Year 10 retreat is a one day retreat that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 20th. The retreat occurs within school hours and focuses on the theme of students being positive agents of change in the world.

Year 12 Retreat: Ali Porter, the Year 12 PAL, will be in communication regarding this three-day camp that occurs on the Gold Coast from Wednesday, Aug 4 – Friday Aug 6. Part of the camp will involve several retreat sessions where students reflect on their journey through high school and beyond. The purpose of this retreat is to help students consider the key moments in their lives and how God always walks with them on their journey.

Staff

Student Free Day: On Monday July 12th, the day before students return to begin Term 3, all staff will gather for a day of professional development. The purpose of this day is to explain the Illuminate Project to our staff. This project involves how we teach Religious Education in a Catholic school and how we can embed the Catholic perspective across multiple key learning areas. The focus will be on creating dialogue in the classrooms, where all opinions are discussed and heard and the Catholic worldview is analysed and evaluated. We will explore the key question of what it means to be a distinctly Catholic school.

Bishop’s Inservice Day: Week 3 of Term 3 is Catholic Education Week. Every year during this week there is a student free day so staff can gather to have a day of spiritual reflection. Usually, we gather with staff from schools all across the Toowoomba Diocese; however, due to COVID restrictions, last year we gathered as a staff here at ACW. We will follow the same format this year, gathering at school to develop our relationship with our God and reflect on how that is brought to bear in our roles as teachers and support staff.

 

Prayer for the End of Term

We thank you Lord, for this term. 

For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learned.

God of the ordinary be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.

Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith.

Help us to be a practical Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others. 

To be peacemakers in our family.

Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun. Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.

We thank you for our classmates, teachers, staff, parents and a community that cares for us.

May we always be conscious of you in our lives.

Amen

by Miss Denise Ryan - Chaplain

Finally week 10 is here which means that holidays are nearly here, which is the time for everyone to take 5 and rejuvenate for the next hurdle.  After this semester students may be feeling exhausted which is then the time for them to recharge their batteries and look at the next six months and see what goals they may like to set and achieve.

This is a good time for us all as a community to stop and take stock of ourselves. To see what goals we can help our students achieve, and what goals we may also like to set. For example, we may want to ensure that we are being the best role models we can be and ask if we are we setting the best example for them to follow. One of the ways we can achieve this, is through exercising our use of empathy.

Empathy is the ability to feel with someone, it is about creating connection that leads to compassion.  It is a skill that can be modelled and taught to young children and also mastered in adulthood.  It is different from sympathy, which is feeling sorry for someone else.  Empathy improves relationships, reduces conflict and is essential for leadership.  In a time when screen time is up, face-to-face time is down, competition has become a lifestyle, and our culture of offence and blame are some of the multiple explanations for declining empathy. As in most learning, there will be setbacks, but practising empathetic responses can only happen in relationships.

Here are three areas that are worth focusing on.

In Conversation

The weight of a problem lessens thoughts when we sense we have been heard. Being aware of our own feelings and paying attention in conversation is important to actively listen. Modelling and explaining the aspects of empathetic conversation with our kids will give them real tools they can use in relationships outside our homes.  

In Conflict

Conflict is often the reason students visit me at school, and rather than lecturing and exchanging meaningless apologies, transformation occurs when you start acknowledging the pain and how difficult it is to get along. Next, encourage kids to consider how their own feelings may have influenced the way they acted and ask them to listen to the perspective and feelings of the other person. Often, this leads to the realisation that both parities were actually trying to achieve the same thing.

In Connection

Jesus spoke about inviting those in need to our dinner table. This could be the elderly neighbour, the family with a different cultural background, or the isolated single parent, among others. 

In Romans, Paul wrote, bless those who persecute you—bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with one another; do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. It sounds like a way to make empathy great again!

In other exciting news, we have finished our "Great Paper Plane Competition" and will be having our award ceremony early next term with the overall winner to be announced. Next term in the library, we will be hosting the "Great Library Challenge" which is another first. We will also be running another competition on a Wednesday and Friday in St James' Hall with details yet to be decided upon. Students will be notified early next term.

By Mrs Alison Porter, Program Leader Student Pathways

Careers_Expo.jpg

Warwick Careers Expo

Hosted by Assumption College Warwick 19th July. Parents welcome from 3pm-4pm.

The expo will have displays and representatives from a variety of universities, training organisations and employment agencies and be held in the Assumption College Hall. Assumption College students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will visit the Expo during the day. Parents and students are welcome to attend the open public session from 3pm-4pm. Entry is free.

Year 10 Careers & Work Experience

Last week, Year 10 students participated in work experience orientation sessions. This is to begin preparation for the work experience block week in Week 10 of term 3 (13th-17th September). This week is always a great opportunity for students to sample careers they are interested in and gain valuable knowledge to support them in the education and future employment pathways.

Students have been provided with a work experience pack that includes guidelines and relevant information for the organisation of work experience. I would encourage parents to review this with their Year 10 student. In term 3, Year 10 students will then have further sessions around approaching organisations for work experience, and work skills learning and preparation for the requirements of work experience.

Careers in Agriculture

Ag Force Queensland are again offering the Ag Inspirations Program for Years 10, 11 and 12 students. The Ag Inspirations Program runs for three days (26th -28th July) and involves tours and activities at various agricultural organisations in our district. It is a great opportunity for students to see different career paths in agriculture, learn more about the industry and potentially make some connections for future employment.

Students have been emailed the program flyer, draft itinerary and expression of interest form. Please note that places are limited in the program, as other local schools are invited to participate also. Interested students should submit their expression of interest form to our careers office and applications will be placed in order as they come in. Some preference will be given to students who are or have, previously studied any agricultural subject - but all Year 10, 11 & 12 students are welcome to apply.

Get a Head Start for University

A reminder that the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is now taking applications for their Head Start Program. This is a great way for Years 11 & 12 students to study a university subject whilst at school and thereby earn QCE points and guarantee entry into USQ after Year 12. Many other universities offer similar programs and more of these are coming online if students are interested in taking up the opportunity. USQ Head Start applications for Semester 2 close on the 12th July.

Work Experience is great!

We have had several students take up work experience opportunities this term. Feedback from local businesses and students has been very positive. Take a look here at some of our students at their work experience placements.

Congratulations to our newest school-based trainees and apprentices!

Alexander Shadlow and Adam Stockham have recently been signed up in school-based traineeships and apprenticeships. We would like to thank Maxheath Pastoral for their support of our program and these students and wish the students all the best in their work and training.

 

“A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.” – Mary Lou Retton

Bronco’s Cup Rugby League:

By Mr Duggan

The A Grade Rugby League team travelled to Stanthorpe feeling confident and eager to play some good footy. The boys started the day with a very convincing win over Goondiwindi State High with Harry Boal, Eli Costello, Billy Mutch and Ryan Fischer having very strong games. The last of our fixture games saw us take on the A grade winners Warwick State High School which was a great game. Our boys started well with Steve Malbon scoring a great try first up. Our boys fought tough but ended up taking a loss. Our results enabled our boys to play finals footy in the third vs fourth final against Allora/Killarney who were rattled with injury and only had 10 players. We kindly agreed to play 10 aside to make it a fair match which saw the game ending in a 20-20 draw. Every single one of our players starred in this match and it was played with great spirits. Overall, our boys did their school very proud over the two days and enjoyed playing footy with their mates.

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Bronco's Cup Netball:

By Mrs Butler & Mrs Peters

Assumption College girls had an awesome day at Stanthorpe competing in the second day of the Bronco's Cup. After a successful two days of round games all of our teams qualified for the finals. With the perfect weather and exciting netball, spirits from both the players and coaches were high. 

In the finals, A Grade played off for third and fourth and after a close game came out in fourth place.

B Grade played off for first and second and after being undefeated all day went down in the finals to finish second place.

C Grade also played off for first and second and after a nail-biting game went down by one point in a 14-13 finish to also finish second.

Congratulations to Olivia Groves and Bonnie Donaldson as they were named players of the finals and received a prize pack from the Broncos. 

The school is proud of all players as they represented our school exceptionally well and we look forward to competing again next year. 

Hockey

This year we saw Piper Grant, Harry Frazer and Lachlan Corney attend a Bronco’s Hockey Gala Day. The ACW students formed a Barbarians team with students from other Warwick schools and were lucky enough to come away as winners. A fantastic effort by all involved.

 

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Representative Sport:

Congratulations to Cooper Rhodes on his efforts as Captain of the Darling Downs Team who recently competed at the State School Boys' Hockey Championships. What an admirable effort, well done to you Cooper! Best wishes also to Cooper Morton who is competing at the State Championships for Orienteering at the beginning of term 3. Throughout the year we have had many athletes qualify for a Darling Downs team, the entire ACW community are very proud of your hard work and perseverance, well done to all.

 

ACW Athletics Carnival:

Thank you to all students, families, friends and staff for a wonderful day out at our Athletics Carnival. It was fantastic to see our students dressed up in their house colours, participating across all events and enjoying themselves. A monstrous congratulations to all Age Champions and Runners Up and to our Interhouse Champion and Lee Gunderman Spirit Winners – Romero!

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS (GIRLS):

AGE

 

NAME

HOUSE

12 Years

Champion:

Jazmine Cruda

McAuley

 

Runner Up:

Natalie Heinemann

McAuley

13 Years

Champion:

Lilly Kerlin

Donovan

 

Runner Up:

Caitlyn Rhodes

Rice

14 Years

Champion:

Mikayla O’Neill

Rice

 

Runner Up:

Morgan O’Leary

Romero

15 Years

Champion:

Denika Murray

Romero

 

Runner Up:

Bonnie Donaldson

Rice

16 Years

Champion:

Lily Osborne

Romero

 

Runner Up:

Macey Hill

Donovan

17/18 Years

Champion:

Taylah Eastwell

Donovan

 

Runner Up:

Rachel Jordan

Rice

 

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS (BOYS):

AGE

 

NAME

HOUSE

12 Years

Champion:

Charlie Montgomery

Romero

 

Runner Up:

Reece McConnell

Cooper Rhodes

Rice

Rice

13 Years

Champion:

Cooper Murray

Romero

 

Runner Up:

Harry Hume

Romero

14 Years

Champion:

Eli Costello

Rice

 

Runner Up:

Calum Oloman

Romero

15 Years

Champion:

Ryan Fischer

Romero

 

Runner Up:

Jack Wright

Donovan

16 Years

Champion:

Thomas Doherty

Donovan

 

Runner Up:

Jackson Pitstock

Rice

17/18 Years

Champion:

Zane Brown

Jack Hill

Rice

Donovan

 

Runner Up:

Thomas Ramsey

Romero

 

I would also like to thank the senior students and House Leaders for their efforts throughout the day. It was great to see them thoroughly enjoying their last Athletics Carnival and setting such a strong example of participation and support. Plenty of work goes into organising a carnival and I am thankful to have had such great helpers and supporters. Although our last Athletics Carnival for the year is complete, there will be more events kicking off in term 3.

Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to Mrs Julie Collins, for her endless support and help as I was learning the ropes as Sport Coordinator. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Assumption College, families and staff for all of your support and encouragement throughout my time here at the College. ACW is an exceptional school community, where I have been lucky to have the start to my career. Lastly, I am most grateful to our students, who have managed to teach me many things. I wish you the very best in your future endeavours and I hope to see you all out and about in the community.

Take care,

Miss Jaime Slattery

Darling Downs School Boys' Cup & Confraternity

Miss Carly Cooper

The Open Boys travelled to Dalby last week to compete in the quarter finals against Our Lady of the Southern Cross. The boys were excited to play Dalby as this was their first time meeting them after the Mercy Shield at the beginning of the year. The boys started on the back foot as Dalby got away early with some quick tries. The boys tried hard against a difficult Dalby outfit. They fought hard till the end with OLSC proving too strong in the end. The game highlighted some key areas for Assumption to develop. The boys now turn their attention to Confraternity Carnival.

With the upcoming Confraternity Carnival, I believe it is important to note the hard work and dedication Mr Bell has put into making this event successful. Another massive thank you to the following sponsors who have contributed towards the team:

DMC Construction Group             Black Toyota

Warwick Cowboys RLFC              Manly Engineering

Green Homes                               Iconic Construction Group

Paul Murphy Electrical                Wattles Warriors RLFC

Collegians Juniors RLFC

The Assumption College community wishes all the boys the best of luck with their upcoming tournament. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for regular updates and live stream links.

State of Origin BBQ and Fundraiser 

Congratulations to Juliana Cruda and Ryley Lever: who won the State of Origin doubles. Thanks to all Students for your support on State of Origin day BBQ and fundraiser for QISSN and Confraternity.

Rugby League - Karyn Murphy Cup

Throughout the Term 21 girls trained in preparation for the Karyn Murphy Rugby League Cup. The girls participated in a nine a side round robin competition with the focus being safe play and general knowledge of the game. All girls represented the school with pride and demonstrated true sportsmanship by combining with Warwick and Goondiwindi State High. There was a plethora of smiles, laughter and showing off bruises on the return home. We are hopeful another event like this will be held in term 3 which will give the girls an opportunity to extend on their skills they have learnt.

Rural Operations

During term 2, our Rural Operations students have endured the warm, wet and at times, freezing conditions to participate in practical lessons at TAFE Warwick. Hands on approach to mustering, tractor maintenance, animal welfare, disc-ploughing and quad bike safety has been the main components of this term. Each member of the Rural Operations team has contributed to this term with great enthusiasm and compliance.

MET GALLERY – QAGOMA TRIP to Art Galleries

Rembrandt, Monet, Titan, Cezanne, Turner, Courbet, Renoir, Van Gogh: Great artists from art history who still influence us today are on show at QAGOMA. Last Monday our students were able to stand before their canvases and see the how the artists had moved their brush and mixed their colours and left their marks. Some 60 works from across a range of known and unknown artists were presented in three groupings: Devotion and Renaissance, Absolutism and Enlightenment and Revolution and Art for the People. We were able to watch the progression of art across the generations and see the new developments, as well as those common themes and subjects that connect to every generation. Thank you to the staff and students who made this day such a success!

Assumption College Year 6 Transition Afternoon

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Phew – what a busy term we have had both at school and in the library.  Some class novels have been returned and new ones for next semester have gone out.  Class novels are a great way to create group discussions around different topics, share ideas and engage a deeper understanding and empathy for others.

We made Balancing Bot Buddies last week and had to adjust our creations so they would not only balance but rotate – a smiley face finished them off, making us smile at some of the expressions they were given!   Then we had to see just where they would balance for us.

Students have been enjoying different games in the last couple of weeks – Hogwarts' Board game, charades and one student brought in a game he developed to share with his friends – thanks Landon.

Happy holidays everyone, we hope you get to enjoy a day or two curled up with a book that will take you to somewhere you may not be able to go in person.  We look forward to welcoming you back next term.