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By Mr Simon Fleming - Principal
I recently read an article from Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director of the Catholic Schools Office. In this article, Dr Pat considered what was the core business of Catholic Schooling. This is a question that I have also had cause to reflect on in recent times and it seems our "mental models" of Catholic Schooling have much to do with our own experiences.
My first Principal was Brother Gary Coyte who was a De La Salle Brother. I was fortunate to have worked with the De La Salle Brothers for several years and the schools charism was pivotal in shaping its values and attitudes as well as providing the narrative that encapsulated our being. The De La Salle Brothers' mission is, "to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor."
ACW has as our founding orders, Edmund Rice and Catherine McCauley. The Edmund Rice web page has as its mission, ‘to offer a Liberating Education, based on a Gospel Spirituality, within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity.’ The aim of Catherine McCauley was ‘to provide educational, religious and social services for women and children at risk of homelessness through poverty and exploitation’. A key theme for each of these orders was the liberating impact education could have for those less fortunate, the marginalised and the poor.
The key values that we embrace as part of our collective history are generosity, wisdom, compassion and justice. In generosity we reach out to others; in compassion we respond with forgiveness; in wisdom we use our learning to make responsible choices and in justice we act to remove barriers for the dignity of all. In an increasingly secular world, we embrace these values as part of our mission as a Catholic School. The following concluded Dr Pat’s argument:
Perhaps the best way to define our core business is in terms of the hopes and aspirations we hold for our students.
- To enable students to discover and nurture their individual talents, empowering them to lead balanced and fulfilling lives;
- To enable students to develop for themselves a framework of values and beliefs that they will take with them beyond school, to build on and modify throughout their lives;
- To develop students’ interpersonal skills so they can have positive and enriching relationships with others;
- To prepare students for fulfilling and productive working lives;
- To prepare students to be thoughtful and contributing participants in a democratic society; and
- To prepare students to be confident, capable and contributing participants in the global community and economy.
Adapted from “Schools Speaking for Themselves: Telling the Real Story." (2018)
We cannot waver on this commitment to keep the formation and nurturing of students at the centre of all we do and resist the growing temptation to turn schools into factories and businesses. To do this would be a sure sign that we have abandoned our Catholic identity.
Kind Regards,
Simon
By Ms Natalie Smith, Acting Deputy Principal
We are aware that the recent sad and tragic events that have occurred within our school and local communities may have raised issues for other students and families in our community. Please don’t hesitate to contact your student’s pastoral care teacher or PAL should you have any concerns about how your student is travelling at present.
The past two weeks have seen all students, across all year levels, busy finalising assignments and preparing for and sitting assessment. Year 12 mock exams are well underway and will continue into next week. Year 8 and Year 10 students are preparing for a big week next week with Year 8 Camp and Year 10 work experience. We wish them all well.
Recent Events
The second of our Year 6 Transition Days was held this week on Thursday 9 September. It was wonderful to welcome those Year 6 students who will be joining us in 2022 and we are looking forward to them joining the College community. A big thank you to all those who helped to make it so successful, the incoming student leaders, the enrolment office staff, teachers and tuckshop staff for all their hard work in this area.
Preparing for Term 4
Before we know it, holidays will be upon us, followed by Term 4. A reminder that Term 4 means a change into summer uniform. For girls this means a return to the summer skirt – green/white/navy tartan summer weight and of appropriate length along with white socks and black fully enclosed lace-up school shoes. For boys, the uniform doesn’t change.
We wish all students and families a safe and restful two-week break, whatever your plans. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the start of Term 4 on Tuesday 5 October.
By Mr Michael Simpson - Assistant Principal - Curriculum
Year 12
Year 12 student are now entering the final stages of their school year. It is vital that the students remain focused and keep using ALL the time given to them. This includes in week 10 of Term 3 and weeks 1-3 of Term 4. There will be important messages and learning occurring during these weeks aimed at supporting students with their external exams. Science, mathematics methods, and general mathematics students still have 50% of marks available. The other subjects have 25%. Therefore, it is essential that students get the required marks to achieve the ATAR they need. Furthermore, students must achieve a pass in Units 3 and 4 to confirm their QCE points. Students should be looking at how many marks they require to ensure they achieve at least 50% of all marks available in each subject. Their teachers can help with this, but only if they attend school and ask the questions.
Mock exam feedback
All Year 12 students will be required to attend school in week 10, Term 3 and week 1, Term 4. This week has been set aside to receive their mock exam results and any final messages from the school. All students studying applied subjects are expected to finalise any assessment in this week.
Term 4 - Weeks 2-3
External Examination Workshops
During weeks 2 and 3 of Term 4, the College will be running a special program aimed at directly preparing students for their external examinations. Students will have workshops for each of their subjects and will only need to attend school during the timetabled sessions. Any students with outstanding assessment will be required to stay at school during this time and lose any privileges. Students will need to sign-in each day and wear their full school uniform.
Term 4 - Weeks 4-7
External Exams
The external exam timetable has now been published on the QCAA website and more information will be given to students next week.
Year 11
Following the finalisation of Unit 2, Year 11 students studying general subjects will start preparing for their mock exams which commence on Thursday week 2, Term 4 and finish on Friday week 3, Term 4. It is essential that the students prepare for these examinations as they would for the real external exams. The more effort the students put in, the more quality feedback they will receive from their teachers. This whole process is vital for identifying key weakness areas within the content so students can formulate a targeted approach to their learning. During the exam block, all Year 11 students will be able to stay home and only attend school for the exams. They will need to sign-in each day and wear their full school uniform. The mock exam timetable will be released early next term. Please note that any students who are not up to date with other work will not be granted study leave and will have to remain at school during this time.
By Mrs Carol Sharp, APRE
A decision has been made to reschedule the Year 12 retreat from Thursday, September 16th to Friday, October 8th. The scheduling of the retreat in week 10 of this term is no longer ideal and so the college leadership team decided that the final day of formal classes for our Year 12 students was better placed. Therefore, on Friday, October 8th all Year 12 students will arrive at school and join in a celebration breakfast BBQ. They will then attend morning PC for the last time so their pastoral care class can say farewell. Students will then move to St. James’ Hall for their day of retreat activities. Both morning tea and lunch will be supplied for students. As per previous communication, this retreat day is an important part of the ACW calendar and attendance is expected. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via the school office or email me at carol.sharp@twb.catholic.edu.au.
Year Level Mass
Our Year 10 students attended Mass at St. Mary’s Church on Thursday, September 9th. Fr Bony delivered a very important homily that explored the importance of breaking the cycle of violence and hatred by ‘turning the other cheek.’ Students behaved very well and we look forward to more year level Masses next term.
Prayer
This week a staff member led us in prayerful reflection as we gathered for our weekly staff briefing. The relection really resonated with a lot of us and I would like to share it with you in the hope that it speaks to you too.
Go into this week
with the attitude that
your peace,
your health of mind,
and your heart
mean more than
getting everything else done.
That your smile matters,
That feeling rested matters.
That holding the hand
of your loved ones matter.
So pause lots,
function at a pace
that doesn’t pull you apart.
Honour the things that
make you feel good inside,
the things that make you feel alive.
Give time to those things this week.
Make time the gift it is,
by giving it to what sustains your soul.
— S.C. Lourie of Butterflies and Pebbles
by Miss Denise Ryan - Chaplain
We made it to the end of another busy and eventful Term 3. There have been many cool activites in and out of the library. We had the Great Library Challenge and selfie competition and we have also been out and about enjoying the sun and playing different games.
As we come to the end of this term, it is important that we take the time to rejuvenate and provide ourselves with some self-care to ensure that upon returning for term 4, we are ready to go and smash it out of the park.
There are many important benefits to regular self-care especially for teens and young adults. Now is a great time to start looking after ourselves and our mental and emotional wellbeing especially as a community. Considering the events of the past two weeks we can use this as a starting point to look after each other and care for each other as a community. There are many great resources out there that can help you find a starting point.
Taking time for self-care is not always easy, but doing something small each day, week or month is a good start.
Ways to look after yourself
Physically
- Be active and eat well
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Monitor and manage your stress in positive ways
Relationships
- Nurture and maintain your personal relationships
- Connect with others to keep strong
Time for you
- Make time for interests and things you enjoy
- Get involved and join a group with common interests
- Learn something new to help build you confidence
Spiritually
- If you have spiritual beliefs, make time for regular spiritual practice
- Connect with others who share your philosophy
Asking for help
Reach out for support when you need it. Everyone needs support from time to time. Talking to a family member, a friend, your doctor or one of the many services available, can make all the difference.
Thursday 9th September was R U Okay? Day which is an important day where you reach out to friends, family, work colleagues, neighbours etc to check in and ask how they are. R U OK? has four Conversation Steps to help navigate a conversation when someone says, “No, I’m not OK”. These steps are:
1. Ask
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in.
These four steps are just a simple starting point to ask yourself and those around you if they are okay. Once we listen and ask each other, we can begin to acknowledge the need for self-care and understand why it is so important. Use the holidays to rest so you can start moving forward and begin term 4 with a fresh start and learn to be kinder and more loving to those around us.
Have a great holiday everyone!
By Mrs Alison Porter, Program Leader Student Pathways
Considering University
Our Year 12 students can now apply through QTAC (www.qtac.edu.au) for university courses in 2022. Some tips for applications:
- Students can have up to six course preferences – always include some back-up or pathway courses and don’t just nominate one course
- Check the key dates for course applications and offer rounds – some have different dates and cut-off dates may be early
- Also check the pre-requisite requirements for courses
- Consider applying for early entry programs or putting a first preference for a course that offers early before the offer rounds.
Year 10 Work Experience
Our Year 10 students are on work experience next week and we wish them the best of luck! Students have a provider feedback form that is in the information pack they were given and should ensure that this form is given out at the end of the work experience week.
Year 10 SET Planning
Thank you to Year 10 parents for your support and attendance at SET (Senior Education & Training) Plan meetings. These were invaluable for planning our Year 10 students’ pathways and senior schooling. This also gave us opportunity to discuss with parents and students the subject choices for senior school and we can start working on timetabling these for 2022.
Remember to check out our college careers website at www.acwcareers.com.
Over the past five weeks, the College has competed in the Warwick High Schools' Mixed Hockey Competition. After round three, we were sitting on top of the ladder and progressed straight through to the Grand Final to verse Scots PGC. The Grand Final was a very tough and close game which resulted in a final score of 0-1 to Scots PGC.
The College would like to congratulate each student on their achievement and behaviour throughout the entirety of the competition.
We would also like to congratulate Taylah Eastwell on a very special achievement by receiving ‘Player of the Tournament.’
Darling Downs Hockey Competition
Available Position - Tuckshop Support
Services Staff | Retail | Tuckshop Support | Assumption College
Term time | 22.5 hours per week | Fixed term | From 5 October 2021
Services Staff Level 3 | $29.7789 - $31.0421 per hour plus super
Position arising from employee on leave
The College is seeking a Tuckshop Support worker to assist in the day-to-day operation.
Duties will include:
- Preparation and provide food services
- comply with all Occupational Health and Safety policies, safe work procedures, instructions, rules, and promote a positive safety culture in the tuckshop.
Candidates with proven experience in a similar role will be highly regarded.
If you would like to be considered for this role, please submit your application by email to Principal, Simon Fleming by email at Simon.Fleming@twb.catholic.edu.au and include
- a cover letter, of no more than two pages highlighting your demonstrated skills and experience
- your resume, to include the names of two referees (one must be your current manager)
- supporting application documents.
Employment will be in accordance with the Catholic Employing Authorities Single Enterprise Collective Agreement – Diocesan Schools of Queensland 2019 – 2023.
College Contacts
Key Personnel
The following table outlines the key people to contact if you have any concerns or positive feedback throughout the year.
The table below identifies the Curriculum Leaders and which subject areas they look after.
Tutoring
Tutoring is on each Tuesday afternoon in room 311 from 3:15pm to 4:15pm. Students may bring along their homework or assignments, or can just work quietly.
Year 12 Pastoral & Academic Bulletin
By Alison Porter, Year 12 Pastoral & Academic Leader (PAL Acting)
Our Year 12 students have been studying hard this week for mock examinations. This is a great way to prepare for the final upcoming external examinations and I congratulate students on their efforts this week and into next.
A reminder too that it is important that students attend school for the timetabled lesson days after the mock exam block next week and in the first week of Term 4. It is expected that all Year 12 students will be in attendance on the lesson days next week and in Week 1 in Term 4. These days will be important for students to finalise any assessment and to receive feedback regarding improvement for final examinations and assessment.
A calendar was also recently emailed to parents to outline upcoming and Term 4 events for our Year 12 students. More specific information about Term 4 events will be forthcoming.
Lastly, congratulations to our Year 12s for their work through the term. I hope our Year 12s have a safe holiday and return refreshed for their final term.
A Message from Mr Cloney
Fast approaching the end of Term 3, I have now been teaching at Assumption College and living in Warwick since April, and taken on duties as Curriculum Leader for Mathematics from July. I have been warmly welcomed, by staff, students, parents and locals alike. This has made the transition easier and I’d like to give a big thank-you to our college community for this. My wife and I have adjusted to our country life quickly, and love the diversity in the weather, the glorious sunrises and sunsets where no two are the same, and the many long walks with our dogs. We purchased a completely original 60’s cottage and have begun the slow process of replacing flooring, fencing etc. and making it our own.
On the teaching front, the focus this term has been on students succeeding in Mathematics. After many years of teaching, I have found that many students, and often their parents, have a fear, ambivalence or even hatred of mathematics. We have focused this term on ensuring students can grasp concepts as best as possible, and that they have broad and varied support to facilitate their learning. This involved activities, tactile manipulatives, formative in-class projects, and discussions about the relevance and use of mathematical concepts. While walking around the school and visiting classrooms and talking with students, I have found many students are more engaged and understanding of their curriculum and even enjoying some of the challenges of Mathematics. It is always great to see students excitedly choosing to solve maths challenges and puzzles in their study lessons.
Mathematics is a broad and diverse subject, which can often lead to fear and apprehension in students. My goal this year, and moving forward, is to continuously try to improve how we engage and educate our diverse students, from our mathematical prodigies and budding scientists and professionals, to those who have struggled with the area of Mathematics. I am excited to be supported by such caring and enthusiastic teachers, but am particularly proud of the students who have pushed through fears and difficult concepts and tried passionately to improve their outcomes.
I am available and happy to chat with any parents or students if you have questions, concerns or ideas you would like to suggest. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming holiday and spend some quality time with your amazing children.
Kind Regards,
James Cloney
Mathematics Curriculum Leader
Assumption College Tuckshop Menu
QCAA - Expressions of Interest
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is recruiting members of the community as invigilators to observe and report on the administration of external assessment sessions at secondary schools throughout Queensland from 25 October to 16 November 2021.
Invigilators play an important role in promoting public confidence in the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system.
Applications for invigilator positions closed yesterday. We are pleased to advise, however, that the QCAA will accept late applications from people in our locality. Accordingly, it would be appreciated if you could promote invigilator vacancies within our school community this week. Potential applicants should be asked to contact the QCAA by email at externalassessment@qcaa.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 3074 7570 by 5:00 pm Monday 13 September.
Applicants need the following to apply:
- Valid paid blue card or exemption card (for QCT registered teachers) from Blue Card Services
- Details of two unrelated referees
- A completed conflict of interest declaration.
Bookweek – Old Worlds, New Worlds & Other Worlds - What a blast!
We had students making aliens for our wall; we held a hat sorting ceremony, and we even created an apothecary so students could make their own concoctions! Our PC emoji quiz was very popular – Rice 3 won a pizza party, well done guys!
On Wednesday we had the Macbeth witches, a clown, a spider, the Queen of Hearts, the Witch from Room on the Broom, Miss Trunchbull from Matilda, the Cat in the Hat and Romeo and Juliet made an appearance. Lots of students asked why they couldn’t join in the fun – so perhaps next year? Watch this space.
We held a competition for students to work out the favourite book or genre of some staff members. The winner was Leigham with runners up Chloe and Olive.
To finish off the week, Mrs Wooding read All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell, reiterating that everyone in our community is smart in many different ways!
One of our students surprised us with a gift for the library this week. It will take pride of place in our new library – thanks Isabel, you have an amazing talent.
By Mrs Jenny Gillespie
Time to Talk
Is hard to comprehend that four separate families in the Assumption College community have experienced the loss of an immediate family member in the past fortnight.
Grief responses are different for us all, and this week we have been reminded how the simple act of listening and caring helps teens to cope.
We have been well supported by counselling staff from Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office and our Pastoral Academic Leaders in the impacted year levels have been pivotal in providing age-appropriate information and caring for our student’s individual needs. We have found that some students have reacted strongly to these losses, some less so and others have not expressed concern. Students have been counselled that everyone’s experience is different, and some may not be impacted at all. There is no right or wrong way to feel.
The TLC of family and friends will be sufficient for most moving forward, however for some, extra care will be needed. Many people believe things have to be pretty bad to access counselling, but the reality is the earlier you receive support, the higher chance of feeling better sooner. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at school for support, information or referrals as needed. Other services available include:
Warwick Junior Cricket Clinic
Disability Participation Day
Whats on at headspace?
National Indigenous Young Artist Scholarship
Warwick Rodeo Quest
Rugby League Holiday Clinic
