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 - 15th October 2021

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Assumption College Newsletter - 15th October 2021

By Mr Simon Fleming - Principal

In this Newsletter, I would like to focus on the importance of connection to the success of students at school. The Congregation for Catholic Education in 1988 said ‘Everyone directly involved in the school is a part of the school community: teachers, directors, administrative and auxiliary staff. Parents are central figures, since they are the natural and irreplaceable agents in the education of their children. And the community also includes the students since they must be active agents in their own education.’

The first function of those who work in Catholic schools is to accept and promote a collective responsibility for improving the conditions of faith development, teaching, learning and wellbeing. Foundational to this improvement work is the shared desired outcome of students feeling connected to their school, aware of the collective focus on their learning and wellbeing, and feeling valued, hopeful and safe because of this connection and focus. The wellbeing and learning outcomes of young people are enhanced when they feel connected to others and experience safe, trusting relationships. (The Australian Schools Wellbeing Framework 2019).

Meaningful participation at school is positively associated with improved student wellbeing. Meaningful participation is founded on the development and maintenance of a school setting characterised by students having a voice, having influence, having choice and having opportunities to work together with teachers and other students.

As parents, we can support schools by supporting and facilitating positive relationships with school staff and other families in the community, understanding how family engagement in schooling contributes positively to learning, wellbeing, faith development and life opportunities of children and young people.

Kind Regards,

Simon

 

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If you wish to submit a newsletter article, please email to acwarwick@twb.catholic.edu.au by Monday 25th October. Please note that all articles are subject to Principal's approval. 

By Ms Natalie Smith, Acting Deputy Principal

Welcome Back

It is great to see everyone back at school after the September break. Term 4 is well and truly underway. Last Friday was the official last day of classes for Year 12 students who were treated to a BBQ breakfast and farewelled by their PC classes. Currently they are participating in subject workshops preparing for their external exams which start in week 4.  It is good to see everyone back at school in their summer uniforms.  I note that some students seem to have grown over the winter with the length of some skirts needing attention. Please note that the official length of the girls’ skirt needs to be just above the knee. Some students will need their skirt length to be adjusted.

Update on New Uniforms for 2022

As mentioned in an earlier newsletter, there are changes occurring to the College uniform over the coming year. Unfortunately, due to a issue resulting from COVID, there has been delay in the availability of the new uniforms. This affects the new junior girls’ lemon-coloured blouses, the senior girls’ white blouses and senior boys’ white shirts with piping, and the new knitted winter pull-over. At this stage, these items will not be available until mid-year 2022.  As a result, we will extend the transition time for the introduction of the new uniforms by another 12 months. This means that in 2022, students will be able to wear both the old uniform and new uniform, as and when it becomes available.  Stocks of the old uniform will be run down over the next 12 months as the new uniform becomes available.

Students will transition to the new uniforms over 2022 and 2023 with all students wearing the new uniform from 2024.  Of course, we will keep you updated as we receive more information regarding the availability of all new uniform items.

Vandalism

It is disappointing to be writing on the issue of vandalism in this week’s school newsletter. I would like to reiterate the message from Mrs Hardy earlier in the year regarding our understanding of ‘respect’, something that is often spoken about with students at College. How we respect our friends, our teachers, other staff members and the environment that we have at the College is important.  The value of respect underpins our College rules, behaviour management policy and along with Wisdom, Compassion, Justice and Generosity, we thrive to be a safe, caring environment where each student can reach their potential academically, spiritually, culturally and through sport.

Over the past two weeks, several acts of vandalism have occurred around the school. I am concerned that some students would choose to show a lack of respect to their fellow students by deliberately damaging our facilities, especially of the boys’ change rooms and toilets. Unfortunately, this all costs both time and money and valuable resources, that could be spent elsewhere in the College. 

It has also been brought to our attention that there is currently a list of ‘TikTok Challenges’ being circulated on social media. These ‘challenges’ encourage students to engage in particular acts, film them and then upload their videos to the TikTok site. One of the recent challenges has been the instruction to “vandalise your school.”  Parents are asked to have a conversation with their students about the inappropriateness of these challenges. The destruction of school property and potential injury to students and staff is something that we will not tolerate at Assumption College.

Mental Health Week

This week in Queensland is Mental Health Week - an annual awareness initiative that promotes individual and community mental health and wellbeing and boosts awareness of mental illness.  Below is some information that students have been looking at in their PC classes this week.

Mental health is a key component of overall health and wellbeing. We all have mental health!

How you think, feel, and act in order to face life’s situations…

  • For example, how you handle stress.

How you look at yourself, your life, and the people in your life…

  • For example, how you relate to others.

How you evaluate your options and make choices…

  • For example, how you make decisions.

The theme for Qld Mental Health Week, 'Take time — for mental health’, recognises the importance of taking time to engage in activities that boost our mental health and wellbeing, and seeking help when needed.

When we take time to look after our mental health and wellbeing, we are able to improve our resilience to help us cope better with the everyday stresses of life, and reduce the risk of mental illness.

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Year 7 Camp

On Wednesday 27 October, the Year 7 students will be heading to Kokoda Park in the Lockyer Valley for their three-day camp, postponed from earlier in the year. We wish them all a fantastic time and look forward to hearing all about their adventures on their return. 

Day for Daniel - Friday 29th October

Students are encouraged to wear their sports uniform with red.  For example, they can replace their sports shirt with a red polo.  A gold coin donation will then go to the Daniel Morcombe foundation. 

Day for Daniel is Australia’s largest day of action to raise awareness of child safety, protection, and harm prevention. Held annually on the last Friday of October, Day for Daniel honours the memory of Daniel Morcombe.

The theme is Wear Red, Educate and Donate.

Parents, carers, and educators are encouraged to start a conversation with children and young people about personal safety. Schools and early learning centres conduct child safety education activities. Businesses and community come together to raise awareness of child safety issues.

Day for Daniel is the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s biggest fundraiser each year.  Funds also contribute to supporting young victims of crime.

By Mr Michael Simpson - Assistant Principal - Curriculum 

Year 7, 8, and 9 PAT Testing

The junior school has been completing standardised testing this week in the areas of Mathematics and Reading. The testing is essential for gauging where students are with their learning and key skills. I would like to thank the students for their active participation, and I look forward to analysing the results.

Senior

Years  11 and 12 students are currently on either exam block or external exam preparation leave. The Year 12 students are quickly approaching their final assessment for their general subjects. The first external exam commences on Friday 22nd October with the last exam occurring on Tuesday 16th November. We wish the Year 12s the best of luck.

A quick reminder for all Year 11 students - students with outstanding assessment WILL NOT be granted study leave. Students will be expected to stay at school until all outstanding work is complete. The expectations for the exam block are below:

  1. Students must be present at the exam room 15 minutes before the session start time.
  2. Students are expected to leave the College grounds promptly after completing exams if they are not intending to study or wait for another exam.
  3. It is the College’s expectation that when students are not sitting for exams, they will be at home studying or at the College studying.
  4. A room will be made available for study purposes between exams. Students are not to wander the school or disturb classes that are running.
  5. Students are not to ‘HANG OUT’ downtown in school uniform.
  6. Full College uniform must be worn for all exams. It must be worn to and from school.
  7. Students are to make sure they have all necessary equipment for each exam (i.e. pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, calculator etc).

The College appreciates parents' support with these matters.

By Mrs Carol Sharp, APRE

Year 12 Retreat

Last Friday, on their final official day of normal school, our Year 12 students participated in their retreat. The theme of the retreat was ‘The Road to Emmaus’ and students reflected on their journey so far and their journey into the future. Students were challenged to think about times when they have seen the face of Jesus while travelling through their lives. We had very low absenteeism on the day which was great. This allowed students to take advantage of the opportunity to write each other affirmations and share stories of their journeys, hopes and dreams for the future.

 

Praxis – Years 7 - 9

As part of their study of Catholic Social Teaching in Religious Education, students in Years 7 – 9 have been asked to complete a few hours of community service and reflect on how this links to the Catholic worldview. This has been occurring throughout the year but some students are still yet to complete these service hours. All Years 7 – 9 teachers will be addressing, once again, some options for how these service hours might be completed by students over the next two weeks. Please chat with your student and ask them how they are going with their Praxis. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your student’s RE teacher directly.

 

Year Level Mass

Our Year 9 students will attend Mass at St. Mary’s Church on Thursday, Oct 21st.  Students should ensure they assemble at the top of the breezeway at 8.35am to have their name marked off the roll, ready to leave for the Church at 8.45am. Mass will commence at 9am and parents are more than welcome to join us. Students will return to school in time for period two.

 

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Assumption College began their annual Christmas Appeal this week. In the true spirit of Christmas, we are encouraging all students to bring in appropriate donations for a Christmas meal, personal toiletries or presents for under the tree. Any money donated will be used to buy fruit and veg or meat vouchers. Each PC has been assigned a family to focus their donations on, and these donations can be made through PC classes in the morning. For anyone in the wider school community wishing to join us in our endeavour to make Christmas special for these families, Christmas donations can be brought into the front office. The Christmas appeal runs until November 22nd – Monday, Week 8. We encourage all students to participate and look forward to seeing the generosity of our College community.

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Prayer

A prayer for giving

Generous Father, thank you that all things were created through you and for you, you are before all things, and in you, all things exist. The Bible says that we should bring our tithes and offerings into your storehouse and that you will respond by opening the windows of heaven and sending down blessing upon blessing. Accept the gifts we place before you now. May the peace of God reign in our lives, the love of God surround us, the Spirit of God empower us and the joy of God uphold us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

By Miss Denise Ryan - Chaplain

Welcome back to everyone for our last term for the year.

Just a reminder that the breakfast table for our students will be available Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:45am – 8:45am, with plenty of goodies to choose from.

Our breakfast table usually has Milo (hot or cold), toast (jam, honey, vegemite), cereal, juice and tea available for students. This is designed for those students to access to ensure that they are fueled and ready to start the day of learning. 

As always, watch this space for any cool, fun and exciting activities that are happening this term.

By Mrs Alison Porter, Program Leader Student Pathways

Jobs & Apprenticeships Out Now!

We encourage our students to be vigilant in checking their school email accounts, Canvas careers page, Careers noticeboard and listen to school notices. We are receiving several opportunities for students from offers of casual work through to school-based and full-time apprenticeships. Our Careers office makes this information available to students in several ways and we encourage students to take note of this and see us if interested in any advertised opportunities.

Congratulations to our Year 10 students

Work experience at the end of Term 3 proved to be a great success! We received positive feedback from students and businesses. Our Year 10 students are to be commended on their attitude and approach to their work experience placements. We hope that the experience has helped inform pathways and developed student work skills and opportunities. A very big and sincere thank you to our local community and the businesses that were willing to support our work experience program.

TAFE In School

TAFE Queensland South West is offering school students the opportunity to commence select certificate qualifications as part of senior school studies in 2022.  The courses for these qualifications are aimed at current Years 10 and 11 students. An overview of offered courses, course durations and course costs can be found in the ‘TAFE At School’ 2022 Course Guide booklet. This booklet has been emailed to students and can be found online at https://tafeqld.edu.au/information-for/school-students/ or obtained from our Careers office. Many courses are VETis funded and therefore fee free for eligible students.

TAFE Queensland South West is now taking applications for students wanting to study a TAFE in School course in 2022. To apply for a TAFE at School course, visit www.tafeapply.com. Use the application code (listed in the course guide). To apply students will also need a USI number and their LUI number. Students can register for a USI number at www.usi.gov.au. Please note that applications for TAFE at school courses will close early November or when courses are filled. When applications have closed, TAFE Queensland South West will advise students and families directly and provide further details and directions for finalising enrolment. Should you have any queries or need more information, please contact our Careers office.

Business & Commerce, Finance, IT Engineering or Communications Scholarship

Power Tynan has been offering the Power Tynan Scholarship Program to Year 12 graduates since 2007 and will once again offer this opportunity in 2022.  These positions are for ambitious high school leavers interested in commencing a Bachelor Degree in Business & Commerce, Finance, IT Engineering or Communications.

The Power Tynan Scholarship Program offers high school leavers the opportunity to study part-time while working full-time for an exciting organisation, gaining valuable on-the-job mentoring and development.  Power Tynan will also subsidise university expenses. Applications for the scholarship program close at the end of October 2021 and interested students should visit https://www.powertynan.com.au/power-tynan-scholarship-program for more information or to apply.

Studies via Distance Education

For those students considering senior study via schools of distance education, we are currently collating the 2022 information and forms from various distance education providers. We are hoping to get this home in coming weeks so that students wanting to enrol in senior subjects and courses via this mode can have enrolments completed by the end of this term.

Remember to check out our college careers website at www.acwcareers.com.

Campdraft 

Six competitors travelled to Dalby for the High School Percentile Campdraft. The team consisted of Toby Usher, Steven Malbon, Libby Cooper, Casey-Lee Shelton, Caitlyn Rhodes and Kirrilly Roche. The students welcomed the opportunity to represent the College at such a prestigious event. The competition consisted of 32 schools from as far as Mount Isa to Brisbane boarding schools. Assumption College ranked 12th overall which is an outstanding effort from our junior competitors. Students highlighted that their standout for the weekend was all completing a full course in the first round of the competition. A massive thank you to Wayne and Tanya Roche of Crossdraw Country Co for once again supporting the riders' shirts for competition. Thank you also to the parents and guardians who continue to support opportunities for our students. 

QISSRL & QISSN 

Our 2021 and aspiring 2022 QISSRL and QISSN students have now commenced fitness training in preparation for next year. They will be participating in an 8 week program at WIRAC, where they will train every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Congratulations Eli!

Over the September holidays, Eli Costello competed at the Queensland Murri Rugby League Carnival. The College would like to congratulate Eli on his very special achievement of being selected in the Under 14 Queensland Murri Team. Well done, Eli!

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Meet our new teachers for Term 4! 

Mrs Narelle McBride 

I have been teaching for quite a while in Victoria, NSW and Queensland. My teaching subjects have included Geography, History, English, Outdoor Education and HPE. My teaching experience has included primary, secondary and tertiary education. I am a much better participant in sport than a spectator. Currently, I enjoy cycling and kayaking. My husband and I have moved to Warwick from the Gold Coast, where we lived for twenty-one years.  I also enjoy the outdoors.

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Mr Riley Salter

Hello, my name is Riley Salter, and I am one of the teachers starting this term at Assumption College Warwick. I have just completed my university degree at ACU in Brisbane and I thought I would share some fun facts about me. I’m a certified history buff - I know all the kings and queens of England from 1066-now, my favourite movie is '1917' and I carry a book of fun facts with me everywhere.

I grew up in Gympie on an old pineapple farm. I have enjoyed the move to Warwick; however, I am still getting used to the cold. I have never experienced the temperature drop below zero… until now.

In school I was on both the school showjumping and public speaking teams and still quite enjoy both. In my spare time I also like fishing, camping and reading. I have worked in education settings for most of my life. Growing up, I worked in a kindergarten and while studying, I worked at Clayfield College in Brisbane, so education is very important to me.

I hope these fun facts have given you a crash course on me.

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Music Lessons

Mr Aaron Buchanan has generously donated his time in Term 4 for those students interested in learning a woodwind instrument.  The instrumental lessons will be conducted during school time on a Thursday and will operate on a rolling schedule to minimise interruption to normal classes.

Mr Buchanan has a range of woodwind instruments for students to use (free of charge) if they do not have their own.  Instruments available include the flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba, French horn, and alto, tenor, or baritone saxophones.

Depending on interest, these instrumental lessons will continue in 2022 and the cost will be partially subsidised by the College.  Cost to parents/caregivers would be approximately $80 per term.  The College would also pursue the formation of a Concert Band in 2022.  Rehearsals for the concert band will be held on Thursdays from 3.15pm - 4.15pm. More details to follow. 

If your student is interested in commencing these free woodwind lessons in Term 4, please complete the expression of interest form by 20 October via this link -

Expressions of Interest Form

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Student Travel Rebates 

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By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver 

Come and check out the new library Fiction section which has been given a makeover and now uses gentrification to group books. This system is designed to help readers find books they are interested in easily on our shelves.   We have received good feedback so far and we will continue to fine-tune as we prepare to move to the new library.

The books have been broken up into the following interest categories:

  • Fantasy 
  • Dystopian
  • Science Fiction 
  • Horror
  • Classics 
  • Mystery & Crime 
  • History & War 
  • Animals 
  • Biographies 
  • Short Stories 
  • Graphic Novels 
  • Sport
  • Realistic Fiction 
  • Humour 

Thank you to all the students, teachers, and volunteers (Carmel’s mum) who gave up their time to help out in the last week of last term.

To recognise Mental Health Week (this week), Mrs Gillespie has a new display in the library with the theme ‘Take time for your mental health’ including little daily challenges.

Congratulations to the Readers Cup participants who competed against Warwick High, Scots PGC and Stanthorpe High last week. The students were required to read a variety of texts, including a short story, verse story, picture book and a novel, and on the day had to answer 15 questions on each book about specific details and contents. They received a pizza party reward for their efforts. A huge thank you to Mrs Wooding and Mrs Driver for running practice challenges and organising the teams. There was a teacher challenge as well and we blitzed the field!

By Mr Scott Clegg - Business Manager 

NEW PARENT PORTAL and APP

Parents/caregivers have recently been sent an email containing the steps that you need to complete your registration for the new Parent Portal and App. Should you experience difficulties, or if you have not received an email, please do not hesitate to contact the office for assistance.

Sentral for Parents App

Assumption College Warwick are moving to a new Portal and App for parents and caregivers in Term 4. The Parent Portal is available via any device with an internet connection. The App is called Sentral for Parents and is available from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

To access the Portal, you will receive a unique Portal Access Key from the school that will provide access to your students’ information. This Portal Access Key is contained in the email that was recently sent to parents/caregivers. Once you set up an account password, you can use this login for both the Parent Portal online and the App.

If you have students at another Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic School, you will receive a separate Access Key from the other school. You will be able to switch between schools within the App settings.

With the Parent Portal or the mobile phone App, you will have access to the following features:

Newsfeed

  • The Newsfeed will contain news items from the school relating to your child. Some items may require you to act, whilst others will be informational only. The newsfeed items can also contain attachments that you can download. When a newsfeed item requires you to take an action (e.g. grant approval for student to attend an activity), clicking on the item will take you to a screen that will allow you to perform that action. Academic reports will also be published to the Portal Newsfeed.

Absences

  • Absences allows you to communicate absence information to the school. This includes past absences that require explanation and ‘future’ absences. A ‘future’ absence occurs when you are aware your child(ren) will be away from school.

Messages

  • Messages acts as a direct line of contact between parents/caregivers and the teachers of your children’s classes. It is important to understand when you can expect responses from teachers. This should be discussed with teachers to have realistic expectations of communications and to know how long you can expect to wait between correspondences.

Daily Notices

  • Daily Notices are written up by the school for the day, as opposed to the Newsfeed, which is a live feed of things relating to your child.

Interviews

  • Interviews relate to Parent and Teacher interviews. Parents/caregivers can book available time slots or request a specific time.

Resources

  • School documents that we wish to share with you as parents/caregivers.

Newsletters

  • Open and download current and past newsletters from this area.

Links

  • We will share web sites of interest to parents and caregivers, and you will see links to these sites here.

Calendars

  • In Calendars, you can view school schedules and important events by ‘Today’, ‘Week’, or ‘Month’ by clicking on the sections at the top of the screen. Drill down into a specific event in the calendar for details.

Please see below an example of Sentral for Parents App home screen and an example Newsfeed. 

In the near future, the Parent Portal and App, will also give you access to the following additional feature:

Invoices

  • You will be able to view your invoices for school fees and other items, such as activities.

We are confident that you will see the benefits of this initiative, as the Parent Portal and App become more and more significant in your day-to-day management of your child's enrolment at our college.

Should you experience difficulties please do not hesitate to contact the office for assistance.

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie

October 9th -17th is Queensland Mental Health Week.

Mental health is important for every single one of us, yet it is a part of life that is often overlooked. Busy lives get in the way of us caring for our mental health, as does a fear of feeling vulnerable should we talk about our personal challenges.

This week during Pastoral Lessons, students have learnt about mental health facts and myths, mental health stigma, how social media and excessive screen time can negatively impact mental health as well as six simple, research-based actions to improve mood and build resilience.

RESILIENT FAMILIES also help support young people’s mental health. TOP TIPS for creating resilient families are:

  • Promote belonging
  • Create downtime in our hectic, stimulating world
  • Rediscover some family rituals
  • Teach the skills of self-esteem
  • Love kids for their differences
  • Provide consistency
  • Be clear on who is in charge
  • Embrace spontaneity and curiosity
  • Show respect during family arguments

Please contact me at school Monday-Thursdays if further information or support is needed.  

Warm Regards,

Jenny Gillespie

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2022 Sacramental Program 

The Catholic Parish of St Mary's, Warwick, will conduct Sacramental Preparation in 2022 including First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

First Reconciliation - Term 1 - Year 3 (8 or 9 years of age) 

Confirmation - Term 2 - Year 4 (9 or 10 years of age) 

First Eucharist - Term 3 - Year 4 (9 or 10 years of age) 

If you wish to enrol your child/children in our 2022 Sacramental Program, please contact the Parish Office on 4661 1033 or email denise.ryan@ctwb.org.au

Enrolments will close by end of business, Friday 17th December 2021.

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St Mary's Catholic Debutante Ball 2022

Calling all girls interested in making their debut on 11th June 2022. An information evening will be held on 21st November 2021 at 7.00pm. 

All prospective debutantes and an accompanying family member are invited to come along to Asissi Place. 

For more information, please contact Sally Lancaster on sallylancaster60@hotmail.com

OR

Sue Harris on tellsue@gmail.com

The comittee are looking forward to meeting and greeting you there. 

Warwick Cricket Association 

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Warwick City Band

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Emerging Rugby League Program

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Lowes 3 DAY EVENT!  20% off Schoolwear, 14th to 16th October

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