By Mr Simon Fleming - Principal

The external exams for Year 12 have started and progressing well. In my conversation with students, they have indicated a degree of comfort around their exams mainly due to the preparation they have received. Meanwhile Year 11 have just completed exams and are awaiting their results. It is important for Year 11 to reflect on these results and ask some vital questions around their own preparation.  As they begin Unit 3, they need to have in place definite learning goals moving forward. Academic interviews will be held for Year 11 students in week 7.

Year 7 have been on camp, and all were very eager to attend. Camps provide a unique place to forge relationships between teachers and students. Often students can flourish in a different setting, and it is also good for students to view their teachers in a different light outside the classroom.

Students in Years 7 ,8 and 9 may have been discussing Term 5. Years 10 and 11 complete school for 2021 at the end of week 8. Years 7-9 are the only students at school for Week 9. In previous years various activities have occurred during this week. This year we have decided to formalise the activities and provide more information to parents.

Students will select activities to do in the morning and afternoon. All activities will be run by staff. We will produce a booklet describing the activities which we hope to get to students next week.

On Friday, 5 November,  students in years 7-9 will be selecting their activities. It is important for parents to read the description of the activities and note if any payments are due or any special requirements. Again this will provide an opportunity for students to participate in activities that interest them, have fun and also to strengthen relationships.

Congratulations to all teachers as we celebrate World Teachers Day. Teachers do an amazing job and our staff are very committed to our students doing as well as they can.

This term we have been developing our improvement plan for 2022. Most experts agree on what is required to improve Australian secondary schools. Strong leadership, high expectations (of staff and students), a calm and welcoming environment and a focus on doing fewer things and on doing them particularly well are necessary conditions. A common instructional framework and stronger teaching teams are the biggest improvement levers to build on this foundation.

Kind regards,

Simon

By Ms Natalie Smith, Acting Deputy Principal

Day for Daniel

Thank you to all those students who wore red today in support for our Day for Daniel. We raised more than $200.00. Students also worked in their PC groups to create a digital poster / presentation as part of a competition to promote the message about things we can do to be safer online (cybersafety), how to deal with cyberbullying and what students can do to seek help. The winning house will be announced over the coming week and their presentation displayed around the school.

Year 7 Camp

On Wednesday 27 October, a very excited group of Year 7 students headed off to Kokoda Park in the Lockyer Valley for their three-day camp. I travelled out to the camp on Thursday to spend the day. It was certainly a hub of activity when I arrived. The first activity was the climbing wall. It was great to see so many students challenging themselves to reach the top of the wall while the members of their group on the ground encouraging and cheering their efforts. Another group saw students challenging their fear of heights, being lifted into the air on the giant swing with their teammates (affectionately known as donkeys) doing the physical legwork required for the lift. Once the donkeys had lifted the student to the highest point, they were released to swing.

At the other end of the park another group were using the zip line / flying fox. Again, it was fabulous to see so many students stepping outside their comfort zone and challenging themselves.  For some who dislike heights, the challenge of climbing the ladder to the platform was enough. For others, it was actually stepping off the platform and trusting the group at the end to catch them as they arrived.  I was impressed with how encouraging students were towards the other members of their group when doing the activities.

While I was at Camp Kokoda, I was reminded of how important it is to experience being outside of our comfort zone, to have to draw on strengths we may not know we have and to learn more about ourselves (I now know that I am not as fit as I once was!). Camps are a great way for students to challenge themselves, physically and mentally and to build resilience. Trying new activities like archery or climbing, overcoming fear of heights, having to trust their team mates to complete activities mean that students have the opportunity to learn about themselves as well.  I look forward to the Year 7s safe return to school next week and to hearing all about the rest of their camp experiences.  I would like to acknowledge Mrs Michelle Rohan, the Year 7 PAL and her team who accompanied the students on their camp and thank them for all their hard work over the past three days.

By Mr Michael Simpson - Assistant Principal - Curriculum 

Year 7-10

With the end of Term 4 fast approaching, it is essential that students are preparing themselves for the various assessment they are to complete. One of the key areas is creating an effective study space at home. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively.

1. Pick a space for yourself

Designate a quite space or corner where you know you will not be disturb. Tell everyone at home that this is your personal study space!

2. Stocking your space

Ensure you have everything required for a successful study session. The more you have to move to get something, the more likely you will be distracted.

3. Keep your study space tidy

Tidy desk, tidy mind! Make sure you clean up your desk after every study session and ensure everything has its own logical place.

4. Remove all distractions

No devices unless needed! Place your phone in another room so that you can focus on the task at hand. No notifications will mean no distractions. Also, tell the people around you to keep the noise to a minimal.

5. Create a to-do list

Ask your teacher to help you create a to-do list for each study session. This will ensure a well-focused session.

6. Set timed deadlines

Set an alarm or get someone to remind you when your study session is finished. 30 minutes of focused study is better then 2 hours distracted study.

7. Take a break

Take breaks every 30 minutes so you can refocus on the next task.

2022 Subject selection

Last term, students in Year 8 and 9 nominated their electives course preferences for 2022, while students in Year 10 nominated their subjects for senior school. Since this time, the College timetable for 2022 has been designed around these selections and subject allocations have been finalised, (although they are still subject to change). Letters to parents of current students in Year 8, 9 and 10 were given to your child. If students have any questions, concerns or would like to discuss changes they are to see me before or after school, or during a morning tea or lunch break.

If your son or daughter is wanting to be ATAR eligible, please check the subjects allocated to ensure that they are enrolled in:

• 5 General Subjects or
• 4 General and 1 Applied or
• 4 General and a Certificate III or higher.

Further information for families can be located https://www.qtac.edu.au/atar/

If parents would like to discuss subject selection, please do not hesitate to email michael.simpson@twb.catholic.edu.au or phone the College.

Current Year 11 students

Please ask your son or daughter to check their myQCE site https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/ to track their progress towards their QCE

You can track your progress towards a QCE via the QCAA Student Portal, which gives you access to information related to your senior studies.

You can use the QCAA Student Portal to:

• check your personal details
• view your enrolments
• complete online learning
• see your timetable for external assessment (for QCAA General subjects) at the end of Year 12
• track your eligibility for a QCE
• access your final results at the end of Year 12.

How do I log in to the QCAA Student Portal?

You need your 10-digit Learner unique Identifier (LUI) to register for the QCAA Student Portal.

The registration process will ask you to set a new password. You can then log in with your email address and new password.

Need help logging in?

• Download the step by step guide to registering for the Student Portal
• See the Student Portal FAQs

Still need help? Contact ClientServices@qcaa.qld.edu.au or phone 3864 0278.

By Mrs Carol Sharp, APRE

Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to participate in two professional development courses, these centered around the purpose of the Catholic school and how we maintain our distinct identity in a world (and a school) that includes people from a wide variety of faith traditions and with many different worldviews.

Of course, this is not the first time we have looked at our Catholic identity. The Diocese in general, and ACW in particular, have been heavily invested in developing distinct Catholic identity for over four years with our participation in the Enhancing Catholic Schools Identity (ECSI) project. However, its fair to say that this is an issue that schools have been addressing since the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.

Three things that have really stood out for me over the course of these professional developments have been the following:

1. Secularisation

While it's certainly true that society is becoming more secular in that there is a clearer separation between religious institutions and secular institutions, this does not mean that students are without belief. The data is showing, even in our adolescents, that those who profess ‘no religion’ are speaking more about a lack of belief in the institution rather than a lack of belief in a higher power or spiritual being.

2. Detraditionalisation

Yes, I know, it’s a very long word. Essentially it means that society in general is struggling to hand tradition on from one generation to another. In the Catholic context, this concept takes on a unique form as we consider the Tradition (capital T), of the Church. How can we ensure that the living reality of faith is transmitted from generation to generation?

3. Dialogue

And this is how we do it; Dialogue. This is how we ensure we are open and inclusive while maintaining our distinctive Catholic identity. As teachers, we need to ensure we are not simply providing answers, but we are asking questions. We want classrooms where students feel they can respond to the issue being discussed using critical analysis and evaluation skills, where their worldview or faith perspective is respected. We want to present the Catholic Tradition and allow students to respond authentically and creatively and to come to a greater understanding of how that teaching might be relevant in their lives.

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 Year 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.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Our annual Christmas Appeal is continuing over the next few weeks. 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 a fruit and veg or meat vouchers. Some of our Christmas hampers are starting to take shape while some are a bit bare. It is around about this time of the term that donations start to roll in at a good rate and I would strongly encourage every family to think about what they can donate and why it is important to donate. The Christmas appeal runs until November 22^nd – Monday, Week 8.

Prayer - Reflection

“Preach the gospel always, if necessary, use words.”

This famous quote by St. Francis of Assisi challenges us to live our faith in practical ways. The words of the Gospel are important but if we don’t walk the talk, the words are empty, they are not the living word of God. Of course, the question then becomes what is the Gospel and how do we live it in our world today?

One of the two pillars of the mission of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ Office is to ‘make Jesus known.’ When students have a greater understanding of the deep love Jesus demonstrated for all people, they can begin to understand what the Gospel is asking of them. Here is where they have a choice; how will they respond to this call?

The TCSO mission is about making Jesus known not about ensuring students accept. When students know Jesus, they are invited into a relationship with Him. Here they bring their own beliefs, values and experiences and they begin to better understand their own spirituality. In short, they know the Gospel and are invited to respond with their actions. The call to respond to the world around us with that deep love that Jesus demonstrated is one that can be answered by all, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. How will you respond?

by Miss Denise Ryan - Chaplain

Our breakfast table is available for all students on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:45am - 8:45am. There are plently of goodies for students to choose, from Milo, toast, cereal, juice and tea. 

This is designed for those students to access to ensure that they are fueled and ready to start the day of learning. 

QISSRL & QISSN Training 

QISSRL & QISSN students training at WIRAC, where they are participating in an 8 week training program.  Training is every Tuesday and Thursday from 3.30pm - 4.30pm. 

Basketball 

Basketball training is well under way for all year levels and so far the numbers have been high and so has the enjoyment from the students. 

It is great to see so much talent and interest in the sport and I hope to keep it going. 

Students will compete in an upcoming competition day against Stanthorpe and Warwick High. 

There has been interest in keeping the sessions going for the rest of the term as students have enjoyed it so much. This will also help students decide whether they want to participate in the weekly competition between five different regional schools next year. 

All are welcome and I look forward to seeing more people join to give it a go.

Miss Caroline Fern

Junior & Senior Interschool Cricket

An absolutely thrilling afternoon full of school spirit and sportsmanship was had at the interschool cricket matches. 

Our Junior and Senior cricket teams went head to head against Scots PGC. Unfortunately, both teams fell short of the mark. The Senior team created some fantastic viewing as the game went right down to the wire. 

Congratulations to the players for your continued participation and involvement in our College sports. 

Assumption College Art and Design Showcase

James Hall, 25^th November 5:00pm – 5:50pm

Before we celebrate Presentation Night, you are invited to attend our showcase and view student work from across Arts and Design subjects and enjoy light refreshments while you view the work. There will be static displays, live and recorded performances and films from across Music, Drama, Visual Art, Textiles, Design and ITD presented for you in St James' Hall. Hospitality students will contribute platters, available on the night,  to also share their talents.

Year 7 Art

This week in Year 7 Art, students learnt to engage the creative right side of their brain. To do this students practiced switching off their very busy and dominant left mode brain.  This was acheived by students turning an image upside down, then   telling their brain to draw the lines it saw, rather than trying to make 'meaning' of what they were drawing.

The result is in the picture - and every student achieved a different level of success. While some students found it very easy, others were challenged to complete the task. However, the best result of all was that everyone had fun.

STEM Conference 

On the 4th of June, this year two of our Year 10 students, Kathryn Venz and Dominique Hawes, had the opportunity to attend the Girl’s STEM Mini-Spark Conference at St. Saviour’s College in Toowoomba.

Many interesting STEM activities were available to do. Although, we didn’t get time to do many. We went to Mr Baker’s stall and made some earrings out of bismuth which was very interesting to see how all the different colours formed when the metal solidified.

There was also a robot which looked and acted like a dog.

After looking at some of the stalls, we were put into groups. The group we were put into learnt about astronomy and how to calculate a planets' orbit around the sun. We also heard from a lady who made a robot that would enable her son to talk to his friends when he was ill. We learnt a lot of new and interesting things. Overall, it was a very fun day.

By Kathryn Venz and Dominique Hawes

Riding for the Disabled

Many Assumption College students have had a successful and rewarding year contributing their time, skills and experience to volunteer for the Riding for the Disabled organisation. In Term 2 and 3 students have volunteered to assist many East State School students in equestrian activities that promote balance and coordination, strengthen muscles, increase joint movement but most of all, improved self confidence. Friendships were forged between our students and the riders andat the conclusion, a breakup BBQ was held las week. We all enjoyed a sausage sizzle, healthy fruit, delicious cake and lots of fun games. Assumption College looks forward to returning to RDA in 2022. 

By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver 

It doesn’t rain but it pours in the library – not only are we genrefying our fiction collection, we are also preparing for the new library by implementing RFID tags.  These tags in the back of every book will make it so much easier for students to manage their own borrowing and returning.  Luckily we always have helpers volunteering their time to get this job completed before the end of the year.

We have had jigsaws, plenty more games and even a mystery guest in the library this fortnight.

We have purchased some new games for the library as well – Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza; Footy Feud; What’s the word and Fake news or not?  We are expecting to hear lots of laughter during the playing of these games.

We have also set up a rodeo display in the foyer, the theme this year is Past, Present and Future – what could be better than a rocking chair with some books looking at Warwick’s past?  Thanks again to our library helpers for assisting.

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie

Friendships at School

Every day at school is a social experience of some kind and for all young people, as friendships matter.  Some highly social young people will have lots of friends whereas most others will have far fewer friends. 

Regardless, friendships can be a source of great joy for young people but also create angst and confusion when friendships sour or change.  Young people can feel upset and wonder what they have done wrong or become confused about the ‘number’ or ‘sorts’ of friends they ‘should’ have.

We all experience some degree of pressure to conform to the behaviours and norms of our social groups, yet this pressure is heightened in adolescence as kids try to figure who they are and where they fit in the world.  Peer pressure can make young people feel reliant on the approval of others and distressed/worried when this approval is not forthcoming. 

Parents can help by:

1. Encouraging more than one set of friends

It’s helpful to think of friendships as a series of concentric circles. Most young people will have a few close friends in their inner circle but are surrounded by many friends in the outer circles.

2. Normalising friendship changes

High school friendships almost always change over time.  Sometimes these changes will occur quite quickly or it may be a more gradual process. Understanding this boosts resilience over time.

3. When you disapprove

Sometimes parents disapprove of their young person’s choice of friends, because of behaviour, poor reputation or the adverse influence they may have on a young person. Young people will likely take criticism of their friends personally so be careful how you handle these issues.

4. Differentiate between online and offline friends

In all likelihood, your young person will communicate with their friends in real time and through digital technology. Junior high school students in particular, may need reminding of the differences between the two, discussing how behaviours and norms vary between the real world and online.