Luke 4: 1 – 13; Luke 9: 28 – 36

Over the past two weeks, the Gospel readings have told the narrative of Jesus being challenged by choices that will impact his future. Firstly, he faces the temptation of the devil. Jesus is offered ease, comfort, wealth, and power. These are all the trappings that most humans strive to achieve. He considers the options presented to him and each time he turns the devil down. Secondly, we witness Jesus choosing the harder path, a path that he is aware will lead to his death, but one that will allow him to continue to challenge injustice and oppression.

Often the Gospels can seem to be so foreign to our existence that we struggle to find a way to re-contextualise it to make it relevant to our young people. In this instance, Luke is able to present a narrative that is so relevant that it does not take much to see our own lives reflected through his words.

At Assumption College, we have the privilege of working with your children and young adults who are at that stage in life where they are questioning who they are and who they want to be. As parents and guardians, we have our own visions and dreams for our children, but ultimately, no matter the path they take, we just want them to be ‘good’ people. This concept of ‘good’ can reflect many things. At Assumption College, we strive every day to ensure that our students have the opportunity to choose dignity and integrity, when faced with a challenge. We support them to be open and honest when things do not go to plan or when they may stumble on their journey.

Teenagers are learning who they are and who they want to be. We know that even as adults, perfection is an artificial construct; however, if at the end of their time with us, Assumption graduates are able to be aware and inclusive of those on the margins of our society, are able to recognise and preserve the dignity of all, are able to care for the world we live in, are able to actively demonstrate subsidiarity and participation, and are able to stand in solidarity with our one human family – then that is a definition of ‘good’ that we are willing to support.

Jesus chose a hard path. A path defined by discomfort, sacrifice, and challenge, but it is this path that saw him able to challenge the oppression of others and the injustices he witnessed. Instead of choosing the artificial trappings of society, he chose to 'be more' not 'have more'. An excellent lesson for us to learn and one that we honour, by allowing our students to develop their self-concept of integrity and justice for all.

Inclusivity Captain

As a Catholic College, we are committed to upholding the dignity of every person within our community. This is independent of ethnicity, creed, gender, sexuality, age, or ability. This tenet is the foundation of our Catholicity – we are all made in the image and likeness of God and therefore are committed to never compromising the dignity of every member of our community and beyond.

As such, the Student College Leaders and myself have nominated an Inclusivity Captain for 2022. The view is that this position will be moved to a formal leadership position within our community in 2023. This role will ensure that all students have a voice through a liberating, empowering, and nurturing environment.

It is with great pleasure and a privilege that I am able to announce that, Isabel Natividad has accepted the position of Assumption College’s Inclusivity Captain for 2022. Please congratulate Isabel on this achievement.

International Women’s Day

It was delightful to attend the Warwick Zonta International Women’s Day Breakfast with Ms Natalie Smith, Mrs Carol Sharp and Mrs Jess Cantwell; along with our College Leaders; Keely Lockhart, Lily Osborne, Joey Beveridge, Rachael Jordan, Emily Phelan, Juliana Cruda, Taylah Eastwell and Isabel Natividad.

In recognition of International Women’s Day 2022, I am presenting to you the story of Mary of the Assumption and Catherine McAuley. These two women, who in spite of their times and contexts, were courageous enough to step beyond societal expectations to do extraordinary things.

The Assumption of Mary observes the belief that our Mother Mary was assumed into heaven. This was to honour the commitment and bravery that Mary demonstrated in becoming Jesus’ mother. Mary’s faithfulness and courage, in spite of the challenges and circumstances surrounding her commitment to the salvation of humankind, was extraordinary. An ordinary woman, who by her faith in God’s ability to make the impossible, possible, served to become the mother to the Saviour of the world.

Catherine McAuley established the Sisters of Mercy in 1831. Poverty and injustice were firmly entrenched at this time. Through her inheritance, McAuley was able to build the House of Mercy in Baggot Street, Dublin. McAuley utilised education as a means to empower women and children at risk of homelessness due to poverty and exploitation. Her commitment to her faith saw her overcome self-doubt and the establishment of an order that continues to inspire, nuture, and enliven the empowerment of women and children throughout the world, today.

The 2022 theme for International Women’s Day was Break the Bias. This theme embodies the possibilities that exist within a gender equal world. Such a world is where difference is valued and celebrated, as well as a world recognised as being equitable and inclusive.  Assumption College is committed to bringing about a world that believes in the unlimited potential of all – and we believe this can be achieved through Truth and Love.  

May Our Mother Mary, grant her blessings upon our College community.

Heading into Week 8 means that we are coming to the business end of Term 1. One look at the College’s Assessment Calendar tells us that all students, across all year levels, will be busy over the coming fortnight finalising assignments and preparing for assessment; however it is not all study. Students are also preparing and looking forward to the first of our whole school sporting carnival events – the ACW Swimming Carnival on Monday 21 March 2022 and the ACW Cross Country on Friday 1 April 2022. At such a busy time, and with approaching deadlines, it is only normal that tension builds and things can become a little fraught. Please do not hesitate to contact your child's Pastoral Care teacher or PAL should you have any concerns about how your child is travelling at present.

With the unusual start to the school year, everything feels a little out of sync compared to a ‘normal’ year. Consequently, students and staff have been asked to rethink and reschedule some of the events that usually help ground the structure of the term. It is also at this time of term that we can see students engaging in silly low-level behaviours that can escalate into more serious incidents. I encourage all students to maintain their focus on the things that they can control, i.e, their learning and studies, over the last few weeks of term. Let us be kind to one another, and to ourselves, as we head towards the end of term and a well-deserved Easter break.

Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) was created to give Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families increased educational choices and life opportunities. QATSIF is a nationwide scholarship program for First Nation Students who are completing Years 11 & 12.

Assumption College is very lucky to have three students who have received QATSIF scholarships: Denika Murray, Hayden Kenny and Shelby Scott. The scholarship will assist these students over the next two years financially whilst also developing their leadership skills with leadership programs.

A massive congratulations to these students.

Last Friday, I addressed the entire student body regarding their role at Assumption College. I spoke to them about making the right choices in the classroom which will enable themselves and their peers to finish the term strongly and achieve positive results.  The points included being prepared with all the correct materials, finishing all set tasks, and engaging in learning conversations. Furthermore, the students were reminded that assessment is a mandatory requirement of an ACW student, and all responsibilities must be fulfilled.

Extensions

• Extensions are granted in extenuating circumstances including illness and family emergencies.
• Extensions need to be accompanied by a letter/email for that student's parent or caregiver.
• If students are away when an exam is scheduled, students should see their subject teacher as soon as they return.

Time to revise.

As we move through the term, students must be going over the content which they have learnt in the first few weeks. The more often they revise, the greater the retention rate. The graphs below show the rate of forgetting with and without repeated study throughout a term. Students need to have a plan so they can reach their potential.

Study Tips

One of the key aspects of a study plan is creating an effective space at home. Below are some tips on how to do this effectively.

1. Pick a space for yourself

Designate a quiet space or corner where you know you will not be disturbed. 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 must 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 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 minimum.

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 than two hours of distracted study.

7. Take a break

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

Year Level Masses

Year level Masses for 2022 have commenced with our Year 10 students attending the 9am Mass at St Mary’s Church on Tuesday. The Year 12 Mass is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, 29 March 2022.^. All other year levels will have their Masses for Semester 1 in Term 2.

Project Compassion

Second Week of Lent (Week beginning Monday 14th March).

This week, through Project Compassion, we learn about Biru who lives in a rural village in India’s east. He lost mobility in one of his legs after contracting polio as a child. Biru worked as a shepherd, looking after other people’s cattle, to support his wife and four daughters. Keeping up with the cattle was a challenge.

Biru taught himself how to repair bicycles by watching other people, but he never dreamt of using those skills to start his own business. With your generous support, Biru was able to access an entrepreneurship and livelihoods training program, run by Caritas Australia’s partner, Caritas India. He gained the support and skills he needed to start his own bicycle repair business. Now, Biru earns enough money to support his family.

Watch a short film about Biru’s story here.

Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au

Congratulations!

We would like to congratulate Jacob Darker and Glen Jhon Cruda, our newest school-based trainees.

Jacob is now completing the Certificate III in Dental Assisting. Assumption College would like to thank Southern Downs Dental for providing Jacob with this opportunity.

Glen Jhon Cruda impressed Spiller Constructions so much at work experience last year that they offered him a school-based apprenticeship in carpentry. A great recognition to both Jacob and Glen. 

The Queensland Training Awards

Across fourteen categories, these annual awards recognise individuals and organisations that strive for and have achieved success, best practice and innovation in vocational education and training (VET). The awards showcase all that's great about VET in Queensland, with categories for apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, and trainers, as well as training providers and employers.

VET students (including school-based trainees and apprentices) can nominate themselves, someone else or an organisation. The fourteen award categories include:

• apprentices and trainees
• vocational students
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
• school-based apprentices and trainees
• VET teachers and trainers
• community training initiatives
• employers of all sizes
• training providers
• industry collaborations.

I encourage our VET students and our partnered local businesses to nominate for these awards. Nominations close 31 March 2022 and more information can be found at https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta.

Our very own Changemaker!

In November 2021, Isabel Natividad was selected from hundreds of applicants to attend the Young Changemakers Program at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. The program ran from 30th November to 2nd December 2021 and provided over 200 Young Changemakers with an opportunity to experience living on Campus at Kings College and attend a range of workshops and activities.

The program involved a range of workshops and a project to be completed to introduce Ideas that Create Change.  Workshops involved learning about Embracing the Problem, How to Develop Meaningful Ideas, Creating Powerful Solutions and How to Communicate with Impact, and How to Make the Perfect Pitch.

Young Changemakers were divided into a range of teams who were supported by current UQ Students who acted as mentors during the three-day program. Isabel’s team was focused on Healthcare’s Hidden Heroes, a Biotechnology and Engineering project. The team first learned from Dr Mark Allenby as he explained current approaches to grow blood within the laboratory using biomedical engineering, tissue engineering, and stem cells. The team was then broken into smaller groups and tasked with the job of designing a blood manufacturing platform to provide fresh blood to sick patients. 

Isabel’s team was selected to present their idea on the final day of the program to an audience of over 200, and a prestigious panel of judges that included an entrepreneur, who had attended UQ, and University of Queensland lecturers and staff. Isabel and her team were awarded the 'Best Pitch' for the program.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends with shared interests, create solutions to the world’s challenges, as well as practice collaboration and leadership skills.  Isabel thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to gain new skills and make connections with University of Queensland staff and mentors, presenters, and other Young ChangeMakers from across Australia.

Queensland Training Awards