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By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal
Luke 15: 1-3. 11-32.
Luke’s Gospel, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, is one of the most well-known Gospels. Many times, when we are exposed to this Gospel, we focus upon the sins of the younger brother and the righteousness of the forgiving father. The older brother’s actions are often overlooked, and yet it is the juxtaposition between these two brothers that we find a relevancy to our lives, today.
The oldest son is portrayed as being long-suffering, staying at home whilst the younger brother flitters away his half of the inheritance. Upon the younger brother’s return, the older brother, through his words and actions, disrespects his father for celebrating and rejoicing the fact that his “lost” son has returned.
I think that we can all relate to the older brother in this parable. I certainly see it as Principal. Two or more students have done something that needs to be challenged and the first words out of each of their mouths are, “but *insert name was also doing it …” or “but *insert name did something worse …”. Just as the older brother in the Parable of Prodigal Son is consumed by the actions of his younger brother, I often find that students become fixated on others’ behaviours – often rendering them unable to see that they too have done wrong. The older brother does not see that by his refusal to understand forgiveness, then he is alienating himself from the righteousness and grace of the Father.
The younger son absolutely does wrong; however, he recognises his sins and rather than blaming others, he owns his sins. He returns to his father’s lands, believing that he will be a servant and is surprised when his father not only welcomes him back with open arms, but also forgives him and restores him to the status of son. In my role as Principal, I see this as recognition of the times that our students make mistakes and yet demonstrate integrity by owning their actions.
Through the parable, the integrity of the younger son comes from a realisation that he is accountable for his actions, and that ownership of his actions allows for learning to take place. We come to an understanding that while we are all sinners, while we all make mistakes, it is through integrity that we are able to learn and to grow in Truth and Love.
Easter
Over the past (almost) forty days, we have been observing Lent. This is in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Easter is the most important season of our Church – a time to recognise the sacrifice and suffering of Jesus for our salvation.
During our final Liturgy of the term, Mrs Carol Sharp challenged our community to “… walk in the way” of Jesus. This is not an easy task, and most certainly not a literal request. We are called to reflect on our own crosses, our own burdens, and to question our reaction to those burdens.
In the fourteen Stations of the Cross, we witness Jesus being betrayed, falsely accused, bearing ridicule, bearing physical torture, death and finally, burial. Jesus’ reaction to these horrific events is not only to endure them, but to consider others. He humbled us all when he claimed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” (Luke 23:34). Here was a man who suffered so greatly at the hands of those that falsely condemned him. A man who was beaten, whipped, humiliated and yet, a man who chose forgiveness.
“May we walk in Your way” was the response to each Station during our Liturgy. A response that urges us to choose compassion, wisdom, justice, and generosity, when we are carrying our crosses, when we are facing our challenges. This is not an easy task, and one that we most certainly do not always get right. As long we strive to ensure that we act, through truth and love, then we are able to walk in Jesus’ way – a challenge worthy of our time and acceptance.
Term 1, Interim Reports
Over the final days of Term 1, I have had the privilege of reading through every student’s Interim Report. Given the challenges of this term, including COVID-19, floods, and a delayed start, I have been pleased with the results achieved.
It is important to note, that as this is an Interim Report, it is an indication of where your child is placed in their learning, at this point in time. The evidence collated for the professional decision of achievement, has been sourced from classwork, homework, as well as formative and summative assessment items.
At the beginning of Term 2, I will be conducting meetings with students who have performed exceptionally well, and those who, according to their ‘Attitude to Learning’ and ‘Academic Progress’ achievements may require further clarification around expectations to learning and/or support to achieve to their capacity.
If you would like to discuss your child’s progress, I highly recommend that both you and your child attend our Parent/Teacher Interviews, scheduled for 26 April 2022.
Please see your emails for information on how to book an appointment.
Listening Forums
As Catholics, we are being called by Pope Francis to engage in a process of listening and discernment – to enter into a synod. This has inspired us at Assumption College. As the new principal of Assumption College, and as this year is the final year of our current strategic plan, I would like to invite you all to what we are calling Listening Forums. Next term, you will be invited to attend an hour-long opportunity to respond to the question –
“What would you like to see for the future of Assumption College?”
These Listening Forums will be grouped in Year Levels, and you will be invited to attend the forum that corresponds with the year group your child is in. If you would like to attend one or all (if you have multiple children at the College) you are most welcome.
Through these forums we will walk together on a journey of listening and discernment to ensure the academic, wellbeing, and spiritual success of our entire community. I look forward to welcoming you all to our Listening Forums.
End of Term 1, 2022
As this term has drawn to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of Assumption College, once again, for your warm welcome.
Whilst this term may have presented with challenging moments, it was the moments of joy that we will take forward with us into Term 2. The last day of Term 1 was such a wonderful demonstration of our commitment to ensure that we provide opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and spirituality, that are liberating, empowering, and nurturing.
I wish every member of our community a blessed, safe, and revitalising holiday period, and look forward to welcoming everyone upon their return on Wednesday, 20 April 2022.
May Our Mother Mary, grant her blessings upon our College community.
2022 Term Dates
By Ms Natalie Smith, Acting Deputy Principal
During the last week, the College community has well and truly felt the effects of the global pandemic, as many in our community have been isolating, as a result of contracting COVID-19 or being a close contact. We understand for some students this has been a source of anxiety as they have endeavoured to complete assessment and/or navigate illness. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Pastoral Care Teacher or PAL should you have any concerns about how your child is coping.
Preparation for Term 2:
There are a few reminders about uniforms and expectations for when we return after the Easter break to start Term 2.
As per usual, all students are to wear their winter school uniforms. This means, Senior students are reminded that blazers are to be worn, to and from school, at assemblies and official functions, during Terms 2 and 3. With the transition to the new College uniform, this will be the final year that girls may wear the older green and gold tartan check, mid-calf length winter skirts, with black socks, black pantyhose or black knee-high stockings. These winter skirts are being phased out and will not be able to be worn after 2022.
Students in Years 7 and 8 are expected to continue to wear the current green/white/navy tartan skirt during Terms 2 and 3 with black socks, black pantyhose or black knee-high stockings.
Please note that full-length navy slacks are now available for our female students, should they wish to wear them.
Other College standards relating to hair, jewellery and make-up remain the same.
The holidays are a great time to organize haircuts and check the state of uniforms, particularly if your child has had a growth spurt over the past couple of months.
Students are reminded that if they are in breach of the uniform standards upon their return, they will either acquire an internal or external suspension until the uniform issue can be resolved.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students and their families for their support to ensure such a great start to the school year.
I am wishing everyone a safe, restful holiday and a very happy Easter break.
By Mr Michael Simpson, Assistant Principal Curriculum
Year 12 ATAR Students
The first piece of internal assessment (IA1) for each subject will have been completed this week, and the results submitted to the QCAA. This is a monumental task for students and teachers, and I would like to congratulate all of those involved in this process.
The QCAA will then go through the vigorous moderation process to ensure all results are consistent with the rest of Queensland.
Students will receive a letter grade of A-E on their report card. This should be used as an indication of their progress and should be combined with other information obtained through parent-teacher consultation.
For some subjects, the second piece of internal assessment (IA2) will start before the end of the term and, due to the condensed nature of the new senior system, students are expected to continue working over the holidays.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Parent-teacher interviews will be occurring in Week 2 next term. Conversations must occur between all key stakeholders.
The Term 1 report card has been emailed last week, and students are asked to reflect on their start to the year. The report should be part of the learning journey, not the end as most people perceive. Reports are a vital indication of how students have progressed throughout the term, and when combined with the information given at parent-teacher interviews, this should give them the platform to improve.
The challenge is to not worry about what has been but focus on what can be achieved in the future. Teachers are looking forward to positive conversations around student learning.
A letter and instructions, regarding how to book these interviews, will be emailed.
Academic Detentions
Assessment is one of the most important parts of a student’s learning journey. It is an opportunity to obtain feedback on their learning and create opportunities to improve. Therefore, the College has high expectations regarding assessment. Any student who fails to meet the requirements of the College’s assessment policy may be subjected to an after school academic detention.
Academic Detentions will occur on Tuesday afternoons, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. If your child falls into this category, then you will be notified by the classroom teacher, and a letter sent home outlining the procedure.
The College would like to thank parents for their continued support of high expectations for academic success.
The ACW Assessment Policy 2022 can be found at:
https://www.acwarwick.catholic.edu.au/college-reports-policies
By Mrs Carol Sharp, Assistant Principal Religious Education
Unfortunately, we had to postpone the Year Level Mass for Year 12 on Tuesday, 29 March 2022 due to both Fr Franco and Fr Bony being unwell.
This Mass has been rescheduled and will now be on 10 May, 2022.
Project Compassion
Last week was the final week to donate to this worthy cause!
Fourth Week of Lent
(Week beginning Monday 28 March 2022)
Through Project Compassion we learn about Rosalie, who lives with her husband and seven children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forced to join the army when she was just 15-years-old, Rosalie experienced significant trauma and hardship during her years in the military. After she was demobilised from the army, Rosalie, like other ex-combatants, was left to fend for herself in the community.
With your generous support and through Caritas Australia's partners, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Caritas Bukavu, Rosalie was able to connect with other members of her community and participate in business skills training to help her to reintegrate into society.
She joined a savings group which helped her with a loan to start her own small business selling second-hand shoes and natural remedies.
“I can eat, dress, maintain my health and help others. My children study and manage to eat twice a day. I have learnt to work hand-in-hand with other members of the community. Really, there is more joy in sharing with others.” - Rosalie
Watch a short film about Rosalie’s story here.
Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au
Easter Liturgy
Friday morning, 01 April 2022, students participated in our Easter Liturgy focussing on the Stations of the Cross. Each of the Stations were linked to our College values of Justice, Compassion, Generosity and Wisdom. Each PC class was asked to find a symbol of their House value and reflect on how this links to the Stations of the Cross. These symbols were used throughout the Liturgy.
I would like to thank all students present for their participation in a Liturgy that commemorates what is the most important season in the Church’s calendar. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of the families in our College community a happy and holy Easter break.
This year the Assumption College ANZAC Day Ceremony will be held on Friday, 22 April 2022 in Assumption Hall at 9:30 am. The theme for this year’s service is the Vietnam War, specifically The Battle of Long Tan. If there are any Vietnam veterans in our community, or veterans of any other military campaigns who would like to join us on the day, please contact Ms. Rebecca Butler on 4660 4000.
I would like to thank Ms. Rebecca Butler and Mr. Riley Salter for all the work they are putting in to ensure we have a beautiful and poignant ceremony.
Prayer
In a ceremony in Rome on 25 March 2022, the Feast of the Annunciation, Pope Francis led a prayer to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Such an act looks towards God, the source of all peace and seeks God’s peace through Mary.
Pope Francis has released this special prayer which Catholics around the world are encouraged to pray. While praying, we remember Mary saying ‘yes’ to God’s call. In this way, we are also encouraged to say ‘yes’ to the call for world peace. Below is an excerpt from the prayer:
Therefore, O Mother, hear our prayer.
Star of the Sea, do not let us be shipwrecked in the tempest of war.
Ark of the New Covenant, inspire projects and paths of reconciliation.
Queen of Heaven, restore God’s peace to the world.
Eliminate hatred and the thirst for revenge and teach us forgiveness.
Free us from war, protect our world from the menace of nuclear weapons.
Queen of the Rosary, make us realize our need to pray and to love.
Queen of the Human Family, show people the path of fraternity.
Queen of Peace, obtain peace for our world.
By Miss Denise Ryan, College Chaplain
Library Competitions
We have had a delay in the building and judging of our bunkers & art competition. Therefore, the judging of these competitions will take place Wednesday, 27 April 2022 (Term 2, Week 2). The award ceremony will now take place on Monday, 2 May 2022 (Term 2, Week 3). Students are more than welcome to take their bunkers home and work on them over the holidays if they wish so.
The Breakfast Club
Just a reminder that the Breakfast Club is in full swing, with plenty of old faces and new ones making the most of what is offered to the students. For those who are unaware, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 7:30 am to 8:40 am there is a table in front of our Home Ec classroom that consists of;
- Toast (Jam, Vegemite, Honey etc.)
- Cereal
- Juice (in summer)
- and last, but most certainly not least, MILO!!!!!! (Options for hot or cold depending on seasons and weather).
Reflection
This is the last week of what has been a crazy start to the year. It is important we take the time over these holidays to relax and just learn to laugh, as one of the best things for our souls is to laugh.
Below are some ways to laugh when you feel like yelling.
Look for laughter: when confronted with a tough situation, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there a funny side to this?
- Will I look back on this and laugh? Can I laugh at it now?
- Who could show me the funny side?
Funny Journal: Grab yourself a journal and a pen and record three funny incidents or moments from your day. Writing them down helps to prolong the positive and makes us conscious of the small, hilarious things that may otherwise pass by unnoticed.
Funny Tribe: Find the people who make you laugh and keep them with you. Keep them close, seek them out, love them hard. They are the ones who will help you see the lighter side when you can’t do so for yourself.
By Mr Thomas Duggan, Sports Coordinator
As Term 1 nears the end, we also come towards the end of what has been a very busy and interrupted sporting season.
I would like to congratulate all Assumption College students that have represented the College so far this year at district/regional trials and/or state carnivals. It has been a pleasure to watch you all compete and strive toward your sporting goals. I would also like to encourage all students to not be disheartened if they were not selected in a team, but to be more motivated to improve and keep their dreams alive as there will be plenty of further opportunities for sport coming up throughout the year.
Monday, 21 March 2022, was our 43rd Annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival and it was a fantastic day! This day was a huge success and a well-awaited carnival due to all of the interruptions with Covid-19 and floods. Across the entire day there were some incredible displays of athletic ability, pride, passion, enthusiasm and house spirit which was really good to see.
Congratulations to Lily, Molly and all of Romero House as our Champion house for 2022. Romero was well represented in each and every event, and also won the relay trophy!
The Lee Gunderman House Spirit Trophy was awarded to Joey, Lachlan and all of McAuley House for their incredible displays of house spirit and enthusiasm.
Record Breaking Carnival: Congratulations to Jett and Alyssa White, and our 16 years Girls Romero Relay team for breaking records on the day. Jett was able to set a new record in the 14yrs 50m Breastroke with a new time of 37.91. Alyssa set records in the 16years 50m Backstroke and Butterfly with times of 32.88 and 30.86. Our 16yrs Romero Girls relay team set the new record of 2.17.28.
It was a fantastic day and it was great to see all of our students displaying their athletic abilities in the pool or their house spirit from out of the pool.
Thank you to all parents, friends and family members who came and supported our students on the day.
Cross Country Carnival
Parents and Guardians,
Please note that Assumption College's Annual Interhouse Cross Country Carnival has been rescheduled to Thursday, 21 April 2022.
We hope to see all of our students attend and represent their houses.
Further details will be provided within the first week of Term 2.
By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver, Library Aide
Last week in the library we had some budding anime artists who are encouraging each other with their drawing skills.
The card game 21 has also been popular – it’s always great to see all year levels mingling and including each other in activities in the library.
Just a reminder – students are welcome to borrow books over the holidays and we encourage them to read for pleasure in their downtime. If your child finds it challenging to find a title they enjoy, please remind them that the library staff have a very good knowledge of our collection, and we believe that we have a book/magazine/graphic novel that will suit everyone!
Esports
Assumption College officially plays Esports!
Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. Esports often takes the form of organised, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams.
On Friday March 25 2022, Miss Quinn and Mrs Wooding accompanied 16 keen Assumption College students to the QUT Gardens Point Campus to experience our first round of the QUT High Schools Esports League. Unfortunately, our competitor school was unable to attend; however, this turned out to be a bit of a boon for Assumption as our students were able to experience an intensive Esports experience with the full attention of the QUT trainers. All students had the opportunity to participate in the 3 games: League of Legends, Rocket League and Overwatch. We also had training in spectating (controlling the camera in-game), commentating and streaming, and were able to be coached by a professional Esports streamer. At the end of the day we faced off against the QUT esports volunteers, uni students who are part of the QUT varsity esports team.
If you’d like to see a little of what we got up to, follow this link to see a Twitch stream from the day: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1435933628?tt_medium=mobile_web_share&tt_content=vod
All attendees had a great day and we are looking forward to our continued participation in this competition.
By Mrs Alison Porter, Career Development Practitioner
Congratulations!!
Abbey Monckton is the latest of our students to be signed up into a school-based traineeship. I would like to congratulate Abbey and wish her all the best for her training in Hospitality at Abbey of The Roses.
I would also like to congratulate Josephine Beveridge on her nomination for the Vocational Education Student Award in the Queensland Training Awards. Josephine ‘Joey’ Beveridge has been a dedicated and diligent school-based trainee and was nominated for her excellence by her employer.
Please see below for Joey’s school-based traineeship profile interview.
School-based Traineeship Profile & InterviewTrainee: Joey Beveridge
Grade: 12
Employer: Akooramak Home for the Aged and Nursing Home
Qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support
How did you find out about your school-based traineeship? I did work experience at Akooramak Home for Aged in September 2020, whilst in Year 10. After this week, a traineeship opportunity become available, and Mrs Porter talked to me about making application.
What do you enjoy about your SBAT? I really enjoy all the work I do, and the residents I care for. The connections I have with the residents makes the job very enjoyable.
What topics or areas are you learning and studying in your SBAT? Supporting independence and wellbeing, recognising healthy body systems, following safe work practices and direct client care, working with diverse people, providing individualised support, communicating, and working in health and community services, facilitating the interest and rights of clients, working legally and ethically, facilitating the empowerment of elderly people, and complying with infection prevention, control measures and procedures.
What are your hopes for the future? Where do you see yourself in 3-10 years? I plan on finishing university to become a fully qualified registered nurse (RN), and possibly even become a midwife.
What personal qualities would you say are most important to have in the workplace? I believe that it is imperative for someone working in aged care to be mature, compassionate, and empathetic. They should also display a good work ethic and show initiative. Without these qualities, the care you provide to the residents is limited.
RSA and RGS Short Courses
Year 11 and 12 students will have the opportunity to participate in the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Course and Responsible Gambling Service (RGS) Course on Thursday, 26th May 2022. Each course takes approximately three hours to complete, with RSA in the morning followed by RGS after lunch. These courses will be delivered at Assumption College through Aurora Training Institute.
Details are as follows:
- Delivery: Thursday, 26 May 2022 (9:00 am – 3:00 pm for two courses)
- Cost: $30 for each course (to be added to school fees)
- Where: Assumption College (room to be advised)
A letter and permission slip has been made available to Year 11 and 12 students and additional copies are available from the College office, careers office or College website. Students interested in completing the course/s should return permission slips as soon as possible to secure their place in the course as numbers are limited.
The University Showcase
The University Showcase was previously postponed due to Covid-19 and flooding; however, it has been rescheduled for Wednesday 20 April 2022, at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. This will give Year 12 ATAR and university interested students the opportunity to obtain general information around university pathways, university life, applications, and university accommodation options. We are grateful that this year the showcase will be held at our very own College!
Taste TAFE
The Year 10 TAFE Taster Program applications are now open. Please note program availabilities differ across TAFE campuses and that programs usually involve attendance at the nominated campus one day per week for a set number of weeks in a term.
This year’s Year 10 Taster Programs available for South West TAFE include:
- Year 10 Skills Taster – Health
- Year 10 Skills Taster - Salon Assistant (Hairdressing)
- Year 10 Skills Taster – Kitchen Operations (Cookery)
- Year 10 Trade Taster Program
- Year 10 Ag Taster Program (details to be confirmed).
Further information regarding the TAFE Taster Program has been emailed to Year 10 students.
To apply for the Year 10 Taster Programs, students will need to:
- Go to tafeapply.com
- Enter the application code of TQSWTASTER.
Email offers will be sent from TAFE to all students (and parent/guardians) from 25 March 2022, and applicants are encouraged to accept by the deadline. If you have any questions, please contact the College careers office or the TAFE at School Team via GOTAFE.SouthWest@tafeqld.edu.au or (07) 4694 1324.
White Card Course (Construction)
Year 10, 11 and 12 students will have the opportunity to participate in the 'Work Safely in the Construction Industry' course on Monday, 13 June 2022. Successful completion of the course is awarded with a 'Construction White Card'. This ‘white card’ is a requirement for anyone working on a building or construction site, typical in many trades. The course will be delivered at Assumption College through Downs Group Training.
Details as follows:
- Delivery: Monday, 13 June 2022 (9:00 am - until completed, or latest 3:00 pm)
- Cost: $50 (to be added to school fees)
- Where: Assumption College (room to be advised).
For students interested in completing this course, a letter with more information and a permission slip will be sent home early in Term 2.
Interested in a career in the health industry?
Aspire2Health is a partnership with rural high schools in the Darling Downs and Maranoa, Rural Medical Education Australia (RMEA) and the health care services in the local community. The aim of the project is to highlight and spark interest with Year 9 and 10 students in the career opportunities in health. The one-day program is held at Warwick hospital and in past years has been a huge success. Any Year 9 or 10 students that are interested in attending the program should register their interest at https://form.jotform.com/220310675658860 as soon as possible. Please note that places in this program are always in high demand but numbers of places are strictly limited.
Science Department
Year 9 - Chemistry
Year 9 has been studying a Chemistry Unit as part of the curriculum this Term.
The Year 9 classes have been investigating the effectiveness of different types of antacids.
They tested the pH of an acidic liquid, before and after, mixing with antacids.
Assumption College Alumni Campaign
Past students Mrs. Jill Hume and Mrs. Rosie Corney are well underway, ensuring the formation of an Assumption College Alumni Group. They have set up register documents and also a QR code to create a database for our past students’ records.
We aim to offer past students an opportunity to engage within our College community and keep up-to-date with events, class reunions and projects. The main goal is to try and gather as much data as we can to support and strengthen the history of our College.
This is an opportunity for everyone to get involved and interconnect with Assumption College.
Please register via the below QR code if you are a past student of the College. If you would like to know anything further you are more than welcome to email our College at acwarwick@twb.catholic.edu.au
Online Enrolments Open Now
Enrol for 2023/2024
WIRAC - Activities
Please see below what's happening at WIRAC during these School Holidays.
