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By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal
John 20: 19-31
Poor Thomas. I do feel for Thomas, for being labelled, ‘Doubting Thomas.’ His disbelief was an honest response to the news that the other disciples had seen Jesus. Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared and stated, “Peace be with you”, and yet History judges him because he did not immediately believe in the Resurrection. Pope Francis tells us that “… the adventure of faith, as for Thomas, consists of lights and shadows … it knows times of comfort, zeal, and enthusiasm, but also of weariness, confusion, doubt, and darkness.” We are reminded that through our questioning of Faith, we are humbled and better able to develop compassion for those who stumble, which is all of us at one stage or another.
I would further put to you, that ‘Doubting Thomas’ is a harsh title for a man whose loyalty and devotion is articulated throughout the Gospel. We are told in John 10:16, that when Jesus decided to go back to Judea, where previously an attempt was made on his life, it was Thomas who rallied the other disciples to join Jesus to protect him, and if need be, die with him. Furthermore, it was Thomas who gave voice to questions that we would also raise. He was a critical thinker, perhaps an individual displaced in time (or for more linguistically verbose readers - anachronistic), for critical thinking is a 21st Century skill that we are actively encouraging within our students.
In July 2019, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority published their Critical and Creative Thinking Learning Continuum, which provided a sequence of learning for our students from Prep to Year 10. We are called upon to develop students who can “pose questions to critically analyse complex issues and abstract ideas” and who are able to “balance rational and irrational components of a complex or ambiguous problem to evaluate evidence”. What could be more abstract or complex than the Resurrection?
Furthermore, the new senior Queensland Certificate of Education courses are designed to develop various ‘21st Century Skills’, and the first on the list - Critical Thinking. This is done through designing learning activities and experiences that promote “analytical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, reasoning, reflecting and evaluating, and intellectual flexibility.”
As an educator, I believe it is a moral imperative to ensure that our students can be critical thinkers in order to make better judgements, better decisions, and ensure that their actions align with their values and beliefs. In a technological world, where we are bombarded by information, it is important that our children are able to question what is presented to them, in order to distinguish fact from fiction, real news from fake news, and bias from impartiality.
Therefore, rather than Thomas being labelled ‘Doubting’ perhaps, we could call him, ‘Enquiring Thomas’ or better yet, maybe just Thomas.
Report Cards
Assumption College holds high expectations, as such, staff work tirelessly to ensure that every student can reach their full potential. Report cards are a communication device that allows for the opening of a conversation between parents, students, and teachers to ensure that students are successful in their academic and wellbeing journeys.
Over the Easter break, I took the opportunity to read through every student’s report card. There is much to celebrate in reference to the academic progress and the attitude to learning progress of our students. I have been pleased that I have had the opportunity to write to each of our Year 11 students, congratulating them on their areas of success, and challenging them in areas for potential growth. For the other year levels, there are several matters that the review of the report cards has brought to my attention. I will be addressing these with the various cohorts throughout this term.
Cross Country
Thank you to those who attended our Hawaiian-themed Cross Country. Given that our previous carnival had to be postponed due to weather issues, I thank our Sports Coordinator, Mr Tom Duggan and his team, for organising this event twice.
I would like to acknowledge the message that was sent, apologising for the late running of the carnival. In that message I stated that we would be reviewing the carnival, and ascertaining what we will be doing differently in the future.
The following was decided:
ANZAC Day
I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of our Assumption College community for the respect, dignity, and reverence they demonstrated to our veterans. In particular, I would like to thank Mr Barry Kelly for his poignantly personal speech about his experience in Vietnam.
This day is a very significant day for my family, I shared a little of the significance with our community at our Assumption College ANZAC Day service. I would like to thank our entire community for the grace they bestowed upon my family’s story and for the support that was gratefully received.
Thank you also to Ms Rebecca Butler, Mr Riley Salter, and Mrs Carol Sharp for their dedication to ensuring that our ceremony was a reverent and spiritual experience.
Formal
The Formal is an important rite of passage for our Year 12s. I would like to thank Mrs Bianca Retallick for her exceptional leadership of the Formal. The countless hours, dedication, and care allowed the evening to be so well-executed that even the rain could not dampen the magic of the evening.
2022 Term Dates
By Ms Natalie Smith, Acting Deputy Principal
Welcome Back To College For Term 2
It has been great to see so many students back to College after the Easter break. Term 2 has gotten off with a flying start with several College events already.The first week saw students running at the cross country, celebrating with friends at the Year 12 Formal and remembering and honouring our diggers at our ANZAC Day Service, and at various local ANZAC Day Services. We congratulate and thank all those who have involved themselves in these activities.
The rest of Term 2 looks like it is going to be just as busy. There are camps for Years 7 and 11, Unleashing your Personal Potential (UPP) and retreat day for Years 7 and 8, guest speakers for Years 9 and 10 to discuss healthy relationships and academic interviews for Year 12. Details regarding all these events will be forthcoming.
Earlier in the week I had the opportunity to speak with several parents about the Student Diary. At the start of the year all students were issued with a Student Diary. This diary can be of great assistance to students in their planning and organization of their studies, homework, and College events. The diary is also a useful resource for assisting students with their social and emotional wellbeing. There are sections for students to think about their learing and their life goals, growing and moving mindsets. Each week different topics are highlighted, for example 'Resilience' , 'Positive Emotions' and 'Health and Strengths'. There are discussion points about the topic, and helpful hints and challenges as to how students may try to develop their experiences and understanding of these. Pastoral Care (PC) teachers also can engage in these topics with their groups. I encourage parents to ask to have a look at their child’s Student Diary and have a discussion with them about this great resource.
Term 2 Uniform Reminder
As published in previous newsletters, Term 2 means winter uniforms for students. 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, or 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 the white ankle socks replaced with black socks, or black pantyhose.
Other standards relating to hair, jewellery, and make-up remain the same as for last term. Students are reminded if they are in breach of the uniform standards, they will be sent home until such time the issue is remedied.
Please do not hesitate to contact your child's Pastoral Care teacher or PAL should you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing.
Open Day – Friday 6 May – Student Volunteers required.
We are looking for student volunteers to assist as ushers, subject display helpers and BBQ assistants at our Open Day on Friday 6 May. Students would be required from 3.00pm until 5.30pm. Afternoon tea will be provided. Interested students can collect a permission letter from the Student Reception. We would love to see as many students involved as possible.
By Mr Michael Simpson, Assistant Principal Curriculum
Students have received their first report card for 2022. The key message is that all students need to, “Learn to think, think to learn”.They need to engage in metacognition, which simply means ‘thinking about thinking!’. Students who can do this can know their current level of understanding, select tools to guide their learning, seek feedback, recognise that errors are opportunities to learn, monitor their progress, adjust their learning, and practise skills strategically for confidence and competence. These skills are essential not only for success in school but also in the workforce.
To help guide students, they should set four goals. These goals are:
- Use your teacher and report card to write a learning goal for this term
- Ask yourself, or your teacher, periodically if you are meeting your learning goal
- Consider several strategies, in class or while studying, that can help you to learn and choose the best one
- Summarise what you have learnt through writing a paragraph, drawing a diagram or flowchart, or colour coding thin a separate notebook
This opens a perfect opportunity for parents to work with their children through the discussion of these goals. The College feels strongly that these skills are important for all students, and we hope you take up the challenge of helping to develop these in your child. This principle will be revisited throughout the year.
Subject Selection Year 9 and Year 10 Electives
Year 9 and 10 students will have the opportunity to reselect their elective classes for Semester Two. More information regarding the subjects and process will be emailed out soon.
Year 12 Essential English and Essential Mathematics
A student’s exit results in an Applied subject is based on their achievement in four internal assessments in Unit 3 and 4. For Essential English and Essential Mathematics, schools develop three of these assessments. The fourth is a common internal assessment (CIA) developed by the QCAA and marked by schools.
Further information can be found at the following website:
Common internal assessment | Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (qcaa.qld.edu.au)
Students must make themselves available for this assessment. The College is aware of students who are completing school-based apprenticeships and are absent on particular days. If the assessment falls on a workday, students are expected to make arrangements so they can attend school. Any situation where a student misses an exam for non-medical reasons will be subject to assessment policy procedures.
The days for the assessments are:
Year 11 students are at a critical stage in their learning. Students would have received a variety of feedback on how they are proceeding with the first unit of work. Students must take on this feedback and make any adjustments necessary to ensure they finish the unit with a passing grade. This will ensure that they successfully bank one credit point towards their Queensland Certificate of Education. The importance of this certificate can not be understated, as it reflects whether a student has successfully completed 13 years of schooling. Students need 20 points in total, under a variety of conditions; therefore, students must be committed to successfully passing each unit of every subject.
What is a QCE?
The QCE is Queensland’s senior schooling qualification.
- The QCE is Queensland’s senior schooling qualification.
- It is internationally recognised and a sign of academic and personal success.
- The flexibility of the QCE allows students to tailor their learning to suit their interests, abilities and ambitions.
- A wide range of learning can contribute to a QCE, including QCAA-developed subjects and courses, vocational education and training.
How does a QCE work?
A student needs a set pattern totalling 20 points, including:
- 12 credits from three completed Core courses
- 8 credits from Core, Preparatory and Complementary courses
- Literacy & numeracy pass (One unit of Mathematics and English)
Academic Detentions
Please continue to work with your child regarding assessment. Academic Detentions will occur on Tuesday afternoons, from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm. If your child incurs an Academic Detention, 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
All assessment dates can be found on Canvas. A reminder of the process can be found below.
Assessment Dates
To access the assessment calendar, you will need to ask your child to log onto Canvas and follow the following steps.
1. From the Canvas dashboard select the calendar tab on the right-hand side of the screen.
2. You can then view the calendar either by week or month and filter the classes by checking or unchecking the boxes on the left-hand side.
By Mrs Carol Sharp, Assistant Principal Religious Education
Year Level MassesDue to COVID and associated delays, we had to postpone some of the year level masses last term. This means that we have five year level masses this term. All masses are held with the parish community at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday mornings at 9.00am. Students walk down from school at 8.45am and return in time for Period 2 classes. Parents and family are welcome to join us for Mass.
- Year 11 Mass – Tuesday, May 3 2022 (week 3)
- Year 12 Mass – Tuesday, May 10 2022 (week 4)
- Year 9 Mass – Tuesday, May 17 2022 (week 5)
- Year 8 Mass – Tuesday, May 31 2022 (week 7)
- Year 7 Mass – Tuesday, June 14 2022 (week 9)
Project Compassion
Congratulations to all who contributed to our annual Project Compassion fundraising efforts last term. We raised a total of $634. Even though this is a little bit down on previous years, it is a great effort considering the COVID-related absences we had in the final weeks of last term.
This money has been transferred to Caritas Australia to help vulnerable communities who are living in poverty. Caritas has a long history of working in partnership with local communities to identify projects that will liberate, empower, and nurture the people as they work to become self-sufficient. For more information on the types of projects this money will support, please click this link.
Praxis Opportunities this term
Our Year 7 – 9 students have a ‘Praxis’ or practical component to their Religious Education course which can be completed throughout the year. This involves students participating in community service activities and then reflecting on how service is an important aspect of living the Catholic mission.
There are multiple opportunities this term for students to contribute to their community and make up their praxis hours:
- Open Day – Friday, May 6 2022. Students can volunteer to usher families around the school or to assist teachers with running stalls for the subjects in their departments.
- Riding for the Disabled – run throughout Terms 2 and 3. Students can see Ms. Rebecca Butler if they are interested and have not yet put their name down.
- Mother’s Day Breakfast – this year we are holding a breakfast function for our Mothers on the morning of Monday, May 9 2022. A call will go out for students to volunteer to serve at this function.
ANZAC Day
On the morning of Friday, 22 April 2022 Assumption College held their annual ANZAC Day service. Our students led us in a beautiful commemoration of the ANZAC spirit with a particular focus on the Vietnam War and its place in our military history. The occasion was a solemn one and I was struck by the way staff, students, and community members came together to support one another.
A heartfelt thank-you to Ms. Rebecca Butler and Mr. Riley Salter for the enormous amount of work they put into the preparation of the service. Thanks must also go to Mr. Retallick and the ITD department for the construction of the replica of the Long Tan Cross used in the ceremony. Community support was also evident in our wonderful music students led by Ms Wijesooriya who, thanks to COVID-related absences, were asked to step in with only 24 hours’ notice to provide a musical piece. As always, our senior students rose to the occasion, coming in on the morning of their Formal to ensure that the service ran smoothly. The strong sense of community that is evident on days like this something of which we can all be proud. I want to thank everyone involved with our service last Friday, but I especially wish to thank two groups. Firstly, the veterans who joined us. Thank you for your service and for choosing to be with us on the day. Secondly, to our whole student body. Your behaviour was, as always, exemplary.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the staff and students who joined us for the ANZAC Day march and to any of our community members who participated in dawn services and the laying of wreaths last Monday. Our student body was well represented at the march, our senior students once again leading the way. A special thank you to our College and House leaders who were involved in laying the wreaths and to Juliana Cruda and Taylah Eastwell who were selected to represent all Warwick students in the reading of the resolutions during the service at the Cenotaph.
As our Year 11 and 12 students gathered for the Fading Away ceremony at the end of the service, I was struck by the significance of this moment. During this ceremony, senior students line up and the veterans walk in columns through the ranks of the students. This symbolises the passing of responsibility from the previous generation to the next generation. With a brutal war in the Ukraine currently unfolding on our television screens and in our news feeds, it becomes imperative that we pray and work for peace. We must ensure that the mantle of war is never passed onto these young people; that they are liberated by their education to use diplomacy when resolving conflict, that they are empowered to know that they can make a positive difference in our world, and that their spirituality is nurtured so they recognise and uphold the human dignity of all. If we can do this, then the future is in safe hands.
Prayer
A Christian Prayer for Peace in Our Time
O God, author and giver of peace,
in whose image and likeness each of us has been created
with a human dignity worthy of respect on earth
and destined for eternal glory,
Listen to the cry that rises from every corner of this fragile earth,
from our human family torn by violent conflict:
Give peace in our time, O good and gracious God,
that peace which, as your son Jesus Christ told us
and as we have experienced in these days,
is a peace which the world cannot give.
To world leaders grant the wisdom
to see beyond the boundaries of race, religion, and nation
to that common humanity that makes us all your children
and brothers and sisters to one another.
To those who have taken up arms in anger or revenge
or even in the cause of justice
grant the grace of conversion to the path of peaceful dialogue
and constructive collaboration.
To the innocent who live in the shadow of war and terror,
especially the frightened children,
be a shelter and strength, their haven and hope.
And to those who have already lost their lives
as victims of human cruelty and chemical warfare,
open wide your arms and enfold them all
in the embrace of your compassion, healing, and everlasting life.
Grant this through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord.
Mary, Mother of all and Queen of peace, pray for us.
- Peter J. Scagnelli
By Miss Denise Ryan, College Chaplain
Library Competitions
We have a delay in the building and judging of our Bunkers and Art competition. Therefore, judging of these competitions will take place Wednesday, 4 May 2022 (Term 2, Week 3) then the award ceremony will take place on Monday, 9 May 2022 (Term 2, Week 4). Next week, we will be starting our new competition for this term which is yet to be announced. Keep an eye out around the College for the big announcement.
The Breakfast Club
Just a reminder that the Breakfast Club table is now 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 7:30am to 8:40am there is a table in front of our Home Economics classroom that consists of;
- Toast - Vegemite, jam, honey etc.
- Cereal
- Juice (in summer)
- and last, but most certainly not least, MILO! (Options for hot or cold depending on seasons and weather).
By Mr Thomas Duggan, Sports Coordinator
Cross Country
With an interrupted finish to Term 1, thanks to floods and COVID, there was some reshuffling to our sporting calendar. Our annual Inter-House Cross Country Carnival was rescheduled to Wednesday, 21 April 2022 at the Warwick Golf Club. It was a very successful day with an abundance of house spirit shown by our students, through cheering for their fellow house mates and participating on the course. It was great to be able to share the venue with St Mary’s Primary school as it created a great atmosphere. We would like to thank St Mary’s, as well as our students and parents for their support with our BBQ fundraiser for our QISSRL and QISSN teams. Congratulations to Romero House, who were awarded as the champion house for our 2022 cross country carnival and Donovan House for being awarded with the Lee Gunderman Spirit Award. Best of luck to all our competitors who will be competing at the Southern Downs and Border District Cross Country Carnivals on Thursday, 28 April 2022 at the Scots PGC College.
Interschool Basketball Competition
In term 2, we look forward to the Interschool Basketball Competition that will be starting in Week 4. This competition has been developed to provide our students with an opportunity to participate in organised sport, whilst playing with their friends. This is a great opportunity for students to try their hand at a new sport, develop their skills and make new friendships. We wish our 3 teams best of luck for this competition.
Open Rugby League
We would also like to wish our Opens Rugby League team the best of luck as they play their first game in the Darling Downs Open Schoolboys Competition this week against Lockyer District SHS. This is a great competition for our boys to improve as a team before travelling to Mackay for Confraternity in the school holidays. Best of luck to the team.
QISSN – Monday Night Netball
Our QISSN Netball teams continue to compete in the Warwick Monday night netball competition this term. We continue to show our support for our 2 teams as they improve, and the Opens prepare for QISSN in the school holidays.
By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver, Library Aide
Welcome to Term 2 in the Library.
Our lunch time activities will be similar to Term 1.
Monday – Fun and mayhem with Miss Ryan
Tuesday – Tech with Mrs Wooding
Wednesday – Craft and Chat with Mrs Gillespie
Thursday – Dungeons and Dragons with Miss Quinn
Friday – Chess with Mr Rank
We had plenty of classes visit the library in the last week of Term 1 – getting hooked on books! Such an important part of navigating life is being able to read and interpret text.
The Interschool chess competition is once again being held at Assumption College on Friday, 20 May 2022. This will see students from both primary and secondary schools in the region converge on Assumption. The competition is professionally run by Gold Coast business Gardiners Chess, Students, who compete, have the opportunity to gain a ranking from their participation. It is always a wonderful day of chess and we highly encourage all students, who have a basic understanding of the game, to register!
We held our first Staff Bookclub of the year last week, and everyone who attended really enjoyed the chance to get together, enjoy each other's company, and share our favourite reads from over the break. There is always plenty of laughs and yummy food.
If you are coming to the Open Day on Friday, 6 May 2022, make sure you pop into the library and say hello – we will love to see you.
GOMA Excursion
The previously cancelled Art Excursion, due to the floods, took place on the first Tuesday of Term 2. The APT10 – Asia Pacific Triennial 10 was a dynamic exhibition with a collection of artworks across from a broad range of cultural traditions. Both art galleries – QAG and GOMA featured these artworks, which had us attentive for the day. Thanks to the students who were able to come.
Year 8 - ITD Beach Chairs
During Year 8 ITD class students were introduced to basic joinery skills. Year 8 in Term 1, produced a beach chair. Great work!
Lowes
AFL
Netball
Rugby League
Variety Sports Day
Stanthorpe Tin Day
Karate
