Assumption College Warwick
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6 Locke Street
Warwick QLD 4370
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Assumption College Newsletter- 15 November 2022

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Assumption College Newsletter- 15 November 2022

By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

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Luke 20: 27-38

The Gospel this week is confusing within our contemporary context. The reason is that at the beginning, we hear the Sadducees (wealthy, aristocratic priest-like individuals) quote the Law of Moses. This law appears in the first five books of the Bible that comes from the Torah – Moses holds great significance in Judaism as he is known as the “Law-giver” due to his role in delivering the Ten Commandments. 

Rather than focus on the content that Jesus and the Sadducees exchanged, let’s focus on the fact that we once again have a story of Jesus being challenged. Jesus finds himself having to defend his beliefs in the face of those who are doing it simply for their own gain – not in the spirit of finding common ground or understanding. 

When all is said and done, this Gospel reminds us of the need not to get bogged down in the minutia of antiquated and artificial concepts that detract from Truth and Love. Rather than seeking to justify actions and ideas based upon an argument of ‘that’s what we’ve always done’, we need to focus on respecting our traditions whilst also enlivening our current beliefs and values to focus on the living. 

How does this relate to our contemporary context? As I have stated in a previous publication,

Education is a unique enterprise, given that we are operating in the present whilst simultaneously teaching about the past to prepare our students for the future. As educators, we are constantly reviewing the future, a great example of a paradox, to ensure that our young people are confident in pursuing whatever pathway they choose. 

This is a timely reminder, as we take the opportunity to read our School Renewal and Improvement Report – this document, along with the construction of our 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan, affords us the opportunity to reflect on the past, respecting our traditions, and yet ensuring that they stabilise and enhance our future rather than inhibit our community’s capacity to thrive within an exciting and current context. 

School Renewal and Improvement Report

As a community, in Week 2 of this term, we underwent a whole school review. I explained the process in previous newsletters, so I will not repeat myself. I will, however, now present to you that report. 

https://acwarwick.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/7032/20221102_acw_sripreportfinal.pdf

Please take the time to read through the report, and I highly recommend spending time discerning the Improvement Strategies from each Dimension. I do not wish to influence your own discernment of this report, so I will utilise the following newsletter to present a response from the College’s Executive Leadership Team – just a quick preview; we value the information presented.  

I invite feedback from all of you, be it at our P&F meetings or in conversation with members of our staff or simply by emailing the College on (insert College email). All insights, thoughts, questions, or comments are welcome. We must recognise that this report is about our entire College community, not simply a comment on one group within our community. 

Farewelling our Year 12s

At the start of this year, our 2022 Year 12s undertook a leadership pledge and accepted a blessing from Father Franco. The pledge was:

I pledge to be a leader of Assumption College. I commit to a leadership that is grounded in Truth and Love, a leadership that will promote our College’s values of Generosity, Compassion, Wisdom and Justice. I will honour this pledge through my words and actions in all that I say and all that I do. 

The 2022 Senior cohort has been an exceptional year group. There have been countless individual successes, many of which we will celebrate at our Valedictory Dinner, Graduation Mass, and Presentation Ceremony; however, I would like to take the opportunity to publicly thank this group of exceptional young adults as a whole. In Pope Francis’s 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, we are told that “Human beings are made so that they cannot live, develop and find fulfilment except in the sincere gift of self to others”. Our 2022 Seniors have been a gift to our community. Their willingness to lead and innovate, seek consultation and solutions, and revitalise their understanding of generosity, compassion, wisdom and justice have all contributed significantly to our College.

We pray that you all continue to hold fast to your values and live a life grounded in Truth and Love. We look forward to celebrating with you in the coming days. 

May Our Mother Mary grant her blessing upon our College community. 

2022 Term Dates

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If you wish to submit a newsletter article, please email to acwarwick@twb.catholic.edu.au by Wednesday, 23 November 2022. Please note that all articles are subject to the Principal's approval. 

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Deputy Principal

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Year 12 End of Year

Congratulations to the Year 12 students who have completed their external exams this week and will now embark on the end-of-year events. We look forward to celebrating their success with the community. 

Wednesday, 16 November 2022 – Year 12 Fun Day – Excursion to Wet and Wild.

Thursday, 17 November 2022 – Year 12 Valedictory Dinner at Kings Theatre.

Friday, 18 November 2022 – Graduation Mass and Presentation Day.

Uniform Update

Please find below a link to read the letter and updated Assumption College Uniform Policy. Please note this correspondence has been emailed home to families also. 

https://acwarwick.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/7052/uniform_update_2022.pdf

Absentees

Remember that if your student is unwell, you may begin to phone the College office as early as you can but before 8:20 am. The College phones will turn on at 8:00 am, but a voicemail facility is checked for absentee requests. The College will then issue an SMS to parents for all absent students.  

By Mr Michael Simpson, Assistant Principal Curriculum 

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As the year draws to a close, it is really important for students to continue to make the right choices in the classroom. This will enable them and their peers to finish the term strongly and achieve positive results.  Being prepared with all the correct materials, finishing all set tasks, and engaging in learning conversations are part of Students' experiencing success. Furthermore, students should be reminded that assessment is a mandatory requirement for all Assumption College students, and all responsibilities must be fulfilled.

Extensions

  • Extensions are granted for extenuating circumstances including illness and family emergencies.
  • Extensions need to be accompanied by a letter/email from a 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.
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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.

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 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!

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Take a break

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

By Mrs Patrice Riordan, Acting Assistant Principal Religious Education 1145 Riordan Patrice.jpg

Introduction

“Growing contagious followers of Jesus and paving ways for the Church of the future.” Such an inspirational quote. I came across this on the Ignite Conference Website where I was searching for 2023 calendar dates and I began reflecting on what the Church of the future will look like. One thing we need to be reminded of is that the Church is the people, not the building in which people gather. To achieve this idea of 'contagious followers', we need to give transformative experiences and opportunities to the people of our future Church so, “A Church passionate about discovering a real, present God and gathering a generation to be on fire for Jesus,” can be our legacy.

All Saint’s Day & All Soul’s Day

Two very important dates within the Catholic church were celebrated last week.

All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honour of all the saints of the church, whether they are known or unknown. From the 4th century, feasts commemorating all Christian martyrs were held in various places, on various dates near Easter and Pentecost. In the 9th century, some churches in the British Isles began holding the commemoration of all saints on 1 November, and in the 9th century this was extended to the whole Catholic Church by Pope Gregory IV.

All Souls' Day is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithfully departed, observed by Roman Catholics and other Christians on 2 November. To further remember those souls who have passed, a special Remembrance Mass for families who have lost loved ones over the past year will take place on Tuesday, 15 November 2022 at 7:00 pm at St Mary’s Church. All are welcome to attend.

Catherine McAuley Day Friday 11 November 2022

Picture1.jpgAssumption College’s vision is under the guidance of Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, and in the tradition of Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice.

Who is this amazing woman, Catherine McAuely?

The Venerable Catherine McAuley, RSM was an Irish Catholic religious sister who founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin in 1831 to provide compassionate assistance to the poor. The women’s congregation has always been associated with teaching and education. We at Assumption College embrace Catherine’s desire to provide an empowering pastoral and co-curricular education for all our students and staff. This day was celebrated by the College through prayer and the sharing in cake.

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Vinnies Christmas Appeal

There is only one week left of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal! The appeal officially ends on Monday, November 21 2022, Week 8, when the students from the Vinnies club start to assemble the hampers for delivery to our local Vinnies organisation. Can I please encourage all families to think about what they are able to give this year? Providing generously for those in need also helps to ensure we experience joy this Christmas as we are living the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you to all who have donated so far.

Pope Francis reminds us;

 “For the poor to overcome their oppressive situation, they need to sense the presence of brothers and sisters who are concerned for them and, by opening the doors of their hearts and lives, make them feel like friends and family. Only in this way can the poor discover the saving power at work in their lives.”
Pope Francis, Second World Day Of The Poor, 2018, 6

Year Level Mass and PC liturgies

Last Tuesday our Year 7 students had their year-level Mass at St Mary’s Parish Church. This was the final year-level Mass for 2022, and overall, they have been a great success. Every year level has experienced Mass at the Church twice over the course of the year. A very big thank you to Fr Bony and Fr Franco who have led these Tuesday morning masses with such enthusiasm, reaching out to our students with caring words and relatable stories. A big thank you also to the members of the St Mary’s Parish who have shown patience and have welcomed our students with such genuine smiles. We look forward to continuing our year-level Masses next year into 2023 and beyond.

PC liturgies will continue each Wednesday throughout Term 4. PC liturgies are a time for each PC class to pause, connect, embrace and reflect on scripture.

Prayer

The Suscipe of Catherine McAuley

My God, I am yours for all eternity.
Teach me to cast my whole self
into the arms of your Providence
with the most lively, unlimited confidence in your compassionate, tender pity.
Grant, O most merciful Redeemer,
that whatever you ordain or permit may always be acceptable to me.
Take from my heart all painful anxiety;
suffer nothing to afflict me but sin,
nothing to delight me,  but the hope of coming to the possession of You
my God, in your own everlasting kingdom.

Amen.

Venerable Catherine McAuley… Pray for us.

Blessed Edmund Rice… Pray for us.

Our Lady of the Assumption… Pray for us.                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                               

 

By Mr Thomas Duggan, Sports Coordinator
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Darling Downs Representatives

During the September school holidays, we had six of our students represent Darling Downs at the State Track and Field championships in Brisbane.

We would like to acknowledge their individual achievements by appluading Jack Burton, Riley Wainwright, Mikayla O’Neill, Denika Murray, Alyssa White and Samuel Wainwright. These students competed at a very high standard and should all be very proud of their efforts.

Special congratulations to Denika and Samuel who both won medals in their events. Denika won bronze in Triple Jump and gold in Long Jump earning herself a spot in the QLD team to compete at Nationals later in the year. Samuel jumped a personal best in Long Jump securing a Gold medal and he also earned his spot on the QLD team. We would like to wish them all the best with their training leading up to Nationals.

Jack Burton and Jacob Fox have also recently returned from a State Cricket Championship representing Darling Downs. This is another fantastic achievement by these two cricketers. Please join me in congratulating these student athletes. 

Rugby 7’s

Sadly, the Rugby 7’s season has come to an end for our u15 Girls as they battled for the number one spot in the South West 7’s B Division grand final on Thursday, 10 November 2022. Unfortunately, our girls were defeated by St Saviours College 15-5.  It was a gallant performance by the eleven young ladies as the St Saviours side was much more experienced and had a lot more size across the park.

Despite the girls being slightly devastated by the result, they should be immensely proud of their efforts. Not only did they make it to the grand final, but finishing the season with more wins than losses is an absolute credit to them and something of which to be proud.

These young ladies have been an absolute pleasure to coach and take away each Thursday evening for the past five weeks, and we are all definitely looking forward to next year. Be sure to check out our Runners Up trophy and team photo on display in our College Trophy Cabinet in the College Office.

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie, College Counsellor

Student Wellbeing

At this time of the school Term, it is normal for many students to be feeling some degree of stress, frustration or worry about school assignments and exams. This is of course normal as is the process of learning how to cope. Some students may even be feeling quite anxious at times. The following resource from Therapist.Aid.com (2018) explains in general terms the Cycle of Anxiety and may be useful to some. 

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By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver, Library Aide

This fortnight in the library, we have been as busy as usual. Chess has been very popular, and it has become a spectator sport in the library with others offering advice – whether requested or not!

The Lego tower is now complete with a very proud student happy to explain all the different floors and how it is now structurally sound after his first attempt fell due to lack of foundational support. Engineering, problem solving, critical thinking, trial and error and communication all went into the process to finish this wonderful, imaginative piece. Well done, Aiden! We know it would be even higher and more decorated if only we had some more LEGO!

We are also starting to think about and plan our lunchtime activities for 2023.  If you, or your student, have any ideas about what lunch time activities you would like to happen in the library, please drop us a line at Assumptionlib@twb.catholic.edu.au

Art and Design Showcase 

The Arts and Design teachers and students are working towards putting together a display of student work and some performances for families to see on Thursday, 24 November 2022, from 5:00pm– 5:50pm, before the start of the College Presentation Night.

Hospitality students have been working on a range of milkshakes and drinks this term and will be serving some tastes of their mocktails on the evening from the server window outside of room 204. Be early!

You can then have your drink while listening to music performances, visit the hall and enjoy some light refreshments and spend time viewing the students' display.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

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Southern Downs Representative Council

During this year, two of our Year 10 students, Amity Willett and Leigham Portener, have been representing the College at the Southern Downs Representative Council with Year 10 students across the region. They have been involved in many major council discussions, attended openings, and taken part in special events within our region.

On behalf of Assumption College, we congratulate them on their journey this year. Last week, Amity and Leigham both received a certificate of completion and acknowledgement of their time on the council coming to an end. Leigham and Amity presented a certificate to MRs Hammond at Assembly on Friday, 4 November 2022 from the Southern Downs Regional Council thanking Assumption College Warwick for being part of the Southern Downs Representative Council. 

This now means that we will be looking for new students to replace them for next year. Mr Donnelly will pass on information to our current Year 9 cohort regarding the process that will follow for next year's student representatives.

Co2 Dragsters

During Semester 1, the Year 9 ITD students learnt about the science of speed and had to design and manufacture Co2 Dragsters. Seven of our students' fastest cars from ACW were sent away to the state championships on the Gold Coast to compete.

Izaak Barkle and Eamon Walsh placed 2nd and 3rd at the state championships. Their cars were sent to Adelaide to compete at the national championships where their cars produced the 2nd and 3rd fastest times overall. Due to the nature of drag racing, they finished 4th and 6th in the General Shop Competition. James Nolan also received the Judge's Choice award for the quality of his design and build. This is a fantastic effort from these students, as there are many students and schools that take part in this competition every year.

Remembrance Day 2022

On Friday, 11 November 2022 three Year 11 students who are 2023 College Leaders from Assumption College, attended the Remembrance Day Service at Leslie Park.
Alex, Tasmyn and Erin laid a wreath to pay respect to service men and women, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Across the College, staff and students also paid their respects by stopping at 11:00 am for one minute of silence.
Lest we forget.

 Assumption College Enrolments 2023

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St Mary's Catholic Debutante Ball 2023

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Lowes Sale Event 
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Christmas Mass Times
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Christmas Eve Family Mass
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Sacramental Program 2023
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