By Miss Taylor Quinn, Teacher Librarian 

Welcome to 2025

We love our new space as much as the students do, and we are so happy to have everyone back enjoying the resources! The Year 7 classes have come into the library for a general introduction, and we look forward to seeing them again for a session on using their new laptops effectively in the classroom.

There are two break-out spaces in the library for quiet individual work. Students are making the most of these spaces during class activities, and some are already using the rooms to study during lunchtime! What an excellent way to start the year.
Our new space also includes the Information Technology department, there is a dedicated hatch within the library where students can go for all their electronic queries.

In reading news, fantasy fiction is popular at the moment, with Year 8 students reading the genre in preparation for writing their own fantasy short story. We love inviting classes in and helping students to find their next read!

In case we have not had the pleasure to meet you yet, let us introduce ourselves:
Mrs. Wooding (Teacher Librarian) will be in the library Monday, Thursday, and Wednesday (week B).

Miss Quinn (Teacher Librarian) will be able to help you on Tuesday, Friday, and Wednesday (week A).

Mrs. Driver (Library Technician) is in the library on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

We can help with finding resources for assignments both physical and online, research and study skills, using technology safely and effectively, online textbook access, helping to find the perfect book to read and much more. We are always happy to chat to and assist students with any questions or concerns.

We will also be kicking off our lunchtime program with craft activities for Library Lovers’ Week next week and information about what is happening at lunch in the library will be shared in the morning notices each day.

Remember, if you don’t know where to go, come to the library!

By Mr Abraham Fern, IT Support Officer

IT News 

Welcome all to 2025. This marks another exciting year for technology at Assumption College!

Device Transition and Discipline

Since 2018, when we implemented our first 2-in-1 convertible Windows devices, we have successfully maintained a hybrid device environment at the College. Over time, curriculum demands have exceeded the capabilities of iPads from a software perspective. Despite their robustness and viability on the hardware front, the absence of certain software and functionalities, required by teachers and the curriculum, led us to transition towards a full Windows device fleet starting in 2023. This year marks the first year that the College will be completely Windows-based for our 1-for-1 device program.

This transition also presents an opportunity to refine some internal procedures and enhance disciplinary measures for students who do not show proper respect for their technology. We will increase communication with all Pastoral Care teachers and, if necessary, with parents and caregivers in cases of repeated offences. We believe this approach will better support our learners than the traditional stern words from the IT office when they drop off and pick up their equipment.

As you may have noticed, if your child has ever required repairs or maintenance beyond a quick fix, we keep sufficient stock on hand to ensure that loaners are available. We will continue to aim for 100% uptime for students, ensuring that they can complete their work without interruption. If you are ever informed by one of your young people that they are unable to complete any work due to tech issues, they may be delaying a visit to us.

Sleeves and Cases

Parents and caregivers may have noticed the new ACW-branded laptop sleeves handed out to all students in Years 7, 8, 10, and 11 last year. The IT Department was pleased to see our newer devices covered regularly, but it was a far cry from the protection we once had from the cases.

A couple of years ago, the manufacturer who produced the cases/shells for our 2-in-1 laptops ceased production. This was disappointing as they provided exceptional protection against wear, tear, and damage. Since then, we have been searching for a replacement without success.

I am thrilled to announce that, after a two-year wait, another manufacturer is now producing an appropriate case for our devices once again! These new cases have design improvements over the previous models and will protect our devices from the normal bumps and scrapes of daily life, as well as some of the more high-impact accidental events.

As expected, all new devices being deployed this year will come with the cases on them. For all existing students, multiple opportunities will be arranged early in the term for them to pick up and attach their new case. This will occur at no extra charge to parents and caregivers.

In regards to the sleeves handed out last year, students will not be expected to return them. Unfortunately, due to the snug fit customized for laptops without the case, they are an extremely tight fit once the case is on. We are happy for the sleeve to be repurposed as a pencil case or for other storage purposes if students do not wish to squeeze the device in and out of the sleeve, which may not last long with such treatment.

If there is any issue with your childs device, please send them to the IT Department, we are in the new Library.