By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Newsletter Week 10

Gospel – Luke 15: 1-3. 11-32

Luke’s Gospel this week is one of the most renowned parables, the Parable of the Prodigal Son or the Parable of the Lost Son.

As we finish Term 1, 2025, and enter the final preparations for Easter, Pope Francis has often drawn parallels between this parable and Easter. There is a profound interconnection represented by the themes of forgiveness, redemption and unconditional love.

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Christ. Through His death and resurrection, humanity is redeemed and presented with the promise of eternal life. Just as the father in the parable declares, “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is now found”, Easter celebrates God’s willingness to forgive us, no matter how far we have strayed.

At its heart, this parable encapsulates the Spirit that is Easter. It reminds us that no matter our past mistakes, we are always welcome back. Hope and redemption invite us to experience the transformative power of an encounter with each other when we come to that moment in Truth and Love.

As we look to celebrating Easter with our families and return for Term 2, 2025, let us take the opportunity to reflect on our experiences, learn from any challenges and carry forward the lessons of forgiveness and the promise of a renewed and hope-filled new term.

Farewell to Staff

Greg Convery

Greg is leaving us due to family commitments in Toowoomba. Luckily, he is not leaving Toowoomba Catholic Schools, however, and will be taking a position at St Saviour’s College. We thank Greg for the gift of Term 1, 2025. Not only has Greg been an exceptional teacher of ITD and Mathematics, but he has also helped our Year 12s to learn several dances that they will perform at their formal at the beginning of Term 2. Thank you for sharing your passion for Mathematics, ITD and dance with our community.

Marita Lunney

So, this one is tough.

Marita has been my Personal Assistant for the past two years. Before that, however, I had the privilege of working with Marita at my previous college, Good Samaritan College in Toowoomba. There, Marita effectively served as our Business Manager and Administrator. For seven years, I have worked with Marita and have come to marvel at her capacity to multi-task, her professionalism and her friendship. Recently, Marita became a grandmother, and the call to return to Toowoomba to be with her granddaughter is too great. Not being able to compete with a grandchild, we have to say goodbye to Marita, thanking her for all she has given to our community.

Welcome to New Staff

Kimberley Nelson

With Marita’s departure, we have had the opportunity to welcome Kimberley to the role of Principal's Assistant. Kimberley’s experience as a Business Manager and Administrator officer at other schools positions her as a wonderful addition to our team. We welcome Kimberley most warmly to our ACW community.

Short Review of Term 1, 2025

Term 1 at Assumption College, Warwick, was filled with academic achievements, enriching excursions, and vibrant community activities. From celebrating student successes to engaging in meaningful religious and cultural events, the term showcased the college's commitment to holistic education and a strong sense of community spirit. Here's a brief review of the highlights:

Engaged Students Learning

• Academic Achievements: Presentation of Dux (Nicholas Garvin), Proxime Accessit (Sam Cartwright), and Ordine Tertia (Cooper Morton). 100% of Year 12 students attained a QCE/QCIA.

• Excursions and Incursions: Pride and Prejudice excursion to Toowoomba, Sister Act excursion to QPAC Brisbane, Senior Art Incursion with David Wells, and QACOMA Asia Pacific Art Excursion.

• Academic Activities: Assessment calendars disseminated, Year 12 Academic Coaching Interviews, Academic Pin Ceremony, and Senior Music Performance for IA1.

• Professional Development: Subject Discipline Literacies PD, staff meeting on digital tools and data literacy, and various leadership masterclasses.

• Other Activities: Year 7 Transition Program, NAPLAN for Year 7 and Year 9 students, and Responsible Service of Alcohol and Gambling courses for Years 11 and 12.
Being Distinctively Catholic

• Religious Activities: Installation of Mary Sandstone Statue, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday Liturgies, Harmony Day activities, and finalising Easter and ANZAC Day Liturgies.

• Sports and Competitions: The Senior Girls’ Basketball team placed 4th in Division 1, the Senior Boys’ Basketball team placed 3rd in Division 3, and participated in Stanthorpe’s National Busking Competition.

• Community and Charity: Pink Stump Day raised $ 1,500 for the McGrath Foundation, the launch of Donovan House Charity, and various pastoral care liturgies.
Using Resources Wisely

• Leadership and Development: Attendance at leadership forums and conferences, re-imagining of staff workspace, and continued development of the Wellbeing Centre.

• Events and Activities: Open Day with over 200 attendees, University Showcase, and Southern Downs Regional Careers Expo.

• Infrastructure: Announcement of the opening of a new building on August 15, and discussions on naming the new building and Wellbeing Centre.
Valuing Our People

• Professional Development: Sessions with professional coaches, leadership follow-ups, and strategic visioning workshops.

• Staff Changes: Farewell to Marita Lunney and Greg Convery, welcome to Kimberley Nelson, Andre Boon, and Aaron Buchanan.

• Student Leadership: Student Representative Council and Southern Downs Youth Council meetings, as well as the Year 12 Parent/Guardian Information Session.

• Community Engagement: Dance practice for Year 12 Formal, P&F Meeting AGM, and participation in local events like the Warwick Showgirl competition.

May our Mother Mary grant her blessings upon our College Community.