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By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal
Mathew 28: 16-20
Mathew’s Gospel, reminds me of that meme that rolls around:
The Ascension of Jesus is a pivotal moment within our Easter season, and I can only imagine the hesitation that the Disciples faced when they realised that Jesus was no longer going to be with them. The Disciple’s final moments with Jesus was at Galilee, fitting as that is where it all began, and marked the end of one heck of a journey. Some theologians have described the journey of the Disciples to be that of the ultimate road trip, including great conversations, travelling to new places, experiencing new experiences, meeting interesting people and of course, the inevitable self-discovery that goes along with a great trip. At the end of it all, the Disciples were given the responsibility to be the Face of Jesus for all of humanity – through words and action.
Hence, the meme.
We are currently deep in the midst of Academic Interviews for our Year 12 students, before moving to Academic Interviews for our Year 11s. In these interviews we discuss goals, achievement strategies and results. We focus upon the understanding that the role of the College is support our students in their bid to be the hardest working people for their own success – as they become the adult in their own life. Often that mind shift to not looking for someone else to motivate you, to take responsibility for your own future and success, can be a tough one.
The compelling purpose of education is often debated. So many, seemingly, competing agendas occupy our cognitive loads, that often we lose sight of our vision. In these Academic Interviews, and in fact in all conversations with our students, the purpose becomes clear. Our role is to support our students to become confident and capable individuals, who embrace the opportunity to be challenged and empowered to become curious. To never represent themselves as being less than who they are, and to strive to live a life that is grounded in – Truth and Love.
To know that when faced with those moments of adulthood when you look for an adultier adult, they are pleasantly surprised when they realise that they are now the adult.
Appointment of Seventh Bishop of Toowoomba
On Wednesday, 24 May 2023, at 12:00pm in Rome (8:00pm our time), the announcement of Pope Francis’ appointment of Bishop Ken Howell, as the seventh Bishop of Toowoomba was made. Please see the attached announcement from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
As a community we thank, Most Reverend Robert M McGuckin, Bishop of Toowoomba and anticipate the opportunity to celebrate, thank and farewell him appropriately.
Bishop Ken Howell appointed seventh Bishop of Toowoomba
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MEDIA RELEASE |
May 24, 2023 |
Pope Francis has this evening appointed Bishop Ken Howell, who has served as Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane since 2017, the seventh Bishop of Toowoomba.
Bishop Howell will succeed Bishop Robert McGuckin, who has led the Diocese of Toowoomba since 2012, whose resignation Pope Francis has accepted.
“I am deeply humbled to be called by Pope Francis to shepherd this local Church and I thank him sincerely,” Bishop Howell said.
“I realise that I have been given a great responsibility to care for the faithful and to engage in the life of the broader community across the Diocese.”
After serving as a priest of the Archdiocese of Brisbane for 40 years, and the last six as auxiliary bishop, Bishop Howell conceded there was a “touch of sadness” in leaving.
“However, I do not come to Toowoomba as a stranger,” he said.
“The close links between Brisbane and Toowoomba have been longstanding and I know many of the priests of the Diocese.
“I come with a desire to listen to God’s people and to understand and grow in love for the mission of this local Church. It is my firm hope that I may accompany the community of the Church of Toowoomba, as together we seek to live and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world.”
In addition to parish ministry and leadership positions within the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Bishop Howell completed a licentiate in sacred liturgy at the Pontifical Institute Sant’Anselmo in Rome and served as vice rector of Holy Spirit Seminary, the Queensland regional seminary, for six years.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB welcomed Bishop Howell’s appointment.
“Having worked as secretary to Archbishop John Bathersby, and as Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General in Brisbane, he will arrive well equipped for this new ministry to which he has been called,” he said.
“He has been a valued member of the Bishops Conference for the past six years.”
Archbishop Costelloe also paid tribute to Bishop McGuckin, saying he “offered the Conference great service for more than a decade, providing exceptional leadership particularly in the area of canon law”.
“His episcopal ministry has been generous, extending well beyond the normal age of retirement to serve the people of Toowoomba and the Church in Australia,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
Bishop McGuckin said he had been “privileged” to serve as Bishop of Toowoomba for 11 years and wished Bishop Howell “every blessing as he takes up his pastoral ministry in this vast and special Diocese”.
“The people of the Archdiocese of Brisbane will be sad at losing Bishop Ken, but rest assured Bishop Ken will be warmly welcomed to Toowoomba,” Bishop McGuckin said.
Bishop Howell’s installation as Bishop of Toowoomba is scheduled for July 11 at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Vaping
This week, I sent a letter to our community regarding the ever-present issue of vaping. In case you missed that letter, I place it here for your consideration. I would like to thank our parents and carers who are working with us, in order to act protectively for our young people. A united front on matters of our young peoples safety will always see us succeed.
Dear Assumption College Community
RE: Vaping in Schools
Over the past week, as a community, we have had information brought to us about the use, distribution, and possession of vapes on College grounds. With substantiation, this has seen several of our young people facing various consequences aligned with our Behaviour Sanctions Policy.
The reality is that vaping is a national crisis, and according to a report from ABC Australia in April this year, vaping is experiencing a rise in popularity among young people aged 12 – 18 years. When we read the facts and figures surrounding this issue, it can very well be overwhelming – but only if we consider it to be an individual issue. If, instead, we are able to view this as a community issue, and we support each other with the compelling purpose of protecting our young people and empowering them to make positive choices for their health and wellbeing – then all things are possible.
Assumption College, through our P&F, our Advisory Board and our staff, are committed to maintaining a safe place for our students to thrive and experience success. As a College, smoking (including vaping) is banned – it is illegal for students to possess, distribute and/or use a vape. Our staff have an important role to play in supporting and protecting our students’ health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, social influences like social media (including TikTok challenges) and companies, that wish to exploit our students, glamourise vaping. This has created the need for us to stay informed about the impact of vaping and unite to protect our young people.
Hence, my reason for writing, as a commitment to your young person’s wellbeing, is a call for a united front on this issue. We will continue to educate our young people about the health risks and harms associated with vaping. We will consistently implement our Behaviour Sanctions Policy to send the clear message that vaping will not be tolerated for the simple fact that it does cause harm.
We are committed to working with industry experts to ensure our knowledge and processes are current and relevant. We will invite guest speakers to address our young people and work with health initiatives and agencies.
What we are asking from our families is to please enter into a conversation with your young person, even if you believe that vaping is not an issue for them.
The Lung Foundation Australia has provided the following advice for starting those conversations, and I present them to you here.
Talking with your dependent about vaping:
For young people - Lung Foundation Australia
To assist with arming yourselves with accurate, verifiable, and current information, please consult the following sources:
QUIT E-cigarettes and vaping (quit.org.au)
Lung Foundation Australia For young people - Lung Foundation Australia
NSW Health The facts about vaping - For teachers and schools - Tobacco and smoking (nsw.gov.au)
Queensland Health Electronic cigarettes | Report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland
If you have any questions and considerations in reference to this matter, or any matter pertaining to your young person, please contact our College office on 4660 4000.
Welcome to New Staff
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Assumption College would like to congratulate Jia O'Dea on securing training in certificate III in retail in 2023. Jia is completing her training through McDonalds Warwick. We wish her all the best for her continuing studies.
Congratulations to Samuel Neucom who is completing Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butchery). Samuel commenced training in 2022 and we wish him luck for his continuing studies.
May our Mother Mary grant her blessings upon our College Community.
2023 Term Dates
By Mrs Anna Hardy, Deputy Principal Curriculum and Organisation
Year 10 2023 Information Night
We are pleased to invite all Year 10 students to attend the Year 10 Information Night, which will be held on Thursday, 8 June 2023. This event marks an important milestone in their academic journey as we begin the discussions and decision-making process regarding their senior schooling.
During the Year 10 Information Night, there will be a comprehensive presentation on the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and the upcoming Senior Education Training (SET) plan interviews in Term 3. These discussions will provide valuable insights into the pathways and strategies for success that await our Year 10 students in their senior studies.
We highly encourage both students and parents/carers to attend this event, as it will serve as a crucial starting point in preparing for the future. By actively participating in these discussions, students will be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding their academic and career pathways.
Please mark the date of the Year 10 Information Night in your calendars, and we look forward to welcoming you and your child to this important event.
Year 12 Common Internal Assessment (CIA)
We would like to extend our best wishes to all Year 12 Essential English and Essential Maths students as they prepare for their upcoming CIA exams. These assessments are a significant component of their final year of schooling and will play a crucial role in determining their academic achievements.
The CIA exams for Essential English and Essential Mathematics will take place on the following dates:
- Essential English: 29 May 2023
- Essential Mathematics: 30 May 2023
In preparation for these exams, we have emailed a detailed letter to all parents outlining the specific requirements and expectations. It is important to note that any absences during these exams will require a medical certificate, as per the protocols set by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).
We kindly request that you ensure your child is well-prepared for these exams and encourage them to utilize the available resources and support to excel in their assessments.
Thank you for your continued support and co-operation in this important phase of your child's academic journey.
Assessment Calendars
We would like to inform you that the assessment calendars for all year levels are available on the College website. These calendars serve as a valuable resource to keep track of upcoming assessments and ensure students are well-prepared for their academic obligations.
We encourage you to regularly visit the College website, as the assessment calendars are continually updated to reflect any changes or modifications. Additionally, we will also publish notifications regarding any date changes in the newsletter for your convenience.
Should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the assessment calendars, please do not hesitate to contact the College.
Thank you for your support in fostering a productive academic environment for our students.
Assessment Changes: Year 10 History Tuesday, 6 June 2023.
Exam Preparation
We are pleased to inform you that our Year 11 and 12 students will be participating in Elevate Education study sessions throughout the year. These sessions are designed to enhance specific study skills, exam techniques, time management strategies, and more. We believe that equipping our students with these essential skills will contribute to their academic success.
The Elevate Education study sessions have been scheduled during the Wednesday Wellbeing time. We strongly encourage all Year 11 and 12 students to actively engage in these sessions and take advantage of the valuable guidance provided.
In addition, we are delighted to announce that Elevate Education has extended an invitation to parents to attend their free webinars. The upcoming webinar, titled "How to Help Your Child Prepare for Exams".
We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar for our parents on Wednesday, 7 June 2023.
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school:
Wednesday, 7 June 2023 @ 6:30pm (AEST)
How to Help Your Child Prepare for Exams
Click here to register for free
In this webinar, we will be discussing:
✅ High Priority Work: The kinds of work students should be focusing on in the build-up to exams to maximise marks
✅ Time Management: How to ensure your child has enough time to prepare for their exams
✅ Practice Papers: How to prepare effectively using past questions and practice papers
The other upcoming webinars include:
- Exam Preparation 7 June 2023 @ 6:30 (AEST)
- Exam Room Skills 21 June 2023 @ 6:30 (AEST)
Giving ATAR eligible students every opportunity to succeed
The Toowoomba Catholic Schools mission states that “We believe in academic success within a distinctively Catholic community”. The two key pillars of this mission ‘academic success’ and 'Catholic community’ come together through the External Examination Preparation Program (EEPP).
Held in the second week of the September school holidays EEPP brings students, from across the eight Diocesan (Catholic community) schools, gather in Toowoomba to undertake a specialised program designed to enhance performance (academic success) in Queensland’s common external examinations, held in October.
At EEPP, students will have the opportunity to be guided in their preparation by an expert mentor. Each mentor has been selected, not only because of their expertise in their subject area, but most importantly, because of their experience with the external examination process. Many of them are employed by the QCAA as external examination markers or as assessment confirmers and so they are experts able to pass on the nuanced skills that can make all the difference in a student’s results.
This year, EEPP is being conducted from Sunday, 24 September 2023 through to Friday, 29 September 2023, and will be held at the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office in Toowoomba (opposite St Saviour's College). A select number of subjects will be offered across the six days, with each subject involving two four-hour sessions on consecutive days. Students can select the subjects that best suit their particular needs and EEPP’s timetable.
Further details including a timetable and costings will be sent to parents/carers shortly.
By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing
Building an Aspirational Culture
How can we achieve an aspirational culture in our day-to-day College life?
Let’s start with good old-fashioned manners and some empathy!!
Cultivating Empathy
Empathy is a fundamental skill that allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. In a secondary school setting, cultivating empathy can greatly enhance social interactions and create a supportive community. Encouraging students to actively listen to their peers, acknowledge their perspectives, and offer genuine support fosters an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. By understanding the challenges and experiences of others, students develop a sense of compassion and become more willing to help those in need.
Building Strong Relationships
Good manners serve as the building blocks for strong and meaningful relationships. Politeness, respect, and consideration towards others help create a harmonious College environment. Simple acts, such as saying "please" and "thank you," holding the door open for others, and being mindful of personal space, contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. When students consistently practice good manners, it becomes easier to form connections, resolve conflicts, and collaborate effectively with their peers and teachers.
Enhancing Personal Growth
Empathy and good manners go hand in hand with personal growth and character development. By considering the feelings and perspectives of others, students develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Empathy allows them to step outside their own experiences, broaden their horizons, and appreciate diverse viewpoints. Practising good manners nurtures a sense of integrity, responsibility, and empathy within oneself, which positively impacts personal growth throughout their lives.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space
Secondary school can be a challenging time for many students, with the pressure to fit in and navigate complex social dynamics. Empathy and good manners create a safe and inclusive space where students feel accepted and supported. By actively promoting empathy and discouraging bullying or exclusionary behaviour, the College fosters an environment where everyone can thrive academically and emotionally.
Preparing for the Future
Empathy and good manners are not only valuable during secondary school but also essential for future success. Empathy and good manners serve as foundational skills that empower students to navigate social and professional relationships with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
In conclusion, by cultivating empathy, building strong relationships, enhancing personal growth, and creating a safe space, students are better equipped to navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond. As Assumption College we foster a culture of empathy and good manners, laying the groundwork for compassionate and respectful individuals who will positively contribute to society. Let us embrace these virtues and inspire a generation of empathetic, kind-hearted, and well-mannered individuals.
By Mrs Patrice Riordan, Assistant Principal Mission and Identity
First Nations Meeting
Assumption College had the privilege of holding our First Nations Meeting on Wednesday, 24 May 2023 in the school library. This is an opportunity for Assumption College, St Mary’s Primary School and St Mary’s Kindy to come together recognising the importance of identifying the needs and wellbeing of all First nations students and their families. All community members are invited to attend these meetings to support our school’s First Nations students and families.
Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation week is celebrated from 27 May 2023 until 3 June 2023. This year’s theme is, “Be a voice for Generations.” The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work, and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all. Please take the opportunity to speak with your child/children about the importance of Reconciliation Week and what it means for all Australians.
Home - National Reconciliation Week 2023
These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
27 May 1967
On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.
3 June 1992
On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Many activities will be taking place over the week including, Library Board Discussion, Reconciliation Walk beginning at ACW and collecting students from St Mary’s Primary and St Mary’s Kindy. Students will march to St Mary’s Church where they will take part in a liturgy with Fr Bony. From here all students will march back to St Mary’s Primary School for a Flag Raising ceremony. Lunchtime activities in the library will be held with our school Chaplain in first breaks all of next week also.
Prayer
Aboriginal Our Father
You are Our Father, you live in heaven
We talk to you, Father you are good (repeat)
We believe your Word Father
We your children, give us bread today (repeat)
We have done wrong, we are sorry
Help us Father not to sin again (repeat)
Others have done wrong to us
And we are sorry for them, Father today (repeat)
Stop us from doing wrong, Father
Save us all from the evil one (repeat)
You are Our Father, you live in heaven
We talk to you, Father you are good (repeat)
The Lord’s Prayer from the “Missa Kimberley”
By Mrs Amanda McCosker, College Chaplain
I hope everyone has had a wonderful week! What a busy few weeks it has been. It is definitely starting to feel like Winter now and Brekky Club is helping to warm us up with a hot milo and toast each morning. Feel free to come along, grab something to eat or drink and say hi!
Just Dance is grooving along every Wednesday. We’ve had some great song requests made and I must say, some of the moves I have seen have been quite impressive!
As we pass the halfway mark for Term 2, it’s important to pause in our busyness to think about how we are treating other people, especially if we are feeling tired or stressed within ourselves. We are all busy; we all have deadlines, assignments and upcoming exams in the back of our minds at this time of the term. But take a step back and take notice of who is standing beside you; who is in your corner, supporting you? Make sure you take the time to tell your friends how much you appreciate them and how much they mean to you. Friendship can be tricky at times, with new people coming into our friendship groups or old friends drifting away, or perhaps making choices we don’t agree with. While there is no easy fix for situations like that and it can seem scary and terrible at the time, trust me when I say… everything will work out, one way or another, in the end. Remember, a friend is one of the best things you can be and the greatest thing you can have.
By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager
College Fees
We have recently issued the statements for the College fees accounts via email and kindly request that these accounts be settled by Wednesday, 31 May 2023. If you have an established Direct Debit or other approved payment plan with the College, please disregard this notice.
If you've encountered any issues relating to your College fees account, or if you have had difficulties accessing the emailed statement, or have not received it at all, we encourage you to reach out to our Finance Team or our Business Manager. They can be reached by phone on 07 4660 4000 or via email at finance@acwarwick.catholic.edu.au
Should you find yourself facing any hardships in settling your College fees account, our Principal or our Business Manager are available to discuss the matter. We understand the challenges that can sometimes occur, and we are here to help.
We appreciate your cooperation. Thank you.
Student Travel Rebates
By Mr Thomas Duggan, Sports Coordinator
Interschool Basketball
The Assumption College Basketball teams have recently been competing in the Interschool Basketball competition. Our Junior Boys team have unfortunately suffered two losses to Warwick State High School and Scots PGC, as have our Senior Boys team. These two teams have been very competitive and both look forward to their upcoming games against Stanthorpe State High School and St Joseph’s Stanthorpe. Our Junior and Senior Girls teams have won their first match against Warwick State High School and are looking to continue their winning form in the next round of fixtures against Stanthorpe SHS.
Broncos Cup
Round 1 of the Broncos Cup Challenge was a fantastic day for our Rugby League and Netball teams. Each team played very well and are all excited for the final round in Warwick next Wednesday, 31 May 2023.
By Ms Taylor Quinn, Teacher Librarian
We can always tell when Lego Masters is on TV. It inspires our students to get creative with the library lego!
We have had students teaching their peers new games – Sequence and Skip-bo were enjoyed by both groups. The library at lunch is a great place for consolidating social skills, co-operation, listening, following instructions, taking turns, how to win and lose!
Last week, our Minis and Models group met for the first time. We had a great roll-up of interested students ready to assemble the figurines and some students have even started painting! They are all looking great so far, and we can’t wait to see what beautiful colour schemes our students choose. We will share photos along the way. Following instructions and fine motor skills are out in force during this activity!
Mrs Wooding has attended various Professional Development days lately and is excited to implement new ideas in the library. We continue to strive to provide the latest and most up to date strategies to help our staff and students.
Science - Scanning Electron Microscope at ACW
Mr Simon Hamlet
Courtesy of the University of Queensland’s Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis and Inspire STEM Education, ACW will host an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope from 22 - 27 July 2023. The provided device is very easy to operate, and can provide magnifications up to x 15,000, allowing users to see details invisible in light microscopy.
Current plans include a science outreach event for the weekend, 22 - 23 July 2023 where interested individuals and families can book time on the device, and within curriculum and lunch time programs for 24 - 27July 2023.
Scanning Electron Microscopes offer a wonderful opportunity to integrate Science, Technology and Art, often abbreviated as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). There are plans to run a postcard competition, with the winning images being printed and sold to help defray costs associated with bringing the device to ACW.
We look forward to seeing what your curiosity will bring to light.
Simon Hamlet
Scanning Electron Micrograph of a bee’s knee with pollen grains attached.
Image by Tiffany Bell-Horwath (Creative Commons)
Living History Presentation
