27 April 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Message:

By Mr Kort Goodman - Principal

Welcome Back

Welcome back to all members of our College community to Term 2. I hope you had a restful and enjoyable break and were able spend time with family and friends. As with all terms in a school calendar, Term 2 is looking to be another very busy one. With this in mind, Mr Frattini and I spoke with the students at assembly on Tuesday morning of the first week about a few key points and expectations that we believe will ensure that we get started immediately in a positive manner. The topics were based upon our school expectations that we are respectful, on time, prepared, ready to work, engaging a growth mindset and striving to do our best. I would encourage our parents to discuss these topics with their children. In conclusion, I would like to thank and congratulate the students and parents on the immaculate manner in which the students returned to school. The pride our students have for their school is very evident and this all goes well for another great term.

Assumption College Warwick Strategic Plan Launch

On Tuesday 17th April Dr Patrick Coughlan, Executive Director Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese, joined with our Parish Priest Fr Franco and other members of our College community for the launch of the Assumption College Warwick 2018 – 2022 Strategic Plan.

The process of creating the Strategic Plan has been a significant one, over the last twelve months and actively called on the talents of many stakeholders in the College community, as we began to delve into what a preferred future for the College would look like. Taking into account the voices and advice from the College Board, Parents and Friends Association, staff, students and parents through active listening and survey feedback, six focus areas for improvement and advancement became evident. These focus areas include:

• Mission and Identity;
• Teaching and Learning;
• Staff Capacity, Composition and Efficacy;
• Wellbeing;
• Community Engagement and Partnerships; and
• Sustainable Resourcing and Stewardship.

Our Assumption College 2018-2022 Strategic Plan posits for our community a future that is hope-filled and driven by purpose. It represents our aspiration to continue to build our College in the great Mercy and Rice traditions, and aims to respond to our call to continue to fulfil our Vision and Mission.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the great contribution and support of external educational consultant Dr Judy Smeed and offer special thanks to the College Leadership Team, Deputy Principal, Mr Craig Frattini, Assistant Principal Religious Education, Mrs Kate Cullen, Assistant Principal Curriculum, Mrs Anna Hardy and Miss Jennifer Smeed for her efforts last year when she was Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum. Special thanks also to our College Board, P&F, parents, teachers and students for their input into the development of the strategic plan.

A full copy of the strategic plan is available to families at the front office of the College, or on our Assumption College Warwick website through this link.

School Review and Improvement Process

As indicated previously in the newsletter, our College recently took part in the Quadrennial Toowoomba Catholic Diocese School Review and Improvement Process. The written report from the external panel, which provides us with commendations on current practices and recommendations for consideration to support further school improvement has been received.

Overall the report endorses the wonderful work of the community in creating an environment and culture within the College that supports the students emotionally and in their academic, cultural and sporting endeavours.

I would like to congratulate the community on their continued efforts to continue to grow and improve the College. The executive summary of the report can be accessed on the Assumption College Warwick website through this link.

ANZAC Day Ceremony

On Tuesday of this week we held our Assumption College ANZAC Day ceremony. I would like to publicly thank our invited guests and make a special mention of our guest speakers Mrs Jacinta Ferguson and Mrs Theresa Bourke. Their attendance and the insightful and thought provoking reflections delivered added great depth and emotion to our ceremony.

To Mrs Alannah Johnson, Mrs Rebecca Butler and the other members of our school community who were involved in organising or carrying out the ceremony. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and ensure that our future generations develop a true understanding of the importance of the Anzac legend.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the students on the manner in which they participated in the ceremony on Tuesday and for their efforts to attend the ANZAC Day March and represent our College on Wednesday. The respect and reverence demonstrated was of the highest level.

This week we pray as a community for all service men and women.

Remember, O’Lord,
All those, the brave and the true,
Who have died the death of honour and departed in the hope of resurrection to eternal life.
In that place of light from which sorrow and mourning are far banished,
give them rest, O’Lord, thou lover of men.
And grant to those of us who remain the spirit of service,
Which may make us worthy of their sacrifice.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Year 12 Formal

Last Friday night we held our Annual College Formal. The College Formal is a wonderful opportunity for the Year 12 students to celebrate their final year of secondary schooling. This year’s event was again a great success with massive numbers of parents, family and friends joining the students at the pre-formal drinks and canapés at the College before the students moved to King’s Theatre for dinner and dancing. Our students are to be congratulated on the manner in which they both presented and conducted themselves on the evening. On behalf of the students, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the staff who so generously gave their time to organise this event. In particular, Miss Tegan Woodbridge, Miss Jaime Slattery, Mr Shaun Godley, Mrs Toni Cox, Mrs Theresa Bourke and Mrs Kylie Brodrick for their tireless work in co-ordinating and organising the event and to Mrs Alannah Johnson who again prepared the students for their dancing. Thank you also to the staff who supported the event on the Friday evening assisting at the College and at King’s Theatre. Congratulations Year 12 students and staff.

Please see next newsletter for a full gallery of photos from the big night!

Staffing Term 2

As you would be aware Mr Mascadri left our College to take on a private business venture towards the end of Term 1. I would like to thank Mr Mick Grew, Mr Bell and Mr Yates for their efforts in covering these classes at the end of the term. In replacing Mr Mascadri we welcome Mr Stephen Lunn to Assumption College from the Gold Coast. Mr Lunn will be teaching junior manual arts and junior maths and we wish him all the best, knowing that he will enjoy his time with us.

At the end of week three of this term we will also be wishing Mr Chris Schultz farewell when he moves to Brisbane to be with his family and take on a role at Iona College. Mr Schultz has been at our College for over 14 years and has been a wonderful teacher to the students and colleague of the staff of our College and he will be missed greatly. Recruitment procedures for the position of Curriculum Leader for Science are currently being undertaken.

Have a lovely week

Kort

TERM 2 – 2018 DATE CLAIMERS

Pastoral Care News:

By Mr Craig Frattini, Deputy Principal

Parenting Ideas Insights

How Independence-Building is The Pathway to Your Teen’s Resilience

By Michael Grose

Parents and teachers often ask me how to build resilience in teens. My response is always the same: “Start by building independence and resilience will follow.”

Here’s how.

Children are hardwired for independence

Some time around the age of fifteen months, give or take three months, most children will make a strong case for self-sufficiency. They demand to do things their own way. This demand is soon backed by a strong voice – “NOOOO!” – and then more articulate cries of “I can do it!” as their third birthday approaches.

This is the time to harness your child’s push for independence and self-sufficiency. Their desire for independence and mastery over their immediate environment will see most children take incredible physical risks in the form of play and exploration of that environment. Concerned parents will naturally minimise risks by moving furniture around, keeping doors closed and hiding sharp implements, to name a few protective measures.

But parents can’t eradicate all risks. Kids will fall and hurt themselves … but they’ll also get up and go again. In time, they’ll learn to assess situations, stare down their fears and test themselves out in new situations. Falling down, brushing yourself off and trying again is part of the natural learning experience for most young children. Parents don’t have to do much more than assess a situation for real dangers, then stand back and allow their kids to explore their environments, pulling them up only when their play and explorations transgress the rights and peace of others.

So what’s this got to do with resilience?

Well, everything really. Independence is the pursuit of mastery over one’s self and one’s environment and rarely happens without mishaps and mistakes. It nearly always involves hurt, hardship, frustration and fear. That’s where resilience comes in. Resilience is the art of bouncing forward after experiencing these hurts, hardships, frustrations and fears. Resilience is what comes from seeking out self-sufficiency and independence.

The language of independence

The fact that there’s a whole genre of language devoted to resilience (mostly cloaked in cliché) is no accident. Terms such as “Get back on the bike/horse when you fall off”, “Come on, brush yourself off and get on with it” or “What doesn’t kill you makes you strong” are built into the psyche of past generations. Many parents today will cringe at these terms as they appear a little callous and out of touch. Conversely most current parents’ relationship with risk and adventure – both required for independence-building – is very tenuous at best, non-existent at worst.

Therein lies the challenge. I haven’t met a parent, carer or teacher who doesn’t want the teenagers in their care to develop resilience that will last a lifetime. Yet many of those same adults will block the pathway to teen’s resilience by over-indulging them, solving their problems and not giving them real responsibility. In doing so they deny kids the sense of mastery that comes from sorting out their own problems, getting themselves out of jams and getting up after a fall.

You can never love your kids too much, but you can love them helplessly. That’s what happens when we deny teenagers the opportunity to become truly independent and self-sufficient. Deny self-sufficiency and you block a teen’s resilience. Develop real independence and you open a pathway to resilience that will last a lifetime.

Michael Grose

Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the best-selling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children.

APRE News:

By Mrs Kate Cullen, APRE

Year 9 - 12 Youth Event: Wednesday 9th of May

A unique experience has been organized for our Year 9 - 12 students to attend a Jesse Manibusan music focussed, youth leadership day on the 9th of May. We would like all of our Year 9 - 12 students to attend the day. St Joseph’s Stanthorpe is hosting the event.

We will bus the students to the event leaving Assumption at 9:00 and return them to the College by 2:30. There is a sausage sizzle/popper on offer for lunch, but students should bring their normal lunch box, hat and water bottle with them.

Students collected letters, and all Year 9 – 12 students were emailed a copy and it is also available on the website. Permission forms are needed ASAP with dietary information to help St Joseph’s organise the catering.

Mother’s, Grandparents and Carers Mass

On Friday the 11th of May we acknowledge those important mothers, grandparents and carers by celebrating Mass and sharing in morning tea together. Mass will begin at 9:30 at St Mary’s Church. Morning tea will be at ASSUMPTION COLLEGE this year and start straight after mass. Students are asked to share in the morning tea, hopefully organising the cup of tea or coffee for their guests.

We look forward to seeing you at this event.

Henri Nouwen Reflection: The Spirit Will Speak in Us

When we are spiritually free, we do not have to worry about what to say or do in unexpected, difficult circumstances. When we are not concerned about what others think of us or what we will get for what we do, the right words and actions will emerge from the centre of our beings because the Spirit of God, who makes us children of God and sets us free, will speak and act through us.

Jesus says: "When you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you" (Matthew 10:19-20).

Let's keep trusting the Spirit of God living within us, so that we can live freely in a world that keeps handing us over to judges and evaluators.

Curriculum News:

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal—Curriculum

Report Cards and Parent-Teacher Interviews

At the end of last term, progress reports were posted home to give parents/guardians an indication of how their child is progressing in their studies. To follow on from these reports, the first parent-teacher interviews night was held on Monday 23rd April and the second evening will occur on Tuesday 1st May from 3:30pm – 6:00pm. We understand that families have busy schedules; however we would really appreciate an opportunity to discuss your child’s education with you. All teachers will be available for interviews, so if you wish to speak to another teacher e.g Learning Support, Deputy Principal, Principal or myself about a matter or issue, feel free to schedule a time on either afternoon.

Assessment Calendars

Assessment calendars will be available on the your child’s i-pad/laptop this week. Please look for the assessment calendar icon to view their upcoming assessment.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN will occur from the 15th-17th May for all Year 7 and 9 students. The 18th May will be a catch-up day for any students who miss the testing. The tests will be held during normal lesson times on these days and students will return to regular classes after the testing. If you have queries around this testing, please contact us via the College office. All Year 7 and 9 students will be required to sit the test unless the parents complete appropriate paperwork. This withdrawal form is available from the College office and we encourage you to discuss this decision with us.

Year 12 QCS

On Tuesday 8th May the Year 12 QCS group will attend at Mighty Minds QCS training day. This will be held at the College at it is expected that all students will be in attendance for this valuable preparation.

Tutorials

Tutorials have begun on a Thursday afternoons in the rooms 311/312 from 3:15-4:15pm.

Senior Schooling

A reminder that all information for years 11 and 12 students is accessible through the Student Connect website which gives students access to their learning account (QCE and OP eligibility and subjects), as well as information and links to help them explore future education, training and career pathways. Student will need their LUI number and password. If students are unsure of either of these, please come and see me.

For current Year 10 students you cannot access your account yet. The QCAA are in the process of developing a new platform for the new QCE system. Apologies but your letter with your LUI directed you to student connect, but it is not yet operational for the current Year 10 students.

Careers News:

By Mrs Ali Porter, Careers

Sport News:

By Mrs Julie Collins, Program Leader Sport

Updated Cross Country Records

Please find below updated cross country records. Apologies for the mix up in ages.

Rugby League

Games versus Harristown State High School. U/15 beaten 30-18. Opens beaten 30-10. Well done both teams on your efforts. Opens will now play Warwick State High on Wednesday the 2nd of May at Collegians, 4PM. The U/15s play St Joseph’s Toowoomba at Toowoomba also this Wednesday. Good luck to both teams.

Library News:

By Mrs Mary-anne Driver

In Term Two we will be holding chess lessons and a chess competition during lunch break. Mr Lunn has kindly offered to share his expertise with us. As you can see from the photos, we are very keen to participate.

We are also planning a craft day where Mrs Cox is going to come and get us knitting. We are hoping to be a bit creative and decorate a tree for Jumpers and Jazz.

Mrs Gillespie will be returning on Thursdays with activities and conversations.

A new collection of books have arrived at the library and are being processed. We are trying to cater for everyone’s tastes, (genres include: mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, animal, real life and romance). Please encourage your child to let us know if there are books they would like added to the library.

We are still looking for donations of lego, wool and buttons.

Business News:

By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager.

Term 2 school fees will be mailed or emailed this week. They are due 31st May. If your student is attending Canberra a part payment is due on 11th May.

Year 8 & Year 11 fees for Camp to be held in September have been added to Term 2 fees to allow time for full payment before departure. If there are any issues please contact the Finance Office on 4660 4000.

General Notices:

School Improvement Survey

This year our school will be participating in a School Review and Improvement Survey managed by Research Australia Development and Innovation Institute (RADII). As well as school staff and students from Years 7 - 12, all parents are invited to participate in the survey. The survey provides valuable feedback for the future directions of our school.

It would be appreciated if parents could update their contact details prior to the 24 June 2018. This will ensure delivery to the correct parent email address.

On Monday the 30 July 2018, RADII will send all parents a personalised invitation to complete the survey online. If both parents' email addresses are on file at the school, the invitation will be sent to both parents. However, the survey will close once the first person has completed it. If you do not wish to complete the survey, simply delete it.

The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. You can complete the survey from anywhere you have access to the internet. The survey will close on Sunday, 12 August 2018 for parents.

We encourage you to be very honest in your responses to the survey. All responses go directly to RADII so they are confidential and anonymous. When the surveys are completed, and responses aggregated by RADII, overall data is sent to us so that we can then share the findings with you.

Thank you.

Edmund Rice Day

Edmund Rice day is on Saturday 5th May. To mark this occasion, on Friday 4th May, students are able to wear sports uniform to school and add a splash of their favourite colour (e.g. change socks or shorts etc.) for a gold coin donation. In addition, there will be pizza and soft drink available for purchase at lunch. Pizza will be $2.00 per slice and cans of soft drink will also be $2.00. All proceeds will be going to Variety – The Children’s Charity.

Open Day

Assumption College Open Day will be held on Friday 11th May from 3:30pm – 5:30pm. We would like to extend a warm welcome for all to attend. Please also share with any families you know who may be considering Assumption College in the future.

Canberra Information Meeting - Year 9 Students and Parents

Just a reminder that there will be a parent meeting on Wednesday 9th May in St James’s Hall, ACW at 6.00pm to discuss plans and answer any questions. It is extremely important that parents and students attend this meeting.

Please Note: The next part payment for this excursion is due by 11th May.

Anzac Day

Rostrum Australia

Rostrum Australia has organised the Voice of Youth speaking competition since 1975 to contribute to the welfare and personal growth of Australian youth. The competition is divided into Junior and Senior Divisions. Seniors speak for eight minutes and Juniors for six minutes. Two Assumption College students, Ella Reinberger and Jorja Stevenson competed for the first time with the topics of When it’s Gone it’s Gone and No Joking Matter respectively. Both students worked hard to develop a speech and despite their nerves on the day, put in an incredible effort. Ella was announced as the runner up for her heat and may end up advancing to the next round. Congratulations to both competitors!

Internet Safety & Cyberbullying Presentation

Coles Sports for Schools

Assumption College is now registered for Coles Sports for Schools.

When families shop at Coles they are able to collect Coles Sports for School vouchers for their school, and when the program ends, schools can exchange these vouchers towards sporting equipment for the school.

Any support will be greatly appreciated!!!

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