1 February 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Message:

By Mr Kort Goodman - Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2019 school year. I hope that all families have had a wonderful holiday period and are refreshed and energised for the beginning of the school year.

In preparing for the New Year, I spent some of the quiet time that I was able to enjoy over the holidays reflecting on my first three years as Principal of Assumption College and I have to admit that at times it has seemed like a blur. It feels like only yesterday that I wrote my first newsletter and I stated that, I felt very honoured to be given the opportunity to work with the returning and new staff to continue to build on the great reputation of the College. Having now completed the three years I still feel very honoured to be in this position and I also continue to be very excited about the future as we continue to build on the achievements of the last three years, whilst continuing to strive to meet the intents of our College Strategic Plan.

Two of the key strategic intents of our plan that will be a major focus for 2019 involve continuing to develop our pedagogical skills as teachers and building the partnerships we have with our parents.

In working with our teaching staff, we will be endeavouring to further develop our lesson planning and learning experiences for the students that are informed by student data and professional learning, engaging, life related and linked to personal experiences so that they can strive to achieve to their personal best.

In conjunction with this we will also be striving to grow the partnerships that we have with our parents to support the learning occurring in our classrooms.

It is clearly highlighted in academic research that, in order for the students to get the most out of their years at school, they must first engage with the opportunities provided to them, whilst being supported by their parents and teachers who are working in partnership while setting high expectations.

Finally, I would like to highlight that the first of our opportunities for growing these partnerships with the parents was held last night at our iPad and Laptop information sessions and welcome barbeque. We had a wonderful response from our community with great numbers of students, parents and staff attending.

Welcome BBQ

I thank those who were able to attend, and we look forward to our next parent engagement sessions which are as follows;

• Thursday 7th & Friday 8th February – Year 12 Academic Interviews
• Monday 11th February – Brett Lee Parent Internet Information Session 5.30pm – St James Hall.

Departing Staff Thank You

As this is the first newsletter for the year, I think it would be remiss of me not to take the opportunity to thank a number of staff who have left the College since the end of the 2018 school year. We thank these people greatly for their contributions over the time they have been at our College and we wish them all the best for their futures.

Mrs Vicki Wockner, Mrs Patricia Bye, Mr Luke Kang, Mr Adam Watts, Ms Wendy Watkins, Miss Aoife Timms, Mrs Rachel Leslie and Ms Denise Van Kerkwyk.

Welcome New Staff

In replacing the staff members who are departing our College and also catering for our increased enrolments, we welcome the following people who are joining us in 2019.

Mrs Melissa Baker (Curriculum Leader Humanities, Humanities and Religion teacher)
Mr Mark Baker (Science and Maths teacher)
Mr Sandy Mackay (Science, Maths and HPE teacher)
Mr Piers Dudin (Maths and Science teacher)
Ms Kellie Hughes (Agriculture teacher)
Mr Rory O’Brien (Science and Maths teacher)
Miss Eliza Harris (Program Leader Senior Schooling, Humanities and English teacher)
Miss Carly Cooper (Business and HPE teacher)
Mr Flynn Donaldson (Teacher Aide)

We look forward to these people bringing and sharing their expertise, skills and talents with our community in 2019.

Student Protection Contacts

The Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic schools firmly believes that Student Protection is everybody’s business. The safety and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance.

The Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools has Student Protection Processes and Guidelines in place in all of our 31 schools. These procedures reflect legislative and regulatory reporting requirements, and the policies of Toowoomba Catholic Schools. All staff are trained in these processes and all of our schools have at least two nominated staff members, known as Student Protection Contacts, from whom students and staff can access support and advice.

At Assumption College our student protection contacts are; Mr Craig Frattini, Ms Suzanne Krause, Mrs Julie Collins, Mrs Jennifer Gillespie and Mr Kort Goodman.

Further information regarding student protection policy and procedures can be accessed below.

Have a lovely week
Kort

Term 1 – 2019 Date Claimers

Pastoral Care News:

By Mr Craig Frattini, Deputy Principal

Parenting Ideas Insights

Making a Smooth Transition to Secondary School
By Michael Grose

Going to secondary school is both exciting and scary for many kids. There’s excitement about new friends, teachers and ventures, but this can be overshadowed by anxiety and stress.

The sheer size of a high school building can be overwhelming to the uninitiated. The potential loss of status when moving from big fish in a small pond to tiny minnow in a large ocean can be hard to swallow for some. Add the increased number of teachers and the hormonal changes that accompany puberty and drive emotional and cognitive development and it is little wonder the first year of secondary school often sees a plateauing in learning. Most kids are flat out making new friends and getting used to how secondary school works, so learning takes a back seat for a time.

While it’s easier for those who have a brother or sister already there who can pass on some tips about how to survive secondary school, many don’t have that luxury. Fortunately, there are number of strategies parents can use to make the transition to secondary school easier.

1. Know the school space

Familiarity helps reduce anxiety. Most secondary schools have familiarisation programs for incoming students but it helps to reinforce with your young person where the key spaces are – such as administration, toilets, the tuck shop and drinking taps.

2. Make the leap with friends

Negotiating new friendships can be stressful so it helps to identify some friends from primary school or outside school that your child can travel with or meet up before school, at lunch breaks and during times when classes aren’t scheduled.

3. Help with planning and organisation

Some students can be overwhelmed by the organisational demands of secondary school. If your child fits this category, be prepared to be on hand to coach your young person in the finer arts of being on time to class, organising work in folders, planning homework time, handing in multiple assignments and filling out forms.

4. Set up a designated study space in the home

Now that your young person has hit the big time it’s important that they have a study space to call their own. Keep this outside the bedroom if possible – the bedroom is a space for sleeping and relaxing. Use any area that is reasonably quiet and well lit. Set up a desk with a computer, if possible, along with stationery items.

5. Establish a work schedule

Most secondary schools try to coordinate homework between different teachers but there will be more times than not when your child will come home with multiple homework assignments to complete. Build the homework habit early and choose a regular time that allows for breaks. Encourage them to work quickly so that work does not drag on and become demotivating.

6. Stay patient and positive

The social and academic demands of going to secondary school can be mentally draining for young people. Some will miss old friends and the relative comfort of primary school. It’s important for parents to be patient with their young person, to expect a few behaviour blowouts and to be prepared to listen and help them process their new experiences. If your young person has negative experiences, point them in the direction of the good things that may happen during the day.

Your young person’s coping mechanisms are being tested during this time. They can change on a daily basis. If stress becomes overwhelming or persistent to the point that they don’t want to go to school after the initial settling-in period, consider organising some extra assistance. A year-level coordinator, school counsellor or the local doctor can be good starting points should extra assistance be needed.

Starting secondary school is one of many transitions your young person will face in life. With planning and support, your child can make a positive start to secondary school and enjoy an amazing time at their new school.

APRE News:

By Mrs Carol Sharp, APRE

Welcome to Term 1, 2019

Yesterday we celebrated our Induction and Academic Mass to mark the beginning of the school year. We welcomed new staff, new students and called for God’s blessing on our school community, particularly our senior class of 2019. The theme of the mass, and indeed the theme for the school year, was to ‘Sow, Nurture, Grow ….. Truth.’ This year we will explore with students how they can seek the truth of Jesus’ message in the scriptures and apply it to their daily lives. Seeking truth challenges us to live an authentic existence where our words and actions are not influenced by the shallow whims of a materialistic and consumerist society, but instead are anchored in the words of God ‘written on our hearts’ (Romans 2:15).

Social Justice News

Request for Cotton!

Mrs. Amanda Stevens is looking for any and all unwanted cotton you may have lying around the house. Mrs. Stevens is trying to launch a new social justice initiative called ‘Dress a Girl Around the World.’ Dress a Girl Around the World is a Campaign under Hope 4 Women International bringing dignity to women around the world since 2006. They dream of a world in which every girl has at least one new dress – where girls know that they are worthy of respect, and that they are loved by God. Step 1 in this exciting initiative is to gather as much cotton as we can. Families can leave donations at the front office or give them directly to either Mrs. Stevens or myself. At this stage we are asking for cotton only. Further details of this organisation can be found at via the link below or by talking to Mrs. Stevens.

Junior RE:

• Year 7 – Church Seasons. In this unit students will explore how the different seasons of the Church reflect the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There will be no formal assessment in RE for Term 1 (this will begin in Term 2), however, students should be receiving regular homework from their teacher. As always, our Year 7 RE classrooms will have a significant number of students who have never studied RE, a significant number who have studied it throughout primary school and everything in between. Our teachers are very aware of this and will aim to tailor their teaching to accommodate the various levels of experience. If you have any concerns regarding this, I would strongly encourage you to open a dialogue with your student’s classroom teacher. Alternatively, you can email me on carol.sharp@twb.catholic.edu.au.
• Year 8 – Covenant. In this unit students will be exploring the idea of the covenant relationship God established with His people. They will examine both Old and New Testament scripture to gain insight into this unique, personal relationship.
• Year 9 – Knowing Jesus. Students will learn about how the monotheistic religions (Islam, Judaism and Christianity) each have a different interpretation of God and how, for Christians, Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God.
• Year 10 – In Memory of Me. Students will learn about the sacrament of Eucharist and how this sacrament reflects the life of Jesus. They reflect on how participation on the Eucharist nourishes the spiritual lives of believers.

Senior REET:

• Year 11 – Spirituality and Rituals. Students will consider how spirituality gives meaning and direction to people’s lives. They also explore how individuals and communities establish roles and promote ways of living using rituals and symbols that encourage the growth of a person’s spirituality.
• Year 12 – Sacred Stories. Students will examine sacred scripture from a range of religious traditions and interpret the wisdom and message of this scripture for everyday living.

Senior SOR:

• Year 11 – Sacred Texts. This unit marks the beginning of the new ATAR syllabus. In Unit 1, students are introduced to the five major world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, and to Australian Aboriginal spiritualities, as a foundation to the course of study. Through a study of sacred texts and religious writings, students explore how these texts offer insights into life, provide guidance for living, and may express a relationship between a people and a higher being.
• Year 12 – Sacred Texts. This sacred text unit also focuses on the major world religions. There is an emphasis on Christianity, Judaism and Islam, as students will visit a Cathedral, a Synagogue and Mosque in Brisbane. This excursion is set for Thursday, March 14 and is an integral part of the assessment task for this unit.

Henri Nouwen Reflection: Learn to trust God

Most of us distrust God. Most of us think of God as a fearful, punitive authority or as an empty, powerless nothing. Jesus’ core message was that God is neither a powerless weakling nor a powerful boss, but a lover, whose only desire is to give us what our hearts most desire.

To pray is to listen to that voice of love. That is what obedience is all about. The word obedience comes from the Latin word ob-audire, which means “to listen with great attentiveness.” Without listening, we become “deaf” to the voice of love. The Latin word for deaf is surdus. To be completely deaf is to be absurdus, yes, absurd. When we no longer pray, no longer listen to the voice of love that speaks to us in the moment, our lives become absurd lives in which we are thrown back and forth between the past and the future.

If we could just be, for a few minutes each day, fully where we are, we would indeed discover that we are not alone and that the One who is with us wants only one thing: to give us love.

Curriculum News:

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal—Curriculum

Congratulations to all students who received academic award badges for Semester 2 2018. There were a total of 33 students awarded with a gold, silver or bronze badge and these were presented after the Induction Mass. All parents and students celebrated with an afternoon tea. It is wonderful to see students excited with their academic efforts and I am looking forward to seeing these students wear their badges with pride.

Gold Academic Award Winners

Silver Academic Award Winners

Bronze Academic Award Winners

Year 12 Academic interview times have been sent out to all parents. These are a valuable opportunity to sit with each student and discuss their academic progress. Interviews will be held for all year 12’s again in Term 3. Year 11’s will also go through this process in Term 2.

Students should have finalised their subject choices by this stage of the term. I certainly encourage all students to make decisions regarding changing subjects as soon as possible to ensure that not too much of the term passes before making these changes.

Tutoring will operate again this year – Thursday afternoon from 3:15pm – 4:15pm in room 311. Students will not be released until 4:15pm unless a parent comes to Room 311 to collect their child. A few staff across subject areas will be present to help with classwork, homework and assessment. It is a valuable opportunity and we hope that students will make use of the sessions.

Assessment calendars are available on the student’s device through an icon on the desktop. Don’t forget too that the College has an assessment policy. This policy ensures equity and just processes when it comes to assignments and exams. A reminder that parents will be notified via SMS when their child has not submitted assessment on the due date. We encourage you to contact the College office if you have questions or queries around this process. If you receive an SMS and would like more information, please contact the teacher via the College office or email. I strongly advise that all students and parents make themselves familiar with this policy to avoid any issues regarding assessment; it is available on the College website.

Reports: Term 1 Progress Reports are scheduled to be issued to students and parents at the end of this term and will be sent home with each student on the last day of term. These reports are followed by parent and teacher interviews early in Term 2. This report is designed for parents/guardians to see their child’s progress after the first term of a new year. Semester 1 reports are issued at the end of Term 2.

QCS Special Consideration: Special provision is available to students who are affected by a medical condition, impairment or exceptional circumstances that may act as a barrier to their access to the QCS test or to their demonstration of achievement in the test. If any year 12 student needs to apply, they should see Mrs Hardy this term. The QCS test is run over two days in late August for all OP eligible Year 12 students.

University of New South Wales ICAS: The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is an independent, skills-based assessment program, which recognises and rewards student achievement. At the College, we value academic progress and achievement. Students will receive UNSW certificates or medals depending on their achievement and will be recognised for their accomplishment. Students from Years 8-12 have been selected based on 2018 results and will be invited to attend via a letter sent home. We would like to extend this opportunity to any other students who may be interested. We would also like to call upon any Year 7 students who would be interested in sitting the tests as their 2018 results were not available to access and select students.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding curriculum please do not hesitate to contact me.

School Counsellor News:

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie, Student Counsellor

Beginning Secondary School - Parent Information

Just as beginning high school can be a very exciting time for children and their parents it can also be a little confusing and scary at the same time.

Starting high school involves lots of change and it is common for students to miss their old friends, teachers and school and perhaps be worried about not ‘fitting in’, making a mistake or being able to cope in their new social environment.

Teens may show this stress in many ways: eg.

• Being irritable and short tempered
• Being disagreeable and not wanting to talk
• Swaying between wanting to be treated like an adult and a child
• Changing behaviour in order to impress or rebel or to push the normal boundaries of what is acceptable.

What can parents do?

Firstly, remember this is an important transition time for your child (and you too) and that stress is normal for children (and parents) at these times. Children adapt as do parents to this new world and it won’t be long before the “new school” feeling leaves as routines are established.

• Reassure your child that it is normal to feel unsure at first and others feel this way too.
• Remind them that they know how to make friends and of the success they have had in the past. Remind them that it takes time.
• Encourage them to keep in touch with old friends while building relationships with new friends.
• Be welcoming to new friends, encourage contact out of school.
• Help your teenager develop a homework routine and assist them to manage their homework, assignments and study over the first few weeks until the new routine kicks in. Some children need longer than others - gauge the support your child needs and work with them encouraging responsibility for their own learning along the way.
• Encourage and support them to join in co-curricular activities and attend functions where they can meet new friends and strengthen existing relationships.
• Remember that despite their special moods and those special teenage behaviours, they still need lots of love and support. Parents are usually the best support kids have.

(originally adapted from “Starting High School” – www.cyh.com/healthtopics)

Sport News:

By Mrs Julie Collins, Program Leader Sport

Welcome to 2019 and the first of the sporting dates for the year.

Summer Trials have almost beat us back to school – students who are interested in Border District summer trials must see Mrs Collins by Monday 3pm. TRIALS are on Tuesday 5 February!! This is for students 13-19 years old.

Library News:

By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver

Volunteers

We have had students volunteer both in the school community and wider community over the holidays. Christmas Down Under is a joint effort from local churches and some students volunteered their time to perform a puppet show. Volunteering has many surprising benefits – the girls had a blast and the children watching loved the show!

Library News

Welcome to another exciting year in the library. It has been lovely to see so many happy faces back and to hear stories about wonderful relaxing holidays!

It’s been all systems go helping students with book hire text books. A reminder to parents who haven’t signed the bookhire forms, we will be in touch in the next week or two with a copy of the form that needs to be signed for the government subsidy.

Chess will be bigger than ever this year with Mr Baker joining the chess club – which will move to Friday first break. Mrs Gillespie is going to run activities on Wednesdays this term. Watch this space for what we get up to on other days of the week.

A big thank you to Jakob Butler who helped out in his own time during the holidays in the library.

General Notices:

First Day of School 2019

Senior Induction Mass & Academic Awards

St Mary’s Catholic Parish:

Community News:

Australia’s Junior Golf Program

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