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By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal
Mark 12:38-44
In this Gospel passage, Jesus highlights the contrast between the outward showiness of the wealthy and the genuine sacrifice of the poor widow. This message is particularly poignant during the Christmas season, a time when we are called to reflect on the true spirit of giving.
For students and staff at Assumption College Warwick, this reading serves as a powerful reminder of the values of humility, generosity, and selflessness. The St Vincent’s De Paul Christmas Appeal, that our community is currently undertaking, is an opportunity to put these values into action.
True Generosity: Just as the widow gave all she had, students are encouraged to give from the heart, regardless of the amount. It’s not about the size of the donation but the spirit in which it is given.
Awareness of Others: The passage warns against seeking praise for our good deeds. During the Christmas Appeal, the focus should be on the needs of those less fortunate rather than on receiving recognition for our contributions.
Sacrificial Giving: The widow’s offering was a true sacrifice. Students can reflect on what it means to give sacrificially, perhaps by giving up something they value to help others in need.
Community Spirit: The appeal fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. By participating, students and staff come together to support those in need, embodying the school’s Catholic values.
As you engage in the St Vincent’s De Paul Christmas Appeal, remember that every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable. The true measure of our giving is not in the amount, but in the love and sacrifice behind it. This Christmas, let’s strive to give with the same spirit of generosity and humility that Jesus praised in the widow – for it is in giving that we receive.
May our Mother Mary grant her blessings upon our College Community.
By Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal Curriculum
External Exams
Year 12 students have completed their external exams! Congratulations to all of these students. It has been a testing three and a half weeks for them. A reminder for all students to check they can login to the QCAA portal to get their results for these exams. They will be available from Friday 13 December 2024.
QCE’s will also be posted out to students from this date. ATAR’s will be released through the QTAC portal on Friday 13 December 2024. Year 12 students will need to ensure that they have their log in and password details for their QCAA and QTAC portals.
Year 11 students – Unit 3
All Year 11 General subjects have started their Unit 3 content work. This means that they are in the crucial time of learning Year 12 content. This is an integral part of their Year 12 academic journey and attendance at school is vital. Students will have readings, homework and revision to complete over the holidays. Once they return, most subjects will commence assessment tasks in Week 1 of Term 1. Students should be accessing their Canvas units over the break to assist with this preparation.
Semester Reports
Semester 2 Reports will be issued through the Sentral parent portal. Please ensure that you have access and can log in to download your child’s report. This semester you will notice that the subject comments have been removed and a Pastoral Care comment added to the front. This comment has been written by the Pastoral Care teachers about each individual student. It encapsulates their holistic education at the College including as a learner, as an Assumption College community member and as a person. Canvas will be opened up for all parents to see comments and feedback on their child’s final piece of assessment for the semester. This will also allow parents to be observers to their child’s course, therefore being able to access unit grids, resources, assessment tasks etc. There will be more details coming out to all parents about how to access Canvas.
2025 Subject Selections
All year levels have now been emailed their 2025 subject selections. If students wish to change their allocated selections for 2025, they are to follow the subject change process. The forms are at the College office and a conversation with their subject teacher, Curriculum Leader, Pastoral Leader, Careers Development Practitioner and Director of Teaching and Learning must occur first.
2025 Timetables
2025 timetables will be emailed to student’s College email accounts the week before the school year begins.
By Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing
Pastoral Leaders for 2025 are as follows:
Year 7 Mr Fabian Carrasco
Year 8 Mrs Jill Hume
Year 9 Mr Brett Hay
Year 10 Mrs Dimity Gardner
Senior Ms Codie Ellis
Little Things
During assembly last week the students were reminded of ‘the little things’, this time relating to their goals. A demonstration was given by some students on how to get the little things done to take the next step towards their goal – the big thing.
The posters have been displayed in the Wellbeing Centre for students to practise their steps or change their path.
Allowing our students to struggle increases their self-esteem, builds resilience and encourages them to take the next steps in their journey … step by step, little bit by little bit!
Uniform
As promised, the full uniform policy has been reviewed. A few changes of note regarding make up – light natural foundation only means no other make up is permitted. Students will be made aware of the slight change so they are able to meet standards. Should you have any queries regarding the uniform policy, please see your Pastoral Leader. We would like to thank the P&F Committee for the work on this matter.
By Mr Patrick Donnely, Assistant Principal Mission and Identity
All Saints’ Day
As we prepared for All Saints’ Day this year, the College learned about different saints, daily. We celebrate this day on Friday 1 November to honour all the saints, known and unknown. We spend this day reflecting on the saints of the church who have led exemplary lives of faith and virtue. We look back on their contributions and spiritual inspirations that they have provided. This day serves as a reminder of the spiritual bond between the faithful on earth and the saints in heaven, reinforcing the idea of a universal church that transcends time and space.
On Monday 28 October 2024, we celebrated Saint Teresa of Calcutta and learned about her ministry and work with the poor. On Tuesday 29 October 2024 we celebrated Australia’s first saint, Saint Mary Mackillop and how she stayed strong in her faith in the tough conditions she faced, here in Australia. On Wednesday 30 October 2024 we celebrated Saint Francis of Assisi and looked at how we can be an instrument of God’s peace. Saint Patrick was celebrated on Thursday 31 October 2024 as he is the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Irish connection to our community is where it all started. On Friday 1 November 2024 we celebrated Saint Oscar Romero and asked ourselves the question “how do we aspire not to have more, but to be more”. During Friday’s Pastoral Care class, students had a quiz to complete about saints and in particular about the five saints we looked at. It was a very close competition with McAuley 4 being the victors.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Our St Vincent de Paul Chrismas Appeal is starting to come to an end with only a few weeks left. It is estimated that there are over 750,000 children across Australia living in poverty with many families and individuals feeling socially isolated. The Christmas Appeal aims to support families and individuals who are struggling, and the hampers are one of the ways the St Vincent de Paul Society helps during this time. Seeing the students take on the House approach to this appeal this year, reinforces the message that we are all part of this community, and we support each other. This goes back to the Catholic Social Teaching of “The Common Good” and how we are able to achieve the common good by working together.
Celebrations
In the coming weeks, we will come together as a community to celebrate in a few different ways. On Friday the 15 November 2024 we will have our Year 12 Graduation Mass and then on Friday 22 November 2024, we will have our End of Year Christmas Liturgy. These moments in our calendars are significant and we come as one community to celebrate. We need to remind ourselves of why we come together to celebrate.
In our Catholic tradition, we come as one to celebrate through prayers, the signing of hymns and in action rather than doing this alone. These traditions connect us to the generations before us and at times provide a sense of comfort and continuity.
Participating in these celebrations as a community is about more than just individual worship; it’s about coming together to support, uplift, and grow with one another. This goes back to the work we have been doing all year long in our Pastoral Care classes, as an entire House and as one College.
By Mr Scott Clegg, Business Manager
From the Business Manager's Desk
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are building a bright future for our students.
To stay informed with the latest updates and news, we invite you to check out our ACW Website and follow us on social media via our ACW facebook page.
Should you require further details, please contact the College office on 07 46 604 000.
By Mrs Alison Porter, Career Development Practitioner
A Careers Message for Year 12 Students
Congratulations on your graduation! As you step into this new chapter, remember that the future is full of possibilities. Here are some motivational tips to guide you on your career journey:
1. Believe in Yourself: You have unique talents and strengths. Trust in your abilities and have confidence that you can achieve great things.
2. Follow Your Passion: Pursue what excites you. When you do what you love, work becomes more fulfilling and enjoyable.
3. Embrace Challenges: Don’t be afraid of obstacles. They are opportunities to learn and grow. Each challenge you overcome makes you stronger and more resilient.
4. Stay Curious: Keep learning and exploring new things. The world is constantly changing, and staying curious will help you adapt and thrive.
5. Network: Build relationships with mentors, peers, and professionals. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support and advice.
6. Set Goals: Define your short-term and long-term goals. Having clear objectives will keep you focused and motivated.
7. Be Persistent: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay committed to your goals, and don’t give up when things get tough.
8. Take Care of Yourself: Balance is key. Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health as you pursue your career goals.
Remember, your journey is unique, and there’s no one right path. Embrace the adventure, stay positive, and believe in your potential. The world is waiting for your contributions. Good luck!
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following Year 12 Students who have completed flexible learning during their senior schooling. Well done!
Layla Carniel
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Aurora Training Institute
Alexandra Carrie
Accelerate to Diploma of Nursing
TAFE South West
Jordan Cosmo
Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology
TAFE South West
Jordan Cosmo
Certificate II in Automotive Preparation
TAFE South West
Marlea Fischer
Certificate III in Business
Aurora Training Institute
Certificate II in Community Services
Aurora Training Institute
Gracie Forbes
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Aurora Training Institute
Maddison Hall Avery
Certificate II in Community Services
Aurora Training Institute
Regan Henderson
Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology
TAFE South West
Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
TAFE South West
Amelia L Barrow
Certificate III in Beauty with Makeup Speciality
Demi International
Georgia LeBehrz
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Aurora Training Institute
Enrolled Nursing Foundation Program
TAFE South West
Samuel Scheiwe
Certificate I in Construction
TAFE South West
Ewan Willett
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start Remote)
TAFE South West
Scholarship Opportunity
UniSQ MacIntyre Wind Farm Scholarship
Applications for the UniSQ MacIntyre Wind Farm Scholarship are now open! This scholarship offers an opportunity for local students from the Southern Downs Region, Goondiwindi Region, or Toowoomba Region who are passionate about pursuing a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
This scholarship is aimed at encouraging and supporting the next generation of STEM professionals who will contribute to the region’s growth and sustainability, particularly within industries like renewable energy, which are vital to our future. It's an excellent opportunity for first-year STEM students of UniSQ, who want to develop the skills necessary to thrive in high-demand areas such as engineering, environmental science, and technology.
Scholarship details:
• Value: Each scholarship will have a maximum value of $4000
• Open to: First-year students enrolling in STEM programs at UniSQ
• Eligibility: Applicants must be based in the Southern Downs Region, Goondiwindi Region, or Toowoomba Region
• Application deadline: 18 November 2024
• More information and how to apply:
Date Claimers
Queensland Police Service
Queensland Police Service: Recruiting Seminar – Toowoomba November 18, 2024. The Queensland Police Service is recruiting real life experience, to make a real difference.
Not sure if you:
• Meet the requirements?
• Are you the right person for the job?
• Get paid as a police recruit?
• How you progress in the QPS?
• What is expected during the recruiting process and the cost involved?
These and many more questions will be answered during this Recruiting Information Session.
This session will be conducted by experienced, serving Queensland police officers. They will explain the requirements for entry, and may also give you an insight into their own experiences.
Australian Defence Force
Defence Air Force Careers Information Session – Toowoomba November 21, 2024
In addition to defending our nation, the Air Force supports a broad range of operations in Australia and overseas, including:
• supporting international security and counter-terrorism initiatives
• protecting our borders from illegal activity and incursions
• carrying out search and rescue missions
• supporting peacekeeping operations
• helping communities affected by natural disasters
Would you like to learn about the wide variety of Air Force careers available? Join them for an info session and speak with current serving members about entry pathways and career opportunities.
By Mr Thomas Duggan, Sports Coordinator
Queensland All School Track and Field Championships
Congratulations to the following students that competed at the QLD All Schools Track and Field Championships:
- Logan Hallman
- Hayley Wainwright
- Harry Hume
- Riley Wainwright
Special congratulations to Harry Hume who won the Gold Medal in the 16yrs Boys Shot Put event. Harry will now represent QLD at the upcoming Nationals Track and Field Championships later in the year. Please join me in congratulating Harry.
Assumption College Sports Profile Of The Week
At Assumption College, we take immense pride in our students’ sporting achievements. Moving forward, we will be profiling a student in each of our newsletters to celebrate their dedication, hard work and success. We hope you enjoy learning about some of our outstanding Assumption College students. Stay tuned for inspiring stories and highlights from our talented athletes!
By Mrs Jenny Gillespie, College Counsellor
Blurred Minds
On Wednesday 6 November 2024, students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 participated in age-appropriate health education lessons appropriately run by The Blurred Minds Academy.
The Blurred Minds Academy is an evidence-based alcohol and drug education and research service operated by Griffith University and the workshops were conducted by Dr James Durl.
Year 10 students attended a comprehensive 2 hour workshop discussing the use of alcohol, cannabis and vapes. Year 9 students attended a 1 hour workshop addressing alcohol use and abuse, with students in Years 7 and 8 attended a workshop on vaping.
We know that teen alcohol and drug use is influenced by many factors including biology, psychology and social influences, and the topics addressed included chemical facts, media matters, peer pressure and health statistics.
Dr Durl helped engage students with relevant and meaningful information designed to change their beliefs and behaviours for the better.
I encourage you to discuss with your child their impressions of their Blurred Mind lesson and use the opportunity to generate dialogue re: wellbeing in general terms.
For questions or further information please contact either Brett or Jenny in the College Counselling Office.
By Mr John Hodder, Curriculum Leader
Junior House Band Shines on Rodeo Float!
Congratulations to the Junior House Band for their outstanding performance on the rodeo float at the John Dee Warwick Rodeo Street Parade! Performing in front of a large crowd is no small feat, but doing so on a moving float truly showcases their hard work and dedication. Their ability to deliver such an impressive performance under these challenging conditions is a testament to their talent and perseverance.
A special thank you goes to Sathumi Wijesooriya for her incredible efforts in building this band. Her dedication to working with the students each week has significantly improved their musicality and confidence. Sathumi’s guidance and passion have been instrumental in the band’s success.
We are immensely proud of the Junior House Band and look forward to seeing more of their amazing performances in the future. Keep up the fantastic work!
Shake & Stir Theatre Company Inspires Year 7 Students at Assumption College
Assumption College recently had the pleasure of hosting Shake & Stir Theatre Company, who conducted engaging drama and media arts workshops for our Year 7 students. This exciting event provided an incredible opportunity for our students to learn from industry professionals and explore their creative potential.
In the drama workshops, students delved into the world of stagecraft, honing their skills in taking on rolls and physical movement. These sessions were designed to enhance their understanding of theatrical performance and build their confidence on stage.
Meanwhile, the media arts workshops offered a hands-on experience in creating short advertisements. Students had the chance to film their own footage and edit it alongside provided material, gaining valuable insights into the art of storytelling through media.
We were particularly honoured to have Nick James, a prominent figure in Shake & Stir’s mainstage productions, including their recent adaptation of Frankenstein. His expertise and passion for the arts inspired our students and highlighted the importance of learning from seasoned professionals.
Having industry experts like Nick James at our College is a testament to the enriching educational experiences we strive to provide. These workshops not only foster creativity but also equip students with practical skills that are essential in today’s media-rich world.
We look forward to more such collaborations in the future, continuing to nurture the artistic talents of our students and broadening their horizons.
ACW Vocal Ensemble Celebrates Record Attendance!
Last week the ACW Vocal Ensemble is thrilled to have had its largest attendance yet! The ensemble has seen a remarkable increase in participation, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for music and culture at Assumption College.
A special thank you goes out to the 2025 senior leaders for their unwavering support. Your presence and encouragement have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant cultural environment within our school community, and the ongoing growth of the vocal ensemble. We also thank our ensemble members who have been coming every week!
Singing in a choir offers numerous benefits, both academically and socially. It enhances cognitive abilities, improves memory, and fosters discipline. Socially, it builds teamwork, boosts confidence, and creates a sense of belonging. These experiences are invaluable, contributing to the holistic development of our students.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated ensemble coordinator, Kodey Brims. Her hard work and passion each week have been pivotal in guiding the ensemble.
We invite every student to join us for vocal ensemble rehearsals every Friday during the first break in St James Hall. Come along, find your voice, and be part of something special!
By Mrs Amanda McCosker, College Chaplain
Breakfast Club 
A reminder to everyone that Breakfast Club runs each morning, outside Room 204. If you haven’t had a chance to grab breakfast or need a little extra fuel to power through a busy morning of assessments or examinations, please feel free to stop by.
A heartfelt “THANK YOU” to the amazing Year 11 students who have been helping with the setting up and supervision of the breakfast table. I appreciate your help very much.
St Vinnies Christmas Appeal
As you stroll through town, it’s hard to miss the festive cheer that signals the arrival of the Christmas season! With Christmas trees, advent calendars, sweet treats, and gifts adorning every shop, it’s truly a magical time of year. While I absolutely love Christmas, it’s important to remember its true meaning amidst all the hustle and bustle.
Our 2025 Leaders have done an exceptional job, running the St Vinnies Christmas Appeal with passion and enthusiasm. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve already received an incredible amount of donations, and there are still a few weeks left to contribute.
The themes for the remaining weeks of the appeal are –
Week 7 – Dinner and Lunch foods
Week 8 – Essential Items
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Please continue to give what you can; your generosity will help make someone else’s Christmas a little brighter.
Reflection
To wrap up this newsletter, let’s take a moment to reflect on the powerful words of Mother Teresa:
“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.”
In a world, and especially at this time of the year, that often feels rushed and chaotic, let’s remember the importance of kindness in our daily lives. A simple act of kindness can make a significant difference!
By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver, Teacher Librarian
Yarn-Up
Today we loved being a part of the first lunch time Yarn-Up organised by our 2025 Inclusivity Leader Isabella Sullivan. Lots of students enjoyed painting with traditional First Nations symbols and we loved the art work produced. They will go on display for everyone to enjoy.
Reader's Challenge
On the Thursday 10 October 2024, we attended the Reader’s Challenge at Warwick State High School. We had 1 team of intrepid readers, and they did very well to read so many books and answer trivia questions about them. We admire their dedication to reading, and it was great to witness so many students from schools around the Southern Downs sharing their love of reading. The teacher team also had a great time answering the trivia questions and we are encouraging the teachers from other schools to create their own teacher teams for next year. Well done, to everyone who participated.
3D Printer
This term, we are putting the 3D printer to work. Year 10 Maths students are creating their very own medals to be awarded to next year’s inter-pc competition winners! We are helping them bring their designs to life, and it has been great to see how the designs translate from online software into the real world.
Thank you to our wonderful helpers
We were very grateful to have some wonderful helpers to assist us with many tasks in the library. From reshelving to writing off old books, these students’ help has made a massive difference for us, and we are glad to have so many lovely students willing to help.
Returning Books and Borrowing over the Christmas Break
As we approach the end of term, we are glad to see that students are bringing back books as they are finished with them. We encourage students to begin checking the whereabouts and condition of their textbooks, returning them as they finish with them, to avoid the end of year rush.
That said, it’s time to pick up your summer reading! We are very happy for our avid readers to borrow some books to read over the holidays and now is the time to organise this.
Christmas Craft Activities
Finally, as we look towards the holiday season, we are also encouraging students to join us in the library every Tuesday, at first break, for some Christmas craft activities. We will begin by making our very own nativity scene then decorate paper Christmas trees, create some cute reindeer decorations and more.
So remember, if you don’t know where to go, come to the Library.
Written by Mrs Natalie Bennett - Middle Leader - Teaching and Learning Director
Another Year of Brilliance from Our Year 12 Literature Legends!
As we approach the close of another fruitful year, remember to take some time to reflect on the many achievements, from academic triumphs to extracurricular successes, that each student has accomplished this year. Once again, we have been fortunate to celebrate the many achievements of our Senior Literature Class of 2024. Each of these accomplishments serves as a reminder of the dedication and effort invested by our students, parents, and teachers alike. It stands as a testament to the effectiveness of Assumption College's curriculum, which is crafted to inspire and challenge our students to realise their full potential.
We value excellence in achievements and aspirations while always striving to give and be our best. We also believe acknowledging and celebrating achievement builds student motivation and self-esteem and contributes to our positive classroom and College culture.
We congratulate the Year 12 Literature Class of 2024 for their outstanding efforts and results to date. The calibre of creative and analytical writing and speaking has been extraordinary. Below is a snapshot of some of their results.
• Eight students, Zachary Clift, Nick Garvin, Ava McLucas, Cooper Morton, Jia O’Dea, Will Saunders, Toby Spiller and Amity Willett, have achieved a perfect score for their second internal creative spoken assessment task, supported and confirmed by the QCAA. This represents nearly 45% of the class!
• Five students, Zachary Clift, Nick Garvin, Gabriella Kerlin, Cooper Morton and Toby Spiller, have been confirmed as achieving 25/25 for their third internal creative written task.
• Nick Garvin and Cooper Morton have been confirmed as achieving a perfect score (75/75) for all of their assessments completed, with just the external assessment results remaining. This last external exam, an analytical essay response to an unseen question on Shakespeare’s King Lear, would also have been completed with great discernment, incredible knowledge, flair, and style – a perfect score for Literature is well within their reach.
• For the whole Literature class, the mean average result for their second creative spoken assessment task was 21/25 – outstanding!
How has this class of students received such superb results? There is no mystery here; the students have strived to give their best and do not stop until they are confident they have achieved.
As we look forward to the end of 2024 and the new year, Assumption College encourages everyone to strive for excellence and embrace the opportunities ahead. Whether moving up a grade, preparing for exams, or gearing up for final graduation, remember that each step forward is a chance to grow and learn. Thank you to all students, teachers, and staff for the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm that you have shown this year. As we approach the final stretch, it's easy to be tempted to switch into holiday mode too early. Let’s try to stay motivated and focused on your goals until the term comes to a close!
Warwick Cornhole Donation
A huge shoutout and thank you to Alex Fernandes from Warwick Cornhole and Saturn Electrical for their incredibly generous donation of cornhole boards, bags, and a scoreboard to our College. Your support is truly appreciated and has already brought so much joy to our students. They’ve been having an absolute blast with their new addition!
College Tutoring Program
2025 College Photos
The College will be partnering with Advanced Life School Photography in 2025. College photos will be taken on Friday 7 February 2025 and are able to be purchased online through the QR Code link on the below flyer.
