By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Gospel

John 20: 19-31

John’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. It speaks of the fear that disciples had at the Lord’s appearance and how he was able to calm them with the phrase, “Peace be with you”. This is also the Gospel that speaks of Thomas’s doubt of the resurrection of the Lord, a moment that has seen history label him forever as Doubting Thomas. We have spoken previously of how unfair that title has become, given the Catholic Church's dialogical culture emphasises open, respectful dialogue among diverse groups. Our Church fosters mutual understanding, reconciliation, and collaboration rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. We are open to questions and embrace curiosity. By encouraging inquiry, the Church helps individuals explore their faith more deeply, leading to a stronger, more personal connection with their beliefs. Curiosity allows for a richer understanding of doctrine and tradition, fostering a dynamic and evolving faith journey.

John’s Gospel is also important for the disciples as the beginning of their transformation from disciples to apostles, which is brought to the fore in this passage. The transformation of a disciple into an apostle can be likened to a student's journey through secondary education. Much like a student, a disciple begins with a foundation of learning and guidance. They absorb knowledge, ask questions, and develop their understanding under the mentorship of a teacher. This phase is crucial for building the necessary skills and confidence.

As the disciple matures into an apostle, they transition from learning to leading, applying their knowledge in real-world contexts. Similarly, a student progresses through secondary education, gaining independence and critical thinking abilities. By the end of their schooling, they are prepared to take on new challenges, share their insights, and contribute meaningfully to their communities, much like apostles spreading their teachings and making a difference in the world.

That transformation can often begin with trepidation, questioning, and yes, even fear; however, just as Jesus calms the disciples with the repetition of, “Peace be with you”, we remind our students that whilst their journeys will not be without conflict or strife, they are prepared for whatever comes their way, as their grounding is here within their families, within our Assumption College community; a community that lights the way with Truth and with Love, whose words and actions are always steeped in the values of justice, wisdom, generosity and compassion.

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

Written by Mrs Anna Hardy, Assistant Principal Curriculum 

Parent/Teacher/Student/Conferences

Thanks you to the parents/guardians that attended our Parent/Teacher/Student/Conferences last week. We understand that your time is valuable, and we appreciate your commitment to your child's education.

As a college, we value the partnership with parents and recognise the importance of working together to support the education journey of your child. Your involvement and support are integral to the success of our students and welcomed at any stage of your child’s education journey. Please contact your child’s teacher at any stage during the term, it doesn’t need to be only at these conferences.

This year, we also ran a CANVAS information session every 20 minutes for parents/guardians. Much of this was setting up CANVAS access for parents. A reminder that this link must be used: https://dotcs.instructure.com/login/canvas. It will look like the following image. Please do not google CANVAS, your log in will not work. There is a QR code below for the CANVAS App – please ensure you select Toowoomba Catholic Schools (parents) as the school.

Please contact the college office if you cannot access Canvas, we will assist you through the process.

Atomi – Year 10-12 Resource Platform

All Year 7-12 students have access to Atomi. Atomi is an online learning platform that uses AI to help with study, revision and exam practice. It also allows students to access the current Queensland syllabus they are studying now.

Atomi's AI system uses algorithms to personalise each student's learning experience, providing them with resources and study material that align with their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Atomi offers a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, which are all aligned with the Australian curriculum and/or the QCAA Senior Syllabi. Students can access interactive lessons, quizzes, and practice exams, which are designed to help them consolidate their understanding of key concepts.

One of the main benefits of Atomi is that it provides students with immediate feedback on their progress. As they work through the platform's exercises, Atomi's AI system monitors their performance and provides them with real-time feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. This helps students to identify areas where they need to improve and focus their study efforts accordingly.

Overall, Atomi is a valuable resource for Year 10 -12 students who are looking to improve their academic performance. Its AI-powered platform, personalised learning experience, and comprehensive syllabus coverage make it a powerful tool for students who are looking to achieve academic success.

Following is a video that explains how to use the platform.

Written by Mrs Julie Collins, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Wellbeing

As expected, Term 2 has brought some cooler weather and a change of uniform for our students.

Please see your child’s diary for the College Uniform Policy.

Seniors will be expected to wear their blazers to and from school, to PC, assemblies and formal occasions. The jersey is not part of the formal uniform and is not to be worn under the blazer at the aforementioned times.

The new softshell green Assumption College jacket is available from School Locker, via Danny Lyons.

If you have any concerns about the winter uniform, please contact the College to discuss with your child’s Pastoral Leader.

School Refusal

I have included some information below about school refusal and support available.

Some of you may be familiar with the Raising Children - the Australian parenting website.

There is some helpful information and support guides on the following link.

School refusal: children & teenagers | Raising Children Network

Written by Mr Patrick Donnely, Assistant Principal Mission and Identity 

Easter and the Easter Season

He is Risen. As we celebrate the joyous season of Easter, we are reminded of the profound significance of Christ's resurrection. This time of renewal and hope invites us to reflect on the triumph of life over death and the promise of eternal life. The Easter season, spanning fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost, is a period of rejoicing and spiritual growth. It is a time to embrace the light of Christ, allowing it to illuminate our hearts and guide our actions. Let us come together as a community, sharing in the joy of the risen Lord and committing ourselves to living out the Gospel values of love, compassion, and service.

Remembering Pope Francis

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a shepherd who led with humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice. His papacy was marked by a profound dedication to the marginalised and a call for the Church to be a beacon of mercy and love. As we continue to pray for his soul, we also honour his legacy by striving to carry forward his mission. Let us be inspired by his example, working tirelessly to build a more just and compassionate world. In our daily lives, may we embody the values he championed, ensuring that his vision for a Church that serves all people endures.

What Happens Next

Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and reflection. The College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave to elect a new pope, a process steeped in tradition and prayer. This gathering will take place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals will seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to choose a successor who will continue to lead the Church with wisdom and compassion. As we await the election of a new pope, let us remain united in prayer, trusting in God's providence to guide the Church through this transition. May we continue to uphold the values and teachings that Pope Francis so passionately advocated for, ensuring that his legacy lives on in our actions and our hearts.

ANZAC Day Commemoration

On ANZAC Day, our college community came together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. At the dawn service, students, staff, and families gathered in solemn reflection, paying tribute to those who served and continue to serve our nation. Following the service, many participated in the ANZAC Day march and service, proudly representing our college and showing our respect. The day before, we held our liturgy, where we shared prayers, readings, and reflections, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and remembrance. These events not only commemorate the past but also instil in us the values of courage, resilience, and unity.

Written by Scott Clegg - Business Manager

2025 Federal Election

We trust that you participated in the recent Federal Election, as your vote counted towards determining the leadership of Australia for the upcoming term.

The Catholic education sector works with all levels of governments to provide affordable, high-quality education for families that choose a Catholic school. It is important in the 2025 federal election to understand where political parties stand on supporting Catholic education.

In Queensland, more than 162,000 students attend Catholic schools, and more than 820,000 are enrolled nationally. Students come from various socio-economic backgrounds and have different abilities, and Catholic schools are open to all who seek a Catholic education.

The sector is also a significant employer with over 112,000 employees nationally, contributing more than $17 billion to the Australian economy.

The goal is to continue working constructively with the government to contribute to education across Australia. This can be achieved through a collaborative approach from politicians.

The priorities for the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) and the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC), are as follows:

1. Ensure Affordability and Choice

Catholic schools save taxpayers billions of dollars and decrease pressure on government-run schools. To remain sustainable, continued policy stability and funding certainty from the government are necessary.

Political leaders are requested to:

• Guarantee funding certainty with no adverse changes
• Ease cost of living pressures by reviewing the funding model to ensure fair and affordable parental contributions
• Support Catholic schools in employing staff who uphold their ethos
• Ensure equal access to programs such as national teacher training initiatives.

2. Address Hardship, Wellbeing, and Disadvantage

Every student deserves access to quality education and the appropriate support, regardless of their background.

Political leaders are requested to:

• Expand mental health and wellbeing programs in schools
• Increase support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including Indigenous Boarding and Closing the Gap initiatives
• Improve funding models for students with disabilities, rural and remote schools, and disadvantaged communities.

3. Build and Innovate for the Future

As demand for non-government schooling and early childhood education grows, investment must keep pace.

Political leaders are requested to:

• Ensure fair funding for early childhood and vocational education, including new early childhood centres on Catholic school sites
• Increase infrastructure funding through the Capital Grants Program
• Support Catholic schools in leading national education reforms.

We look forward to continuing to work with our government as they lead our nation for the next term.

Written by Alison Porter - Career Development Practitioner 

Graduate Women Queensland (Darling Downs Branch) 2025 Scholarship

Applications are now open for the Graduate Women Queensland (Darling Downs Branch) 2025 Scholarship. The Branch aims to support a female student with their educational expenses whilst studying at University.

Eligibility:

• Female student studying either full-time or part-time

• Enrolled in a tertiary preparation program (TPP) or in a first-year undergraduate program

• Australian citizen, Permanent Australian Humanitarian Visa holder, Permanent Resident of Australia, Temporary Protection Visa, Temporary Humanitarian Stay Visa or Bridging Visa

• Current residency within the Darling Downs regional area.

The application form can be found in the below PDF.

Applications for the Scholarship close on 20 May 2025 and should be submitted by email to: gwqddbranch@outlook.com.

Written by Mr Tom Duggan, Sports Co-Ordinator

Assumption College 2025 Cross Country

What a wonderful day it was to celebrate the 2025 Assumption College Cross Country down along the banks of the Condamine River —the sun was shining, and our students had a blast!

Due to the postponement of our first cross country carnival, students who were not competing in their respective age races were still able to make a difference by participating in the March Charge fundraiser.

It's was wonderful to see everyone contributing and enjoying the day together. 

We would like to congratulate all students who participated especially those who received individual awards. 

We are pleased to announce the following results:

12 Year Old Boys Champions

Winner - Oscar Cocker       

Runner - Up - Riley McVeigh

12 Year Old Girls Champions

13 Year Old Boys Champions

Winner - Patrick Kajewski                                   

Runner - Up - Levi Zadow

13 Year Old Girls Champions

Winner - Emily Nolan                                           

Runner - Up - Harper Bartz

14 Year Old Boys Champions

Winner - Mason Bowden  Set a new record by over 1 minute                                    

Runner Up - Cooper Zadow

14 Year Old Girls Champions

Winner - Alexis Byrne                                         

Runner Up - Jemima Kaaoua

15 Year Old Boys Champions

Winner - Preston Marshall                                 

Runner Up - Micah Thomas

15 Year Old Girls Champions

Winner - Georgia Albrand                                   

Runner Up - Lucy Spiller

16 Year Old Boys Champions

Winner - Aiden Byrne  Set a new course record by over 2 minuntes                                

Runner Up - Adam Harmer

Runner Up - Lauren Ryan 

 

17/18 Year Old Boys Champions

17/18 Year Old Girls Champions

McAuley House

Lee Gunderman House Spirit Trophy

Romero House

Written by Jenny Gillespie - College Counsellor

5 ways to build a Confident mindset in young people

How you think, effects how you feel which in turn leads how you behave. Developing a confident mindset where your thinking is constructive and hopeful, places teens at an advantage not only in adolescence rbut in adulthood as well.

Good social-emotional literacy skills are crucial to a confident mindset and provide the unwritten rules of getting along with others and preparing for success in learning and the workplace.

Meta-analysis studies around the world have demonstrated that social-emotional competencies can be taught and make a positive difference in young people’s lives. The long-term benefits include better academic outcomes, improved conduct, healthier relationships, and lower emotional distress. (Taylor et.al, 2017).

All students undertake Pastoral Lessons each term explicitly focused on social-emotional literacy and skills. Lessons teach self-awareness skills and how to manage social-emotional ‘blockers’ like procrastination, anger, stress and anxiety.

At home, there are also ways to help build confident thinking patterns in young people through ongoing conversations, encouragement and practice. As with all aspects of development, focusing on progress, rather than perfection is essential as self-confidence takes time to grow.

1. Teach young people the ins and outs of healthy friendships

Lead them to find out who they really are (not who they think they should be or who others want them to be). Help them see how friendships thrive through common ground, open-mindedness, mutual respect and empathy. Bonds are strengthened further by understanding that differences are a natural part of human diversity and can be a positive aspect of friendship.

2. Teach emotion regulation skills

Let young people know emotions are contagious and being responsible for the feelings you bring into a space is an important part of growing up and developing your emotional intelligence. Teach young people to create a space between their feelings and their actions - “Regulation gives us the ability to put time and thought between a feeling and an action”.

3. Help them understand the value of confident self-talk

Spend some time allowing young people to have a ‘thought dump’ in a journal or through conversation with you. In this time, they think of all the things their inner critic says. Next, they create a new dialogue, a steady voice that speaks with kindness and encouragement, like you would offer a treasured friend.

4. Practise compassion

Studies have shown that being compassionate by noticing the good in others, valuing and appreciating them for who they are can reduce stress, producing calmer, more rational and reasonable thinking. (Weng et al (2018). Have deliberate conversations where you notice the good in others. Over time, this optimism and compassion for others builds a young person’s confidence in themselves as well.

5. Teach problem solving and decision-making skills

To be confident, you need to know what to do when faced with an unexpected curve ball. Sometimes young people will be able to do this by themselves and sometimes they will need the confidence to ask for help. Having the tools to deal with age-appropriate problems strengthens young people’s belief in themselves over time.

For further discussion or information re: social emotional challenges and skills please contact either Brett or Jenny in the College Wellbeing Centre, Monday to Friday via email: Jenny.Gillespie@twb.catholic.edu.au or Brett.Armstrong@twb.catholic.edu.au

Written by John Hodder - Hospitality Teacher

Unlocking the Art of DJing with DJ Emmjay

Assumption College students recently had the incredible opportunity to learn from a professional DJ, Mitchell, who goes by the stage name DJ Emmjay. Currently in his final year of studying Law at QUT, Mitchell is not only an accomplished student but also a highly skilled DJ. His workshop provided an in-depth look into the art of DJing, emphasising the importance of a strong understanding of music, including beat, structure, and sound frequency.

During the workshop, DJ Emmjay demonstrated the essential hardware and software used in DJing, showcasing the skills and knowledge required to excel in this field. He also shared his personal journey of balancing his passion for DJing with the demands of a full-time law degree, offering valuable insights and inspiration to our students.

About DJ Emmjay

Mitchell, known professionally as DJ Emmjay, has made significant strides in the DJing world. In 2023, he won the Grand Final of the Your Shot Competition in Queensland, earning the grand prize of performing at an international DJ Festival. This year, he will be taking his talents overseas to perform on an international stage.

A Multifaceted Talent

Mitch's journey is a testament to the value of arts education in high school. He excelled in Drama, achieving 100% in General Drama and playing major roles in three musicals. Despite his commitment to studying Law, Mitch has always understood the importance of expressing his creativity. His success in both academics and the arts serves as an excellent example for our students, demonstrating how pursuing one's passions can lead to a fulfilling and balanced life.

Inspiring the Next Generation

DJ Emmjay's workshop was not just about teaching the technical aspects of DJing; it was about inspiring our students to pursue their passions and find a balance between their academic and creative pursuits. Mitch's story is a powerful reminder that with dedication and hard work, it is possible to excel in multiple fields and achieve one's dreams.

We are grateful to DJ Emmjay for sharing his expertise and experiences with our students, and we look forward to seeing the impact of his workshop on their musical journeys.

Written by Mrs Taylor Quinn, Teacher Librarian 

Library News

Welcome back to the library. We hope you had a good break and are refreshed and ready to start new learning and reading adventures!

Our bookshelves are brimming with new arrivals and timeless classics waiting to be discovered. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a fascinating nonfiction read, we have something for everyone.

Magazines and newspapers have also been popular recently. Don't forget to check out our "Staff Recommendations" section to see what the teachers think are the best of the best in our collection.

Reading for enjoyment is not just a great pastime but also excellent for your brain and wellbeing.

Here are some reasons why you should make time for reading:

Reduces Stress: Becoming immersed in a book can be a way of relaxing and escaping from the stresses of daily life.

Improves Focus and Concentration: Regular reading enhances your ability to concentrate and focus on tasks.

Increases Empathy: Engaging with diverse characters and stories helps you understand different perspectives and emotions better.

Enriches Vocabulary and Knowledge: Reading exposes you to new words and ideas, broadening your understanding of the world.

Increases Creativity: Fiction engages your imagination and inspires creative thinking.

So why not pick up a book today and start enjoying these incredible benefits?

As we settle into Term 2 and assessments begin to be given out in Week 3, we want to remind all students that we are happy to help with any assignment and provide a quiet space to work in. Get started early to reduce stress as the due dates approach and ensure you submit your best work by giving yourself enough time to proofread and refine your work.

Assumption College ANZAC Day Ceremony

On Thursday 24 April 2025, we gathered in solemn remembrance of the brave women and men who served our nation with courage and selflessness. We honoured the ANZAC spirit and gave thanks for their sacrifices and the freedoms we enjoy because of their dedication.

Thank you to everyone who attended our College ANZAC Day Service. A special thank you to our guest speaker, Shane Walker, for your insight into the legacy and significance of Kokoda.

As our service concluded, we were in awe of our Curriculum Leader of Mathematics, Mrs Esther Hohenheim, and her powerful vocal performance of "Pie Jesu."

Ode of Remembrance 
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest We Forget.

ANZAC Day Ceremony Warwick 

Assumption College students had the privilege of participating in several ANZAC Day services and marches this year.

Representing our College community with pride, students demonstrated deep respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served our country.

We honour their legacy and remember those who gave their lives so we could live ours.

Lest We Forget.