By Mrs Liisa Hammond, Principal

Gospel: Luke 21:25 – 36 

Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation for our community. For the next four weeks leading up to Christmas, we will focus on the themes of peace, joy, love, and, like this week’s Gospel – Hope. During this sacred time, we are reminded of the importance of preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ—the true meaning of Christmas.

Luke’s Gospel tells us the narrative of Jesus speaking of the signs in the heavens and on earth that remind us that even though we face challenges and uncertainties, we are, at all times, supported. Jesus guides us to be strong in our faith and renewed in our spirit, for he is with us.

At Assumption College, this Gospel holds relevance as we review 2024. Just as Luke speaks of facing challenges, be they academic pressures, social issues or personal struggles, we are encouraged to remain hopeful and resilient as there are many people within our community who will support and guide us. As a community, we actively foster a sense of belonging and engagement, encouraging and championing one another. This Gospel foretells a hope-filled and inspired future as long as we remain true to the teachings of Truth and Love.

2024 in Review

2024 began with the celebration of our outstanding 2023 results and the announcement of Thomas Ryan as our 2023 Dux and Alexander Newley as our 2023 Proxime Accessit. With 100% of students attaining their Queensland Certificate of Education, 22% of students achieving an ATAR over 90, 52% of the 2023 cohort receiving an early entry into university and 100% of our school-based apprentices and trainees converting to full-time work, the 2024 Senior Cohort had definitely been delivered a challenge.

The 2024 Senior Cohort of Sower of Seeds was such a pivotal motivator for success this year. With the core values of Compassion, Generosity, Wisdom, and Justice, they not only embodied these principles but also inspired others to do the same. Their commitment to Compassion was evident in their numerous community service projects, where they worked tirelessly to support those in need, including the March Charge and Day for Dolly. They continued to sow seeds of Generosity as they organised fundraisers and donation drives, ensuring that resources were available for various charitable causes. This culminated in their Founders’ Day celebrations and fundraising for the local volunteer firefighters who worked tirelessly to help our community through floods, fires and other emergencies. The 2024 Senior Cohort’s Wisdom shone through in academic achievements and thoughtful leadership, guiding younger students and setting a high standard for excellence. Finally, their dedication to Justice was reflected in their advocacy for fairness and equality, both within the College and in the broader community. This cohort's influence extended beyond their individual accomplishments, fostering an aspirational culture and an unfailing spirit that will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.

Our 2024 Annual Action Plan consisted of four (4) categories: Engaged Students Learning, Being Distinctively Catholic, Valuing Our People, and Using Resources Wisely. In a year that was committed to a clear improvement agenda, there is much to reflect on; therefore, I shall be noting only the highlights in each.

Engaged Students Learning

Central to our engagement of learners is a commitment to maintaining our clear expectations about attendance to the core business of our College – learning. This has led to a commitment to ensuring limited interruptions so that our students can achieve their educational goals.

This year saw the highest number of students ever achieving an Aspirational Achievement award, setting a new standard of excellence when it comes to our students accepting responsibility to be the hardest working people for their own success. 2024 also saw an increase in the number of students receiving academic and application awards in Year 10 and Year 11, which indicates the depth and breadth of pathways our students are engaging in. With an ever-increasing offering of subjects, we are committed to providing every student with the capacity and opportunity to pursue their desired pathways.

The targeted focus of improvement in academic performance and agency across all learning pathways was met via several strategies, including the continual development of the Senior Tracking Team, where students, parents/guardians and key staff came together to guide, counsel and support our students’ successes.
Through the introduction of Live Feedback, parents and guardians are provided with the opportunity for timely and opportunistic information to ensure that they can support their children when it counts. Pastoral Care classes have been given the prominence they deserve, focusing on report comments reflecting the strong connection these teachers have with their students.

Being Distinctively Catholic

In 2024, our community was challenged to develop an understanding of what it means to be distinctively Catholic. Our staff's core beliefs were reflected in growing confidence in celebrating our faith through the creation of Pastoral Care Liturgies that the Pastoral Care classes created themselves. Furthermore, staff engaged with key strategic documents, including Vatican Statements, doctoral works and Papal Encyclicals, to develop ‘We Believe’ statements.

We celebrated numerous achievements: Riley Salter received the Catholic Education Week award for expert early careers teacher, and Eileen Moyle, an ACW Alumnist, was honoured as the recipient of the 2024 Spirit of Catholic Education award. Two staff members completed their Masters, one in Theology and the other in Leadership of a Catholic Organisation. Seven staff members engaged in Cornerstones, a faith formation group, and two staff members attended the TCS staff retreats.

In sports, we were competitive in swimming, athletics, rugby league, rugby 7s, basketball, netball, water polo, athletics, chess, and esports. Culturally, we experienced an explosion of the arts with artists in residence, QPAC excursions, and success at the Catholic Musical Festival. Highlights included our Concert Band, Jazz Band, senior and junior house bands, staff/student vocal ensemble, and the introduction of the Drumline at the Year 12 Graduation. The Assumption College Variety Showcase featured memorable performances, including a tribute to the Backstreet Boys and a rousing rendition of "You’re the Voice" by Toby Spiller on bagpipes. Students represented our College at all levels of government, with Issy Sullivan speaking at the State Parliament and giving voice to the voiceless.

Our students actively participated in community events like Jumpers and Jazz, the Rodeo Parade, and numerous social justice initiatives, embodying the values of living in a regional town and contributing to the community.

Using Resources Wisely

One of our greatest accomplishments this year was the delivery of the new library and Year 7 precinct. Eight years in the making, the delivery of this key priority of our master building plan was exceptional. The greatest of thanks goes to DMC Construction Group, Dean and his team, and to Rachel Jenkins and Aspect Architects and Project Managers. It would be remiss of us not to greatly thank Paul Bryant, Manager of Facilities Development, and Mandy Kulczynski, Facilities Project Management Officer, both from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. Naturally, I would like to thank our Business Manager, Mr Scott Clegg, for his tireless work and resilience in bringing this amazing facility to life and providing our young people and staff with a workspace that nurtures a love of learning and provides for the future learners of our College.

Not only do we need to highlight our new build, but there have also been classroom refurbishments, the setup of the Wellbeing Centre and several additions and improvements to allow for accessibility and equality of learning for all members of our community.

In 2024, Assumption College, along with all schools and colleges within the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese, moved to a new financial model that has seen staff engage in greater development of their financial literacy skills, ensuring prudent and responsible stewardship over our resources and facilities.

Valuing Our People

We engaged our alumni to strengthen our community with our All Ways for Always campaign, telling the story of our students since they left Assumption College. Our Alumni Committee is growing in numbers and interest, with several college tours being requested by reunion classes – most recently the class of 1972-1974.

Our staff have committed to an enduring and effective improvement agenda that includes engagement in Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) focused on identified areas of growth. In 2024, these teams were Effective Pedagogy in Mathematics, Distinctively Catholic, Subject Discipline Literacy, Year 7 Transition, Positive Behaviour Support, Development of Aspirational Culture, and Effective Teaching and Learning Practices. With the Year 7 Transition Team completing their research, we look forward to introducing the Data Literacy and Storytelling Professional Learning Team in 2025. We especially thank Rosie Gillespie, Mick Floyd, and Jo Tooley from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, as well as other supporters from various schools and colleges.

Parental involvement was strong through our Parent & Friends Committee, our Advisory Committee, the P&F Long Lunch, parent information sessions, Grandparents Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Open Day. Of particular note, I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Sophia McLucas, our retiring P&F Chair, and Mrs Michelle Spence, our retiring P&F Treasurer. These ladies have contributed endless hours, energy and expertise to ensure that our young people and our community are well-supported. For the past three years that I have been principal of our college, these women have consistently ensured best practices and outcomes for our students, and this speaks to the calibre and strength of our community. The P&F will miss these wonderful families, and we thank them for the gift of their service.

This year, we farewelled the 2024 senior cohort and, one week later, at Orientation Day, welcomed the 2030 senior cohort. As we reflect on a year of challenges and growth, we look towards 2025, where we are committed to Light the Lantern, guided by our values of Wisdom, Generosity, Compassion, and Justice, lighting our way to Truth and Love.

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