Coming Up Week 10

With the final week of term is upon us, exams and assessment are at the forefront of everyone's mind. Please use this weekend to prepare well for all assessment and end the term on a high. Assessment schedules are available on the ATC App and in Parent Lounge/Student Cafe. Please note that many year levels have exams right up until the last day of the term so please check the schedules. With two weeks of holidays to follow it is important that students are in attendance for the whole of the last day of Term Three and not taking the soft option. Junior School students will take part in the Charity Fayre on the last day and should being gold coins to support the Year 4s as they tackle their first fundraising event of the year.

I remind all families that Monday 2 October is the King's Birthday Public Holiday and the first day for all year levels for Term Four is Tuesday 3 October.

Last week we had the pleasure of seeing our ensembles and choirs perform at a world class venue, Riverlife, for our Formal Music Concert. I congratulate Mr Jonathon Bolt and his team along with our talented musicians, for such an entertaining evening. The next major music event and the College’s largest community event of the year is the Jazz by the River on Saturday 14 October. This is a whole community event and not just for the families of music students. I encourage you to mark this date in your calendar and go online to purchase tickets.

I look forward to seeing hundreds of parents on the Brothers Oval this Sunday for the return of our Foundation's Long Lunch event. It will be a day of fundraising, friendraising and community support for our Bursary program. It looks like the weather is going to be kind to us, for another wonderful afternoon on the oval.

UPCOMING DATES 

Sunday 10 September | ATC Foundation Long Lunch

Monday 10 September to Friday 15 September | Exam Period

Thursday 14 September | Years 4-7, 2024 Orientation Evening

Friday 15 September | Last Day of Term Four (students finish at 3:00pm)

Friday 15 September | Monday Bell Times

Friday 15 September | Term 3 Celebration Liturgy

Friday 15 September | Year 4 Charity Fayre

Update Personal Details in Parent Lounge

Have you moved house, got a new mobile number, or changed email addresses? Parents and caregivers are reminded to update their contact details and their child’s medical details in Parent Lounge over the September holidays.

LEARNING  NEWS

Japan Tour 2024

Thank you to the parents who attended our recent information evening for next year's Japan Tour. Please ensure your expression of interest for 2024 homestay, parental consent and personal details forms are returned via email or handed to Mrs Oghanna by Wednesday 13 September, as numbers will be finalised over the holidays. The information presentation and the tour details are on the ATC App. If you are interested in your child travelling on this tour next year, and they are in Years 6-12 in 2024, please email Mrs Tanya Oghanna as soon as possible.  

Year 9 RE Incursion

On Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 October, Year 9 students will take part in an incursion with Courage to Care as part of their broader studies in Religious Education. Courage to Care is an organisation who endeavour to create awareness of the dangers of prejudice and discrimination through education and demonstration that the actions of individuals can have a big impact. Further information can be found on their website below. The program is always an engaging and exciting opportunity for students, and we are very pleased to be able to facilitate this for students once again in 2023. 

The program across the day will be a combination of presentation, group discussion and small group workshops. With larger numbers in the cohort and to best support student involvement, Year 9 will attend in homeroom groups. The program will take place within the normal school day with the usual breaks however students may have a slight disruption to their regular timetabled classes. The impact on other subjects has been minimised as much as possible. Students are asked to wear their formal uniforms please. Resources will be provided for students in their workshops, and they are asked to bring their pencil case and an exercise book. If you have any queries please email Alicia Madigan. Madigana@atc.qld.edu.au

ARTS WEEK

ARTery

We’re excited to announce details for the ARTery exhibition and ARTfest evening gala event in Term 4. The ARTery exhibition includes artwork created throughout 2023 by Visual Art students from Years 4-12. The gallery will be open to students during lunchtimes in Week 2 Monday 9 to Friday 13 October. Parents and friends are invited to visit the exhibition on Wednesday 11 October from 2-7pm or Sunday 14 October, 4-6pm during the Jazz by the River event. The ARTfest celebration is in NJ Hall on Wednesday 11 October at 6pm and will include Principal’s awards presentations and live music entertainment. Drinks can be purchased at the bar and nibbles will be served. No RSVP necessary.

Drama Production - Actors Studio Lord of the Flies

ATC Actor’s Studio invites you to our 2023 production of Lord of the Flies on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 October at 6:30pm in Nudgee Junior Hall. Drinks can be purchased at the bar and nibbles will be served. Please register your attendance via Parent Lounge to assist with our planning. This production runs for two nights only!

Synopsis: When a group of schoolboys are stranded on a desert island, what could go wrong? Left to defend for themselves they must take on the responsibilities of adults even if they are not ready to do so. This exciting and contemporary production explores survival and the difference between civilization and savagery. Warning: Please be advised this production contains mature themes and is recommended for students Year 7 and above.

ATC's Got Talent

ATC’s Got Talent is back and LIVE for 2023! Nominations are open to students from Years 4 to 12 and any performance type is welcomed. Please nominate via the official form on the QR code by Monday 2 October. The finals are being held on Wednesday 11 October as part of Arts Week so rehearse your piece and get on stage this year. If you have any questions, please visit the Co-curricular Music Office or email music@atc.qld.edu.au

Senior Drama Excursion

On Thursday 19 October, at 6:15pm the Senior Drama students will attend an excursion at Playhouse, QPAC, South Brisbane to see Frankenstein by Shake & Stir Theatre Company as part of our Drama curriculum.  The aim of the learning activity is to provide students with the experience of viewing live theatre, which helps them understand the practical application of Drama and theatre and build their analytical and evaluative skills.   Students are to arrange private transportation to and from the venue. Students are to arrive at the meeting point, The Wheel of Brisbane, South Brisbane at 6:15pm.   Students are to be collected by parents from The Wheel of Brisbane, South Brisbane promptly at 9:00pm.  Students may bring money for food provided at the venue if they wish to purchase a drink or snacks before the show or during the interval.  Dress Code: Students are encouraged to dress in Smart Casual attire. Closed in shoes and long pants are required, and any text or design on clothing is to be reflective of the school’s culture and standards.

Biology Excursion

As part of the Unit 3 Ecology assessment, Year 11 Biology students will be participating in an excursion to Nudgee Beach on Friday 13 October 2023. This excursion is essential for students to attend as it directly relates to their first Internal Assessment task (IA2 student experiment) for Senior Biology. Students will be collecting their experimental data on that day. This will then be analysed and interpreted back in the classroom. Please note this is the first of two excursions’ students need to attend for IA2. Further information to come on the second excursion (UQ) at the start of Term 4. Students will need to be at the Central Pickup Area at 8am for an 8.20am departure to Nudgee Beach Environmental Education Centre where we will meet the Education Officers.

FORMATION

National Child Protection Week and R U OK? Day

During assembly this week, our Senior Students were able to engage in support of National Child Protection Week and R U Ok? Day.  Both themes present opportunities for our community to normalise conversations around child safety and mental health. There are many stigmas attached to both of these social justice issues, and we, as a safe and courageous Catholic community, are called to enact change as Jesus, Edmund Rice and Patrick Ambrose Treacy did many years ago.

This year’s National Child Protection Week theme is ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go. To treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy’. What this means is that through strength in community, we can all look out for each other to ensure all children are kept safe. 

Thursday was R U OK? Day.  Unfortunately, mental health is sometimes seen as a weakness and there are people across the world, who suffer every day, at the hands of mental illness. This can be for many reasons including things that happen to them like - bullying, trauma, hardship, or simply hereditary factors that have been passed on. 

Students were able to open the conversation about child safety and mental health and normalise conversations about these important themes. The hardest part is putting your hand up and asking for support. Research shows us that the wider the support network, the more likelihood of a child finding answers and safety. This week enables us to check-in with each other in a safe and courageous community – an Ambrose Treacy community.

Parent Webinar – Helping Teens Eat Well

Helping our teens eat well can sometimes feel challenging in a culture where there is so much confusing information about food, eating and diets. Ambrose Treacy College and The Butterfly Foundation are teaming up with to offer guidance from two Practicing Accredited Dietitians on helping your child move towards a balanced and healthy relationship with food. On Tuesday 12 September from 7 - 8pm we invite you to join a FREE webinar that will explore why charting a healthy course in a food confused diet culture can be so hard. Some of the problems young people face are figuring out problematic diet information vs helpful information, the differences between eating for health versus eating for weight or shape control and how to stay in touch with their appetite and trust their body. The experts will also troubleshooting common teen food dilemmas such as eating too much 'junk' food, eating to 'bulk-up'/high protein diets, wanting to go vegetarian/vegan and not eating at school. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

FAITH & MISSION 

Year 4 Charity Fayre

Following the success of the Year 6 and 5 mini fayres, Year 4 will host one on 15 September, the last day of Term 3. These fayres help raise funds for ATC's service programs. Students from Years 5 & 6 should bring coins to support Year 4 stalls. We are excited to see Year 4 lead and serve our community on that day whilst being supported by Years 5 and 6.

SERVICE

Service Program Log Hours

Students and families are reminded that recording of service hours for the ATC Service Program and Awards close on the last day of this term, Friday 15 September. After the completion of the Service Hours, students are to approach the Homeroom teacher (or the Supervising Teacher) to have their Service Hours logged via Teacher Kiosk. It is also possible for parents to act on behalf of students and email Homeroom teachers to request hours be logged. This will be particularly relevant for students in the Junior school.

STEPtember

ATC students across all ages are invited to take part in STEPtember, an initiative that raises funds to “make life-changing impacts for those living with cerebral palsy”. STEPtember is a challenge that requires participants to accrue 10,000 steps every day of September. This is a fantastic way of supporting others and getting your daily dose of physical activity. Students who successfully complete STEPtember will be able to log 8 service hours. Please note that you will need to complete all registration steps outlined in the attachment by the last day of Term 3 to have your service hours eligible for the 2023 Service Awards. If you have any questions, please contact Andrew McCrohon, Head of Service and Clubs. More helpful information can be found on the ATC App.

Cure Brain Cancer Foundation - Walk Through 7th Brigade Park

As a major Junior School Service initiative, we once again invite students, families and friends of the Ambrose Treacy College Junior School to join Cure Brain Cancer Foundation for an inspirational 5km morning walk through 7th Brigade Park, Chermside on Sunday 22 October from 9am. Students and families are asked to register by CLICKING HERE. Please follow the instructions carefully to ensure registration with our team. As part of this service initiative, boys that register will also gain 3 Service hours in Term 4. Parents are asked to email their homeroom teacher so that boys are recognised with these hours. Boys are asked to wear their ATC Sports uniform for the walk. After you complete the walk, you can enjoy the entertainment and food stalls that will be set up in the Park. Full details from Mr Stewart are on the ATC App.

SPORT 

It has been a huge week for the Track and Field program with record numbers at the GBC Championships last week with Brigidine. The teams did so well coming 2nd in the Boys Overall and 2nd in the Combined Overall - well done to everyone involved. We are now getting to the business end of the season with our final practice meet (Year 4-12 athletes) on Wednesday 13 September, and then the AIC Championships (Year 5-12 athletes only) on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 October.  Please make sure to look at the ATC app (Track and Field page) for all information in regards the Track and Field season and the events coming up soon.

CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC

Jazz by the River

You are invited to join us for Jazz by the River on Saturday 14 October from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on the riverside stage at Warril Place. This vibrant community event, now in its 7th year, showcases our very own student Jazz bands and ATC Guitars. Tickets are $40 for adults, and students and children are free. For the premium viewing and listening experience, book a VIP table. Reserved seating and a package, including drinks, cheesebox and burgers, is a great way to get the best Jazz by The River experience in 2023.  

 There is a delicious menu available on the night including a selection of burgers, pizzas, and hot chips. Treats including lollies, chips and cold drinks will be available and the ATC Hospitality students are offering you the convenience of pre-ordering a delicious Cheese Box or a Dessert Box as well!  Our raffle has the ultimate prize – a premium viewing and listening experience at this year’s Jazz By the River. Grab your raffle tickets to win this great prize which includes a reserved table for 6 adults, large cheesebox, bucket of beers (6), bottle of wine, 6 x gourmet burgers. Tickets are only $5 each and available now through your Parent Lounge Account. Sales close 9:00am, Friday 6 October 2023. The ARTery Exhibition will also be open for viewing in the afternoon at NJ Hall. We hope you enjoy this full cultural experience.  Please CLICK HERE to secure your tickets early.   THIS IS A LICENSED EVENT – STRICTLY NO BYO ALCOHOL. Link  https://www.trybooking.com/CKBCL

Formal Music Concert

Celebrating our fantastic Music Program, the 2023 Formal Music Concert was a night to remember! We were delighted to have a huge audience to entertain and we showcased the majority of our ensembles, from the Junior Band and Junior Choirs through to our most experienced musicians. Congratulations to our talented musicians for making this an evening of memorable moments at an impressive venue, Riverlife. We now cast our attention to Jazz by the River, our signature music event of the year and we look forward to performing in front of a few thousand guests by the river on Saturday 14 October!

P & F NEWS 

Year 4 Moral Support Gifts for Year 12s

This year, our youngest students will give a pair of funky socks to a Year 12 student in a show of support as they enter their external exams. If you can donate a pair or two of colourful, fun socks, please give them to your son's homeroom teacher by the first week of Term Four.

Year 7 Moral Support Gift for Year 12s

In recent years, the ATC P&F has organised 'moral support gifts' for the Year 12s in the lead up to their final exams. Year 7 are being asked to donate chocolates this year. Please bring all donations to the Year 7 Office (boxes have been provided for the boys to drop them into) by the last day of Term 3, Friday 15 September. 

P & F Spring Lunch

YOU'RE INVITED! Come and celebrate with friends at this year's ATC P&F Spring Lunch on Friday 13 October from 11.30am to 2.30pm at The Rose Room, Cloudland, Ann St, Fortitude Valley. Our guest speaker is Selena Gomersall, Founder of Outback Futures and former CEO. Tickets are $79 which includes a 2-course meal, a glass of sparkling on arrival and a lucky door ticket. Raffle tickets are on sale via Parent Lounge and on the day, with the funds raised going to Breast Cancer Research. Raffle tickets are 1 for $5; 3 for $10; 8 for $20. Seats are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. N.B Seating will be by the Year Level of your child/ren. Wear a splash of PINK as we combine fundraising power with the students' Pink Day. See your Parent Lounge account for tickets and terms & conditions.

Meeting Dates 

Please join the P&F President in Mt Sion Library on Tuesday 10 October 6.30pm and hear updates from the Principal and news regarding our community events at the College. All are welcome to come along and help planning for 2024 events by being at the Planning Meeting on 21 November. The P&F are also looking for a parent to lead the Year 4 2024 group as a Parent Liaison. If your son is starting in Year 4 next year, please email the P&F Secretary Catherine to express your interest in the role or to get more information. pandf@atc.qld.edu.au

Enjoy the final week of Term 3.

Mr David Gardiner 

Deputy Principal