Coming Up Week 2

It has been full on back to action for Week One. As usual it has been wonderful having the smiling faces surrounding us and the associated energy. Already one week has been completed and a reminder it is only a nine-week term for the students. With a couple of public holidays, and exams taking up the last week, organisation will be key to a successful term.

At ATC we value the partnerships we have with families. We believe the parents are the primary educator of their child and our role is to work in partnership. Monday sees an opportunity to demonstrate that partnership. The teachers are geared up for a long day and night meeting online with parents. At the College Assembly this week, Ms Morgan encouraged the students to be a part of the feedback meetings because the information is about them, and they are the ones who need to put the suggestions for improvement into practice. A reminder the meetings are seven minutes in duration, and it is important that everyone adheres to this time limit. Additional comments or information can be emailed to the teachers.

Today at ATC we celebrated ANZAC Day with two liturgies in the outdoor Middle School precinct. Due to the public holiday next Tuesday and the student free day on Monday, we took the opportunity today for our community to acknowledge our appreciation and memories of all the Australians who have served our country. The setting next to the river - and location where the American armed forces were involved during WWII – was incredibly special. I thank all those who helped to deliver the special ceremonies, and I also congratulate the students for their extremely solemn manner throughout the ceremonies.

As you read this, our Senior students are attending their Formal tonight. Events such as these are important components of rites of passage. I look forward to sharing this important occasion with the Seniors and their partners. I thank Ms Colette for her planning and organisation of the Formal to allow our young people to experience this important occasion.

Year 4 2024

Next week key staff will be conducting interviews for Year 4 2024. If you do know of a family who are considering Year 4 at ATC for next year, please advise them that interviews are currently being held and to contact our Enrolments department.

The Day uniform continues to be worn until Friday 12 May. From Monday 15 May is expected that all student begin wearing the Formal Uniform of College ties and suitcoats. The College has been notified that The School Locker has a supply issue with the correct colour ATC ties. If required, you can still purchase a tie from School Locker who will replace the tie with the correct coloured item when these arrive into stock.

Week Two will begin with a Pupil Free Day on Monday 24 April for us to conduct Parent Teacher Student Feedback meetings online. Nationally we will observe the ANZAC Day Public Holiday on Tuesday 25 April and I hope many families will participate in ceremonies across our city.

Mothers in May Event

The much anticipated ‘Mothers in May’ event will be held on Wednesday 17 May. ATC mums are invited to a sunset soirée by the river at ATC from 5pm to 7pm. Tickets are $25 and include champagne, canapes, live music, lucky door prizes and a pretty gift. This is a special time to gather with old friends and connect with new women in the ATC community. Jump onto your Parent Lounge account to buy your ticket as numbers at this event are limited to 400. Note: only one ticket per family is available. Thankyou to our kind sponsors, Kenmore Village Florists and Skin Care by Chantelle who have donated luck door prizes to pamper and spoil our mums including a huge bunch of fresh flowers and an LED photo facial plus complimentary hand or foot massage to the value of $199.

UPCOMING DATES 

Monday 24 April | Pupil Free Day (Parent/Student/Teacher Feedback meetings)

Tuesday 25 April | ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Thursday 27 April | Choral Workshop with Jenny Moon

Friday 28 April | Year 6 Mass

Monday 1 May | Labour Day Public Holiday

Parent Writing Workshop

Due to the busy Literary Festival schedule we have moved the Year 4 – 9 Parent Writing Workshop to Thursday 11 May so that parents may attend both events that week - Books and Bubbles and the Writing Workshop.  Please  CLICK HERE to RSVP by Friday 5 May 2023. This will be held in Callan Building Middle School Room C101 at 6 pm and you need to bring your son’s laptop. As we work in partnership to improve our students’ writing outcomes, we strongly recommend Year 4-9 parents attend the Parent Writing Workshop on Thursday 11 May. This workshop provides an opportunity to understand the core principles of the writing program at ATC whilst also allowing time to reflect on your own writing strengths and weaknesses, and biases. You will engage in resources and strategies that your son uses at school which will enable you to support him at home. RSVP essential. 

Dash for Crash Charity Run

The Dash for Crash will be held for its third consecutive year on Sunday, 21 May 2023 and is held in memory of Damien McMeniman, who died from exposure to asbestos and developed Mesothelioma. Damien attended Edmund Rice schools in Brisbane in the 70s and 80s and was a keen runner. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow tri athletes. Damien valued access to quality inclusive education and his sons, currently in Year 12 at Ambrose Treacy College, proudly support this event in their father's memory with their sisters and mother.

Join the ATC and surrounding community to run, jog or walk in support of the Ambrose Treacy College Foundation. The Foundation aims to uphold the premise of inclusive education for those of limited financial means. Your entry fee will support the Bursary Fund and enable a young boy access to an Ambrose Treacy College education. Any donations will be fully tax deductible and your nominated amount will contribute to a bursary for a young boy who may not be able to attend the College otherwise. This is the third year of the Dash and we invite you to be part of this legacy event. You may choose to champion the event by attending as a supporter and take part in the BBQ breakfast that will take place at the finish line festivities at the conclusion of the run or simply buy a t-shirt. Donations will be gratefully received even if you are not able to attend on the day. Your contribution will bolster the assistance provided to a young man and his family through the Ambrose Treacy College Foundation.  Register NOW via the link below. Volunteers are also required to make this event a success. Please select how you can help on the day from the list of volunteer jobs here. If you have any queries, or can support this event by way of donating goods and services, please contact Marie McMeniman 0409 341 403 or dashforcrash@gmail.com or Helen Hicks hicksh@atc.qld.edu.au

Students with Disability Travel Rebate - Semester 1        

Does your child have a verified disability that requires transport assistance to and from school? Has your son’s Case Manager assessed your child’s travel capability rating as ‘semi-independent’ or more dependent? Visit their website to see if you qualify for financial assistance to help with the cost of transport and apply at www.schooltransport.com.au by 31 May. Late applications cannot be accepted after 31 May.

FORMATION  NEWS

Formal Uniform and Safe Transport

Parents and Caregivers are reminded to check the App regarding Safe Transport and College Uniform. From Monday 15 May, the College tie and suit coat are to be worn. Please contact School Locker if you require any uniform items.

Immunisations

All Year 10 Students have been given a Meningococcal Vaccination Consent Form for completion by Parents/Caregivers. Please return completed forms to Senior School Reception by 5 May when they will be collected by OzCare our School Immunisation Providers.

LEARNING  NEWS

Parent, Student, Teacher Feedback Meetings

A reminder that Parent, Student, Teacher Feedback Meetings are scheduled for Monday 24 April (Pupil Free Day). The meetings are an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s Semester One teachers and may be more introductory in their nature. We strongly encourage your child to be present at these discussions. These meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams and will operate in 7-minute intervals. You can view your bookings in Parent Lounge. If you are unable to join the meeting, please contact College Reception on 3878 0500 or email learning@atc.qld.edu.au so that the relevant staff member can be informed.

Year 6 Debating

The first round of debating for Year 6 is on Tuesday 2 May at 6:30pm til 7:30pm at  St Laurence’s College. Families can park on Savio Oval (near the sports centre), enter via Stephens Rd. The competition will be held in the Primary School (Hogan) Building, located in the main quadrangle of the school. If your son wishes to debate this season and his name is not listed on the App, please advise by email Mr Gordon and he will ensure that he participates in one of the upcoming rounds. gordonl@atc.qld.edu.au

Year 4 Showcase

On Tuesday 30  May, Year 4 students will be presenting a showcase of learning from Term One and Two. The aim of the showcase is to celebrate the learning across a number of their core subjects, allow the boys to share their work with peers, parents and engage in discussion. We warmly welcome Parents to join us in NJ Hall for this event. Further information regarding times will be published on the blog closer to the event.  

LITERARY FESTIVAL

A range of talented authors and artists will be presenting to students in Years 4-12. This is a week where we focus on all things 'literary'! There will be parent events, a book fair in Westcourt, Surprise Storytime sessions as well as a stellar line up of special guests. This year we are honoured to welcome author and poet, Josh Donellan, Manga artist David Lovegrove, slam-poet Angela Peita, non-fiction author, author, columnist and editor Tim Baker, poet and author Michelle Taylor, author Sam Wheeler and Shakespearean Hip-Hop artist, Charlie Tompson. Students will be treated to both cohort presentations and small-group workshops, to titillate their literary appetites!

Books and Breakfast

Parents and students in the Junior School are invited to join us for a morning of reading while enjoying a delicious quiche or croissant at Mt Sion Library, on Thursday 11 May from 7:30am. Please RSVP to Mrs Burton (burtong@atc.qld.edu.au)

Books and Bubbles

Join us for our annual Books and Bubbles twilight event on the beautiful riverside deck of Westcourt Library, Tuesday 9 May, from 6:00pm until 7:30pm. The launch of our annual Literary Festival and Book Fair, will be hosted by Riverbend Books with Pauline McLeod, our guest speaker who will discuss effective strategies to engage boys with books and promote popular reads for boys across our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. And just confirmed ... Award-winning author, journalist and storyteller Tim Baker will also be speaking at our Books and Bubbles event! Tim specialises in non-fiction writing, mostly about surfing history and culture, as well as his ability to tackle life's challenges. Tim will be speaking about the art of writing across a wide variety of media from books and magazines to film, video, and theatre. Tickets are $10, via Parent Lounge, which includes a glass of bubbles, wine or beer and cheese. We look forward to seeing our parents at this special event!

FAITH & MISSION  NEWS

Today staff and students of Ambrose Treacy College paused to remember and honour the ANZAC soldiers that so bravely fought and died in battle. This special day marks one of the most important dates on Australia's calendar since 1916. At first, it gave people a chance to honour the original Anzacs – the Australians and New Zealanders who fought on Gallipoli. Then it became a day for those who had served in the First World War. With Australians experiencing the Second World War, and wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations that have followed, Anzac Day has become an occasion to honour all who have worn our country's uniform in service. Today, we reflect on that service. Lest we forget.

ANZAC Day Memorial Service and March

Ambrose Treacy College has a strong tradition of commemorating ANZAC Day. Students are invited to attend a ceremony in their local area and participate in the march and /or service. Note, students wishing to take part are asked to wear formal school uniform including blazer and tie and meet the teachers mentioned below. ATC Staff Members, Mrs Alison Conlon and Mrs Janine McGrath, will meet students for the SHERWOOD-INDOOROOPILLY ANZAC DAY MARCH & COMMUNITY SERVICE - Graceville Memorial Park, Oxley Rd GRACEVILLE. Students are asked to assemble at the corner of Verney Rd East and Appel St Graceville at 7:00am to march down Verney Rd East onto Oxley Rd then into Graceville Memorial Park for a 7:30am Service. There are many services held around the local area. You are welcome to seek further information at the RSL Queensland website.

Year 6 Mass

As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we invite our members into the story of Jesus and strive to make his message of compassion, justice and peace a living reality within our community. One important expression of this rich tradition is the celebration of Mass, as a means to bring the community together, listen to scripture, give thanks and be united in Holy Communion as the heart of Catholic faith and life. Our Year 6 cohort will celebrate Mass on Friday 28 April at 8.30am in The Chapel of St Joseph. Students are requested to meet in the Chapel at 8:25am for roll marking prior to mass and wear their day uniform including College tie. At the conclusion of Mass, students will continue with normal classes for the remainder of the day. Whilst we are not able to invite parents and caregivers to this occasion, we encourage all families to talk to their child about the celebration of Mass during the school day. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Andrew McCrohon, Acting Dean of Faith and Mission.

SPORT NEWS

It has been great to see a big turnout for students training this week in preparation for fixtures starting this week/weekend. As we rolled out in Term 1, our theme is to please have the students to commit (to training and games) or communicate (with the relevant coordinators/coaches). We will again be having a competition amongst the team sports this term and celebrating the sport who has the highest percentage of attendance at training for the season.

Please be sure to follow the appropriate tags/pages on the ATC app so you don’t miss any weekly information that comes out. If your child also gets the chance to come early or stay late to support the team before or after their game, that would be sensational………….we know their school mates will appreciate it.

Football

During the holidays, teams from Year 5 through to 12 took on other schools in a great competition held at Nudgee College. There were strong performances from a number of teams with highlights including the Year 5 team finishing 2nd, the Year 6s making it to the semi-final and the Year 7s also finishing in the top four! Thanks to our players, families, coaches and supporters who committed to the program over the break and came along to show the ATC spirit! Don't forget to check the Training Timetable for Term 2 on the App, and we look forward to seeing you at our next games.

CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC and DRAMA & COMMUNICATION

Welcome back to a busy Term 2. Please continue to check the Performance Calendar via the College App and ensure dates of upcoming events are noted in your diaries. Ensemble, choir, and band rehearsals have all re-commenced this week with lessons running as per timetables. With the number of upcoming Pupil-Free Day please note that teachers may contact students regarding lesson re-schedules to accommodate missed days.

Thanks for continuing to check notices on the College App and being punctual to lessons and rehearsals – it’s going to be an exciting term in Co-curricular Music!

Pemulwuy! National Male Voice Festival

Our middle and senior school singers will be taking part in this exciting festival 7-9 July 2023.  Incorporating two days of workshops and a performance at QPAC it is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in. New singers are always welcome at choir rehearsals, each Thursday from 3.10pm – 4.10pm in K104. Current choristers who have not yet confirmed their attendance at the festival please contact music@atc.qld.edu.au as soon as possible.

P & F NEWS 

Save the Date Rugby Family Night Out

The ATC P&F invite you to the annual Rugby Family Night Out at Suncorp Stadium on Friday 19 May, to see the Queensland Reds take on The Auckland Blues in their final home game of the 2023 season. Start the afternoon with other ATC families on the NJ Hall courtyard in the Junior School for pizza and drinks at 5:30pm, and then head off to Suncorp Stadium on the train from Indooroopilly at 6:20pm. Game kick off is 7.35pm. Tickets are available via Parent Lounge until 4:00pm Thursday 11 May 2023. Strictly no late ticket sales are possible. The Reds are holding our seat allocation only until that time.

Ticket Options are:

Option 1: Adult Pizza and drinks in Silver Zone, $50; Option 2: Junior Pizza and drinks in Silver Zone, $25; Option 3: Pizza and soft drink only (For existing game ticketholders) $10.00

Ticket sales open Thursday 27 April and all family and friends are welcome to attend. Students are asked to wear the ATC PE Uniform or Rugby Jersey. Please contact Mr Andrew Taylor, P&F Rugby Family Night Out Coordinator, if you have any queries or special food requirements. Andrew.taylor@csiro.au

Meeting Dates 

All are invited to join the P&F President, Mr Ben Prain, and the Principal at our meetings on Tuesday evenings once each month. We meet in Mt Sion Library at 6.30pm. Our upcoming meetings are on Tuesday 9 May, 11 July, 8 August, 5 September, 10 October and 21 November. For any queries, please email the P&F Secretary Catherine pandf@atc.qld.edu.au 

See you in Week 2!

Mr David Gardiner 

Deputy Principal 

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IMPORTANT DATES FOR TERM TWO

Tuesday 2 May | Year 7 Immunisations

Wednesday 3 May | Junior & Senior School Signum Fidei Breakfast

Thursday 4 May | Middle School Signum Fidei Breakfast

Friday 5 May | Blessed Edmund Rice Feast Day

Friday 5 May | Edmund Rice Masses

Sunday 14 May | Mother’s Day

Monday 15 May | First Day of Formal Uniform

Tuesday 9 May to Friday 12 May | Literary Festival

Thursday 18 May | Year 4-12 GBC Cross Country

Sunday 21 May | Dash for Crash

Thursday 25 May | Formal Photo Day

Wednesday 31 May | Beanies for Brain Cancer Day

Wednesday 31 May | Year 5-12 AIC Cross Country Championships

Saturday 3 June | Mabo Day

Tuesday 6 June | Queensland Day

Friday 9 June – Thursday 15 June | Exam Period

Wednesday 14 June | School Officer Day

Friday 16 June | Last day of Term Two – students finish at 3.00pm

Friday 16 June | Middle/Senior School Interhouse Track & Field Carnival