Coming Up Week 5

Following our Opening School Masses, our retreat program is now underway led by our Faith and Mission team. This contemporary program is designed to bring Jesus' message of compassion, justice, and love to life, offering meaningful opportunities to live and grow as a 'Signum Fidei' (Sign of Faith).

On Monday, Year 10 students participated in their retreat, led by Michael Fitzpatrick, who focused on the themes of mercy and forgiveness as these young men begin their leadership journeys as senior students. Today, it was wonderful to witness the enthusiasm of Year 4 students during their first retreat. As they take their initial steps at ATC, they focused on the story of ATC and the themes of compassion and kindness.

Camp

We are excited about Camp Week in Week 6. A big thank you to many families who have already submitted their medical forms. For those who haven't, a reminder has been sent out along with another copy of the form. Please remember that the medical form needs to be returned even if your son does not take any medication. Students cannot attend camp if it isn’t completed. During Week Five, staff and student briefings will be held to prepare everyone for camp. If you have any questions, your Year or House leader is the best point of contact. I’ve provided a summary of the bus pick-up time below to assist with your planning.

KEY DATES

Week 5

Monday 24 February | Empower Week

Thursday 27 February | Year 12 Exam Block

Friday 28 February | Year 12 Exam Block / Year 7 Mass

Week 6

Camp Week | Years 4 to 10

Wednesday 5 March to Friday 7 March | Year 12 Claddagh Retreat

Friday 7 March | Junior Band Day

2025 CAMP INFORMATION

Letters outlining details of the camps for Years 4 to 10 have been emailed from camps@atc.qld.edu. Be sure to check your email and the app for further information.

Please remember that the medical form needs to be returned even if your son does not take any medication. Students cannot attend camp if it isn’t completed. If you have any questions, your Year or House leader is the best point of contact.

Please note that it is subject to change and that we will endeavour to keep parent updated on arrival times through the app.

Please also note there are no pickups or returns on Thursday 06/03 - therefore Thursday has not been included in the above table.

Tuckshops

Camp Week, 3 to 7 March there are different arrangements for our Tuckshops due to so many students being off campus. Please make note of the below information and speak with your son about this.

• The Bakehouse (tuckshop for Years 8 to 12) will be OPEN all week with a reduced menu.
• Paddy's Place (tuckshop for Years 4 to 7) will be CLOSED during Camp Week.
• Students in Years 4 to 7 who are at school on any day during Camp Week will be able to purchase morning tea and lunch from The Bakehouse.
• The tuckshop will be open for breakfast each day with a reduced menu.
• The tuckshop will not be open after school during Camp Week.

PRINCIPAL'S BLOG

The bonds that tie a community together come in many forms - through student friendships, a shared love of sport, performing in a band, parent involvement in the P&F or a deep interest in the boys' wellbeing. In his blog today, Chris Ryan shares stories that relate to all these connections and are evidence of the value of the ATC family and the network of support around and within. Follow the link to read ATConnect | Principal's Message Week 4

ATC People and Places | Sam Hasset reflects on his time at ATC

"My journey at Ambrose Treacy College began before it even existed, starting at NJC in 2012. When ATC was founded in 2016, I embraced my role as a classroom teacher for Year 4 and later moved into Year 5, guiding young minds through their early learning experiences. In 2020, I stepped into the role of Junior School Digital Technologies Specialist, expanding my teaching reach to students up to Year 8. This position has allowed me to combine my love of teaching with my passion for technology, preparing boys for a world where digital skills are essential. Over the years, I’ve cherished the energy, curiosity, and creativity of our students. I strive to create a fun, engaging environment where they can challenge themselves and grow. Seeing them develop confidence in their abilities, especially in technology, is incredibly rewarding. ATC has been a special part of my life, and I’m proud to be part of its story. Gee, 10 years at ATC - where has the time gone? From watching fresh-faced Year 4s nervously step onto campus to seeing them stride confidently into their senior year, the transformation has been nothing short of incredible. The evolution of ATC itself has been just as remarkable. The facilities have expanded, new programs have flourished, and the calendar has somehow packed in even more activities - sporting carnivals, leadership programs, retreats, service projects, and enough camps to make Bear Grylls proud! There’s never been a dull moment! But what truly makes ATC special ... is the amazing staff. Passionate, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile, our staff, my colleagues, have created a place where students thrive. Whether teaching in the classroom, coaching on the field, or offering a listening ear, they are the heart of #ATC."

Happy tenth birthday @ambrose_treacy_college!

LEARNING

NAPLAN 2025

All schools in Australia are required to implement the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) in Years 5, 7 and 9. These tests will take place at Ambrose Treacy College between Wednesday 12 March and Friday 21 March 2025 during the morning and middle sessions. Please see the letter on the ATC App from the Dean of Learning for full NAPLAN information.

Year 12 Mid Term Exam Schedule and Arrangements

Year 12 Mid Term 1 Exam Schedule is now available on Student Cafe and Parent Lounge. Year 12 students will be on an exam block Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February. Students are only required to attend school for their exams.

Register for Elevate’s Parent Webinar Series This Term

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops to our students that help to develop their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Over the next term, you're invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they're learning at school. Register for the series by CLICKING HERE below and learn some great practical strategies to help support your child this year. Note that the timings are Daylight Saving time.

• How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time – 26 February 6.30pm (AEDT)
• How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!) - 12 March 6.30pm (AEDT)
• How You Can Help Improve Your Child’s Memory - 26th March 6.30pm (AEDT)

EXCURSIONS

Halogen Conference 2025 - Year 9 National Young Leaders - 25/02/2025

Students who are attending have been emailed.

Year 11 (select ACC/ECO students) | ECOMAN, 3 & 4 March

On Monday 3 March and Tuesday 4 March, from 8.15am to 3.00pm each day, a selected group of Year 11 Accounting and Economics students will be partaking in the ECOMAN Program alongside students from Brigidine College as part of our commitment to curriculum engagement and academic extension. Please access Parent Lounge to ensure the medical and emergency contact details for your son are correct and update if necessary prior to the excursion. Further details have been shared on the app.

Year 4 Ngutana Lui | Thursday 6 March

On Thursday 6 March all boys from Year 4 will be visiting the Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre at Inala. On this day, the boys will be immersed in the richness and diversity of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. They will also complete a number of activities including painting, dance and boomerang throwing.

Year 4 Art

Our newest students to ATC are learning the Visual Conventions of Art through by using their observational drawing skills This activity is inspired by Australian artists Margaret Olley and Margaret Preston. Line, shape, texture and pattern are this week’s focus shown in the boys amazing still life of native flowers.

Building and Construction

Take a seat! Year 10 Building and Construction students are learning fundamental skills to construct, assemble, and dress a timber stool. This hands-on task will give them valuable experience in measuring, cutting, joining, and finishing timber. Reinforcing the fundamental techniques used in woodworking and carpentry is a vital skill. Boys started interpreting technical drawings and using them to create a 'cut list' and diagram to minimise wastage. They'll use these to inform their marking and cutting for their project.

FAITH AND MISSION

150 Years Breakfast Series: The women who influenced the heart of Edmund Rice

This year we celebrate 150 years of the Christian Brothers’ presence in Queensland and on Wednesday morning our College attended the first in a series of breakfasts at Nudgee College. It was fantastic to be amongst the wider network of Edmund Rice Schools and Christian Brothers and we all thoroughly enjoyed the engaging keynote from Dr Mary Murphy on the key women who influenced the heart of Edmund Rice – his Mother Margaret, his wife Mary and his daughter, Mary. Each of these women helped Edmund become an open hearted man who responded with such compassion to the needs of his time. Year 11 students from all houses represented our College along with staff. There will be several more of these events this year, including one that we will be hosting at Ambrose Treacy in August.

Year 10 Retreat

With Senior schooling underway, our Year 10 students had Monday of this week together on Retreat off campus at Riverlife. Led by Michael Fitzpatrick the boys were really courageous in considering their cohort, what is important, who and how they want to be over the coming three years. All students had the opportunity to have conversations with boys outside their usual friendship groups, and along the way their was lots of laughter and honest conversation. Drawing inspiration from our College theme of ‘Stronger Together’ the group are well placed in looking out for each other moving forward.

FORMATION

ATC College Child Safety Week

Let's focus on an issue that affects us all - keeping each other safe. Our theme for this year, Stronger Together, reminds us that when we listen to and support one another, we create a school where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. One of the most powerful ways we can create change is by using our voices. Student voice is critical when it comes to protecting ourselves and each other. It is not just about speaking up when something feels wrong; it’s about fostering a culture where everyone feels heard, supported, and protected. Hayden, William and Joseph deliver an important message on child safety, recognizing boundaries, seeking help when needed, and looking out for one another. Their voices reflect the strength and unity we need to ensure that no one stands alone in times of uncertainty or harm. Let’s listen carefully and take their message to heart, remembering that we are StrongerTogether.

Junior School Gala Day

The Junior School Pool Gala Day was an event full of excitement, camaraderie, and fierce competition. The students showcased their house spirit by proudly representing their respective houses, with plenty of colour, cheering, and impressive speed on display in the pool. The championship came down to the wire, with the final relay deciding the winner by a mere one-point margin. Congratulations to Leinster House for emerging as the champions! A big thank you to all the participants, staff, and supporters who made this event a resounding success. We look forward to more thrilling events like this in the future!

MUSIC

Music Supporters

It’s been a great start to the year in the Co-curricular Music department. Many new students have joined the program, and we are excited by the talent and enthusiasm all our students bring with them.

Involvement in Music@ATC is a great way for students to meet and make friends - It is also a great way for families to meet and make connections in the school. ATC Music has a wonderful Music Supporters group who help at concerts and Jazz By The River with BBQs, bar, serving, decorating, set up, raffles etc. We are always looking for more help and fresh ideas so if you would like to get involved, please let us know – our first event for 2025 will be the Autumn Music Concert on Thursday 3 April from 5.30pm.

Choirs

Choirs at ATC are open to all students who enjoying singing and performing. Please come along to a rehearsal at the following times and pop in to see us at the Co-curricular Music Office if you have questions.

Junior Choir (yrs 4-6) – Thursdays 7am

ATC Senior Singers (yrs 7-12) – Thursdays 3.10pm -4.10pm

Vocal and Piano Lessons

Vocal and Piano lessons are available for interested students – please contact music@atc.qld.edu.au for more information.

Taiko Drumming

The ATC Taiko Troupe started as part of the cultural program at ATC to provide students from Year 6-12 with an authentic experience. The program has become hugely popular and the students always work hard to put on a fantastic show. If you would like to catch them in action, book your tickets for the P&F Rugby Night Out – Saturday 29 March from 4pm. All details are on the College App.

CLUBS

As with all Extra Curricular activities, we ask you please commit or communicate to each Club session.  If your son is not available to attend, please email clubs@atc.qld.edu.au or the club coordinator to mark your son’s absence. 

SPORT

We welcome another big round of sport this weekend with our 1^st XVIII AFL team travelling away to Iona on Friday afternoon in what will be a tough match-up! Not to mention tomorrow, Saturday 22 February we have the coveted Past Students vs 1^st VI Volleyball match competing for the Tim Walker Cup, if you're free make sure to get down to the SFXC ready for a 9am start to watch an exciting match unfold!

Term 2 registrations for both Football (Soccer) & Rugby Union are now open, please register your son via Parent Lounge as trials will be rolling around very soon near the end of Term 1.

Good luck to all of our AFL, Volleyball & Cricket teams competing this weekend!

Firsts

Congratulations to our students selected in the 1^st XI Cricket, 1^st VI Volleyball & 1^st XVIII AFL teams on this incredible achievement, your hard work and dedication to your sport over the years has been admirable. We look forward to watching these boys represent the school with pride and passion and we're excited to see what they can achieve over the course of the season.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Parent Information Night Presentations
Parent Information Night Presentations have been shared through the app over the last two weeks for Junior (Years 4, 5 and 6) and Middle School (Years 7, 8 and 9). Please refer to the app for further details.

School Fee Reminder for Term Payers Only

A reminder for Term payers only who have outstanding balances for Term 1 School Fees, these are overdue and payable immediately. Statements have been emailed. The College’s preferred payment method is BPay, using the Biller Code and Customer Reference (Ref) located at the top right of your Statement of Account. [See attached image] The College offers a range of options to pay your school fees, and you can find the College Fees Schedule, Payment Authority and Edstart payment plan information on the College website. [Link below] If you have any queries, please email the Finance Office.

If you wish to view any of your prior year parent statements, please access via Parent Lounge, Accounts and Payments, School Fee Accounts, Statements.

Student Background Data Collection

Student background data is collected annually by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA); this information along with other metrics effect he Commonwealth recurrent funding the College receives. Please update your details in Parent Lounge by Friday 21 February 2025.

Please refer to the app for further details and instructions regarding access to the Parent Lounge.

Sacramental Programme

The Catholic Parish of Kenmore – Moggill is conducting the sacramental programme for Confirmation ( Year 3 and Above ) and 1^st Communion – Penance (Year 4 and above). If your child/ren have received the Sacrament of Baptism you may wish to contact the Parish for more information regarding these Programmes in 2025. Please email the Parish Office on kenmore@bne.catholic.net.au .

Past Students Stories

We invite our 2019 and 2020 Past Students to share their post-school journey with us. Whether it's university graduation, life milestones, career advancement or continued study, we would love to hear from you. Please send your story and photos to communications@atc.qld.edu.au

Please click here to update your contact details.

P & F NEWS

2025 Meeting Dates - Please note change of location to Waterford

All are invited to join the P&F President, Mr George Patrikios, and the Principal at the P&F meetings  in the Lecture Theatre Waterford, Senior School Precinct at 6.30pm.

(See the College Map - 17. Waterford)

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

Tuesday 11 March; 29 April, 27 May, 22 July, 2 September AGM, 14 October and 25 November for the big 2026 Planning Meeting. 

For any queries, please email the P&F Secretary  pandf@atc.qld.edu.au

P&F Events

Tomorrow evening is the Kick off Cocktails. Thank you to Catherine Jackson, ATC parent and P&F Secretary, and her team for organising the wonderful event for our ATC Community.

• Rugby Night Out - Saturday 29 March
• Trivia Night - Saturday 2 August
• AGM - Tuesday 2 September
• P&F Ladies Spring Lunch - Friday 24 October at Victoria Park

New Second Hand Uniform Shop

Attention - ALL YEAR LEVELS - Donations wanted for the new P&F Second hand uniform shop. Please deliver your secondhand uniforms to College Main reception between 7.30am - 3pm Monday to Friday. Please ensure your donations are clean and in good condition. The more donations we have the more we can help our ATC families and have a successful sale event.

Please contact either Sasha (sashatucker@gmail.com) or Melissa (melkuflik@hotmail.com) if you have any questions in regards to donations or the purchase of secondhand uniforms.

Jason Sepetauc

Deputy Principal