Yesterday’s book fair in the Mt Sion Junior School Library marked the beginning of ATC’s Book Week. Today I attended the Book Week Parade and was thrilled to see both staff and students getting into the spirit by way of an array of wonderful costumes which express their love for reading and the characters that ignite their imagination. Next week the fun continues with two author visits. Memories of my childhood came into consciousness during the parade as I remembered a couple of books I loved. What books can you remember? I’m sure your son would love to know what you read, or what you loved reading to him. CBCA Book Week Resources – The Children’s Book Council of Australia
Science Week
Our new Senior Science Department Head Ms Dominique Nielson and our middle School Science Subject Coordinator Ms Kate McGee launched Science Week at Assembly on Tuesday. With the help of our Senior School Science Ambassador students, a range of fascinating and fun science experiments and demonstrations will take place throughout Week 6.
Year 11 SociABLE
The SociABLE is an important formative event for our Year 11 students. It will be held this Tuesday 13 August at Victoria Park / Barrambin from 7pm to 10pm. The event shall be held in the Ballroom with doors open from 6.30 pm. As this is a College Event, students are required to follow College Policy, no earrings are permitted for ATC students. Students are also not permitted to wear sunglasses or bum bags to this event. Students are required to attend school from up until 3pm. Students who are absent must supply a medical certificate.
QCMF (15 to 18 August)
ATC will again feature prominently in the Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival (QCMF). It is the premier event on Queensland’s Catholic Schools and Colleges annual music calendar and is proudly hosted by Villanova College (Coorparoo). QCMF showcases the very best in music education, covering a diverse range of genres within the classical and contemporary styles. Performers range from six to eighteen years of age and participate in brass, wind, string, percussion, jazz, choral and contemporary ensembles. The festival traditionally occurs during the last weekend of the Brisbane Exhibition in August. I wish our students the very best for the performances and I look forward to heading out there myself across the festival. Enquiries can be made to our cocurricular music office on 3878 0547.
(QCMF 2023)
Student Absence Notification
Parents and caregivers are reminded that they are required to contact the College prior to any planned absences and provide the reason for any absences prior to 8.30am on the day of absence.
Please notify the College of your sons’ absence via the College App, Parent Lounge. (Further details of procedures have been shared on the College App.)
Afternoon Tour - Term 4
Taking a tour of Ambrose Treacy College is the best way to experience the College first-hand. Join us for an afternoon tour where we will take you through the heart of campus as you explore our state-of-the-art teaching spaces, music rooms, science labs and digital & design tech areas. Stroll around our extensive green spaces by the river and hear from our students and staff about what we do at ATC. We really do things differently! Go to the below link to register for our Term 4 Tour Afternoon on Wednesday 30 October: https://www.atc.qld.edu.au/enrolments/book-a-tour
KEY DATES
Monday 12 August | Science Week
Monday 12 August | Junior School Book Week
Tuesday 13 August | Science Week
Tuesday 13 August | Junior School Interhouse Track and Field Carnival - POSTPONED TO Friday 13 September due to rain
Wednesday 14 August | PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Thursday 15 August | Junior School Book Week
Thursday 15 August | Science Week
Thursday 15 August | QCMF
Friday 16 August | Science Week
Friday 16 August | QCMF
Saturday 17 August | QCMF
Sunday 18 August | QCMF
PRINCIPAL'S BLOG
Back to ATC Day is a new tradition on which we wish to build, and we had a positive start on Saturday with some hard fought games of Rugby League capped off with a historical moment for our first victory for the First XIII in AIC competition.
CLICK HERE to read today's ATConnect | Principal's Blog.
LEARNING
ATC Book Week - Book Fair
Students
Join us in the Mt Sion Library from lunchtime Thursday 8 August to Thursday 15 August for our exciting Book Fair! The fair will be open from Friday 9 August at 8am before school, and during lunch breaks each day.
Parents
Don't miss the Open Library Morning for Parents & Caregivers on Monday, 12 August from 7.30am to 8.30am. It's a wonderful opportunity to explore the fair and discover the fantastic books together.
Come and celebrate the joy of reading with us!
Story Arts Festival Ipswich
Thirty students from Years 4 to 6 attended an exciting day at the Story Arts Festival Ipswich at Woodlands@Marburg. They were fortunate enough to meet and be inspired by renowned authors Steven Herrick, Sarah Armstrong, and Katrina Nannestad. Steven Herrick, known for his compelling verse novels and poetry, captivated the students with his unique storytelling style. Sarah Armstrong, an acclaimed author of both children's and adult fiction, shared her journey of becoming a writer and the inspiration behind her books. Katrina Nannestad, celebrated for her heartwarming and humorous children's stories, enchanted the audience with her vibrant personality and engaging tales. The event provided a unique opportunity for the students to engage with these celebrated writers, gaining insights into their creative processes and the world of storytelling. This was a timely visit with our Book Week starting last Thursday and will run until this Thursday. We look forward to welcoming our Junior School Parents visiting our Mt Sion Library tomorrow morning from 7.30am to 8.30am to view the Scholastic's Book fair.
FAITH AND MISSION
Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Thursday August 8 marks the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary is Australia’s only Saint, and the patron of Brisbane. Her story is one of perseverance, commitment, faith and love. The daughter of Scottish immigrants, Mary fought for equal educational opportunities for all Australian children. Her aspirations were often met with resistance from Church hierarchy as they felt Mary didn’t have sufficient knowledge regarding funding and governance. However, Mary’s priority was always the children she taught and the Sisters she inspired. The Sisters of St Joseph formed school communities throughout Australia which provided a foundation for many Catholic Schools in our nation today. Interestingly, Mary McKillop and Patrick Ambrose Treacy walked the streets of Brisbane at the same time – with Mary educating poor girls and Ambrose teaching poor boys. They would’ve prayed together at St Stephen’s Cathedral, and in the Pugin Chapel. Year 9 students, Oliver, Cooper and Xavier proudly represented the College at the Feast Day Mass and are pictured with Archbishop Mark Coleridge and in front of the shrine to Mary MacKillop made from camphor laurel tree.
Year 5 Mass and Retreat
Year 5 celebrated their annual Mass and retreat day last week, centred on the theme of environmental stewardship. The day began with Chapel Mass led by Father Gillen, who emphasised the significance of caring for both our physical surroundings and our relational environments. He highlighted the uniqueness of ATC's beautiful natural environment and the particular importance of family environments. The students were offered simple suggestions for how they can fulfilL their responsibility for nurturing these environments. Then with guidance from their teachers and Mr Warr, Dean of Faith, the boys engaged in inspirational learning about Jesus Christ, Patrick Ambrose Treacy, Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, and ATC’s Irish origins. Activities created avenues for the students to strengthen faith and spirituality, and deep connection to the environment and place in the world. We commend the students on their engagement across this special day and thank Father Gillen for his guidance.
FORMATION
Year 11 SociABLE
The Year 11 SociABLE will be held next Tuesday 13 August at Victoria Park Ballroom from 7pm - 10pm. Professional photographers will be on site from 6pm and will be taking photographs of individuals and their partners upon their arrival.
SERVICE
Winter Sleepout
This winter, sleep out in the name of Service, ATC students are encouraged to take part in this solo Service initiative that promotes the great work that Rosie’s do in the city of Brisbane. Rosie’s reaches out to those most in need, people who are homeless or at risk, lonely, and socially isolated within our communities.
In solidarity with the patrons of Rosie’s, students are tasked with sleeping rough for a night, experiencing the harshness of a sleep without the comfort of a warm bed. In addition, students are encouraged to make this a solo challenge, as a way of experiencing the loneliness that many of Brisbane’s homeless community feel.
To complete this service challenge please CLICK HERE to register, send a picture of their experience to signumfidei@atc.qld.edu.au and log 5 service hours with your Homeroom Teacher. It is hoped that the experience of sleeping rough will create awareness of those most vulnerable.
Further details have been shared on the College App.
Co-curricular Music & Sport Photos 2024
The Co-curricular Music and Sport group photos’ Gallery is ready for families to view. Follow the link below to Just Photography website to view team and band photos.
There is a special promotion of Free Postage and Handling on all photo orders placed by Thursday 22 August. So get in quick!
MUSIC
QCMF – 1 Weeks to Go!
Only 2 weeks to go until 21 ensembles and choirs take to the stage at QCMF, Villanova College 15-18 August. Students need to be prioritising attendance at rehearsals and increasing their practise of repertoire in the lead up to the Festival.
Families and caregivers are welcome to attend performances and ticketing information, pick up and drop off times, uniform requirements and all other information is available on the College App. We look forward to seeing you there!
CLICK HERE to book at ticket.
Jazz Orchestra
Our Jazz Orchestra played at our Assembly this week. These talented students will be performing at Jazz By The River next term on Saturday 12 October. Keep an eye on the App for ticketing information soon.
CLUBS
The ATC Chess Age Championships will be held on Friday 23 August from 3:15pm – 6:00pm in NJ Hall. Information regarding the championships can be found on the app, under both the Chess tag and year levels. Registrations are open through Parent Lounge, Extra Curricular.
Age Champion Classification: Junior School Champion – Years 4, 5, and 6; - Middle School Champion – Year 7, 8, and 9; - Senior School Champion – Year 10, 11, and 12. The 2024 Chess Age Champion for each section will be presented at ATC Celebration of Excellence.
Eligibility: All ATC students with Chess experience, irrespective of whether they are part of “ATC Chess Club”, are welcome to register for these Championships. We look forward to seeing plenty of ATC Chess enthusiasts vying to become the ATC Chess Champion for 2024.
Art Club
Term 3 Art club is exploring the natural environment and our favourite bugs. Using alfoil and papier mache to create the structure of our insects. the year 6 boys will finish this project using a range of medias to enhance their 3 D forms adding an element of imagination and fun to these fabulous bug sculptures.
SPORT
A reminder next week, our Track & Field training will commence for all students in Yr. 4-12 but they'll be no training on Wednesday 14 August due to the EKKA public holiday. Please make sure to check the ATC App notice for more information. If you'd like to sign your son up for T&F, please email the Sports Office - sport@atc.qld.edu.au.
Golf
On Monday 29 July, a selected ATC golf team competed at the annual AIC Golf Championships at Keperra Country Golf Club. After a cold morning the team came in hot, winning overall Net Champions and winning the Balharry Shield, the first time that ATC has won this event! Congrats to Zak O, Dan B, Lachie K (absent from photo), Cooper D, Aidan B and staff member Paul Jones on this superb achievement. A special mention goes to Cooper D, who was crowned Overall Net Champion out of 45 competitors, finishing with a Net Score of 69 after some long drives and a tidy short game, a truly incredible achievement and thoroughly deserved!
Back to ATC Day
It was 'back to school' for our Past Students when they took on our Firsts Basketball and Football teams in two epic games last Saturday! College Principal Chris Ryan said this is a new exciting chapter in our story. The games coincided with the inaugural reunion hosted by the ATC Past Students Association for our 2019 Seniors who enjoyed catching up with fellow classmates, ATC staff and Foundation Principal, Mr Michael Senior. It was a very special occasion and wonderful to hear their stories from the past five years. Many of these young men are ATC coaches, mentors and are involved in various ways at the College, and we look forward to developing more opportunities for them to remain connected with the #ATCommunity.
ATC Long Lunch - Sunday 8 September
The much-anticipated ATC Long Lunch is back! Held on College grounds on Sunday 8 September, we look forward to welcoming friends and supporters of the College with the aim of strengthening the Bursary Fund of the Ambrose Treacy College Foundation. We encourage you to invite your friends and supporters from your wider friendship group for an afternoon of music and fun. Tickets are on sale now via the link below. For sponsorship and donation enquiries please contact Helen Hicks hicksh@atc.qld.edu.au We especially look forward to welcoming any new parents and friends of the College to this wonderful community event. Book Now!
Book your tickets here.
P&F
Only three weeks until the P&F 2nd hand uniform stall will be open for business:
If you have any uniforms you would like to donate, please deliver them to Main Reception by Monday 26 August.
A few key things to note:
Contact: Melissa (0426881203) or Sasha (0411460351) with queries.
All proceeds from the stall go to the P&F and will support initiatives at the school.
Please note; payments will be card only - no cash sales.
P&F Meetings
All parents and caregivers are invited to the regular meetings of the P&F Executive where upcoming friendraising opportunities are discussed and the Principal or Deputy Principal give updates on College matters. Our next meeting the AGM. Please join us in Mt Sion Library, Junior School Precinct at 6.30pm:
Tuesday 27 August - Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 8 October
Tuesday 19 November - Planning Meeting for 2025
ATC Ladies Spring Lunch 2024
Come and celebrate with friends and meet new ones at the ATC P&F Spring Lunch on Friday 25 October 2024 from 11.30am to 2.30pm at The Rose Room, Cloud Land, 641 Ann St, Fortitude Valley. Enjoy a two-course meal plus a glass of bubbles on arrival for $86 per ticket. Wear a splash of PINK in conjunction with the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Raffle tickets are available to support our fundraising and are $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for 8 or $50 for 20 tickets. Proceeds from the day go toward Breast Cancer Research.
Seats are limited to 250 only so book early to avoid disappointment. Seating will be by the Year Level of your son/s at ATC (but apart from that there will be no set seating arrangement). Please nominate your son's year level for preferred table seating when you book your ticket. Also if booking multiple tickets, please name your guests.
Dietary requirements must be included when you book your ticket.
Please contact the coordinator, Mrs Prue Moloney with any queries: pruemoloney@bigpond.com
Ticket sales are final and no refunds can be given. If you cannot attend for any reason, you can sell your ticket to another person, but this process is not managed by the P&F or the College.
CLICK HERE to book tickets from 5pm Tuesday 13 August.
Trivia Night
Congratulations and thank you to Nicole Moy and her team of volunteers in making this year's P&F Trivia night such a huge success. Fabulous costumes and decorations were in abundance with teams from the Avengers and Men in Black to Fair Dinkum Aussie Legends and Gangsters. Thank you to all of the sponsors for their generous donations which brought the prize pool to over $3,500. This is always a highlight on the social calendar for our Community and we look forward to next year.
(Keep an eye on our Socials for more photos of this wonderful event.)
Jason Sepetauc, Deputy Principal