Coming Up Week 7
The week started with the Dash for Crash and ended with the House challenge in the Junior and Middle Schools. Thank you to all the participants and volunteers who made the Dash for Crash event so special, as we remembered the life of Damien McMeniman. Community is such an important component of the fabric of ATC. The Dash for Crash event brought together so many different members of this community.
On Wednesday I really enjoyed seeing so many students and staff gather in queues to grab one of the treats cooked by the Hospitality students for the Biggest Morning Tea. It was such a joy filled time and impressively well-mannered and patient considering boys and food were involved. Congratulations to Mr Martin, Ms Bates and Ms Bozzi for leading the hospitality students and providing this community building event. Plus a considerable donation will be made to the Cancer Council Queensland.
The calendar indicates next week is Week 7. That means the students only have three weeks remaining this semester. Only three weeks to make a difference on their semester report. Is there an assessment calendar in full view at home? Are discussions based around what needs to be done? What needs to be prioritised? What needs to take a backseat for three weeks?
Saturday 27 May marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 is Be a Voice for Generations. The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
Intentionally as a part of Reconciliation Week, on Monday we will hold the official opening and blessing of Warril Place. This is the ‘amphitheatre’ space in the Middle School precinct and hence all Years 7 to 9 students have been invited to be a part of the official ceremony.
Good luck for Year 9-10 students competing at QLD Volleyball Schools Cup this weekend.
I can’t wait for a bumper week seven with the always engaging Year 4 Showcase, Beanies for Brain Cancer Day, AIC Cross Country Championships, State of Origin Game 1, Co-curricular Photo Day, and the Ensembles Evening. Read ahead for all the exciting details of this wonderful community.
Vaping
As we understand from the extensive media coverage, vaping is a major health issue amongst young people. Ambrose Treacy College is pleased to be participating in an exciting new e-health intervention run by the researchers at The University of Sydney and the University of Queensland. This is the first trial of a school-based eHealth prevention program to address adolescent e-cigarette use in Australia and this will be run with our Year 8 cohort in Term 3. All year eight families have received an app notice with some more details. I look forward to seeing the results of this education program.
UPCOMING DATES
Friday 26 May to Sunday 28 May | Year 9-10 QLD Volleyball Schools Cup
Saturday 27 May | Start of National Reconciliation Week
Monday 29 May | Official Blessing of Amphitheatre Area (Warril Place)
Tuesday 30 May | Year 4 Showcase
Tuesday 30 May | Formal Photo Catch-Up Session
Wednesday 31 May | Beanies for Brain Cancer Day
Wednesday 31 May | Year 5-12 AIC Cross Country Championships
Wednesday 31 May | State of Origin Game 1
Thursday 1 June | Co-curricular Photo Day
Thursday 1 June | Co-curricular Ensembles Evening
Friday 2 June | Year 8-12 Clontarf Students NBL excursion
LEARNING NEWS
Assessment Schedules – Years 4, 5 & 6
Please be advised that the Assessment Schedules for Years 4, 5 and 6 Term 2 are now available in Parent Lounge and Student Café.
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, allowing the boys to share their work with peers and parents. We warmly welcome parents and caregivers to join us in NJ Hall for this event from 8.30am. Light refreshments will be served at 8.45am. Note- Formal school uniform is to be worn on the day. For further information about the activity, please contact Paul Degenkamp, Year 4 Coordinator
Around the Grounds
Year 7 students are completing their wire sculpture unit. Students are working individually or problem solving in a pair, creating surreal creatures by combing one or more real sea creatures and a fantasy creature! These works are inspired by the weird and wonderful sculptures of Australian artist Patricia Piccinini. We cannot wait to see their final artworks!
Year 8 Maths students have been using formulas to determine the area of shapes such as a triangle, trapezium, parallelogram, pentagon and a rhombus and mastered calculating the area of composite shapes. They faced some curly questions in class when Mr Tobin and Ms Dwyer tasked them with calculating the square meterage of turf for a garden!
Year 12 Construction students are completing their Major Project for Cert I, building a gardening Shed for Environmental Club, students are developing skills such as framing, cladding, and caulking. With a few more finishing touches and additions to come with the roof and door, we cannot wait to see their progress!
National Simultaneous Storytime
National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual event held in Australia aimed at promoting the importance of reading and literacy among young children. During National Simultaneous Storytime, a selected picture book is read aloud simultaneously in libraries, schools, childcare centres, and other educational institutions across the country. The goal is to have as many children as possible listening to the same story at the same time, fostering a sense of community and emphasizing the joy and benefits of reading. The event typically involves a well-known Australian author or illustrator presenting their book to a nationwide audience through live broadcasts or online platforms. This year "The Speedy Sloth" by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie was enjoyed being heard by all the Junior School boys, along with some fun activities too!
FORMATION NEWS
Formal Photo Day
Our Annual Formal Photo Day was held this Thursday 25 May.
Orders can still be made online at www.studiokirby.com.au
To avoid paying extra, please finalise your order by Friday 16 June. Note. Any orders after this date will incur an $18.00 admin processing and handling fee. Photos are unavailable to view before purchase. If there are any concerns with your photos, please contact Studio Kirby within 10 days of receiving your pack to discuss alternative options. We endeavour to have all photos delivered to the school and distributed to students approximately 8 weeks from photo day. Download code & instructions are supplied in your photo pack upon delivery. (Downloads are available for 6 months) Booklets are available in the A & E Packs. Booklets are 8-pages and include group photo, student portrait and photos from around the school grounds. Note: Booklets are NOT available to order after Friday 16 June. To avoid missing out on this product please finalise your order on-time!
Photo Catch Up Day – Registration Form
Unfortunately, some students were absent from the formal photo day. To assist our families in capturing their child’s photo for 2023, we have arranged an individual photo catch-up day for Tuesday 30 May. If your child was unable to attend last Thursday and would like to be take part in the catch-up photo day on Tuesday 30 May, please complete the below form by COB on Monday 29 May.
Links: https://ambrosetreacy.cspace.net.au/Assets/1354/ATCUniformGuide.pdf
https://forms.office.com/r/AS9eZERyVX
ATC Ties
Families who purchased the College tie last month at School Locker are asked to come to Student Reception and swap it for a replacement tie, which has the correct branded colours. The incorrect coloured tie must be handed into receive the replacement item. School Locker advised 147cm school ties are 6 weeks away. We will continue to swap out incorrect coloured school ties, (either length, 137cm and 147cm) for the 137cm ties and will rectify in 6 weeks when the 147cm ties are delivered on approximately 6 July.
Save the Date – Year 11 SociABLE
The Year 11 SociABLE will be held on Tuesday 15 August at The Greek Club from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Professional photographers will be on site from 6:00pm and will be taking photographs of individuals and their partners upon their arrival. More information will follow in the coming weeks with ticketing opening on Monday 17 July.
FAITH & MISSION NEWS
National Reconciliation Week
Ambrose Treacy College is committed to genuine and sustainable reconciliation with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, let’s choose to create a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
#NRW2023
Beanies 4 Brain Cancer
On Wednesday 31 May, ATC will show our true colours with the Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Day. This is an annual fundraising day for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, the leading voice for brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness in Australia. As many in our own community have been directly affected by this indiscriminate disease, we are genuine in our efforts to raise awareness and support for this important research organisation. This day coincides with the first State of Origin game for 2023 and students are asked to wear any coloured Beanie or a Maroon or Blue shirt, jersey or scarf to show your support for your favourite team and raise funds for brain cancer research. Please note this is NOT A FREE DRESS DAY, however an opportunity to show support for this important fundraiser. Students are to bring a gold coin donation to homeroom on the day. Should you have any queries please contact Mr Matt Warr, Dean of Faith and Mission.
SERVICE NEWS
Donation Drive Partnering with Rosie's
Let's brighten the lives of others! The Rosie’s Donation Drive has started and Year 6 have partnered with Rosies - Friends On The Street to help those in need. Paving the way in the Junior School, just as Blessed Edmund Rice did in Ireland 200 years ago, Year 6 are reaching out to those living on margins. For their Service initiative, Year 6 ask for donations of men’s roll-on deodorant (no glass or aerosols) and new blankets (in their packaging.) Please drop these items in the box on the Year 6 verandah and we will work with Rosie's to deliver them to the vulnerable. Thank you for your generosity. Any queries, please email Mrs Hoyer, Year 6 Coordinator.
CO-CURRICULAR NEWS
Co-curricular sport & music photos will be taken on Thursday 1 June in Nudgee Junior Hall. More information and the schedule are on the ATC App.
Please note the following uniform requirements; Students may arrive in their Performance/PE Uniform and remain in this uniform for the remainder of the day.
Music:
- Taiko Drummers – PE Uniform
- All other bands, ensembles, choirs – Full Performance Uniform: (white performance shirt, long trousers Years 7-12 or shorts Years 4-6, College tie, socks and suit coat)
Sport:
- First and Open Teams (AFL, Cricket, Cross Country, Swimming, and Volleyball) - Full First/Open Uniform (This includes socks and hats where relevant)
- Open Cross-Country runners will be supplied with their running attire at the AIC Cross Country Championships
- Open Swimmers should wear PE shorts, socks, sport shoes and their long-sleeved Swimming shirt.
- All other teams - (AFL, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Swimming, Volleyball, including Colours Cup participants) - PE Uniform
If students are in Music and Sport photos, they are to wear their performance uniform to school as Music photos are first. Students can then get changed into their PE/First Uniforms.
Students who do not comply with the ATC Uniform, Hair & Grooming Policy or are not in correct uniform risk not being allowed in photos.
Public Speaking
Year 5 students are participating in the Term 2 Public Speaking competition at St Laurence’s College coming up against Marist College Ashgrove, Laurie's and Padua. The comp allows boys to be creative and demonstrate their flair for performing as they speak on a topic of their own choice. With one more round to go this season, we know the team will make the most of every opportunity. Congrats Josh on being speaker of the night!
CLUB NEWS
Well done to our ATC Mountain Biking students who participated in the Rocky Trail competition at Mt Cotton. The boys competed across 3 levels, on multiple tracks, working so well together as a team. Congratulations to Zane R on a great podium finish, coming 3rd in the Junior Division, out of a field of 109 riders. Well done to all our students who rode home in the top 20 amongst some very tough competition. Many thanks to our coaches from Brisbane Mountain Biking, Mark Watts and Mark Rutelidge for their wonderful coaching on the day.
SPORT NEWS
While Term 2 sport is coming into its final weeks of the season, we are putting on the final touches for the Term 3 sporting seasons. Sign ups and season information will be shared in the coming weeks and the sports include Year 4-12 Basketball, Year 4 Touch Football, Year 7-12 GBC Football, Year 5-12 Tennis and Year 4-12 Track and Field. Please make sure you are following the appropriate tag/s on the app so you don’t miss any information.
MUSIC NEWS
Congratulations to all our fantastic musicians who have performed in one or more of the numerous performances in recent weeks. We still have a number of events coming up so please keep a close eye on the College APP for updates and information regarding those performances.
With everything happening in the classroom, on the sporting field and on stage it is a very busy time but also crucial that regular, organised, and structured home practise is happening for all students.
The key to success with musical instrument learning is playing the instrument as often as possible - simply put, the more often the instrument is in a student's hands the better. Several routine shorter sessions across a week are more beneficial than one longer session.
Having a dedicated practise space set-up and ready is very important as well. This can be in the corner of a bedroom or a shared space, but it is important that when practise is happening that there are no distractions. Having a music stand is also important, having a book on the floor or desk does not promote a posture conducive to playing an instrument well. Ideally there is access to recorded music with a good speaker. Listening to relevant music, using appropriate backing tracks or a metronome is crucial to effective practise.
Learning to play a musical offers numerous opportunities and benefits. Thank you for supporting your sons in their home practise – remember routine is the key to success. If your son feels that he doesn’t know how to go about practising, or you have any other questions feel free to contact us in the music department and we will be happy to help.
P&F NEWS
P&F Meetings
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 Junior School at 6.30pm. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 11 July, at 6.30pm. In Semester Two we will meet also on Tuesday 8 August, 5 September, 10 October and 21 November. For any queries, please email the P&F Secretary Catherine pandf@atc.qld.edu.au
Save the Date for these P&F Events
Trivia Night
The annual trivia night is being held on Saturday 29 July in the NJ Hall. More details will be released in June, but it’s time to think about getting you’re A Team together and deciding on costumes and theme for your table! More details to come.
Spring Lunch
The ATC P&F annual Ladies Spring lunch is being held on Friday 13 October at The Rose Room, Cloud Land Fortitude Valley. Enjoy a lovey lunch with a two-course meal (main and dessert) plus one glass of bubbles on arrival and lucky door prizes. Proceeds from the day go toward Breast Cancer research. It's a great initiative and a wonderful way for new and current Mums and female caregivers to come together as a community and raise funds for charity. It also coincides with the College ‘Wear Pink Day’ so students are raising money and awareness at the same time! Seats are limited to 250 only so book early to avoid disappointment. N.B Seating will be by the Year Level of your son/s at ATC (but apart from that there will be no set seating arrangement). Dress: Wear a splash of PINK! Any queries, please email Prue Moloney, P&F Event coordinator. pruemoloney@bigpond.com Tickets go on sale in early July so keep an eye on the ATC App.
See you in Week 7!
Mr David Gardiner
Deputy Principal
