Coming Up Week 7
Camp Week
Camp finally arrived. Over 800 students across 7 cohorts enjoyed a range of wonderful camp experiences from the Scenic Rim to the Sunny Coast, and all the way to Canberra. As a former outdoor educator, I firmly believe camp experiences provide students with challenges, formation and education opportunities and the chance to reconnect with the world in a different way. I congratulate every student on their willingness to engage, learn and have fun. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the College staff who take time out of their own lives to make camp possible. In my decades of education, I’ve never seen a school that manages to coordinate camps for all cohorts. It is truly amazing that the collective goodwill of staff combines to make this an extraordinarily memorable week. Lastly, there are many unsung heroes behind the scenes who take on the enormous logistical tasks to make camps happen. I would personally like to thank my Personal Assistant Ms Georgie Ingham Meyers for her dedication. She has been ably supported by our administration team who have also completed a myriad of tasks.
Year 12 Claddagh Retreat
Whilst camp was happening Year 12 also radiated out various venue for their Claddagh Retreat. A Claddagh ring is an Irish piece of jewellery which features a heart, a crown, and clasped hands. They symbolize love, loyalty, and friendship. In this spirit Year 12 students have been able to reflect on their school journey, imagine their transition from school and contemplate meaning and purpose in their lives. It is a transformational process which I hope will resonate through Year 12 and beyond. Once again, I extend my thanks to all the staff who organized and facilitated Claddagh.
AIC Swimming
On Tuesday 5 March we look forward to the AIC Swimming Championship at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. I wish all our swimmers every success. I also encourage our Year 11 and Year 12 spectators to barrack positively and show ATC spirit in cheering our team home. Events get underway at approximately 8.30 am. Spectators can use car parks 1 and 2 and enter via level 4.
IWD
On Friday 8 March the College celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) with a special assembly. The theme for this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. It challenges us to create a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. You can find out more about IWD here.
Success Integrated
On Wednesday 7 March at 6 pm in Nudgee Junior Hall, Darren from Success Integrated will present Parent Strategies for Teenage Success. The program is designed to connect parents to the sessions that will be delivered to our Year 11 and 12 cohorts on Friday 8 March during class time. Darren will focus on how parents can partner with their sons to help raise their academic achievement. Parents have received an email with more information and RSVP details.
P&F
The second P&F Meeting of 2024 takes place on Tuesday 5 March in the Mt Sion Library from 6.30 pm. All new and existing parents are welcome.
KEY DATES
Sunday 3 March | Community Garden Event
Tuesday 5 March | AIC Swimming Championships
Tuesday 5 March | P&F Meeting 6.30 pm
Thursday 7 March | Parent Strategies for Academic Success
Friday 8 March | Student Leadership Afternoon
Friday 8 March | International Women's Day
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE WEEK 6
From Quandamooka to Coolum (and as far away as Canberra) our ATC campers enjoyed the great outdoors, learning life skills, and being brave away from home this week. Chris Ryan offered his good wishes to all travellers and also took the opportunity to share the 5th Strategic Plan objective in his blog last Monday. CLICK HERE to read.
FORMATION NEWS
Moggill Road
Year 12 students came together on Monday to sing their rendition of a classic and made it their own, 'Moggill Road'. We're sure you will recognise this old favourite.
LEARNING
Music
The Year 10, 11 & 12 Music students have had the privilege of working with Dr Chris Perren from the University of Queensland. Our Senior musicians all undertook a workshop on composition and compositional techniques using Ableton Live software. Dr Perren provided additional one-on-one mentorship for the Year 12 students on their IA2 composition task. The boys significantly valued their time working with a professional composer and gaining insight into creating using this platform.
Geography
Year 12 Geography students travelled to Numinbah Valley in the Gold Coast hinterland to investigate the invasive weed – lantana. They gathered data from two different areas – one that is the ‘ideal’ example of the normal bioregion for this area; and the second, an old dairy farm that was cleared in the last century. Students will use this data to create a report that both investigates the impact of lantana and present proposal/s that can restore the impacted region. Canoeing across Hinze Dam to get to one of the sites and an evening visit to Springbrook National Park and Natural Arch to see the world renowned glow worms. It is always special to be in the Park at night but even more so this time with recent rainfall creating a thundering waterfall through the cave creating a wonderful mist that showcased the glow of the worms! Ms Connelly commended her Year 12 students for the way they contributed to all aspects of the excursion. Well done!
Ngutana-Lui
Year 4s spent a day learning more about indigenous traditions with the team from Ngutana-Lui, immersing themselves in the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
From boomerang throwing, dot painting, dancing, and other ancient creative arts. These immersive activities enhance cultural knowledge and understanding by embedding Indigenous perspectives not only in curriculum, but in the everyday with our Clontarf Academy partnership.
FAITH AND MISSION NEWS
Clontarf Leadership Camp
Mr Pickering shares news from the recent Clontarf Leadership camp and gives insight into the activities and productive partnerships that made it a success. Looking to the Future - Pathways and Pro - Ambrose Treacy College (atc.qld.edu.au)
Service
Let’s share the good news. Ambrose Treacy students proudly wear the college crest;, upon which are the words ‘Signum Fidei’, meaning Sign of Faith. A Sign of Faith is a person in their community who exhibit the values of our College and are a fine example of what it means to be a person of faith in action. Through their actions, our Irish warriors uphold the values of the Gospel. We are excited to share with you our Signum Fidei email address and students and parents are encouraged to share with us pictures and stories of the great work that our students are doing in their communities. We would love to hear about all the wonderful work our students do and promote the organisations and causes that they are working with and for. Send us your stories at signumfidei@atc.qld.edu.au with a photo and a brief caption and we’ll share the good news!
COMMUNITY GARDEN EVENT
Join us this Sunday 3 March for a community working bee from 7.45 am to 10.15 am at Vera St Community Garden 23 Vera Street, Toowong. This is in support of our local community and the environment. Year 5 students invite all ATC families to join in this event and lead the charge in environmental stewardship. This is an event that will be supervised by parents, and students can earn service hours while enjoying a morning in nature and with their friends. Don't miss out - see you there!
MUSIC NEWS
AMEB examinations and ATAR for Music and Drama & Communications
Did you know that the completion of AMEB examinations can provide an additional pathway for university entry for some students? The skills and experience you’ve gained through completing non-AQF Performing Arts qualifications can give you a selection rank for entry to some QUT courses. Your performing arts qualification can be translated into a QTAC selection rank (from 84.00-87.00, depending on your qualification). As a guide, completed AMEB seventh and eighth grade study will receive a selection rank of 84.00. Higher selection ranks are possible with higher AMEB (or equivalent) studies. The course you apply for does not necessarily have to be in an area related to your performance qualification. For example, a student may receive an ATAR rank of less than 84 – say, 74 and they have also completed AMEB Grade 7 and the necessary theory components. This means that QUT will accept their ‘selection rank’ of 84 which is equivalent to any other student who has received an ATAR of 84. Click here for more information. For students who are considering utilising this, please ensure that you contact QUT directly for details regarding your specific course and AMEB qualifications.
SPORT NEWS
We look forward to another huge weekend of AFL, Volleyball & Cricket. We hope the boys had fun on Camp Week and we appreciate they may be tired however, a reminder that attendance at weekend sport is still compulsory and we expect to see a good turn out across the board.
On another note, our 1st Volleyball team will be playing against TSAC in their final home game of the season here at ATC IN SFXC on Sat 2 March. The match will begin at 11am and we'd love to see as many students, staff, parents and the wider ATC community in attendance to Pack the Cage and cheer the boys on!
Week 7 also brings the AIC Swimming Championships on Tue 5 March which, is a big and important event for the School. The final squad has been confirmed and we wish the boys and coaches well and look forward to hearing how well we competed.
AFL
Round 4 of AFL saw a huge result for ATC after some smart reading of the play, accurate goal kicking, and strong contested marking mixed with pace and skill. Congratulations to our Firsts on a 9-5-59 to 5-7-37 win.
CLUB NEWS
After a busy camp week, where no doubt all students have had a wonderful time, the ATC Clubs program will resume from Monday 6 March. We look forward to seeing the boys back at school and enjoying their clubs!
P&F NEWS
All parents and caregivers are invited to the next meeting with the Principal and the P&F Executive on Tuesday 5 March at 6:30pm. Upcoming friendraising opportunities are discussed and the Principal or Deputy Principal will give updates on College matters. Please join us in Mt Sion Library, Junior School Precinct at 6.30pm on Tuesday 5 March. If you can't make it in March please add the next meeting - Tuesday 23 April to your calendar.
I trust everyone enjoyed this busy week and we look forward to our boys returning to the College next week.
Jason Sepetauc, Deputy Principal
