Reconciling the Past - Ambrose Treacy College

As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are committed to recognition of and reconciliation with the First Nations people of Australia and join all communities throughout the country in engaging with National Reconciliation Week.

It was great to see our First XV Rugby team acknowledge and celebrate the commencement of Reconciliation Week by participating in traditional Turrbal welcome dance led by ATC22 past student Jye Duncan Cope in the AIC Reconciliation Round for our game against Iona College on Saturday.   

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our history, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This is an ongoing journey, signposted by significant moments in the process.  

27 May 1967 On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.  

3 June 1992 On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

26th May 2008 National Sorry Day is observed on May 26th each year in Australia. It is a day of remembrance and reflection dedicated to acknowledging the historical mistreatment and injustices suffered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly the Stolen Generations.

Week 7

Experience has taught me that Week 7 of a term is when it is important that we all do the simple things well in order to finish the term positively. We have a busy three weeks of Term Two remaining and some students and staff suffer fatigue during this time.  

Some tips:

• Time for a reset - haircut, shine shoes, tidy room, clean out school bag/locker.

• Less online time - limit screen time post 8pm whether it be scrolling, social media, gaming and even school work-busy minds need time to unwind to get a decent sleep.

• Balance - fun, relaxation, sleep, exercise, school work-team work makes the dream work.

• Work rate - this should be a time of term where the benefits of a steady study routine are kicking in and an increase rather than a last-minute cram is what is required with assessment work, revision and preparation.

The final three weeks of term are a busy and important time for assessment, revision and exams. Best wishes to all.

Service and the Biggest Morning Tea

Our College Pillar of Service was on fine display at last week’s assembly where student initiatives in the Junior and Middle Schools were shared. It is impressive to see the creativity of our younger students and their dedication to seeing their plans through to action.

For this week’s Biggest Morning Tea, we join communities throughout the nation in raising funds for Cancer Research and it is the Hospitality department’s huge event for students and staff.

The College will be well fed on Wednesday thanks to the hard work of our Hospitality students and staff and thank you to all for your contribution to our cause in support of the Australian Cancer Council. Also please access here the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea donation link.

2024 ATC Music Sydney Tour

After a few years of disruption, it is great to have a large contingent of our dedicated musicians preparing for their upcoming Music Tour of Sydney with the highlight being a performance at the world-famous Sydney Opera House. Thank you to our wonderful staff led by Mr Jonathan Bolt and all parents and caregivers for your support. There is an opportunity to wish this important and vibrant aspect of our community the very best at their farewell concert this Saturday afternoon at Warril Place (river side amphitheatre next to Westcourt Library) at 3.30pm. Please come along to support our musicians as they are working hard in preparation for this signpost event.

2024 Japan Tour

There is also much excitement for the return of the annual ATC Japan Tour this year and we wish our Japanese Co-ordinator Ms Tasha Damon, supporting staff and students the very best as they prepare for their upcoming cultural exchange with our partner school, Konan in Kobe. It is very exciting to be returning to this well-established program and I thank all staff, parents, and caregivers for your support.

AIC Cross Country 

The AIC Cross Country Championship will be held this Wednesday 29 May at Curlew Park. I wish all participants a successful day after an effective preseason and first outing as a team at the recent GBC championships.

ATC Rugby Night Out

After an enjoyable day of sport across Football, Touch Football and Rugby, thank you to ATC parent, Mr Matt Butcher, for his co-ordination of the annual Parents and Friends ATC Rugby Night Out. It was great to see so many parents and students at Suncorp Stadium for a resounding Reds victory against the Western Force and a good time had by all along with our fabulous Taiko Drum Ensemble who had plenty of opportunity to show their skills as the Reds enjoyed an attacking blitz.

Community Prayers 

Lord, we pray for those in our community who are suffering. Be with them in this time of hardship and uncertainty. Give comfort and peace to those who have lost loved ones. May their sorrow be turned into strength, and their distress turned into peace. May our hearts remain loving and pure as we seek to always be compassionate to those around us.

God bless

Chris Ryan