'Wicked' Music Production

This week our musicians, singers, actors and dancers head off on camp to bring together the final stages of their preparation for the performance of the musical ‘Wicked’ in just a few short weeks. It is a huge operation for the staff and senior students to bring a production to life, and with the reputation ‘Wicked’ has as one of the most striking productions available for schools, we’re all looking forward to seeing the output of their work. Tickets are now on sale online, so even if your child is not involved (perhaps especially if your child is not involved), here is a great opportunity for a family outing and a chance to show your support to the young people your child knows as friends. We look forward to seeing our families out and about together for this important community event.

Tickets on sale NOW! - BOOK HERE

Winter Sport is back!

I can’t tell you how excited we are that Winter Sport is back in full swing this weekend. After the Firsts teams got us off to such a successful start last weekend (big wins for the netball and footy teams!), there’s nothing like Assumption on a Saturday morning in winter when everyone’s back at their sport. Of course this year, we have two year-levels – Year seven AND eight, both playing their first winter season, so we’re hopeful that lots of parents and friends will come along to cheer on the teams. Here are a few reminders for those coming along to watch:

• Parking is in Gate 1 and on the street only (no driving through the site anymore – we’ve had too many ‘near-misses’ between kids and fast-moving cars).
• The all important coffee van is now in the middle of the College (near the ‘old pool’)
• No dogs allowed – as a working farm and home to our boarders, the Assumption College site is a dog-free zone.
• You will need to sign in with the QR code on arrival.

Learning Walks

With health restrictions now at a level where we can have parents on site, we would will soon be providing dates for parents/carers to visit during the school day for a ‘Learning Walk’. These are a great opportunity to see learning in action and ask any questions you have about particular programs or subjects – it’s another important way parents can familiarise themselves with the College so as to be able to assist their child meaningfully with subject selection (and a casual way to meet some other parents and share some memories from your own school days!).

‘Consent’ is still on the agenda

While the media might have moved on from the wall to wall discussion of the matter of sexual consent, let me assure you that it’s still very much on the agenda here at school. The ‘milkshake’ disaster aside, there are some good resources that our staff use, and you may have even heard our own teacher, Liz Little, speaking recently on consent and the Year 12 English Texts on ABC radio. We are currently working on a parent information night, where we can share some of our knowledge and experience and provide parents/carers with some of the tools to open meaningful discussions with their teens (boys and girls) about consent and their own experiences of relationships. Stay tuned for more details.

On a personal note

Thank you to the parents and carers who sent well wishes to me prior to my recent surgery. I’m back on deck now and feeling a million times better than I was six short weeks ago. As I said last term, while my own experience of gynaecological woes was short and swiftly managed, I have heard too many stories now of women and girls who suffer pain and uncertainty for months and even years without seeking professional help or advocating for suitable medical intervention. Even while I was on leave, a recent study was released showing that too many girls and women miss education and work opportunities because of menstrual difficulties – and this is unacceptable. Please encourage those who might be experiencing this to speak to their doctor and seek referral to gynaecological services – just six weeks later and I can personally vouch for the fact that it can be life-changing!

For those who are grieving

There are a number of members of our community who are suffering along with their family in India at the moment, and still others who are coming up to the anniversary of loved ones lost during last year’s lock-downs. In both instances, managing the grief and mourning is, and was, from afar and the normal traditions and important signposts of broken hearts were not or have not been able to be lived in meaningful ways. As we close April then, and with the spectre of ANZAC Day calling us to also remember those who have been lost in war, let’s pause and call down blessings on all those who grieve:

Jesus, the Gospels share that you too lost friends, family and loved ones and felt the deep sadness of this heartache. Be with those who grieve today. Send them warm memories, someone to hold their hand or put an arm around your shoulder, and the deep peace from knowing that while their loved one is no longer present, the love they shared will always bring consolation. Let them know they are yet loved and that their sadness is simply a profound and genuine way that love continues to let itself be known in the important everyday-ness of our lives. Amen.

LATEST NEWS

FROM THE FAITH OFFICE

Marist Parent Connect

We invite students to become ‘Marist’ in their attitudes, behaviours and beliefs, but this invitation is extended to all in our wider community. Take the opportunity to further deepen your understandings of what it means to be Marists and join us in this way of life. This weeks edition of Marist Parent Connect newsletter focuses on Living Gospel values and 'It's All Good News!' The latest edition can be found HERE.

FROM THE LIBRARY

Alexa Hunt - Director of Library and Information Services

Book Club is back!

Book Club is a multi-age student group who meet several times a term for fun book-related activities. We haven’t been able to meet in person for a while but due to the easing of Covid restrictions we were able to catch up recently. Our first activity was who could identify the book from a small snippet of the cover?! This was quite challenging but our students rose to the occasion. The winning team identified almost all of the Book Covers, so well done Bethany, Charlotte, Darcy, Kara and Ryley! We welcome new members to join Book Club please REGISTER HERE

Quaere in the Library

Our year 7 students have been borrowing plenty of physical books this year but over the last few weeks have been learning how to borrow eBooks and audio Books. The school has access to a large collection of these items and you can access them through the Library Homepage 24/7! This means you never run out of things to read! Listening to a book can be very relaxing too… so worth trying if you’ve never experienced “Talking Books” before. Click on this link to access the ACK Library Homepage (School login required)

ATAR notes and resources

A reminder to VCE students there are copies of ATAR notes and resources that you can borrow from the Library. These are all the most up-to-date versions and well worth a read. The loan period is for 3 weeks. 

Happy Reading!

ANZAC DAY

Darcy Macaulay and his very special horse, Parklands Firefly participated in 4 ANZAC Services on Friday – extraordinary effort.
On Friday at 9am Darcy Macaulay and his very special horse Parklands Firefly together with Flory and Stuart the bagpiper met at The Oaks Nursing Home in Gisborne to visit the residents.
The group then travelled to the Bupa Nursing Home in Woodend for their RSL service at 11am.
The group returned to Gisborne to participate in the Gisborne Primary School ANZAC Service at 1:15 pm followed by Brigid’s Primary School ANZAC Service at 2pm.

Assumption College Boarders paid their respects on ANZAC Day at the Kilmore Dawn service and March. The students and staff did a wonderful job representing the College at both services.

SEYMOUR ALTERNATIVE FARMING EXPO

Thanks to everyone who visited us at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo. We loved showing the community our plans for our new Agricultural Centre and the Neale Daniher Community and Sporting pavilion. We also love sharing information on MyMap, boarding and speaking to many old collegians. 

NEW PARENTS AND CARERS WELCOME 

It was wonderful to finally welcome some of our new families to the College after our postponed event from February. Families had the opportunity to tour the school and socialise with other families, students and staff. Thank you to everyone who attended. 

UPCOMING COLLEGE EVENTS

Careers Expo

Our Annual Careers Expo is on and we are inviting parents/carers to attend from 3pm to 4pm on Friday 7 May. To assist us with our COVID compliance and event planning, please book in for the expo HERE. We will then be in touch with you to discuss which exhibitors you are interested in viewing. If you have any questions regarding the Expo, email Careers Jenny.Pendlebury@assumption.vic.edu.au 

Mother's Day

Stopping and celebrating all those that play the role of mum is ever so important and we have two events to help you acknowledge those special people in your life.

Assumption College and St Patricks Catholic Primary School will be holding a joint Mothers Day breakfast at St Patricks Catholic Primary School at 7.30am

Our Marlhes Restaurant, located onsite here at Assumption College, is also holding a beautiful Mothers Day lunch on Wednesday 5th May. Seats are limited and cost for tickets are $45 per person. CLICK HERE for a copy of the Mothers Day three course menu and to book your table.

SAVE THE DATES

7 May - Mothers Day Free Breakfast (7.30am to 8.30am)

7 May - Career Expo

27 28 29 May - Wicked Production

29 October to 31 October - RURBAN

ADMINISTRATION

Photograph Permissions

The deadline is looming for the return of all Photograph Permission forms. Responses are due by 30 April. If you require further details please email marketing@assumption.vic.edu.au. Just remember, if you don't give permission, your photograph won't feature in the 2021 Yearbook, social media, website, publications and other such material.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Behaviour around School Crossings

The last thing we want is for our families to receive parking fines around our school zones. We therefore ask everyone to work into their busy schedules time to ensure that they park appropriately around schools. It is also important all school children, parents and guardians utilise school crossings. Children have very poor road sense and peripheral vision and may not see danger approaching, their ability to acknowledge distances is not very advanced. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure the safety of all school children around school zones at all times.

You are receiving this email because you are a parent or carer of an Assumption College student.