Newsletter 11 August 2023

Principal's Welcome

Term 3 Week 4

Dear parents and carers,

I recently had the privilege of completing the ‘Advanced Leadership Program’ in the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge. The course is designed for thirty international senior leaders from across various industries with a view to exposing participants to emerging business and societal ‘disruptions’ and challenges and then providing methodologies for assessing the innovation possibilities and risks that may arise from these times against a Strategic Plan and operational capabilities.

Some of the challenges that we learnt about more deeply include the impact of unpredictable globalisation, geopolitical conflict, decentralised finance, the cyber threat landscape, artificial intelligence, the rise of ESG, the changing face of work, circular economy and much, much more.  The three weeks were incredibly consuming and inspiring and in some ways, it was a privilege just to share the room with so many impressive world business leaders, let alone to sit at the feet of the remarkable academics and industry experts that Cambridge was able to access for us.

Of the many big questions I came away with from the program, the most significant was how we can continue to improve the schooling experience to better prepare our students for the emerging industries and the changing world of work. Certainly we need to find ways of increasing the flexibility of learning opportunities for students, but so too we must continue to promote and enable skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Our new STEM Centre (building commencing in 2024) will go part way to continuing to energise this space, but we must also continue to encourage our young to engage with the STEM subjects as much as possible in their MyMAP years, so that they have the grounding to build on this in the final years and beyond. As you undertake subject selection with your child at the moment, I strongly urge you to ensure they do not neglect science and technology, but also to consider the engineering possibilities in all their forms (mechanical, digital etc).

I have had the opportunity to share some of my learnings with our staff here at Assumption and a few of our senior classes. More of that will occur over the coming weeks. I’d like to thank Senior Deputy Principal, Vaughan Cleary for stepping in while I was away. I know the College is always in good hands with him.

While in the UK, I also took the opportunity to visit with the Liverpool Football Club International Academy Team. Meeting at Anfield Stadium, I was proud to hear them speak of the program we run here at Assumption College with great enthusiasm. We are the only school in their international network who are able to run their Academy program as a subject for students. They were seeking advice from our staff about how to encourage others to roll out the program in similar ways, and were keen to see our curriculum development and how we had melded the Liverpool program with the Victorian curriculum. For those who love LFC and like a little news from there, I was able to see the impressive new stand at the end opposite the Kop (it looks great) and also visit the LFC changerooms and superboxes (we used Trent Alexander Arnold’s Superbox for the meeting because he is an Academy graduate). I would like to have brought home some paraphernalia for all the students in our program, but unfortunately my bags were already full of books from Cambridge.

Assumption Day

Woohoo! It’s Assumption Day time!

The Feast of the Assumption is one of two ‘Holy Days of Obligation’ in Australia. That means that the Assumption (15^th August) and Christmas Day are the only two days (besides Sundays) where Australian Catholics are required to attend Mass! At Assumption College, we celebrate Assumption Day with Mass, a fete (to raise funds for our Marist sister-school in Timor Leste) and then have a student concert. It’s always a wonderful day of celebration, laughs and celebrating all the best parts of our school community.

When the Marists decided to found a school in Kilmore they took a few years to get the name right! The original ‘Inspector’s Reports’ we have refer to ‘St Patrick’s School’, but by 1906, they had properly distinguished themselves from the primary school and called the secondary (boys) component ‘Assumption College’.

The Feast of the Assumption (and the name of our College) commemorates Mary’s importance in the Christian story. Solemnised in 1950, it recognised the long tradition in the Church that Mary did not die, but was instead ‘assumed’ into Heaven (taken up to God, body and soul). Traditional artwork throughout the past 1500 years has frequently sought to capture this mystery and Catholic writings show that it was a significant part of Catholic theology from quite early in the Church’s history.

At Mass on Assumption Day we will listen to the traditional stories of our faith associated with Mary and with this day. One is a strange apocalyptic story (spoiler alert, there’s a biblical dragon!), but the others commemorate key moments in Mary’s life, and most especially, her conscious decision to say ‘yes’ to God’s plans for her. This is the central message of the Feast of the Assumption – that Mary had the courage to step beyond her small horizons and accept the challenge that God placed before (to give birth to the Christ child). From there, her life was lived in fidelity and integrity to that mission – to be a disciple and to bring others to do the same.

Our students will have a wonderful day on Tuesday. I hope that you too have an opportunity to pause and invite the courage of God into your life in ways so that each of us, like Mary, might confidently and yet humbly continue to work to bring the world to justice, peace, joy and love.

Loving God. We thank you for the example of Mary. As Marists, may we live in her way – with simplicity, a love of work, a family spirit and a commitment to being present to those who need our love, encouragement and care.  Amen.

Key Dates

Below are some key dates for the rest of the term and early next term. For full calendared events please see PAM. We wish all of our students competing in co-curricular activities all the best for the last couple of rounds of the term. 

  24 July Learning Mentor Group Subject Selection Discussions

  2 August Year 9 onsite retreat

  3 August Year 10 onsite retreat

  15 August Assumption Day celebrations

  18 August Staff Sabbatical Day- (Student free day)

  18 August Year 7 2025 Enrolments close

  21 August  Academic Interviews 9 am -7.00 pm  (Student free day)

  24 August Music Soiree

  25 August 2024 Subject Selections Due

  28 August Onsite Year 11 retreat

  1 September Father’s Day Breakfast

  8 September Dance Concert Evening

  12 September Inaugural Cricket Blast Gala Day

  15 September Last day of term 3 

Peter Augustin, Deputy Principal – Wellbeing

There has been a buzz around the College this week as our students have been busy rehearsing for mass/ organizing their stalls/ costings and resources for our Timor Leste fundraiser. As well as this, they have been trying to get the inside word on who the MCs will be for our Assumption Day concert, and of course, who will be jumping up on stage to entertain the crowds! As we get closer to next Tuesday, a reminder that all students need to be in full school uniform, including your College Blazer. Students are asked to bring as many small coins/ notes ($5/$10/$20) for our Fete, which is raising vital funds to assist our Marist Solidarity project in Timor Leste. After 3 years, we're thrilled to have a group of Assumption College students and staff heading off on the Immersion Trip over the term 3 holidays, we wish them all the best for what promises to be an amazing trip.      

Parent Vaping Seminar

On Wednesday evening we were lucky enough to have Dr. Rebecca Brown, a local GP who specializes in adolescent health, speak to the growing amount of research on the impacts, facts and common myths around vapes/ e-cigarettes on adolescents. Not only does she outline why education, and being able to speak to our young people is so vital in addressing this issue, she also speaks to how you can create safe places to be able to open up these conversations with the young people in your lives. To view this presentation, the link can be found on PAM under School links – Information Sessions – Parent Seminar – Teen Vaping.

Year 9/10 Retreats

Last Wednesday and Thursday the Year 9 and 10 Retreats took place. As a Catholic Marist College, these are important formation experiences that are central to breaking open the key themes which we acknowledge and celebrate through all that we do at Assumption. The students had expert guest presenters break open many challenging topics facing young people today. Some of these key themes included how social media and modern technology can impact the brain and their relationships with one another, how gender stereotypes can create environments which limit people's ability to be able to be their authentic self. They also developed practical ways in which the students can have meaningful check-ins with the people around them, so that they can be friends who show compassion, offer forgiveness and share in each other's joys.        

Faith Team Update: Term 3 2023

This term, we are fundraising and raising awareness for the work of Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) in Timor-Leste. AMS works across Asia and the Pacific, providing access to education for vulnerable young people. 

Since the early 2000s, Assumption has proudly supported Marist Solidarity’s work in Timor-Leste. Through our contributions, we have been able to support education projects, build schools and develop a wonderful link between our College and the people of Timor-Leste. Over the last five years, Assumption has proudly supported the rebuilding of St Terezinha Primary School in the village of Quelicai, and a Marist College in the village of Lautem.  

This year, we are fundraising to build new classrooms in the village of Kulugia, high up in the mountain regions of the Baucau district. The current classrooms have been identified by the educational leaders in Baucau as the greatest need of all the schools in their region. Our aim is to help this village provide their children with brand new school classrooms and toilet facilities. Both are desperately needed.  

We look forward to taking an enthusiastic group of 17 Year 11 students to Timor-Leste in September for our immersion program. These students will be able to visit and interact with local schools and organisations, seeing firsthand the impact of our fundraising.  

Across the term, we are raising funds in many different ways.  

1. Students are encouraged to drop some coins or cash each week into their Learning Mentor Group recycled fundraising boxes. Alternatively, anyone can make a tax-deductible donation through our website below or by using the QR code.  

1. Next Tuesday, the 15th of August, we will celebrate the feast of the Assumption. Part of Assumption Day involves a fête, from which all money raised will go towards our school building project in Kulugia.  

1. Our Year 11 immersion students are organising a fundraising trivia night and silent auction on Friday 25th of August. Tickets are available through our TryBooking page below or by using the QR code. 

As always, thank you for your generosity, support and awareness of this worthy cause, which will help shape the lives of many children in Timor-Leste. 

Year 7 2025 Enrolments Closing 18 August

We’ve been having a great year at the College, and next week we celebrate the beloved Assumption Day! This is not the only major date in the calendar for next week however…

Do you have a child/sibling/family friend, preparing for secondary school in 2025? Before they can join in the fun and exciting things happening at the College for Year 7, you will need to know the key dates and complete an online application form.

Applications for Year 7, commencing in 2025 close on Friday 18 August 2023.

As you are aware, the College delivers a unique vertical curriculum and has many exciting initiatives, we are also located in a rapid growth area. These factors have led to unprecedented demand for our College, we therefore encourage your families to apply prior to the closing date to avoid disappointment. Siblings are strongly encouraged to ensure that their applications are lodged prior to the closing date to secure their position at the College. Submission of applications after 18 August will mean that placement is not guaranteed.

Our online Enrolment Application Form as well as our Enrolment Policy and School Fees can be found on our College website, here.

Any questions regarding enrolment can be directed to our friendly team 0357835000 or registrar@assumption.vic.edu.au

Assumption College Dance Concert

The annual Assumption College Dance concert is fast approaching. Performed at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, our program celebrates the skill and passion of our young people from Year 7 to 12. This year’s program ‘Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful show!’ explores the magic of the music from the Broadway version of The Lion King, as well as a variety of other toe tapping music. The students have been working hard since April to learn, rehearse and perform in this collaborative Performing Arts event. A group of fourteen Year 12 students work as the creative and choreographic team, and without their hard work, dedication, leadership and passion for dance this show could not take place. Come and see our wonderful team of 100 students hit the stage in September.

Father's Day Breakfast at Neale Daniher Community and Sports Pavilion

Calling all students and their special guests! You're warmly invited to begin your Father's Day celebrations at our exclusive breakfast event. This splendid occasion is set for Friday, 1st September, at the Neale Daniher Community and Sports Pavilion.

Join us between 7 am and 9 am to revel in a morning of bonding and delicious food. We're thrilled to be organising this event in collaboration with St Patrick's Primary School and we hope to see you all there.

RSVP is not required.

Re-Opening the Shandon House

Inaugural Cricket Blast Gala Day

On Tuesday 12^th September, Assumption College will be hosting its inaugural Cricket Blast Gala Day. In conjunction with our community partnership with Cricket Victoria, a number of primary schools will be coming and taking part in the day. This will provide young children from surrounding areas an opportunity to play cricket on our tremendous facilities, to be active and learn new skills. It promises to be a day full of fun and excitement. This relationship between Cricket Victoria and Assumption College is one that is continuing to develop and is growing to benefit both parties and the wider community.

Also taking place on that day, our First XI cricket team will be beginning their preparations for the upcoming AGSV season with the annual match against the Victorian Police team on the Carroll Oval. The match is played each year for the George Howell Shield in memory of the officer who was killed in the line of duty. This will be the first trial match of the season and always proves a great hit out and challenge to both teams.

Sport Achievement - Harvie

We're thrilled to announce Harvie's remarkable success in the School Sports Victoria U/15 boys AFL competition. As co-captain of the Vic White Team, Harvie's leadership shone brightly. His outstanding performance earned him the J L Williams Medal for Best and Fairest player and a spot in the All-Australian Team for 2023. Congratulations, Harvie, for your exceptional achievements on the field!

Sport Achievement - Mietta

We are immensely proud to share Mietta's remarkable journey as she represented Victoria (SSV) in the School Sport Australia AFL National Championships. Mietta's leadership skills shone as she captained the Victorian Navy squad throughout the event. Selected for her exceptional communication and direction abilities both on and off the field, Mietta embraced her role as a leader. During the championships, Mietta excelled in every aspect of her role. What truly stood out was her initiative to initiate a circle of gratitude with opposing teams, showcasing her humility and appreciation for the sport.

Sport Achievement - Emily

In an impressive feat of skill and determination, Emily represented Victoria at the u15 Netball Australia Championship in Perth, WA. Throughout the tournament, Emily and her team showcased their prowess, securing victory in every game. The crowning moment arrived in the finals, where they triumphed over Queensland and South Australia, earning the gold medal with an outstanding performance. 

Sport Achievement - Kade

Exciting news from the world of hockey! Kade's exceptional talent has earned him a spot in the Victorian U/13 boys Volt team, announced by Hockey Victoria last night. Kade's dedication will now see him training twice a week with the team. He will have the chance to showcase his skills on the national stage in Newcastle, competing in the National Championships from September 22nd to 30th. Our heartfelt congratulations to Kade on this fantastic achievement!

AGSV Representatives - Girls

Congratulations to our AGSV representatives in

Football: Emily, Jade, and Mietta

Netball: Jordyn and Emily Fitzgerald (picture not yet available)

Hockey: Claire

Cross Country: Emily

Basketball: Peyton and Zoe

They competea last Saturday. We are immensely proud of you.

AGSV Representatives - Boys

Congratulations to our AGSV representatives in

Football (AFL): Hugo and Blair

Basketball: Eden (Co-Captain) and Lance

Well done on this achievement. Your hard work and dedication have paid off.

Catch them in action this Saturday, and keep an eye out on our socials for updates!

Inaugural Women of Assumption College

We're thrilled that over 100 amazing women have already RSVP'd to our inaugural women-only event on October 8th, commemorating 50+ years of women's education at Assumption College. Our afternoon tea, led by Principal Kate Fogarty, promises an enriching encounter with fellow alumni and staff, filled with laughter and shared memories. Secure your place now, as availability is limited. Don't miss out on this unique celebration!

Virtual Learning Program

We are thrilled to announce the commencement of a new and exciting initiative at Assumption College, launched on Monday, 17th July. This pilot program aims to offer our Unit 4 students valuable additional learning opportunities to support their academic journey.

The primary objective of this initiative is to provide students in specific subjects with a fortnightly tutorial, tailored to assist them in their preparation for Unit 4 SACs and the final year examination. Subjects were carefully chosen based on their popularity, where multiple classes are offered in Unit 4.

To provide you with more details, please refer to the flyer below, which has been distributed to all students. An updated flyer for August will be released in the coming fortnight, providing further information.

We are delighted to share that these evening tutorials will be seamlessly integrated into our Virtual Learning Program, thanks to the generous support of our dedicated staff. Their commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences for our students has made this initiative possible.

As we launch this pilot program, we are excited to witness the positive impact it will have on our Unit 4 students' academic progress and achievements. We encourage all participating students to make the most of this fantastic opportunity to enhance their learning journey.

LFC IA School Holiday Clinic at Assumption College

Don't miss out on the LFC IA School Holiday Clinic at Assumption College! Learn to play 'The Liverpool Way' from 25 - 27 September. Limited spots available. Register now!

Financial Assistance - CSEF

The Victorian State Government's Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps ensure no student will miss out on the opportunity to join educational activities. CSEF is provided to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. New applicants should contact the school to obtain a CSEF application form or download it from HERE. You do not need to complete a new application if you have previously applied. You only need to re-apply if your child has enrolled at a new school or family circumstances have changed.

Alumni Call Out

Attention all alumni of Assumption College! We would love to hear from you and feature your story in the next edition of Shandon Calls. If you have any updates or interesting experiences to share with the college community, please reach out to Kate Boulton, our Enrolments & Community Relations Officer, at:

Kate.Boulton@assumption.vic.edu.au

As a past student, you are an important part of the Assumption College community, and we value your contributions to our newsletter. Whether you have a success story to share, updates on your life after college, or just want to say hello, we want to hear from you.

Don't miss the opportunity to be featured in the next edition of Shandon Calls. Get in touch today! And if you want to catch up on the latest news and updates from Assumption College, check out the latest edition of the Shandon Calls by clicking the link below.