Newsletter February 2024

Principal's Welcome

Dear Parents and Carers,

The first two weeks are behind us and we are on the road for 2024! It’s hard to imagine that it is already over a month since we farewelled another Christmas and February is with us.

In preparation for the students’ return, the entire staff – teaching and non-teaching worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was in readiness for a smooth transition to the new school year. There has been a wonderful enthusiasm and energy about the year ahead and, as a collective, we are most excited about the beginning of our next chapter.

The Marist Theme for 2024 is First Light: Reveal the Spirit (Matthew 5:14-16) a beautiful concept which suggests hope. The notion of first light suggests the dawn of a new day and even, perhaps, a new chance. It highlights the Marist spirituality of compassion which seeks to make Jesus known and loved. You will often hear me talk about the notion of encounter and about being the face of Christ. To that end, I will always encourage our young men and women to be people of Christ who are inclusive, who are compassionate, and who always strive be the best person they can be. Within that spirit of compassion to which I refer lies the notion of accompaniment, of walking alongside others on their journey. In our Assumption community it is important to seek opportunities to walk with each other not only when we experience despair and pain, but also to celebrate achievement and success. In that vein, I would encourage you to share with us any successes your child experiences, whatever their pursuit. This would enable us to share such success with the wider Assumption community and acknowledge their achievement.

I am a firm believer that every person has their own version of success. Not everyone can run a marathon, sing the highest note, or achieve a perfect score in a mathematics exam, but we can all achieve. As I indicated in my welcome letter last week, we have set two key focuses for the year – high expectations and building capacity. Both these themes challenge us to set the highest standards and work with each other in building our capacity to achieve our fullest potential. Last week I spoke with the students about aiming high and daring to dream. I urged them to do their very best in all that they do. I demanded that they show respect – for each other, for their staff, for their environment, and for themselves. At home I would encourage you to speak with your sons and daughters about striving for excellence in all that they do and being the very best version of themselves in both word and in action.

Over the past week I have spent time visiting staff in their respective areas, visiting classrooms, and walking through the yard at lunchtime talking to students and in all these moments I have been privileged to have witnessed the palpable sense of community that exists here at Assumption College. It is my hope that we continue to build towards making it the very best place to learn and grow; a place in which hope always resides.

I look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure that we give your child the very best opportunities for growth and success. Let us work together to set those high expectations and build the capacity of our young to experience the hope the sense of achievement which comes from success.

“Hope is the thing that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.”

Emily Dickinson

Paul Finneran

Key Dates

Below are some key dates for Term 1 2024. For full calendared events please see PAM. 

1 February - Years 7 and 12 students commence.

2 February - All other students commence.

13 February - Mr Finneran's Commissioning and Liturgy

23 February - Welcome Evening for Year 7 and all new families.

4 March - School Photos

11 March - Labour Day (Student Free Day)

18 March - Open Evening

21 March - Athletics Day

28 March - Last Day of Term 1

29 March - Good Friday

New Beginnings: Students Embrace the Excitement of a Fresh School Year

As the school gates opened on the first day, our Year 12 students returned with a palable sense of determination and anticipation. Our school grounds echoed with laughter and camaraderie as friendships rekindled after the summer break and aspirations for the future were exchanged. 

Wide-eyed and full of excitment our new Year 7 students navigated through the grounds and corridors, gathered together for their first assembly, collected their laptops and had their first school photo decked out in their blazer and tie.

The first day for our Year 7s was about discovering a whole new world of opportunities, friendships, and knowledge. Amidst the bustle, teachers provided invaluable guidance, setting the tone for the year of academic excellence, and personal growth.

As our Year 12 students step into their last chapter with us at the College, we look to remind them that every step you take this year brings you closer to the culmination of an incredible journey. Cherish each moment, savour every experience, and embrace the challenges that will shape you for the future. 

The atmosphere in the Gonzales Centre echoed with an energised sense of unity and enthusiasm as students and staff gathered for the first full school assembly of the year. The assembly served as a vibrant reminder that together, we will embrace the challeneges and triumphs that lie ahead, fostering a community of learning, growth, and support.

Quae Supra Quaere

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School Photos - Monday 4 March

A friendly reminder that school photos for Years 8-12 including sibling photos will take place on the 4 of March.

Catch up day will take place on Friday 15 March.

Full School Uniform including tie and blazer are required.

Visit 'The School Photographer' and enter this code:

X3512AUS54A

Year 7 Vaccination Information

From 6 February 2023, the routine two dose HPV vaccine schedule provided to young people aged 12-13 years through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has become a single dose schedule using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine. 

What is the HPV vaccine?

The Gardasil®9 vaccine protects against HPV infection, which is a common viral infection, usually affecting the genitals and spread through sexual contact. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, that is before a person becomes sexually active.  More information about HPV and the HPV vaccine can be found on the Better Health Channel.

How has the HPV vaccine schedule changed? 

From 6 February 2023, the recommended HPV vaccine schedule for most people has changed from two-doses to a single dose course using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine. There is no change to the amount of vaccine that is given in the single dose.

The schedule has not changed for immunocompromised people. A 3-dose schedule of HPV vaccine is recommended for people with severely immunocompromising conditions, regardless of their age when they started vaccination. 

Why was this change made?

The change is based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), who have considered and reviewed the latest international clinical evidence. ATAGI support the large volume of clinical findings that a single dose of HPV vaccine provides about the same protection as two doses of HPV vaccine. 

What do you need to do?

Your council immunisation service will seek your consent for vaccinations delivered to students at school as usual. 

If you would like to discuss the change or clarify any information about the HPV vaccine please contact your local council.

Further information visit the Better Health Channel

2024 Updated Mobile Phone Policy

A reminder that the Mobile Phone Policy has been updated for 2024 and has come into effect from 1st February. Students will not be permitted to access their personal devices during the school day. Instead, they will be required to keep them in their bag or their locker between 8.55am and 3.15pm. Should you need to contact your child during the school day, this can be achieved through Reception.

A summary of the new policy includes:

• Students will not be permitted to access their phones during the school day. They should not be kept in pockets or pencil cases, but be turned off and placed out of sight for the entirety of the school day.
• Earbuds/earphones will not be permitted during the school day except in exceptional circumstances (as outlined in the policy).
• Student devices that are noticed by staff will be confiscated. The process for the return of phones is outlined in the 2024 Family Handbook.
• Those students wearing smartwatches will be required to switch off all notifications during the school day.

The full policy can be found in the 2024 Family Handbook as well as our website.

2024 Uniform Policy

A reminder that the Uniform Policy has been updated for 2024 and has come into effect from 1st February.

There will no longer be a summer or winter uniform, but rather a suite of uniform items that can be worn at any time during the school year. This will mean students can 'dress for the weather' as they see fit. The image below showcases a range of items which will remain compulsory for all students, and the optional items that can also be utilised, which will better enable families to provide uniform that suits their child's needs whilst also ensuring a common sense of formality for those occasions when it is required.

All students will be expected to be in the new uniform for the beginning of Semester two in 2025. 

For more information visit our website for the full uniform policy.

2024 Open Evening

Discover a world of opportunities at our upcoming Open Evening! Join us on Monday 18 March between 4-7pm to explore our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our dedicated educators, and learn about our innovative myMAP curciculum.

This event is the perfect chance for prospective students in all year levels especially those currently in Year 5 to gain insights into our academic programs, extracurricular activities, and the vibrant community that makes Assumption College unique. 

Don't miss the chance to envision your educational journey with us - register your attendance, mark your calendar, and be sure to remind your family and friends to join in this exploartion of endless opportunities. 

School tours are offered from Term 2 onwards and can be booked via our website. 

Operation SafeCross

On Wednesday 8, and Thursday 9 February police presence out the front of Gate 5 was part of a Victoria Police initiative centered on enhancing safety meausres in school zones.

Operation SafeCross aims to to create safer streets for our community by raising awareness, and holding drivers accountable for their actions.

We remind students, parents and carers to please using the crossing avaliable out the front of Gate 5 when crossing the road. And all road users please ensure you are complying with the speed limit and being extra cautious around our school crossing supervisor. 

The State Highway Police will maintain ongoing presence in school areas across our community. 

Study Tips

As we head into a new academic year here are some useful study tips for all our students especially our students preparing for SACs and Exams as well as our students who have transitioned from primary to secondary education as well as transitioned schools entirely. 

Assumption School TV can be found on SIMON via the links page and offers a variety of useful tips and tricks to help you seek the things that are above. 

Transitioning Schools

https://assumption.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

https://assumption.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter-article/7272/52

Surviving Year 12

https://assumption.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/surviving-year-12

https://assumption.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter-resource/6854/51

Sporting Achievement - Christian Beecroft

After being selected in the Under 16 Victorian Country Basketball team in November 2023, Christian and the entire Victorian Bushrangers team competed in the 4-day event on  16 - 20 January in Albury and came out victorious.

Congratulations Christian!

Enrolments Update

Year 7 Round 1 application cycle for 2025 is complete. Those wishing to be considered for enrolment in Year 7 in 2025 are welcome to apply and will be placed on our waitlist for review in Round 2.

Applications for Year 7 in 2026 are now open. Applications will close on Friday 16 August 2024. First-round offers will be issued in October 2024.

There remain limited positions across Years 8-12 for 2024, prospective families are encouraged to contact our team for a discussion. 

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

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.

Reception and Student Services Update

Families are now invited to visit the Reception of the College, via Gate 5. Reception is now located at Shandon House and we welcome your attendance in our beautiful space. 

The circular drive in front of Shandon House is available for vehicle access however we ask Families and Visitors to use our newly established carpark at the front of the driveway.

Student Service remains in its temporary location. Students are aware that they sign in and out via this location. Parents should report to Reception at Shandon House to collect their children.

A friendly reminder, that dogs are not allowed on-site unless they are an authorised support companion. 

Alumni Call Out for Shandon Calls!

Attention all alumni of Assumption College! We would love to hear from you and feature your story in the next edition of Shandon Calls.

Submissions Due 14 March 2024

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.

Marist Schools Australia Newsletter

Please find the link to the February 2024 MSA Newsletter.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/165NdfkrtEg145q_djBY8XNTb1KYMjHP/ew