A message from Tim Walker, Dean of Formation
Brisbane winter school holidays are here, and with crisp sunny days and no alarm clocks, it's a rare window to get your son outside and off screens.
But while limiting screen time is a worthy goal, Kirra Pendergast at Safe on Social reminds us the bigger question isn't how long our boys are online, it's who is shaping who they are while they're there.
In her piece The New Shape of Childhood and the Economy of One-Way Intimacy, Pendergast points out that children are forming real emotional attachments to creators and online figures who don't know they exist. The influence is quiet, constant, and often goes completely undiscussed.
So this holidays, when you do manage to prise him away from the screen, try slipping in one honest question:
"How do you feel after you've been on your phone for a while?"
Pendergast describes kids being pulled by a current that doesn't care how strong a swimmer they think they are, and the only way to know if your son is caught in it is to ask. Not a lecture. Just curiosity. That conversation may matter more than the screen time itself.
Kirra's full article is well worth a read: The New Shape of Childhood and the Economy of One-Way Intimacy
KEY DATES TERM 3
Be sure to keep up to date with details of College activities and event through the App.
Week 1
Monday 13 July 2026 First Day Term 3
Tuesday 14 July Years 4 to 7 Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 15 July 2026 Years 8 to 12 Athletics Carnival
Thursday 16 July 2026 Years 8 & 9 2027 Subject Selection Information Night 6pm
Friday 17 July 2026 Years 8 & 9 2027 Subject Selections Open
Week 2
Tuesday 21 July 2026 P&F Meeting 6.30pm
Thursday 23 July 2026 Years 4, 5 and 6 Story Fest Excursion
Thursday 23 July 2026 Parent Teacher Interviews Online 4pm
Friday 24 July 2026 PUPIL FREE DAY
Friday 24 July 2026 Parent Teacher Interviews Online 9am to 3pm
Saturday 25 July 2026 Sport Round 1
Week 3
Monday 27 July 2026 Year 10 Set Plan Meetings
Tuesday 28 July 2026 Middle School Academic Assembly
Tuesday 28 July 2026 Brisbane Youth Jazz Festival 6pm
Friday 31 July 2026 Junior and Senior School Academic Assembly
Friday 31 July 2026 Year 5 Mass and Retreat
Friday 31 July 2026 AIC Basketball Round 2
Saturday 1 August 2026 Sport Round 2
Saturday 1 August 2026 P&F Trivia Night 5.30pm
Week 4
Tuesday 4 August 2026 St Mary MacKillop Mass
Friday 7 August 2026 Year 8-10 Subject Selection Close
Friday 7 August 2026 Year 11 & 12 Volleyball Schools Cup (Friday to Sunday)
Saturday 8 August 2026 Sport Round 3
Saturday 8 August 2026 P&F Rugby League Night Out
Sunday 9 August 2026 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod
Week 5
Wednesday 12 August 2026 PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Saturday 15 August 2026 Sport ASC Touch
Sunday 16 August 2026 Sport ASC Touch
Week 6
Monday 17 August 2026 Sport ASC Touch
Monday 17 August 2026 Years 11 & 12 Music Performance Evening
Friday 21 August 2026 Year 11 Subject Selection Close
Friday 21 August 2026 Vinnies Sleepout Challenge
Saturday 22 August 2026 Sport Round 4
Week 7
Thursday 27 August 2026 BCE Mass
Thursday 27 August 2026 Discovery Tour
Friday 28 August 2026 Junior School Book Week Parade
Friday 28 August 2026 Year 8 Retreat
Saturday 29 August 2026 Sport Round 5
Week 8
Monday 31 August 2026 GBC Athletics Carnival
Tuesday 1 September 2026 P&F AGM 6.30pm
Thursday 3 September 2026 Year 11 Sociable
Friday 4 September 2026 PUPIL FREE DAY
Saturday 5 September 2026 Sport Round 6
Week 9
Monday 7 September 2026 Year 12 Mock Exams
Thursday 10 September 2026 AIC Track and Field Meet
Friday 11 September 2026 Jazz Showcase
Saturday 12 September 2026 Sport Round 7
Week 10
Thursday 17 September 2026 Open Basektball
Thursday 17 September 2026 Vanuatu Immersion
Friday 18 September 2026 Year 4 Charity Fayre
Friday 18 September 2026 Last Day Term 3 - 3pm Finish
Uniform Shop
Parents are advised that The School Locker opening hours during the upcoming holidays are as follows:
The store is located in the Junior School in the Year 4 and 5 classroom's building.

Northern Bus Service Update
We would like to advise families that Kangaroo Bus Lines has recently acquired Brisbane Bus Lines and will be taking over the operation of our Northern bus service.
There will be no changes to the cost, route, timetable, pick-up or drop-off locations. The only difference students will notice is that they will now be travelling on a Kangaroo Bus Lines vehicle.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with the new operator and thank families for their ongoing support.

P&F NEWS
All ATC parents are invited by the P&F President, Mr George Patrikios to join the next P&F meeting being held on Tuesday 21 July at 6.30pm in Mt Sion Library.
REMINDER: Uniform Donations
Thank you to our ATC Community for donating your pre‑loved ATC uniforms!
The Secondhand Uniform Stall is on the lookout for more good‑quality ATC items. Every donation supports this fantastic P&F initiative, with all proceeds going straight back to the school.
Please ensure uniforms are clean and in good condition (no non-ATC items, please). Drop‑offs can be made at Edmund Rice Reception, open 8am–4pm during the holidays.
Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support of our ATC community. Thank you also to Sasha and Mel for your time and effort as our P&F Second Hand Uniform coordinators!

The P&F has lots of fabulous events coming up in Semester 2!
P&F Trivia Night | 1 August - SAVE THE DATE
Ticket will be on sale early Term 3. Keep an eye on the App for further details!

P&F Rugby League Night Out | 8 August - TICKETS NOW ON SALE
We’d love to see our dads, granddads, and uncles enjoying a great night out with their sons, grandsons, and nephews. It’s the perfect chance for all the generations to come together, cheer on their team, and make some memories. Ticket sales close Friday 17 July - don't miss out get your ticket TODAY!!
CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket!

P&F Ladies Spring Lunch | Friday 30 October - SAVE THE DATE
Tickets will be on sale Friday 24 July. Keep an eye on the App for further details.

ATC Old Scholars Launch Event - Saturday 4 July
On Saturday 4 July, we proudly launch the Ambrose Treacy College Old Scholars Association (ATCOS), a milestone moment for our community and the beginning of a new chapter for generations of ATC men.
This invitation is extended exclusively to our past students and their ATC teachers. As an Old Boy or a teacher who helped shape their journey, you are warmly invited to join us for this historic occasion, reconnect with one another, and celebrate the legacy you helped build.
This event is more than a launch. It is the renewal of a brotherhood grounded in connection, shared values, lifelong friendships and a commitment to the future of our community.
Join us in NJ Hall as we bring Old Scholars and past staff together once again to celebrate the official launch of ATCOS and the next era of alumni engagement at Ambrose Treacy College.
We are also delighted to welcome Selladore, an Old Boys band made up of ATC graduates, performing live throughout the evening and providing the soundtrack to this special night.
Refreshments will be provided, with celebrations continuing afterwards at the Regatta Hotel.
Event Details
Saturday 4 July 4:00pm–6:00pm NJ Hall
This is your invitation to be part of the next chapter.
Men of Courage. Brothers for Life. We look forward to seeing you there.
Stay Connected
Keep your contact details up to date through the new ATC Old Scholars website:

ATC Rugby Union - Blue Round
ATC Rugby shone on Saturday with an unforgettable Blue Round, powered by the incredible spirit of our entire ATC community.
A huge thank you to every student, parent and staff member who packed the sidelines and brought the energy. Led by our Senior School students, the Blue Round was a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the strength we find in supporting one another on and off the field.
The atmosphere was electric. With the final round of the season on the line, our boys rose to the occasion, delivering outstanding performances across every team. It was the perfect way to close out a fantastic season and a true celebration of ATC spirit.
This is what community looks like. This is ATC at its best.
Notice for Catholic Families
Enrolments for Penance and 1st Communion in 2026 (enrolments close 29th June 2026 for this Program)
Catholic Families who wish to register Penance, and First Communion (children in year 4 and above who have completed Confirmation)
Please contact the Parish Office via email kenmore@bne.catholic.net.au to register
We hope you have a restful holiday and enjoy some well‑deserved time to recharge.
Jason Sepetauc
Deputy Principal