Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Next Tuesday, we will celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop with special Masses. As Australia’s first canonised saint, Mary MacKillop was an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life. Her faith, courage, and hope helped her overcome many challenges, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.Like Ambrose Treacy, Mary was a pioneer in education, especially for the poor in Australia. As Catholic Education Week concludes, we honour the remarkable individuals who laid the foundations for the wonderful schools we enjoy today. Learn more about Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

Academic Assemblies
On Tuesday, and this morning, we celebrated our 3 Academic Assemblies. It was a joy to witness the outcomes of dedication and engagement across the Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to address the Junior School about what they can do to achieve their learning goals. Using the character of Odysseus from Homer's epic 'The Odyssey' I paralleled the qualities he showed in the face of adversity to achieve his goal of completing a dangerous voyage to get home to his family. I reminded the boys how clever they were and encouraged them to keep thinking, solving problems and bring curious about their learning. I also reminded them that we all make mistakes and sometimes get off course. It's important to accept that mistakes happen. Taking accountability – even when mistakes might not be made entirely of our own doing - and understanding that it our reaction to a mistake is the one thing we can control. This is what allows us to learn and grow. Lastly, the trait of resilience allows us to overcome obstacles and succeed. Setting a challenging yet achievable learning goal this semester allows boys to face obstacles and draw upon their problem-solving skills to move forward. These assemblies were a true community celebration, with many parents, grandparents and caregivers joining us to acknowledge student achievement. With a growth mindset in Semester Two, every student has the potential to aim high and achieve their personal best. Congratulations to all award recipients!
Year 11 SOR Students Gain Valuable Insights for Senior Studies
Eight Year 11 Study of Religion students recently attended the UQ World Religions Experience Day. Throughout the day, students participated in lectures, discussions and presentations led by university academics, gaining valuable knowledge that will support their learning in the lead-up to their senior studies and Year 12 assessment. Students chose to attend sessions exploring Shabbat in twentieth-century America and the ritual of Hajj through the experiences of Malcolm X, providing them with a deeper understanding of religious beliefs, practices and lived experiences. A highlight of the day was the students’ engagement in a panel discussion with four academics. Thank you to Mrs Jones for organising this excursion. She reported that the students not only gained new insights to support their future Study of Religion assessments but also benefited from experiencing university life firsthand. Their respectful behaviour, maturity and engagement throughout the day were a credit to the College.
KEY DATES TERM 3
Be sure to keep up to date with details of College activities and event through the App.
Week 4
Tuesday 4 August St Mary MacKillop Mass
Friday 7 August Year 8-10 Subject Selection Close
Friday 7 August Year 11 & 12 Volleyball Schools Cup (Friday to Sunday)
Saturday 8 August Sport Round 3
Saturday 8 August P&F Rugby League Night Out
Sunday 9 August Australian Percussion Eisteddfod
Week 5
Wednesday 12 August PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Saturday 15 August Sport ASC Touch
Sunday 16 August Sport ASC Touch
Week 6
Monday 17 August Sport ASC Touch
Monday 17 August Years 11 & 12 Music Performance Evening
Tuesday 18 August P&F Meeting 6.30pm
Friday 21 August Year 11 Subject Selection Close
Friday 21 August Vinnies Sleepout Challenge
Saturday 22 August Sport Round 4
Week 7
Thursday 27 August BCE Mass
Thursday 27 August Discovery Tour
Friday 28 August Junior School Book Week Parade
Friday 28 August Year 8 Retreat
Saturday 29 August Sport Round 5
Week 8
Monday 31 August GBC Athletics Carnival
Thursday 3 September Year 11 Sociable
Friday 4 September PUPIL FREE DAY
Friday 4 September Orientation Day
Friday 4 September P&F Second Hand Uniform Shop
Saturday 5 September Sport Round 6
Week 9
Monday 7 September Year 12 Mock Exams
Thursday 10 September AIC Track and Field Meet
Friday 11 September Jazz Showcase
Saturday 12 September Sport Round 7
Week 10
Tuesday 15 September P&F AGM 6.30pm
Thursday 17 September Open Basketball
Thursday 17 September Vanuatu Immersion
Friday 18 September Year 4 Charity Fayre
Friday 18 September Last Day Term 3 - 3pm Finish
FAITH AND MISSION
Service Hours Reminder – Term 3 Deadline
As we move through Term 3, this is a reminder to all students and families that the deadline for logging Service Hours is Friday, 18 September (the final day of Term 3).
We encourage all students to ensure they have completed and logged the required number of service hours for their year level before the deadline.
For those who have already met the minimum requirement, we encourage you to continue serving your community and go above and beyond. Students who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to service will be recognised later this year through our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Service Awards.
Service is an important part of the Ambrose Treacy College experience, allowing students to make a meaningful contribution to others while developing compassion, leadership, and a spirit of generosity.
Please don't leave your service hours until the last minute, log your hours before Friday, 18 September and continue making a positive difference in our community.
Further details are available on the App.
SPORT
Last Saturday marked the beginning of the season with Round 1 action across Basketball, Rugby League and Football. Visit ATCPix to browse the photo galleries and relive some of the best moments from the weekend.
We look forward to bringing you more photos of our athletes throughout the season, including coverage of our Tennis teams with their competitions also underway.

P&F NEWS
Upcoming Dates:
P&F Meeting | Tuesday 18 August 6.30pm
All ATC parents are invited by the P&F President, Mr George Patrikios to join the P&F meetings, which are held in Mt Sion Library.
Please come along and get involved. If you are not in a position to volunteer your time, your opinion on agenda items is welcome.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further, you can contact George Patrikios on 0417 790 931 or email the P&F secretary.
P&F Ladies Spring Lunch | Friday 30 October - TICKETS NOW ON SALE
In Support of Breast Cancer Research
Click Here to secure your ticket today!
Current and past ATC mothers are warmly invited to the ATC Ladies Spring Lunch, hosted by the P&F. Join us for an afternoon of connection, laughter and generosity as we come together to support an important cause.
Venue: Podium Room, Rydges South Bank
Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Time: 11.30am – 3.30pm
Tickets: $119 per person – includes a two-course meal, a glass of Mumm on arrival, and an afternoon of fun and fabulous company.
Our goal for the day is simple: to celebrate and strengthen our wonderful ATC community. We want every guest to feel welcomed, included and connected, whether you're new to the school or have been part of the ATC family for many years. It's an opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, share stories, enjoy plenty of laughter, and create lasting memories together. Most importantly, we hope everyone leaves feeling inspired, supported, and proud to be part of such a special community, all while raising funds for an incredibly worthwhile cause.
Raffle Tickets:
All raffle proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Research.
Dress Code: Add a splash of PINK!
Seating: Tables will be arranged by your son's year level. When booking, please nominate your preferred year level table and include the names of any guests attending with you, along with any dietary requirements.
Questions?
Please contact our coordinator, Melissa Kuflik, at melkuflik@hotmail.com.

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:
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!

DISCOVERY TOUR - Thursday 27 August
Join us for a Discovery Tour on Thursday 27 August, 9am to 10.30am and see ATC in action! Meet College Principal Dr Craig Wattam, connect with staff and students, and explore our state‑of‑the‑art facilities. Experience the energy of a boys’ school and see how our outstanding educators inspire hard work, motivation, and a love of learning. Discovery Tour: Book Here

Jason Sepetauc
Deputy Principal