We are currently running the Mission Possible Sleepout Challenge at ATC. In partnership with Emmanuel City Mission, students are invited to take part in this advocacy project to stand in solidarity with those most vulnerable in our local community. Encourage your son to get involved at a level he feels comfortable—whether that’s making a donation or sleeping rough for a night at home. The most important thing is that he reflects on homelessness and considers how he can recognise the dignity in every person. Read more about the work done by Emmanuel City Mission HERE. Watch a video from Roby Curtis of Emmanuel City Mission HERE.
Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
It was enriching to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop with special Masses on Tuesday. I truly value opportunities to bring our community together. Thank you to Father Peter Wieneke, who led the Year 4–8 and Year 9–12 Masses. Several Year 12 students shared with me afterwards how engaging the celebration was. Students were engaged, and a highlight was Father Peter’s roving microphone during the homily, which really connected with the students. May ATC students take inspiration from Saint Mary’s wise words as they continue through the term: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Sport
I hope the weather holds as we host our first full round of Rugby League against Iona College this Saturday morning. This is another great opportunity to bring our community together, so I encourage students playing in earlier games to stay and cheer on the 1st XIII at 11am.
Basketball has a mix of fixtures and byes from Thursday through Saturday, while our Tennis players take on St Laurence’s College. Finally, we wish our Senior QLD Volleyball School Cup team every success as they compete in the Honours Division at the Gold Coast this weekend against the best in the state.
Japanese Exchange Visit
On Thursday afternoon, we warmly welcomed 28 students and staff from Tokyo to Ambrose Treacy College. They enjoyed a student-led tour and an authentic Aussie afternoon tea featuring lamingtons and party pies! They’ll spend just over a week with us, aiming to improve their English and experience everyday high school life in Australia. A heartfelt thank you to our host families for opening their homes and hearts to provide such a rich, immersive experience.
QCMF
The 2025 Queensland Catholic Schools & College's Music Festival starts next Thursday. A large number of ATC students will be performing. QCMF is the premier event on Queensland’s Catholic Schools and Colleges annual music calendar and is hosted Villanova College (Coorparoo). QCMF showcases the very best in music education, covering a diverse range of genres within the classical and contemporary styles. tickets and performance schedules can be found on the QCMF website. Thank you to the Music Department team for all their work in preparing the boys. I wish all performers and staff the very best and look forward to seeing them shine on stage.
Illness and Attendance at School
If you have any concerns that your son may be unwell with flu like symptoms, we advise you to seek medical consultation for diagnosis and treatment. Any person in our community with a confirmed case of Influenza should not attend school. In the event a member of our community presents at school, or becomes sick at school with like symptoms, they will be sent home. Additional information may be found on the Queensland Health website HERE.
A reminder that Wednesday 13 August is a Public Holiday for the EKKA. Despite the short week, there are loads of things happening around the College so be sure to keep across the ATC App for details and Parent Lounge for acceptance of events and excursions.
KEY DATES
8-10 August | Years 11 to 12 Volleyball Schools Cup
Monday 11 - 15 August | Science Week
Wednesday 13 August | PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Thursday 14 - Sunday 17 August | QCMF
Book Week begins 15 - 22 August Mt Sion Library
UPCOMING DATES
Tuesday 19 August | Year 8 Mass
Wednesday 20 August | Year 10 Set Planning and Year 11 2026 Subject Selections Close
Friday 22 August | Book Week Dress-up Parade
Friday 22 August | Senior School Lip Sync Battle
Tuesday 26 August | Years 11 & 12 Drama Performance Evening 6pm
Thursday 28 August | Formal Music Concert 5.30pm
Friday 29 August | Year 4 Mass / Year 8 Retreat
Monday 1 September to Wednesday 10 September / Year 12 Mock Exams Commence
Tuesday 2 September | RU Ok Day / P&F AGM 6.30pm
Wednesday 10 September | Year 7 Advocacy Afternoon 3.15pm / Year 7 Fathers Evening 5pm
Thursday 4 September | Year 11 Sociable 6.30pm / Last day of Formal uniform
Friday 5 September | Ministerial PUPIL FREE DAY
Tuesday 9 September to 16 September | Years 7 to 10 Exam Period / Year 11 Exam Block (no classes)
Wednesday 17 September | Year 10 Immunisation
Thursday 18 September | College Tour 4pm
Friday 19 September | Year 4 Charity Fayre / End of Term Liturgy / Last Day of Term 3pm Finish
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE WEEK
Mr Ryan reflects on the positive impact of teachers and mentors in Queensland's first schools and how they helped shape the lives of thousands of young people. CLICK HERE FOR HIS WEEK 4 BLOG.
LEARNING NEWS
Library Book Fair
As part of our Book Week celebrations, the Junior School Scholastic Book Fair will run in Mt Sion Library from Friday 15 to Thursday 21 August during lunch breaks and parents and caregivers are invited to join us on Monday 18 August from 7:30am in Mt Sion Library to browse the books and literary items for sale. Book Fairs help schools enrich student learning by increasing access to a wider variety of books. With more choice, children are empowered to find the stories that speak to them—igniting a lifelong love of reading. When families foster a reading culture at home, it nurtures curiosity, builds imagination, and opens minds to new ideas.
ATC Book Week Twilight Event
We invite Dads and important male figures to join their sons for ‘An Evening with Richard Yaxley’ - a twilight event on Tuesday 19 August from 6.00pm-7.00pm in Westcourt Library, with pizza and drinks from 5.30pm on Westcourt Deck. Novelist Richard Yaxley (Harmony, This Is My Song and Drink In The Air) will present an hour of literary power! Richard will speak about his career and offer personal insights and practical strategies to encourage our boys to engage in reading and writing, for pleasure. It promises to be an invaluable evening for students, highlighting the significant role that men have in modelling and encouraging a genuine love of books and reading. Numbers are limited. Registration is via Parent Lounge and tickets are only $15 per person – includes pizza and soft drinks, juice and water. Parking is available in the Kate Street carpark. Please access the College via the main stairway from Duhig Drive and follow the signs to Westcourt Library. Tickets are non‐refundable. Sales close 9am Friday 15 August sharp!
Book Week Parade Reminder
The much-loved Book Week Parade will take place during the Junior School Assembly on Friday 22 August. This year’s CBCA theme, “Book an Adventure,” invites boys to dress up as their favourite book characters and proudly parade their literary creativity. Get your outfits ready!
FAITH & MISSION NEWS
Year 10 & 11 Global youth leadership program
Years 10 and11 students are all invited to express interest in participating in our Inaugural Edmund Rice Global Youth Leadership Program hosted by ATC and in partnership with Edmund Rice Beyond Borders (EREBB) from Thursday 18 September until Wednesday 24 September. We are proud to be joined by students and staff from Edmund Rice schools from: CBC St Johns - Cape Town, South Africa, Stella Maris College - Montevideo, Uruguay, St Vincent’s High School – Asansol, India. Additionally, we will be connecting with other local Edmund Rice schools who will join us for specific components of the program. Please refer to the program on the ATC App. In forming courageous young people of character, compassion and integrity we are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for students and staff to deepen their understanding of local and global justice issues, to stand in solidarity with others as part of a shared humanity, and to take action in pursuit of justice. This program will play a vital role in empowering this mission and developing leadership in our students.
NEXT STEPS Please complete the Expression of Interest form by 9.00am Monday 4 August - Expression of Interest Form
Parent Information Night is via Teams and being held at 6.00pm Monday 4 August. More details are on the ATC App.
Join the meeting here Meeting ID: 469 054 011 367 1 Passcode: Xp9KX3zv
At times our students attend International immersion programs to gain the opportunity to expand their understanding. This program is designed to be a powerful immersive experience right here without having to leave home. We have ten places available for the weeklong program. ATC students return home at the end of each day in the evenings. In addition, Years 11 students are encouraged to nominate to take an active role in the first couple of days of the program whilst our visitors are welcomed and experience the very best of our ATC community.
The Breakfast Series
Parents and Caregivers are invited to our special event "The Breakfast Series"celebrating 150 Years of Christian Brothers Service Ministries in the Edmund Rice Tradition. Join us on Wednesday 20 August at 7am as we present a reflection led by an amazing Guest Speaker Roby Curtis, from Emmanuel City Mission. Where: Waterford Auditorium ATC from 7.00 am for Breakfast and mingle followed by the presentation at 7.25am. The morning concludes at 8.15 am. Tickets are $15 per person and available by CLICKING HERE. Please RSVP by 8 August.
SERVICE NEWS
Mission Possible – Sleep Rough Challenge
Have you slept outside this week? If not, then take the Mission Possible Challenge — an opportunity to experience one night of “sleeping rough” in solidarity with those who do not have a warm bed or a safe place to call home. Let's raise awareness and empathy for people experiencing homelessness, while supporting our mission to make a difference. The challenge runs only until Tuesday 19 August so get some friends, pick a night to sleep out in a tent or on the back deck and register with Mrs Garrone - CLICK HERE!
Donations of food and essentials
Donation Items listed on the ATC App are to be delivered to Faith and Mission office by 19 August. Further details are on the ATC App. [Year Levels tag] PLEASE SEND YOUR PHOTOS OF SLEEPING ROUGH TO signumfidei@atc.qld.edu.au
FORMATION NEWS
Year 11 SociABLE
The Year 11 SociABLE is an important formative event for our Year 11 students. It will be held on Thursday 4 September at Victoria Park from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. The event is held in the Ballroom with doors open from 6:30 pm. A reminder that ticket sales close on Friday 22 August, so please go to Trybooking and secure yours now: https://www.trybooking.com/1414561
CLUBS NEWS
Actors
The ATC Actors Studio is proud to be in the thick of rehearsals for our 2025 production of The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel. This powerful coming-of-age story is being brought to life by a dedicated cast of students from Years 7 to 12, who rehearse every Thursday morning and afternoon with passion and commitment. Join us for an unforgettable performance in the Nudgee Junior Hall on October 21 and 22 at 6:30pm, as we explore themes of brotherhood, identity, and resilience in this timeless classic.
Art Club
Junior School Art Club is buzzing with creativity! Our young artists have been designing imaginative images that will form the basis of a layered watercolour collage. They are experimenting with drawing and exploring how to create depth using background, middle ground, and foreground compositional concepts. Along the way, they are learning simple watercolour techniques, collage, and mixed media to enhance their ideas. Stay tuned for their incredible finished pieces!
Keep an eye on the ATC App on Saturday with some inclement weather coming in, we will be updating the community as information comes to hand.
Basketball
All Australian team announcement! Congratulations to Aiden A who captained the 16 Years QLD team at the recent Australian Basketball Schools Championships. The team took home the Bronze medal and Aiden was also selected as a member of the All Australian Team!
Tennis
5A & 6A Tennis teams are on fire! Competitive matches, thrilling wins (like last weekend's 5-3 set victory over Villanova!) and serious skills on display. But what sets them apart? Hard work at training sessions! Smiles all around - these boys know how to have fun while dominating the court #ATCSport
From Year 5 to First XIII there were plenty of hard-fought contests and gritty efforts, but a highlight had to be our 9A’s tough 16-10 victory on McMahon Oval! A real show of resilience and belief from a team continuing to improve. It’s clear that pride in the ATC jersey continues to grow and with each round, we’re seeing more connection, more confidence, and more courage across our squads. This Saturday, we return to OUR HOME of Jack Bowers Oval for a huge day of footy against Iona College. Our First XIII kick off at 11am — come down and help us DEFEND BOWERS!
MUSIC NEWS
The countdown is on! In under 2 weeks, our talented musicians and singers will take the stage at the Queensland Catholic Schools & Colleges Music Festival (QCMF). Rehearsal attendance and home practise are crucial as we refine our performances and get ready to shine. We can’t wait to be part of this special event! Tickets are now on sale – come support ATC and enjoy the music! www.qcmf.com.au
Ticket sales are open! Ladies get ready to dress in pink! Current and past ATC mothers are invited to join us at the Annual ATC P&F Ladies Spring Lunch on Friday 24 October, 12pm to 4pm at Marquee, Victoria Park Function Centre. It will be a delightful afternoon of celebration of elegance, connection, and a cause close to our hearts. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Sparrow as our guest speaker. Rebecca is a teen educator, author, and host of ABC’s Parental As Anything: Teens podcast. She empowers young people to build strong friendships and healthy boundaries. Bec also co-hosts Birds of a Feather, Australia’s most popular online book club, and is an ambassador for The Lady Musgrave Trust. Her latest book, Out Of The Box, co-authored with Madonna King, explores neurodivergence. Rebecca will be interviewed by former broadcast journalist and ATC mum, Kim Skubris. Tickets are $105 which includes lunch, dessert, glass of bubbles & entertainment. And of course we have a fabulous Raffle. Tickets are 3 for $10, 8 for $20 or 20 tickets for $50 All are available via the ticket booking platform HERE.
Dress Code is a splash of PINK! Seating is arranged by your son’s Year Level at ATC. If you'd like to sit at a specific Year Level table, please indicate this when booking.Don't forget to note any dietary requirements when you buy your ticket. Seats are limited. All queries are to Mel KuflikCLICK HERE TO BOOK
2025 Meeting Dates
Please join the P&F Executive at the next meeting on Tuesday 2 September for the Annual General Meeting where nominations are called for key vacant roles. We will meet in the Waterford Lecture Theatre, Senior School precinct at 6.30pm. Hear the latest updates on College events and planning. (See the College Map - 17. Waterford) Can you also join us on the dates below? We look forward to meeting you! Further Meeting dates for Term 3 and 4 are: Tuesday 14 October for the 2026 Planning Meeting at 6.30pm and last meeting for the year is Tuesday 25 November. For any queries, or to express your interest in an Executive role on the P&F, please email the P&F Secretary pandf@atc.qld.edu.au
2nd Hand Uniform Shop
Please remember to send your donations of old uniforms to the College Reception so the P&F can sell them at the second-hand Uniform Shop in Term Three. We are in need of any ATC uniform items in all sizes. Uniforms must be in wearable condition. The uniform shop is coordinated by P&F volunteers Mel and Sasha, and is located on Brothers Oval, near the tennis courts. Please note: This is a shop filled with donated uniforms so not all sizes and styles of uniforms are available. Thank you for your understanding.
PAST STUDENTS NEWS
Reunion for 2020 Past Students
ATC 2020 Past Students are invited to a reunion on Saturday 11 October from 4pm – 6pm at The Waterford Building to mark five years since graduation. Join us for snacks, snags and drinks and a catch-up with friends. Tickets are $15 and include food and your first drink. Beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase at the bar. Contact Tom Perissinotto, Harry Ebinger or Raph Barcelon with any queries. CLICK HERE for tickets and further details.
Enjoy your weekend and we will see you for an exciting Week 5!
Jason Sepetauc
Deputy Principal
College Tour
If you know a family who are thinking of joining ATC, please share this information with them regarding our upcoming afternoon tour. We will show them through our teaching spaces, music rehearsal rooms, science labs and tech hubs on Thursday 18 September at 4pm They will also meet staff and chat with our friendly volunteer students about their journey at ATC. Registration link: https://www.atc.qld.edu.au/enrolments/book-a-tour