Coming Up Week 5
Today we celebrated World Teachers Day (WTD). It is a chance to reflect on the difference teachers make to the lives of your son.
The best teachers, the ones we all remember from our own school days, do much more than teach. They care, they’re passionate, the give their time freely, they forgive, they find joy, and they know who your son is, not just what he knows. As the deputy principal I’m blessed to work with a dedicated team. I take great joy in supporting their endeavour so they can provide a liberating education for your son.
Mrs Kath who has worked for the past 9 years at ATC where she has taught senior science and provided advice to senior students as the Head of Pathways is retiring at the end of the year and when announced the spontaneous standing ovation and cheers from the boys was one of the most moving expressions of the positive culture we strive to achieve in my time here. Congratulations Mrs Kath! Thank you, Mrs Kath, for shaping futures with heart and vision, and for your remarkable contribution to our community. Mrs Michelle Kath celebrates 35 years of service to Catholic Education.
Today Year 9 students, together with the Year 9 students from Brigidine College took part in a special retreat “Live Brave, Live Courageously.” This retreat is designed to help students pause, reflect, and connect—with themselves, with each other, and with their faith. The Retreat was facilitated in conjunction with Jo and Tim McDade from Retreats by Design and supported by Kate Garrone, Dean of Faith and Mission, and Year 9 staff.
The 7th Annual ATC P&F Ladies Spring Lunch at The Victoria Park Marquee was an outstanding success, with a record attendance of 330 guests. Ladies enjoyed a fabulous afternoon of celebration and community spirit and raised just over $12,000 in support of Breast Cancer Research — an achievement made possible through the generous contributions of our sponsors and raffle prize donors. We extend our sincere appreciation to the many local businesses whose remarkable generosity and commitment to this cause played a vital role in the success of the event.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: adorne; Aesthetics Redefined; Brisbane Real Estate; Captured by Katherine Photography; The Cornish Family; The Craddock Family; Dello Mano Cake & Brownies; HP Partners; ibis Styles Brisbane; Kenmore Village Florist; Noller & Turner Travel Associates; The Normanby Hotel; Provincial Home Living; Regatta Hotel; The Rocklea Hotel; Skin Care by Chantelle; Social Fabric Clothing and Zjoosh.
Students have achieved a record number of service hours in 2025 totalling nearly 19, 000 hours of giving and supporting and we will celebrate their achievements at our Service Assembly next Tuesday.
We also invite all our families to the ATC Celebration of Excellence awards night on Tuesday 18 November at Riverlife, Seventeen Mile Rocks. This is special event filled with musical entertainment, video recaps of the year, the Year 4 Dance production and the Award presentations.
KEY DATES
- Monday 3 November Japan Tour Information Night 6pm
- Thursday 6 November | Clontarf Academy Awards Night
LOOKING AHEAD
- Tuesday 11 November | Summer Music Concert
- Tuesday 18 November | Celebration of Excellence Riverlife
- Thursday 20 November | Year 12 Mass and Valedictory Celebrations
- Thursday 27 November | Year 4 Breakfast and Liturgy and Year 4 Raft Regatta
- Thursday 27 November | Year 9 Senior School Transition
- Thursday 27 November | Year 6 Celebration Mass 5pm
- Friday 28 November | Christmas Liturgy / Year 6 Tunnel / Christmas Carnival
- Friday 28 November | Last day of school (12pm finish)
SAVE THE DATE Celebration of Excellence
Celebration of Excellence, our awards night where we acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our students throughout the year, is being held on Tuesday 18 November at Riverlife, Jennifer Street Seventeen Mile Rocks. All families are invited to attend this special event, which is filled with musical entertainment, video presentations, the Year 4 Dance production and award presentations. Doors open at 5.30pm and proceedings begin at 5.45pm and free parking is available onsite. Students are to wear their full Formal Uniform. We look forward to seeing you there.
Year 4 Dance at Celebration of Excellence
As you are aware the boys have been rehearsing their Celebration of Excellence dance routine every Wednesday in Physical Education lessons. Whilst early days, the dance routines are coming along very well! To add to the spectacle of their performance at Celebration of Excellence on Tuesday 18 November, all boys are to wear denim jeans and the following plain coloured t-shirt- 4 Bodkin –White shirt/Denim Jeans; 4 Nolan – Green shirt/Denim Jeans; 4 Treacy – Yellow shirt/Denim Jeans. Regular sports shoes or sneakers are recommended. Hats, caps or other suitable headwear is also allowed but it must match the colour theme of your son’s class above. Further important information regarding the performance is available on the ATC App.
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Donations to the Staff Christmas Lunch
We have an incredibly talented and dedicated staff at ATC and with the end of the year and the spirit of Christmas almost upon us, we are aware that some families are considering the idea of a gift for staff. The ATC P&F coordinate and host a Christmas lunch on 2 December for staff, and the College would like to emphasise that the way for saying ‘thank you’ to our staff is by donating to this annual event. Contributions to assist with the catering costs are entirely voluntary and can be made via your Parent Lounge account. We also need helpers on Tuesday 2 December to set up, serve food and drinks and pack down after lunch. If you can assist, please email Catherine Jackson.
LEARNING NEWS
Year 12 Textbook Return
Year 12 students must return all their textbooks to Westcourt Library as they finish their external exams. There is a return trolley at the entrance of the library. This will ensure you're not charged for any unreturned textbooks as we reconcile book hire accounts at the end of the term 4, Friday 28 November. Average replacement costs of textbooks are $70 each. Email Mrs Scott with any queries.
Japan Tour Information Night
Parents and caregivers of students who are studying Japanese in 2026 are warmly invited to attend an Information Evening for the 2026 Japan Tour on Monday 3 November at 6:00 pm in the Waterford Auditorium. During the session, parents will hear about how the trip operates, the exciting sights our students will visit, and details about costs, inclusions, and key dates. The 2026 Japan Tour will take place from Saturday 20 June to Monday 30 June 2026. Please note that, as part of this reciprocal exchange program, participating families must be able to host two students from our sister school, Konan Elementary School (Kobe, Japan) during their visit to Ambrose Treacy College in March 2026. This hosting experience is an important part of the exchange, as our boys will then stay with Japanese homestay families in pairs during their visit. If you have any questions prior to the evening, please feel free to contact Tasha Damon at damont@atc.qld.edu.au
SERVICE NEWS
The Tea Tent – Donations Needed!
We’re excited to launch a new wellbeing initiative this term: The Tea Tent – a space for Middle School students to connect, relax, and enjoy a cuppa (or cordial) in a calm, welcoming environment. We still need donations of mugs and tea cups and saucers. If you have spares at home or know someone who does, please drop them off at College Reception.
IT NEWS
Laptop Audit
At the end of Term 4 students in Years 4-10 are required to return their laptops for the annual audit and maintenance of the machines. During the next few weeks, an audit will be completed during homerooms to identify parts that need to be ordered to complete repairs at the end of Term 4. Damage of IT equipment (intentional or accidental) will incur a repair bill for the family. Devices are covered by Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) insurance for a limited number of parts per claim with an excess of $70. Once the claim limit has been exceeded, an additional repair cost will be incurred. Please refer to the ATC Acceptable Technology Use Policy on Parent Lounge and Student Café under Links for further details. Parents will be notified if a student’s laptop is identified during the initial audit as requiring a repair at the end of the year.
- Year 11 - Laptops requiring repair will need to be returned once a student has completed their final exam. Once repaired, laptops will be ready for collection in December
- Years 4 - 10 - Laptops will be returned to all students in Week 1, 2026
FORMATION
Signum Fidei Breakfast
ATC looks to form all our students to be a Signum Fidei to show up in the world as a sign of faith in self and others. Our hope is that when students leave the College walls, they may bring faith, hope and love to those who need it most. At our Signum Fidei Breakfast this week, we gathered as community to celebrate individuals at ATC who represent the signs of faith we need in the world. We thank these courageous young men who continue to be a beacon for others to follow.
MUSIC
Drama and Communication Evening
Have you ever recited a love poem to your pizza? Or, dug up a mysterious box in the backyard with your mates? Well, it was a night of laughter and intrigue on Wednesday night as our Co-curricular Drama & Communication students took to the stage for an audience of family and friends at their Drama Scenes Evening. Skits, poems, AMEB Examination syllabus and stories made for a wonderful night for these talented actors to showcase their year of hard work alongside their teacher Mrs Shapcott. Think you might be interested? 2026 enrolments open soon – keep an eye on the ATC College App for details.
Actors Studio – ‘The Outsiders’
The Actor’s Studio production of The Outsiders was a resounding success, with packed audiences across both nights. Congratulations to the cast and crew for a compelling and moving performance.
SPORT
Our Year 5 to 11 students put on an excellent display at the annual AIC Touch Football Tournament last Friday and Saturday.
Two days of treat skill, teamwork, and school spirit on show. Well done to all our teams and a special shout-out to our coaches for their help and guidance throughout.
PARENTS & FRIENDS NEWS
P&F Spring Lunch
Thank you to everyone who attended the very enjoyable and successful P&F Spring Lunch last Friday at The Marquee at Victoria Park. A shout out to our generous sponsors who donated prizes for the raffle and made the day more meaningful and supportive. Congratulations to the lucky winners of the wonderful prizes and thank you for your generosity. A sincere thank you to the P&F coordinators, Sasha Tucker and Mel Kuflik who devoted time and energy to bring this special event to life.
P&F 2nd Hand Uniform Donations
As we wrap up another great year, it’s the perfect time to clear out the school uniform wardrobe and give your pre-loved ATC uniforms a second life! The Secondhand Uniform Stall is seeking donations before the end of term — every item you give supports this wonderful 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). Donations can be left at Main Student Reception. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support of our ATC community.
Shop Opening Time
The shop will be open on Tuesday 11 November from 6:45am – 8:30am on Brothers Oval. Important – it is EFTPOS only – no cash sales. Limited sizes available.
Helpers for the P&F hosted Staff Christmas Lunch
The ATC P&F coordinate and host a Christmas lunch on 2 December for all staff, to say 'thank you’ and celebrate the end of the school year. Contributions to assist with the catering costs come from our parent body, and can be made via your Parent Lounge account. We also need helpers on Tuesday 2 December in the NJ Hall, to set up, serve food and drinks and pack down after lunch. If you can assist, please email Catherine Jackson, the event coordinator.
Final Meeting dates for 2025
Our last meeting is on Tuesday 25 November at 6.30pm. Come along and be part of the ATC Community and hear plans for 2026, and final preparations for the Staff Christmas Lunch which we host. For any queries, please email the P&F Secretary Lee Robinson at: pandf@atc.qld.edu.au
See you in Week 5!
Jason Sepetauc
Deputy Principal
TERM DATES
Please CLICK HERE for the Ambrose Treacy College official term dates for 2026 to assist families with their planning.
