“An Ambrose Treacy Gentleman is a courageous leader of action who is present and respectful.”
At ATC, our Leadership pillar encourages students to walk humbly as servant leaders, effecting meaningful change within our community. This week, we proudly presented our Junior and Middle School Student Council Representatives at assembly. Over the coming semester, these students will collaborate with the Formation team and Senior student leaders to foster a positive school culture, supporting and promoting the many initiatives across the College.
House Captains and Cultural Captains for 2026
Their efforts will be supported by the newly announced 2026 Senior School House Leaders and Senior Music Captains, revealed yesterday. These leaders, alongside the Senior School Captain and Vice Captains, will be formally commissioned early in Term 4. We congratulate all our newly appointed leaders and trust they will embody the values of learning and service, inspired by the examples of Jesus, Edmund Rice, and Ambrose Treacy.
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Janine McGrath, Head of Senior Science, Ms Kate McGee, Middle School Science Coordinator, and our dedicated Science Ambassadors for leading a week of exciting and hands-on activities for students of all ages. Highlights included making liquid nitrogen ice cream, crafting lip balm, and the ever-popular watermelon under pressure experiment. Today, our Senior Science Ambassadors demonstrated leadership and service by engaging with Year 4 students, sharing their passion for science and inspiring the next generation of learners.
Book Week
Yesterday’s Book Fair in the Mt Sion Junior School Library marked the beginning of ATC’s Book Week celebrations. Next week, guest authors and illustrators will host a series of workshops, which students are invited to sign up for. A special Twilight Event for parents and their sons will be held on Tuesday, featuring author Richard Yaxley—a highlight of the week. Currently, I’m reading The Secret Suburb by Michelle Corin, a local history book about the area where I grew up in the Blue Mountains. What are you reading? Take a moment to talk with your son about the books you love and what he’s enjoying—reading is a powerful way to connect.
Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival (QCMF)
The QCMF started yesterday and continues through the weekend. Hosted by Villanova College, it is the premier event on Queensland’s Catholic Schools music calendar, showcasing excellence in music education across a wide range of genres—from classical to contemporary.
Performers range in age from six to eighteen and participate in ensembles including brass, wind, string, percussion, jazz, choral, and contemporary music. I’m looking forward to attending this afternoon and again on Saturday to support our talented students.
Junior School Gardening Club
Thank you to the green thumbed members of the Junior School Gardening Club and Ms Gillespie. I was greeted with this delicious mix of vegies when I arrived at school this morning.
P&F Second Hand Uniforms Donations Needed
Please consider donating your old uniforms to the P&F Uniform shop in preparation for the next sale day on Friday 5 September 2025 from 12pm to 2pm. Please drop off your items to Student Reception. The 2nd Hand Uniform Shop is located on Brothers Oval. GBC Review Parent Questionnaire
Please see the ATC App for the letter from Chris Ryan regarding the GBC Review and a parent questionnaire to be completed. We appreciate your feedback and support.
KEY DATES
Book Week 18 - 22 August Mt Sion Library
Tuesday 19 August | Year 8 Mass
Wednesday 20 August | Year 10 Set Planning and Year 11 2026 Subject Selections Close
Wednesday 20 August | The Breakfast Series 7am all welcome at Waterford
Friday 22 August | Book Week Dress-up Parade
UPCOMING DATES
Tuesday 26 August | Years 11 & 12 Drama Performance Evening 6pm
Thursday 28 August | Formal Music Concert 5.30pm
Friday 29 August | Year 8 Retreat
Tuesday 2 September | RU Ok Day
Tuesday 2 September | P&F AGM 6.30pm
Wednesday 10 September | Year 7 Advocacy Afternoon 3.15pm and Year 7 Fathers Evening 5pm
Thursday 4 September | Year 11 Sociable 6.30pm
Thursday 4 September | Last day of Formal uniform
Friday 5 September | Ministerial PUPIL FREE DAY
Wednesday 17 September | Year 10 Immunisation
Thursday 18 September | College Tour 4pm
Friday 19 September | Year 4 Charity Fayre, End of Term Liturgy and Last Day of Term 3pm finish
LEARNING NEWS
Science Week Fun
Methanol Fire Tornadoes and Blue Fire Magic were hot favourites this week, as students were invited into the exciting world of lab experiments. Our science teachers asked curly questions like "What happens when methanol burns?", and " What is blue fire magic?" Answers: When methanol burns it produces nearly invisible flames—add a rotating metal mesh and the flame twists into a vortex. The spinning air pulls the flames upward, just like a tornado forms when hot and cold air meet in nature! When Hydrochloric acid reacts with aluminium foil, it releases hydrogen gas. When copper sulphate is added, the flame burns blue—coloured by copper ions and Blue Fire Magic is made! A perfect example of chemistry turning invisible reactions into colourful results!
The Chicken Foot Dissection had students in awe, when they discovered that by dissecting a chicken foot, you can explore tendons, muscles, and joints—similar to human hands. Pulling a tendon makes the claws move, showing how our own muscles and tendons work together for movement.
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 8 Mass Tue 19 Aug 8.35am - Parents & Students invited Our Year 8 cohort will celebrate Mass on Tuesday 19 August at 8.35 am in The Chapel of St Joseph. We also wish to invite all parents of the Year 8 cohort to attend Mass on Tuesday 19 August. If you are able to attend, please proceed to the Chapel on the second level of the Edmund Rice Building. Your son is welcome to show you to the Chapel. Students are expected to wear their formal uniform including suitcoat and College tie. Normal classes will resume following Mass.
Krispy Kreme Fundraising Days
To support the Edmund Rice Foundation, a Krispy Kreme fundraiser is being held at ATC on 2 days. Grab a delicious Krispy Kreme for $3 each and help support access to education for all. Inspired to make a difference, a group of our Year 7 and Year 9 students are fundraising to support the Foundation. The Foundation is committed to working with communities around the world to provide access to education, health care and assistance to those who are in need. As the Foundation affirms “Education is one of the most powerful ways to alleviate poverty and empower communities”.
Junior School – Second Break, at NJ Hall, Thursday 21 August
Middle School + Senior School - First Break, at Bakehouse, Friday 22 August
The Breakfast Series last chance for tickets!
Parents and Caregivers are invited to our special event "The Breakfast Series" on Wednesday 20 August at 7am as we present a reflection led by an amazing Guest Speaker Roby Curtis, from Emmanuel City Mission. Join us in the Waterford Auditorium ATC from 7.00 am for Breakfast and a 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. The amazing guest speaker is Roby Curtis from Emmanuel City Mission and we are very excited to hear his news and reflection. Please join us!
FORMATION NEWS
Year 11 SociABLE Tickets
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
Dungeons & Dragons
The Dungeons & Dragons Club is a real point of difference at ATC! Young adventurers get together to embark on fantastical quests filled with collaborative storytelling and creative thinking. As they immerse themselves in the captivating realm of D&D, the teamwork helps build friendships between boys who share a passion for role play and board games. The conversations are in-depth as strategies are analysed and stories are spun, all within the boundaries of the game master's rules. Mr Loch hosts a great afternoon club and we are very pleased to offer D&D as part of our Clubs Program at ATC.
SPORT NEWS
Dolphins Development Academy Coaches Session This week, our Ambrose Treacy College Rugby League Coaching Staff headed to Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe, for an exclusive Dolphins NRL Development Academy Coaches Session – another fantastic step in our growing partnership with the Dolphins NRL. The afternoon featured a Gym Tour & breakdown of the Dolphins’ gym program, S&C insights with Anthony Wood (Academy S&C Coach) session run by Kurt Richards (Head of Pathways) & David Stagg (Academy Skills Coach), followed by a full breakdown, Pathways overview & development philosophies with Shane Morris (Game Development Manager) Massive thank you to the Dolphins NRL for the incredible opportunity! Our growing partnership with the @DolphinsNRL is helping us to continue raising the bar for Rugby League at ATC – and we’re only just getting started!
Rugby League
Round 3 of AIC Rugby League brought wet weather footy, big effort, and even bigger heart from our ATC teams, as we took on powerhouse Iona College at home. There was tough competition across the board, but our boys continued to front up and represent ATC with pride, grit, and resilience. A huge highlight came early in the day, with our mighty 8A’s producing a dominant 18-0 win to defend Bowers in style. The momentum continued with the 9A’s backing it up in another strong performance, coming away with an 18-6 win. Big plays. Big results. Big defence. We’re proud of the way our program continues to grow — not just in results, but in spirit, connection, and belief. Every week, every round, we’re building something special. Let’s keep it rolling.
As the 2025 www.qcmf.com.au unfolds this weekend we once again congratulate all our ensembles and choirs involved. There is no rest for ATC Music as we continue rehearsing for our annual Formal Music Concert, Thursday 28 August at Riverlife 17 Mile Rocks. Another amazing venue and another great way to showcase our talented instrumentalists and singers. All details are on the College App and tickets (no charge) are available for booking via this link: Ambrose Treacy College Formal Music Concert 2025 - Riverlife Baptist Church | Brushfire Thank you for continuing to support your talented young students on their journey of music-making!
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 Donations
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. The next sale day is on Friday 5 September from 12 to 2pm.
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 6!
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
