Coming Up Week 8
As the school year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students, staff, families, and friends of the ATC community a safe and joyous Christmas. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our teaching and non-teaching staff for their collective efforts in caring for our students – your sons – throughout 2025. My role would not be possible without the dedication, expertise, and goodwill of everyone involved in providing a liberating education.
Celebration of Excellence
The Celebration of Excellence evening on Tuesday at Riverlife was a triumph! Congratulations to all our award winners who were recognised for their achievements across academic, sporting, cultural, service, and leadership domains. Among many highlights, the Year 4 Dance was a crowd favourite, loved by families. The music was outstanding, with the final number “We Can Be” – written by 2019 Past Student Patrick O’Donoghue – performed to a photo montage mapping our journey as part of our 10 Year celebrations.
What I love most about Celebration of Excellence is that it focuses on the students. The presentations, performances, and awards showcase their talents and demonstrate how the College’s dynamic environment fosters opportunities for them to shine. Well done, boys – I’m very proud of you.
A slick production doesn’t happen without hard work behind the scenes. I sincerely thank all the teachers and support staff who assisted in the lead-up and on the night. I also thank the staff at Riverlife for hosting us. Special mentions go to our planning committee members and the AV/production, communications, music, and facilities teams – the backbone of operations. Lastly, thank you to my PA, Ms Sammi Harris, for her coordination of the event. Great job, well done!
Farewell to Year 12
Year 12 celebrated the end of their school journey and the beginning of a new chapter beyond the gates of ATC with Valedictory celebrations on Thursday. I wish every graduate success and thank them and their families for enriching our story. You will always be welcome in our community.
Final Week
The final week can be difficult for some students to navigate. Lessons continue, along with our expectations around uniform, behaviour, and learning until 12pm Friday. Please review the week with your son to ensure he is prepared. Also note that examinations and assessments continue. Links to events and assessments can be found on the App and in Parent Lounge.
Social Media Laws - Guidance for Parents and Caregivers of ATC
As Australia prepares to restrict social media access for under-16s, we shared the Control Shift guide via the ATC App this week. This guide is designed to support families through this transition. Control Shift is an educational organisation, committed to online safety for young people. Some boys are deeply attached to social media, using it for connection, entertainment, and identity and the guide speaks to replacing these needs with meaningful, real-life alternatives. I encourage you to access and read it.
These laws are designed to protect, not punish, young people—reflecting evidence that platforms built for adults can harm children and teens. Ambrose Treacy College will continue to educate students on healthy online habits through our Formation Program, including answering question they may have regarding the law changes. The 'eSafety Commissioner" has also released many resources and information on their website dedicated to the imminent changes. Click here for the eSafety - age restrictions hub webpage. If you have any queries, please email Mr David Mapleston. maplestond@atc.qld.edu.au
KEY DATES
- Wednesday 26 November | Year 9 Rite of Passage 5.30pm
- Thursday 27 November | Year 4 Breakfast and Liturgy and Year 4 Raft Regatta
- Thursday 27 November | Year 6 Celebration Mass 5pm NJ Hall
- Friday 28 November | Christmas Liturgy / Year 6 Tunnel / Christmas Carnival
- Friday 28 November | Last day of school (12pm finish)
Important Information for the Final Day of the School Year (this has also been shared on the App)
Please note that the last day of Term Four is Friday 28 November and school finishes at 12pm. The morning will be spent at the Christmas Liturgy followed by the Christmas Carnival, both ATC traditions that are a highlight of the final week of the school year. We look forward to seeing all boys at school for the morning, Stronger Together and ready to Believe in 2026! Years 4 to 11 are expected to attend school on this day and take part in all the activities.
The Christmas Liturgy is at 8.45am in SFXC for students and staff only.
Year 6 parents are invited to the End of Junior School tunnel ceremony in the Junior School. Full details on the App from Mr Stewart.
Our fantastic Christmas Carnival is for whole school. Students are asked to bring in up to $20 in gold coins to participate in activities. The carnival is held on campus and each class sets up a stall to raise money for charity.
Buses
Brisbane Bus Lines will depart ATC at 12.10pm and Southern Cross buses will depart at 12.10pm AND 12.30pm. See separate App notice for further details of routes and timings.
Uniform
The uniform to be worn for last day of school is the PE uniform for all students.
Office Hours last day of term
Please note College Reception will be open from 7.30am-3.00pm on the last day of term, Friday 28 November.
Tuckshop
Both Paddy's Place and The Bakehouse will be closed on the last day of school, Friday 28 November. Please ensure your son has morning tea on that day. Students will be able to purchase morning tea at the Christmas Carnival and will need to bring cash for food and fundraising. School finishes at 12pm. Thank you to all the students and parents who have supported the tuckshop this year. We look forward to welcoming everyone next year with a fresh and delicious summer menu. The tuckshop will be open on the first day of Term One 2026!
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Please go to the below link to read Chris Ryan's message for Week 7.
KEY DATES FOR VARIOUS END OF YEAR EVENTS
Please note, further details for all of these events are available on the App:
Year 4 End of year events
- Monday November 24 | Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Center
- Thursday November 27 (8am to 12.15pm) Year 4 End of Year Breakfast & Liturgy
- Friday November 28 | 2025 Christmas Charity Carnival (12pm Finish)
Year 6 Key Dates
- Wednesday, November 26 | Year 6 Transition Retreat held at school
- Thursday, November 27 | End of Year 6 Celebration Mass (5pm)
- Friday, November 28 | Rite of Passage Tunnel (9.15am - Parents to meet Mr Stewart outside NJ Hall at 9am)
Year 9 Rite of Passage
Our Year 9 Rite of Passage Evening is on Wednesday 26 November and we are looking forward to celebrating this milestone with students and their parents and caregivers.
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.
2026 Stationery Lists
Information regarding 2026 Stationery Lists have been shared on the App.
Reports for Years 4–11 will be released on the evening of Wednesday 3 December.
IT NEWS
Laptops
Years 7, 8 & 10 Laptop returns -Students are required to return their laptops on Thursday 27 November 2025 for the annual laptop audit. Student’s laptop chargers and bags are not required – please keep these in a safe place over the holiday period. Laptops will be returned in Week 1, 2026.
Year 9 Laptop + Charger Returns - Students are required to return their laptops and chargers on Wednesday 26 November for an annual laptop audit. Loss of charger will also incur a charge. Students will receive their new laptop and new bag in Week 1, 2026.
Year 11 Laptops - This year students in Year 11 are not required to return their laptops for the audit and can keep their laptops over the Christmas holidays. During the holidays if your laptop requires a repair, please contact the ATC Service Desk servicedesk@atc.qld.edu.au, or the College Office to arrange a time to drop in the laptop. Please note the Office is closed from 19 December – 5 January.
Years 4, 5, 6 Laptop Returns - Students are required to return their laptops, stylus, chargers, and bags in the last week of school. Years 4 & 6 are to return their laptops, chargers, and bags on Tuesday 25 November. Year 5 are to return their laptops, chargers, and bags on Wednesday 26 November. Laptops will be returned in Week 1. Note:
- Year 5 2026 will receive their current 2025 laptops + their old bag and chargers
- Year 6 2026 will receive their current 2025 laptops + their old bag and chargers
- Year 7 2026 will receive new laptops, chargers and bags
Note: Damage of IT equipment (intentional or accidental) will incur a repair bill for the family. Devices are covered by Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) 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. For any queries, please email the SERVICE DESK.
FAITH AND MISSION
Christmas Liturgy
Students and staff will gather for our Advent Liturgy, held in SFXC, at 8:40am on 28 November 2025. This special celebration invites us to reflect on the blessings of the year and to honour this special time in our liturgical calendar.
Christmas Carnival
The Christmas Carnival, held on the last day of term, is the last push for whole school fundraising this year. Each homeroom is responsible for an activity or game, with students supplying the prize and all proceeds supporting the charitable fund at the College. We support many charities and causes throughout the year with these donations. Each student from Year 4 – 11 are encouraged to bring in cash in small denominations to take part in the games and activities from 10:30am to 11:30am. There will be food and drink options available. Thank you so much in anticipation of your generous support.
MUSIC
2026 Co-curricular Music and Drama & Communication Enrolments
If you are an existing student wanting to continue in Instrumental Music, Vocal or Drama & Communication lessons or a new student wanting to commence lessons in 2026 please go to the below link to complete a short form.
Co-curricular Tuition is subject to the Terms and Conditions in the following Schedule of Fees: Co-curricular Music Fees Schedule If you require further information, please email music@atc.qld.edu.au
or call 3878-0547.
P&F NEWS
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
Helpers and Donations for the P&F hosted 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 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.
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.
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.
ATC TOURS
Our Afternoon Tours offer families a wonderful opportunity to visit the campus, ask questions and discover the ATC difference. Wander through our wonderfully green and spacious grounds and meet the team who will support your son through his schooling journey. First tour for 2026 is Thursday 12 March at 4pm. Register here: https://www.atc.qld.edu.au/enrolments/book-a-tour
