I am pleased to share the news that power has been restored onsite and the College will be open for normal operations tomorrow, Tuesday 28 October, including the Year 12 English external exam. We wish our Year 12s the very best for this important time.
Thank you to all of our families for your co-operation as the College lost power following the major weather event on Sunday. Our prayers of support are with families and staff who have been impacted by the event. For many in our local area, these events are impactful following the major flood events in 2011 and 2022.
We did our best to communicate with all stakeholders in a timely manner with a priority for our Year 12 students. It is very challenging with so many individuals, families and entities impacted by the loss of power and internet. Thank you for your understanding.
We are particularly mindful of the stress caused by this event for students of Design Technology, Accounting and Music whose exams were cancelled today. The QCAA has processes in place for these situations and the College will support these to be facilitated. Ms Liana Baillie, Dean of Learning will continue to liaise with students and families about this. We are sorry for the impact this unplanned incident has had. Best wishes to the large cohort of Year 12 students sitting their English exam tomorrow.
I hope everyone is safe as the repairs continue and we return to normal operations from tomorrow.
Ladies Spring Lunch
The event last Friday was a resounding success and enjoyed by over 330 women who gathered together at The Victoria Park Marquee for the 7th Annual P&F Ladies Spring Lunch. From all accounts it was a memorable afternoon and through the generosity of attendees around $12,000 was raised for National Breast Cancer Research. I extend my thanks to the coordinators, Mel Kuflik and Sasha Tucker on another wonderful P&F friendraising and fundraising event, and to Kim Skubris for performing the emcee role.
First Lego League Competition
The First Lego League regional competition was held on Saturday at Grace Lutheran College in Rothwell. Our teams represented the college with pride, and their enthusiasm and teamwork really stood out.
We were thrilled to come home with three trophies:
Engineering Excellence Award – Junior School team
Rising Stars Award – Year 7 team
Coach Award – Mr Sam Hassett
Thank you to all staff who coached and supported our student participants. Both award-winning teams have been invited to compete at the Nationals on the Gold Coast, which is a great opportunity for them and the college.
Ozanam Leadership Program
We congratulate Year 10 students Xavier Hopkins, Ethan Gordon and Cooper Beaumont on graduating from the Ozanam Leadership Program at a special ceremony in the Hanly Room, St Stephen’s Cathedral this month. During the evening, the boys shared reflections on a year where servant leadership, empathy and teamwork were central to every activity.
Run by St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland (Vinnies Youth), the Ozanam Leadership Program equips Year 10-11 students to become compassionate leaders in their communities. The year-long experience includes a three-day outdoor retreat, leadership development sessions, advocacy events, and volunteering opportunities with Vinnies Youth - all underpinned by the Society’s mission and values to put faith into action.
Building on this achievement, Xavier, Ethan and Cooper will lead the implementation of a Vinnies Group at ATC. Their first initiative is the Year 10 Vinnies de Formal being held this Thursday evening with Brigidine College, followed by the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, where our generous school community will donate to gift hampers for local families in need.
We are incredibly proud of these young men for their commitment to service and for modelling ATC’s spirit to empower young people to become Signs of Faith in our world, with the skills, confidence and will to make a positive difference.
Staff News
Ms Kate Garrone, who joined us this year as Dean of Faith and Mission, has been appointed to a promoted position as Director of Formation with Mercy Partners commencing in 2026. The role she has been appointed to is a rare opportunity with Mercy Partners being the governing body for nine schools including All Hallows and St Rita’s Colleges, hospitals and community development ministries. This role leads formation for the Board entities and Leadership Teams across the organisation. While this appointment is a blow to ATC, and Kate has loved her time with us, it is an irresistible opportunity for her. We congratulate and wish her every joy and success in the role. Kate has had a significant impact with us in one year, galvanising the energy and generosity of our wonderful students and staff in various projects and she will be missed. The College will commence recruitment for this position immediately.
My experience in different settings over a long time is that change cycles like this happen for various reasons from time to time. I experienced this type of change when on both the College Leadership Teams of St Joseph’s Nudgee College and St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace. The four changes on our College Leadership Team for 2026 are occurring for unrelated and positive reasons and by circumstance, at the same time. This brings significant change to our community and I am extremely confident that with Dr Craig Wattam’s vast experience and Mr Tim Walker’s in depth understanding of and passion for our context joining the well-established, skilled and talented Mr Jason Sepetauc and Ms Liana Baillie on our team, that our new Dean of Business Operations and new Dean of Faith and Mission will be well supported and the College is in strong, caring and capable hands for 2026.
Seniors 2020 Reunion
A rewarding project that I have enjoyed over the past two years is beginning to establish the ATC Past Students Committee. Representatives from 2019 to 2023 currently comprise the group and they are full of energy and enthusiasm. I extend my thanks to Chair, Mr Patrick Robinson ATC2019 and all committee members.
On 18 October we hosted our second ever 5-year Reunion for our second group of Seniors who graduated in 2020. This was a challenging year as these great fellows had been the second group since the 2019 group were the Year 8s in our first year in 2015 and then, therefore, the “Seniors” for five years. And then, COVID struck and they endured a unique experience as our second ever Seniors and did it well! It was a delight to welcome back ATC Past Students Committee member, 2020 College Captain, Mr Tom Perissinotto and his classmates who enjoyed a great catch up with each other and our staff, both present and past. Thank you to Foundation Principal Mr Michael Senior and Foundation Deputy Principal, Mr David Gardiner for everything they gifted to the College and continue to contribute by joining our Seniors of 2020 for this celebration.
L-R David Gardiner, Michael Senior, Chris Ryan, Jason Sepetauc
