I n Th is

I ssue

STEM 1

AQUATICS 2

ENROLENTS 3

STAFF PROFILE

AND WELCOME

EVENTS

4

ATC DEVELOPMENTS S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 V o l u m e 7

Imp orta nt

Dat es

* Orientation Day for new families to Yr 7 & 8, 2015 - Thursday 16 October

* Orientation Day for new students in

Yr 4, 5 & 6, 2015 - Friday 17 October

* Welcome to ATC classrooms for new

Yr 4, 5 & 6, 2015 also new and continuing

Yr 7 & 8, 2015 (ministerial pupil free day)

-Monday 20 October

* Welcome to ATC evening for all Yr 8, 2015

-Tuesday 28 October

* Welcome to ATC evening for all Yr 7, 2015

-Wednesday 29 October

Invitations for the above

Orientation events have

been posted out. If you

have not received yours

please contact the office

admin@njc.qld.edu.au

A T C D E V E L O P M E N T S

STEM– Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

At root, science forces us to reckon with the truth as best as we can ascertain it. Science can-

not supplant our ethics, our values, our principles, or our faith, but science can inform those

things, and help put these values, that faith, to work – to feed a child, to heal the sick, to be

good stewards of this earth. Obama, B.

In our day to day life, we are surrounded by and dependent upon the products of Science as perhaps never before. This is simultaneously a source of great comfort and convenience and a profound challenge. The study of Science, Technology, Engi-neering and Mathematics (STEM) cannot be underestimated as a preparation for active participation in modern society. Not only does it open up the possibility of careers in are wide variety of professions, but it enables boys to be informed par-ticipants in vital political and personal decision-making.

Innovation is key to solving the challenges of the future and STEM is a key driver of innovation. STEM education and skill development are the foundation of industries of tomorrow. The research is clear: an inquiry-based, practical and relevant approach to STEM teaching and learning produces the most positive outcomes and will best prepare our boys for their fu-ture.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are a priori-ty at ATC. These learning areas challenge our boys to solve real problems relevant to their world. The concepts are taught in a way that connects them to their purpose and application in the real world. When boys see relevance, they engage. Partner-ships with universities and industry will allow us to create meaningful projects designed to switch on all learners in these vital areas. A rich co-curricular offering in the STEM program and a rigorous pedagogical approach provide opportunities for our boys to fully explore specific interests in and beyond the classroom.

A T C D E V E L O P M E N T S

Aquatics Program The Ambrose Treacy College Swimming Program will

commence this September school holidays. It is an excit-

ing time for sport at the college and as we head into sum-

mer, swimming is the next sport to develop a comprehen-

sive school and club program. All students will be catered

for whether they are recreational fitness swimmers or

wanting to compete at school or elite levels. In addition to

this, we will be offering a ‘Learn to Swim’ and develop-

ment program for swimmers who are still in their early

stages of swimming development.

The September school holidays will see the inaugural Am-

brose Treacy Swimming Camp and that will be followed by

an extensive term 4 program. This program will be a

school and community based program providing not only

pathways for our students but also for the wider communi-

ty. The College will be starting a swimming club that will

provide a pathway for swimmers to compete at local, state

and national level competition. In conjunction with this, the

college will be competing at a number of dual meets

against other schools including other EREA schools.

Our philosophy moving forward with the swimming pro-

gram is to provide swimming skills for all ATC students.

Swimming is a skill that can provide many lifelong experi-

ences and lifestyle choices. Our aim is to provide all ATC

students with the ability to be involved in aquatic activities

whether they be competitive or social and have positive

experiences with these aquatic activities that will encour-

age the boys to continue with them after their school life

has been completed.

We are also going to provide a competitive avenue for the

students. We will encourage participation in these compet-

itive programs and create an environment that will reward

improvement while motivating the boys to progress to

more challenging competitive environments. This program

will not only build character in our students but will teach

them skills such as goal setting and work ethic.

We are looking forward to working with your children in our swimming program and if you are interested in joining the holiday camp or the term 4 programs, you can register your interest at aquatics@njc.qld.edu.au To see full details of the Aquatics program for Term 4 and for 2015 please click here.

A T C D E V E L O P M E N T S

Please be aware that future years at ATC are filling up very

quickly.

We are now confirming enrolments for Year 7, three years in

advance (ie: Year 7, 2017 is now in a waiting list situation).

Therefore if you have confirmed your enrolment for one son,

but still have another for whom you have not yet applied, please

submit your application form as soon as possible. Brothers of

current enrolled or future confirmed students are given priority

enrolment, but we cannot guarantee space will be available if

forms are submitted too late.

Processing for Year 4, 2016, and Year 7, 2018, will commence

at the end of this year. Application forms are available in the

Enrolment section of our website, or can be collected from Re-

ception. Please click here to access the Registration form on

our website.

Future Enrolments

Open Classrooms On Friday August 29, the College held an ‘Open Class-rooms’ for the newly renovated Middle School facilities. It was a significant step in our planning for Ambrose Treacy College to have the facilities completed four months before the commencement of the new school year. Over a hun-dred families took the opportunity to inspect the impressive new rooms. The transformation from the 76 year old board-ing dormitories and shower rooms, and recent offices and meeting rooms, to bright colourful, modern classrooms has been a stunning achievement by the architects and build-ers.

The visitors loved the character of the renovation and the wonderful feel of space and colour. The new Art room with a sprawling deck overlooking the river, and the renovated basement into a technology room grabbed the imagination of the visiting families. The boys appeared to instantly feel at home in the rooms and many comments were made about the big differences from their current school and wanting to start right away. The simple addition of multiple whiteboards in each classroom is a sign of the thinking to-wards engaging the boys in their learning. New wireless facilities have been installed in every room and parents were impressed with the views from the top floor over the fields on one side and the river on the other. Furniture has been ordered for the rooms and colourful lockers for every boy. Everything is well on the way for the exciting com-mencement of ATC Middle School in January 2015.

Staff Profile Name: Charles Brauer

Position at ATC in 2015: Head of Middle School

Year started at College: 2015

Started teaching: 2003

Teaching Experience: 11 years within Middle and Senior Schools at two

Edmund Rice Education schools.

Current Appointment:

Acting Assistant Principal Student Formation and on

an ongoing basis - Treacy House Dean. Both at

St. Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe

What excites me most

about ATC:

I’m most excited about being a foundation member of

the Ambrose Treacy College community that is tasked

to continuing the life-long work of Br Treacy. To me,

this is ensuring the continued living reality and expan-

sion of Edmund Rice’s vision for quality, equitable and

empowering Catholic education for young men.

Favourite pastimes:

Running, weekend adventures with my family, DIY

home projects (some far too big!) & listening to and

expanding my Pearl Jam (grunge band) collection and

appreciation.

Highlights in last 5 years:

Becoming a dad to two girls and now a school parent,

running my first marathon, Pearl Jam tours with my

best mate, our family beach holidays & becoming a

coffee drinker who coffeeshop hops with family and

friends.

Favourite TV Show: Seinfeld, Lost, Grand Designs, Breaking Bad & Peppa

Pig!

Best Book: Birds of Prey by Wilbur Smith followed by any Mathew

Reilly tale.

A T C D E V E L O P M E N T S

Date Time Event Who should attend

Thursday 16 October

9 am to 2 pm

Orientation Day Meet staff and students, tour of the College, information sessions for parents and students.

New Year 7 & 8, 2015 students and parents

Friday 17 October

9 am to 2 pm

Orientation Day Meet staff and students, tour of the College, information sessions for parents and students.

New Year 4, 5 & 6, 2015 students and parents

Monday 20 October

9 am to 2 pm

Welcome to ATC Classrooms The day will involve fun activities, a provided lunch (sausage sizzle) and testing to assist with 2015 class allocation.

All Year 7 & 8, 2015 students and New Year 4, 5 & 6 students only.

Tuesday 28 October

5 pm to 8 pm

Welcome to ATC Evening BBQ and information sessions for parents and students.

All Year 8, 2015 students and parents

Wednesday 29 October

5 pm to 8 pm

Welcome to ATC Evening BBQ and information sessions for parents and students.

All Year 7, 2015 students and parents

Tuesday 27 January 2015

1.30 to 3 pm

Open Classrooms Students are welcome visit their new classroom, meet their teacher and drop off their supplies.

All 2015 students

Welcome Events