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- From the Principal
- College Chaplain
- From the Deputy Principal
- College Expectations
- Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews
- OptiMinds
- Early Childhood Cert III Student Incursion
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- International Department
- Inspiring young minds: Renowned author, Carla Salmon, visits WestMAC
- Student Experiences
- WestMAC Dance Concert
- Dance
- UHL Cup
- Uniform Shop
Captains' Excursion to Parliament House
Each term, I have the pleasure of hosting our College Captains for a leadership lunch — a chance to connect, reflect, and discuss leadership beyond the school gates. This term, we took that idea a step further with a special excursion to Queensland’s Parliament House in Brisbane.
Organised in collaboration with Wendy Bourne MP, State Member for Ipswich West, the excursion offered our six student leaders a rare behind-the-scenes look at the workings of State Parliament. The day included observing Question Time from the Gallery, a guided tour of Parliament House, and lunch in the Parliament House Restaurant — all of which sparked rich conversations about leadership, service, and the impact of civic engagement.
During our lunch we were also visited by the Opposition Leader Hon Steven Miles MP and Attorney-General Hon Deb Frecklington MP who spoke about their journeys to Parliament. Our Captains represented WestMAC with maturity, insight, and genuine curiosity.
A special thank you to Wendy Bourne MP and her Assistant Electoral Officer Ashton Whatling for hosting us and making the experience so meaningful and enjoyable.
10-Year and 20-Year Reunions
We had the great pleasure of welcoming back alumni for their 10-Year and 20-Year Reunions. Whether it felt like a lifetime ago or just yesterday, it was great to see our past students reconnecting with friends, and sharing stories from their time at WestMAC.
These reunions are a wonderful reminder that while our students may leave the College, they remain a part of our WestMAC story. I encourage all past students to stay connected with us through our Alumni and Foundation networks — a great way to remain engaged with the College and the broader WestMAC community.
Thank you to everyone who helped make these reunions possible — to staff and organisers, and of course to our Alumni.
MMG Survey – Reminder for Parents of Years 4, 6, 9 & 12
A reminder to parents of students in Years 4, 6, 9 and 12 — the MMG School Survey is now open. By completing this important questionnaire, you’ll be helping the College as we review our performance and continue to plan for the future.
Your feedback is invaluable and plays a key role in ensuring we provide the best possible experience for our WestMAC students and families.
Andrew Peach
Principal
Spring has sprung! From 1 September to 4 October, Christians across the world celebrate the Season of Creation. Each year brings a theme, and in 2025 we are invited to reflect on Peace with Creation.
The prophet Isaiah once described a world in ruin. Cities deserted, forests gone, communities broken. His vision reminds us that when our relationship with God and creation is fractured, the whole earth suffers. Yet Isaiah also speaks of hope: God’s Spirit, the very breath of life, can renew the land and bring forth peace and flourishing.
In Scripture, “breath” and “Spirit” are the same word. God’s Spirit is the air in our lungs, the force that gives life to every living thing; humanity, oceans, forests, and creatures alike. To live at peace with creation is to honour that sacred gift of life.
This connects beautifully with the archbishop’s 2025 vision for Anglican Schools: flourishing together for hope. When we share God’s breath of life through care, kindness, and respect, we not only help each other but also creation itself to thrive. We become signs of God’s hope in the world.
This week, Middle and Senior School students took part in Holy Communion services centred on the theme of creation. The altar was adorned with a special frontal, created especially for these services, which you can see pictured.
The Season of Creation reminds us that every breath is a gift from God. With each one, we can choose peace, compassion, and care for the world around us. In doing so, Isaiah’s vision becomes reality bringing forth communities at peace, creation renewed, and all of God’s people flourishing together in hope.
Many blessings,
Rev’d Jane
College Chaplain
OptiMINDS Challenge 2025
Three Middle School student teams competed in the Brisbane West Regional OptiMINDS Challenge last week. This year's theme was Integrity.
For the Long Term Challenge, the teams only had five lessons to create and present a dramatic response of up to 10 minutes in a 3m x 3m space. Their submission included budgeting forms as there were limits on what could be used and how much money could be spent on props. They also had to respond to a spontaneous challenge (unseen) on the topic of “A Curious Discovery.” The teams had only 10 minutes to interpret and analyse the challenge and then collaborate and respond to how it would forever change the world.
The long term challenge scenarios were as follows:
In Science and Engineering, a utopian society begins to fracture - the collective became disconnected. This ‘modular’ society could no longer achieve great things through ‘diversity, integrity, or unity’. Something is now needed to reconnect its citizens. An aspiring engineer believes that they have the answer. The team had to conceptualise and build a modular device that, when its parts came together, movement, sound and light were triggered as a ‘celebration of unity’ and thus integrity – “the state of being whole and undivided.” Team 2 used Lego and Arduino. Team 1 used 3D printing.
The Media and Communication team had to create an Integrity Museum in the year 2125, when people no longer have faith in the integrity of virtual museums. They know too well that it is nearly impossible to verify what is shared and seen online. The curators carefully select seven digital files that provide a ‘complete and honest picture’ of what life was like in 2025. Together, the artefacts present a valuable lesson for people living in 2125. Our team was clever in their use of humour and implicit interpretations. For example, TikTok isn’t a clock; it doesn’t tell time but just wastes time! Wise words.
Team members are:
TEAM 1 – SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Elodie Bishop (7)
Sophie Coubrough (7)
Alyssa Cull (7)
Amarli Edwards (7)
Eden Skilton (7)
TEAM 2 – SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Sienna Bailey (8)
Hunter Betts-Murphy (8)
Domitri Fidirikkos (9)
Abhishek Praveen (9)
TEAM 3 – MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
Ivy Walsh (7)
Margaret French (7)
Zoe Kinnane (7)
Emmileen Garland (7)
When asked questions about their OptiMINDS experience, students shared the following valuable lessons:
- While you may face obstacles along the way, persevering gets you there in the end.
- Never give up!
- No matter what challenges came up, we kept going and just adapted.
- We made the most of what we had and made it work for us.
- Even though it didn’t end up the way we planned, it was great to hear other people’s ideas and have fun.
Team 2 celebrating their device working first time! (Many thanks to Eden Skilton, Year 7 for his technical aptitude).
Sharee Verdon
G.A.T.E. Coordinator
Read Less
On Thursday 28 August at RAAF Base Amberley, DMFS hosted a ceremony, the last one for the year, to honour children of the ADF. DMFS provides a special recognition program to celebrate children of the ADF, where they are awarded a 'Child of the ADF Medallion'
Awards are presented at regional ceremonies across Australia, with the program open to all recognised children of ADF members aged 18 years and under (SERCAT 3-7 and SERVOP C).
One of our families here at WestMAC, were among the children receiving their medallions. Congratulations to the Kretschmer children on receiving their certificates and medals. I know that they will wear their medallions with pride! It is a challenging lifestyle for our families, and with these medallions, the children are being recognised for their resilience, patience and support as belonging to a member of the ADF. Congratulations to Kai, Eden and Ash.
An ADF Families Event- ADF Equip- Relocation and Science Lab - Holiday Fun
When: September 29 at 10am - 2.30pm
Where: Gallipoli Barracks Community Centre
The sessions will focus on tips and support for coping with relocation. At the start of each session, children will take part in an informal activity to get to know each other. Following this, they will participate in structured activities to improve their management of Defence-related relocation challenges.
There will be a short lunch break from 12-12.30. Please ensure you child brings a full lunch and water bottle to enjoy at this time. If your child has any food allergies please let us know in advance so we can ensure their safety and the safety of others
After the program Join us for some extra fun!
Science Lab - Explorers Session 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Join us for an exciting, hands-on experience where imagination meets exploration! This interactive session will spark curiosity through captivating demonstrations that inspire wonder in children of all ages. After watching jaw-dropping experiments in action, kids will step into the role of young scientists, working in small teams to create their own amazing experiments. It’s a fun and engaging way to explore, learn, and discover together!
Register Here - ADF Equip and Science Lab 2025
If you are deploying or absent due to the ADF, please let me know as I will assist with absent support at school.
I can be contacted on 38134508 or by email at jsheehan@wmac.com.au.
Jenny Sheehan
Defence School Mentor
In Term 3 the College welcomed four students from Takanabe-cho in the far south of Japan. The local government and education department of Takanabe-cho have collaborated to create an opportunity for local high school students to study abroad.
The program is in place for 10 years. The students in 2025 are the third group to participate in this innovative program. The girls were placed in Year 8 for their program. They lived with local families in the community while they were at the College.
We look forward to welcoming more students in the coming years.
Thirty students from Funabashi High School participated in a two-week study tour in July and August this year. The school is located near Tokyo, in Chiba prefecture. It is the fourth time students from this school have visited WestMAC. The students from Funabashi High School shared Japanese culture through songs and presentations. Funabashi high school was established in 1920 and has a reputation for excellent academic performance. The school has a specialist astronomy program as well as a strong music program. Students from Funabashi will be visiting the College in 2026.
Tia Bradbury
Homestay Officer
Last week, our school had the privilege of hosting author, Carla Salmon, who led two engaging workshops for our Years 7-11 students; and addressed our Year 7, 8, and 9 cohorts, sharing invaluable insights into the world of creative writing. During her interactive sessions, Carla delved into the fundamentals of writing, covering the craft of writing itself, guiding students on how to draw inspiration with ‘What if…’ questions, teaching the art of clashing ideas to create unique narratives, and showing how to craft believable characters and immersive settings.
The workshops were met with enthusiasm, as evident from the high level of student engagement throughout. Our students were truly immersed in Carla's expertise and passion for storytelling. This is eloquently reflected in the words of Makayla, a Year 8 student, who shared: "I really enjoyed the writing workshop, as it gave me a perspective on what it is like to be an author and the steps to become an author. It was a nice learning experience and even has given me the idea to finish my character and write a horror/mystery novel." Feedback like this underscores the positive impact of Carla's visit on our students' creative aspirations.
We are grateful to Carla Salmon for sharing her expertise and inspiring our students. We hope Carla's visit inspires your child to pick up a pen or a book in their free time - whether it's to write their own stories or get lost in someone else's, we know that reading and writing for pleasure can bring a world of joy and discovery.
On Monday 8 September at 10:00am, tickets will go on sale for the 2025 WestMAC Dance Concert. WestMAC’s Dance Concert is a wonderful opportunity for you to witness the West Moreton Anglican College spirit up on stage. See the dance students show their passion, skill and dedication in a fun-filled production of routines in the Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Lyrical and Ballet genres.
Featuring the College’s elite performance teams: the Dance Company, Dance Troupe and Junior School Dance Crew, as well as presentations by the Dance Curriculum classes. This is certainly a concert not to be missed!
Saturday 18 October
2pm & 7pm
Ipswich Civic Centre
2025 WestMAC Dance Concert - Ipswich Civic Centre
We hope to see you there!
Cassie Hoiberg
Leader of Learning - Dance Drama
Read LessThe JS Dance Crew, made up of 35 wonderful and dedicated dancers, has had an exceptional year of performances and achievements across the 2025 Eisteddfod season. Showcasing their talent, teamwork, and passion for dance, the JS Dance Crew has represented WestMAC with pride at three major events: the Ipswich Junior Eisteddfod, the Quota Beenleigh Eisteddfod, and the Ipswich Performers Dance Festival. Their performances throughout the year have been nothing short of outstanding, earning impressive results and demonstrating the commitment and artistry that make them such a special team.
Ipswich Junior Eisteddfod:
- 1st Place – Lyrical (A Million Dreams)
- 2nd Place – Musical Theatre (Oh, the Thinks You Can Think)
- Very Highly Commended – Jazz (More)
Quota Beenleigh Eisteddfod:
- 2nd Place – Lyrical (A Million Dreams)
- 3rd Place – Musical Theatre (Oh, the Thinks You Can Think)
Ipswich Performers Dance Festival:
- 1st Place – Musical Theatre (Oh, the Thinks You Can Think)
- 3rd Place – Lyrical (A Million Dreams)
- Very Highly Commended – Jazz (More)
The JS Dance Crew has truly excelled throughout the 2025 Eisteddfod season. Their dedication, passion, and professionalism both on and off the stage were evident at every turn, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Cahill and Ms. Mitchell for their unwavering support at these events, and to Mrs. Ellis for her invaluable behind-the-scenes assistance. We also want to extend our gratitude to our parents for their continued support, ensuring the dancers have everything they need and for attending the Eisteddfods to cheer on the crew.
We look forward to seeing these incredible dances performed once more at the WestMAC Dance Concert on October 18th, a wonderful finale to what has been an unforgettable year for the JS Dance Crew.
Miss Strohben and Mrs Shelton.