West Moreton Anglican College eNewsletter

I extend a warm welcome for the 2025 academic year ahead, both to new and returning families and to staff and students. Over 240 new students and 14 new staff have been warmly welcomed to the College, and I look forward to getting better acquainted with these new faces during this term.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for the warm welcome I have received at WestMAC. I have been overwhelmed by the positive reception that I have received from staff, students, families and the wider community since the announcement of my appointment. It is another reminder to me of the important role that our College plays across our community and I’m looking forward to connecting and engaging with our community over the coming weeks.

I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Mr Geoff McLay, who has served the WestMAC community at an exceptionally high level for fourteen years. Geoff has worked tirelessly to help ensure that my transition in to the role is as structured and successful as possible and I am indebted to him for his time and effort.

Archbishop Jeremy Greaves - Messages to Schools

Archbishop Jeremy has recorded a 2025 message to the Anglican School communities.

I invite you to watch his welcome video by choosing one of the links to three age-related versions:

New School Year

Whether your sons and daughters are starting at WestMAC in 2025 or returning to us for another new year at the College, the first few days of a new school year can cause anxiety for some children.

I sourced the following pieces of advice from Monica Foley (Child Development Institute) that I hope, like me, you might find useful.

Avoid Dismissing Your Child’s Fears

It is important to pay attention to your child’s fears and address them with empathy and understanding. Returning to school is a significant step for kids. It may seem minor to adults but children spend their entire day at school and then will, in most cases, have homework at night. Their lives revolve around school and the people they see there.

Visit the School with Your Child

Especially with younger students if it is a new school. Visit your child's new classrooms, playground, library, and cafeteria. See if you can meet with your child's teacher while you're there. If they're not available, you can at least find out where their homeroom class will be. Don't forget about other important locations in the school. Locate the bathrooms, especially the ones along their daily path, so they'll know where they can go when they have a minute between classess.

Point out the Positive Features of the School

By looking for the positive aspects, you can show your children that the new school year may be fun for them - at least in some ways. These positive aspects will give them something to look forward to as they return to school.

Show Your Children their New Routine

Kids love routines and will benefit from seeing how the new year will affect them. Will your child ride the bus, walk to school, or will you take them every day? Find the quickest route for your child to get to school if they're going to walk. If a new school, take the time to drive or walk along that route so that they know where they're going. If you're going to be driving your child to school, take them with you as you drive by the school. Help them get familiar with the route you'll take each day.

Involve Your Children in the Process of Getting Ready for the New School Year

Your children can help you pick out their school supplies and clothes for the new year. They can also help you think of new breakfast ideas or favourite foods they want for lunch and after-school snacks.

Remind your Children that they have Overcome Other Challenges in their Lives

Your kids will feel more confident if they remember the other transitions they conquered.

Acknowledgement: Monica Foley “How to Help Your Children Get a Great Start in Their New School” Child Development Institute. January 2023

Andrew Peach
Principal

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We’re excited to share that over the summer holidays, the College began construction of the Student Hub, located behind the Main Administration building between the Middle and Senior School campuses. This project is the first step in delivering the Performing Arts Precinct outlined in our Master Plan to 2040, supporting the growth of our school and its facilities.

Important Information for Families:

Traffic Impact:

The D Ring road behind the Main Admin building is closed (Emergency vehicle access only.)
If you need to pick up a student from the Health Centre, please park in the Main Admin carpark and walk down the hill to collect your child.

Site Access:

The construction site is out-of-bounds for all staff, students, and visitors.
We kindly ask all families to respect the fencing and safety measures in place.

Project Details:

The Student Hub will house:

Our Library
New Classrooms
Student Support Services
Administration staff

Monthly updates will be shared on the WestMAC website and social media. The build will be documented with a Timelapse camera.

The completion date for this project will be shared in future updates. We’re looking forward to seeing the many benefits this new facility will bring to our students and community.

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we navigate this exciting new chapter for WestMAC!

View an expanded PDF map of the College with renovation and traffic updates.

Campus Traffic Updates

As you prepare to return to the College next week, please note the following traffic changes that may impact drop-off and pick-up routines:

1. Keswick Road and Wulkuraka Connection Road Intersection Upgrades
Ipswich City Council is installing traffic lights at this intersection to improve safety. The project commenced on 9 December 2024 and is scheduled for completion by late March 2025.

- Traffic management will be onsite from 7am to 5pm daily for cars using the Keswick Road, Wulkuraka Connection Road and Butterfield Road intersection.
- Traffic will operate as a one-way shuttle flow during the works and managed by traffic controllers.
- Access to the College via Bartholomeusz Gates won’t be restricted.
- A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will apply.
- Traffic controllers will manage lane closures and pedestrian crossings during work hours.

2. Keswick Road Courts Upgrade
Completion of this project has been delayed due to wet weather and is now expected by late-February (subject to further weather delays). This will continue to affect traffic flow around the Junior and Middle School pick-up zones and campus exits onto Keswick Road.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to enhance campus facilities and road safety.

For further information please contact Jim Barry, Director of Business Services.

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