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This week’s newsletter was delayed with the onset of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our College Community for the support that we have received over the last week. The team at the College have done an outstanding job in working to ensure that our community was well informed, and our facilities well maintained and ready for our return on Wednesday.
The College Farm did a magnificent job in looking after our animals, with the addition of two newborn calves over the weekend.
I trust that all families are safe and well after the impacts of the weather system, if you have any concerns or require any assistance, I encourage you to contact the school so we can provide assistance where possible. With this being my first term at West Moreton Anglican College I have been greatly impressed with the strong connections across our community which has been evident in the work and support that has occurred over the last week.
Showa Gakuin High School Visit
We recently had the privilege of welcoming twenty students from Showa Gakuin High School in Tokyo, Japan, for the third consecutive year. During their visit, I had the opportunity to meet with Principal Yoshikazu Yamamoto, as well as Tanya Ferguson from Australian International Student Tours (AIST).
The visiting students participated in a mix of class visits, cultural activities, and local excursions. Highlights of their trip included a visit to Dreamworld and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and connection. It was a pleasure to host our international friends, and we look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.
Lions Youth of the Year Program
I also had the honour of attending the Lions Youth of the Year Program this past weekend, where we had two of our very own students, Chloe Butler and Kylah Gough, as entrants. The Lions Youth of the Year Program is designed to foster leadership skills in young Australians and aims to support students in honing their skills for the workforce. I was incredibly proud of Chloe and Kylah for representing our school with such dedication and enthusiasm. Both students were excellent representatives of our College through the impromptu questions and speech sections, with Chloe named as the overall winner on the day. She will now progress to the Regional Finals on March 15.
International Women's Day Event
Last Saturday we celebrated International Women’s Day. Unfortunately the Zonta Ipswich Breakfast that we usually attend with our students had to be cancelled due to the weather, but the impact on our school of many strong women over many years is important to recognise.
We are fortunate to have so many experienced female staff in leadership roles across the College, who have helped to shape our school and our culture since 1994. The role that leaders in our Executive Leadership Team like Mrs Janelle Lecinski, Ms Kirsten Mullen, Ms Sue Stewart, Mrs Anne Shaw and Mrs Jackie Britz play as role models to staff and students cannot be underestimated.
We have an amazing group of female staff who all do outstanding work across the various departments of our College. Thank you for all that you do to support the WestMAC community.
Academic Mentoring Program
Finally, our Academic Mentoring Program for Year 12 students has begun. While our focus is to support our Year 12 students as they navigate their final year of school, there are a number of key strategies that I wanted to share, that are important for all students of all ages when focusing on learning.
Dr Britton and the Senior School team are doing a wonderful job in supporting our students to be well organised and to focus on the high impact study tactics, with the introduction of the WestMAC Six Pack for Academic Success:
- Effective Time Management
- Active Learning
- Spaced Practice
- Interleaved Practice
- Retrieval Practice
- Seeking feedback
Andrew Peach
Principal
Read LessNAPLAN
As per the communication from Mr Peach, College Principal, the recent weather events have meant that NAPLAN 2025, which was scheduled to commence Wednesday 12 March, will now begin on Friday 14 March. As per the schedules sent by Mrs Cordingley-D’Castro and Mr Caldwell, the sequence of tests will remain the same i.e. we will be starting with the Writing Task on Friday.
Students in the Secondary School are expected to be well-prepared with the correct equipment and fully charged devices. Secondary students are required to have headphones (wired).
2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey
All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.
As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.
We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.
For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.
Sue Stewart
Director of Curriculum
Read LessA Balancing Act: Coping with Academic Pressure in High School
We know that high school can be a whirlwind of academic challenges, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. With all that on your plate, it's easy to feel the pressure building up. But fear not! We're here to help you navigate the world of academics while keeping stress and anxiety in check.
Tips for Managing Academic Stress:
- Set Realistic Goals: Start by setting achievable academic goals. Think about keeping your goals specific, measurable, and time-based. A great tip while you’re on the way to achieving your goals is to break your big tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Time Management: Use a planner or digital calendar to organize your tasks and commitments. Refer to the assessment calendar that is emailed out to all students so you can prioritize your to-do list and allocate time for studying, extracurriculars, and relaxation.
- Seek Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help when you're struggling with a subject. Your teachers and classmates are there to support you. Asking for help is a sign of strength!
- Take Breaks: Studying for hours on end isn't productive. Schedule short breaks during study sessions to recharge.
- Stay Active: Physical activity is a great stress reliever. Regular exercise can boost your mood and energy levels, making it easier to tackle your academic challenges.
- Get Enough Sleep: A good night's sleep is essential for concentration and overall well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed and ready to learn. Another space where a great routine supports desirable outcomes; try to have a consistent routine in the 30 minutes leading up to when you want to fall asleep.
- Balance Extracurriculars: While extracurricular activities are important, don't overcommit. Balance your passions with your schoolwork to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
- Talk About It: Don't keep your stress bottled up. Talk to your friends, family, or a school counsellor about what you're going through. Sharing your feelings can provide emotional relief.
Remember, your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your academic success. It's okay to take a step back when needed and focus on self-care. High school is a journey, and it's about learning and growing, not just grades and achievements.
Everyone is in the same boat and likely experiencing similar stressors and worries to you, connection is key during these years!
College Counsellors
Allison Flanagan
aflanagan@wmac.com.au
Tia Reardon
treardon@wmac.com.au
Read Less
The Addams Family
Rehearsals for The Addams Family are in full swing! Our talented cast has eagerly embraced the challenge of learning several full-ensemble numbers, including When You’re an Addams and One Normal Night. Their enthusiasm is as infectious as Fester’s love for the moon, as they tackle intricate melodies and harmonies with energy and determination.
Our first blocking rehearsal kicked off with a full read-through of the script, giving students the opportunity to experience the entire story and gain a deeper understanding of the many intertwining plotlines. Laughter filled the room as they brought the script’s witty humour to life. It has been wonderful to see our students fully commit to their characters, not only bringing them to life with confidence but also mastering the American accent with enthusiasm!
Students should continue to check the 2025 Musical Cast NEST Page for updates to the schedule and times they are required to be in attendance.
Meet The Cast!
Name: Samuel Markotsis
Year: 11
Character: Lurch
Musical experience: First musical and first lead role
Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical so far?
A: Discovering the ways the characters interact with each other. I get to find out more about the people I’m working with and who they are outside of their character. It has allowed me to get closer to so many other people and build some really lovely friendships already.
Q: What has been a highlight?
A: People discovering their limits on what they can do with their characters and how they can put their own passions into their characters.
Q: What are you looking forward to in playing the character, Lurch?
A: Lurch is quite serious but he tends to be able to lighten up the room when it gets a little dark and tense.
Q: What is your favourite line that lurch says?
A: I reckon it’d be the part where he pokes Gomez with the sword and he let’s out a low, laughing groan.
Meet The Staff
Name: Tobey Ogilvie
Year: 2023 College Alumni
Role: Assistant Director
Musical experience: Anything Goes (2019), Glinda in Wicked (2021), Maria in West Side Story (2023), Fusion Arts productions, Dance Captain in Ipswich Musical Theatre Company’s production of Guys and Dolls (2024).
Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical so far?
A: Getting to hear the script readthrough and how the students are approaching their characters with their accents and personalities.
Q: What are you looking forward to in your role of Assistant Director?
A: Getting to watch the students through the production process and seeing their growth. I am very much looking forward to being on the production side as opposed to on-stage, as it is a new experience for me personally. Also, I am hoping to share some of my own knowledge and experiences with the students so they can have the same unforgettable experiences that I had as a student.
Q: What is your favourite line?
A: “Ooooh, That’s too dark, even for us”
Meet The Tutors
Our annual Meet the Tutors concert was held on Thursday, 20 February, showcasing the incredible talents of our Instrumental Tutors and Classroom Music teachers. As a department that regularly encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and perform, it is equally important that we lead by example. This concert provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to see their teachers embracing that same challenge.
The evening featured a diverse selection of performances, from the timeless works of Bach and Handel to beloved musical theatre classics from Wicked. A particular highlight was the thought-provoking performance of Aphasia by percussion teacher Cameron Kennedy. A special mention must go to Mr Bruce Ramm, our dedicated piano teacher and College accompanist, for his outstanding support in accompanying numerous performances throughout the night.
The feedback from this event has been overwhelmingly positive, and we sincerely thank Mr Andrew Peach, College Principal, and Mr Heath Del Favero, Director of Student Experiences, for their support and for attending this special evening. Their presence reinforces the importance of music within our College community, and we truly appreciate their encouragement.
Tina Paliadelis
Leader of Learning - Music
Read LessA new creative opportunity opened this year to students in Years 6-12 with the launch of Photography Club. Meetings are every Monday afternoon in the art studios from 3:00pm-4:00pm. Ten camera kits are available for hire and students are welcome to bring their own cameras. Camera kits include a DSLR camera, battery charger, SD card, tripod, camera bag, and copy of hardcover book Photography: The Ultimate Guide. Students are being coached through camera functions, lighting, action photography, composition, and editing. Participation in the Photography Club contributes towards colour awards, as well as the students’ choice of service hours or a line award.
Students in the club are expected to participate in 5 hours of photography per term outside of the weekly editing workshops. Key on-campus photography opportunities include dance rehearsals, cattle show team meetings, visiting Friends of the Farm, inter-house competitions, special chapel services, band/chorale rehearsals, musical rehearsals, and home games for Saturday sport. Key off-campus photography opportunities include TAS sport and away games, equestrian practices at home, equestrian events, cattle show events, weekends away/travel, landscapes, pets, and still-life.
Exhibition opportunities will be provided on-campus as well as encouraged via key photography competitions. Competitions include the Little Darlings Portrait Prize, Brisbane Portrait Prize, Marburg Show, Ipswich Show, Ipswich Art Awards, Crikey Magazine Photography Awards, and Brookfield Show.
Please have a look at the Student Experiences page on NEST to begin your journey as a photographer. Expressions of interest have closed for Term 1, but we hope to see you in Term 2!
