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Upcoming P&F Meeting
Our next P&F Meeting will be held on Wednesday April 2nd at 6.30pm in Keswick House. The 2025 P&F executive team have been doing an outstanding job supporting our College during term one, and I’m looking forward to heading along to the meeting to celebrate this excellent start to the year.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity for me to discuss the ideas and thoughts around our new Strategic Plan which is currently being developed. The plan won’t be finalised until the end of Term 2, but this will be another great chance for feedback and perspectives to be considered and discussed as we look to set up the next five years of our College.
Lions Youth of the Year
Year 11 student Chloe Butler continues to impress in the Lions Youth of the Year program. It was great to be able to head out to Rosewood again last weekend to see Chloe in action, with her public speaking and ability to think and respond to challenging, unscripted questions as she once again impressed the judges. Chloe has now progressed to the District Final at Runcorn on Saturday night and I have no doubt that she has our community’s full support.
Dangers of Vaping
I wanted to finish this week’s newsletter with some information for students and parents on vaping. This is a growing concern that requires open discussion at home, so that students can fully understand the serious risks involved. It’s also a timely reminder that vaping is considered a serious offence under The_WestMAC_Way because it involves possessing a dangerous and banned item.
What are some reasons a young person might want to vape?
Teenage brains are made to test, explore and challenge so that they can develop into autonomous adults. It’s a healthy part of human development. So here are some common reasons/myths that may lead a young person to try vaping:
- Curiosity – what is it like to vape or smoke?
- Peers – all my friends are doing it!
- Role models – family members, Tik Tok personalities, celebrities, advertising.
- Anxiety – it calms my nerves.
- Self-beliefs – I want acceptance and to be included or to be looked up to – vaping is cool!
- Perceptions about the world and others – I’m making decisions for myself and taking control of my life. Adults smoke and drink.
- Thrill-seeking – Bending the rules is okay if I don’t get caught. The chemicals make me feel cool.
What can I do as a parent to respond to some of these thoughts?
- Be informed
- Know about vapes and the risks
- Model healthy behaviours
- Teach refusal strategies
- Talk often
- Show the laws and legal implications of procuring vapes
Where else can I get support for my teen?
- Positive Choices All about vaping.
- Reach Out. Strategies for communicating effectively with my teenager.
- Queensland Health: There’s nothing sweet about vaping!
Andrew Peach
Principal
As a new parent, your recent experience of choosing a school is insightful. WestMAC is interested to hear about what was important to you and your family before and during your decision-making process, why you chose to send your child to an independent school, and why you felt WestMAC was different from the other schools.
You are invited to complete The What Parents Want – an Independent Schools Queensland Survey. It is a longitudinal study that tracks multiple aspects of parents’ decision-making time, and the anonymous data can provide our school with insights to better understand and support prospective and new families in our community.
If you are a parent of a Prep, Year 7 and/or new student, we’d like to ask you to complete this valuable survey (approx 15-20 minutes). Other parents are also welcome to complete the survey. Survey closes 24 March 2025. Click here to take the survey.
Healthy eating and being prepared for school
Families are encouraged to ensure that the morning routine at home includes time for breakfast. Having a breakfast, ideally including some protein, helps to sustain children for learning during the school day.
When packing lunch boxes eat day, families are asked to consider:
Fruit snack (approx. 9.45am) fruit or vegetable sticks only
Morning tea – yogurt, frittata, meatballs, chicken drumstick, dip or cheese and crackers
Lunch – sandwich/wrap, fruit
If your child has after school activities, consider packing enough food for afternoon tea.
Sweet treats and highly processed foods may be included as a lunch box treat.
Further information and ideas are available at:
How to pack a healthy lunchbox for school | Children's Health Queensland
Uniform Focus this fortnight –
Our College Uniform policy requires students to wear College uniform items. As the weather starts to get cooler in the mornings, students may begin to wear a jumper to school. This should be either the woollen jumper or the Junior School jacket. Junior School students are not permitted to wear the tracksuit top with their formal uniform.
Parents are asked to please ensure that jumpers are clearly named so that if they are misplaced when removed, we can return them to students.
A word from Michele Juratowich - Brain Power
Some years ago, I was privileged to spend time with neuroscientist, John Geake, in Oxford, learning about his studies in neuroscience, examining the way in which the brain processes, learns, and stores information. John had a particular interest in the way gifted students learn. Developments of technology and scientific techniques have enabled scientists to examine and identify the way the brain works. Neuroscientists have found that the brain develops and changes according to how it is used.
Significant neurological changes take place during adolescence, limiting the effectiveness of executive function, the part of the brain that is responsible for cognitive focus, impulse control, working memory, sequencing, planning, organizing, managing time and linking ideas. This is the part of the brain primarily responsible for academic achievement, so it is important to create the optimum environment for cognitive growth and neurological development, especially before adolescence.
Digested food releases sugars into the blood to provide energy for the brain. High ability students think efficiently but they use up more energy in the process. Energy is best provided through foods that are digested slowly and release blood sugars over time. When depleted levels of blood sugar are experienced, physical tiredness is accompanied by loss of cognitive focus, emotional dysregulation, leading to a craving for sweet, sugary food to provide a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Nutritious snacks and regular meals are needed to provide the steady release of energy. Snacks and meals should include fruit, vegetables, protein, and wholegrain foods.
Brains don’t work properly without nutritious food to keep brains energised throughout the day. When students have had a good night’s sleep and begin the day with breakfast which includes protein, fruit and whole grains, have a nutritious lunch and snacks at morning and afternoon breaks, they are well equipped to concentrate in class, think clearly and maintain energy for their bodies and brain throughout the day and into the evening. Fluid – preferably plain water – is critical to hydrate the body and provide the biochemical environment in which neurons synapse. A lack of fluid will also contribute to reduced brain function, irritability and headaches as well as placing stress upon kidneys, especially in hot weather.
Psychiatrist John Ratey, author of the book 'Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain,' maintains that exercise is not only of enormous benefit in improving cognitive function but it is also an effective treatment for mood disorders, improving mental health, well-being and happiness. Neuroscientist Carl Cotman from the University of California identified that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps build and maintain the cell circuitry in the brain, is elevated by exercise. Other studies have demonstrated endorphins and dopamine, the ‘feel good’ bio-chemicals released by the brain during exercise, help to alleviate stress and anxiety while improving mood. Students, who maintain good nutrition and include walking in their routine, improve brain fitness, memory function, mood and well-being; offsetting adolescent changes in the brain and optimizing brain function.
© Michele Juratowitch
michele@clearingskies.com.au
Kirsten Mullan
Head of Junior School
The Addams Family
For many, musicals are a captivating form of entertainment, seamlessly blending multiple art forms to immerse audiences in a powerful storytelling experience. While the cultural impact is widely recognised, the personal and educational benefits for students participating in musicals are often underestimated. Beyond the spotlight, musicals foster meaningful connections within the wider community, building friendships and skills that extend far beyond the final curtain call.
Some of the key benefits of participating in musicals include:
- Boosting confidence and self-esteem
- Enhancing teamwork, collaboration and communication skills
- Supporting cognitive development
- Fostering a sense of belonging and community
- Promoting mental wellbeing
- Encouraging physical movement through dance
- Developing discipline, responsibility, organisation and time management
Through the magic of performance, students not only discover their creative potential but also develop invaluable life skills that will serve them well into the future.
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 Staff
Name: Neil Flottmann
Role: Musical Director
Years at the College: 16
Musical experience:
- First musical performed in: Oliver as Bill Sikes (1970)
- First musical as Director or Musical Director: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (1975)
- First WestMAC Musical: Producer of Guys and Dolls (2013)
- Musical Director of every musical at the College since Sweet Charity
Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical so far?
A: Learning a new show has been fun. The first full cast read through was hilarious and a revelation. We are working with, what I believe, is a really excellent cast.
Q: What are you looking forward to in your role as Musical Director?
A: Getting the orchestra and cast together and getting into the theatre. Theatres are special places.
Q: Why do you think it is important for schools to have musicals?
A: I think musicals provide a unique personal growth opportunity for students and they bring in students who might not otherwise engage with the Music, Drama or Dance programs. I have personal experience of students both at this school and previous schools whose lives have been turned around, for the better, by their involvement in musicals.
Q: What is your favourite line?
A: There are too many! But I think Grandma’s line “I just peed a little”.
Meet The Cast
Name: Samuel Wicks
Year: 12
Character: Mal Beineke
Musical experience: School musicals at previous school in Breamore, England. Wicked (2021), Mouthpiece in West Side Story (2023).
Q: What have you enjoyed about The Addams Family so far?
A: I have enjoyed the relaxed and fun environment. Everyone wants to be there and is encouraging and supportive.
Q: What has been a highlight?
A: Seeing the musical progress with the blocking and dancing while everyone is having fun and enjoying themselves.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your character, Mal Beineke.
A: Mal is the father of Lucas and the wife of Alice. He is uptight and cold shouldered, which is the complete opposite of his no-filter, constantly rhyming, wife. He thinks the Addams’ are very strange people and doesn’t support the marriage of Lucas and Wednesday.
Q: What are you looking forward to in playing Mal?
A: There is a great amount of stage time for Mal, without having the stress of learning so many lines. I am excited to learn a new accent and style of acting to bring Mal to life.
Q: What is your favourite line that Mal says?
A: “I guess I got stuck, Alice, more than most men. But mama, I swear, I’ll be crazy again.”
TAS Sport
Following the disruption of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred cancelling training and Round 6 fixtures, it has been fantastic to see our students back on the fields and courts, reconnecting with their teams and routines. Sport plays a vital role in fostering resilience, teamwork, and a strong sense of community, bringing students, families, and supporters together.
This sense of community has been further strengthened by our new sports facilities, which has already proven to be wonderful assets. The state-of-the art undercover Keswick Rd Courts, as well as the recently upgraded Senior Courts, provides high-quality spaces for training and competition. It has enhanced our programs and created more opportunities for students to develop their skills. We look forward to seeing our teams thrive as they make the most of this outstanding addition to our sporting landscape.
This Saturday is a bye round for the majority of TAS teams before finals take place on Saturday 29 March. Pending final ladder positions, all teams will be scheduled games. Teams that finish 1st, 3rd, 5th or 7th have the right to host games. It is therefore important to note that games are likely to be played at a variety of venues. A bus will not be available for away games given there will be multiple venues. It is expected that the finals draw will be made available on Tuesday 25 March.
Results and fixtures are available from https://fixtures.clipboard.app/tas/fixtures
Junior TAS Sport
Despite some games not going ahead over the last fortnight it has been great to see students improving each week and showing the WestMAC Way both at training and games. This Saturday marks the final round of Junior TAS Cricket and Hockey. We wish all the students the best of luck next week at home. Go WestMAC!
Term 2 TAS and Junior TAS Sport
There are a number of TAS and Junior TAS sporting opportunities available at WestMAC in Term 2. The sports on offer include:
|
TAS (Year 7 – Year 12) |
Junior TAS (Year 3 – Year 6) |
|
Boys’ Rugby Boys Tennis Girls’ Hockey Girls’ Netball Cross Country |
Boys/Girls Netball Boys/Girls Rugby Cross Country |
If you are yet to register, please contact sport@wmac.com.au urgently. Term 2 pre-season training has started, and the schedule is available on the College App and NEST.
Eagles Rising Running Club
The Eagles Rising Running Club has commenced for TAS students. The Eagles Rising Running Club has always proven to be popular with students and is an ideal way for students to prepare for the upcoming Interhouse Cross Country carnivals as well as improve their fitness for their various team sports including Rugby, Netball and Hockey. Sessions will conclude by 8.00am and students should ensure that they bring sufficient water as well as something to eat following training each morning. Further information regarding the Eagles Rising Running Club has been sent and is available on the College App and NEST.
TAS and Junior TAS Swimming
The TAS and Junior TAS Swimming teams will compete at the Championships this week. We wish all swimmers the best of luck and look forward to sharing our results with you.
Interhouse Cross Country Carnivals
The Interhouse Cross Country Carnivals will be held at the Main Oval on the following dates:
- Middle and Senior – Monday 31 March
- Junior School – Tuesday 1 April
Information regarding the Carnivals will be sent out by sub-schools shortly.
QLD Athletics Championships Success
WestMAC was well-represented at the QLD Athletics Championships over the weekend. WestMAC had 14 athletes compete, and all athletes performed exceptionally well:
- Elliana van Deventer – Steeplechase finished in a close 4th
- Hayley Windolf – 3rd for her Discus & 2nd for Shot put
- Jedi Onaga – 2nd 100m Hurdles, 4th in the 200m hurdles and 11th in the 100m
- Addison Hayne – 2nd in Long Jump, 7th in High Jumo
- Tiana Parsons – 2nd in 400m hurdles
- Ruby Bohen - 1st in Jav, 3rd in Shot and 4th in Discus
- Sienna Sanders – 11th in her 800m
- Olivia Windolf – 4th in Discus and 5th in Jav
- Kamara Stewart – 12th in 100m
- Charlie Parsons – 5th in 400m Hurdles
- Samson Noffke – 5th in Javelin
Of these athletes, Elliana, Hayley, Jedi, Addison, Tiana and Ruby all qualified for the upcoming Australian Athletics Championship is in Perth from April 4-8.
We wish all athletes the best of luck!
Congratulations to...
We are aware that there have been multiple Western Ranges District and Met West Regional trials recently. We congratulate the many WestMAC students who have been successful with Western Ranges District and/or Metropolitan West selection. We will endeavor to recognise all students who have made these teams in the next edition of the newsletter.
Rob Hillier
Head of Sport