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ANZAC Day
Each year, our ANZAC Day Commemoration Service offers a powerful moment to pause and reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have served or currently serve our nation.
It was a privilege to welcome serving members of the Defence Force from both our parent community and associated military organisations. We were especially grateful to those who generously participated in the service. Particular thanks go to our guest speaker, Warrant Officer Class 2 Craig Parsons, whose speech was meaningful and greatly appreciated.
We were honoured to welcome FSGT Anthony Christensen who joined his children for the reading of the poem, as well as a number of longstanding supporters of WestMAC including Mr Ian Dainer, President of the Ipswich RSL Railway Sub-Branch, Mr Paul Rogers – President, Ipswich Sub Branch Inc., Ms Natalia Onoprichuk – General Manager, Club Services Ipswich and RSL Life Member, Mr Ray Watherston. Their presence is a meaningful reminder of the strong and enduring connection between our College and the wider community.
On Friday our school community did an outstanding job at the Ipswich City ANZAC March through town. We had an excellent representation across our three sub-schools despite the inclement weather. Thank you to our staff who were also present on the morning, and our senior students who did such a wonderful job assisting our younger students in their first march.
A special thank you also to Halle and Oliver, our School Captains, for their efforts at the Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch service as guest speakers. Both students spoke exceptionally well, with a number of members of the public coming up to recognise their considered and thoughtful speech after the service – well done.
I’d also like to express my gratitude to the many WestMAC families who represented our College across various local ANZAC Day events. It was especially heartening to see so many students and their families take part in the Ipswich City ANZAC March and Commemorative Service. These moments of community connection highlight the importance of remembrance and unity.
High Standards, High Expectations
As we return for Term 2 at West Moreton Anglican College, it is important to remind our community about the high standards and high expectations across our College. As outlined in our “WestMAC Way” document, we expect our students to “be prepared and engaged, to be kind to yourself, others and the environment and to be courageous.”
These three expectations aim to build resilient, respectful and responsible individuals, while instilling in students the need to take responsibility for their own actions and to develop an understanding of having responsibility towards others and the College community.
The WestMAC Way also has clearly articulated consequences for inappropriate behaviour that may range from support and intervention to the termination of enrolment if the behaviour is classified as a “serious offence”.
While we will make every effort to support all of our students to be in pursuit of individual excellence, we are also committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment, with high standards and consistent expectations.
Andrew Peach
Principal
Visual Art excursions to APT11
The Years 9 - 12 Visual Art classes started Term 2 with a bang! On Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 1, students were taken to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art to view the 11th Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art exhibition (APT11).
The Triennial is a gateway to the rapidly evolving artistic expression of Australia, Asia and the Pacific. It featured 70 artists, collectives and projects from more than 30 countries. APT11 was particularly special as it was the first APT to include creators from Saudi Arabia, Timor-Leste and Uzbekistan. Students were exposed to world-class curation and innovative display methods to inspire their future artworks. Thank you to all staff and students who attended the excursions. APT11 closes on May 5 2025, please visit https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/ for further information.
Annabel Simmonds
Leader of Learning - Visual Art
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Premier's Reading Challenge
The Premier's Reading Challenge promotes the love of reading by encouraging students to read by recognising their efforts. Students from Prep - Year 9 are encouraged to participate. Primary school students will be given more information in their library lessons. Students in Year 7 -9 are encouraged to visit the Claridge Library to register their intention to participate and to find out more details about the incentives offered for involvement.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held at the Junior School Library during Week 5. The hours of operation will be:
- before school: 8am - 8.20am
- lunchtime
- after school: 3pm - 3.30pm
There is a colouring competition that is being run in the library to promote the event. Prizes will include vouchers for the Book Fair.
Kids Lit Quiz
A huge congratulations to our Year 5, 6, and 7 students who recently represented the school at the Kids' Lit Quiz Heats at Moreton Bay College! This exciting event brought together schools from across the region, where our talented book lovers had the chance to showcase their literary knowledge and passion for reading.
Our team participated in various rounds, answering challenging questions about everything from classic literature to modern-day bestsellers, all while displaying impressive teamwork and enthusiasm.
While the competition was fierce, our students showed great sportsmanship, resilience and a true love for books. Their commitment and effort truly shone and we couldn't be prouder of their achievements, especially considering this was their first time competing in this Quiz. Though they didn't take home the top prize this time, they gained valuable experience and grew even more passionate about reading. Many of the students won the bonus rounds in between the big rounds and took home $5 in cash; while others won free books.
We'd like to extend a big thank you to the students who participated, their teachers for their support and guidance, and their parents for helping to foster their love of reading. We look forward to seeing even more success in future events as our students continue to grow in their literary pursuits.
Well done to all involved – your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring! Keep reading, keep learning, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next year.
Ellen Talbot and Claire Whiting
Junior School Teacher Libarian and Knowledge & Learning Resource Manager
Read LessANZAC Day
ANZAC Day 2025 showed just how much our community respects, remembers and acknowledges the sacrifices our ADF members past and present have made and will continue to make in the future, toward the defence of our country. From our own ANZAC service, to the Dawn service and the Ipswich march, where we had over 340 students and staff join us for the march, which was absolutely amazing to see. We were present in numbers and mind set. It was wonderful for Oliver Barns (Alumni) to join us for the Dawn service, before joining his Army unit in Brisbane. I personally, would like to thank everyone who participated in our Commemorations here at the College, Dawn service and the Ipswich March as your acknowledgement and participation is truly valued.
I would also like to thank Cathy Twidale and her hard working grounds crew. The boys that helped out with hanging the starts and the flags. Thank you again, you are all amazing!
Please see the latest edition of e-News from DMFS and the April newsletter from Kookaburra Kids. There are a few activities for you to book, make sure you do before all the tickets are sold out.
Don't forget if you think I can be of assistance for you or your family, please contact me at jsheehan@wmac.com.au.
Jenny Sheehan
Defence School Mentor
The Final Last Post
Since joining the College as a Year 8 student in 2021, Max Rossow (Year 12) has been a highly valued and dedicated member of the Music Department. Over the years, he has contributed his talents to a wide range of ensembles, including Performance Band, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble, Orchestra and Chorale, as well as starring as Gomez in the 2025 production of The Addams Family.
As a trumpeter, Max has had the extraordinary honour of performing The Last Post at ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies for the past six years. The Last Post is a deeply significant piece, played to honour the fallen and mark moments of remembrance with solemn respect; it is a privilege few musicians experience during their school years, and Max has carried this responsibility with great dignity and skill.
ANZAC Day 2025 marks Max’s final opportunity to perform this moving tribute. He has announced that he is now “officially retired” from the role, proudly passing the baton to the next generation of talented trumpeters at the College. Max’s contribution has left a lasting legacy, and he will be remembered fondly for the care and reverence he brought to each performance. Bravo!
The Addams Family
Our passionate musical students and staff spent the first three days of the April school holidays working tirelessly on singing, choreographing and blocking many key scenes. Despite the long, action-packed days, the students demonstrated outstanding engagement, energy and commitment throughout. Our exceptionally talented and dedicated staff deserve special commendation for their incredible efforts—there are so many exciting moments coming to life on stage.
There’s no rest for the wicked, with our enthusiastic cast and staff continuing rehearsals every Saturday afternoon for the remainder of Term 2. The energy in the room is electric and it is a joy to watch each scene grow and evolve. While the students are working incredibly hard during rehearsals, the breaks also provide a wonderful opportunity for them to mingle, socialise and unwind—a vital part of the experience that builds friendships, fosters teamwork and brings so much heart to the production.
Tickets for the general public will go on sale Tuesday 6 May. We encourage our College community to secure their seats quickly—these four fabulous shows, running on Thursday 31 July, Friday 1 August, and Saturday 2 August, are sure to sell out fast.
“Hi. I just came from the hospital. Cardiac ward. Boy, they're dropping like flies over there. I hope you're staying in shape. Grains, fresh fruit, 40 minutes on the treadmill?” – Grandma
Term 2 Rehearsals
- Saturday 03 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 10 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 17 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 24 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 31 May, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday 07 June, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
- Friday 13 June, 3.15 – 6pm (in lieu of Saturday)
- Saturday 21 June, 12.30pm – 5.30pm (standby rehearsal, if needed)
Meet the Cast
Name: Callum Brady
Year: 11
Character: Fester
Musical experience: Big Deal in West Side Story (2023)
Q: What have you enjoyed about The Addams Family so far?
A: I have enjoyed that it’s much less violent than West Side Story – it’s much easier. And I have bigger role in this musical.
Q: What has been a highlight?
A: The face painting as part of my photoshoot makeup. I also got to wear a bald cap.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your character, Fester.
A: He is a very loveable character. He is very soft and funny. The biggest love of his life is the moon. He loves her so much because she is so far away.
Q: What are you looking forward to in playing Fester?
A: Performing. I love performing and this is one of my biggest opportunities to perform. I can’t wait to bring the clumsiness to life. This is something that comes naturally for me sometimes!
Q: What is your favourite line that Fester says?
A: Yes, in matters of love, my dears, distance is our friend. Closeness? No thank you. Quarter of a million miles away – that’s a good distance for romance.
Meet The Orchestra
Name: Miriam Farquhar
Year: 12
Instrument: Violin
Years playing instrument: 11 and a half years
Musical experience: A maid in Annie (2017), Violin in Wicked (2021), West Side Story (2023).
Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical orchestra so far?
A: It is really early days, but it will definitely be fun to join with the cast and make music with everyone.
Q: How does playing in a musical differ from other orchestral performances you’ve been part of?
A: The key signatures are horrible! The composer obviously does not play violin – we do not like flats! There are a lot of tricky and changing time signatures. It also requires a lot more focus.
Q: How do you prepare for a musical, and what is the rehearsal process like for the orchestra?
A: We have rehearsals every Wednesday morning with Mr Flottmann. I practise with Show Ready so I am confident in my part before I get to rehearsals. As an ensemble, we have been reading through the whole musical and getting a feel for it, while also picking apart some of the trickier sections.
Q: Why have you chosen to be a part of the orchestra as opposed to being on stage in the cast?
A: I don’t feel like I have time to make the commitment to the weekend rehearsals with my Year 12 studies. I also feel like I contribute more to the orchestra than I would to the cast, as violin is a passion and strength of mine.
Q: Why should everyone come and see The Addams Family?
A: *sings* Because it is going to be amazing!
Meet the Staff
Name: Rhiannon Strohben
Role: Choreographer
Years at the College: Student (Years 8-12), Staff (1 year), Teacher (3 years)
Musical experience:
- WestMAC Student: Sweet Charity, The Wiz
- Assisted with Lion King Jr for Junior School Musical, 2024
- Debut musical as choreographer!
Q: What have you enjoyed about the musical so far?
A: The students and their smiling faces! I have enjoyed the challenge of choreographing dances outside of my comfort zone. Being able to collaborate with all the other Staff on the Production Team as I don’t get the opportunity to work with them often as my role as a Junior School Teacher.
Q: What are you looking forward to in your role as Choreographer?
A: Experimenting with new and different movements and choreographing Just Around The Corner. I was really excited for that one! Collaborating with Cassie Hoiberg and Tobey Ogilvie on creative ideas to enhance the dance numbers. Being able to work with the Middle and Senior School students, as I don’t get to see them once they leave the Junior School.
Q: Why do you think it is important for schools to have musicals?
A: It provides the students an opportunity to demonstrate their creative abilities and talents. It also allows them to take on different personas to their everyday lives, where they can be someone else.
Q: How different is it choreographing a musical as opposed to a ‘standard’ dance number?
A: Firstly, you’re working with a live orchestra and you also need to take the students’ singing into account when thinking of movements. The students have to endure my singing, it’s not great! The timings, or the counts, for each number always vary and are different which can make creating movements a challenging process, but one that’s been fun!
Q: What is your favourite line?
A: RIGOR MORTIS! It’s so funny!
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