Last week’s musical production of The Addams Family was nothing short of extraordinary – a true celebration of creativity, collaboration, and commitment.  

A production of this scale does not happen overnight. It represents months of tireless effort, imagination, and resilience from our students, staff, and the wider WestMAC community. From the cast and crew to backstage helpers and volunteers, the spirit of teamwork was on full display.  A special thank you to our Friends of the Arts (FOTA) team for their ongoing support of our Arts programs and the extra efforts they have gone through to support our team through the year. 

The Arts continue to play a vital role in the life of our College. At WestMAC, we are proud to champion creativity as a cornerstone of a rich and holistic education. Through artistic expression, our students build confidence, learn to collaborate, take creative risks, and bring powerful stories to the stage. 

To all those who purchased a ticket, cheered from the audience, and supported our students – thank you. 

A special thank you must go to our dedicated staff in the Music and Performing Arts Departments, particularly our Director, Ms Cassie Hoiberg, Producer, Ms Tina Paliadelis, Set and Properties Design and Construction, Mrs Lily Wood, Choreographer, Rhiannon Strohben, and Costume Co-ordinator Mrs Rhonda Jackson. It is also fitting that we acknowledge one individual whose contribution to the Arts at WestMAC spans over a decade and a half – our Musical Director, Mr Neil Flottman. 

I will take this moment to let our community know that after sixteen years of outstanding service to the College, Neil has announced his retirement. Throughout his time at WestMAC, Neil has held many key roles, including Director of Curriculum, Director of Creative Arts and Extra-Curricular Programs, Head of Creative Arts, and most recently, Head of Performance Music. His impact has been both wide-reaching and deeply felt, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of performers and educators. 

On behalf of the entire WestMAC community, we thank Neil for his remarkable contribution and wish him every happiness in his well-earned retirement. 

 
Capital Works Update - Term 2 Highlights 

We are pleased to share the latest edition of our Capital Works Newsletter, with updates on key projects taking shape across the College. 

Thank you for your support and patience as we progress these important projects. 

Read the newsletter here.

Andrew Peach
Principal

Junior School Concert

On Tuesday 12 August at 6.30pm, students in Years 1-6 will perform Iconic.

Information about the concert is available via NEST.

Uniform Focus

The uniform focus for this fortnight is around students having polished black school shoes and wearing the correct socks:

Girls – white fold down socks with black school shoes

Boys – white fold down socks (with rust ruggers) or grey knee length socks (with grey shorts)

Girls and Boys for sport – WestMAC sports socks

A word from Michele Juratowich - Optimum Performance

Optimum performance is the best that can be, within certain or current circumstances.  This relates to times when ‘everything comes together’ to create a situation in which an individual performs at his or her best.  Inherent in optimum performance is an understanding that the constraints of reality can influence results.  Peak outcomes or the best (i.e. optimum) results are achieved within these circumstances.  The term, ‘optimum performance’ is frequently used in sport; however it applies just as well to education, where performing at one’s best during each assessment has a significant impact upon academic results.  There are a number of factors to consider as physical, psychological and emotional states, mental attitudes, preparation, cognitive control and task-associated skills can each have an impact upon shaping circumstances to achieve optimum performance.

Physical arousal is related to the extent to which a student can manage stress and regulate emotions.  Too much anxiety overwhelms a student, physiologically, psychologically and cognitively; whereas under-arousal means that a student is disinterested, insufficiently focused and susceptible to distraction. Developing and maintaining an optimal level of arousal requires a student to find the balance between being aware of the stakes, stimulated, motivated to achieve and slightly nervous, while being able to calm and relax oneself (using physical, breathing relaxation or mindfulness exercises) if anxiety begins to rise to a discomforting level. Building self-belief, by thinking about previous successes, can also help to reduce anxiety.

Being able to focus attention is critical for cognitive control.  Self-awareness and concentration, skills that enable students to direct their thoughts, can be very useful in attaining optimal performance, especially when feeling under pressure during assessment. Athletes and public performers have learnt the value of visualization, especially in relation to goal setting and determining the interim steps that are required to achieve specific goals.  Running through the steps in one’s head; visualizing how tasks might be dealt with during assessment, are ways in which students can prepare to meet challenges. 

Undertaking adequate preparation for assessments helps to build knowledge of the subject as well as develop self-confidence.  A range of study skills can be useful for learning material, checking knowledge and preparing responses. Practising skills to the point of automaticity prior to assessment lessens the load on working memory and frees up the brain to direct energy to higher order or more complex thought processes. A good night’s sleep, regular nutritious meals, exercise and short breaks within study blocks all help to improve the circumstances within which students can achieve optimum performance.

© Michele Juratowitch

michele@clearingskies.com.au

Kirsten Mullan 
Head of Junior School

As we reach the mid-point of Term 3, I think many of us can agree that it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. The calendar is so full that suddenly it feels like the days blur into one another. Whether you’re a student, staff member, or parent, you might be feeling stretched, tired, or like you’re constantly catching up.

Amidst all of life’s busyness, I want to gently remind you: be kind to yourself.

We speak often about showing kindness to others, but how often do we extend that same grace inward? Sometimes, being kind to ourselves means acknowledging that we can’t do it all, and that’s okay. It means choosing what matters most and letting go of the guilt that can come with missing a meeting, saying no to an event, or needing to rest instead of rushing.

This season is a good opportunity to pause, reflect, and prioritise. What gives you energy? What is essential right now? What can wait?

Jesus offers this invitation: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” It's an important reminder that rest isn’t laziness, it’s sacred. It’s necessary. And it’s part of how we sustain ourselves, our families, and our communities.

So as Term 3 continues to unfold, may we all find small moments of rest, joy, and perspective. And above all, may we treat ourselves and each other with kindness.

Hope Given Partnership

One of the great joys of this term has been launching our new partnership with Hope Given, an Ipswich-based not-for-profit organisation that supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness or hardship as a result of domestic and family violence.

We’ve been delighted with the response from our community so far. Students, staff, and families have already shown incredible generosity, donating much needed personal hygiene products. Sadly, research shows that many victims of domestic violence return to unsafe places simply because they don’t have access to basic items like a toothbrush or deodorant. Something many of us take for granted. Our donations go directly to people in need across Ipswich and Brisbane, and make a real, tangible difference.

But the need is ongoing, and we would love to keep the momentum going.

If you’re able to contribute, we are always gratefully accepting donations. Items can be dropped of at Middle and Senior School reception or at the Chapel.

This partnership is a practical expression of our college values, compassion, service, and community, and a reminder that even small acts of kindness can bring great hope. Thank you for your continued support.

Reverend Jane Markotsis
College Chaplain

Our Generative Ai Policy

Our Generative AI Policy supports your child's learning while maintaining our commitment to academic integrity and safety.

Why This Matters

We recognise that AI tools offer valuable educational opportunities when used ethically. Our policy supports using these tools to enhance learning, not replace students' own thinking. It's important to understand that AI tools are prediction tools rather than sources of absolute truth.

Key Guidelines for Students

Age Requirements: Students under thirteen cannot use AI tools, aligning with platform terms of service.

Educational Benefits: When used appropriately, AI can personalise learning, improve accessibility, generate ideas, and provide additional feedback. For instance, a Year 10 student might use AI to generate three different essay outlines, then evaluate and develop the best one using their own research and analysis.

Core Principles: Students learn four key principles: protecting privacy by never inputting personal information, verifying all AI-generated content using reliable sources, maintaining academic integrity with proper citation, and respecting copyright protections.

Safety First

Currently, we limit AI use to low-risk applications only—tools that aid learning where humans make all significant decisions. Our teachers actively guide and monitor all AI use to ensure it supports rather than replaces quality education. For sensitive school data, staff use Microsoft's Office 365 Copilot, which guarantees data protection.

Moving Forward

Our approach will evolve as technology matures, always prioritising academic integrity while embracing tools that genuinely enhance learning outcomes. This prepares students for a future where AI literacy is essential.

Please discuss these guidelines with your child this week and contact me with any questions about our AI approach in education

Ian Hayne
Director of Professional Practice & Technology

Promoting Positive Youth Wellbeing in Sports: Insights from Recent Research

Deborah Childs from HelpingMinds has been exploring research topics in the space of adolescent wellbeing and recently presented on “Ugly Parent Syndrome” in children’s sports, shedding light on the significant impact parental behaviour can have on a child’s sporting experience and overall wellbeing. The research findings emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from outcomes to the process of enjoyment, effort, and personal growth.

A focus of the research outcomes was highlighting the need for community and school-based sporting programs need to encourage parents to adopt certain attitudes and behaviours to support their child’s positive sporting experience.
Key recommendations include:

• Self-reflection before a game: The research suggests that when parents take time to reflect on their own emotions and expectations before attending a sporting event, they are more likely to catch themselves and others’ inappropriate sideline behaviours.
• Focus on enjoyment: When parents prioritise their child’s enjoyment of the sport rather than the outcome of the game it facilitates protective parental relationships, improved self-talk, and increased long-term engagement in physical activity.
• Step away if emotions escalate: Parents should recognize when their emotions are escalating and take a step back to prevent negative reactions that could affect their child’s experience.
• Emphasize effort, enjoyment, and experience: The current study supports that when praise highlights the hard work and sportsmanship shown by the child, rather than just the final score, young people report more enjoyment in physical activities and higher levels of self-esteem.

Longitudinal research supports that small but significant adjustments in parent attitude can help foster a positive sense of wellbeing in young athletes, counteract declining self-esteem, and promote continued engagement in sports across Australia.
To support these positive changes at the community level, some suggested practical strategies include:

• Clear behavioural expectations: Clubs and sporting societies should set clear guidelines for appropriate behaviour both on and off the field. These expectations should be communicated proactively and consistently throughout the engagement.
• Proactive parent education workshops: Offering workshops to educate parents on supportive sideline behaviours can go a long way in creating a positive environment.
• Sideline marshals: Where possible, employing marshals to manage sideline behaviour can help ensure that the focus remains on positive support and enjoyment.

By encouraging these changes, we can create a sporting culture where children feel safe, valued, and motivated to continue their athletic pursuits, while also prioritising their overall wellbeing.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the above information in further detail, please feel free to reach out to the College Counselling team.

College Counsellors 

Allison Flanagan
aflanagan@wmac.com.au

Tia Reardon  
treardon@wmac.com.au 

It is amazing to think we are already approaching the halfway mark in Term 3.

Over the past three weeks it has been pleasing to see our students at their best and …in pursuit of individual excellence in various activities. We have had our students at representative athletics, UHL football, Quota Beenleigh Dance Eisteddfod, Ipswich Performers Dance Festival, Modern Languages Teachers speaking competition, Junior School debating, the Ekka and Gatton Show and on stage in the 2025 College Musical.

I would like to thank our staff, alumni and supporters who have assisted with these events and facilitated wonderful experiences for our students.

Special mention must go to our Musical production team Ms Hoiberg, Mr Flottmann, Ms Paliadelis, Miss Strohben, Mrs Wood, Mrs Bredhauer, Mr Charles and Miss Ogilvie. Bravo for a fabulous production of The Addams family.

A couple of reminders regarding upcoming events:

• Year 9 Camp 20-22 August
• District (Western Rangers) athletics – 14/15 August

Congratulations to our students and staff who have been wonderful ambassadors for our College, I am looking forward to an exciting end to Term 3.

Heath Del Favero
Director of Student Experiences

Trimester 3 TAS Sport

Following a strong showing against St Columban’s, WestMAC teams enjoyed a well-earned bye round last weekend. This provided a valuable chance for our players to rest, recover, and prepare for the remainder of the season.

This Saturday, WestMAC travels to St John’s for Derby Round. A strong performance here will be important for ladder positions ahead of our upcoming run of home games, beginning with Ormiston on Saturday 16 August.

Players are reminded to arrive at the venue on time, fully prepared, and ready to play. All fixtures and results can be found on Clipboard and instructions on how to find and read the draw can be found

Junior TAS Sport – Basketball and Football

This weekend we move into Round 3 after two successful rounds of competition. It has been fantastic to see our ovals and courts buzzing with excited players and dedicated coaches, with all teams showing great improvement each week.

Our players continue to represent the College with pride, playing each game the WestMAC Way—showing respect, teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship.

With a number of College events on the horizon, families are reminded to check the College App and Nest regularly for any updates to training schedules. All fixtures can be found on Clipboard.

TAS and Junior TAS Team Photos – Saturday 16 August

Say cheers! TAS and Junior TAS Team Photos will take place for all teams who are playing at home on Saturday 16 August. Teams who are playing away on this weekend, will be taken on the 23 August. A photo schedule is available on the College App.

Players are to meet on the Main Oval-side of the Lostroh Centre 5 minutes prior to the scheduled photo time. Players who are late, in incorrect uniform or are away, will be marked as absent for their team photo.

Assistance at P&F BBQ – Saturday 16 August

Sport, in conjunction with the wonderful P&F, will be running the BBQ on Saturday 16 August. Profits made from the BBQ will go back to the Sports Program. With this in mind, we are calling for helpers to assist with the BBQ between 6:30am and 12:30pm. Duties include setting up, cooking, serving and packing stock/equipment away at the end of the day. If you are able to lend a hand for a short period of time, please register here. A big thank you to the P&F and volunteers for keeping our students, coaches, opposition and supporters well fed!

TAS and Junior TAS Wet Weather Notifications

Parents and students are reminded that all wet weather notifications are posted on the College App as soon as information becomes available. While we aim to provide as much notice as possible, the host school is responsible for notifying the away team, and there may be occasions where cancellations are made late due to unforeseen circumstances.

College staff will always endeavour to communicate updates promptly. If we believe families may already be travelling to a venue, we will also send a text message to ensure the information reaches you quickly. Please ensure you have the College App and set-up to receive notifications.

Junior TAS and TAS Athletics

The Junior TAS and TAS Athletics squads for 2025 have been named and information letters sent to both selected students and their parents. All students selected in the squad are to attend the most suitable training sessions. The training schedule is available on the College App and NEST.

10-19 Years Western Ranges Athletics Carnival 

The Western District Ranges Athletics Carnival for 10-19 Years will be held on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 August at the University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus. Nominated students who are successful in being selected for the District team to attend the Metropolitan West Regional Championships have been notified and parents are asked to ensure they have provided permission via the Parent Portal.

10-12 Years Primary students who were successful in gaining selection at the recent Ipswich South Zone Carnival have already received their paperwork.

Prep to Year 3 Eaglets Sporting Program

The Sports Department will once again be offering an after-school ‘Eaglet’ program to cater for Prep-2 students. The purpose of the program is to provide students with additional opportunities to enhance their physical capabilities and general skills.

The Term 3 Eaglets Sporting Program is scheduled to begin in Week 6. The programs on offer are Basketball and Football (Soccer). Numbers are capped for each sport and an email with all details including registration has been sent by Mr Ian Beater.

WestMAC Sport/HPE Cap – Available Now!

We are pleased to introduce the new look WestMAC Sports Cap. This cap is available for purchase for $23 through the College Uniform Shop and/or Flexischools.

The WestMAC Sports cap has been designed to complement our current sport uniforms; while maintaining compliance with sport-specific guidelines (the cap is aligned with by-laws for outdoor sports such as Cricket, Tennis and Volleyball).

When can the WestMAC Sports Cap be worn?

To maintain consistency in college uniform standards, the WestMAC Sports Cap can only be worn during the following times:

• During HPE practical lessons
• As appropriate, during competition at Interhouse Carnivals (Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming)
• To and from Saturday TAS Sport fixtures (when wearing Sports Uniform)
• During TAS and Junior TAS Training
• With HPE/Sport uniform at representative sport trials (e.g. Western Ranges, Met West)

Important note:

• Students are not permitted to wear the Sports Cap to or from school on a regular school day, during morning tea, or at lunchtime.
• When you are formal uniform, the College hat (Aussie Mate) must be worn

For more information or to purchase the WestMAC Sports Cap, please visit the College Uniform Shop.

WestMAC Sport Training Shirt- Order Now!

We’re excited to offer our Year 3 – Year 12 students the opportunity to purchase a Junior TAS/TAS Sport Training Shirt as part of the WestMAC Sport Programme!

This specially designed training shirt is perfect for all TAS and Junior TAS athletes to wear during training each week. Not only does it help preserve HPE kits by reducing washing, but it’s also more durable and reinforces team culture and College pride!

Important Details:

• When to Wear: The training shirt is for TAS and Junior TAS training sessions and other approved activities only. It is not to be worn for HPE lessons.
• How to Order: Available exclusively through the West Moreton Anglican College - Dynasty Team Store AU for $33. A sizing chart is available on the website.

• The online store will close Friday 8 August. No further orders will be available until later in Term 4.
• Delivery: Orders are expected to arrive at the end of this term or early next term, and will be distributed to students once received.

Congratulations to…

Congratulations to the Senior UHL Boys Football team who played St Laurence's College in a UHL knockout game on Thursday afternoon. The team won 3-1 and will now advance through to the Quarter Finals. 

If you have any newsworthy achievements, you would like to share please send to sport@wmac.com.au.

Rob Hillier 
Head of Sport

Jenny Sheehan
Defence School Mentor

Uniform Shop Opening Times – School Days only

Please note that the Uniform Shop closes at 11am on Wednesday’s during Terms 2 & 3.

The Uniform Shop will:

- Open on the Pupil Free Day for the Brisbane Exhibition - Wednesday 15 August 2025 from 7.30am to 11am

- Open on the Pupil Free Day - Friday 5 September 2025 from 7.30am to 3.30pm

- Closed for Term 3 school holidays from 3.30pm Friday 19 September to 7.30am on Wednesday 8 October 2025

Items out of Stock

The following items are out of stock until next year:

• Scarves
• Size 10, 12 and 16 jumpers
• Size 82 and 87 trousers

Blazers Pocket Embroidery

The cutoff dates for embroidery (pockets and hats) this term are: 

• Wednesday 20 August 2025 – back Friday 29 August 2025
• Friday19 September (last trading day of Term 3) – back at start of Term 4

Please note that due to time restraints, only Year 12 pockets will be embroidered during Term 4 2025.

If you would like your pocket sewn onto your blazer in Term 3, please bring your blazer to the Uniform Shop on Monday or Friday (not Wednesday) at First Break. Your blazer will be ready for you to collect at Second Break on the same day. The cost to sew on a pocket is $15.00.

Second-hand Cut-off date

Please note that proceeds for secondhand items left at the Uniform Shop after Friday 15 August 2025 will not appear on Parent Fees’ Account until Term 1 2026. Please ensure that any second-hand uniforms left for re-sale are:

• the current style.
• clean and in good condition.
• have no ink and/or paint marks, perspiration stains, holes, fading or broken zips.
• have not been significantly shortened.

Unless a request for notification of rejected items is indicated on the “Second-hand Items” form, any unsatisfactory items received will be disposed of.

Lay- by

Uniforms can be placed on lay-by with a minimum 10% deposit. Items are at the prices current when placed on lay-by. Items can be exchanged or refunded after the lay-by has been collected if required.

Orders

If you are unable to visit the Uniform Shop during trading hours, we accept orders by Flexischool, phone, and email. Paid orders can be:

• collected from the Uniform Shop
• collected from sub-school receptions
• delivered to students in Prep to Year 6 

Glenda Boike
Uniform Shop Convenor