As Term 3 draws to a close and our campus is bathed in warm spring sunshine, a September holiday vibe is emerging as many in our community prepare to enjoy a well-deserved break. I offer my sincere gratitude for the collective achievements of our dedicated staff, students and families who have excelled in so many areas throughout this action-packed term.

From the musical excellence of WestMAC’s production of The Addams Family, the beribboned success of our Agricultural Show teams, stellar individual achievements awarded at sub school Academic Assemblies, exciting premiership wins and personal bests on sporting fields,  our spectacular Junior School  Concert, Father’s Day breakfast, Live at the Lostroh extravaganza, Year 12 mock exams, camps, assignments, assessments, Parent Teacher Conferences and a Junior School Pyjama Day, it is now time to pause, relax, recharge and enjoy a slower pace as well as time with family and friends.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contribution of staff who are moving on to new endeavours. Each has contributed to College programs with enthusiasm and dedication and they take with them our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes:

• Vicki Gao (Secondary Teacher Chinese)
• Susan Hamlin (Secondary Learning Enrichment Teacher)
• Kellie Wilson  (Music and Choral  Teacher)
• Janelle Fulton (Learning Enrichment Officer)
• Ian Hayne (Director of Professional Practice & Technology)
• Paul Alcorn (Secondary Teacher, Chaplaincy Assistant and Career Counsellor)

On a very sad note, I regret to advise of the passing of Father Gavin Ott (11/09/38 – 11/09/2025). As Rector of St Paul’s Parish Ipswich, his vision of creating an Anglican School for his parishioners was realised when West Moreton Anglican College was established in 1994. St Paul’s parish had long held a passion for education with St Paul’s Day School operating from the first St Paul’s building in 1850. Father Ott’s desire’ to create something that would enhance the lives of his parishioners’ never diminished and he formed and chaired the initial Steering Committee (10/03/1991) which investigated the feasibility of establishing a new school.

Working tirelessly alongside many others, our Founding Father, Reverend Gavin Ott maintained a very strong and fond connection with WestMAC. As we mourn his passing, we extend our deepest sympathy to Gavin’s wife Andrea and their extended family including their grandchildren Ashleigh Joiner (Alumna, 2021) and Bryce Joiner (Alumnus, 2023). Gavin will always be held in high esteem by our community and his pride and joy “WestMAC” will continue to thrive as a dynamic Anglican College proudly serving the wider parish and community -  a fitting legacy for a humble man who dared to dream big. 

Janelle Lecinski

Deputy Principal

Parent-Teacher Interviews and Term 3 Reports

Thank you to parents who took the time to book parent-teacher interviews. Engaging in positive and meaningful conversation about your child’s progress at school is an important aspect of the learning process.

During the holidays, Term 3 reports will be published. School reports can stir up a mix of emotions, for children and parents alike. Whether the achievement levels are glowing or show room for growth, the way parents respond can shape a child’s confidence, motivation, and attitude toward learning. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Start with a Conversation, Not a Critique

Instead of diving straight into marks and comments, begin with a simple question: “How do you feel about your report?” This opens the door for your child to share their perspective. Maybe they are proud, disappointed, or confused. Listening first helps you understand their emotional landscape before offering your own thoughts.

2. Focus on Effort Over Outcome

Academic performance is just one piece of the puzzle. Praise the effort, persistence, and progress, even if the grades aren’t perfect. Try saying:

• “I noticed you worked really hard in Maths this term.”
• “You’ve improved a lot in reading—well done for sticking with it.”

This reinforces a growth mindset, teaching children that learning is a journey, not a race.

3. Set Goals Together

If the report highlights areas for improvement, frame them as opportunities. Collaborate on realistic goals for the next term. For example:

• “Let’s aim for more consistent homework habits.”
• “How about we find a fun way to practice spelling together?”

When children help set their own goals, they’re more likely to stay motivated and accountable.

4. Offer Support, Not Pressure

If your child is struggling, resist the urge to jump into fix-it mode. Instead, ask what kind of support they need. Maybe it’s a quiet study space, or just more encouragement. Your role is to be their ally, not their taskmaster.

5. Celebrate the Whole Child

School reports don’t capture everything. A child’s kindness, creativity, resilience, and sense of humour matter just as much. Make sure they know they’re valued for who they are—not just what they achieve.

6. Keep Perspective

One report doesn’t define your child’s future. It’s a snapshot, not a verdict. Stay calm, stay curious, and remember: your response can either fuel their self-belief or chip away at it. Choose words that build them up.

Your child’s school report is a chance to connect, reflect, and grow together. With empathy, encouragement, and a dash of perspective, you can turn even the toughest feedback into a stepping stone toward confidence and success.

2026 Class Requests

Junior School teachers will soon begin the thoughtful and thorough process of allocating students to classes for 2026. This is a task we approach with great care, ensuring each class is balanced both socially and academically to support the best possible learning environment for every child.

As part of this process, students complete a survey at school to nominate peers they consider to be ‘good learning friends.’ These nominations are carefully considered to help ensure students are placed with peers who positively support their learning and wellbeing.

If there is a specific factor you would like to be considered as part of this process, this may be emailed to kmullan@wmac.com.au by Friday 24 October. While these requests will be considered as part of the process, not all requests are able to be met.

We appreciate your understanding that class placement is a complex undertaking, involving many factors. While we do our utmost to accommodate individual needs, our overarching goal is to create cohesive, inclusive, and well-balanced classes for all.

Kirsten Mullan 

Head of Junior School

A proud achievement for our school community, former student Braydon Trenberth, an owner operator of TSD (Trendy Stone Design) has recently approached our college to secure the next generation Stonemasons.

Stonemasonry is a highly skilled trade that combines craftsmanship, precision, and creativity. From shaping stone, for building and restoration projects to working on monuments and heritage sites, it offers a career filled with hands-on learning and long-term opportunities.

Braydon, who completed Year 10 at our college in 2010, credits his school experiences with sparking an interest in working with his hands and pursuing a career in the trades.

“I enjoyed my practical subjects at school and always wanted to do something that involved creating and building,” he said. “This apprenticeship allowed me to learn from experienced stonemasons while building a career I’m passionate about.” His success is a reminder to current students that vocational pathways can lead to rewarding and meaningful careers.

Being a Stonemason not only provides practical, on-the-job training, but also opens doors to future specialisations in areas such as heritage restoration, monument work, and architectural stone design.

Braydon is seeking a student who is interested initially in work experience and potential either a full-time or school-based apprenticeship. If you are interested in a secure career with rewarding opportunities, contact Mr. Noble to discuss this opportunity.

RTO and Industry/Community Engagement Manager

Middle School Parent–Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday 8 October 2025. Access to interview bookings will be open to parents from 6.00am on 22 September 2025 through Parent Lounge, until 6.00am on Friday 3 October 2025.

Should any teacher’s interview schedule become fully booked, please email the teacher directly to arrange a suitable time to meet.

If you would like to make a booking by phone or if you have any questions regarding the booking process, please contact Amy Lawrence on 3813 4601 or alawrence@wmac.com.au

Workplace Health and Safety Requirements

• Please stay home if unwell.
• You may be asked to sign in to allow for effective checking of persons on campus.
• A reminder that all children should be appropriately supervised
• Sign in - Please be advised that parents are required to sign in and out of the PTI event. QR codes will be available for this purpose. This is a workplace health and safety requirement for our organisation.

Sue Stewart

Director of Curriculum

Hi Everyone,

Please see the latest edition of DMFS e-news. 

I would like to wish you all a very safe and happy holiday and see you in term 4!

Jenny Sheehan

Defence School Mentor

The past two weeks have been an epic end to an exciting Term 3!

I take this opportunity to thank our P&F and FOTA committees and volunteers. Rebecca, Ally and their team do an amazing job for our community. Thank you for your support behind the scenes and doing the little (and big) things that make WestMAC events memorable.

Over the previous weekend, I was pleased to attend the TAS finals. This term we had eight teams contesting premierships. Well done to all students playing Junior TAS and TAS sport, this is a fantastic achievement. A huge thank you to Robert Hillier and Matthew Hogan and all of our coordinators and coaches for your work with our teams. I also enjoyed the TAS Athletics carnival. Both our Junior TAS and TAS teams produced mighty performances. The performances and teamwork displayed is a credit to our athletics Head Coach Mrs Mandy Van Deventer and our specialist athletics coaches.  

While on sport I would like to thank Sebastian Hart and Tia Readon and our football coaches for their work with our UHL Football teams and futsal teams. It has been wonderful to see these teams contesting finals football and playing with confidence.

Year 8 camp at Mount Tamborine was a blast! Thank you to Mr Doyle, Mrs Thompson and all of the staff for facilitating this wonderful outdoor education experience.  

The recent Proms at St Paul’s, Sounds of Spring recital, Music Fest performances and Live at the Lostroh have allowed our students and staff to shine on stage. To all members of the Music staff and FOTA, thank you for providing and supporting these wonderful performance opportunities.

As we enter the Term 3 break the Student Experiences program does not slow down. Over the break we have:  

• Kayla Moore, Willa Boersma and Karina Reeve-Johnson competing at the National Interschool Equestrian Championships in Sydney
• Two public speaking teams attending the Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships at Moreton Bay Boys College
• Musicians preforming in the State Honours Ensemble and Australian Honours Ensemble programs at Griffith University: Queensland Conservatorium of Music
• Our athletes at the Queensland Athletics All Schools Championships
• Students and Staff in Osaka, Japan for the Japanese Language and Cultural Tour, and
• Students and Staff in Queenstown, New Zealand for the Year 12 New Zealand Ski Tour.

All the best for these competitions, tour and experiences. We trust you will travel, perform and compete safely, and look forward to sharing your stories and success next term.

A reminder about the invitations sent out for three 2026 College tours. 

1. Music Performance tour to Rotorua, New Zealand (June/July 2026)
2. Chinese Cultural and Language tour to Taiwan (September 2026)
3. Year 12 Ski Tour to Queenstown, New Zealand (September 2026)  

Further information can be found via the following nest page NEST - Tours.

I am looking forward to the Term 4 awards season and celebrating the achievements of our students. For now, have a safe break.

Heath Del Favero

Director of Student Experiences

The National Interschool Championships for Equestrian is being held over the holidays from 25 – 28 September. WestMAC have three students travelling to Sydney with their families and horses to represent Queensland at the event. We wish Kayla Moore, Willa Boersma and Karina Reeve-Johnson good luck for their events and safe travels.

Kayla - Secondary Combined Training 80 and Senior Preliminary Dressage

Willa - Secondary CT 95 on her horse Bruce and Intermediate 1m Show Jumping on her second horse Safa. 

Karina - 80cm eventing on Tremaine Blue Sapphire and the Intermediate 95cm Eventing on Skywalker.

Alison Sewell

Equestrian Coordinator

WestMAC Dance Concert – Don’t Miss Out!

The countdown is on for our 2025 WestMAC Dance Concert! We are just days away from celebrating the incredible talent, creativity, and dedication of our Dance students. This year’s concert promises to showcase a wide variety of styles and powerful performances you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to secure yours now:

Saturday 18 October

2pm & 7pm

Ipswich Civic Centre

2025 WestMAC Dance Concert - Ipswich Civic Centre

To give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what goes into preparing for the concert, we caught up with our Dance Captains, Katy and Mackenzie to hear their thoughts on the creative process, the highlights of rehearsals so far, and what they are most excited for on the night.

1. What makes this year’s Dance Concert a performance the WestMAC community shouldn’t miss out on?

Mackenzie: Every routine is full of energy, passion, and talent! Dancers have taken their skills to the next level, delivering routines that have already become crowd favourites at competitions, promising an unforgettable evening of entertainment and celebration of West MAC’s dance program.

1. Which piece are you most excited for audiences to see, and why?

Mackenzie: The routine I am most excited to share with the audience is our Jazz routine ‘Abracadabra’. This routine contains high amounts of energy, technical jumps and turns and is just CAPTIVATING. It has placed extremely well at eisteddfods and every crowd has appeared to enjoy it as much as we enjoy performing it as a team.

3. What accomplishment or achievement are you most proud of this year?

Katy: I am most proud of coming first in Hip Hop at the Beenleigh Eisteddfod. Our dedication and improvement throughout the year really paid off against some incredibly tough competitors. It was also a special achievement as it’s one of the few times a Dance Company Hip Hop group has placed first at an eisteddfod.

4. What do you hope the audience will feel or take away after watching the concert?

Katy: I hope the audience has an amazing night and enjoys the incredible talent of the WestMAC dancers. Additionally, I hope they are proud of the hard work and passion every dancer and staff member has contributed to making the concert such a memorable and special event.

We look forward to seeing the WestMAC community come together to support our dancers in what is sure to be an unforgettable evening.

Ms Cassie Hoiberg

Leader of Learning – Dance Drama

TAS Athletics Results

Our TAS Track and Field team produced some outstanding results at QSAC last week, competing with grit and determination in warm conditions and across a demanding schedule. WestMAC proudly finished 3rd overall, with the Girls placing 2nd and the Boys 4th, while our 15 Years and Open Girls claimed Champion Age Groups.

Special congratulations to our Age Champions and podium finishers – Sienna Sanders (3rd), Damilola Sanni (3rd), Addison Hayne (3rd), Jedidiah Onaga (2nd), Zayden Gallagher (2nd), and twins Charlotte and Tiana Parsons (tied 3rd).

Record-breaking performances were delivered by Ruby Bohen in the Javelin and our brilliant Open Girls 4 x 100m relay team of Tiana Parsons, Charlotte Parsons, Kamara Stewart, and Kaylee Gorroick.

A huge thank you to our coaches Mandy van Deventer, Brent Mottram, Sam Fothergill, Lily Vine, and Des Davis for their tireless preparation, with particular recognition to Mrs van Deventer for her outstanding organisation and passion for athletics. Finally, well done to our Track and Field Captains, Tiana Parsons and Samson Noffke, for leading the team with distinction. Congratulations to all athletes and coaches on a fantastic day of competition.

Junior TAS Athletics Carnival

There were several fantastic individual performances across the day at the recently completed Junior TAS Track and Field Championships. All of those that attended should be proud of their efforts as WestMAC secured 3^rd place overall. A summary of key results is below:

Girls 2^nd Overall

Boys 4^th Overall

WestMAC 3^rd Overall

A special mention to the following students for individual performance.

• Courtney Learoyd (Year 4) who was the Junior TAS Track & Field under 9 Girls Age Champion.
• Elizabeth Meuleners (Year 6) who was the Junior TAS Track & Field Junior Open Girls Age Champion.
• Dingo Bohen for a new Junior TAS Record. Dingo is the new record holder of the under 10yr Girls Discus throwing an impressive 30.20m.

These results are a testament to the hard work our athletes and coaches put in over the season. A big thank you to our incredible coaches: Mrs Mandy van Deventer, Mrs Jess Drysdale, Ms Alana Plummer and Mr Sam Fothergill who helped prepare our athletes for the carnival.

We were so proud to watch each and every one of the Junior TAS Track & Field team last Friday. Their team spirit was displayed in the stands and on the field. 

TAS Trimester 3 Success

Our Term 3 TAS fixtures finished off well. Our Year 7 Touch team were crowned Premiers and we had seven other teams battling hard in Grand Final matches to secure Premiership honours only to be pipped at the post.

TAS rank schools for their Championship School standings according to their overall ladder positions across all teams. Boys Football finished 4^th overall in the Champion School standings. Girls Volleyball finished 5^th, Boys Basketball were 8^th and Touch Football finished as the TAS Champion Touch School. Overall, WestMAC finished in 5^th place for Term 3 sport with a number of teams showing greatly improved capacity throughout the term.

Junior TAS Sport – Football and Basketball

The Junior TAS Football and Basketball season concluded on Saturday 6 September. The improvement of all our soccer and basketball players was evident across the year levels and will hold WestMAC in good stead for the years ahead. Players are to be congratulated for their respectful attitudes to umpires, coaches and opposition players in every game. Their school spirit was on display at all times and they represented themselves, their families and their school with pride.

The Sports Department would like to acknowledge and thank all of our coaches and volunteers for their assistance during Term 3. A big thank you to Mrs Kelsie Simmons and Mr Chris Leeson for coordinating the respective programs this year. Your support and commitment in ensuring the Junior TAS season ran smoothly is truly valued.

Term 4 Junior TAS Sport – Touch and Tennis

Nominations have now closed for the Term 4 season. Tennis runs for 5 weeks with games played on a Saturday morning in a home and away format. Our Intra-College Program will also continue and this will also be held on a Friday afternoon at the College.  

Touch Football will be played in a Carnival format over two weekends with games held between 7.30am and 10.30am. Further information reading training and game fixtures will be made available on the College App. Team selections will be confirmed shorty.

Eaglets Program

The Term 3 Eaglets Sporting Program has now concluded. Well done to all students who participated in these sessions. It was great to see so many smiling faces running around and enjoying their physical activity. We received some excellent feedback from parents and coaches and we hope all students took something away from these activities.

Term 4 preparations are currently underway. Information regarding the Eaglets Program will be sent out early in Term 4.

Congratulations to….

• Haivyn McConnachie from Year 7, for being selected in the 10-12 Years Australian Budgies Netball Team. The team will be a part of the School Sport 10-12 Years National Netball Championships competing against state teams from across the country.

Met West Track and Field

• Congratulations to all students who attended the recent Met West Athletics trials at QSAC. The following students gained selection in the Met West Athletics Team:
  • Ruby Bohen
  • Dingo Bohen
  • Izak Brown
  • Abbey Crocker
  • Oliver Drysdale
  • Kaylee Gorroick
  • Addison Hayne
  • Mikaela Learoyd
  • William McLay
  • Samson Noffke
  • Rylee Novinetz
  • Jedidiah Onaga
  • Charlotte Parsons
  • Tiana Parsons
  • Sienna Sanders
  • Andrew Wilson
  • Kiko Wilson
  • Hayley Windolf
  • Olivia Windolf

We wish them all the best of luck as they strive to achieve state representation at their next level of trials.

Darren Verrall Tennis Coaching Opportunities

WestMAC is pleased to announce that Mr Darren Verrall has been appointed as WestMAC’s College Head Tennis Coach, commencing in Term 4, 2025.

Darren is well known within our community for his commitment, passion, and ability to engage players of all levels. Darren will be available to lead and deliver the following programs:

• Junior TAS Tennis Program
• TAS Tennis Program
• Private lessons – individual and group sessions
• Holiday camps, and more

Meet & Greet BBQ and Friendly Hit - Sunday 14 September

To celebrate Darren’s appointment, we held a “Meet and Greet” BBQ Breakfast on Sunday 14 September. It was good to welcome Darren, share some breakfast together and enjoy a casual hit on the new courts.

Upcoming Holiday Camps

Darren will also host holiday camps during the first week of the upcoming break:

• Years 3–6: Monday 29, Tuesday 30 September & Wednesday 1 October
• Prep – Year 2: Thursday 2 & Friday 3 October

We encourage students of all ages and abilities to take part. Flyers with further information are attached.

For bookings or enquiries, please contact Darren directly via email at verralldarren71@gmail.com or phone 0429 506 107.

We look forward to an exciting new chapter in WestMAC tennis under Darren’s leadership and encourage families to support and be part of the program.

Rob Hillier

Head of Sport

What a busy Term FOTA has had in Term 3! We supported and fed 81 staff, cast, and orchestra over six nights while the musical had rehearsals and performance nights. It was a fantastic show, and we congratulate the entire cast and crew of “The Addam’s Family Musical”. We have fantastic, talented students at WestMAC.

Next up, we had the Junior School Disco. The kids had so much fun! We thank all the parents who stayed to help feed and coordinate the event. The kids had a great time, and the parents had just as much fun being a part of the disco and seeing the kids having a ball.

A few nights later, we had the Junior School Concert. Again, we fed the families and students delicious burgers, sausages on bread, and sweets. I extend my gratitude and thanks to the parents and grandparents for offering their help. This was a huge night to cater, so all the hands helped.

FOTA music liaisons Tash Wicks and Nat Reeve, along with the fabulous Janet Kennedy, organised “Live at the Lostroh”. It was a fabulous night where our guests got to walk the red carpet to see our talented students showcase their music talent. It was a spectacular night, and I encourage anyone who has never been to attend next year!

We finished off this huge term with catering for staff and students at “Proms” at St Paul’s Anglican Church. It was a beautiful night of music, and it was a great chance for WestMAC to show the community the high quality and professionalism of our students at performing. We had a list of students that featured at the event. 

The West Moreton Anglican College Chorale performed with Jacob Fowler-Organista (Alumni), Miriam Farquhar-Violinese, and Jasmine Feltham-Cello. Congratulations to all involved at this very special event!

Krispy Kreme Day

Next term’s annual Krispy Kreme Day is on October 10th in the OLA. Doughnuts are $3 each, or a dozen for $25. Prep to Year 6 can buy from 9:30am-12:30pm, and Years 7-12 from 1:15pm-1:55pm. 

We’ll need volunteers to help sell these tasty treats, so if you’re available, we’d love your support!

Bring on Term 4!

Ally Hodgson

FOTA Chairperson  

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:

• close for Term 3 school holidays at 3.30pm on Friday 19 September 2025
• not be open on Monday 6 October as it is a public holiday
• re-open for Term 4 trading at 7.30am on Wednesday 8 October 2025

Blazers Pocket Embroidery

Any embroidery requests received this term will now be sent away over the holidays and will be sewn on at the start of Term 4.

Any Year 7 to 11 students who would like any embroidery sewn onto their blazer this year, must make their request to the Uniform Shop before the end of this term. Requests received after this date will not be sewn on until next year.

Please note that due to time restraints, only Year 12 pocket requests made in Term 4 will be embroidered and sewn on in time for Presentation Night. The cut-off date for these Year 12 embroidery requests is Wednesday 29 October.

Swimming Uniform Policy

All Prep to Year 12 students must wear the appropriate WestMAC swimming uniform for HPE and REC lessons. Students will not be permitted to swim if they are not in the correct swimming uniform.

The swimming uniform for Prep to Year 12 for HPE (including REC) lessons consists of:

• WestMAC one-piece butterfly togs for girls
• WestMAC Speedos or Jammers for boys
• WestMAC sun-shirt
• House coloured swimming cap or a “WestMAC” swimming cap is compulsory
• WestMAC swim shorts (optional)

Non-WestMAC boy’s Speedos and non-WestMAC girl’s one-piece togs may be worn providing that they cannot be seen under a WestMAC sun-shirt (WestMAC swim shorts may be used to hide non-WestMAC togs.)

Bobby pins and the navy HPE shorts are not allowed to be worn in the pool. Students are strongly advised to wear sunscreen.

The Swimming Uniform Policy does not apply to private swimming lessons conducted at the College Pool.

Lay-by

Uniforms can be placed on lay-by with a minimum 10% deposit. Items are at the current prices 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