As we commence our Term 3, I encourage you to “Be a goldfish.” Don’t allow previous experiences define who you are or what comes next. Like a goldfish, forget what is in the past and look forward.

Previous experiences may leave us frustrated, tired and disillusioned. This pearl of wisdom from Ted Lasso reminds us that we are not defined by a point in time, we always have the opportunity to go again and strive for improvement. In striving for improvement, you may consider the previous 2025 challenges:

1. Courage is the willingness to try.
2. Winning is an attitude.
3. See the good in others.
4. Happiness is a Choice.
5. Optimists take more chances.
6. Have confidence in yourself.
7. Embrace difference. Embrace the range of talents, interests and diverse opportunities available.

On the flipside, you may be proud of your achievements in Semester 1. Perhaps you realised goals and diligently worked toward these accomplishments. Being a goldfish can also be tough. Know that your achievements are seen and valued by our community, and that as a team we are here to support you as you undertake the next round of challenges.

The holidays were incredibly busy for staff and students. We acknowledge and congratulate the following groups:

• Mr Hart, Ms Reardon and our Futsal teams for your success in the Regional School Futsal Championships
• Mr Hogan and Mr Verrall and our tennis players for your participation in a very successful Tennis training camp
• Mr Hillier, Mrs Purvey, Mr O’Connell, Miss Acton and our representative Touch Football and Rugby 7s players who participated in a very successful Singapore Sport tour. You were wonderful ambassadors for the College
• Mrs Sewell and our Equestrian team who braved very challenging conditions in Toowoomba at the Interschool State Championships. The outstanding results from this event included four students qualifying for the Queensland Equestrian team and WestMAC being recognised as Champion Secondary Show Jumping team (for the second year in a row)
• The musical production team, cast and crew who were involved in a four-day musical training camp.

Over the next two weeks we are looking forward to the Addams Family coming to life on stage at the Ipswich Civic Centre. If you have not already purchased ticket, please see the Ipswich Civic Centre website for more information.

A reminder to all parents and students regarding the importance of attending rehearsals, training, sessions and fixtures. It is essential that we approach all we do with a team-mindset and a focus on commitment and excellence. If you are unable to attend a planned activity, please ensure you communicate with staff as early as possible. Alternatively, you can use the Clash Notification Form found on the Student Experiences NEST page.

Finally, to help with our communication to students and parents, here is todays ‘NEST Tip’.

Accessing all the information you need to know about our Student Experiences Programs (Music, Sport, Activities and Clubs) on NEST from your phone is as easy as hitting the Quick Links on the WestMAC App and heading to the NEST Dashboard.  You will find the teal coloured Student Experiences tile on the first row.

Have an enjoyable start to Semester 2.  

Heath Del Favero

Director of Student Experiences