糖心vlog官网

Welcome to Pope Leo XIV

In this Easter season of renewal, we welcome the renewal of our Church leadership with the appointment of Pope Leo XIV. In explaining his choice of papal name, Pope Leo spoke about the pivotal work on steering the Church鈥檚 focus on social justice under Pope Leo XIII鈥檚 leadership (1878 - 1903). In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued the pivotal 1891 encyclical , which focused on the dignity of work. He criticised the rampant capitalism of the late 19th century that prioritised money over workers鈥� health - often leading to workplace fatalities - and supported calls for 鈥榓 fair wage for a fair day's work鈥�.
In our new Pope鈥檚 first address, he issued a vision of our Catholic Church鈥檚 role - and by extension, each of us as Christ鈥檚 faithful servants - in seeking dialogue to promote peace and alleviate suffering:

鈥淲e are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us too, and then each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always in peace.. 鈥�we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.

Community & Belonging

The Mother鈥檚 Day mass in our College Chapel last Tuesday evening provided a time to reflect with families on the vocation of motherhood and our appreciation of the mothers and female role models in our lives. Thanks to the Year 10 EDGE class and Year 11 RE Music class for their leadership of this beautiful service, conducted by Fr Dispin John.

Further community-building gatherings will occur next week with our Term 2 College Mass and Term 2 College Assembly, the latter including the announcement of the three additional houses for 2026. On Tuesday night (20 May) I also look forward to the celebratory tunes at , a wonderful evening in a round-table informal setting with refreshments available thanks to our PACE team (Parents and Community Engagement). Look out for some special guest musicians at this event!

Perseverance: Congratulations to EISM Athletics Squad

On Friday 2 May, our Aquinas athletes ventured to Lakeside stadium for the EISM Division 1 Athletics Carnival. Our student athletes provided yet another example of the best qualities of Aquinas, contributing their all on track and field, and supporting each other throughout. I had the privilege to be the Principal presenting the awards, with the unique pleasure of presenting the cup to our victorious Aquinas Athletics squad as the champions for the Division 1 Athletics carnival. Thanks to the many Aquinas staff who served as coaches both before and during the event.

Vertical Pastoral Groups update

On Monday 5 May, a consultation session on the new Vertical Pastoral system was held as part of the Student Leadership Forum. The student present provided valuable feedback to shape the next stages of this process, including how to increase student and families鈥� understanding both of the changes and of the many areas of school life that will remain the same.

The three new Houses and their colours will be announced to students at the 21 May College Assembly, which will be followed closely by an email to families. This email will both inform families of the new Houses and of the reallocation process to begin after a further student presentation in their THRIVE period on Thursday 22 May.

David Broadbent 

Principal

We have a pope! Last week we celebrated the announcement of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of our church. As he begins to guide our world community, I thought we could look at why the name Leo was chosen.

In a continuation of Francis鈥� leadership, Pope Leo XIV, is a strong believer in inclusivity, social justice and peace. The choice of name indicates his desire to follow in the footsteps of Pope Leo III who wrote the encyclical Rerum Novarum in 1891 and was, at the time, deemed extremely progressive. The encyclical focused on social justice and the rights of workers during the industrial revolution. He emphasised the need to care for the poor and emphasised that Christian charity is founded in faith and love. 鈥淲henever the general interest or any particular class suffers, or is threatened with harm, which can in no way be met or prevented, the public authority must step in and deal with it鈥�(RN, 30)

Our new pope has given himself 鈥渂ig shoes鈥� to fill. Let us pray that God鈥檚 love guides him in his work to provide justice to all and encourage peace in this world.

Tania Grace
Assistant Principal Mission
 
 

Congratulations to Samantha Warren

糖心vlog官网 is extremely proud of our English Learning Area Leader, Samantha Warren who has been named as one of 'The Educator' Rising Stars for 2025 - one of only 50 across Australia to be selected. 

Sam's recognition is a reflection of her Leadership and innovation as well as her commitment to students and staff "My goals are simple: to keep growing, keep learning, and keep contributing to a culture that supports people to thrive 鈥� staff and students alike."

Her leadership blends high expectations with genuine care: "I try to lead with a balance of firmness and empathy. I want staff and students alike to feel valued, heard, understood and supported 鈥� whatever success looks like for them. To me, strong leadership is about consistency, clear expectations, and care. People work best when they feel safe, when they feel like someone is in their corner, and when they know what they鈥檙e working toward.

Her impact is being felt not just at Aquinas, thank you to (MACS) for highlighting Sam in their recent article.

Australia鈥檚 Best Teacher awards 2025

糖心vlog官网 was so proud to have two staff nominated by students/ families in 2024, and we encourage you to nominate our outstanding teachers for this year's Australia's Best Teacher awards. The Top 50 teachers will be announced on 21st June.

Please nominate here

 
Gina Goss
Assistant Principal - Staff

Senior Years Report

Following the recent discussion and preparation for the General Achievement Test (GAT) with students in Years 10-12, this week鈥檚 Year 11 and 12 assemblies focused on the role of statistical moderation in determining final Unit 3 and 4 grades. Assessment reporting for Unit 3 and 4 subjects are handled differently to other years and knowing how this occurs is important for students so that they can make informed decisions about their learning.

In Years 7-11, students receive graded assessments. The final graded results are reported only within the school's internal reporting system. In the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) this process is different. The VCAA receives assessment results in the form of either a Satisfactory (S) or Not Satisfactory (N) result, rather than a graded level of achievement for Units 1 & 2. When undertaking Unit 3 and 4 studies, in addition to the S and N Unit result, graded assessments results are also submitted to the VCAA. These school based grades are then statistically moderated by the VCAA to produce the Unit 3 and 4 final grades. It is important to know that statistical moderation will change the initial grades provided by the school to the final grades that are reported on the VCE Certificate.

Why does the VCAA statistically moderate school scores? Have you ever wondered how students across different schools, completing different assessment tasks, being marked by different teachers can still receive equitable and comparable grades throughout Units 3 and 4? Statistical moderation is a process applied by the VCAA to ensure fairness across schools doing variable tasks.

How does the VCAA statistically moderate results? By aligning the internal assessment scores achieved by a group of students on one scale with the external assessment performances (such as subject exams and the GAT) on a second scale the VCAA is able to develop a common scale between all the different modes of assessment. The statistical method uses the statistical method of a five-number summary (ie: maximum score, median, and quartiles) as the key data points in which alignment occurs.

Why is this necessary? External assessments are the only tasks that are identical in content, conditions, and timing across all students in the state. The standardised approach allows the VCAA to compare student performance directly and apply that information to ensure internal assessments are aligned appropriately across all schools. For further details and short videos on the topic, visit the VCAA website on .

What does this mean for students? Statistical moderation is a more complex process than outlined here. Having a basic understanding of how statistical moderation works means students know the importance of continual improvement across the year.

The key message for students is: your consistent academic efforts significantly influence your final outcomes. Students must focus their efforts on: 

• remaining committed to consistent study,
• focussing on continual improvement,
• practising under test conditions,

• and seeking regular feedback for learning

These priorities support deeper learning and stronger memory consolidation.

Equally, collaborative learning by engaging in class time including:

• discussing ideas,
• explaining concepts to peers,
• asking clarifying questions,
• and engaging meaningfully with content.

These behaviours have been shown to enhance understanding and motivation. By fostering these habits and contributing to a positive, goal-oriented learning environment, students create the best conditions for their success.

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

Middle Years Report

Over the past few weeks, our homerooms have been buzzing with creativity and team spirit as part of our Grand Designs competition. Students were given the challenge of transforming their homeroom spaces into vibrant and welcoming environments and they rose to the occasion.

From showcasing student work, celebrating birthdays, and displaying inspirational quotes, to adding their own unique touches, each homeroom brought something special to the table. It was pleasing to witness the pride, collaboration, and friendly rivalry that emerged as a result.

A huge congratulations to all students for their enthusiastic participation and for making our school environment more inviting and reflective of the amazing young people in it. The standard was incredibly high, and every homeroom should be proud of what they achieved. A big thank you to Ms Alger for judging the competition. All complaints go her way please!

Well done, everyone!

Sam Storey
Head Middle Years

Generations in Jazz

On May 2, 20 students and 3 staff headed off to Mt Gambier for a weekend of Jazz performances, concerts and workshops at Generations in Jazz.
We sent our Senior Harmony and Intermediate Harmony Choirs, and a Small Jazz Combo, to compete in the small vocal and jazz ensemble divisions.
We were overwhelmingly pleased with the students' performances, professionalism, and engagement across the weekend. It's always an epic couple of days, very busy but rewarding.
The featured guests at Generations were the world-renowned Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, and their concerts on Friday and Saturday night were amazing and inspiring.

Not Just Jazz

Families and staff are invited to our annual concert on Tuesday 20 May, where we showcase our jazz ensembles and choirs in a relaxed night of wintery jazz.

Held in the Peter Box Gymnasium, doors will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The evening will finish by 10pm.

Families are invited to bring their own food for a picnic dinner.

Aquinas Hospitality students will be offering beer, wine, soft drinks, mulled wine and espresso martinis for sale.

Friends of Aquinas Music will be selling Choc Tops, as a great way to finish off your evening.

NO BYO DRINKS PLEASE!

Cost: $15 per person.

Seating is unallocated, at round tables of 8, cabaret style.

Bookings open 6 May and close on Monday 19 May via .

** Tickets won't be available at the door**

Performing ensembles include Beginner, Intermediate and Senior Stage Bands, Senior Harmony and Intermediate Harmony Choirs, Small Jazz Improv Groups, Alumni Band and Staff Band.

Wrap up warmly for a wintery night of hot jazz!

Alison Bellew and Emily McKenzie
Music Program Coordinators

We Need Bees - Celebrate World Bee Day

Bees are essential to life on Earth 鈥� and to our survival. Three out of four crops across the globe producing fruits, or seeds for use as human food depend, at least in part, on bees and other pollinators. The UN has designated 20th May as World Bee Day. This year's theme, "Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all", highlights the critical roles bees and other pollinators play in agrifood systems and the health of our planet's ecosystems.

Right now, Australia鈥檚 bees are under threat. Habitat loss from land clearing, high-density housing, and flowerless gardens are leaving bees without the food they need. Many are even dying mid-flight from exhaustion and starvation.

Bees are more than just busy insects 鈥� they are beautiful, collaborative, and hardworking. A staggering one-third of the world鈥檚 food production depends on pollinators like bees. Without them, foods like cantaloupe, cucumbers, pumpkin, blueberries, watermelons, broccoli, apples, and cherries would disappear from our plates

What Can You Do to Help?

Small actions make a big difference. Here鈥檚 how you can support our bees:

Plant a Bee-Friendly Garden

Grow herbs, native flowers, and trees that provide pollen and nectar. Native plants are especially helpful as they offer the habitat and food our local bees rely on.

Tip: Order a Bee Forage Seed Mix from 鈥� plant three seeds for the bees and create your own buzzing haven.

Buy Chemical-Free Fruit and Veggies

Support organic or low-chemical farms. Pesticides and herbicides can harm or even kill bees.

Install a Beehive

If you have space, a backyard beehive can support local bee populations and give you delicious, pollinator-made honey in return.

Host a Honey-Themed Garden Lunch

Celebrate bees with family and friends by enjoying a meal that features Australian honey. It鈥檚 a delicious way to raise awareness and support local producers.

This World Bee Day, Take Action

Bees need us 鈥� and we need them. Let鈥檚 plant, protect, and celebrate our pollinators.

Karyn Myers

Sustainability Coordinator

As winter approaches, we have an opportunity to extend meaningful compassion and support to those facing challenges in our community. This term we will be supporting the Vinnies Winter Appeal, an initiative by the St Vincent de Paul Society that provides critical assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. With your help, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

How you can get involved:

Donate 鈥�2 Cans鈥� 
We encourage each member of our school community to contribute at least two non-perishable items, such as canned goods, pasta, rice, toiletries, or other essentials. These donations will provide much-needed nourishment and hygiene support to families and individuals facing food and personal care insecurity.

The 鈥�2 Cans鈥� drive will run from Monday, 19th May - Monday, 9th June. Each homeroom and mentor classroom will be given a basket where students can add their contributions. A tally will be kept to see which class collects the most, adding a bit of friendly competition to our efforts.

10c Recycling Collections
Turn rubbish into treasure! We will be collecting empty bottles and cans with a 10c refund label, with all proceeds going directly to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Large yellow bins for collecting recyclables will be conveniently located in the Middle Years Building, Senior Years Building, and Forum. Alternatively, you can drop off your recycling at your nearest deposit centre, collect the refund, and donate it directly to the Winter Appeal at the Catholic Life Office.

The Winter Sleepout
Join us on Friday, 13th June for the Winter Sleepout, a powerful opportunity to raise awareness about homelessness. Students are invited to spend a night outdoors (either at school or at home), gaining a first-hand perspective on the challenges faced by those without secure shelter. This event not only raises funds but also fosters empathy and understanding within our school community. An expression of interest form will be shared with students in the coming week, so please keep an eye on SIMON for further details.

Knitting for a Cause
This project, which began last term, has brought together students, staff, and members of the wider community, all knitting or crocheting squares to be sewn into blankets for those in need.
We welcome everyone to join in and contribute to this heartfelt effort.

Wool Square Requirements: 

* 8ply wool/yarn
* Size 5 needles
* Approx. 21cm x 16cm (around 40 cast-on stitches and 60 rows for knitters)
* Feel free to experiment with plain, purl, or patterned designs.

Completed squares can be dropped off at reception, or students can deliver them to the ARC.

Questions can be directed to Jackie Branson at bransonja@aquinas.vic.edu.au

Every Contribution Counts

No gesture is too small when it comes to making a difference. By coming together as a school community, we can spread warmth and kindness to those who need it most. Let's make this Term 2 charity fundraiser a resounding success and show the true power of compassion.

Together, we can make a difference.

Martha Mugamu
Social Justice & Outreach Coordinator

Next week we will be gathering for our term 2 assembly, centred around the theme 鈥渃ommunity鈥�. At Aquinas, community means more than just being in a shared place and wearing the same uniform - it鈥檚 about the support, companionship and care that we offer to each other. It鈥檚 about knowing that every person in our Aquinas family belongs and that together, we are stronger. Already this year, there have been many opportunities for our school to come together, grow and celebrate what makes Aquinas such a special place to be a member of. Whether it's whole school events, EISM teams, service opportunities, leadership teamwork or the simple kindness flowing in our yards and corridors, we can all take pride in the positive environment created here.

Our Assembly will be a chance to acknowledge and share what our college has already achieved, and look forward to seeing what more we can achieve for the remainder of the year. We encourage everyone to continue to set high expectations to reach goals and be the best versions of themselves.

Additionally, our year 12 cohort has their second dress-up day for this year on Monday, the 19th. The theme for term 2 is 鈥渇irst letter of your name鈥�, encouraging students to dress up as something that begins with either the first letter of their name or surname. We are looking forward to seeing the creativity, enthusiasm and smiles that the Year 12s always bring to these events. It will be another memorable moment that our cohort shares to bring some extra joy into our final year.

Evie Evans & Joseph Campbell

Aquinas Captains

Aquinas Career News Edition #12 can be found . Topics this week include:

• Dates to Diarise in Term 2
• National Careers Week 2025
• Double Degrees at Monash University

                  - What is a Double Degree?

                  - Science Double Degrees

• Victorian Law Week 2025
• Monash - Discover Occupational Therapy, Physio and Paramedicine
• News from Federation University

                  - Early Entry Program

• Deakin University: Cracking the Case: Where a Forensic Science Degree can take you?
• Hawthorn College of Sport Information Session
• Camp SEEK 2025
• ACU - Talk with Lawyers and Human Rights Advocates
• AIE - Open Day
• The Hotel School - Tourism Insights at MCG
• Architecture, Construction & Surveying Degrees in Victoria in 2025
• Snapshot of the University of Adelaide in 2025

Vanessa Ramsay

Careers Counsellor

This week over 50 students from the Year 9 and 10 presented their Dance Assessments at the 鈥楲et鈥檚 Dance鈥� Performance evening.

On Wednesday the 14th classes stayed back at school to complete further rehearsals before the 7.00pm show. It was really interesting working in a new classroom setting in the theatre doing technical and full dress rehearsals before the evening concert. Once we were feeling confident with our performances we had a dinner break and then got into costumes and make up ready for the opening of the show!

There were three whole class dance works presented on the night; one from Year 9 titled 鈥楢 Little Party鈥� which focussed on the 1920鈥檚 era and used prop fans and then two from Year 10, 鈥楬urricane鈥� a contemporary dance work and 鈥楬eads will roll鈥� a high energy jazz dance work.

We also shared our student choreographed dance works with the audience at the performance night. We selected the costumes, theme, music and choreography for these dances. Some items included 鈥楾he Angel and the Devil鈥�, 鈥楾he Spice Girls鈥� and an 鈥楢riana Grande Medley鈥�.

It was fantastic to see so many people in the audience supporting the dancers onstage.

Overall it was a super positive experience where we were able to build our confidence, dance and performance skills and new connections with like-minded students.

Ella S and Scarlet D 

Dance Students

On May 9th, the Year 12 Environmental Science students visited Werribee Open Range Zoo followed by Mt Rothwell as part of their course around biodiversity, sustainability, and fieldwork skills. This excursion enables students to compare the approaches to conservation at both locations and consider how one size doesn鈥檛 always fit all.

Zoos Victoria is a leading conservation organisation, running more captive-breeding and recovery programs than any other institution in Australia. Mt Rothwell, however, is the largest feral predator-free ecosystem in Victoria. It has about 80% of the mainland Eastern Barred Bandicoot population, which is currently recognised as the only stable self-sustaining population of this species. Mt Rothwell also has extremely successful captive breeding programs for the Eastern Quoll and Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies.

At Werribee Zoo, students investigated the role of Zoos in conservation, including the role ethics, sustainability principles and Traditional Owners play in guiding decisions. They also enjoyed the Safari Tour, which I鈥檓 sure was a highlight for many students.

At Mt Rothwell, students were part of an ongoing trapping and monitoring program of native marsupials. Students set the traps in the late afternoon, did a spotlighting walk where they saw many different species, and returned to check the traps. Two Eastern Quolls were trapped and processed, including checking their body condition, microchip number, weight, and sex. Rufous Bettongs and Long-nosed Potoroos were also trapped, however released without processing as they often show heightened levels of stress with large groups and aren鈥檛 a focus for current monitoring programs.

The students showed a high level of engagement with the whole program and were able to connect and articulate their understanding throughout the day.

I would like to thank Mr Michael Box and Ms Catt Vingerhoets for joining us on this excursion.

Ms Kate Chamberlain

VCE Environmental Science teacher 

For the environmental science field trip, both classes got the opportunity to visit Werribee Zoo and Mount Rothwell. At Werribee Zoo we learnt about how Zoos Victoria fights against the extinction of animals and how they collaborate with land owners, including the Traditional Owners. Our guide told us many interesting facts about koalas and why they are endangered. We also had the chance to go on the safari bus and get closer to giraffes, rhinos and many other cool animals. At Mount Rothwell we spent the night learning how to trap the native animals along with learning about their conservation and management methods in the area. My partner and I caught an Eastern Quoll which we then got to learn how to check its weight, gender and if it was microchipped, Very cool!! We also went on a walk around the property when it was dark and saw many different animals. Overall this field trip was one of the best I have been on as not only did we get home at 11pm but it also allowed me to learn many new things about conservation, sustainability, collaboration and animals plus get to hang out with my friends and classmates :)
- Annabel I.

Last Friday, both year 12 environmental science classes hopped on the bus to go on an incredible 13 hour excursion to Werribee Zoo and Mount Rothwell, where we were given the opportunity to look at the cool animals and talk to Zoo Victoria staff and explore future career paths. After our fine dining experience at McDonalds we travelled to Mount Rothwell, where we made sweet sardine treats and set out our traps to monitor some endangered species, including eastern quolls, rufous bettongs and bandicoots! For anyone who enjoys hands-on learning or is considering a future in environmental science, I highly recommend taking this subject.

Milo M.

 

Top Designs + The Story of the Moving Image Excursion  

Thursday 1 May Year 12 Visual Communication students attended Top Designs, an annual exhibition at Melbourne Museum presenting work created by students who completed VCE Media, Product Design and Technologies, Systems Engineering, Theatre Studies and Visual Communication Design. The works on display demonstrate the research, experimentation and development involved in creating new design solutions. Top Designs 2025 exhibitors interrogate the changing world around them to propose innovative possibilities in sustainability, place, community, automation and craftsmanship. This is a great opportunity for Unit 3/4 Visual Communication Design students to see successful examples of the journey they are about to embark on in their SAT folio.

During the day the class also visited The Story of the Moving Image at ACMI to see an exciting example of an interactive experience. The Story of the Moving Image traverses time, countries and cultures in a mesmerising exploration of an art form that changed the world and illuminated our collective humanity. Five distinct sections frame the major moments in moving image history, including the origins and future of cinema, production design and the creative process, Australian culture and stories, the rise of videogames, and how screens inform, influence and empower us.

Elsewhere students also investigated wayfinding, brand identity, messages and architectural movements by exploring the spaces in Federation Square and nearby Hosier Lane.

Mark Groves

VCE Visual Communications teacher

BOYS VOLLEYBALL A
Aquinas 7 defeated Luther 6

Oooooo, what a game. An incredible game with us winning in the 2nd overtime period. Having lost easily to Luther earlier in the season, it was always going to be tough to beat them.

Our defence was incredible throughout the game which made Luther make regular mistakes. We worked so hard and put lots of pressure on Luther and never trailed in the game. Luther scored with 1 min left to tie the game up in regular time. In extra time with 4 players initially both teams had opportunities to score but could not. In the 2nd section of overtime with only 3 players on the field. 

Luther looked like they were going to win until Lachie Buyck chased the Luther player the length of the field to stop him scoring ( an incredible effort). After regaining the ball, we played controlled football and finally found a gap to score the winning try!

Congratulations to everyone in the team. This was one of the greatest grand finals that Aquinas has ever been in

BOYS HOCKEY
Aquinas 0 draw Emmaus 0  

No, you did read that correctly, it was a scoreless draw. In saying that the game was played to such a high level with each possession that it was worthy of a Grand Final game. The game itself was played very much on Aquinas鈥� terms with the school holding the majority of possessions and have numerous short corner chances at goal. Several shots by Tyson Darmody on goal hit the posts and just a fraction the other way would have changed the game. Although we drew we finished the season on top and brought the cup home. A fantastic effort throughout the entire season!

SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL

Aquinas 60 defeated  Emmaus 58

A fitting game to finish the season. The competition this year was extremely close with the top four teams all performing really well and most games came within a few points during the regular season. A credit to our players, everything worked today. Our defensive pressure was the highlight, along with some impressive shooting in offense. Our focus was high pressure defence from the beginning, allowing us to start well. We led by 12 points at half time. To Emmaus鈥� credit, they clawed back the deficit and were in front by 4 points with 3 minutes to go. The boys adjusted, getting some crucial defensive stops. They backed this up with impressive ball movement in attack, great decision making and great shot selections. Oscar Hipfel was named player of the match after scoring 28 points, but every player had a huge impact on the game. Well done boys!

SENIOR GIRLS SOFTBALL

Aquinas 4 lost to Mount Lilydale College 6

The girls played tremendously as a team, with great encouragement and cheering from the side lines, however we ran out of time and just fell short of the win. A big congratulations to the girls for making it this far!

Mandarin Learning: Year 7 Snapshot 2025

When students of Year 7 begin their secondary learning at Aquinas, a group of them choose Chinese. Students often approach Year 7 Mandarin with a mix of curiosity and enthusiasm, ready to explore a new Asian language and culture. As they begin their secondary school journey, they enjoy learning and being challenged to communicate in simple Mandarin, recognising characters, and understanding the cultural contexts behind the language. This stage is filled with interactive activities, games, and group work, which all help to build confidence and foster a love for language learning in a fun and engaging environment.

This year, during Term 1, Year 7 Mandarin students began their language learning journey by building essential communication skills. This meant they had to greet the teacher, greet their peers and start their many, many practices of tracing, copying and attempting their own Chinese characters. This is done alongside imitating tone, gestures and cultural practices. One of the highlights was a research project in which students investigated a Chinese city of their choice. They created posters showcasing the city's history, iconic landmarks, and traditional foods. This activity not only helped students develop their research and presentation skills but also deepened their cultural understanding of the diversity of the many Chinese cities. Alongside this, they learned basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and character writing through interactive tasks that made learning both meaningful and enjoyable.

This learning has enabled students to deepen their knowledge of all things Chinese, and encourage them to embrace and analyse authentic Chinese materials. This process builds confidence and curiosity amongst learners who are so full of potential.

Tina Cong

Chinese teacher

鈥楽elf Image鈥�

Our Year 10 and 11 EDGE classes participated in a full day retreat hosted by at St Timothy鈥檚 Parish Vermont on Friday, 16 May. The YMT are volunteers from Catholic families who come from around the country. They started the day full of energy, with ice breakers and a day of challenges of how our students think about themselves and how this impacts on others. The EDGE students participated in sessions that challenged them to be up front and be of service to others. Students participated in sessions that recognise our personal gifts and provide opportunities to empower others through being an authentic witness to the Gospel of Jesus.

The EDGE classes have a focus on learning ministry skills that offer faith formation opportunities to their peers. This includes planning and leading college prayer services and liturgies. It will also allow students to deepen their own faith experience and expression. They will in future complete training sessions to lead retreats for primary school students in our local area.

EDGE Team: Ian Gould & Bernard Green

Four Aquinas students were selected to represent the EISM in the Victorian Schools Association Competition in swimming as a result of their performances in the EISM Champions carnival. This competition was held on Monday 12 May at MSAC and it involves all the different school sporting associations in Victoria and their best swimmers.

Our 4 representatives were: GRACE RIDER (Year 12), THARWIN PRAROM (Year 11), ZOE FABRE (Year 10) and MADISON BROWN (Year 9).

They were part of the EISM team which had over 35 other swimmers from other EISM schools.   Our students competed in a number of events and their results were very good.

 I was lucky enough to be selected to swim at VSAC (Victorian school association competition) for EISM on the 12th of May. Aquinas competed as part of EISM against other school associations. I was privileged to compete in 5 events.

The 4x50 freestyle Women relay placed 5th for EISM. The 4 x 50 backstroke Women relay placing 5th. I also swam in 2 individual races, the 100 freestyle and 50 backstroke. Placing 2nd in 100 freestyle and 7th in 50 backstroke again for EISM. My last event was the 14-15 4x50 Girls freestyle relay where we placed 4th.

Such a fun experience to be a part of and well done to everyone who represented Aquinas on behalf of EISM!

Madi B. 

Year 9

Last Tuesday evening we had our Mother鈥檚 Day Family Mass. It was a beautiful celebration, with the help of our Yr 10 EDGE and RE Music classes to lead us in prayer and song. We would like to thank Fr Dispin for presiding over the mass. Father spoke about the qualities of a mother that makes the role so special and he thanked everyone for taking time away from their regular evening to be there with the students. Towards the end of the mass those who have mother roles in the room were asked to stand to receive a blessing. Students then collected a rose to give each of them. Those students whose mother could not make it were invited to take a rose home with them.

The supper after mass was also lovely and we are looking forward to celebrating our fathers at our next family mass in September.

On Friday, May 2nd, the Aquinas Athletics squad attended the Division 1 EISM Athletics Carnival. Overall, it was an amazing day full of great performances with an even better atmosphere! Everyone competed really well and did their bit for the team, both competing and cheering loudly, which was awesome to see. It was great to see our hard work from all of our training pay off, and even better for us to come away with the win! 

We ended up with Aquinas winning the overall boys competitions, the most improved school and the overall carnival. 

Congratulations to Tom King who broke the record in the 110 Metre hurdles for the 17-19 Year age group.

Thank you to all of the staff who made the day flow as smoothly as it did, and students who were a part of the team. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and congratulations to our new sports coordinators, Ms Richards and Ms Johns, for taking out the win in their first year in the role.

Gabby Linton and Alovi Gomes

Sports Captain and Leader

All the results from the EISM Athletics can be found

The Spirit of Aquinas section will focus on one core value from our mission statement and ways this value has been demonstrated at school.

Stewardship: We encourage our community to respond to the need for sustainability in our contemporary world in the light of the Gospel and its call to action.

We call our year 8s to be good stewards of the Lord, spending their year focusing on the value of stewardship and what that can translate into. When speaking to year 8 students about stewardship and how they exemplify it, the most common answer highlighted the care they hold for keeping the school and environment clean. Whether it be cleaning up designated areas in their building within their classes, volunteering their free time to help clean up the school, or emphasising the importance of the new bins that minimise landfill waste.

Year 8s Abigail Turner and Heidi Dawson both spoke about the class initiative to clean up the middle years building. This being that over a fortnight every class is given a designated area to spend a class time cleaning. Being stewards for the school, they are looking after and preserving an area that they care about, not only for themselves, but for all future students that may use it. Roisin Abbott also took note of students she鈥檇 seen volunteering to clean and beautify the school grounds, and how full of joy they seemed. She emphasised that it was the volunteering itself that seemed to be creating the happiness in them, and how she hopes and strives for that passion for stewardship continues to spread throughout the school and past it.

AQUINAS COLLEGE values INCLUSIVITY and a SAFE, FAIR, KIND Community.

IDAHOBIT Day- International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is a day that celebrates acceptance, inclusion and kindness and highlights the importance of allyship. An ally is someone who takes action to support and advocate for the equal treatment of a community other than their own. We use the term 鈥榰pstander鈥� with students. An upstander uses their voice and speaks up, whilst a bystander stays quiet and doesn鈥檛 get help. Diversity comes in many forms and we encourage our students to be allies and upstanders for all people who may face any form of discrimination.


IDAHOBIT poses a question: Will you stand against discrimination? Aquinas students can stand against discrimination during IDAHOBIT activities by:

- Adding a message of support to the Inclusion Wall

- Buy a treat from the canteen

- Visit the ARC, see the display, borrow and read a book!!

- Be an upstander and call out homophobic comments or actions

- Wear a physical symbol to show you are an advocate- rainbow ribbon or badge

- Always being SAFE, FAIR, KIND to ALL regardless of their sexuality or gender identity

- Be an ALLY

Sharon Daley

Director Student Services

 
Year 7 Immunisations - consent form link

The Secondary School Immunisation Program offers free National Immunisation Program schedule vaccines to all eligible Year 7 and Year 10 students. The Maroondah Council Immunisation Team will deliver immunisations to consented students onsite at 糖心vlog官网.

Year 7 Students - Wednesday June 18

• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

 Consent form link for Year 7 Students

Please to access the Maroondah Council immunisation details and instructions on how to complete the online consent form. 

Should you have any questions regarding the immunisations please follow contact information provided by the Maroondah Council on the information and consent form link.

 Health centre staff