Principal's Report
Thanks
As this is the last Lighthouse for Semester 1, on behalf of Darren Atkinson, we wanted to offer our thanks to the efforts of the community in ensuring that our students have had a rich learning experience during the semester. It has not been without its challenges, with high levels of absenteeism, for both students and staff, due to illness; ongoing cancellations of events deemed unsafe; and the unpredictability of COVID-19 and other illnesses continues to present. We wish to thank you for your support of the College and your child’s education. We wish your child a safe and restful term break.
Term 3 Return
Please note that Day 1 of Term 3, Monday 11th July, will be a normal school day, as Day 6, for all students. Later in the term, the General Achievement Test (GAT) for all Unit ¾ VCE and Senior VCAL students will be held on September 7 and will be a student free day for all other students.
Activities Week
In pre-pandemic times, we prepared for a hectic last week of term knowing that students at all levels were participating in co-curricular activities, often with many moving parts. In 2022, the College faced a greater difficulty level by adding the COVID-19 / influenza factor and made significant strategic shifts in our plans in response to the challenges of this year. Thankfully, our students enjoyed a week packed with positive learning experiences. Thank you for your continued support of your child’s learning at the College and your flexibility and understanding as programs were redefined. The events and activities illustrated authentic, relevant and multidimensional learning and we thank all the staff and students for their commitment to their particular programs. Special thanks to the event organisers and those enabling the experiences to take place.
Back to the Theatre Musical
Congratulations to all involved in our Musical Revue last week. After two years of cancellations and the associated disappointment, it is indeed rewarding to see our theatre full and our students provided an opportunity to showcase their talents. Thank you to the Production Team who have given generously of their time to create this show.
Mobile Devices and the Responsible Use of Technology Policy
Following a review of the use of mobile devices by students at the College, a new set of guidelines have been developed in order to assist student adherence to the expectations of the Responsible Use of Technology Policy. The guidelines addressing the use of Mobile Devices will be introduced to students in Term 3. Our Responsible use of Electronic Devices Policy is founded and operates within the view that students must understand their obligations with responsible use of technology, assuming that they have the capacity to grow and develop to understand their responsibilities in the use of the devices. There is zero tolerance for the use of phones at school unless permission is granted by staff. More information will be provided next term.
Ministerial Order 1359
In the effort to support students with safety, a new Ministerial Order, 1359, will replace Ministerial Order 870. This will lead to significant alterations to the current Child Safe Standards for the College. For further information or to raise concerns, please email childsafety@aquinas.vic.edu.au
Subject Selection for 2023
Some advance notification that Subject Selection for 2023 is in August. Students in Years 8 to 11 will choose subjects for next year. There will be information out to students early in Term 3 as well as information on PAM. We are planning for the Subject Selection Expo to be in person and onsite this year.
Michael Box & Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principals
on behalf of Darren Atkinson, Principal