Principal's Report
The Language of Lockdown
Much of the discussion this week from our health officials and leaders has been related to the mental health consequences of lockdown. It is apparent in Professor Sutton’s message that he appreciates that there are mental health implications to a tight lockdown, but that the alternatives are, in his words, “catastrophic”. One feature of living in a pandemic is the need to make decisions in which both options are essentially bad and praying for the wisdom to choose the “least worst” option. Fortunately, few of us are called upon to make decisions on behalf of millions of others, but we all have responsibility for the wellbeing of those in our care. It is no surprise that many Victorians are experiencing fatigue as a result.
The impact of Covid-19 on families is uneven and this applies to mental health as well. It is important that you are reassured that we continue to monitor student mental health through our Pulse app and through check-ins at Homeroom and Mentor. Our evidence would suggest that you are doing an amazing job as parents/guardians and that the overwhelming majority of our students are reporting that they feel safe and supported. While some basic principles around good sleep, nutrition, exercise, communication and positive thinking are known to be protective, it is important that our response is also nuanced and help is sought from the relevant professionals such as GPs when necessary. Support is also available at the College. Please do not hesitate to contact the homeroom teacher, mentor, Year Level Coordinator, or YFC should you have concerns.
I continue to offer my encouragement to all of our students, and our Year 12s especially, to stay focused on completing each task to the best of their ability and to use the time that they have with their teachers as productively as possible. It is understandable that there is uncertainty and we will continue to provide updates as they become known. The VCAA have already indicated that they will be implementing mechanisms to attempt to ameliorate disadvantages related to lockdown. We look forward to the return to in-person learning in early September.
Staff Spirituality Day - Friday, 27th August - postponed
Please note that our Staff Spirituality Day scheduled for next Friday will be postponed due to the lockdown. Instead, Friday will be a four period day commencing at 11.25am with Periods 2 and 3, and then Periods 6 and 7 after lunch. The later start should help those students and staff who will have been engaged in the Subject Selection Expo (8,9 and 10) and Parent Teacher Interviews (7) on Thursday evening. Staff Spirituality Day is an important part of staff formation in our Catholic school and will occur on the day of the GAT instead. This date will be confirmed as soon as an announcement is made by the VCAA and Education Minister.
Parent Student Teacher Interviews and Subject Selection Expo
Year 7 Parent Teacher Interviews and Year 8-10 Subject Selection Expo will need to take a “virtual“ form again this year due to current restrictions. Significant planning has been put into ensuring that these meetings are purposeful and as easy for you to access as possible. Of course, we are aware that an in-person meeting may be preferable for many, but our experience of last year tells us that these online meetings can also be highly profitable and informative. Deputy Principal, Mr Box, has provided an outline of the arrangements for Parent Teacher Interviews and the Subject Selection Expo, more information will be available on PAM next week. All students in Years 8 to 11 received an individual email on August 17 that contained the access codes and passwords for Subject Selection next week.
Year 7 2022 Information Night
Thank you to the families who joined us for our webinar on Monday night as we commenced the transition process for those students who will be joining our community in 2022. While we would have preferred to meet in person, there seemed to be a general sense of appreciation in gathering online to discuss some of the issues related to the transition from primary school to secondary and hopefully some reassurance that this is something Aquinas does extremely well. We remain optimistic that on the other side of the lockdown we will be able to resume our normal orientation activities and that the next generation of our students remain excited about joining Aquinas. We will be making every effort to ensure that we extend a warm welcome.
Enrolments and re-enrolments for 2022
Families are reminded to log in to the College Community Portal and indicate that they are seeking re-enrolment for current Aquinas students and update any details that may have changed since last year. Can I please ask that you complete this process as soon as possible to assist in our planning for 2022. Should you have any questions you are asked to contact the Registrar. Enrolment deadlines for Year 7 2023 close today and I am pleased to report that we continue to experience strong enrolment interest in the College.
Advisory Council Seminar
Our Advisory Council met for its annual seminar program last week and it was a very productive night as we reviewed the CIS Accreditation feedback and identified the main commendations and recommendations. The second part of the seminar, led by Michael Box, provided an opportunity for council members to reflect on aspects of the College that they value highly and also opportunities for growth. These recommendations will help shape our next five year School Improvement Plan. Over coming weeks, families and students will be encouraged to complete the CIS Surveys so that we can get feedback to help inform this process.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
Please refer to our latest Covid-19 updates page for ongoing information.