Principal's Report
Staff Spirituality Day
Staff Spirituality Day is an important part of staff formation in our Catholic school and also an opportunity to build and maintain the appropriate accreditation to teach in a Catholic school. Thank you for your support so that our staff could gather together.
On Monday, we had visiting American theologian, Dr James Nickoloff, present to us on the theme “Beauty, Reason, and Justice in a Time of Pandemic”. Dr Nickoloff observed that our grounds and buildings were very attractive and well maintained and that he has seen this repeatedly at the Catholic schools he has visited on this tour. He drew the conclusion that we must see that a well presented and clean environment is conducive to good learning, but also that, as a Catholic school especially, we recognise that appreciating something as beautiful is one of the ways we experience God. We were asked to reflect on those times when we had seen an amazing sunrise, the face of a newborn baby, a piece of art or sculpture, and had experienced a sense of awe. Many have reflected that the forced slow down of the last two and a half years has provided time to pay more attention to the beautiful things in our world - nature, food, creative pursuits, friends and family. Let’s pray that we emerge from the pandemic with new perspectives and any sadness and loss will not have been in vain.
Year 7 2023 Information Night
Thank you to the families who joined us last Monday night as we commenced the transition process for those students who will be joining our community in 2023. It was a great turn out and an important opportunity to discuss some of the issues related to the transition from primary school to secondary and hopefully offer some reassurance that this is something Aquinas does extremely well.
Author in Residence
Parents/guardians of Middle Years students may have already received feedback from students who participated in a Mark Greenwood workshop last week. Mr Greenwood is an excellent storyteller and was able to engage the students by talking about his creative process. Thanks to Mr David Scott, Director, and the ARC staff for providing this opportunity to encourage our next generation of writers.
Enrolments and re-enrolments for 2023
Families will receive an email next week asking you to indicate that you 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 2023. Should you have any questions you are asked to contact the Registrar. Enrolment deadlines for Year 7 2024 close August 19 and I am pleased to report that we continue to experience strong enrolment interest in the College.
Advisory Council Seminar
Our deferred Advisory Council seminar will now occur on August 23 and council members will be having input into our College master plan under the guidance of Y2 Architecture. Work is well advanced on plans to redevelop the vacant tennis courts on our Great Ryrie St boundary as an all-weather playing service. I look forward to sharing more detailed plans as we get closer to finalising the design.
Parents & Friends Network - Trivia Night
The Aquinas Parents & Friends Network are holding their first Trivia Night on Saturday 10th September to raise funds to support the students and staff at Trinity College Lismore, who are still significantly impacted by the floods from earlier this year. I understand there are a number of games and opportunities to win some great prizes, as well as enjoying the challenge of some good trivia questions. I'm sure it will be a great night and I encourage you to support all the good work that the P&F do for the College, and in this case, for the flood affected Lismore community. You can find more information and book your tickets using this link.
EISM Executive Officer
Ms Marissa Fillipou has been appointed as the next Executive Officer of our EISM sporting association following the resignation of Mr Nathan Bower. Ms Fillipou is currently at Caulfield Grammar and has a history with the AFL Players Association. She was also coach of the Australian U17 Girls Basketball Team taking them to two world championships. We also farewell Mr Lisa Tucker who has worked as an assistant for over 13 years.
Darren Atkinson
Principal