Finishing Term 3 Strongly

As we approach the end of Term 3, it is timely to reflect on all that has been achieved across our Aquinas College community. This has been a busy and rewarding term, filled with learning, co-curricular opportunities, sporting events, performances, celebrations and many moments of connection.

The final weeks of a term are particularly important. While our energy levels may have dropped a little, this is also a valuable opportunity to consolidate learning, complete assessments with care and finish well. The way we approach these weeks matters. Maintaining positive routines, attending regularly, arriving punctually and continuing to demonstrate our College expectations of being responsible, safe, fair and kind allow everyone to end the term with a sense of pride.

We thank our students for the energy, enthusiasm and commitment they have brought to College life throughout the term. Their willingness to participate, support one another and embrace the many opportunities available at Aquinas contributes greatly to the strength of our community.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our staff. Their professionalism, dedication and care for our young people are evident every day, both inside and beyond the classroom. We recognise the considerable work involved in supporting students through such a full and productive term.

Finally, we thank our parents and carers for their ongoing partnership and support. Your encouragement at home and engagement with the College play an essential role in helping our students thrive.

We encourage everyone to make the most of these final weeks and to finish Term 3 positively. We hope the upcoming break provides time for rest, renewal and connection with family and friends.

MACSSIS

A reminder that all families will have received their individual code to contribute to the annual MACSSIS survey. Please contribute to the future of Aquinas College by sharing your feedback with us. Students and staff will also be completing the survey, which will remain open until Friday 18 September. Should you misplace your MACSSIS login details, please contact surveys@aquinas.vic.edu.au

Jess Alger and Michael Box

Acting Principals

National Child Protection Week

 This week is National Child Protection week, and the theme is Every Conversation Matters, Shifting Conversation to Action.

This year National Child Protection Week is driving a stronger national focus on shifting conversations into meaningful action.

Conversations can spark ideas, build understanding and encourage reflection. But meaningful change happens when those conversations lead to practical action that strengthens support for children and families.

National Child Protection Week helps turn conversation into action by bringing people across Australia together to share ideas, strengthen communities and prevent harm before it occurs. While the Week creates an important national moment, the campaign continues throughout the year, encouraging all of us to take steps that help children feel heard, valued, safe and supported.

By shifting conversation to action, we can help build communities where every child experiences real safety, care and protection.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) have recently updated their Student Bullying Prevention and Response Policy and Student Bullying Prevention and

Response Procedures. You can click on these links to read through these documents, or contact the College if you would like to discuss them further.

Jess Alger

Deputy Principal

Forgiveness

Next week some of our students will be listening to a presentation from John Pridmore. John will be discussing his own journey from being in the London criminal underworld to now speaking about faith and forgiveness around the world. Endorsed for Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), we are looking forward to him being a powerful voice for young people — speaking on identity, purpose, forgiveness & hope.

In some ways the timing is perfect as this Sunday’s readings have a very strong theme of forgiveness. I have included a few quotes from these readings for us to reflect on:

Ecclesiasticus 27:33-28:9

“Forgive your neighbour the hurt he does you, and when you pray, your sins will be forgiven.”

John 13:34

“‘Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.”

Forgiveness can be difficult and painful, however, it is also so beneficial to your own health. To be able to release the resentment and tension so that you can move forward can be so freeing.

Tania Grace

Assistant Principal Mission

The College and our Year 12 students are entering an important final stage of the year. With students finalising their Units of Study, preparing for their final examinations and looking ahead to their graduation celebrations, there is a strong sense of purpose and anticipation across the College.

Our Exam Launch commenced last Wednesday with our Year 12 VCE students. The message was clear: the time is now to get exam ready. Students have been encouraged to make effective use of both class time and their own study time, with a greater focus on output. Identifying gaps in understanding, implementing strategies, acting on feedback and demonstrating what they know.

Our priorities for every class remain Attendance, Attention, Adherence and Application. Students need to attend consistently, maintain attention in class, adhere to teacher directions that support their learning, and apply their knowledge through the completion and submission of practice examinations and other preparation tasks.

This week in the Year 12 Assembly, Mr Michael Box and Dani Lorkin explored what effective independent study looks like. Students were introduced to three phases of study and encouraged to consider where they currently sit and what they need to do to move to the next level.

Level 1: Beginning: Students focus on recall, remembering facts, definitions and key information. Level 2: Developing: Students develop deeper understanding by connecting ideas, generating explanations and elaborating on concepts. Level 3: Mastering: Students apply their understanding to unfamiliar scenarios, including completing examination questions under exam conditions.

Understanding the role of motivation is also important when students are facing challenging tasks. Many people wait to feel motivated before they begin, but motivation rarely comes first in the study process. Action comes first. Taking a small first step such as committing to work for five minutes or beginning with a familiar default task can create momentum. Taking action leads to progress; progress builds confidence; and confidence can strengthen motivation. Students do not need to feel motivated to begin, they simply need to begin.

For many students, these will be their first formal examinations. However, our Year 12 teachers bring significant experience to this process, with many having supported students through examinations numerous times and some working as examination assessors. Students have been provided with clear guidance about both what to study and how to study. If students are uncertain or unsure of their next steps, they are encouraged to speak with their teachers.

Finishing the year well extends beyond academic preparation. We have also begun discussing our Year 12 end-of-year celebrations. Important opportunities for students to celebrate their graduation from secondary school with family, friends and the wider College community. These occasions will have a focus on celebration, gratitude and farewell. Families received detailed information about these events today.

Last Friday evening, our graduation celebrations commenced with the VCEA Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Graduation Dinner at Rydges Melbourne. Mr Broadbent and I had the pleasure of accompanying our students and their families as they celebrated this significant milestone. It was a wonderful evening of pride, connection and recognition, and a fitting beginning to the celebrations ahead.

Rachel Crawley

Director of Senior Years

 We are delighted to share an upcoming Year 8 initiative that reflects the creativity and community spirit fostered through our CONNECT8 program at the end of Term 2.
As part of CONNECT8, every Year 8 student prepared a gift for a resident of a local aged care facility. Students have written a personalised letter, created a handmade bookmark and decorated either a mug or photo frame.

On Monday 14 September, our Year 8 Leaders will have the opportunity to hand deliver these gifts to aged care residents. This will hopefully be a meaningful experience for our students, allowing them to connect with members of the wider community.

Our Music Team will also perform for the residents during their lunch.

We are proud of our Year 8 students and grateful for the opportunity to positively contribute to our local community. We look forward to celebrating the connections and kindness that make this initiative so special.

Sam Storey
Director of Middle Years

Threatened Species Bake-Off – Bake It. Learn It. Save It!

To celebrate National Threatened Species Day on 7 September and Biodiversity Month, Aquinas College students took part in our lunchtime Threatened Species Bake-Off.

Students created cookies inspired by Australian threatened species, using their creativity to showcase animals and plants that are at risk of extinction. As part of the activity, students researched their chosen species and learned more about its habitat, the threats it faces and what we can do to help protect it.

The activity provided a fun and engaging way for students to discover more about Australia’s unique biodiversity and the importance of protecting threatened species. Students enjoyed sharing their knowledge with others and seeing the wide variety of species represented through their creative cookie designs.

House points were awarded as part of the Bake-Off, with Dominic securing a clear first-place victory. Congratulations to McCormack for second place, Chisholm for third, and Mannix for fourth. Rice and MacKillop finished equal fifth and sixth.

Congratulations to all students who participated and contributed to such a fun and meaningful celebration of Australia’s threatened species.

National Threatened Species Day commemorates the death of the last known thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) at Hobart Zoo on 7 September 1936. The day reminds us of the importance of protecting Australia’s unique plants and animals and taking action to prevent further extinctions.

It was wonderful to see students getting involved, learning from one another and demonstrating our College value of Stewardship through their appreciation and care for our natural environment.

Bake it. Learn it. Save it!

Season of Creation – Caring for Our Common Home

During September, the Season of Creation, the Aquinas College community is invited to reflect on our responsibility to care for creation and protect the rich biodiversity of our common home. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, we are reminded that all living things are interconnected and that caring for our environment is an important expression of our faith. This season provides an opportunity for our students to learn about biodiversity, appreciate the beauty of creation and consider practical ways we can protect and restore the natural world for future generations.

Some threatened species you can learn more about by clicking the links:

Meet the Mallee Fowl:

Meet the eastern barred bandicoot

All about moths:

Leatherback Turtles:

Brush tail rock wallaby:

Growling Grass frog:

Alpine skink :

Karyn Myers

Sustainability Coordinator

As the exam period approaches, some students seek special exam arrangements.

Please be aware that disability and/or illness does not automatically entitle a student to Special Examination Arrangements. The prime consideration is the impact of a disability and/or illness on the student’s capacity to undertake their assessments and, if necessary, what reasonable adjustments can be made to enable the student to complete assessments on the same basis as students without a disability and/or illness.

Eligibility to special exam arrangements is based on:

1. school-based evidence
2. professional or medical reports provided

Professional or medical reports must be provided to the College well in advance of the exams (before October 10).

Jo Dutoit

Director, Educational Support Services

As part of the Year 9 Physical Activity in the Community unit, students participate in a range of activities delivered within community settings. The unit exposes students to self-defence, lawn bowls, pickleball and tennis, providing opportunities to develop physical skills while experiencing activities that can be enjoyed across different ages and stages of life.

Students are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and positive attitudes towards physical activity by learning new skills, working with different people and adapting to unfamiliar environments. The activities also highlight the range of opportunities available within the local community beyond traditional school-based sports.

Through the unit, students:

• Develop new movement and sport-specific skills across four different activities.
• Build confidence in participating in unfamiliar physical activities.
• Experience community-based facilities and programs, increasing awareness of local physical activity opportunities.
• Explore activities that can support lifelong participation in physical activity, including activities suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.
• Develop personal safety and self-management skills
• Gain an appreciation of the importance of being active and connected to the community.

The four activities provide deliberately varied experiences: self-defence develops personal safety, confidence and physical awareness; lawn bowls introduces a low-impact activity with strong lifelong and social participation opportunities; pickleball provides an accessible, social and fast-paced racquet sport; and tennis develops fundamental striking, movement and tactical skills.

Danielle Lorkin

PE & Health Learning Area Leader

The Arts Department at Aquinas has been very busy this term. A major focus of Term 3 has been our VCE students consolidating and creating work for their Unit 4 assessments, many of which involve external performances and presentations. All students are working to express their unique voices the best they can in their chosen medium.

In the first week of September, the VCE Theatre Studies class took a break from preparing their monologues to attend a performance of The Jungle and the Sea, by S. Shakthidharan at the Melbourne Theatre Company.

This epic play follows a family torn apart by the Sri Lankan Civil War over the course of 26 years and takes place in four different locations including Sydney, Australia.The production provided students with a powerful theatrical experience and valuable insights.

Interestingly, the play also draws on themes and ideas from the Greek tragedy Antigone — the same play our students performed together in Term 2 — giving them an opportunity to make meaningful connections between their own performance work and professional theatre.

“I found that the theatre technologies in this play were very interesting. The creative team found a way to mimic rain that was NOT water, and there was a revolving stage that created a constant sense of movement throughout the performance. I also loved how there was live music coming from the Carnatic musicians onstage. This choice immersed us more into the story and created a constant rhythm that built up at different moments of climax”. - Emma O Yr 12

“My favourite 'Antigone Coded' moment was the argument in Act 3 between Kimal and Hishan. Their argument was very similar to the scene I was in when we performed Antigone as a class, and seeing a different interpretation to ours was very interesting. The scene is very complex, and I enjoyed seeing the argument develop from shades of grey into the two characters becoming completely opposed to one another. Definitely my favourite part in the show overall.” Ewan D Yr 11

"This play is incredibly important for Australians to watch, especially now, as conflict and violence continue to unfold overseas. The show’s program states “The Jungle and the Sea confronts audiences with the very real, human cost of war, through the lived experiences of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances.“I was struck by the way it emphasises how conflict can divide the people that matter most to us – our family members."  Olivia G Yr 12


Please come along and appreciate the work of Arts students in Term 4:

Monday, Sept 14 VCE Dance Night

Thursday, Oct 8 VCE Theatre Studies Monologue Night

Friday, Oct 16 Grad Art DisplayTuesday, 

Oct 27 Year 9 and 10 Dance Showcase

Wednesday, Oct 27 Junior Music Showcase

Nov TBC Year 11 VCE Performance Night

Wednesday, Nov 25 Splendour in November

Paola Unger

Arts Learning Area Leader

VCE VM students recently put their Numeracy skills into practice through a student planned excursion into Melbourne’s CBD.

As part of their studies, each student completed an individual project to organise a day out in Melbourne. Students were required to use technology to plan and schedule different activities, make informed decisions using information such as maps, transport services and travel times, and adjust their plans to create a realistic and achievable itinerary. They were also required to complete a risk assessment for their proposed day, identifying potential risks and strategies to manage them. Once the projects were completed, students voted on the proposed excursion day and a final plan was selected.

A selected group of students then took responsibility for putting the plan into action by contacting and liaising with businesses to organise and book the activities. The excursion provided students with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a real world setting while developing their organisation, communication, decision making and problem solving skills.

The students were fantastic throughout the day, demonstrating excellent punctuality and organisation as they moved between each of the scheduled activities. At Queen Victoria Market, students had the opportunity to explore the market, speak with local vendors and experience the wide variety of fresh food and produce available.

The group then took part in an Adventure Rooms session, where students worked collaboratively to solve challenges and complete problems. This activity highlighted the importance of teamwork, communication and problem solving, with everyone contributing to their team’s efforts. The day finished with an axe throwing experience, where all students participated enthusiastically and supported one another. It was great to see everyone involved, engaged and enjoying the activities throughout the day.

Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their classroom learning in a real world setting, while building their confidence, independence and ability to work collaboratively with others.

Jacqui Street

VCE VM Coordinator

Our Intermediate AFL team took on St Patrick’s College in the Herald Sun Shield Division 2 Intermediate Final yesterday.

It was a great effort to make it through to the final, and we congratulate our boys on the hard work, determination and commitment they showed throughout the competition.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day yesterday, but reaching the final is an achievement the team should be proud of.

A huge congratulations also to Luca A, who was named Best on Ground for his performance in the final. A fantastic individual achievement!

Well done, boys.

Kane Henden and the Aquinas Sports team

Our Aquinas Cross Country team has had an outstanding year, finishing 2nd overall in Division 1 at the EISM Cross Country Carnival!

A huge 94 students represented Aquinas across the day, and the effort shown by our students was nothing short of outstanding. Every student gave their absolute best, pushing themselves to the finish line and, just as importantly, encouraging and supporting their teammates along the way. Whether they were chasing a podium finish, competing for the first time or simply doing everything they could to contribute to the team, our students showed tremendous determination, resilience and school spirit.

The result of 2nd overall in Division one, is a reflection of the collective effort of all 94 students who competed.

Special congratulations to Aleisha Harmer, who won her race, and Hannah Hawkins and Callum Settle, who both finished 2nd in their respective events.

We would also like to acknowledge our Year 12 students Kiah Singh, Aleisha Harmer, Gabby Hooper, Sav Jobling, Griffin Box, Gallagher Robertson and Callum Settle, who represented Aquinas at their final Cross Country Carnival. It was a fantastic way to finish their Cross Country journey at the College.

A huge thank you to Ms Richards and Ms Johns, our Heads of Sport, as well as Ms Franken, Mr Avery, Lachie, Lexie, Maeve and all of the staff who supported training and the carnival throughout the term. Their time, encouragement and commitment have been invaluable.

Congratulations to all 94 students who represented Aquinas. You gave everything, supported your teammates and represented our school exceptionally well. 2nd overall is an incredible achievement, and you should all be extremely proud!

Harry Box

Teacher and Cross Country Trainer

The EISM held a Chess Gala day on Friday 28, August, with eight Aquinas students attending the tournament.

The students represented the college with pride and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. Logan from Year 7 competed in the Senior competition along with Jake, Jasper and Ben. All students had wins during the round robin tournament, which saw more than 300 students competing on the day. 

Benjamin H was our best performing senior, winning four of his six matches, and Hasas A from Year 7 went undefeated until the final round, where he was narrowly defeated by one of only two other undefeated juniors.

James Meade

Mathematics LAL

On 7, 8 and 11 September, our Year 8 students attended the Don Bosco Retreat Centre, Lysterfield, for a full day retreat led by the energetic team from Youth Ministry Team (YMT). The retreat provided students with an opportunity to step away from the routines of school, strengthen friendships, and reflect on their identity, relationships and faith.

Through a variety of high energy activities and reflection experiences, students explored the theme of ‘Leadership’. Students had an opportunity to look at what makes them ‘tick’ and how they can begin sharing their values and qualities with their peers and faith learning community. The team used icebreaker activities, dramas, games, music, challenges, small group discussions, testimonies and prayerful reflective activities to make engaging sessions. Our sunny breaks continued the energy of the day with basketball, cricket, footy and photo opportunities.

Session 1: Affirming Human Dignity

Students reflected on their unique gifts and qualities while considering the importance of respecting and valuing others, regardless of age, gender, culture or social standing.

Session 2: Empowering Human Dignity

Students recognised how their words and actions can influence others. They explored how kindness, inclusion, respect and forgiveness can strengthen relationships and positively impact those around them.

Session 3: Restoring Human Dignity

Students looked at God's unconditional love for every person. Students reflected on how faith can inspire compassion, acceptance and service, and how understanding their own worth can help them support others.

We thank the YMT presenters for their enthusiasm and leadership, and the staff who accompanied the students throughout the retreat. The experience provided our Year 8 students with a meaningful opportunity to grow in self-awareness, respect for others and appreciation of the values that underpin our college community.

Bernard Green

RE Learning Area Leader

Student Reflection:

Our Year 8 retreat day at the Don Bosco Retreat Centre in Lysterfield was a peaceful and refreshing break from school life. Led by the inspiring Youth Mission Team, the day combined engaging activities with quiet moments that allowed us to reflect deeply on our faith and values. We all enjoyed the opportunity to spiritually reconnect with ourselves and reflect on our busy term.- Lucy W and Ruby M 8G

Year 8 Students experienced an unforgettable three days on Camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort at the end of August.

The themes of the Camp were developing a sense of belonging and challenge by choice.

Students enjoyed a range of activities including:

• Smiths Beach Walk
• Archery
• Giant Swing
• High Ropes
• Canoeing
• Twin Flying Fox
• Disk Golf

Students also had plenty of free time activities and trivia as further opportunities to strengthen existing social connections and develop new ones.

Congratulations to each student who stepped out of their comfort zone and participated to the best of their ability for the duration of the camp in challenging weather conditions and an unfamiliar environment.

Camp is such an important experience for children and we hope they have many lifelong memories to take away with them.

A big shout out to the Staff (Ms Bradshaw, Ms Mill, Ms Gridley, Ms Mirchandandi, Ms Bayliss, Ms Unger, Mr Box, Ms Kovac, Ms Lim-Duke, Ms Liao, Mr Davidson, Ms Franken, Ms Bettiol, Ms Montero, Myself, Ms Abbott and Ms Crozier) and seven Past Students (Sienna, Sam, Abby, Alovi, Emma, Zac and Lexie) for their fantastic efforts to give their students such great opportunities.

Thank you to those who worked behind the scenes of the Camp in preparations and covering classes.

Jeff Harrington

Camp Co-ordinator

Student reflections:

My advice for the new Year 8's going to camp is to step out of your comfort zone and talk to new people. This will make your experience so much more memorable and help you make lifelong friends! - Elise T

I really enjoyed camp because I was able to experience a different type of atmosphere compared to normal school. - Liam K

The giant swing and flying fox was my favourite as they were a thrilling, adrenaline filled activity. My favourite moment was when we got free time and got to explore the camp. I will miss all of the camp, and advice for next year's camp would be to take a camera, and bring a spare change of shoes! - Izzy P

I really liked camp. My favourite meal we had there was dinner on the second day and my favourite activity was the flying fox. Rory F

I had so much fun meeting new people exploring new ways to have fun and most of all I really do love trivia nights. I mean there truly is no better way to test your knowledge!! I also enjoyed trying new things and funding new skills to try and explore a little bit more. - Eve K