As Term 4 begins, we encourage all students to approach the final weeks of 2026 with purpose, determination and care for their wellbeing. We have appreciated the opportunity to serve as Acting Principals and look forward to welcoming Principal David Broadbent back in the second week of term.

Our Year 12 students have an exciting time ahead as they celebrate their final year at Aquinas through Celebration Day and Graduation. These occasions offer a special opportunity to reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements and enjoy time with their teachers and fellow students.

We remind students and families that these are school activities, and students are expected to attend in full, correct school uniform, ready to participate positively and respectfully. We want every student to have a wonderful day and create memories they will treasure. As highly visible members of our community during these celebrations, our Year 12 students remain important role models for younger students. We look forward to seeing them mark these milestones with pride, joy and care for one another.

For our Year 12 VCE students, exams are approaching quickly. Preparation now can build confidence and make the weeks ahead more manageable. We encourage students to develop a realistic study timetable, prioritise areas requiring improvement and break revision into achievable daily goals. Completing practice questions, working through past papers under timed conditions and seeking feedback from teachers will help students strengthen their understanding and exam technique.

These habits are equally valuable for younger students preparing for end of year exams. Effective revision involves recalling and applying knowledge, rather than simply rereading notes. Asking questions early and attending revision sessions can make a meaningful difference.

Balance matters too. Regular sleep, nutritious meals, movement and breaks support concentration and learning. Families can help by encouraging consistent routines, providing a quiet study space and offering reassurance when students feel overwhelmed.

For students who will not sit exams, this term remains an opportunity to make progress. Completing assessments, developing practical skills and working towards personal goals all deserve commitment and effort.

Whatever their pathway, we encourage every student to attend consistently, seek support and finish the year with pride in their achievements. We thank families for their partnership in supporting our students throughout this important term.

Jess Alger and Michael Box

Acting Principals

Supporting Student Wellbeing: Period Products at Aquinas

We are pleased to announce that, from the start of this term, pads and tampons will be available in female and unisex bathrooms across Aquinas College at no cost to students. Dispensers will be installed in the two bathrooms in D Building, the two in I Building, and the J and L bathrooms, with the initiative introduced on a trial basis.

While these supplies have always been available at student receptions and the Health Centre (as they will continue to be), we are trialling having them in a more accessible location for students.

Periods are a natural part of life, and access to period products is essential. Being caught without supplies can cause unnecessary stress and affect a student’s comfort, confidence and participation in school. By making these products available, we aim to reduce anxiety and help students feel supported to continue with their day.

This initiative has grown from student feedback and the dedicated work of our Student Leadership team. Our student leaders have contacted local Members of Parliament, product companies and service providers to explore ways to support their peers. We thank them for their persistence, care and commitment to making a positive difference within our College community.

To ensure supplies remain available for everyone who needs them, students will be asked to take only what they need, when they need it. Used products and packaging must be disposed of correctly in the appropriate bins provided, helping to keep our bathrooms clean and supporting the work of our maintenance team.

We encourage parents and carers to discuss the initiative with their children, including the importance of using this shared resource responsibly. We look forward to trialling this practical addition to our student wellbeing support and reviewing its effectiveness.

Term 4 Summer Uniform Reminder

As we begin Term 4, we remind students and families that students are expected to wear the correct Aquinas College summer uniform each day. Taking pride in our uniform demonstrates respect for our College community and helps students start the term ready to learn.

The Aquinas College hat is a compulsory part of the summer uniform and must be worn whenever students are outdoors, including during recess, lunchtime and outdoor activities. We ask families to ensure their child has their hat with them every day and that it is clearly labelled with their name.

Students should wear the full academic summer uniform, with PE uniform worn only on scheduled PE days. Where trackpants are required as part of the PE uniform, only Aquinas College trackpants may be worn.

We also remind students that jewellery, grooming and makeup must meet College expectations. Makeup should be minimal, nails should be short and functional, and only clear nail polish is permitted. Students with a nose piercing may wear a single clear stud.

Please take some time to check uniform items for fit and condition and organise any replacements needed. College uniform items are available through Spartan School World in Bayswater.

Thank you for supporting these expectations and helping students develop consistent habits. Wearing the correct uniform, including the College hat outdoors, contributes to a safe, respectful and positive start to Term 4.

Jess Alger

Deputy Principal

 Spiritually Speaking: Celebrating a journey

This upcoming week we will be celebrating with our Year 12’s as they come closer to finishing their schooling journey with Aquinas. It is a time of great joy and reflection, tinged with a little sadness as they realise soon, they will not have the same type of contact with friends, staff and school routines. During this period of celebration, it is so important to help our students that while they are leaving Aquinas College from a daily perspective, they are not truly gone. Their relationship with the College grows to one on alumni.

There is a particular hymn, by Mark Schultz, that I really love when it comes to graduation celebrations called Faith Hope and Love. These are the lyrics for the opening of the song:

A chapter done, turn the page

And separate roads lead separate ways

But as we go, we're not alone

No, we're not alone

Because faith and hope and love

Are waiting for you when we say goodbye

So as our students are getting ready to walk our the gates, we pray as a community that their faith, hope and love guide them on newer grander adventures; with the knowledge that they are never alone. Their Aquinas community is waiting to welcome, celebrate and support them on their life journey. Illuminare et ardere.

Tania Grace

Assistant Principal Mission

Welcome back to Term 4. It has been a busy time over the holiday break for our Yr 12 staff and students with their Trial exam period in the second week of the holidays. I would like to thank our VCE Teachers for their dedication and assistance in the preparation of their students in the upcoming exams and their final assessments. I would also like to thank the House Leaders and Mentor teachers for their work on the final days for our Yr 12’s in preparation for Graduation next Friday 16th October. I know that they will make the final days for our Yr 12’s memorable.

We are heading "Under The Sea" in 2027!!!!!!

We are pleased to announce that the 2027 College Musical Production will be Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”. There has been much anticipation and excitement over the past few weeks!

You can see the students reaction here

Information regarding auditions are posted on the student notices and audition forms are due next Friday 16th October at 9.00am.

Gina Goss

Assistant Principal - Staff

  Congratulations to MacKillop House who are the winners of the inaugural AQ Cup.

The AQ Cup was introduced this year to celebrate and recognise the positive contributions of students across our school community. Points were collated throughout the year from inter-house competitions (with a strong emphasis on participation) as well as the number of commendations received and PBL cards awarded.

To celebrate their achievement, MacKillop students and staff enjoyed a special Celebration Day on Thursday 8th October which included a House BBQ and time to recognise their outstanding efforts.

A huge congratulations to all MacKillop students and staff. We look forward to another close contest and building on our House spirit when the AQ Cup returns next year.

Sam Storey
Director of Middle Years

Welcome back to Term 4 – a dynamic and hope-filled time of year. In the senior years, students are completing their final units of work, preparing for final assessments and, for many, their final examinations, with a sprinkling of celebratory activities along the way.

Year 10 Gala Ball

Tomorrow night, Cathie’s Lane Receptions will host the first Year 10 Gala Ball for 2026, proudly presented by Aquinas Parents and Community Engagement (PACE). This special event provides Year 10 students with the opportunity to participate in a unique family occasion. Students dress in black or white, perform their progressive dances and enjoy a formal dinner with their parents and invited staff.

Since mid-August, Year 10 students have been rehearsing weekly to perfect the dances they will perform. We are looking forward to seeing their hard work come to life and sharing this memorable occasion with students and their families. I am particularly looking forward to attending Night 2.

The Gala Ball would not be possible without the organisation and commitment of PACE, the dedicated staff and the involvement of our parents. Special thanks to Kate Treacey, for organisation on behalf of PACE; Ms Natasha Vasiliou and Liz Grierson for their event and administrative support; and staff for their supervision and support during rehearsals.

Looking Ahead

Next week, our Year 12 students will officially conclude their formal classes. Look further in this publication for photos from their Primary School Dress-Up Day. The whole school community looks forward to honouring our Year 12 students on Friday at Celebration Day, followed in the afternoon by the Graduation Evening, where families will join us to celebrate the Class of 2026 and their achievements.

Notices

Students undertaking VCE exams will receive their individual exam timetables in Mentor on Monday.

A reminder to our Year 12 families that Valedictory Dinner bookings are currently open and will close Friday 23rd October. Look for the email from the Registrar, dated 14th September.

Rachel Crawley

Director of Senior Years

 ‘Bittersweet’ is a word that is used so often during this time of year for us Year 12s. A last-first day, an upcoming graduation, a celebratory Valedictory dinner — events that define the destination of our journey as students at Aquinas. Bittersweet moments that we knew were upon us, just maybe not so soon! While we still have plenty of work to do in order to get over the final finish line, we can begin to reflect upon some of the efforts we have put in to get this far already.

In our most recent holidays, Unit 3 and 4 students across all subjects had the opportunity to undertake mock examinations under exam conditions. These mock exams gave us an introduction to the environment of our actual VCE examinations, allowing us to acclimate ourselves to the unique conditions of the exam hall. We wish all students the best of luck for their final exams. Additionally, throughout the start of this term, our Dance, Drama, and Music students will be undertaking their performance examinations. We hope they go well.

This week, the Year 12s had our final Dress Up Day — Primary school themed! It was very nostalgic seeing everyone squeezed into their old Year 6 jumpers, dresses and tops, as we were able to come back to and acknowledge where we came from and who we were when starting our high school journey. While it was a fun and lighthearted day, it also foregrounded the feeling of our time as students coming to an end once again, this time at Aquinas. It was a reminder of how we’ve come, and that new beginnings are around the corner.

To all our graduating Year 12s, remember that life is a game with two halves, and there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s the constitution. It’s justice. It’s Mabo. It’s the vibe. You are all about to venture out into the real world and take it by storm. And let us tell you, the world is not ready to meet the graduates of Aquinas College. Go get 'em, tigers!

Ria Jijose and Oliver Mees

School Captains

Rose Ennis and Will Elliott

School Vice Captains 

“R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.”

Asking isn’t always easy but it could change a life!! It is important that we all ask the question to our friends, peers, colleagues and loved-ones but we must be mindful that the help-giver or asker is supported too. They need to make sure they are ready, prepared and have picked a good time in order to support their own wellbeing.

R U OK? and Aquinas encourages people to invest more time in their relationships and build and strengthen informal support networks such as friends, family, coaches, teachers and colleagues, to be alert to those around them. Have a conversation if you notice signs of distress or difficulty and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they're in crisis. It is so important that people know they don’t have to provide the answers or solve the issue but listen, encourage the person to take action and suggest trusted adults or professionals they should link with, and most importantly, check in later.

In Week 8 of Term 3, we ran activities each day to raise awareness of this important cause. We used sport, art, physical movement, music, food, badges and bracelets, teamwork games and conversation circles to bring awareness to this important initiative. We provided students and staff with the skills and confidence to ask and then respond to the important question RUOK??

So where to now? Whilst there is one week dedicated to RUOK Day, it is important that this is just a reminder and a launching pad. EVERY day should be RUOK Day. We encourage members of the community to continue to check in on your mates, colleagues, peers and family members. A conversation can change a life!!

Sharon Daley
Director-Student Services

 Science at Aquinas: A Semester of Growth, Discovery and Achievement

Terms 3 and 4 have been an exceptionally busy and rewarding time for the Science Department at Aquinas College.

Throughout the semester, our focus has been on fostering a culture of high expectations across all year levels. Whether in the classroom, on excursions, through co-curricular opportunities, or in preparation for VCE examinations, students have been challenged to embrace curiosity, strive for excellence and actively engage in their learning. It has been pleasing to see students respond positively to these expectations, demonstrating resilience, enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to their scientific studies.

Science Week

A highlight of Term 3 was the celebration of National Science Week, where students showcased their passion for science and applied their learning to real-world situations. This year's theme, "Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All," encouraged students to explore how scientific understanding can grow from curiosity, collaboration and discovery. Students from Years 7 to 10 participated in a range of challenges across Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science, while Psychology classes also embraced the theme through subject-specific activities. For the first time, our Year 11 students joined the competition, creating a wonderful sense of excitement and engagement across the school.

The week proved to be an overwhelming success, with students enthusiastically competing to earn points for their House. Congratulations to Dominic House for taking out the overall title. The strong level of participation and school spirit has inspired the Science Department to explore even more opportunities for students to become involved in future years, including plans to incorporate our Year 12 students and make Science Week a true whole-school event.

Excursions

Students have also benefited from several exciting excursions throughout the semester. Our Year 12 Biology students attended the University of Melbourne, where they participated in a series of practical sessions focused on genetics and immunology. The experience provided an invaluable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a tertiary setting and gain insight into contemporary scientific research.

Our Year 11 Physics students also had the opportunity to bring their classroom learning to life through an exciting excursion to iFLY Melbourne. As part of their studies on forces and air resistance, students experienced the sensation of indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel, allowing them to observe and feel the effects of air resistance firsthand. The excursion provided a memorable real world application of key Physics concepts and highlighted the value of experiential learning through both education and enjoyment.

Environmental Science students also enjoyed a visit to Parliament House, where they toured both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council Chambers. Visiting on a sitting day gave students the unique opportunity to observe parliamentary proceedings in action, including debates, division bells and voting on proposed legislation. It was an engaging and memorable experience that highlighted the intersection between science, policy and decision-making.

Supporting our VCE students

As the year draws to a close, much of the department's focus has been on supporting our Year 12 students in preparation for their VCE examinations. Students studying Biology and Psychology attended revision lectures presented by experienced VCE examiners, allowing them to deepen their understanding of key concepts and target areas for improvement. These sessions were highly valued by students and have helped build confidence ahead of their final assessments.

In addition, many Science teachers have generously provided revision sessions outside normal school hours, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to student success. We are proud of the effort and dedication shown by both our staff and students and wish all Year 12 Science students every success as they complete their final examinations.

The Science Department looks forward to building on these successes and continuing to inspire curiosity, critical thinking and a love of learning throughout the Aquinas College community.

Alexandro Bazzano
Acting Science Learning Area Leader 

At 7:55 am on the first day of Term 4, most students were still adjusting to the early start. Our Year 11 Chemistry class was already on its way to the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC), ready to see how our classroom learning applies to one of the more unusual problems in modern science: space anaemia.

Space anaemia, usually linked to iron deficiency in astronauts, was the focus of the day. Our job was to investigate how the concentrations of magnesium and calcium relate to iron levels in the body. Working from this case study, we found an inverse relationship between calcium ions and iron(II) ions in the blood, and a direct relationship between magnesium ions and iron(II) ions.

To explore this, each group carried out two dilution experiments. We used the dilution formula (C₁V₁ = C₂V₂) to work out exactly how much of each solution we needed to make our standards, then prepared them with auto pipettes. We then tested our samples using two pieces of professional analytical equipment: a UV-visible spectrophotometer and an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Using calibration curves and absorbance measurements, we worked out the iron levels in our simulated astronaut blood samples. Not every result came out as accurate as we hoped, but that is part of real science.

The setting made the experience feel authentic. The facilities were professional, and we recorded our data and observations on iPads with Apple Pencils, which gave the whole session a futuristic feel and made note-taking easier.

Our supervisors, Josh and Cassie, were a highlight. They guided us through the equipment and helped whenever we got stuck. They also talked openly about their career pathways, their goals and what chemistry-related work can look like beyond school. Even outside the experiments, they were keen to chat about school life with us, which kept the day relaxed and fun.

For many of us, the best part was seeing how dilutions, calibration curves and ion relationships connect to a real problem. Working alongside professionals in their field showed us what a modern laboratory is like, and many of us are keen for more opportunities like it.

It was an early morning, but the whole class agreed it was worth it. 

Dianna Haines

Chemistry Teacher

As part of Aquinas Activities Week at the end of Semester 1, the Year 8 cohort participates in CONNECT 8 Week, a program designed to explore what it means to be a global citizen. Across the week, students consider a range of global and local issues, from becoming more sustainable in their everyday lives to investigating world crises, inequality and social responsibility. In doing so, CONNECT 8 Week brings to life the Year 8 core value of Stewardship.

An important part of the program is finding meaningful ways to give back to members of our wider community. This year, students focused on the residents of VMCH Wantirna and Roshana Willowbrooke in Ferntree Gully. Each Year 8 student had the opportunity to create a handmade gift and write a heartfelt card for a resident, offering a small gesture of connection and kindness.

This week, our Year 8 student leaders, joined by members of the Senior Harmony Choir, visited both aged-care communities to personally deliver the gifts and spend time with residents. The visits were accompanied by a wonderful range of performances, including musical solos and lively Latin choral numbers, providing a day of light-hearted entertainment and shared connection.

The experience was a valuable reminder that global citizenship begins within our own communities. Through simple acts of service, conversation and generosity, our students were able to put the value of Stewardship into action.

Sharna Cousland

CIS and Intercultural Learning Coordinator

John Pridmore, former London gangster helps feed two million students

“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 145:8).

During Term 3, we were privileged to welcome John Pridmore, a former London gangster whose powerful conversion to Christ when he was 27, has led him to a worldwide ministry of poverty reduction, evangelisation and faith formation. Through his personal testimony, John challenged students to recognise their dignity, embrace God’s mercy, and live lives of courage and purpose. His message of hope, forgiveness, and transformation provided a memorable witness to the life-changing power of faith. To find out more about John and his ministry especially how his organisation feeds two million students, go to https://www.johnpridmore.com/ . John’s work also financially supports agencies such as https://www.marysmeals.org.au/

Bernard Green
RE Learning Leader

On the 14th of September the VCE Dance Night was held, showcasing talent from Unit 2 and Unit 4 dancers. Solos, duos and a group dance were all presented to an audience full of family and friends. We had a great turnout, so thank you to everyone that came and supported our senior dancers.

In particular, thank you to those that came and cheered on our Year 12s, who performed on the Mahon Theatre Stage one last time. They have been working very hard in preparation for their External VCAA Performance Exams in October, in addition to their Written Exams in November.

The highlight of the night was the Unit 2 group dance entitled “Never Tear us Apart!”, exploring the theme of building an unbreakable bond with your peers. It demonstrated the technicality, control and precision of a contemporary dance, creating an uplifting atmosphere to close the show!

Our Year 9 and 10 Dance Showcase is coming up on the 27th of October, so please come along and support our dancers!

As this year turns to a close, it has been such an honour as the 2026 Dance Captain to cheer on and support the whole dance cohort here at Aquinas. I have loved observing all year levels shine onstage and offstage and I hope the dance community continues to grow as the years progress.

Taiya 

Dance Leader

In the last week of Term 3, the Year 11 Biology students visited Melbourne Zoo. The visit enabled the students to observe and collect information relating to primate adaptations and their habitats. After meeting early in the morning, we set off via bus and made our way to the zoo. We had a quick meeting once we arrived, gathered our bearings, interpreted the zoo map and set off in small groups to observe the range of primates living at the zoo.

It was a mild day with no rain which was lucky for us as this meant that many of the monkeys, gorillas, lemurs and the orangutans were out and about, exploring their enclosures and eating. First stop was the lemurs who were finding the early morning temperature a bit cool and were huddling close together, trying to stay warm. 

The next exhibit was the gorillas in their “Gorilla Rainforest”. They were quite active as the zoo keepers had just given them their breakfast. They were eating, manipulating tools and playing with the variety of toys the keepers had left out for them. Continuing on throughout the primate section we witnessed a range of different monkeys, gibbons, tamarins and marmosets.

But one of our favourite exhibits was the orangutans. They were inside on the day, playing with their toys and swinging on the ropes that had been set up in an obstacle-style course. Along with observing the behaviours of the orangutans, there was an interactive display informing visitors about the plight of the orangutans habitat destruction. Deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia, due to palm oil production is directly threatening orangutan survival. We were able to observe lots of informative displays throughout the entire primate zones, educating us further on the small steps we can take to encourage conservation of the primates.

After lunch, it was time for us to depart and head back to Aquinas. We had a very successful day collecting information and photographs to help prepare for our primate adaptations SAC.

Natalie Serong

Teacher

On Wednesday 7 October, five Year 8 students from our AGiLE program attended the Year 8 Academic Challenge Day at Kingswood College. Unlike many interschool competitions, the day did not see schools compete against one another. Instead, students were placed in mixed teams with pairs from two or three other schools, requiring them to collaborate with peers they had only just met.

Over four sessions, teams completed tasks in General Knowledge, English, Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Code Breaking, Visual Art, Poetry, Public Speaking, Spelling and Identify Me. All tasks for each session were distributed at the outset, so students had to divide the work according to each team member's strengths and manage several tasks simultaneously. With just one response submitted per task, effective communication and collaboration were essential. Students also worked without calculators, phones or reference material, relying solely on their own knowledge and reasoning.

The day provided a wonderful opportunity for students to think beyond the traditional classroom, apply their knowledge in unfamiliar situations and work with new people. They demonstrated curiosity, resilience, creative thinking and a willingness to embrace challenges, while also building confidence in sharing their ideas and learning from others.

A huge congratulations to all five of our Year 8 students, who represented the College so enthusiastically. Their positive attitude, teamwork and determination made them fantastic ambassadors for our school, and we are incredibly proud of the way they rose to the challenge!

With 20 tables competing in every task, every Aquinas student was part of a team that won at least one task outright, earning a first-place certificate. The students also spoke highly of the experience and have expressed a strong interest in participating in the Year 9 Academic Challenge Day in 2027.

Kate Chamberlain

Learning Enhancement Co-ordinator (AGiLE)

Congratulations to Year 11 student Fraser, who was selected to represent Australia in the Under 17 Joeys National soccer team. Fraser, who plays as a defender for Melbourne City FC U21, travelled to Spain from 21 September to 1 October, where the team played friendly matches against Panama and Morocco.

The matches formed part of the team’s preparation for the Under 17 FIFA World Cup in November. We congratulate Fraser on this fantastic achievement and wish him all the best for the possibility of selection for the World Cup squad!

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to be selected, along with nine other students from across the country, to participate in the spring edition of Australian Catholics magazine. The internship was suggested to me by Ms. Greenwood, who made me aware of the opportunity and encouraged me to complete the application process.

The internship took place over the span of a week in May, with all the student writers and the administrators of the programming congregating on Zoom. During the week, we conducted interviews, discussed the writing process, and began to plan our articles that would be featured in the upcoming issue. Our theme was “To Go Boldly”, and we were encouraged to think about what that statement means, along with other people in the community that may represent the theme in their actions, or everyday life.

I enjoyed the collaboration and interview aspect of the experience, as well as working alongside people within the industry of journalism and print. It helped develop my understanding of a side to media that I have never interacted with, and allowed for experience in a more professional environment which I appreciated.

I learnt a lot about the importance of drafting, perspective, pitches and purpose whilst writing, which allowed me to really understand the importance of truly planning your writing.

Having an article published under my name was pretty cool to see, and felt really fulfilling with all the effort put into the planning, drafting, interviewing and other processes required to write the article. The internship has absolutely changed my perspective on journalism and influenced me to further explore writing in similar areas.

Please read Ted's article in The Australian Catholics Magazine here.

My contribution to the magazine was focused on one of Aquinas’ own, Will, a young up-and-coming drummer I find inspiration in. We were told to record the interview process for clear recall when later referencing during the writing process - so I figured why not record the process properly, and create a short video accompaniment to pair with the article - that is how this video came about! It was not featured on the online version of Australian Catholics, and features my initial, more experimental, editorial photos I took on black and white film.

Ted - Year 11

You can watch the video on YouTube 

Aquinas Career News can be found HERE. 

Topics this week include:

• Dates to Diarise in Term 4
• VTAC 2027 Upcoming Key Dates
• Deakin Accelerate Webinar
• Box Hill Institute: Diploma of Nursing Pathway
• Monash University - Reminder: Maths & Science Prerequisites
  • Note: What does my first year in Science look like? - Discover Monash webinar
• University of Melbourne - Reminder: How to satisfy Subject Prerequisites
• RMIT University - Pilot Program: Meet English Requirements
• The Science Experience 2027
• Public Health Degrees in Victoria in 2026
• Snapshot of The Hotel School – Melbourne in 2026
• Snapshot of Chisholm Institute in 2026
  
• Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Vanessa Ramsay

Careers Counsellor