Principal's Report
Starting Term 4
As we publish this latest edition of The Lighthouse we are hearing reports of atrocities associated with conflict in Israel and Palestine. Pope Francis has asked Catholics to pray for Mary’s intercession ‘for the gift of peace in the many countries throughout the world marked by war and conflicts’. Having recently returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, I can only reflect on what a privilege it is to live in this part of the world and enjoy peace and freedom.
Please keep those who are being impacted by this heinous violence in our prayers, including those in Australia who are worrying about the wellbeing of family members at this time.
We are also collectively facing an important decision as we exercise democracy and participate in the referendum on the Voice to Parliament this weekend and the Australian Bishops Conference has released the following statement for your consideration. Next week marks the end of formal classes for our Year 12 VCE students and we celebrate with some important events. My thanks in advance to the team who are putting together a number of events to recognise our graduating class of 2023:
Graduation Mass
Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ringwood on Tuesday morning. We join the regular parish mass and parents/carers and parishioners are welcome to join us as we offer thanks for the gifts bestowed upon our graduating class.
Graduation Ceremony
Our Graduation Ceremony will be conducted on Monday evening and is a wonderful opportunity for families to gather with the graduating class to recognise that an important chapter in their lives is coming to a conclusion and to celebrate the achievements of our young people.
Final Assembly
Our final whole school assembly for the year will be conducted on Tuesday and we gather all of our students together in the gym to acknowledge the contribution of our graduating class and wish them well for the future. Year 12 parents/carers will receive a livestream link to be able to watch this event. Following the assembly, the graduating class will share lunch and some fun activities.
Valedictory Dinner
It is our tradition at Aquinas to conduct the Valedictory Dinner for the graduating class and parents/carers at the conclusion of the exam period. This year the Valedictory Dinner will be conducted on November 17 at the Pullman Albert Park.
Offers Year 7 2025
Offers will shortly be made to incoming students for Year 7 2025 who had placed an application at Aquinas College. As has been the case throughout my time at Aquinas, we are fortunate to have high demand for places at all year levels, but specifically coming in at Year 7. We know that most new families find out about Aquinas by word of mouth and we thank all our current families and students for continuing to represent our school in such a positive way.
Gala Ball
I had the great pleasure of joining with the Year 10 students and their families for the first of our Gala Balls on Saturday night at the Grand on Cathies Lane. Congratulations to the students on their mastery of the dances they have been taught over recent weeks. A highlight is always the dance with a special person and this year was no exception as the floor was filled with nervous students and even more nervous parents or friends. Thanks to the P&F who sponsor and coordinate this event, and to the staff who provide supervision both on the night and during the training sessions. The second Gala Ball is this Saturday.
School Closure - Monday 6th November
A reminder that the College is closed on Monday 6th November for all students except those sitting a VCE exam. School resumes on Wednesday after the Melbourne Cup public holiday.
Important Dates
A reminder of some key dates coming up:
Year 11 exams commence on November 13th.
Year 11 into 12 transition begins 20th November.
Year 11 Formal is 20th November.
Year 11 final day is 24th November.
Year 10 Exams commence 24th November.
Year 10 final day 1st December.
Year 7-9 Final Day 5th December
Year 7 2024 Orientation Day 7th December
Teaching Staff finish 12th December
Office Closes 20th December