Principal's Report
Covid-19 Update
You would be aware that our public health officials are reporting that a new wave of COVID-19 is emerging and that rates of infection are rising quite rapidly (and you probably know someone who is currently suffering from the virus as it is becoming more prevalent).
It is strongly recommended that students:
- who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days.
- should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.
- who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.
A reminder that face masks and RATs continue to be recommended as the best way to prevent exposure and spread of the virus and are available upon request at the Student Offices. The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home. Additionally, the department recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.
We are required to notify MACS of COVID-19 positive cases at the College, although we are no longer required to report these to our community. Please contact Mrs Suzanne Fernandes on 9259 3043 or deputyprincipal@aquinas.vic.edu.au to report positive student cases.
Valedictory Dinner
Our graduating class gathers for the final time this evening for their formal farewell from the College. There will be 127 families at the Valedictory Dinner whose youngest or only child is graduating and I want to acknowledge these families and thank them for choosing Aquinas College. Thank you, also, to Mrs Liz Grierson who has coordinated this event with support from the Year 12 Leaders and the team at the Pullman Albert Park.
Year 11 Formal
Year 11 students will get an opportunity to gather to celebrate the end of the year with a Formal on Tuesday evening. This event will be conducted at Leonda By The Yarra. Thank you to the Year 11 Leaders and Mrs Grierson for coordinating this evening.
St Mary’s Graduation
It was a pleasure to join the families, students and staff yesterday to celebrate the graduation of our St Mary’s for the Deaf (Aquinas Campus) students - Tahlia Cooper, Taylor Murray, Hayley Edgar and Sam Armstrong. We are offered a valuable insight into the challenges posed by profound deafness and the resilience required of our young people and their support network to achieve this milestone.
Aquinas School Advisory Council Meeting
The last meeting of the School Advisory Council for the year was held on Tuesday evening. Mr Chris Leahy presented the Annual Report and thanked Mr James Burston and Mrs Angela Jordan for their service as they leave the SAC. Mr Leahy reported that it has been a very productive year with a strong focus around our Annual Action Plan and the planned redevelopment of the tennis courts. In response to feedback from our communication survey, it has been decided that the SIMON Everywhere app will be introduced at the College.
Commencement Dates for 2023
Monday, January 23- Main Office opens
Friday, January 27- Senior and Middle Years Office opens, Teaching Staff commence.
Tuesday, January 31- Year 7 New Families. Information Evening
Wednesday, February 1- Year 7 and Year 12. Commence
Thursday, February 2- All Students Return.
Term Dates 2023 - Students
Term 1: Thursday, February 2 (Feb 1 Year 12 & 7) to Thursday, April 6.
Term 2: Monday, April 24 (Parent/Teacher Interviews - no classes) to Friday, June 23.
Term 3: Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, September 15.
Term 4: Tuesday, October 3 to Tuesday, December 5.
Darren Atkinson
Principal