Principal's Report
Welcome Back
I want to congratulate the whole student community on how well they have commenced the year and shown both enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose in the first few weeks. This was most evident during the recent lockdown and I am pleased to say that the majority of students appear to have switched to online learning without any noticeable loss of momentum. Thank you to our teaching and support staff who have once again demonstrated their considerable expertise in rapidly moving the learning online. Thank you also as parents and guardians for your continued support and encouragement - a positive comment goes a long way. We look forward to resuming our COVID-normal onsite learning program.
COVID-19 Communication and Updates
The College will communicate the latest advice that we have received about COVID-19 requirements via our College website: https://www.aquinas.vic.edu.au/latest-covid-19-update. We will alert you via email when there is a significant update to the advice. In the rare event that there is a critical incident requiring immediate action you will also receive an SMS. It is important that we have the most recent and accurate contact information in our system in case of such an emergency.
Ash Wednesday
On Wednesday morning Ash Wednesday ceremonies were shared in Homeroom to mark the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The faithful traditionally receive ashes on their forehead as a visible symbol of penance. Aquinas also marks Lent through our Project Compassion campaign in support of Caritas. The Caritas website is an excellent resource and presents a case study each week that highlights projects where support from Caritas is making a difference.
Celebrate Excellence Evening
Our Celebrate Excellence Evening needed to be cancelled on Monday evening and will now occur on Monday, March 1st. Invitations have already been distributed. Should you have any questions please contact Ms Liz Grierson in the Senior Years Office (9259 3042). On the topic of excellence, it was pleasing to learn recently that Harriet Braat (Graduating Class of 2020) has been selected to perform in the VCAA Season of Excellence Top Class concert. Congratulations to Harriet and also her teachers Mr Adrian Perri & Ms Lisa Sully.
Opening Mass and Assembly
With the cancellation of our Opening Mass and Assembly this week I can confirm that we intend to conduct these events on Tuesday, March 2nd instead. A reminder that these are student only events so that we can comply with COVID-19 restrictions regarding area density maximums.
Open Day
Advance notice that on Sunday March 21 we will have our Open Day from 12pm to 3pm. Tours will be conducted on 20 minute intervals with the last tour departing at 2.20pm. Bookings are not required. Parents with a child in Grade 5 are reminded that the enrolment period for the 2023 Year 7 class closes on Friday, August 20th, 2021. Please note that we do not presume that you are enrolling your child at the College and that an application is required. Should you have any questions please contact College Registrar, Ms Madeleine Kalla on 9259 3008.
Aquinas Leading Lights
We need your help to identify members of our Alumni who deserve recognition as an “Aquinas Leading Light” later in the year. The 'Leading Lights' program seeks to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Aquinas Alumni in a specific field. The selection panel will consider candidates in the following categories. Academia, Arts and Entertainment, Business, Civics, Science and Technology, Service, Education, Sport, Religious Life, Health. Please refer to our website to see our past inductees and contact Madeleine Kalla on 9259 3008 if you have any recommendations.
Aquinas School Advisory Council
It is my pleasure to introduce the members of the Aquinas School Advisory Council (formerly Aquinas College Board):- Fr Tony Doran Parish - Priest, Ringwood
- Mr Paul Ayton - Chair
- Mr Darren Atkinson - Principal
- Mr James Burston - Financial Advisor
- Mrs Angela Jordan - Parent and Representative of St John’s Parish, Mitcham
- Ms Cheryl Kane - Staff representative
- Mr Chris Leahy - Parent Representative
- Mr Dave Mutimer - Primary Principals’ Representative
- Mrs Denise Raven - Representative of Parents & Friends Committee
- Mr Dean Scott - Parent and Representative of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Ringwood
- Miss Charlise Smith - Student Representative
- Ms Joanne White - Parent Representative
- Mr Paul Benedict - Business Manager
- Ms Maddy Kalla - Secretary
Darren Atkinson
Principal