Mother Mary

Among Christians, Catholics have a characteristic devotion to Mary, mother of our Lord, the ultimate model of motherhood as we approach Mothers Day this Sunday. The upcoming Feast of the Visitation (Lk 1:39-56) tells of the joyous meeting of two expectant mothers - Mary and her older cousin Elizabeth - which Fr Chris Gleeson points out occurs after an arduous journey by Mary on foot through Roman occupation.

What makes this Visitation scene so powerful is that Mary and Elizabeth choose to sing and dance in the chaos around them. It is a story of hope and a lesson for us that we must sing songs of hope for our own children.

Hope is not a resting-place, but a starting-point. It is a cactus, not a cushion; it should make us jump up and do something. George Bernard Shaw, wrote: ‘Life is no brief candle to me, it is a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as bright as possible before handing it on to a future generation.’

We join in a prayer of thanks for all mothers and female role-models in our lives who both light the way and ignite the spark to help our students to exemplify our College motto, Illuminare et Ardere, to light up and be on fire.

Community-building events
Earlier this week, Rice House held their inaugural House Celebration Day, including a liturgy focused on Blessed Edmund Rice and recognizing students in each Rice Mentor group who exemplify the Edmund Rice Touchstones: Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, and Justice and Solidarity.

Across the next fortnight we look forward to connecting with families at our annual Mother's Day Mass, to be celebrated in our College Chapel on Tuesday 12 May from 7.00pm. A light supper is provided afterwards for the chance to chat with staff and fellow Aquinas families.

The following week features our Term 2 College Mass and Term 2 College Assembly. As the only times we gather as an entire college this term, these gatherings are pivotal to belonging, connecting our staff and students to their faith and each other. The assembly theme of Community provides a showcase for the diversity of student clubs, talent and student leadership. We thank parents in advance for ensuring your child fully participates in the life of Aquinas by participating in both of these key events.

Celebrating our young musicians

Speaking of talent, congratulations to our music staff and students who travelled to Mt Gambier (SA) last weekend for Generations in Jazz (GIJ). Of particular note, two students were nominated for the Division 3 Superband and we were awarded Best Also Sax section. Please see below for more details.

I was blessed to hear and see their gifts and hard work first-hand at last night’s Not Just Jazz evening, including a welcome return of the Alumni Band and the combined talents of the music staff band. What a thoroughly enjoyable evening!

CIS Evaluation visit

Across this week we have hosted four international guests from the Council of International Schools (CIS) as the final phase of our quadrennial CIS re-accreditation. From a school tour last Sunday with our College Exec, to panel interviews with staff, students, and the SAC, to experiencing students in action in the classroom, yard, at Cafe N9ne and the Restaurant Night, they have been fully immersed in life at Aquinas College. We received very positive preliminary feedback at yesterday’s staff meeting and look forward to sharing outcomes from the full report in July.

David Broadbent

Principal

In the recent Professional Learning afternoon on April 30, staff were given the opportunity to explore opportunities and pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence and how it relates to our school experience (spoiler alert: it makes setting tasks to be done outside class less reliable). The experts from MACS Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment and Reporting (CPAR) Team covered the following topics.

• AI - possibilities and considerations (Catholic position, ethical and privacy considerations) and cautions
• The inconvenient truths of AI
• Preventions and pitfalls with AI
• Working with AI (Google tools and examples of how to prompt effectively)

We discussed the most used AI by students and staff, the Large Language Models, and spent some time on the ethical concerns, which relate to both people and the environment. We were also taken through how LLMs train on existing data and look for patterns, so AI can summarise, find and highlight well, it requires skilled instructions for analysis and evaluation and is often a hindrance to creativity.

Schools are places where we try to take students from being novices to experts. The real challenge for AI in schools is that much of it is used in the shadows and that in the hands of experts it might be time saving, but in the hands of novices it can prevent them from learning the basics that are essential to becoming an expert. We had a great deal to think about after the session.

Michael Box
Deputy Principal of Learning

Supporting Safe and Age-Appropriate Social Media Use

As a College, we continue to encourage families to support safe and age-appropriate use of social media and messaging platforms, including apps such as Snapchat. Recent government announcements and growing community concern have highlighted the importance of protecting young people online and ensuring that children are engaging with digital platforms safely and responsibly.

Many social media apps have minimum age requirements and expose young people to risks including cyberbullying, harmful content, online harassment, scams, and inappropriate contact from strangers. We encourage parents and carers to regularly discuss online behaviour with their children, monitor app usage where appropriate, and reinforce the importance of respectful and safe communication online.

Families are reminded that support is available through the Australian Government’s eSafety Commissioner, which provides advice, reporting tools, and practical resources for parents, carers and young people. The eSafety Commissioner can assist with concerns relating to cyberbullying, image-based abuse, online safety, social media issues, and harmful online content.

Useful resources include:

• Parents and carers guide: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
• Information about social media and age restrictions: https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide
• Reporting cyberbullying or harmful online behaviour: https://www.esafety.gov.au/report
• Advice for young people using social media safely: https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people
  
  

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting the wellbeing, safety and healthy development of our students both online and offline.

Jess Alger

Deputy Principal

If you love me you will keep my commandments.

In this week's gospel reading, Jesus continues to teach us how to love, through following the commandments. To obey and follow the commandments means you are respecting God and respecting the human dignity of your family, friends and community. Many aspects of the commandments are seen within secular society – why? Because they form the basis of human decency. Jesus wants us to be able to love, loving others and loving ourselves, just as the Father loves us. In preparing this week's article I read a lovely reflection on the “Christian Art” website; where the author said, “Love is not first of all a feeling. It is a decision, an act of the will. That is why Jesus can command it. We are called to choose to love: to will the good of the other, even when it is difficult, even when it costs.”

Soon it will be Pentecost, when we remember the power of the Holy Spirit giving us the gifts to help us to follow Jesus’ teachings. To have the strength, courage and wisdom to be able to love more.

I have included the link below for those who may like to read the whole article.

https://christian.art/daily-go...

Tania Grace
Assistant Principal Mission

Can you help??

The School Production team is on the hunt for some portable seating/ scaffold on wheels, for our July production of “Grease”. Something like this (But doesn’t need to be as wide):

Are there any Aquinas families that have contacts with a scaffold company that could assist us? If so, please contact me at the College.

Gina Goss

Assistant Principal - Staff

Recent Year 11 and 12 assemblies and VCE VM classes have focused on informing students about the General Achievement Test (GAT) that takes place June 16. Information about ‘Who sits the GAT’, ‘The purpose of the GAT’ and ‘Understanding the structure of the test’ were addressed.

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a component of the VCE assessment process, designed to evaluate general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy, and reasoning.

All students enrolled in one or more VCE VM, VCE VET or VCE Year 12 subjects (Units 3 and 4) must sit the GAT. This will include students from years 11 and 12 at Aquinas College.

• VCE and VCE VET students in 2026 who completed the GAT in 2025 must sit the GAT again.
• VCE VM students who met the Literacy and Numeracy standards in 2025 and are not undertaking any VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequences are not required to complete the GAT in 2026, however, they may opt to do so if they wish.

The GAT contains two tests; Section A and Section B. Section A is a literacy and numeracy assessment and Section B is general knowledge based on Mathematics, Science, Technology, Arts and Humanities. Each section begins with a 30 minute writing task, followed by 50-100 multiple choice questions.

On the day of the Test, all students must complete Section A. Any student undertaking VCE or a scored VCE VET Unit 3/4 sequences also complete Section B. VCE VM students who are those enrolled in the following VCE VET subjects, must sit both Section A & B of the GAT: Sports & Recreation, Hospitality, Cookery, Lab Skills and Sound Production.

Although the GAT isn't part of an ATAR, taking it seriously gives you a safety net. It can protect your results and support you in situations outside your control.

The GAT is important for students in the following ways:

Certifies Literacy and Numeracy for VCE VM Students

For VCE VM students, Section A results are recorded on a certificate that verifies literacy and numeracy achievement. The certificate should be added to your Resume.

Confirms the Validity of VCE Exams

If there's a discrepancy in your VCE exam or SAC (School-Assessed Coursework) scores, GAT scores are used to check for accuracy and may be used in statistical moderation which is used to calculate Study Scores. This ensures fair and consistent grading across the state.

Is used for Derived Examination Scores (DES)

If you're sick, injured, or unable to perform at your best during an exam and apply for a Derived Examination Score, your GAT results help calculate a fair replacement score. A strong GAT performance can boost this result.

Helps with Statistical Moderation of SACs

Your SAC marks are compared across schools using your school’s exam performance and the GAT. So, your GAT score can influence how your internal assessments are adjusted to align with external standards. Again, a strong GAT performance can positively impact this result.

Reminders

No special study is required beyond the general knowledge and skills built through regular study of subjects like English, Mathematics, Science and History. Nonetheless, knowing the structure of the GAT and reviewing the styles of writing tasks in the two sections will assist student preparation by reducing uncertainty of what is required and increase confidence in their approach.

Students are currently undertaking practice papers and will receive feedback for Sections A and B written components during future assemblies and VCE VM Literacy classes. Multiple choice sections will be made available to students to complete at home and self mark. Further details about the running of the GAT day will be emailed to families closer to the date.

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

In two weeks, our Year 9 cohort will step outside the classroom to participate in an exciting array of experiential learning programs. These programs are designed to foster independence, build resilience and strengthen relationships.

Students in Mannix, McCormack and Rice will head to the CBD from Monday to Friday; an opportunity for students to navigate the urban environment, develop their independence and engage with the rich history of the city.

Highlights of the week include:

• Sporting History: A behind-the-scenes look at the MCG.
• New Perspectives: Taking in the views from the Eureka Skydeck.
• Cultural Connection: An Indigenous Walking Tour along the Yarra River (Birrarung) to learn about the traditional owners of the land.
  
  Students in Chisholm, Dominic, and MacKillop will be focusing on personal growth and community. Their week begins with a series of school-based workshops centered on personal reflection and teamwork.
  
  Following these sessions, they will travel to Anglesea for a three day camp. This experience will push students out of their comfort zones through various outdoor activities allowing them to build confidence and leadership skills.On Monday the 11th of May all students will attend an assembly to go over the details and expectations.
  
  Lots of exciting stories and experiences to come!

Sam Storey
Director Middle Years

ANZAC DAY - Dawn service

On Saturday morning, a small group of us year 12 school leaders, along with Mrs Crawley and Ms Connor, attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Ringwood Clock Tower. We met up at the clock tower at 5:15 am and I can safely say that I've never been up so early before. We listened to members of the community speak about the relevance and importance of commemorating ANZAC day, as well as a speech outlining what exactly it means to be Australian. This was followed by a short prayer, the Last Post, and a minute of silence. As a group we laid a wreath at the base of the clock tower in memory of all those who had died in any wars or peacekeeping operations. It was amazing to see the huge turnout, as hundreds of people gathered to remember all those who we had lost. This was my first ANZAC Day dawn service, and while it was an absolute pain to wake up so early in the morning, I think it was an important thing for me to experience, at least once in my life, as an Australian.

Ria J

It was my first ANZAC Dawn Service, which made this year’s ever more special. Sharing the moment with hundreds of thousands of Australians and New Zealanders across the world really puts into perspective the respect and admiration that so many of us have for the ANZACs. The importance of the event stems from the recognition of the ANZAC spirit — upholding values of courage, honour, and mateship. The Ringwood Clock Tower service will be one to remember. For its part in commemorating those who fought for peace and the safety of future generations.

Oliver M 

It was an honour to attend the 2026 Ringwood ANZAC Day Dawn Service alongside many of those from our community. It was a beautiful commemoration allowing so many of us to reflect and acknowledge those who fought for our country and our freedom, and we were granted the opportunity to lay a wreath down alongside many others at the base of the Ringwood clocktower as a symbol of our gratitude. By around 6:00am in the morning, the words and prayers began as well as a minute of silence, reflecting on the sacrifice that many Australians made many years ago. This service acted as a reminder of what we have today, and what we may not have if not for the endurance of our soldiers.

Will E

I feel a huge sense of honour and pride that I got to be amongst hundreds of people at the dawn service on ANZAC day, underneath the Ringwood clock tower. The service was beautiful and highlighted the importance of resilience, gratitude, courage and mateship - values that the soldiers who fought in the war continue to represent and inspire in us today.

Ruby B

The Dawn Service is a special time for me, as it is a time of reflection on those who served and died for our country. Through silent reflection, I was able to reflect on the importance this day holds, as we commemorate the ANZACs who served and died for this country. Key values such as courage, mateship, and resilience were a key part of this service, as it made me reflect on how I can include these in my day-to-day life. Overall, it reinforced the importance of commemoration and fostered a sense of gratitude and respect for those who have contributed to our nation’s history.

Marco V

Aquinas Career News can be found HERE. Topics this week include:

• Dates to Diarise in Term 2
• News from ACU
  • Western Civilisation Webinar
  • Discover ACU Events
  • ACU Guarantee Early Offer and Pathways Webinar
•  Experience La Trobe Event
• Upcoming Workshops at Whitehouse Institute
  • Studio Lighting and Fashion Photography
  • Foundational Sewing Workshop

• Reminder: University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

• News from Monash University
  
  • Important Notice
  • Monash Engineering Girls

• Bachelor of Commerce – Marketing Technology at RMIT
• New Course – Bachelor of Chiropractic Science at Victoria University
• Zoos Victoria Careers Expo
• Architecture, Construction & Surveying Degrees in Victoria in 2026
• Snapshot of the University of Queensland (UQ) in 2026
• Snapshot of The University of Sydney in 2026
• Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Vanessa Ramsay

Careers Counsellor

The date for our Term 2 initiative, Tinnies for Vinnies, is fast approaching, beginning in week 5 on the 18th of May. Students will soon be asked to place donations at collection points which will be made available in their mentor classes.

Items such as canned food, pasta, rice, and toiletries will be greatly appreciated and all donations will be provided directly to St. Vincent de Paul for local distribution. 

While the items themselves are a small gesture of support, each item donated contributes towards a greater whole, particularly during a time where individuals are facing the cost-of-living squeeze in our local community.

As we approach week 5 of the school calendar, we kindly ask the Aquinas community to consider adding their kindness and generosity, and a non-perishable or two, to their weekly shopping where possible. The continued generosity of the Aquinas community has always been apparent and is greatly appreciated. We thank all students and families in advance for their support of the Tinnies for Vinnies initiative.

Nam Nguyen
Social Justice & Outreach Coordinator

Music update

On Friday 1 May, 53 students and 7 staff members travelled to Generations in Jazz in Mount Gambier for the weekend. With two stage bands, two jazz combos, two small choirs, and one large choir attending, Aquinas College was proudly and strongly represented throughout the festival.

Students auditioned for their places in these ensembles in October/November last year and have since worked tirelessly in preparation for the event. The Music Department is incredibly proud of the dedication, professionalism, and musicianship displayed by all students. It was also fantastic to see the encouragement and support students showed one another across the entire weekend.

A special congratulations to Mia G and Ruby M, who were recognised as part of the Best Alto Section in their division, as well as Eden S and Samantha M, who were awarded prestigious Superband positions in their division.

Following the festival, many of the students also performed at the College’s Not Just Jazz Night, held last night at The Round. This was the first time the event had been hosted in the venue, and the beautiful performance space provided the perfect setting to showcase the outstanding talent of Aquinas students.

Alison Bellew

Music Programs Co-ordinator

Laudato Si' Week 17th – 24th May

From Hope to Action

Laudato Si’ Week 2026 invites us to move from hope to action. Hope is not passive; it is lived and shared through daily choices, community life, prayer, and concrete acts of care. This year reminds us that ecological conversion grows step by step—through relationships restored, creation protected, and communities strengthened. The next chapter of Laudato Si’ begins with us, wherever we are. Laudato Si’ is Pope Francis’ call for people to care for our common home by protecting the environment, supporting human dignity, and working together for a more sustainable and just world.

“Hope would have us recognize that there is always a way out, that we can always redirect our steps, that we can always do something to solve our problems.”

These seven goals provide guidance on urgent and immediate actions each one of us can take in the care of our common home. “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents” (Laudato Si’ 14)

The seven goals are:

Goal 1 Response to the Cry of the Earth. To regenerate the earth and care for God's creatures.

The Response to the Cry of the Earth is a call to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all, as we equitably address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and ecological sustainability. It calls us to consider how through caring for the environment, we are considering the livelihood of others as well.

Goal 2: Response to the Cry of the Poor. To care for the poor and vulnerable

The Response to the Cry of the Poor is a call to promote eco-justice and being aware that we are called to defend human life from conception to death, and all forms of life on Earth.

Goal 3 Ecological Economics. To make economic decisions that put the planet and people before profit. 

Ecological Economics focuses on how the goods and services we produce and consume, impact the planet and those living on it.

Goal 4 Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles. To live a simple life so that others may simply live

This goal is grounded in the idea of having enough, so that others can have enough too.

It asks us to consider how we use resources and energy in a way that avoids wastage or pollution

Goal 5 Ecological Education. To educate ourselves and others

This goal looks at the importance of Ecological Education throughout one’s life, and how we can more consistently and authentically embed it within the various places we learn.

Goal 6 Ecological Spirituality. To form our hearts as well as our minds

Ecological Spirituality aims to help us to “discover God in all things”, both in the beauty of creation and in the sighs of the sick and the groans of the afflicted.

Goal 7 Community Resilience and Empowerment. To participate in society and share our gifts with others

Community resilience calls for us to develop the confidence to face social and environmental challenges that may arise. This goal also encourages community engagement and participation at various levels, so that we can all play a part in making a positive difference in our world.

Students are encouraged to regularly check SIMON for Laudato Si’ Week (17th–24th May): From Hope to Action. Throughout the week, there will be a range of activities and opportunities to participate in, celebrate, and care for our wonderful environment. We encourage all students and families to get involved and turn hope into meaningful action.

Simple ways students and families can participate:

• Reduce waste at home and school by using reusable drink bottles, lunch containers, and shopping bags.
• Choose sustainable transport such as walking, riding, carpooling, or using public transport where possible.
• Conserve energy and water by turning off lights, shortening showers, and being mindful of household use.
• Spend time in nature by planting, gardening, cleaning up local spaces, or simply appreciating and protecting the environment together.

Karyn Myers

Sustainability Coordinator

This year Aquinas entered three teams into the Kids' Lit Quiz, an annual event that tests young readers on their knowledge of children’s books, authors, and literary themes in a fun and fast-paced quiz. Schools from across the country compete in regional heats, with the national champions earning a spot in the World Final. Competing in the State Heat, Aquinas students held their own, winning multiple rounds and taking home several book prizes. Luke G also won a bonus round against all participants in the competition.

Our overall places were as follows:

Aquinas Team 1 - 5th
Aquinas Team 2 - 18th
Aquinas Team 3 - 14th

All students showed outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship, respect, and kindness throughout the day, representing themselves and Aquinas well.

Kate Chamberlain
Learning Enhancement Coordinator (AGiLE)

On 27 April, our Year 8 and Year 9 students attended the International Chinese Language Day Celebration and the CLTAV Chinese Reading Competition for Year 8 and Year 9 learners of Chinese. During the event, students engaged in a variety of traditional Chinese cultural activities, including performances of traditional Chinese musical instruments, folk dances, and calligraphy. Annika took part in a traditional Chinese wooden clapper performance. Our school also achieved second place in the Modern Chinese Culture Trivia Competition.

We are especially proud of our outstanding Chinese Mandarin learners: Marilyn I (Year 8) and Caleb A (Year 9), who participated in the 2026 CLTAV Years 8 and 9 Chinese Reading Competition - an international event featuring over 19 schools, including participants from Malaysia. Representing Aquinas College with remarkable spirit, both Marilyn and Caleb demonstrated excellent presentation skills, completed their reading tasks to a very high standard, and showcased their impressive dedication to learning Chinese.

–Aquinas Languages Department

Student reflections:

On Monday year 8 and 9 Chinese students went to the Chinese reading competition at Doncaster Secondary College. For the first half of the day there were many different cultural activities like drumming and folklore dances. The next half of the day was the reading competition, where everyone tried their best to win. My favourite part of the excursion was that I got to meet different people and learnt new words/skills.

Marilyn I  - Year 8 Chinese student

The recent Chinese excursion to Doncaster Secondary College was both educational and enriching, offering opportunities to engage with the Chinese community and immerse myself in cultural practices. A key highlight was delivering short speeches in Chinese, which boosted confidence and real-world communication skills. I also participated in activities such as singing and traditional Chinese arts, making the experience both fun and informative. Overall, the excursion deepened interest in Chinese language and culture, leaving participants grateful and eager for future enrichment opportunities.

Caleb A  - Year 9 Chinese student

RICE HOUSE – Celebration Day

Rice House students came together for a special Liturgy led by their house leaders and student house representatives.

A meaningful celebration honouring their House Patron, Blessed Edmund Rice, and the values that continue to inspire their House and our community.

The day also included a wristband token, an introduction to the new House Award - Edmund Rice Touchstone awards, a celebration of PBL success and mentor games – a fun and engaging way to celebrate their patron while bringing students together, strengthening House spirit, and building connections across the cohort and keeping the new found traditions.

Elisa Bettiol and Scott Watkins

Rice House Leaders

PACE NEWS

Our wonderful 2026 PACE committee is up and running with many different ideas and opportunities that we would like to share with you.

Hosting Supper at Mothers’ Day mass Tuesday 12 May.

We are joining students and families for the Mothers’ Day Mass and Supper. We are hosting the supper. It would be lovely to see you there and have a chat over a cuppa. Make sure you RSVP using the link on the invitation.

SAVE THE DATE - Family Comedy Night

Saturday June 20 6.30 - 10.30pm

More information to come.

Watch this space!

Gala 2026

Preparations for the 2026 Year 10 Gala Ball are well underway. We have a small subcommittee working to put everything together and are currently organising the dance practices.

Can you help at an event night?

We have two events coming up in term 2 and 3 where we are looking for parent help running the foyer canteen. A committee member will be there each night to help and answer questions. Any help is appreciated - even just a night would really help the team. Dates are below and you can email Parents and Friends - President to express interest or to find out more.

June 20 - Evening event Comedy Night

July 23 - 25 Evening events School Production

July 30 - Aug 1 Evening events School Production

Helping our Community

Our fundraising goes towards helping our students through a wide range of possibilities including, infrastructure, furniture, shade sails, programs etc.

Last term PACE Network were proud to help contribute towards:

• Generations in Jazz jackets.
• Bursary Fund for Aquinas students needing assistance

We are planning to discuss more ideas of how we can help with staff and students.

PACE committee

Congratulations to the Senior Girls Softball, Indoor Cricket and Boys Touch for winning the EISM Grand Finals this week!
A special shout out to the Girls Indoor Cricket team, as this was the first time Aquinas has ever taken the premiership!

Congratulations to our Senior boys cricket team who won the EISM Grand Final last week.

In a nail-biting finish, Mt Lilydale needed 7 runs in the final over, but Nicholas S held his nerve, brilliantly taking his third wicket of the match to seal the win for Aquinas with just 2 balls remaining.


Boys Cricket:
Aquinas 10/109 vs Mt Lilydale 10/104 

Player of the Match: Nicholas S
Leading Run Scorer: Fin M (28)

Girls Indoor Cricket:
Aquinas 183 vs Emmaus 88
Best Player - Imogen Farrell

Girls Softball:
Aquinas 8 vs Mt Lilydale 4
Best Player - Ruby Bracegirdle

Boys Touch:
Aquinas 10 vs Billanook 9
Best Player - Tanner Bell

Renee Johns and Erin Richards

Sports co-ordinators