Pentecost: the birth of Christian Community

This Sunday we celebrate the Pentecost, the event commonly referred to as the 'birth of the Church’, as the disciples were imbued with gifts of the Holy Spirit to then go forth to preach the Good news through both word and example. This week’s College Assembly theme was ‘Community’, exploring the parallels between the ways the early Christians attracted converts through each individual’s lived faith and the ways that we as Aquinas students and staff build community through our everyday actions. Our Aquinas values define the high expectations we have for ourselves and each other: Belonging, Stewardship, Perseverance, Justice, Compassion, Spirituality. Together with our PBL behaviours of being Responsible, Safe, Fair & Kind, they represent every part of who we want to be: being our best selves academically, in our behaviour, our faith, our presentation standards and who we are outside school.

Our student leaders presented some of the many ways this has been evident in recent weeks: through Faith, Sustainability, Social Justice, Sports, Music, Dance, VCE VM, the Aq Cup, and our College Captains & Vice Captains. Throughout this newsletter please enjoy reading of the many ways our students ‘light and be on fire’, using their gifts and positive example to build our Aquinas Community.

Congratulations to EISM Athletics Squad

On Monday this week our Aquinas Athletics squad truly showed their commitment by gathering in the early hours to head in for the EISM Division 1 carnival under threatening skies. Those who attended acquitted themselves admirably and we congratulate our young athletes and their dedicated coaches for representing our College so well. For details of group and individual achievements, please see the sports section below.

Breadth of VCE offerings

A recent article in the Age highlighted the breadth of VCE offerings available in Victorian schools. At Aquinas we are proud to offer subjects and courses that cater to every student's pathway. This has resulted in Aquinas offering the second-highest number of VCE subjects of all Victorian Catholic schools, ensuring that every student can discover their place and access the widest choice of pathways both at and beyond Aquinas.

David Broadbent

Principal

Thank you

As we continue to work together to maintain the high standards and positive culture of Aquinas College, we would like to sincerely thank parents and carers for your ongoing support. Your partnership plays a vital role in helping our students present themselves with pride, engage positively in their learning and contribute to a respectful school environment.

Attendance:

Regular attendance at school is vital for young people’s social, emotional and academic development. Attendance below 80% means that a student may miss approximately 38 days of school across a Victorian school year — the equivalent of almost eight weeks of learning. Extended absences can have a significant impact not only on academic progress, but also on a student’s wellbeing, friendships, sense of belonging and connection to school routines.

We understand that there can be a range of circumstances contributing to attendance difficulties, and we remain committed to working collaboratively with you to support your child. However, improving attendance now is important to ensure your child can successfully engage in their learning and school life moving forward.

New processes:

This term, the College has refined several processes to ensure greater clarity and consistency in how we communicate student expectations with families. Parents and carers now receive direct notifications when a student receives a uniform or mobile phone infringement. These notifications will outline the expectation that has not been met, along with any next steps where required.

As a reminder:

Students who are out of uniform on three occasions will receive an after-school detention.

Students who have their mobile phone confiscated on three occasions will also receive an after-school detention, and a parent or carer will be required to collect the device from the College.

We greatly appreciate the support of families in reinforcing the importance of students wearing the correct uniform, remaining off mobile phones during the school day and upholding the high standards expected at Aquinas College. These expectations help create a focused, respectful and positive learning environment for all students.

We would also like to thank families for their continued support in ensuring students wear the correct Aquinas College trackpants as part of the PE uniform. If a student does not have the correct Aquinas trackpants, they should attend school in full academic uniform and change for their PE lesson, sport or dance session, rather than attending school in PE uniform.

Jess Alger

Deputy Principal

Spiritually Speaking - Pentecost

“and there appeared to them tongues as of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak different languages as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.” Acts 2: 3-4

Pentecost celebrates the apostles receiving the Holy Spirit and also marks the end of the Easter season. The readings this Sunday are beautiful, celebrating the gifts of the Holy Spirit and Jesus providing the apostles with the ability to go out into the world and forgive. 'Peace be with you. 'As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.' Jn 20:21. In turn, the apostles leave the locked room in which they were hiding and move out into the broader community to spread the Word.

At Pentecost, we are reminded that we are all anointed with the Holy Spirit, making us one body in Christ. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are like virtues and through these virtues we gain the fruits of the Holy Spirit which are the values formed from the gifts. Our Aquinas core values, belonging, stewardship, perseverance, justice, compassion and spirituality reflect these fruits of the spirit. Each day, as we work to develop our values through the Spirit of Aquinas program, we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us to build better relationships with each other and with God.

This weekend, may the Holy Spirit fill us all with the gifts and fruits of God’s love.

Tania Grace
Assistant Principal Mission

Inspirational Leaders

This week I attended “In Conversation with Michelle Obama” at the Melbourne Convention Centre which was truly inspirational. The former First Lady spoke about her childhood and how she knew from the age of four that she always wanted to “do better”. This was something that her parents and teachers noticed in her at a young age. Coming from a working class family on the south side of Chicago, Michelle spoke of the strong work ethic that was modelled by her parents and extended family, and the teachers who noticed her passion for learning and . As teachers and parents, we should remember that being present for the young people in our lives has an ongoing impact on their journey to adulthood. I’m sure we all remember a standout memory of an adult from our years at school that has shaped us today. Michelle also spoke about building resilient young people in our society today, not to focus on material possessions and negative behaviour and influences.

Her motto “When they go low, we go high” was a great example of how to be the “better” person in the picture, and not to give “airtime” to others who bring us down. We should encourage our students and children everyday to focus on positivity, gratitude and mindfulness.

VCSSDPA Women in Leadership Dinner 2026

Staff from Aquinas College accompanied Mr Broadbent and myself to the annual dinner last night at the Sofitel. Keynote speaker, Sacred Heart Oakleigh Alum, Fiona Hayes, spoke about her career progression and now CEO of 7-11 Australia. She drives business strategy and strengthens the brand as Australia's leading convenience retailer. Fiona spoke to the guests about key aspects of being a leader: showing up matters, communication is key, working as a team, planning for mistakes, and forward planning. You can find out more information about Fiona;s career journey here: Fiona Hayes

Employment at Aquinas

The Employment tab on the College website is the location to apply for casual teaching and non- teaching positions, and positions vacant. If you know of anyone who would like to work at Aquinas, please direct them to the Employment portal.

Gina Goss

Assistant Principal - Staff

Our Term 2 Assembly was a powerful reminder of what it means to belong to a strong and supportive school community. Through many student presentations and performances, and through achievements in social justice, sustainability, performing arts, sports, and the VCE VM, we saw the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Individuals used their unique strengths to work toward a common goal. Each student's contribution highlighted how much can be achieved when people encourage and celebrate one another's successes.

Community is evident not only on the assembly stage but also in our classrooms every day, in interactions in the yard and in family communications. It appears when students work together to understand difficult content and support classmates who may be struggling. Students show warmth and care in their conversations and comments, and encourage one another to do their best. Community is also reflected in the respectful relationships among staff, parents, and students, and in the positive choices our young people make each day. A strong community is built when people feel safe, included, and valued for who they are.

Our assembly prayer, produced and read by Marco Vincitorio, Faith Captain, captured this spirit beautifully: “Help us to show kindness, respect, and courage in all that we do. Guide us to make positive choices and to bring out the best in our friends so they can do the same.” These words remind us that every member of our school community can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

At the same time, we must recognise that enemies to building community are: blame and treating others as outsiders. When responsibility and empathy are missing, relationships can be damaged. People within our school can feel isolated or excluded. A thriving community requires us to listen, to understand different perspectives, and to treat each person with dignity and compassion.

As we continue through the term, we recognise the important role parents and families play as partners in education. Together, students, staff, and families can keep building a connected, supportive, and thriving school community. We want everyone to feel valued and encouraged to succeed.

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

As we move through to the halfway point of Term 2 it is natural for students to feel the ‘mid-term grind.’ The ‘buzz’ and energy at the start of a new term can be replaced by fatigue, assessments and fluctuations in motivation.

Despite this, it has been pleasing to observe the effort, resilience and perseverance that our students demonstrate each day. We notice the commitment that students are showing in their learning and the way that many are striving to exceed their own expectations.

As we enter the second half of Term 2, we encourage all students to continue to meet the high standards that they have set for themselves and finish the term as strongly as they started.

Success is built through consistently valuing ‘the little things’ that are within our control. Simple habits such as arriving on time, bringing the correct learning equipment to class, wearing the school uniform correctly and standing quietly before lessons all contribute to a calm, positive and productive learning environment.

These small actions, when completed consistently collectively, have a significant impact on both individual success and the culture of our school community and we look forward to working with our students to finish the term well.

Sam Storey
Director Middle Years

It’s hard to believe that we are already five weeks into Term 2. For most of us Year 12s, we have already had a plethora of SACs and assignments due as we begin to focus on finishing Unit 3 and beginning Unit 4. This week, all students undertaking a Unit 3/4 subject sat the practice GAT, helping us prepare for the real thing later in June.

This term, we have launched a whole school initiative to increase engagement within houses. The AQ Cup is a friendly competition between houses, with each house receiving points based on PBL Acknowledgement Cards, commendations and participation in school events. PBL Cards are given out by staff when they recognise that a student is acting in a Safe, Fair, Kind or Responsible manner. However, points can also be lost by houses due to uniform or mobile phone infringements, encouraging students to follow school expectations. Congratulations to Dominic House who is in the lead!

We are also attempting to encourage house spirit through interhouse competitions between mentors. As proud members of Dominic House, we have been participating in paper plane throwing competitions, a basketball shootout, and a mastermind quiz, with more fun activities to follow each week. We encourage everyone to participate in every opportunity to get involved, show their house pride, and contribute to their team’s success. These activities not only build friendly competition but also strengthen connections between students across year levels.

As the term progresses, it’s important that we continue to support one another through what can be a challenging and busy time. Making time to stay organised, ask for help when needed, and maintain a healthy balance between school and personal life will be key to finishing the semester strongly. Let’s keep working hard, supporting each other, and showing pride in our school community.

Ria Jijose and Oliver Mees

School Captains

Laudato Si’ Week - 17th - 24th May

Laudato Si’ Week is a global celebration where Catholics around the world turn hope into action for our common home. Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to care for creation, it encourages people to protect the environment, uphold human dignity, and work together towards a more sustainable and just world. It is also a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate and live the value of stewardship, one of the core values of Aquinas College.

One Week. One Action. A Global Catholic Response.

The invitation is intentionally simple: choose one action and make it count during Laudato Si’ Week. Mentor groups have had the opportunity to be involved in a range activities across the week.

Dominic Mentor 8 has been exploring the environmental impacts of fast fashion and the sustainability challenges it creates. In Victoria, fast fashion contributes to significant environmental issues, with the average Victorian purchasing approximately 55 new clothing items each year according to Sustainability Victoria. High levels of clothing consumption contribute to textile waste, environmental pollution, and ethical concerns within global supply chains.

As part of their learning, students developed a range of practical recommendations to help reduce the negative impacts of fast fashion.

Fast Fashion Freeze – Actions Recommended by 8 Dominic

• Wash clothes less frequently to save water and energy. This also helps reduce the number of microplastic fibres entering waterways. Yr 7 Tyler
• Swap clothes with friends to extend the life of garments and reduce waste. Yr 12s Sabine and Leah
• Donate clothes that are still in good, wearable condition. Yr 9 Indiana
• Make ethical clothing choices where possible by supporting sustainable and responsible brands. Students recommend exploring Ethical Clothing Australia.

Karyn Myers

Sustainability Coordinator

 
Year 7 Immunisations  

The Secondary School Immunisation Program offers free National Immunisation Program schedule vaccines to all eligible Year 7 students. The Maroondah Council Immunisation Team will deliver immunisations to consented students onsite at Aquinas College.

Date -  Wednesday June 3 2026

• Diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough (pertussis) -single injection
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

 Consent form link for Year 7 Students

All families are to please complete the online consent form to either consent or not consent to immunisations by Thursday 28 May.

Should you have any questions regarding the immunisations please  follow contact information provided by the Maroondah Council in the information and consent form link letter which you will find HERE

Health centre staff

 On Thursday 8 May, our Year 12 Environmental Science students spent the day in the field, visiting Werribee Open Range Zoo and Mt Rothwell Conservation and Research Centre as part of their unit on biodiversity, sustainability, and fieldwork skills. The excursion gave students a rare opportunity to compare two very different — but equally important — approaches to conservation, reinforcing the idea that protecting our native wildlife is rarely one size and doesn't always fit all.

The day began at Werribee Zoo, where students explored the role that modern zoos play in conservation. Zoos Victoria is Australia's leading conservation institution, operating more captive-breeding and wildlife recovery programs than any other organisation in the country. Students examined how ethical frameworks, sustainability principles, and the knowledge of Traditional Owners all shape conservation decisions.

Beyond the classroom discussions, students got hands-on experience using fieldwork techniques to collect real data in support of Zoos Victoria's ongoing research into Victoria's native grasslands and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot — a species that has faced significant pressure in the wild.

The afternoon took students to Mt Rothwell Conservation and Research Centre, a privately managed sanctuary and the largest feral predator-free ecosystem in Victoria. It is home to approximately 80% of the mainland Eastern Barred Bandicoot population — currently the only stable, self-sustaining population of this species on the Australian mainland. The sanctuary also runs highly successful breeding programs for the Eastern Quoll and the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby.

Here, students actively participated in Mt Rothwell's ongoing trapping and monitoring program for native marsupials. In the late afternoon, they set live traps across the sanctuary before heading out on a spotlighting walk, where they encountered a wonderful variety of nocturnal species. Returning to the traps, the group had an exciting haul: two Eastern Quolls, two Rufous Bettongs, and a Long-nosed Potoroo.

Each animal was carefully processed by staff — checking body condition, weight, sex, and microchip records — before being released unharmed. This monitoring ensures the health of individual animals and helps researchers track whether new breeding is occurring within the population. The group was fortunate to trap one Bettong with no previous capture record, meaning students witnessed the full process of microchipping and DNA sampling before the animal was released back into the sanctuary.

Throughout the excursion, students demonstrated genuine enthusiasm and thoughtful engagement. Their ability to connect what they observed in the field with the concepts they've been studying in class was a real highlight — a credit to the curiosity and commitment they bring to their learning.

I would like to thank Mr Brett Donohue for joining us on this excursion.

Ms Kate Chamberlain

VCE Environmental Science teacher 

Student Reflections

Our Enviro excursion was one of the best excursions I had in my whole years of schooling. It was fun and interesting at the same time. My favourite part was probably trapping the animals at Mount Rothwell because of what we learnt and saw about the endangered animals. My favourite animal we saw at Mount Rothwell was probably the Eastern Quoll, because it was so small and cute.  - Rohan S 

Werribee Zoo was quite the experience in itself. Aside from wandering around the zoo grounds and the safari, we had the opportunity to learn about the correct usage of quadrats and how to compare data gathered. Furthermore, Mt. Rothwell was an experience to remember. Getting up close with Australian native wildlife gives you a sense of wonder of these creatures. Whilst the wild trapping may cause brief stress to these animals, it is all done to support the individuals and larger populations. Both these experiences come together to support the wider ecosystems that surround us, but so often get neglected. - Will E

On the 8th of May, our year 12 Environmental science class got the amazing opportunity to visit Werribee Zoo and Mt Rothwell. At Werribee zoo we worked hands on with quadrats, identifying which environments and conditions are best suited for Bandicoots. As well as learning about the Orange Bellied Parrots and the threats to their population. We also got to take a ride in the Safari bus and get close up views of a variety of different animals. At Mt Rothwell we got to make our own bait and trap Potoroos, Quolls and bettongs in the dark of night, at the same time as seeing the effects first hand of light pollution. - Mya S

The environmental excursion was one of the most memorable ones I have been on. It was such a good learning experience for me and everyone else, I learnt so much while there from the educational talk at Werribee to the talk at Mt Rothwell. - Isabelle G

The fieldwork excursion our environmental science class went on was an absolute pleasure to experience. Werribee Zoo was refreshing and pleasant, we got firsthand insight by the many zookeepers and knowledgeable zoologists on the animals. In particular, we got hands on and used fieldwork equipment such as quadrats and indicator equipment like measuring soil moisture. The highlight of the trip however, is undoubtedly Mt Rothwell. Seeing our native animals in the wild was an extraordinary experience, getting to see how unique and otherworldly our organisms is was truly an honour and I learnt so much during my time there. Definitely an excursion to remember. - Ethan F 

Term 2 has been a busy and exciting time in Science, with many of our senior students working on their Student Designed Investigations (SDIs). This always brings great energy to the labs as students test ideas, solve problems and experience what real scientific research is like.

As part of their VCE Unit 3/4 Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics studies, students are required to design and carry out their own scientific investigations based on real-world scientific issues. Working closely with their teachers and the Aquinas laboratory staff, students develop investigations related to the topics covered. These include areas such as cell function and regulation in Biology, greener polymers and sustainable materials in Chemistry, climate change and biodiversity in Environmental Science and fields, motion and light in Physics. Some interesting topics currently being explored include:

• How environmental factors can affect enzyme action in fruit and vegetables (for improvement in food preservation and storage),
• How electrolyte concentration can influence cell voltage (for improvement in battery efficiency and reliability),
• How an increase in temperature affects ice melting (predict subsequent impacts on species distribution/biodiversity),
• How different pipe diameters affect water flow rate and pressure, (important for designing efficient plumbing systems, irrigation networks, and town water supplies).
  
• Students begin by developing a research question, hypothesis and predictions before carefully planning and conducting their investigation in a safe and ethical way. They collect and analyse their own data, evaluate the reliability and accuracy of their methods, and consider possible errors or limitations in their results.
• The final stage involves presenting their findings in a scientific poster similar to those used by professional scientists. Along the way, students build valuable skills in teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving, while also experiencing both the rewards and challenges of real scientific investigation.

On Friday 8th May we ran the annual Australian Science Innovations Big Science competition for students from 7 - 10. The ASI Big Science Competition challenges students to apply scientific knowledge to real-world contexts while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills. It fosters curiosity, confidence and a deeper appreciation of science, encouraging students to extend themselves beyond the classroom and engage with contemporary scientific ideas. These opportunities directly link to the skill set required for future VCE success.

Marisa Tsoukatos
Science Learning Area Leader 

The doors you don’t see yet

Languages are hard. We know that. And in many ways, that is the point.

When students tell me French is difficult, or that Chinese feels impossible at times, I do not disagree. Mandarin has tones where a small change in sound completely changes the meaning of a word. French grammar rarely follows the patterns students expect. There are lessons where nothing seems to click and sentences still feel unfamiliar after weeks of practice.Yet these are often the moments where the deepest learning begins.

Persisting with a language builds far more than vocabulary and grammar knowledge. Students learn patience and resilience. They learn how to stay calm when they do not immediately know the answer.They learn how to continue even when progress feels slow. Those habits matter well beyond the Languages classroom.

Any language teacher sees this develop gradually. Learners become more confident thinkers, more adaptable and more willing to take intellectual risks. They also become better listeners and communicators.Language learning constantly asks students to think from another person’s perspective.Over time, many students grow into global citizens who are more open to different cultures,perspectives and ways of thinking.

This semester, we saw some wonderful examples of that growth. Thirty students gave up recesses and lunches for weeks to prepare French poetry competitions. Standing in front of an examiner and speaking in another language takes courage, especially as a teenager. One student spent nearly 50 hours competing in a global languages competition and finished ranked 7th in the world. Our Year 8 and Year 9 Chinese students represented Aquinas in the Victorian Annual Reading Challenge. Senior Languages students had the privilege of hearing from College Dux 2025 about her journey to becoming a high achiever and the dedication it took to reach that milestone.

None of these achievements happened because learning a language was easy. They happened because students were willing to remain committed when things became difficult.

That is what language learning is really about. Of course students learn vocabulary, grammar and communication skills. But they also learn persistence, curiosity and the confidence to step outside their comfort zone. Those qualities stay with them long after they leave the classroom.

The opportunities that come from learning a language are not always obvious in the beginning. Often, students only recognise their value much later. But the doors are there, and they tend to open for the students who keep trying.

Sarah Aluthge

Languages LAL

Students in the Year 11 and 12 Product Design and Systems classes attended the Top Designs exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. The experience was highly inspiring, giving students the opportunity to view the folios and final products of past students who had studied the same subjects. By exploring the digital folios, they were able to see the entire design process brought to life, from initial concepts through to finished outcomes.

Students also felt a strong sense of pride and connection seeing the work of former student Cameron O’Keefe featured in the exhibition.

In addition, hearing from Dr Charlie Ranscombe, Researcher and Lecturer in Product Design and Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology, helped students understand the real world pathways and opportunities that studying Product Design and Systems Engineering can lead to.

Kathy Thompson and David Inglese

Product Design and Systems Teachers

Last Wednesday the 13th of May Unit 1 and Unit 3 VCE dancers performed proudly on the Mahon Theatre stage sharing their Semester One practical assessments.

The show opened with Unit 3 dancers presenting a modern contemporary dance work titled ‘Everybody’s Free (to wear Sunscreen)’, exploring the advice one should know before embarking into adulthood. It embraced contemporary icons like Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham paying homage to some of their famous dance phrases and movement vocabulary.

Year 11 and 12 dancers then shared their ‘Skills Based Solo’ works which are performance pieces that highlight pure technique. Students select their own dance style, music and costume for these solos, but the main purpose is to show off their Physical Skills- balance, flexibility, alignment, control, coordination, transference of weight, strength and stamina.

The show closed with a high energy Lady Gaga inspired routine from our Unit 1 Dancers titled ‘Americano’ which fused together genres of commercial Jazz, Pasa Doble and even Vogueing elements.

Thank you to all who supported our VCE Dancers in this spectacular event!

Sarah Owen 

Dance Teacher

Student Reflections:

“Thank you to the guest assessors who attend on the night to give us feedback on our technique and artistry!”- Lily

“There was such a great energy backstage- VCE Dance is my favourite subject!”- Laurenne

“I loved sharing my solo and having all my friends and family in the audience!”- Octavia

Year 2 VET Sport, Aquatics and Recreation attended the Melbourne Cable Park Friday 15th May. This experience contributed to competency in SISSCO001 and SISXPLD002.

Students reflected on the instructors coaching strategies & techniques as many had little experience on the boards.
There was a focus on safety throughout the day highlighting the importance of safety briefings and monitoring participants throughout the day.
Myself and James Boland were the only ones to land a jump on the Wakeboard.
Thanks to the students for pushing through the less than ideal weather conditions on the day and exploring our content in this setting.

Mr Harrington

VET Teacher

Student Reflections:
The Cable Park was a fun experience for our class as we climbed a three story high rope course taking on challenges that tested our strength and bravery. We then moved onto kneeboarding and wakeboarding where we launched from the dry dock and tried to complete a lap on our chosen board. The best part was seeing our content in action with instructors coaching us on technique and safety throughout the day - Devron D

The day at the Cable Park was an amazing experience for everyone. We had fun challenging ourselves on the high ropes course and mastering kneeboarding before moving onto wakeboarding. Everyone used teamwork and lifted each other up. The staff were super supportive and ensured we were fully prepared with gear demonstration and safety briefings. Giving everyone the confidence to participate. It was a 10/10 experience - Kiara T

The Cable Park was so fun and such a great opportunity for everyone. Facing challenges and learning how to kneeboard and wakeboard. Also learning the safety requirements and briefing on how to be safe throughout the day. Developing new skills and stepping out of our comfort zone. Great bonding experience for the class as well as bringing all of us together and having a laugh. Definitely the best day of the year, such a good highlight - Millie C

We all enjoyed thrilling wakeboarding sessions on the vibrant lake and the rain splashing on us as we were up in the sky on the high ropes. The friendly staff and well-maintained facilities made the experience even better. It was a great day of adventure and excitement. What an excursion, this was one to remember! Will A

Robogals Monash are excited to announce our upcoming event, "72 Hours " Hackathon 2026, designed for students of all genders who will be in Year 11 or 12 in 2026.

"72 Hours" is a three-day hackathon held during the winter school holidays running from the 6th to the 8th of July at the Monash University Clayton campus.


This event gives students the opportunity to:

• Apply STEM concepts to meaningful real-world challenges in a supportive and collaborative environment. 
• Through the hackathon, participants will strengthen their teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills while learning how engineering and technology can be used to make a positive impact during humanitarian and disaster response situations.
• Students will attend a series of interactive masterclasses run by Robogals Monash and collaborating Monash engineering student teams, allowing them to develop practical STEM skills, gain exposure to different engineering disciplines, and learn directly from university students involved in engineering projects and competitions.
• At the beginning of the hackathon, students will receive a challenge prompt centred around disaster response and emergency distribution systems. 
• Across the three days, teams will work together to brainstorm, design, and refine innovative solutions before presenting their ideas to invited panellists and the Robogals Monash team. The experience encourages students to build confidence in presenting ideas, thinking independently, and exploring future pathways in STEM and engineering. 

Winning teams will receive prizes.

No matter your experience level, this is your chance to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and build something exciting together.

Parents can register their interested students via this link: Student Registration Form: "72 Hours" Robogals Hackathon 2026

EISM Division 1 Athletics
Well done to our athletics squad, who competed in the EISM Division 1 Athletics carnival this week.
A special congratulations to our under 13 Girls, who were crowned division age champions.

Sports Leader Aleisha also achieved remarkable success, breaking the EISM records in both the 800m and 1500m events. An incredible achievement!

Competing against strong opposition the team finished 5th overall, with all students demonstrating great determination, teamwork and College spirit throughout the carnival.

Renee Johns and Erin Richards
Sports Coordinators

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

• Dates to Diarise in Term 2
• Torrens University: Free Interior Design and Decoration Short Course
• Studying Sports Media at Holmesglen Institute
• Federation University: Early Offer Program for 2027 Entry
• CSU Advantage Early Offer Program – 2027 Entry
• Career in Health Information Management
• Studying Law at Bond University• Studying Law at ACU
• UNSW Co-op Program 2027
• Biomedicine/Biomedical Science Degrees in Victoria in 2026
• Snapshot of Charles Sturt University (CSU) in 2026
• Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Vanessa Ramsay

Careers Counsellor

CHISHOLM HOUSE – Celebration Day

A strong sense of House spirit filled the day as Chisholm House students came together for a special Liturgy, led by House Leaders and student representatives.

The Liturgy provided a reflective opportunity to recognise the values their patron Caroline Chisholm is known for - compassion, service, and community. Values which continue to inspire Chisholm House and the wider school.

Students marked the occasion by wearing a touch of blue in recognition of their House colour, adding to their sense of unity and pride throughout the day. The celebration also included the purchase of Krispy Kreme doughnuts by students, with all proceeds supporting the Caroline Chisholm Society.

https://www.caroline.org.au/

It was a positive and engaging House event that brought students together, strengthened House spirit, and helped continue new traditions that build connection across the cohort.

Catherine Kearney and Daniel 

Rice House Leaders

A Family mass for Mother's Day was held in the Chapel last week.

Thank you to all those who attended the Mass and the Supper.

We would love to encourage more to attend these special nights. To help with this we have created a survey to get some feedback from the Aquinas community to help us achieve this.

If you have a moment we would greatly appreciate it if you could take the time to let us know how we can better serve you in this event in regards to timing, communication and importance.  Your feedback is anonymous.

You can find the survey HERE.

This week it was wonderful to gather as a whole school community for our Term 2 Assembly and Mass, reflecting on this year’s faith theme: “One Body in Christ.”

Fr Dispin reminded us that our school years help shape a good and fruitful life grounded in the values and beliefs nurtured within our families and community. He spoke about the importance of recognising that we are all made in God’s image, and therefore should treat one another with kindness, dignity and respect. As he reminded us, “God does not make rubbish” a powerful call to always see the good in others.

In his address, Principal Broadbent reflected on the many smaller communities that together make up Aquinas, encouraging us all to use our gifts for the common good. From sport, music, drama and dance, to social justice, sustainability and leadership, our student leaders shared the many ways students are contributing to College life and strengthening our community each day.

Mr Broadbent also shared the wonderful feedback from recent CIS visitors, who recognised the strong sense of belonging and community they saw throughout the College.

As we continue to live out our values of Belonging, Compassion, Justice, Stewardship, Perseverance and Spirituality, we are reminded that every voice, every gift and every person matters - united, our hearts remain.