Principal's Report
Annual Report to the College Community
An aspect of our compliance with the requirements of the Australian Government is the publication of an Annual Report to the College Community. The report reflects our very full and diverse program at Aquinas and also shows the progress that is being made in terms of improving student outcomes and the learning environment. I would like to thank all who contributed to ensure that we have produced a comprehensive account of a really different and challenging 2021 academic year at Aquinas and to Ms Madeleine Kalla who compiles this report. The report is published on the College website.
The Long Walk at Aquinas
On Tuesday we will continue our tradition of joining together on The Long Walk at Aquinas to raise awareness of the issues faced by indigenous communities. A powerful symbolic gesture, our long walk mimics the initial Long Walk by ex-AFL Footballer, Mr Michael Long, who walked to Canberra in an effort to get indigenous issues “back on the national agenda”. The Aquinas Long Walk is a key event in our reconciliation week activities and, amongst all of the demands on their time next week, we are privileged that Mr Long and Ms Nova Peris continue to make Aquinas College a priority. Thank you to AP Mission, Tania Grace, and our student FIRE (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carriers for planning this event.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN testing is now complete for another year and I wish to thank coordinator Mr Phil Box, Ms Rayana Gough, Ms Heather Neil and the teachers at Year 7 and Year 9 who administered the tests, for ensuring the process ran as smoothly as possible. Our highly responsive IT Team was also on hand to quickly resolve technical issues if they arose and this made a difference to the participants. NAPLAN provides feedback about student progress that complements the various other assessment tools at our disposal.
EISM Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to all of the athletes who represented our college at the EISM Athletics Carnival at Lakeside Stadium on Tuesday. In bright sunshine, it was great to see so many of our students give their very best efforts and represent the College so proudly. Thanks to Mr Bernie Brummell for coordinating our team and to the staff who assisted at the event.
Performing Arts at Aquinas
We are entering a season of performances and we know that the showcasing of our talented students is something that we have missed over the last couple of years.
Those who had the privilege to experience our Not Just Jazz evening last Friday will agree that it was a wonderful showcase of both student and staff musical talent and creativity. To an appreciative audience of parents and friends, the students performed in ensembles and showed the growth in confidence and competence that comes with commitment and opportunity. Thank you to Jared Campbell, Music Program Coordinator and the other music staff for preparing the students for this event. A big thank you to FOAM (Friends of Aquinas Music) who provided the volunteer labour and enthusiasm to stage another successful night.
The Senior Play had its opening last night and will be staged again this evening. This year’s performance is “Clue” based on the famous whodunnit. Thanks to Meredith Greenwood for her work to prepare our students under difficult conditions caused by absenteeism due to COVID-19.
Let’s Dance is next Tuesday and provides opportunities for Dance students to showcase their creativity through movement and I want to thank Gina Goss and Lauren Bourke for preparing the students for this event.
The Band’s Concert is coming up on Tuesday, 7th June.
After two years in which College Productions have either had to be postponed or cancelled, it is a pleasure to announce that the Aquinas Musical Review is on June 16th and 17th in the Mahon Theatre. The review will include musical numbers from a variety of stage shows and marks the culmination of months of rehearsals from a dedicated cast and crew, and their very passionate teachers.
Bereavement news
We sadly said farewell to a much loved staff member this week. Ms Freda Tsourlenes was a passionate and dedicated member of our Educational Support Services and known for her positive energy, love of her work and the students in her care. Ms Tsourlenes lived with severe illness over the last few years and will be remembered for her optimism and courage. Friends of Freda were able to join her three adult daughters in a fitting farewell yesterday. May Freda rest in peace.
Darren Atkinson
Principal