Pentecost 

“Pentecost Sunday reminds us that there is only One Spirit who breathed over the world in blessing its creation, who spoke through the prophets of Israel, who came down on the Apostles at Pentecost, who makes Christ present to the Church today, and who is the source of all good initiatives to make a just and sustainable world today. Pentecost… emphasises the need to look to the good of all people and of all the beings that compose our environment. We are all one in the Spirit.”

Fr Andrew Hamilton in: Australian Catholics ‘One earth, One Spirit, one example of dedication’

Last Sunday, we celebrated the birth of the Church: Pentecost. Having ‘lost’ the direct voice of resurrected Jesus in the Ascension, the Holy Spirit descends on the apostles who take on the mission to embody and spread Christ’s message through the world. We continue this mission in 2024: to paraphrase Schrieter (2013), it is not the Church who has a mission, but the mission that has a church. In promoting the image of the church as ‘People of God’ in Lumen Gentium (1964), Vatican II returned to the origins of the word ‘Ecclesia’ meaning the ‘called-out ones’: the people, not the building or institution. In my parish’s Pentecost mass, there was great symbolism of this when the Paschal candle was extinguished, as the light of Christ - of hope - now resides not externally, but within us and our responsibility to shine for others, just as our College motto urges.

National Sorry Day (26 May) & Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) 

At this week’s College Assembly, I spoke about the importance of all Australians needing to learn more about the history, culture and achievements of our First Nations. The next fortnight encompasses both National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week, with all Aquinas students participating in the Long Walk this coming Monday. This provides the perfect time to undertake this self-education, perhaps starting with two great resources: the SBS documentary series The Australian Wars and The First Inventors. These shows enable us to learn from indigenous academics and elders about the incredible achievements of the world’s longest continuous cultures, as well as the encounters that show the importance of why we commemorate Reconciliation Week each year.

Belonging

The past fortnight has truly showcased the many great aspects of community building and co-curricular opportunities at Aquinas, including many events at which Aquinas families supported our students and our faith: 

• The Mothers Day Mass on 14 May saw almost twice as many families attend as the Term 1 Family Mass. It was a blessing to have our Year 11 EDGE class lead all parts of the mass open to laity and a joy to join the Year 10 RE Music class who led the liturgical music.
• Last Monday I attended the ‘Let’s Dance’ showcase, a wonderful showcase of the variety of our VCE Dance students’ skills across a range of genres in individual and group settings.
• Building on the strength of the recent Generations in Jazz success, the Not Just Jazz evening on 21 May was a 2 ½ hour extravaganza of musical delights. The huge range of bands and vocal ensembles wowed the audience, supplemented by the great Aquinas alumni tradition with a combined alumni band and closing with the exquisite talent of our music staff band. Thanks also to the VET Hospitality students who supplied the food, drink and service for the evening.
• Our School Advisory Council and a selection of students and staff contributed input to the CIS Preparatory statement for our re-accreditation. The SAC also reviewed the staff & student input into the Master Plan with Kosloff architecture.
• Fr Vnuk celebrated our Term 2 Patrons Mass, providing an educative homily on Thomas Aquinas. The once-per-term eucharistic liturgy is a critical part of our identity as a Catholic school, the only time we gather as one to worship.
• A range of students from across Years 7 - 12 led every section of our Term 2 College Assembly, which highlighted the huge range of student activities and student led events experienced since late in Term 1

We look forward to more reports about the coming fortnight’s further performing arts evenings and community building events, such as the Long Walk.

David Broadbent

Principal

Next week I am speaking to Year 11 students on examinations. You would imagine the topic might be how to study for exams (space the study, work on retrieval practice) or how to manage the emotional side of exams (preparation, study, understand that some emotional arousal is good and necessary and can be managed) but these are topics that others will respond to in detail in the next few weeks. My topic is why are we doing them and how important are they and I want to share some of my thoughts here.

The topic comes from some Year 12 students reporting that they did not really grasp how important the examination is to their VCE results. These students are conscientious but what slipped by them was how much the final exams in Year 12 contributed to their ATAR. From Year 7-10 there were some exams and in Year 11 they occurred at the conclusion of both semesters but they did not really impact on their overall approach because the School Assessed Coursework (SACs) seemed to take priority. (If you haven't had a student in VCE yet, be prepared for constant discussion about SACs, “We have a SAC today”, “I need to study for the SAC”). What students did not completely understand was that at the end of their schooling the Year 12 exams required them to aggregate their knowledge over the year and use skills that they have developed over their past thirteen years.

I will be telling the Year 11s why we have exams. It is part of the developmental approach to improving their knowledge, skills and attitudes. We have them in Year 11 so that they understand how to aggregate their knowledge and learn how to perform in an environment where the stakes are not so high, so when the final exams arrive they are able to manage their emotions and their memory to succeed. I will also be telling them how much the exams contribute to their overall grade. At least 85% of our students in Year 11 are undertaking studies that if they continue in Year 12 will have exams and most of them have aspirations to tertiary study which will also have some exam or testing process. And I will tell them that in Year 12 written exams, performance exams, language orals and other tests will constitute at least 50% of their total mark, sometimes more. Mid Year at Year 11 is a very good time to develop good habits and techniques to deal with the future.

The Victorian Government provides a very helpful guide called Where to now? 2025

Michael Box 

Deputy Principal

Teaching our students to be gentle people

In the last edition of the Lighthouse, I shared with you some perspectives of the impact that toxic masculinity can have on young people. Today, I write about something that we value at Aquinas, the role of each person as a bystander promoting interventions as a way to address violence and harassment.

Bystander intervention is considered to be a proactive approach to preventing and addressing harmful behaviours, particularly those related to aggression, bullying, harassment, and violence. It is a key component of the Respectful Relationships Framework and offers opportunities for young people to contribute to making society safer. It is important to provide our students with the skills and confidence to intervene in situations where someone is at risk or being mistreated. For young people, engaging in bystander intervention can play a significant role in their development and contribute to them becoming better, more responsible adults.

Dr Catherine Smith, a researcher from the University of Melbourne, offers a good resource for parents when engaging in Misogynistic Behaviours in schools. There is no doubt that human behaviour can lead to poor choices and outcomes and it is important that students are taught to stand up against it.

Strategies that can help you encourage your child to be a positive bystander are important. In recent years, they have been exposed to terrible examples of violence, harassment, aggression and the impacts that this has on victims. It is important that they are explicitly taught the value of a gentle soul and emotional intelligence when living positively and peacefully, and contributing to our society.

Promoting Compassion and Empathy by understanding others' perspectives and realities are keys to the development of emotional intelligence. Bystander intervention encourages young people to consider the feelings and experiences of others. This practice of empathy helps them to better understand the impact of harmful behaviours and fosters a more compassionate attitude. By learning to recognise signs of distress and discomfort in others, young people can enhance their emotional intelligence, making them more sensitive and responsive to the needs of those around them.

Standing up for what is right through moral and ethical thinking is a key to the idea that everyone has a role in maintaining a safe and respectful environment. When young people take action to prevent harm, they learn the importance of being accountable for their community and their actions. This can lead to a stronger moral compass and ethical decision-making in various contexts.

Bystander intervention provides an opportunity to challenge and change harmful stereotypes and behaviours associated with toxic masculinity. By speaking out against aggression, harassment, and discrimination, young people can help redefine what it means to be masculine in a positive way.

Young people who engage in bystander intervention can influence their peers to adopt healthier, more respectful behaviours. Bystander intervention is a powerful tool for helping young people grow into better adults. It promotes empathy, responsibility, leadership, and community, while also challenging harmful behaviours and norms. Through bystander intervention, young people can learn to protect and support others, fostering a more just and respectful society in which violence is never considered an answer.

Nap Rodezno

Deputy Principal

 

Handover HeArtwork Project understanding human dignity during a time of grief.

Last weekend was Pentecost where the Holy Spirit gave the disciples the courage and fruits of the spirit to continue Jesus’ work. I would like to share with you  how Aquinas is going out to live God's word.

Yesterday I presented at the Faith and Mission Leadership Conference a program that we have been running at Aquinas for the last few years. 

The handover heartwork project is something we have discussed in the lighthouse before. We talk to students about the dignity and respect of a person and that same respect being extended to their family upon their death.

Students then decorate paper bags for Eastern palliative care which are used in lieu of blue plastic garbage bags. This has now extended to decorating small calico bags for the deceased’s jewellery and larger calico bags that are used for patient syringe drivers to brighten up the wards.

This experience for students not only teaches them about our Catholic social teachings on dignity but also that we can express compassion and support without ever meeting the people involved. In the words of one of our Year 9 students, “I wanted to do this activity because last year I lost my father figure and if I can help someone else when they are going through this then that’s what I want to do.”

The program is growing beyond what we can do at school. Eastern health is now expanding the program beyond palliative care into other departments and more hospitals are hearing about the program and are wanting to connect with schools.

The response at the conference was very positive and we will have many more schools signing up to be involved. The website, Facebook and Instagram links were given out so that they can make the connections.

This is living the word of God in action.

This is the flames of the Holy Spirit flowing out to others.

Tania Grace

Assistant Principal Mission

VCSSDPA Women In Leadership dinner 2024

On Thursday 9th May, members from the Aquinas staff  accompanied Mr Broadbent and myself to the annual Women In Leadership Dinner at the Sofitel in Melbourne. This event is organised by the Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools Deputy Principals Association (VCSSDPA), promoting and highlighting leadership amongst women in Catholic schools. The keynote address this year was presented by Laura John, a Kilbreda College alumni, a human rights lawyer and advocate. She is also the Deputy Chair, Board of the Women’s Legal Service Victoria. Laura discussed the challenges she has overcome and offered valuable strategies for success. Here are some thoughts from staff member Lucia about the evening:

'Very enjoyable night at the Women in Leadership dinner. Listening to the guest speaker Laura John was a highlight. A clear inspiration to all women with many thought provoking points. Her presentation was delivered with tributes to her personal life and career highs, with cheeky humour adding to the brilliant delivery. Extremely memorable evening was had by all.'

It was an enjoyable evening that gave the Aquinas staff a chance to meet and network with staff from other Catholic Secondary schools who are currently in Leadership, or who aspire to Leadership positions.

Australia’s Best teacher - nominations are still open!

Please click on the link here Australia's Best Teacher Nomination, scroll down to the bottom of the article and nominate one of our Aquinas College teachers. We are so fortunate to have such talented teachers at Aquinas - let’s celebrate them in the wider community!

Events at Aquinas

There have been many events taking place outside of school hours recently; Not Just Jazz, Yr 9 and VCE “Let’s Dance” showcases, Restaurant nights in the WTTC, Mother’s Day Mass, School Musical rehearsals, Sport training. Over the next few weeks; “Onstage” Drama performance, Music concerts and Winter Sleep Out! I thank all of the staff who assist and organise these activities to enrich the lives of the young people at our College.

Gina Goss
Assistant Principal - Staff

Senior Years Report

This week, as we passed the midpoint of the term, our College assembly on Wednesday was a testament to the numerous achievements our community has accomplished throughout the year. In the words of the Opening Prayer, led by the College Faith Captain, Josh Tolcher,

God, When we gather in Your presence as one, we are a flourishing school.

Community, the theme of our term 2 assembly. College Captains, Connor Haughie and Isobel Mugamu opening comments reflected on the strong school spirit, created by the supportive nature amongst peers. Forming connections through common experiences, interests, clubs and classes, students are able to find where they belong and with perseverance and cooperation they are able to find success. Their words connected with the words spoken by Mr Broadbent.

Throughout the assembly, students conveyed stories of students who have pursued their interests and developed their talents through dedication and perseverance. We celebrated the highlights of the Generations in Jazz competition in Mt Gambier, the many outstanding achievements by the sports department, and heard from Year 9 students Zac Parker and Charlotte Jones about their camping experience at Camp Coolamatong. Despite the challenges of camping out at night in low temperatures, the sense of achievement they gained from surviving the elements together was a true highlight, generating a sense of achievement gained from surviving the elements together.

Senior leaders from the robotics club shared their inspiring journey, starting from their introduction to robotics in year 7, to their decision to extend themselves by joining the club and spending their break times building together. Their dedication and perseverance led them to inter-school competitions in the middle years, and eventually to Australian competitions in March, where they were awarded a wild card to the international championship in Houston.

VET Hospitality students demonstrated how the Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre turns into a fully licensed fine-dining restaurant serving 3 course meals on Restaurants. The significant contributions of our students to social justice were evident through their active participation in the ‘two can’ donation drive and the interest shown towards the upcoming ‘winter sleepout’. These initiatives, driven by their compassion and empathy, show the commitment of many to making a positive change in our community. Additionally, the efforts of the sustainability groups to introduce composting bins and the Container Deposit Scheme this year in the Forum, along with the photo competition to mark World Environment Day, further demonstrate our students' dedication to environmental conservation.

A highlight of the assemblies always include the magnificent performances by the ensembles and choirs. We are truly blessed to have wonderful performances to entertain and uplift the gathering.

The assembly provides just a snapshot of some of the activities, accomplishments and achievements that grow our community. As we move forward into the second half of the term, we look forward to witnessing the support and encouragement shown towards each other and the dedication and perseverance towards one’s learning. The efforts so far have been commendable, remember, your contributions are what make our school community thrive.

Rachel Crawley 

Head Senior Years

Vinnies Winter Appeal

Over the past two weeks, our school community has been actively involved in supporting those in need through our Vinnies Winter Appeal. As part of this initiative, we are currently engaged in three activities:

Collection of Non-Perishable Items:

Thanks to your enthusiastic participation, we've made remarkable progress in our collection efforts. We set a goal of 2000 items, and as of today, we've gathered nearly 800 items of non-perishable goods across both staff and student donations.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to the compassion and generosity that define our school community. Special recognition goes to our Year 7 students for their outstanding contribution. They've brought in an impressive 354 items already, setting a fantastic example for all of us.

10c Refund Collections:

In addition to gathering non-perishable items, we're also making strides in collecting 10c refundable cans and bottles. Although we haven't yet tallied the exact number, each bin is at least half-full, showcasing a fantastic effort. This dual initiative underscores our commitment to maximising our impact and supporting Vinnies in any way we can.

 Please keep collecting your bottles and cans at home, bring them in and add them to our large yellow bins. You will find them located in the Middle Years Building, Senior Years Building, and Forum. Alternatively, you can choose to drop off your recycling at your nearest deposit centre, collect the refund, and then donate it to our Winter Appeal. Donations can be dropped off at the Catholic Life Office.

Winter Sleepout:

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Winter Sleepout on Friday June 14th. This event offers us a glimpse into the hardships faced by those without shelter while raising funds for Vinnies' homelessness initiatives. An application form is available on SIMON notices, so be sure to sign up and participate in this meaningful experience.

Additionally, a fundraising page has been set up for those who wish to contribute or support participants in their efforts. You can find the fundraising page link here: Aquinas College 2024 Winter Sleepout Fundraising Page.

Whether you choose to participate in the sleepout on site at school or at home, your involvement will make a difference. We encourage you to sustain the momentum by spreading the word and rallying support and donations from friends, family, and neighbours. Together, we can create a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

For those who have already contributed with donations or signed up to do the sleepout, a heartfelt thank you! Your support and generosity is greatly appreciated.

Please stay tuned for updates on our progress and upcoming initiatives as we persist in supporting Vinnies and their vital mission. Together, let's continue to demonstrate the power of compassion and solidarity as we strive to make a positive impact in our local community.

Martha Mugamu

Social Justice & Outreach Coordinator

Laudato Si’ is an encyclical (an encyclical is a letter to the public) of Pope Francis published in May 2015. It focuses on care for the natural environment and all people, as well as broader questions of the relationship between God, humans, and the Earth. The encyclical’s subtitle, “Care for Our Common Home,” reinforces these key themes. Laudato Si’ is addressed to “every living person on this planet” (LS 3). It is the Catholic Church’s response to the environmental issues facing the world.

This year’s Laudato Si’ Week theme is inspired by the symbol for Season of Creation 2024, “first fruits.” Let us be seeds of hope in our lives and our world, rooted in faith and love.

This week lunchtime activities have been run for students to participate in. These include online workshops, Tree of life initiative and planting seeds.

Sustainability Zoom Workshop - Tuesday 21st May

On Tuesday the 21st of May Isabella Zito (9 Mackillop), Dulcie White (9 Rice), Ms Myers, Mr Green and I participated in a zoom meeting with Alice and Michael from Catholic Earthcare and we got to learn more about sustainability. And we got to hear about how the countries that contribute the least to carbon emissions are getting affected the most. I was told that Fiji is trying to move a whole town with Caritas assistance because of the rising sea level. This zoom was fun and a good experience as we got to learn more about sustainability.

Seah Jo 8 Yellow RICE House

On Tuesday at lunch, myself and a few others were lucky enough to participate in a zoom meeting bringing more attention to the topic of sustainability and why it is so important and crucial to have an understanding especially in the years to come. We got to listen to plans for the future, and how current issues around the world, mainly focusing on Fiji right now are being handled and how they are being addressed and actions are being made for change. It was amazing to listen to people that are very passionate about this and not only spreading awareness but taking action. I’m grateful that I was able to be a part of this and I encourage many others to listen in and read up on the current issues our world is facing and how we can make a small change. 

Dulcie White 9 RED RICE House

Environment & Sustainability Coordinator 

Karyn Myers

We hope you are settling well into the colder months as winter approaches. It is necessary to take care of your health, especially with mid year exams and assessments upcoming, as well as colds and flu's going around! In our Year 12 assemblies, we have learnt the importance of having a healthy body and mind in order to succeed in studies. We have gained a variety of tips to maintain physical exercise, sleeping habits, and dietary choices to aid your study, and your immune system.

Getting the proper amount of sleep each night (8-10 hours for teens) benefits your ability to concentrate in class, remember information you learn, manage stress and strengthen your immune system. To ensure you’re getting good quality sleep, try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, staying off screens an hour before bed and doing calm activities before you sleep.

In terms of physical exercise, teens are recommended to spend at least one hour per day being active. We understand this may not always be possible, but even going for a short walk can be beneficial towards your health. Physical activity can also be useful as a study break, to give you fresh air and a clear mind to tackle the tasks at hand.

When it comes to healthy eating, it is important to eat foods from all five food groups: vegetables, fruit, grain, lean meat & poultry (as well as fish, eggs, tofu, nuts, etc.), and dairy products. The second step to having a healthy diet involves limiting the amount of food consumed with saturated fats, added salt and added sugars. By eating healthy foods, you are receiving the required nutrients to give you energy to get you through the day without feeling fatigued. Beyond food, drinking water is essential to keep you hydrated, so aim to drink between 1.5 to 2 litres across the day.

We hope these tips are useful to you, and help you stay healthy moving into assessments and exams. All the best for the rest of this term.

Isobel Mugamu & Connor Haughie

College Captains

Supporting Student Learning in Humanities

The Humanities Department is dedicated to fostering a rich and engaging learning environment for all students. Our educators strive to prepare students for both academic success and personal growth through diverse teaching methods and a commitment to individual excellence.




Welcome to Our New Humanities Teachers

In 2024, the Humanities Department welcomed five new talented educators: Emily Mok, Johnathon Ryan, Brigitte Ferguson, Eamonn Avery, and Lilly Eastwood. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will greatly enhance the educational experiences of our students.

Geography Fieldwork Excursions

Fieldwork is a cornerstone of the Geography curriculum, offering students practical, hands-on learning opportunities. This year, students participated in several exciting excursions:

      * Year 9: Dandenong Ranges Excursion (upcoming excursion on 6 June).
      * Year 10: Fieldwork around Port Phillip Bay in early March and at Ringwood Lake in February.
      * Year 11: Fieldwork in Kinglake in mid-March.
      * Year 12: Fieldwork at Harcrest Estate as part of their SAC preparation.


Special thanks to Geography teachers Sam Storey and John Watson for their dedication and commitment to enriching students' understanding of geographical concepts and skills.

Year 11 Legal Studies Mock Trial

Under the guidance of teacher Kylie Poppins, Year 11 Legal Studies students recently participated in a mock trial at Swinburne University, competing against Koonung Secondary College. This event provided an invaluable practical experience, simulating a criminal trial.

Student Reflection on the Mock Trial

On Tuesday the 30th of April, the Year 11 Legal Studies class visited Swinburne University to compete in a mock trial against Koonung Secondary. We prepared for four weeks leading up to this mock trial and we were supporting the defence. This mock trial was a made up case entitled Police v Adams, where a teacher (our defendant) was believed to have assaulted his student.

We had judges, professionals that taught at the university, as well as witnesses and it was all set up like a real criminal trial. The aim of the defence was to plant reasonable doubt within the minds of the judges that an assault had happened. We all had a role to play and the trial was a really good learning experience.

After we had finished the trial and the results were announced, we had the opportunity to ask the judges questions and hear about what they do, and how they got there. We won our case and this was definitely a great opportunity for us all to experience as we got to learn more about the legal system and how a court trial is held.

After the mock trial, we spent the rest of the day at the university, touring the facilities and meeting one of the students. Overall, it was an amazing experience and it was good to hear from a student, who showed us what university life was like and gave us some insight into the opportunities that Swinburne offers for students.

Zoe Staples, Jess Gilbert, Jorja Nowak

History Teachers’ Reflection

David Campbell’s Perspective on Teaching History in 2024

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, many wonder about the true aims of education. With information seemingly at our fingertips—just a Google search away—the question arises: What should we be teaching our students in this digital age?

In our Year 10 history class, we delve deep into the 20th century, exploring the myriad events and challenges that shaped that era. The repercussions of these historical milestones resonate in today's crises, such as the ongoing conflicts in Israel/Palestine and Ukraine/Russia, and the ideological rivalry between China and the United States for global influence. Through their studies, our students are not only learning about these events but also uncovering their roots and understanding their impacts on current affairs.

However, a pressing issue closer to home is the escalating challenge of housing affordability. Today, young people in Australia—and indeed, around the globe—are facing unprecedented hurdles, whether in renting or purchasing homes. Current data illustrates a stark reality: housing prices have soared to multiple times the rate of largely stagnant wages. Consequently, this surge also drives up the cost of renting.

Amid these challenges, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights—a document we examine in class—emphasises the right to safe and adequate housing. It states that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of oneself and one's family, including housing. Yet, we risk failing to uphold this fundamental human right for our younger generations.

It is crucial for our students to grasp the significance of such rights. Armed with historical knowledge and analytical skills, they are better prepared to engage in discussions and advocate for solutions. History is replete with case studies that not only highlight struggles but also the triumphs of collective human effort—serving as potent illustrations for our students.

Education, therefore, is about more than just memorising facts and figures. It is about weaving a tapestry of connections across various subjects and events. History, with its richness and complexity, enriches these connections, providing the necessary depth to equip our students to tackle big issues passionately and purposefully.

While technology can furnish details and aid in memorisation, it alone cannot ignite passion or instil a sense of purpose. That is the role of a robust education, which inspires, challenges, and prepares students to make a meaningful impact on the world.

David Campbell - teacher of Year 9 and 10 History.


Gratitude to Humanities Teachers

Thank you to all Humanities teachers for their unwavering commitment to their students. Their dedication and passion are the driving forces behind the students' successes and growth.

Steve O'Brien

Humanities Learning Area Leader

On May 20th, the Year 11 VCE Environmental Science students visited Ringwood Lake and the Myuna Wetlands in Doveton, undertaking fieldwork and collecting data to compare ecosystem factors between the two locations. Unlike Ringwood Lake, Myuna Wetlands is less accessible to the public, is more natural, and has a permanent colony of Grey-headed Flying Fox, an endemic and critically important species for our ecosystems. Both sites are also managed differently. Student’s investigated water quality, soil type and quality, species presence, and the impact of urbanisation. The data they collected will be analysed as part of their Student Designed Investigation.

This excursion has definitely been a highlight for our students, and they’ve shown a greater ability to apply their knowledge and understand concepts within real-world contexts.

Ms Kate Chamberlain
VCE Environmental Science teacher

The Year 11 Environmental Science class embarked on a fieldwork excursion to Ringwood Lake and Myuna Wetlands. Despite the rain, I was still able to find joy throughout the day. While I had visited Ringwood Lake previously, the experience was still refreshing. My partner and I conducted soil analysis and sampling, and observed plant diversity perpendicular to the main walking path. This prac work was also completed at Myuna Wetlands a location I had yet to visit. Notably, Myuna Wetlands is home to one of the few bat colonies in Victoria, which captivated my love of animals. Overall, the day was both amazing and eventful. I wholeheartedly recommend VCE Environmental Science to fellow enthusiasts of the natural sciences.

- Will Elliott

 

Over the last couple of weeks the VCE Environmental Science students participated in excursions to expand their understanding of ecosystem monitoring, environmental management, threatened species, conservation programs, and sustainability. 

On May 16th, students visited Werribee Open Range Zoo followed by Mt Rothwell. They examined the role and ethics of ex-situ and in-situ conservation methods, as well as the sustainability of conservation programs. Zoos Victoria is a leading conservation organisation, running more captive-breeding and recovery programs than any other institution in Australia. Mt Rothwell is the largest feral predator-free ecosystem in Victoria. It has about 80% of the mainland Eastern Barred Bandicoot (EBB) population. Mt Rothwell also has extremely successful breeding programs for the Eastern Quoll and Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies. 

This year we were fortunate enough to be asked to help with Southern Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby trapping as part of a translocation program at Mt Rothwell. Students set the traps in the late afternoon, did a spotlighting walk where they saw many different species, and returned to check the traps. Four Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies were trapped and processed, one of which had a joey in its pouch. As this was part of a translocation program, Mt Rothwell staff were only looking for certain individuals within their population. Unfortunately none of the wallabies trapped were suitable for the translocation program, but students got to be involved with the processing (checking sex, weight, body condition etc), microchipping, and collection of genetic material for DNA testing. 

Student reflections - YEAR 12

The enviro excursion was definitely a highlight of the subject so far this year. The zoo allowed us to explore in-situ and ex-situ conservation of animals from all around the world, and explore strategies to help threatened species replenish. Werribee Zoo was a great way to see new species, and the safari bus was by far the best part. Being able to see interactions between different species and learning about their symbiotic relationships away from the classroom really helped consolidate content we’d learnt at school. It was really good to explore the Zoo with friends and be given the opportunity to learn away from the classroom.

Mt Rothwell was an amazing experience. Being able to explore the area at night, and see different animals and their effects on the environment was a fantastic way to explore sustainability in a different light. Trapping Brushed-tail Rock Wallabies was an experience I will never forget, and aided in my understanding of the importance of species conservation, as well as the humongous efforts that go into protecting threatened species. Tagging the young wallaby at the start, and finding a female with a baby was my highlight of the trip.

Ella Enright


Last Thursday our class was given the opportunity to spend a 13 and a half hour day learning about different species, climate change, capturing wallabies, and the conservation of them. We started our day at Werribee Zoo, exploring the different habitats and animals. Starting at the reptiles and making our way around to the Australian Animals area where you got to explore the habitat of emus, wallabies and koalas. After immersing ourselves in their unique habitats our class regrouped to partake in a safari bus tour which went on a route around different enclosures. On the ride we saw rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and crocodiles.

After the Zoo we made our way to Mount Rothwell, while here we learnt about the species that inhabited the mountain and what they’re doing to maintain them. At the moment they’re on the lookout for 40 genetically diverse wallabies which they intend to capture and translocate in case of a natural disaster or another event that could kill the population and cause extinction of the species they’re conserving. We were also given the opportunity to set traps that contained food for the wallabies that would end up capturing 4 wallabies total. After a few hours of letting the traps sit each group got to check on them, luckily we all caught 1 each. Since our wallaby was quite distressed the lady released it, but other groups were given the chance to chip theirs if they hadn’t already, and check if it was one of the 40 species they were looking for. Unfortunately the one we did find that was a part of the 40 had a baby, so it had to be released. At the end of the walk we stopped at a lookout where we could see the city. The lady explained to us how light pollution is affecting species, birds in particular and how they’re struggling to tell what time of the day it is. Which is slowly reducing many bird populations as they aren't getting the amount of sleep they need. It was very disheartening seeing the effects of the light pollution, but also eye opening to how we need to make a change before it’s too late.

Overall I'm very grateful for the experience, and would choose to do it again in a heartbeat if given the opportunity.

Olivia Evans


Last Thursday the Environmental Science students went on an excursion to learn about the conservation and sustainability of endangered species. We visited Werribee Open Range Zoo, where we explored all the animals, and went on a safari bus, where we saw giraffes, rhinos and zebras which was like a real life madagascar movie. We then made our way to Mt Rothwell Conservation Centre. Here we set up traps for Brush Tail Rock Wallabies, heard about the work done to provide a safe environment for all the endangered animals on the property, ways to ensure predators are removed from their habitats, and how they ensure to keep population numbers high of these species. After dinner, we went on a spotlight walk to check on our traps, where we saw the various symbiotic relationships between the environment and various species, and had the opportunity to microchip a younger rock wallaby and release it back into the environment to add it into the known population at Rothwell. It was a really eye opening experience to see what is involved when conserving the vulnerable species of these ‘forest friends’ and how Mt Rothwell works with other organisations to ensure their methods for conservation are able to continue in the future, to protect these endangered species.

Mya Burridge 

This excursion has definitely been a highlight for our students, and they’ve shown a greater ability to apply their knowledge and understand concepts within real-world contexts. 

Ms Kate Chamberlain

VCE Environmental Science teacher

Last Friday Aquinas College was invited to a Social Justice and leadership workshop held by Mackillop Family Services in South Melbourne. The purpose of the workshop was to learn about how Mackillop Family services is bringing change to the lives of vulnerable communities in Australia. A group of students ranging from year 7-11 including ourselves joined Mrs Mugamu and other local Catholic schools to attend this event.

The day consisted of group sessions where we learnt about the history of Mackillop Family Services, the foster care systems, education services, the “Paw Pal” program and a session where we made a personal commitment to promote growth and change in our communities. Each of these discussions gave us a more in depth understanding on how important services like these are to people faced with family challenges, specifically young children.

History:

To begin the day we started off learning about the history of the building itself. We began looking at preserved items, records and images of the children who grew up in orphanages run by founding agencies: The Sisters of Mercy, The Christian Brothers and the Sisters of Joseph. It was a confronting experience to see the limited resources some of these children had and made us reflect on how fortunate we are to have such privileged lives. Some things that stood out to us were the bedding and showers. There was little privacy and room for personal space which are two basic rights we often take for granted. Although it was very sad to see, it was a very informative session and gave us an idea on how children our age lived in orphanages years ago. Reflecting on this now, it is a great baseline to see how far family services have come in regards to providing children with a safer and more nurturing environment.

Foster Care Systems:

Natalie, a foster parent, shared her experience with us about what it's like to be a foster parent and also informed us on how Foster Care Systems work. Becoming a foster parent to 2 boys in early 2020, Natalie shared with us some challenges both foster children and parents face. In this session we learnt an in depth understanding on how the system itself works, we found a lot of it came to surprise as we didn’t realise how much we didn't know about foster care. Natalie's personal experience, just like many others at times, was challenging but, it was ultimately rewarding to provide a safe place for her two boys. She said a specific phrase “providing a life”. Foster care is a way to give young kids who don't have the opportunity to live a fulfilled life in their homes, support in reaching their full potential whether that be providing education or just love and care. It was awesome to be able to chat with Natalie and get a deeper understanding on how Foster Care works.

Education:

Yvonne, a teacher at the service school in Geelong, came to share with us about how the MacKillop institute works in providing education. What we learnt in this session is how different schools are structured in order to help students heal from past traumatic experiences and flourish. There are multiple practices in place at the schools to ensure students feel psychologically and physically safe. Some of these include: Breakout rooms in each classroom implemented so kids can take active breaks during lessons if needed, small classes of 8 which don't change so students feel comfortable and familiar with each other and their teachers and calming spaces around the school such as swings and chickens for students to wind down. These strategies, and more, are implemented to give the opportunity for students who may suffer with a variety of challenges, to still get an education. MacKillop services believes that all people have the right for an education that can advance their learning, which is why they give the opportunity to those with difficult circumstances to still receive an education. MacKillop Family Services itself has supported over 500 young people to an education. Yvonne further explained to us about how education is more than just a learning system but also a social experience and how this is also a vital part in development for these students. We reflected on how fortunate we are in regards to having an education and feeling safe in our school environment.

Paw Pals Therapy:

We also learnt all about the Paw Pals Therapy program which entices students to go to school with the help of an animal friend. On the day we met a beautiful Labrador named Layla. The program has 21 dogs that have assisted over 800 students with their learning throughout the last few years. The dogs make the students more comfortable in their school environment. The program helps vulnerable children who are disengaging from education. On the day we had a task to try and make Layla spin around a table with the use of a command as well as of course a few treats. Unfortunately we were unable to complete the task as Layla was only focused on our treats we had to offer. The program shows that kids can learn with their helper dog by learning new commands which can lead to a greater environment for them to be in at school. It builds a bond between humans and animals, this bond can then lead to putting them in a calmer state wherever they may be.

Our advice for the day was to make a commitment for change, this topic consisted of 8 commitments.

• Nonviolence, we use unconditional care to stay safe and allow others to feel safe.
• Growth and Change, we acknowledge loss, are open to new ideas and are helpful for the future.
• Emotional Intelligence, we manage our feelings so we don’t hurt ourselves or others.
• Social Responsibility, we help each other and take responsibility for our actions.
• Social Learning, we are curious and learn from each other and from our difficulties.
• Open Communication, we are honest and say what we mean with kindness.
• Democracy, all voices and views are heard and respected.
• Cultural Humility, we practise deep, self reflection and self-critique in order to cultivate cultural safety for all.

These 8 commitments were discussed and we were asked to choose one and reflect about them, as well as write a short passage about how we would show this commitment in our daily lives. I personally made a commitment to nonviolence and said that I should call it any time I see displays of anger or violence towards a person whether it be emotional or physical. We also discussed the differences between calling out and calling in. Calling out is when you see something occur and you call it out in front of whomever may be present, which is good but may not always be the smartest option. Whereas calling it in was to pull the person aside, tell them in private what they have done is not right and that they should apologise or really think about what they have done. This option is presented to be much smarter as it will not cause as much of a fuss. These commitments really did change our perspective on things as you never know what a person is thinking or going through, so you should always be kind and respectful.

Overall, we are very grateful to have been a part of this day and learn more about how MacKillop Family Services operate and what they do for vulnerable people in very difficult circumstances. We highly recommend further researching about specific things we can do to support services like these. What a difference passionate people can make to the lives of others!

Evie Evans and Joseph Campbell

Year 11 Captains

On Tuesday we came together as a school community to celebrate Mass in honour of our Patrons. The Students were involved in reminding us of the core values of each Patron and the importance and value they hold within our school.
* Edmund Rice for his work with the poor and his commitment to education, compassion, and social justice.
* St Mary MacKillop for her strong sense of justice, compassion and strong sense of faith and determination in the most difficult of circumstances.
* St Dominic chosen for his dedication to the Gospel, to study and strength of character.
Thank you to Father Vnuk for presiding over the Mass and to our Mass Band and Choir for their beautiful music.

Wonderful reminders for all students and staff to hold onto.

Our Term 2 assembly on Wednesday morning was led by the students, which was an opportunity to showcase all the incredible events, news and achievements within the College.
These included highlights from the Robotics team's overseas adventures, VET class restaurant night success, Year 9 STRIVE activities, sport achievements plus the important work by the Sustainability group and Social Justice fundraising.
We were treated by our talented Music students who showcased their talents with a variety of performances and who presented Mr Broadbent with the Generations in Jazz trophy.
Finally an inspirational and thought provoking speech from the Principal, David Broadbent.
A wonderful chance for all students to hear what is happening within the College and to feel proud of our school.

On Tuesday night the school held their annual Not Just Jazz evening, this includes performances from all 3 stage bands and our 2 Generations in Jazz choirs. This night allows students to show off their hard work and incredible skill to a sold out audience of friends and family in the gym. Ranging from the beginner stage band through to senior it's a great opportunity for younger students to see what Aquinas holds for them in future years.

We were lucky enough to watch talented performers from the Alumni, vocalist Lauren Riddler performed Gravity by Sara Bareilles and Every night at Seven by On a Clear Day. The Alumni bands including students from the stage band program over 10 years all rejoined to celebrate their passion and past experiences as part of the Music program at Aquinas where they showcased a reimagined version of the iconic Aquinas song, Birdland by Nardis and a Japanese fusion inspired composition. 

To conclude the night there was a performance from our very own talented teachers who performed Sunshine of your love by Cream and Valentine by Laufey. Throughout the evening Ms Sadler’s Hospitality class was kind enough to service the event, making amazing drinks and snacks for all to enjoy. Overall this year's Not Just Jazz was a big hit, and we can’t wait to see what the next performance night will hold.

Erin Barden, Jarrah Hammersley & Anika Pamamull

Music students

In recent weeks we have showcased student performances in two Dance Performance Nights with 'Let's Dance Year 9' on the 7th of May and 'VCE Let's Dance' on the 20th of May. Both events saw spectacular work from students with emerging and experienced dancers taking to the stage. The Year 9 evening included two whole class dance works titled 'Wind Up Dolls' and 'Charlie's Angels Spies' and then a surprise finale Beyonce curtain call. Middle School Dancers also shared their small group dance works which were self choreographed and reflected themes and styles of choice such as Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and Calisthenics.

After weeks of preparation we presented our Skills Based Solos and whole class Dance Works at the VCE Dance Performance Night. There was such a variety of talent on show with students coming together from lots of different dance backgrounds. From high kicks to backflips Aquinas students brought so much skill to the stage. Thank you to all audience members and our teachers for supporting the event- 

Emma C and Gemma F

The VCE Dance evening allowed Senior School Dancers to showcase their technique and artistry in their Unit 1 and Unit 3 Skills Based Solo assessment. The VCE Dancers also shared their whole class dance works of 'My Future' by the Unit 3 students, a Contemporary piece exploring childhood ambitions and 'Bang' by the Unit 1 students, a high energy Jazz piece. Both performance nights were truly successful and well attended by the learning community of Aquinas.

Sarah Owen & Gina Goss

Dance teachers

 Yesterday, 6 Aquinas teams competed in the Yr 9 EISM Grand Finals - Girls basketball A & B, Girls Ultimate Frisbee, Boys Indoor Soccer B, Boys Soccer & Boys Touch Football

The 3 boys teams were successful and unfortunately the 3 Girls teams lost their finals

The Boys Indoor soccer team played Mt Lilydale   (They had not played them due to a heat out earlier in the season) and having been undefeated for the season played really well throughout the final and won in a really tight final 7-6

The Boys Soccer team played Emmaus, who they lost to earlier in the season 4-2, were eager to avenge that loss. After leading 2 nil at half time and Emmaus levelling the scores 2 all quickly in the 2nd half, the team played really well and scored late in the match to win 3-2

The Boys Touch Football team played Mt Lilydale ( had not played them due to a heat out earlier in the season) were not sure what to expect. The game was incredibly tight with Mt Lilydale leading 6-5 with 2 minutes to play when Aquinas scored to level the game. The game went to overtime and Aquinas quickly scored and held on to win 7-6 in a superb game.

The Girls Basketball A played Luther who had beaten them earlier in the season and were eager to show they could match them. They played a really great game leading till the end of the 3rd quarter but Luther finished strongly to win 39-27

The Girls Basketball B played Emmaus who they had beaten earlier in the season. Emmaus came out really strong and took control of the game leading by 20 points at half time. Aquinas fought back to get to 6 points with 4 minutes left but could not get lead and lost 40-31

The Girls Ultimate Frisbee team played Mt Lilydale ( had not played them due to a heat out earlier in the season and were also undefeated) were not sure what to expect. Mt Lilydale won the game convincingly 16-4. They were too fast and used the disc more effectively than we did.

Well done to all these 6 teams on making the grand final.

Overall in Yr 9 we had 14 teams playing this season, with 11 of the teams making semi finals or finals.

Congratulations to all the students who played this season on a great performance.

Season 2 starts in 2 weeks and the students will be playing Football, Table Tennis, Indoor Cricket and Volleyball

Bernie Brummell

Sports Co-ordinator

Recently, Ben Tornatora in 7 Green participated in the Australian Little Athletics Championships, leaving a trail of gold and silver in his wake.

Representing the Victoria team with pride, Ben undertook the challenge of not one, not two, but five events, each demanding its own unique blend of athleticism and strategy. The results? Simply extraordinary. Ben emerged triumphant, adorned with three gleaming gold medals and two shining silver medals. His victories were not merely individual achievements but symbols of relentless dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence.

We are very proud of you Ben! 

Sarah Aluthge

Onstage! A showcase of Aquinas Drama. Come along and see a variety of great Drama performances on Tuesday, May 28th at 7:30 in the Mahon Theatre.

Students from Year 7 - Year 12 will be presenting and performing, as will some special guests.

Admission is free, but please book a seat of your choice using this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CRVDY

A huge thank you to the Aquinas Community for their generous donations toward the St Vincent de Paul - Tinnies for Vinnies appeal!  

 

As the SAM project  draws closer to completion we are excited to say the construction is currently 85% complete.

The project is due to be completed on time by mid June.

There has been plenty of action taking place including the installation of;

•  Sports equipment (basketball rings, dividers)

• Roof fabric installation
• Gutters and downpipes
• Trench grate and spoon drains
• Synthetic turf installation has started
• Planting and landscaping has started
  
• Electrical fit off is continuing

We are sure all the students are getting excited to be able to use this incredible new facility at the school.