麻豆APP

Spirit Week

Our student leaders have done an amazing job this week in promoting College spirit and wellbeing with a daily newsletter outlining a diverse array of excellent activities in which students may participate. From chalk drawing, watercolour painting, ukulele tutorials, yoga, chess championships, magic skills, trivia nights, relaxation sessions and daily exercise workouts, there have been some great ideas to encourage creativity and wellbeing. The leaders have also communicated practical suggestions about seeking support from the YFC. It is an outstanding student initiative and I want to thank our student leadership team for being so proactive in promoting the wellbeing of their peers.

Remote Learning Update

The Premier announced yesterday that there will be no return to onsite learning for Term 3 and a plan for Term 4 will be announced at a later date. While this is disappointing, it came as little surprise given the rising numbers in our community with Covid-19. We are conscious that motivation levels amongst the students are highly variable and an increasing number are showing a decline in engagement in their classes. This is not surprising as Week 8 of Term 3 is a notoriously challenging period in the academic calendar even in an uninterrupted year, as we come out of the depths of winter. As the sun starts to shine and the days grow longer our moods also seem to lift and we tend to become energised and look forward with more optimism. We are continually reviewing the online learning plan and supporting teachers in making adjustments to suit their classes.

Onsite Supervision of Students

The existing arrangements in regards to onsite supervision of students of authorised workers and those deemed vulnerable remain unchanged. Other students who need to access the site to collect essential resources will be permitted during the designated times as communicated by Dr Rodezno. Should these times not be suitable you should contact Dr Rodezno rodeznone@aquinas.vic.edu.au.

Arrangements for Students Studying Year 12 Subjects

To ensure our Senior Students have certainty and are ready for Year 12 exams, the Premier announced that from Tuesday 7 September to Friday 17 September, the Victorian Government will put in place a priority vaccination program. As part of this program, Year 12 students will be given priority booking access at state-run clinics, as will teachers and those supervising exams. Students and teachers will need to book an appointment, as walk-ups will not be available. Students and teachers will be able to book one of these priority appointments from Monday 6 September. The Department of Health and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) will work directly with schools, and students and parents will receive advice on how to arrange a booking through their school. We are expecting that a special hotline number will be provided to help facilitate priority access to appointments. This information will be communicated to families as it becomes available.

GAT

The Premier also announced that the General Achievement Test (GAT) will be postponed to Tuesday 5 October. This means that next Thursday, September 9 will now proceed as a normal school day.

Principal

Please refer to our latest Covid-19 updates page for ongoing information.

Since the last Lighthouse the Aquinas community has wholeheartedly supported the online 麻豆APP Subject Selection Expo. More than 600 families met with Homeroom Teachers and Mentors in one to one meetings to discuss priorities. Over 780 unique users hit the Expo website, some to browse but many to ask direct questions of our course, careers and subject experts. Teachers reported a brisk trade in the one to one meetings and we felt really enthusiastic and challenged by the quality and thought put into questions. Students and their families had researched really well, understood the process and sought detailed information.

Subject selection submissions to the portal are now overdue. We are preparing information and testing for the VCEReady and VETReady which will go to the students. Information for all courses will be available when they are finalised.

On behalf of the whole 麻豆APP community can I thank all the students and their families for the positive approach that they have brought to this process.

Michael Box
Deputy Principal Learning

Beyond languishing? Or recognising it?

For most people in the state of Victoria, and in particular Melbourne, the concept of 鈥渓anguishing鈥� has possibly revealed itself in the feelings held, and reactions, about the impact of the pandemic and the subsequent challenges that continue to emerge. In the first edition of the Semester, I specifically wrote about languishing and what psychologists and sociologists refer to when suggesting that the impact of COVID-19 has been mentally debilitating to people world-wide, particularly young people. The article, for your reference can be found here under my section. 

The state of languishing is real and affects most people. It is normal to experience languishing as it is the result of the impact of variables that are beyond our control. It is important to recognise it, differentiate from forms of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and it is equally as important to support your child as they continue to learn when feelings emerge from the state of languishing. For more information, please refer to a very simple article  For a clinical study on the impact of COVID-19 on young people, refer to a study . You can download the full article by following the link. 

Since writing the article, it became clearer that most people feel stuck; the uncertainty is often met with disappointment, the impact of the illness can be underestimated and the decisions of the authorities lead to frustration and disappointment. At the College, it has been continually reported by pastoral leaders that most students have maintained engagement, and when compared to 2020, seem better equipped to deal with remote learning. In fact, although there is evidence of screen fatigue and levels of disengagement, I feel positive when considering what has been reported. This is not to say that some students have struggled but I am equally confident that pastoral leaders continually work with parents to ensure that the students are supported as best as possible. Fortunately, the sense of languishing has had limited impact on attendance from the students and this is a positive sign that we embrace as educators. Furthermore, it also illustrates resilience and growth by the students despite the setbacks.

In order to assist your child, it is very important to remember that they must maintain clear lines of communication with their teachers. If there are any concerns with the way that your child is performing, please make contact with their Subject Teachers, Homeroom Teachers or Learning Mentors and/or their Year Level Leaders or Team Leaders. It is essential that we continue to work with you in partnership as we keep moving forward. It is important to consider that all students, irrespective of year level, have managed to continue to attend to their responsibilities as students. Although some may struggle and find it difficult to keep up, it is important to encourage them to make the most of what the Continuous Learning Plan offers at Aquinas.

And then we witnessed the struggle in Afghanistan...

The images of Afghan citizens attempting to escape their country following the departure of US forces from the country after 20 years led to a media frenzy about the impact of fear following the reoccupation of the Taliban in a country that has had centuries of unsettled history. Many citizens were seen falling off a US plane as they attempted to hold onto the plane fleeing the Kabul Airport. Although these events can be perceived as very removed from life in Australia, the impact of what was witnessed for those who watched may be traumatising. As I sat watching in disbelief, I suddenly felt sad for the conditions that our Afghan sisters and brothers face. I wondered at that point how much COVID-19 is a concern to those people desperately trying to escape their homeland due to fear, uncertainty and despair. There has been a lot of concern for the treatment of women and young girls and the likelihood that their rights to be educated could cease. We live in a sad world and we must continue to pray for justice and peace across the whole world. There are approximately 15,000 Afghan migrants living in Melbourne today, and about 3,500 seeking asylum Australia wide. These people live amongst us and the impact of what is happening in Afghanistan is closer than the vision we saw in the news. I hope that you will join me in praying for the people of Afghanistan. 

School COVID-19 Vaccine 

Over the last few weeks, there has been much discussion about the intentions of the State Government to provide vaccinations to students as a way to protect them from COVID-19. The following information has been provided by the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools for your consideration. The vaccinations aiming to protect from the pandemic have been reason for debate and the College respects the choice of each person when consideration is given to vaccinations. The vaccine remains optional, is not mandatory, and I pass on this information with no personal opinion or view on the matter. Please refer to these for more information. 

As part of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, .

All students aged 16 and older can now book a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at state vaccination centres. The Victorian Government aims to vaccinate all final year students by the time they sit their end-of-year exams. Final year students are therefore urged to immediately make an appointment to receive a vaccine by following the instructions under the heading 鈥楬ow to book an appointment鈥� below.

The state vaccination centres have recently had their capacity increased to support Victoria鈥檚 drive to administer 1 million doses of the vaccine by 19 September. Students will be supported in every way possible to be vaccinated before the examinations begin. Students completing their final year are particularly asked to book an appointment as soon as possible to support the safe conduct of examinations. As their parent/guardian, it may be necessary for you to help them to book and if needed, support them to attend their appointment.

Final year students are asked to consider getting their first vaccine before the GAT on 5th October if possible. In addition, it鈥檚 recommended not to get the vaccine on the day of an exam, or the day before an exam - to avoid feeling common but mild side effects such as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, fever and chills and/or joint pain during your exam.

How to book an appointment

• To book an appointment, visit the website or contact the Coronavirus hotline by phoning 1800 675 398. To find a vaccination centre and opening times, visit the website.
• From 30 August, people aged 16-39 can get their COVID-19 vaccine at a doctor鈥檚 clinic, pharmacy or community health service through the . You can book your appointment online or by calling the vaccine provider nearest to you.

For further assistance, contact:

• the Department of Health Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398
• the National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline: 1800 020 080

Please get in touch with your family GP if you wish to discuss this further.

I encourage you to read the information on these  as it clearly states the reasons for this communication and the options available for you to consider. It specifically outlines that the vaccine is not mandatory but rather a personal choice, and if there are medical reasons concerning or preventing the uptake of the vaccine, please contact your family doctor for advice. We will continue to assist the students to ensure that they are in the best position to achieve their best.

Dr Napoleon Rodezno
Deputy Principal

Inspirations of the Past

The first day of Spring this year was one of the most beautiful I remember. Whether it is because lockdown has given me the opportunity to pause and look at the wonder of the day or whether it simply was too great to ignore I do not know - maybe a bit of both. It was warm, with a light breeze coming up from the bay (I live on the Peninsula) and only a few light clouds drifting around. Like true Spring in Melbourne, I know there are still many more cold, wet days to come, yet with this comes hope, new life, new growth, new potential. This has led me to think about inspirations from the past and present.

Over the next few editions, I thought I would share some of my inspirations from over the years. The first being poet Helen Steiner Rice. The name literally came into my head as I went to write this article and I have not thought about her in many years. She is an inspirational and Christian poet during the 1900鈥檚. As a young teenager I was given one of her books and her work inspired me both spiritually and personally throughout my teens and into early adulthood. 

Today I share some of her work and hope that she too may give you a moment of reflection.

Tania Grace
Assistant Principal - Mission

Recycling Right

Extra time at home is an excellent opportunity to update your household recycling program and add some new items to your recycle list.

• Paper and cardboard is easily recycled in council fortnightly recycling services. Shredded paper requires a little more attention. It is great for worm farms and advice for Maroondah Council is to place in a box or paper bag and then into the curb side recycling bin. This will prevent loose shredded paper getting caught in machinery at recycling centres. 
• Collect batteries ready for recycling at collections points such as your local Officeworks and/or Bunnings.
• Unwanted pharmaceutical item can be given to your local pharmacy for recycling and safe disposal. 
• Plastic lids can be donated to lids4kids. See their Facebook page for collection points. 
• Soft plastic - you can collect your soft plastic packaging back to your local supermarket to be recycled as part of the REDcycle program.  Most local Coles and Woolworths are registered to participate in the program. You can use their locator search to finding your nearest participating supermarket.   

News from the chooks

The chooks are missing hanging out with the students and staff. They have been busy digging up grubs to eat, having dust bathes and eating all the new grass shoots. There school yard adventures continue as they explore the new plants growing in the vegetable garden. Our small red hen, Nugget enjoyed planting spring flowers and vegetables on Monday with Ms Myers and some students at school. 

Karyn Myers
Environment & Sustainability Coordinator

It was a warm welcome back this week for our Unit 3/4 Music Performance and Music Investigation students on Wednesday afternoon with them being permitted onsite for Assessment Preparations.  Mr. Adrian Perri was joined by Instrumental teachers to provide some excellent practical preparations which have to be hard to manage via the online learning program.  

Additionally, on Thursday morning there were some performances shared in Homerooms for the Aquinas spirit week, I would like to thank Jay Hills, Charlies Smith, Levi Mugamu, Samantha Mugamu and Andre Fernandes.  All students performed excellently and staff and students really enjoyed the chance to see how the students are progressing on their Musical Journey.

I would like to encourage all Music students to continue working towards their passion for music as there is light at the end of the tunnel and music will return stronger than ever.  Music enrolments for 2022 will begin in a few weeks with parents receiving an email from the College Registrar at the end of this term.

Jared Campbell
Music Programs Coordinator

The Arts provide opportunities and experiences for our young people to explore and express their authentic selves in a time when almost anything is accessible, available and Google-able. Through creative risk taking and expression, we see vulnerability, resilience, deep thinking and connection.

As Arts educators, we strive to challenge students to think outside the square, to move away from creating derivative work, to make space for originality and personal responses that are enlightening, entertaining, fulfilling, innovative and challenging. We scaffold and layer tasks, skills and experiences - this is an inherent part of Arts subjects - we are all about the journey!  

From finding inspiration, developing ideas, trialling, practicing and refining to resolving and presenting, there is much more to a performance, design or artwork than the finished product.  When considering the 3 Storey Intellect and Bloom鈥檚 Taxonomy, it is easy to relate each section to Arts practice. We work through processes of developing, exploring, applying and creating while also focusing on the experience of an audience - interpretation and connection.

In a year of online classes and learning at home, how can families support their children to higher order thinking through a valuable process leading to more creative, authentic outcomes? No doubt you already are! If you watch the Voice and comment on interpretation of lyrics, play Pictionary, make crazy Lego constructions (without a book), or decorate cakes you are analysing, judging, comparing and encouraging creative thinking.

To discuss inspiration (including diversity of experience - yes our youngin鈥檚 need to be exposed to a bit of Metallica, The Young Ones, Yayoi Kusama and Hitchcock to break out of their Spotify/Tiktok/Netflix bubbles), to question intention, analyse inferred meanings and consider context (pointing out the role music plays in our viewing of Harry Potter, how the camera angle intensifies Thanos鈥� intimidating character, or try watching Bewitched then Modern Family as an example of historical and cultural contexts!), and to value how a young person expresses themselves in their own way through encouragement and opportunity to reflect, improve and create is the key.  

Be open to new things, ask questions, challenge out of the box thinking, provide space, materials and options (artworks can be made from vegemite, music can be made on pots and pans - limitations can provide opportunity), and of course get involved.  Having your child explain processes and concepts reinforces knowledge - get a pencil and sketchbook, make up crazy songs, dance like no one is watching, take a camera on your walk.  You might just love it.

Sandi van der Niet
Arts Learning Area Leader

Celebrating National Science Week at Aquinas

National Science Week is Australia鈥檚 annual celebration of Science and Technology. This event is an opportunity for the Aquinas community to celebrate the very important role that Science makes to our lives. In 2021, we celebrated this event in our online classes between Monday 16th and Friday 23rd August, participating in a wide array of activities. The theme was Food: Different by Design.  

Thanks must also go to our science educators for the innovative ways in which they challenged and engaged our students using the resources available to students in their homes, rather than our Science laboratories.

Lynda Schulz
Science Learning Area Leader

Here is an insight into some of the activities that our students participated in:

Students worked collaboratively to escape from the Stile Escape Room

9 Navy spent Science Week looking at the role that acids and bases play in some everyday food items: Students were given the opportunity to analyse Julie Goodwin鈥檚 Anzac biscuit recipe or to make either fizzy lemonade or sherbet at home. The students had to identify the ingredients involved in the acid base reaction and determine the product from the reaction that caused the 鈥榝izz鈥�. Students were also able to taste their science experiment and describe the sensation of the carbon dioxide fizzing in their mouth.

"Cooking actually uses multiple chemical reactions which are plenty complicated but easy to do which is great for cooking."
"I didn鈥檛 know people added acids to food to add flavour.  I thought acids were just dangerous chemicals."

Year 9 Gold and Red explored the science of making honeycomb

The Year 8 students investigated different forms of chemical reactions.
"In this lesson, we investigated different chemical reactions that are related to food. In my experiment, I placed an egg shell in half a glass of vinegar, and let it sit for 12 hours. Over the course of 12 hours, the vinegar had dissolved the egg shell, and what remained was the eggshell membrane, a thin clear film that lines eggshells. The hard eggshell which contains calcium carbonate, had reacted with the vinegar which is an acid, and dissolved."
Carla McCann 8 Silver

Year 7 Green explored the separation techniques of chromatography and evaporation and crystallisation

Various entries into the Science Week Photography Competition:

Our Year 7 students were invited to reimagine everyday items into art, with some great results!

Our VET Hospitality and Kitchen Operations students have been working hard to bring the Dine-In experience to life with their families at home with some incredible and innovative results.

One of the VET students created a 7 course meal: "For the seven course meal, I envisioned a French tasting menu so I came up with a French menu that utilises classical flavours and techniques in French cuisine. Some very clear, distinct inspirations were the pomme souffl茅, vichyssoise, entremet and the beef bourguignon. It was a dinner for four and the dinner ran from 7-9 pm."

Spirit Week has been an amazing opportunity for students to embrace their wellbeing, connect with others in different year levels and to relieve some of the stress that Covid-19 and the lockdowns have caused. 

A range of activities such as yoga, art competitions/submissions, a chess tournament, trivia night, exercise programs and music performances were offered to get everyone involved and to embrace their Aquinas Spirit. 鈥淵oga was such a wonderful start to my day鈥� one participant mentioned.

We really hope that in the years to come at Aquinas, Spirit Week will just get bigger and better… and hopefully on campus!

Student Leadership

What a wonderful addition to the calendar Spirit Week has been and how pleased we are at the YFC to have been part of this great initiative. 

To continue our support of our Year 12 students, we will be offering times from next week onwards where they can book into small group wellbeing sessions. 

The groups will be facilitated by the Youth and Family Centre staff and are provided in response to the student leader's reflection of the challenges the Year 12 cohort are experiencing at this time. 

Sessions may include:

• reflecting on the loss of the 'normal' Year 12 experience
• focusing on the strengths and skills they have in managing this time
• maintaining motivation and 
• moving forward in their transition as they finish Year 12.  

It will be a safe space for them to share their experiences. Sessions are voluntary and further information regarding accessing these sessions will be shared during Mentor and available through their Year Level Leaders or the Youth and Family Centre.

Melinda Voigt
Youth & Family Centre

Asthma Week 2021 is all about our 鈥楢ir Nutrition鈥� 鈥� you are what you breathe.

1 in 9 Australians are affected by asthma which is a good reason to discover more. Please go to Asthma Australia to find information about air pollution and good air nutrition. To improve your daily air nutrition for a healthier life you can follow these simple steps when and .
 
Asthma Week is also a good time to refresh yourself with the current including how to administer all types of relievers if asthma symptoms are present.
 
Please remember that all students with diagnosed asthma should carry their reliever inhaler with them at all times when at school and notify a staff member should they require assistance if experiencing asthma symptoms.

If you would like further information or resources about asthma please go to the  or contact the Health Centre nurses via email - healthcentre@aquinas.vic.edu