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Starting Term 4

As we publish this latest edition of The Lighthouse we are hearing reports of atrocities associated with conflict in Israel and Palestine. Pope Francis has asked Catholics to for Mary’s intercession ‘for the gift of peace in the many countries throughout the world marked by war and conflicts’. Having recently returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, I can only reflect on what a privilege it is to live in this part of the world and enjoy peace and freedom. 

Please keep those who are being impacted by this heinous violence in our prayers, including those in Australia who are worrying about the wellbeing of family members at this time. 

We are also collectively facing an important decision as we exercise democracy and participate in the referendum on the Voice to Parliament this weekend and the Australian Bishops Conference has released the following for your consideration. Next week marks the end of formal classes for our Year 12 VCE students and we celebrate with some important events. My thanks in advance to the team who are putting together a number of events to recognise our graduating class of 2023:

Graduation Mass 

Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ringwood on Tuesday morning.  We join the regular parish mass and parents/carers and parishioners are welcome to join us as we offer thanks for the gifts bestowed upon our graduating class.

Graduation Ceremony

Our Graduation Ceremony will be conducted on Monday evening and is a wonderful opportunity for families to gather with the graduating class to recognise that an important chapter in their lives is coming to a conclusion and to celebrate the achievements of our young people.

Final Assembly

Our final whole school assembly for the year will be conducted on Tuesday and we gather all of our students together in the gym to acknowledge the contribution of our graduating class and wish them well for the future. Year 12 parents/carers will receive a livestream link to be able to watch this event. Following the assembly, the graduating class will share lunch and some fun activities.

Valedictory Dinner 

It is our tradition at Aquinas to conduct the Valedictory Dinner for the graduating class and parents/carers at the conclusion of the exam period. This year the Valedictory Dinner will be conducted on November 17 at the Pullman Albert Park.

Offers Year 7 2025

Offers will shortly be made to incoming students for Year 7 2025 who had placed an application at Â鶹APP. As has been the case throughout my time at Aquinas, we are fortunate to have high demand for places at all year levels, but specifically coming in at Year 7. We know that most new families find out about Aquinas by word of mouth and we thank all our current families and students for continuing to represent our school in such a positive way.

Gala Ball

I had the great pleasure of joining with the Year 10 students and their families for the first of our Gala Balls on Saturday night at the Grand on Cathies Lane. Congratulations to the students on their mastery of the dances they have been taught over recent weeks. A highlight is always the dance with a special person and this year was no exception as the floor was filled with nervous students and even more nervous parents or friends. Thanks to the P&F who sponsor and coordinate this event, and to the staff who provide supervision both on the night and during the training sessions. The second Gala Ball is this Saturday. 

School Closure - Monday 6th November

A reminder that the College is closed on Monday 6th November for all students except those sitting a VCE exam.  School resumes on Wednesday after the Melbourne Cup public holiday.

Important Dates

A reminder of some key dates coming up:

Year 11 exams commence on November 13th. 
Year 11 into 12 transition begins 20th November.
Year 11 Formal is 20th November.
Year 11 final day is 24th November.
Year 10 Exams commence 24th November.
Year 10 final day 1st December.
Year 7-9 Final Day 5th December 
Year 7 2024 Orientation Day 7th December 

Teaching Staff finish 12th December
Office Closes 20th December 

Year 12 final preparations

With year 12 classes ending on Monday and the subsequent reflections and celebrations taking place it is very important to remain focused on the task at hand. While I am addressing households that have Students about to complete final exams for a subject, the message is relevant for all students.

There is still time for improvement before the exams are here. Every day provides an opportunity to improve and every day on task creates momentum to succeed.


Exams are about building confidence and confidence comes from repeated attempts at a task. All students know how they will be assessed and have practice tasks to complete. Doing this will build confidence.

Working on examples of the whole exam is critical at this stage.


It is easy to focus on what has not been learned so far but completing whole tasks, or whole tests will be a better way to understand where the knowledge gaps lie and then try to eliminate them. It is better to get a whole picture of your position, what can I do and what do I need to work on, rather than just focus on the negatives.


Think about a significant test you had to complete, say a driver’s test. You learnt the skills, then went out on the roads but closer to the test you drove around the area where the test was to be held. You understood that familiarity with the task was a key to success.


From now on practice overtakes study. Students should go into an exam being able to think about the content that needs to be provided and the best way to accomplish that rather than what is the task. I asked a student in my class about his just completed performance music exam. He said he could not count the number of times he had performed the task prior to the recital. Students should have completed the whole task many times before the exam.


What is available at Aquinas after classes end but prior to exams

Year Unit 3-4 (Year 12) teachers are available for their scheduled classes until the day of their exam.


Teachers are in their normal classroom during this time to assist students.


While the preference is for year 12 students to attend school to meet with their teachers, Google Meets are permitted if this provides more study time for students (e.g. eliminating an hour-long trip to class for 10 minute consultation). This should occur during the scheduled class time, unless negotiated by the teacher, and all meetings must be held during school hours (between 8:30am and 4pm).


Students are responsible for setting the agenda for a meeting, that is students should bring work to discuss, usually practice or revision tasks, rather than expect teachers to provide content.


A short note about booklists for 2024



The VCE booklist for 2024 will be emailed to families next week.

Please consult the booklist prior to purchasing texts, new or second-hand, to ensure correct editions are purchased.

7-10 booklists will be later this term.

Michael Box

Deputy Principal Learning

Safe, Fair and Kind

As part of our continued commitment to embracing Respectful Relationships and Restorative Practices when supporting and educating students at school, this school term has started with a particular focus that aims to improve communication between all members of the community. The Safe, Fair, and Kind initiative reminds students that all conversations in the schoolyard and the classroom must be respectful, and that unless what is to be said is SAFE, FAIR and KIND, it should not ever be said. Encouraging safe, fair, and kind conversations helps shape our school culture because we value respect, empathy, and inclusivity as a community. It sets the tone for a positive and supportive learning environment in which students engage in positive ways. Safe and kind conversations contribute to the emotional wellbeing of students, reducing experiences of bullying and negative interactions, which can have lasting effects on a child's mental health. We appreciate that positive interactions can boost self-esteem and emotional resilience in young people, so encouraging students to be Safe, Kind and Fair will assist this ideal. At Aquinas, we believe that promoting safe and kind conversations is an essential component of conflict prevention. By fostering an environment where conflict is managed with empathy and respect, bullying is not tolerated, and students are more likely to feel safe. Encouraging fair conversations fosters inclusivity and respect for diversity. It allows students to appreciate differences in culture, background, and perspectives, creating a more inclusive and harmonious school community. All our staff at the school hope that the strategy provides the students with the ability to engage in safe, fair, and kind conversations for successful interactions at school, home, in their communities, and in their personal lives. I encourage you to discuss the Safe, Fair, Kind focus with your child and that you encourage them to apply this focus in their interactions. If you have any questions about this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s pastoral leader.

Nap Rodezno

Deputy Principal

Spiritually Speaking - Synods and Prayers for World Peace

Last week saw the start of the Synod at the Vatican. This event is the start of a new face in the Church where Pope Francis has not only invited women and laypeople to attend the synod, but he has also given them the right to vote on decisions. While this can be seen as controversial or concerning for those more traditional, for many it brings memories of another great Pope, John XXIII, who brought many changes through Vatican II. Unfortunately this week has also seen great tragedy as the Israeli - Palestinian conflict has erupted with violence and heartache for many victims and their families. It is a challenging time for the world as a global community. There are strong connections and views based on a complex combination of faiths, politics and history. No matter the stance a person takes, so many innocent people are caught in the middle of the violence and their families and friends across the world feel helpless as they wait anxiously for news. During the morning prayer at the Synod, the focus was on those Jewish, Muslim and Christian people who are being impacted by the violence in the Holy Land we share. Below I have included their prayer so that we can pray for peace for all global conflict.

"Oh God, who cares for all, let the whole of humanity who have one origin from you, form one family, without violence, without absurd wars and with brotherly spirit, live united in peace and concord for our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who is God, lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. We pray to you for the Holy Land, for the people of Israel and Palestine who are under the grip of unprecedented violence, for the victims, especially the children, for the wounded, for those held hostage, for the missing and their families. In these hours of anguish and suspension, we join our voices to that of the Pope and to the choral prayer of those around the world who implore peace. Help us, Lord, to commit ourselves to building a fraternal world so that these peoples and those in the same conditions of conflict of instability and violence may find the path of respect for human rights where justice, dialogue and reconciliation are the indispensable tools for building peace"

Tania Grace

Assistant Principal Mission

Senior Years' Report

Saturday night, I had the pleasure of attending the first Year 10 Gala Ball with Mr. Atkinson, Year 10 Level Leaders: Catherine Kearney and Scott Watkins, and Year 10 Mentors: Sam Smith, Kate Chamberlain, Meaghan Sadler, and Erin Richards. Such an energetic and elegant evening. A special night where the students performed several dances for their families and friends. A highlight of the evening is the special person dance. Thank you to the parents and friends network for managing the event notably Edit Molnar and the committee that supported her. Thank you to Liz Grierson, Catherine Kearney and Scott Watkins and all the Year 10 Mentors. The second Gala Ball will take place tomorrow night, we wish the second group equal enjoyment and success.

Next week, Year 12 students will conclude their formal classes. The school community will acknowledge and celebrate their time at the College through a series of memorable events. Families will join the celebrations at the Graduation Ceremony on Monday evening—a formal occasion for students to speak and perform, reminiscing on their past six years, acknowledging those who have helped them along the way, and looking forward with hope toward their unknown futures.

On Tuesday morning, the Year 12's will celebrate their final Mass before returning to school for breakfast. The Aquinas school community will have the opportunity to thank, say farewell and wish all the Year 12's well at the whole school assembly. The day will conclude for the most senior students with year-level celebrations out on the oval. We look forward to a safe and enjoyable celebration period. Parents driving near the school on Tuesday morning please be aware of greater foot traffic around the Thomas Street gate.

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

How can we better meet the needs of families regarding wellbeing? 

Parents, families, and carers are a child's first and most important teachers. When families and schools work together, young people’s learning is enhanced. Aquinas values this partnership and as such we seek to offer resources and information to support their health and wellbeing, as well as their academics.

Research has shown that when schools and families work together, young people:

- achieve better


- stay in school longer


- are more engaged with their schoolwork


- go to school more regularly


- behave better 


- have better social skills


To establish the needs and interests of families and to direct our future planning, please complete this short . Beyond this survey, any suggestions or discussion is welcomed and families are invited to email daleysl@aquinas.vic.edu.au

Sharon Daley

Director Student Services

Some great programs, events and resources to share with you all for Young people 12 years old and above

FReeZA event ‘Horrorwood’, Friday 13 October, EV’s Youth Centre, recommend for ages 12+ due to content. $5 online, $10 at the door. For more info head
Maroondah City Council Youth Services & Bassline Productions FReeZA present ‘Horrorwood’ a horror themed all ages short film festival where creative young people can show off their short films. For more info head

Activities include:

Fake fortune telling
Sensory space
Popcorn
Fairyfloss


Hangout (Drop in program) - Thursday afternoons including school holidays, 3pm - 6pm, 12-25 year olds, EV’s Youth Centre Croydon. FREE
EV's Hangout is a free weekly drop in program that provides a safe & inclusive space for young people aged 12-25 to socialise, chat to a youth worker, and try out new experiences.

For more information including a Social Story head

Capacity Building for staff, resources for students etc

Maroondah Youth Service Providers Network (MYSPN)

MYSPN is a network for youth service provider organisations (including schools) in the Maroondah area that provides members with opportunities to network, share information and address local needs, issues and service gaps. Membership is open to professionals who work with or for young people in Maroondah.

As a member you will receive regular emails and be invited to attend quarterly meetings which are run in partnership with Knox and Yarra Ranges Councils.

The next meeting will be taking place in Yarra Ranges on Wednesday 22 November, 9am-11.30am,

To find out more and sign up head

Children and Families 

*Families can join up to the Children's and Families Newsletter to keep up to date with everyone on offer in Maroondah

* Maroondah City Councils stadium ‘The Rings’ in Ringwood runs an All Abilities basketball program ‘Biddy Ball’ for children with a disability. The program is based on the abilities and needs of the participants. For more info head
                    

                    Ages: 5 to 14 years
                    Days: Monday 4:10pm
                    Enrolment: $10.90 per week


* Get Active Kids Voucher program Round 7 OPEN *Please note that the round will end when the funds are exhausted.                  

 Eligible families can apply for $200 vouchers and use them at a registered Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider without having to worry about                               upfront costs. Vouchers expire 30 April 2024 so members of your community can use their voucher for a summer sport, winter sport or term-based                             activity. 

The vouchers can help pay for sporting equipment, uniforms and memberships in a range of activities from club cricket to dance. There’s also an                     opportunity to enrol toddlers in a range of activities including important learn to swim classes.

 - To be eligible, kids need to be aged 0 to 18 years, a Victorian resident, named on a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card                     and on a valid Medicare Card at the time of application.
 - A special consideration stream is also available to support children residing in Victorian Care Services, temporary or provisional visa holders,                                         undocumented migrants and international students up to 18 years at the time of application. More information on the special consideration stream is                         available on the

* Maroondah City Council Youth and Children’s Services presents the Childrens Week Twilight Picnic - Thursday 26 October, 4pm-7pm at Town Park Croydon. No bookings required. . Flyer also attached.

- Bring a picnic (rug and food) and enjoy interactive activities and entertainment for young children and families. This is the perfect event for your next                          catch up with family and friends.



Activities will include:

- Free activities for young children and their families
- Free entertainment
- Parent information stalls
- Sensory quiet zone
- Junkyard Beats interactive musical garden!

*Please note that you will need to bring your own food and (Non alcoholic) drink as there will not be any food trucks at the event.



* Maroondah Festival - Sunday 12 November, 10am-4pm, Town Park Croydon.


The family-friendly festival will include:

- live music
- thrill rides
- kids kingdom and free rides
- food trucks
- market stalls
- come and try sports
- café consult

*Please note: this is a pet, smoking and alcohol free event.

* Maroondah Carols - Saturday 2 December, 6pm - 10pm, Town Park Croydon

There will be pre-show entertainment, the Maroondah Carols Band, delicious food vendors, a free kid’s zone and a spectacular firework show. 

*Please note: This is a dog free and smoke free event.