麻豆APP

 Community of Hope

Across Tuesday and Wednesday this week we celebrated 3 key community gatherings: Term 1 College Assembly, Celebrate Excellence Evening and the opening College Mass. Each event highlighted the many positive impacts, programs, contributions and achievements of our students, particularly those who look to put in their best effort to achieve their 鈥榩ersonal best鈥� in all endeavours, whether academic, sporting, musical, faith & social justice based or our wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities. At each event, we referenced the College鈥檚 liturgical theme for 2025, 鈥楶ilgrims of Hope鈥� (see below for more), a hope exemplified in the students who led and whose achievements were recognised.

At the Celebrate Excellence evening, our 2024 College Dux, Lucas Mandaliti, delivered an inspirational acceptance speech, including the following:

鈥�[our Year 12 cohort] had record numbers of students in both the senior concert and stage bands, in EISM for interschool sports, and a leadership team who reintroduced leadership summits for all year levels to create a Year 12 leadership tradition. These once in a lifetime experiences are exactly why it鈥檚 so important to immerse yourself in the opportunities you鈥檙e offered at both high school and beyond.

Whether your goal is to achieve a 99 ATAR, a study score of 40 in your favourite subject or to win your footy grand final, the most important piece to the puzzle is always balance. If I had not taken care of my mental health by hanging out with friends, joining my tennis team or had trombone as an outlet I certainly would not have been able to achieve what I did and reach my dream of a 99 ATAR. Your goals may not look exactly like mine but regardless the principle stands 鈥� with motivation, determination and balance, almost anything is possible.

Opening College Mass & Induction of Student Leaders

Fr Dispin led a wonderful Opening College Mass for 2025 on Wednesday, and it was great to have 95% of our community present. We launched the 2025 theme 鈥楶ilgrims of Hope鈥�, in line with the Catholic Church Jubilee Year, including our choir providing a beautiful rendition of the theme song (along with the usual rousing Aquinas School Song). Our scriptural inspiration for the year is from St Paul鈥檚 Letter to the Romans:

鈥楲et your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.鈥� (Rom. 12:12)

During the mass we also inducted our Year 8-12 student leaders during this Mass. Year 7 leaders will be chosen during their upcoming camps.

Congratulations and blessings to all our 2025 student leaders:

Bienvenue aux 茅tudiants et professeurs de France!

A very warm welcome to our visitors from our French sister schools, Lyc茅e Sainte Marie and Notre Dame du Roc who arrived this week! Aquinas students have recounted many positive stories and experiences from being hosted by families from our French sister schools late in 2024 and we are grateful to the many Aquinas families who are likewise hosting our French staff and students guests, truly providing them the full hospitality of the Aquinas community. Please see their first day photos below and stay tuned to our social media for  more photos and details from this wonderful cultural exchange.

Open Day

On Sunday 16 March we will hold our Open Day from 11.30am - 2.30pm. We look forward to showcasing the College and welcoming both prospective families and any current families wishing to tour the campus with our student guides and/or speak with staff. Please see www.aquinas.vic.edu.au/enrolment/#college-tours for more details.

Year 7, 2027 Enrolments now open

Applications for enrolment in Year 7 2027 open on January 31.Applications need to be made via the College website at and will close on Friday 15 August 2025. Should you have any enquiries, please email the College Registrar at registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au .

David Broadbent

Principal

We are now ending our third week of classes so we are working on consolidating our routines that will help us to learn. Consistency builds habits and we are all trying to develop them for higher school achievement, but also because strong habits built early are great foundations for a happy life beyond school.

Developing habits

As families it is more important that you are able to help your children to develop habits than to assist with specific schoolwork. Don鈥檛 worry if the Maths is different from when you were at school or the task for humanities is outside your experience. The key is to assist your child to complete work away from school. The keys are a place to work, making time to work and removing other distractions. If these can be consistent, a specific place, a regular time and no phones, young people can develop quickly. There are many school tasks (and other tasks) that require students to work on their own to really improve.

Helping students home: Using PAM

PAM can help with students鈥� planning. Families can see the students鈥� Assessment tasks on the PAM calendar

On PAM there is a Calendar in the bottom right corner of the screen. If you click the cross (shown below) it will fill the screen, showing a month of the Calendar

It can be easier to read if you choose the list or week options from the top right menu

All the work that is on SIMON will show on the Calendar.

If the work begins with (CW) it is Classwork, or homework.

If the code is AT it is an assessment task that will be part of the semester report.

The amber colour is PAM鈥檚 calendar code for student tasks.

Our shared goal

The goal for families, students and the college is independent practice. We want the student to be able to set goals, create habits and achieve on their own.

Michael Box
Deputy Principal Learning

Spiritually Speaking: 2025 A year of Hope and our opening mass

To assist our College in the Jubilee year we have chosen a scripture quote to lead our faith theme of Hope. It comes from St Paul鈥檚 letter to the Romans 12:10:

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

This is a beautiful part of the letter from St Paul. He discusses the importance of sharing with the poor, to love one another, forgive people, not seek revenge and to live in harmony and peace with each other. What a wonderful message for our community. St Paul really provides an example that mirrors our core values at the heart of our vision and mission.

We launched this theme at our opening mass with the students. It was good to see an improved attendance and participation from our students who were so well behaved. Fr Dispin presided over the mass and he spoke to the students about letting the happiness and joy in each day and not to give anyone the power to take their self worth and happiness away from them.

Aquinas would like to thank Fr Dispin for taking the time to celebrate with us and also thank those within our community who worked so hard to ensure we had a lovely start to the year.

Tania Grace

Assistant Principal Mission

Senior Years Report

Throughout this edition of The Lighthouse, we reflect on a week of both celebration and new beginnings. It was a unique moment鈥攈onouring the remarkable achievements of our students in 2024, including a final school event with our graduated cohort, while also welcoming the school community and newest students as we embarked on the journey of 2025.

The Celebration of Excellence evening recognised the outstanding achievements of our students across the entire College鈥攁cross all year levels, learning areas, and both co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. The evening highlighted the dedication, passion, and perseverance our students demonstrated throughout the year.

Academic success is shaped by determination, perseverance, a balanced approach and support. Year 11 Dux Caitlin Hartley, recipient of the Deakin Shield, reminds us: 鈥渓earning is an individual challenge, deeply shaped by the support of dedicated teachers, family, and friends.鈥� College Captain Joseph Campbell echoed this sentiment at the Whole School Assembly, emphasizing that success is built over time: 鈥淭he habits you create now鈥攔outine, balance, and perseverance鈥攍ay the foundation for future achievement.鈥�

Beyond academics, we celebrated students who have embodied our school鈥檚 Core Values鈥擝elonging, Stewardship, Perseverance, Compassion, Justice, and Spirituality鈥攖hrough leadership and service. Their kindness and commitment to others are truly commendable. And sporting achievements. Students who have broken competition records and the athletes of the year.

Congratulations to the talented students who performed musical items across school events. Congratulations to the talented students who performed musical pieces at the school event this week. Their performances captivated the audiences, holding them in silent, motionless admiration. It is pretty impressive when you consider that at a whole school assembly, performers are playing to an audience of nearly 2000 people.

May the dedication and success of the past inspire an even brighter future ahead.

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

Middle Years Report

 We recently held our Year 7 swim testing and carnival at Nunawading Aqualink and what an exciting event it was! Well done to Rice who emerged as the overall winner with outstanding performances across a range of events. Congratulations to all students who participated and showed their team spirit!

It was a pleasure to welcome Darren from Success Integrated who spoke about 鈥榮tepping up to success鈥� to our Year 7 students and parents on Thursday night.

Looking ahead, Year 7 school camps are just around the corner. These camps provide a wonderful opportunity for students to bond with their peers, develop new skills, and take part in outdoor adventures. We encourage all students to make the most of this experience and look forward to seeing them step outside their comfort zones in a safe and supportive environment.

Sam Storey
Head Middle Years

Performances

Our music students were very busy this week, performing at the Whole School Assembly and the Excellence Assembly on Tuesday, and the Whole School Mass on Wednesday morning. Everyone in attendance appreciated the richness that music brings to these events, making them more ceremonial, joyful and engaging. We thank our students for the work they put in to prepare for these important College events.

Year 7 Music Recruitment

In the next two weeks we have an intense period of engagement with our new Year 7 students, offering two ways for them to discover instruments and learn more about the instrumental lesson program at Aquinas.

We will be visiting each Year 7 camp, where we will offer short performances, and then allow students to trial trumpet, flute, trombone, clarinet, saxophone and strings.

Then on March 6th, we will be holding our Instrument Discovery Evening for parents and students. At this session, the Junior Concert Band will make a short performance, and then Year 7 students will be invited to try various orchestral instruments: flute, clarinet, violin, cello, trombone, trumpet, saxophone and percussion. The instrumental music teachers will be there to facilitate trials, and to meet the students and parents and talk about the instruments, lessons and our ensemble program.

Students who show interest are then invited to enrol in a trial lesson on their preferred instrument.

For planning, we ask that you RSVP for the Instrument Discovery Evening .

However, if you have not responded, you are still welcome to attend.

If you know which instrument your child is interested in, you can sign up for a trial lesson .

Alternatively, you can enrol directly in instrumental lessons .

Staffing

Welcome to Fiona Balthasar, who has joined us as a Year 7 Classroom Music teacher, and individual voice teacher. Fiona has already been a hit with the Yr 7s music class, and will make contact with her voice students in the coming days.

For any music enquiries, please email the Music Administration: Sally Pace on pacese@aquinas.vic.edu.au

Alison Bellew and Emily McKenzie
Music Program Coordinators

 Hello Aquinas community! As this is my first article for the year, I鈥檇 like to take a moment to introduce myself

My name is Martha Mugamu, and I am privileged to serve as the Justice & Outreach Coordinator. In this role, I work alongside a dedicated group of student leaders and volunteers to bring to life the values of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), which guide us as a college. Together, we strive to foster a culture of compassion, justice, and service within our school and the wider community.

Throughout the year, we focus on four key whole-school initiatives that provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful action and make a positive impact. 

Term 1: Project Compassion

In partnership with , we will support Project Compassion through fundraising efforts that help transform lives. This initiative empowers communities around the world to overcome poverty and injustice, creating long-term change.

We will kick off Project Compassion at the start of Lent with a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser on March 4th. Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved and contribute to this meaningful cause.

Term 2: Winter Appeal

As the colder months approach, we will stand in solidarity with those experiencing hardship by supporting through our Tinnies for Vinnies project and participating in the Winter Sleep Out. These initiatives raise awareness of homelessness and provide much-needed assistance to vulnerable members of our community.

 Term 3: Fair Trade Fair

Social justice extends to the choices we make as consumers. Our annual Fair Trade Fair highlights ethical consumption by showcasing products that support workers' rights, fair wages, and sustainable practices. This initiative encourages us to shop with purpose and consider the impact of our purchases.

Term 4: Wishing Tree

As we enter the Christmas season, our Wishing Tree Appeal provides us with the opportunity to once again collaborate with our local St Vincent de Paul Conferences to bring joy to families in need. Through the donation of gifts, we can help brighten the holiday season for those facing financial challenges.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Beyond these major projects, students can participate in a range of activities and workshops, both at Aquinas and in collaboration with other local Catholic schools, that deepen their understanding of social justice and Catholic values in action.

One key programme is FIRE Carriers, which is open to students from Years 7-12 and runs in partnership with and . This initiative offers students the opportunity to learn about and support Indigenous rights, culture, and reconciliation.

Join the Social Justice Club!

If you鈥檙e passionate about making a difference, consider joining the Social Justice Club! This fantastic opportunity allows you to take action on social justice issues while developing important skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and service. You'll work alongside like-minded students from all year levels, whether you wish to lead initiatives, volunteer, or learn more about justice and advocacy. By getting involved, you not only contribute to meaningful change but also bring joy to others and build lasting friendships. Plus, your participation will enhance your CV and provide you with valuable life experience.

We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays at recess 鈥� check SIMON notices for details. If you鈥檇 like to join, you can:

• Email Mrs Mugamu at mugamumn@aquinas.vic.edu.au
• Fill out the Google Form (link available on SIMON notices)
• Come along to a meeting 鈥� all are welcome!

I encourage all students to get involved in our social justice and outreach programmes. These experiences not only help those in need but also build leadership skills, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to making a difference.

As we begin another year of service and advocacy, I invite our Aquinas community to join us in creating a more just and compassionate world. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to working together to make a meaningful impact.

Martha Mugamu
Social Justice & Outreach Coordinator

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

• Medical Work Experience Overseas for High School Students
• Melbourne Defence Health Careers Information Session
• Discover Monash Events
• VCE Revision Program
• Bond University: Future Forum - Melbourne
• Cetacean Sisters - Inspiring Future Female Scientists through Cetacean Science
• Endota Wellness College Open Day
• Melbourne Polytechnic:- Screen and Media - Music and Sound Information Sessions
• AIM:- Musical Theatre - Performance & Songwriting Holiday Workshops
• Career Information for Parents and Carers- Year 12 & Beyond with ADHD- Career Conversations @ Home
• Crimson Education US/UK Admission Events
• Accounting & Actuarial Science Degrees in Victoria in 2025
• Snapshot of Bond University in 2025

Vanessa Ramsay

Careers Counsellor

 Clean Up Australia Day

Clean Up Australia Day is being held on Sunday 2nd March 2025. This year marks 35 years of making a positive impact on our environment, one piece of litter at a time. There are plenty of community clean-up events happening in the Ringwood area and other surrounding Eastern suburbs. Join in to help protect and preserve your local environment. Get involved and make a difference! See for more information.

Our students in Year 7 - 10 will be undertaking Clean Up Schools Day on Friday 28th February. It is a great opportunity for students to action the value of Stewardship. Students can take care of the school environment by collecting waste and sorting it into the correct bin. We have blue bins for paper and cardboard recycling, yellow bins for bottles and cans and the red bins are for landfill (food wrappers, contaminated food containers and soft plastics). It helps to improve our environment and look after our beautiful school grounds. Small actions lead to big changes.

Karyn Myers
Sustainability Coordinator

This week we celebrated our first whole school assembly for the year, the assembly's theme was the welcoming ceremony for our new year 7s. We got the chance to prepare our own speech to introduce ourselves for the first time as School Captains. In our speech we shared our personal experiences as well as advice for new year 7s and all students in the school. Here are a couple of paragraphs of what our speech consisted of.

鈥淪tarting year 7 for me was like stepping into a whole new world, it was nerve-wracking, yet so exciting. Moving from the oldest in your school the year before, to the youngest the year after, is always a huge transition. But with the transition came new friendships, new subject choices, new sporting chances and a whole new level of independence. The school might feel enormous now, but soon it will start to feel like a second home. The best thing about starting out somewhere new is all the opportunities that are provided.

After talking to some of our fellow year 12s, we wanted to share 3 pieces of advice that we wish we could have given to our younger year 7 selves.

Firstly, Take it slow. High school flies by, so focus on one day at a time and enjoy the small moments. Secondly, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Things will fall into place, so trust the process and be kind to yourself. Lastly, don鈥檛 be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Try new things, meet new people, and embrace every opportunity. High school is about growth, and the best way to grow is by challenging yourself鈥�

It was wonderful to reconnect as a college after a long break and welcome new members into our community.

We are super excited for a big year ahead filled with joy, new experiences and events.

Evie Evans, Joey Campbell 

College Captains 

As we begin the school year, the Mathematics faculty continues to adopt evidence-based teaching practices aligned with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools' (MACS) Vision for Instruction, fostering excellence and equity for every learner.

We place a strong emphasis on retrieval practice, which is integrated through informal classroom methods, regular low-stakes assessments and the use of exit tickets. These practices help consolidate key knowledge and support long-term retention.

Our Middle Years program is designed around the domains of the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum 2.0, each cycle students will engage in Big Ideas sessions, Rich Task sessions and Maths Pathway sessions. Big Ideas sessions are comprehensive lessons where students explore specific topics from the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, including Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Probability, and Statistics. These sessions allow for collaborative problem-solving in small groups or individually, promoting understanding and skill development at each student鈥檚 pace. The lessons emphasise direct instruction to enhance fluency, problem-solving, and reasoning.

Rich Task sessions focus on mathematical investigations in small groups, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and the application of concepts in real-world contexts. These tasks foster problem-solving, logical thinking and reasoning through reflection, justifying strategies and transferring learning to new contexts. 

Maths Pathway sessions, provide personalised learning with students working on modules suited to their proficiency levels within the same topic area as the Big Ideas sessions. After beginning with a starter activity, students work independently on modules covering various topics, while the teacher conducts mini-lessons and targeted interventions as needed. Mini-lessons provide small group instruction on specific topics flagged by Maths Pathway, while targeted interventions offer personalised support to address individual challenges.These sessions provide a consistent approach to the explicit teaching of Mathematics aligned to the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. This aligns with the MACS focus on formative assessment and differentiated support, ensuring all students are progressing according to their abilities. 

Year 7 Students working with Ms McDonald

At the senior level, we are employing interleaving strategies to help students connect and recall past content. Mixing in older content from previous topics, helps strengthen the content in the students long term memory and also build connections between the various concepts. This approach strengthens understanding and prepares students for formal assessments, including SACs and exams.

Year 10 students collaborating on linear equation problem solving tasks.

It has been an absolute pleasure to join the Aquinas community this year and take on the role of Mathematics Learning Area Leader. There鈥檚 a number of reasons why students pursue the study of Mathematics, but the most common response I have found is that students believe they are already good at it (that they have a 鈥榤aths brain鈥�), or they need to do well in it for their preferred career path/tertiary study. This results focused mindset can be motivating, but at the same time debilitating for some students. The nature of mathematics is that we are very quick to realise when we make a mistake or get a question wrong and the fear of failure can turn people of mathematics all together.

A nice acronym I like to share with my students in our first class together is to think of the word F.A.I.L as the First Attempt In Learning and to promote a learning environment where mistakes are welcomed and everyone feel able to have a go and grow and learn from each other. Spending time struggling with a difficult problem and exploring multiple ways to find a solution is when we see the most growth. There鈥檚 often different ways of approaching and solving a given problem so I encourage my students when working with others to 鈥榯hink aloud鈥� by verbalising the process they are using when doing the written work. This allows us to see the differences in how others think, draw connections between prior knowledge and identify alternate conceptions. If you are interested in reading more I like of different mathematical thinking strategies (adapted from Math-ish by Jo Boaler) or (via: abc education) with their maths you can have a look at the links below.

On behalf of the faculty, we look forward to working alongside you and your children through their Mathematics journey.

James Meade
Mathematics Learning Area Leader 

On Monday the 10th of February the year 12 VCE VM students had an adventure to the 1000 steps in Upper Ferntree Gully. We navigated ourselves to Upper Ferntree Gully from school to make our way to the steps via the train. Once we arrived at the steps, we soon embarked on the challenging journey to the peak. We had the option to pick between three separate tracks, but we selected the option of going on the Kokoda trail. We travelled a total of 6km, our focus was about leadership and teamwork. Together we ensured that everyone was together, and we utilized these skills to ensure almost everyone completed the steps. As a group we made lots of memories together, and had lots of good chats.

Written by Jessica Blackman & Maddox Sturdy

The VET Hospitality and Cookery classes ran an excellent Cocktail party as the first event in these exciting and practical courses. The students developed and hosted a Cocktail party evening for their parents/caregivers and school leadership designed to showcase the wonderful facilities and the superb level of student ability. This year鈥檚 event was held in the O鈥橠riscoll Room and the Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre (where Cafe N9ne also runs) with over 125 guests attending.

The menus are designed by the students, following the curriculum, with the senior unit 3 & 4 students taking on a leadership role with the incoming unit 1 & 2 students. This event creates a team atmosphere and a sense of camaraderie among all the students. The event gives the incoming unit 1 & 2 students an insight into what they can achieve after one year of training by seeing the unit 3 & 4 students in action.

鈥淚t has been a big growth experience. We have had lots of fun and already gained many new skills. We are looking forward to working in the Hospitality industry. 鈥� Mikaela and Noni, year 10

鈥淭onight I was head chef of the kitchen and it was awesome. The senior students did a great job mentoring the junior students. The junior students stepped up to the challenge and produced some real quality food. 鈥� Hayden, year 12

鈥淔antastic! It was a bit scary at the start but as the night went on we started to really enjoy ourselves. The best bit was the happy look on customer's faces as we described our drinks鈥�. Luca, year 12

Drinks Menu included:

• Cinnamon Apple Pie mocktail
• Spiced orange mule
• Tropical Tea Fusion
• Sunrise Mocktail
• Lime Mojito Mocktail
• Smoked Lavender Mocktail
• Lemon, Lime and Bitters

Food included:

• Blini with smoked salmon and dill  
• Caprese salad skewer 
•  Pancetta-wrapped chicken sliders with spice slaw
• Chicken and spinach vol au vents
• Porcini arancini served with spicy lemon myrtle mayo
• Cointreau fruit salad
  
• Mini lemon meringue tarts
• and a range of special dietary requirement dishes

This year with a visit from our French partner culinary school at the same time we were able to show our international quests the superb quality of our Hospitality and Cookery programs. 

I would like to thank all the teachers, support staff and students who participated in making this such a fantastic event with outstanding food, beverages and service. Restaurant Nights are running throughout the year and dates are on the school calendar. Everyone is welcome to come and experience one of these gastronomic events by booking online through the College website or at

Owen Stott 
Director, Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre
and VET Cookery Teacher

 Welcome to the visiting French Students!

The Students from our Sister schools Lyc茅e Sainte Marie and Notre dame du Doc arrived at our school this week. The were immediately immersed in life here at the College, participating in the VET Cocktail night and playing basketball with the year 9 students! We hope they enjoy their stay with their hosts and their time at Aquinas.
 

Darren Pereiera spoke to the Year 8's at their assembly. It was an entertaining and very encouraging session where he spoke about resilience and taught the students methods on how to achieve that!

Chrys - "Darren spoke to us about how we can change our habits to be more focused and successful at school - I was asked to go on stage to help with an experiment to show how balance can affect our mental strength and it was very embarrassing"

Chloe - "He taught me how to take risks and enjoy the experiences that life bring"

It was a very successful night at the Lions Club Youth of the Year event. Evie Evans won the Best Public Speaker of the evening and also took out the Lion's Club of Park Orchards Youth of the Year Winner. She will head into the next division to compete soon. Her speech was titled "Double-Sided Sword of Fast Fashion".

Lachie Buyck also competed and did very well on the night. His impromptu speeches were canid, enlightening and humorous at times. His prepared speech was titled "The Destructive Nature of AI".

Sam Warren

English Learning area Leader

Our Year 7 students made a splash at their Swim Testing and Swimming Carnival Day, showcasing fantastic participation and house spirit. It was wonderful to see so many students embracing their first major event of the year with enthusiasm.
Congratulations to Rice, who took out first place, followed by Mackillop and Dominic. A big thank you to Jeff Harrington for his efforts in coordinating the swim testing, ensuring students are well-prepared for camp. Well done to all students for their energy, teamwork, and house pride!

Erin Richards and Renee Johns

Sport Coordinators

WHOLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY & OPENING MASS

It has been a wonderful few days of celebration at our College this week, we started with an inspiring whole school assembly led by our school captains. From celebrating our diverse community - including social justice, sustainability, sport, and the arts - to honouring the success of the Year 12 & 7 buddy program, all accompanied by our talented Music students. Reminding us that by being involved you have a greater chance of making themost of your time at Aquinas!

A huge shout out to Erin Barden for her breathtaking performance of 'If I Can鈥檛 Have You' by Whitney Houston, accompanied by Adrian Perri on piano.

We gave a big warm welcome to our Year 7 students! We are so excited to have you join our school community and wish you all the best as you embark on your first year with us.

Our Principal, David Broadbent, shared an important message about having high expectations and always striving to be our best selves, reminding us that at Aquinas 鈥渙ur aim is to help students exceed what they think is their potential.鈥�

Today, Fr. Dispin led our opening Mass, reminding us of the importance of feeling 'Happy' and never allowing anyone to take away our self-worth. We blessed and acknowledged our School Leaders as they begin their roles, wishing them the best in their leadership journey. These positive messages are a great way to start the term as we continue to grow and learn together.

CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE!

On Tuesday night 麻豆APP proudly welcomed over 200 guests to our 'Celebrate Excellence' awards night. This special event honoured the remarkable achievements of our 2024 VCE (ATAR and VM) students, along with our current students who have exemplified excellence. Families, distinguished guests and staff came together to celebrate the hard work, determination, and ambition of our Aquinas students. The evening was made even more memorable with beautiful performances from both past and present music students. We are incredibly proud of our students for their excellence across all areas of school life. We wish our graduating students the best as they step into the future! To our current students, we wish you continued success in the current year and beyond. Please read below for the individual award winners. 

We have had some beautiful photos taken of the Awards Ceremony, year level groups and individual photos of the award winners. If you would be interested in purchasing them they are on the HM Photos website to look at.

Password: ACCE180225

 Welcome to the visiting French Students!

The Students from our Sister schools Lyc茅e Sainte Marie and Notre dame du Doc arrived at our school this week. The were immediately immersed in life here at the College, participating in the VET Cocktail night and playing basketball with the year 9 students! We hope they enjoy their stay with their hosts and their time at Aquinas.
 

The Spirit of Aquinas section will focus on one core value from our mission statement and ways this value has been demonstrated at school.

鈥�Compassion: We promote the service of others through education and experiences that are based on kindness and generosity informed by Catholic Social Teaching.鈥�

Compassion is one of those things that can be overlooked or under appreciated. As a culture we have started to become more and more insular and selfish in our actions, true compassion becoming more and more rare. When someone in our community then shows compassion it is important to hold space and value it. Year 11 Student Engagement and Culture Leader Holly McGill did this when she noticed her teacher show true compassion to one of her fellow students. Holly recounted that this student felt anxious and overwhelmed with their school work, upcoming SACs and the higher expectations on them. This teacher then took the time to listen to the student and remind them how vital their mental and emotional health is. This teacher then provided them with extra support to help the student manage the workload while still keeping mentally healthy.

This kind of teacher to student interaction happens all the time. Our teachers at Aquinas truly are passionate about their students and will do everything they can to support them on their high school journey. As followers of God we must follow in His and Jesus鈥� footsteps, showing selfless compassion to everyone we meet, and our teachers live this idea to their core.

 2025 PACE Network Committee

PACE Network is our newly relaunched committee which will see the collaboration of various groups across the broader 麻豆APP community. In 2025 our PnF and FOAM groups will initiate PACE with the intention of expanding to Alumni and other community groups in the coming years. The current positions in PACE are as follows:

Executive Positions

President:

鈼� Preside at General and Executive meetings.

鈼� Peruse Minutes for accuracy.

鈼� Act as leader of the team.

鈼� Member of the School Advisory Council (SAC).

Vice-President:

鈼� Deputise for the President.

Secretary:

鈼� Record Minutes of Meetings.

鈼� Act as Executive Officer.

鈼� Handle all correspondence.

鈼� Maintain attendance register.

Treasurer:

鈼� Collect and bank funds.

鈼� Present financial reports to General Meetings and the Annual General Meeting.

Sub Committee Coordinators

Membership Coordinator (NEW PROPOSED ROLE)

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;Encourages new members to join the committee and coordinates in recruitment activities.

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;Keeps current members engaged and informed about committee activities.

鈼� Maintains an up-to-date membership list.

Gala Ball Coordinator

鈼� Organizes and oversees the annual Year 10 Gala Ball event.

鈼� Manages all aspects of the event, including venue, catering, entertainment, and ticket sales.

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;Works with other committee members, College staff and volunteers to ensure the event's success.

FOAM (Friends of Aquinas Music) Coordinator

鈼� Liaises with the Aquinas Music Programs Coordinator and Music staff to identify music events and initiatives which can be supported by the PACE Network

鈼� Coordinates relevant aspects of the events and initiatives with the Aquinas Music Programs Coordinator and Music staff

鈼� Coordinates other committee members and volunteers to ensure the event's success.

Class of 1984 reunion 40 years! 鈥� better late than never!

All Aquinas graduates of 1984 and those who would have graduated Year 12 in 1984 are warmly invited to attend a reunion. Starting time is @ 7.30pm, BYO drinks and finger food provided.

For more information please RSVP via the Facebook group 麻豆APP-Class of 1984 or directly to Angela on 0402530760. Please share this information with any friends or relatives who are 1984 graduates.

The Parents and Community Engagement Network provides an opportunity for all parents to become involved in the community, social and fundraising activities of the College and to support the various programs and events organised by the College.