Principal's Report
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I鈥檓 pleased to report that it has been a very good start to the year. It's great to see our students excited about being back at school and ready to learn. A number of staff members have commented to me that there is a spirit of great optimism at the College, as students seem to have settled quickly into the routine of a new year. I hope you are hearing good news stories at home as well.
Challenge Walks
I had the great pleasure last week of joining the Year 9 Dominic Team on their Challenge Walk as they tested their endurance as an example of our core value 'perseverance'. It was also an opportunity to take time in a beautiful setting on the Yarra River to build on relationships and to reflect on the goals that each student hopes to achieve this year.
Celebrate Excellence Evening
Our Celebrate Excellence Evening is on Monday evening and invitations have been sent to those who are to be recognised for their excellence in 2022. It is important to acknowledge students who have achieved at the highest academic standards in their level, or excelled in their contribution to the sporting life and spirit of 新澳开奖. We will showcase this event and award recipients in a future edition of The Lighthouse.
Opening Mass
Our Opening Mass is on Monday, period 6 and 7, and is a student only event. All students are expected to be in attendance, including those Year 12 students who do not have scheduled classes at this time. This week RE Teachers have been talking to the students about the importance of mass in our faith tradition and the etiquette that we expect of participants. We appreciate that weekend mass attendance is not customary in many families and we will provide guidance during the mass so that students know when and how to respond. We would appreciate your support by emphasising the value of gathering for mass as a College community with your son or daughter and this might also be an opportunity to discuss why you chose a Catholic education for them amongst the many options available.
Opening Assembly
Our Opening Assembly is on Tuesday period 2 and 3 and is a student only event. We will be live streaming this event. Details will be provided to enable you to watch remotely.
Parent Information Nights
Thank you for the excellent turnout to our Parent Information Nights over the last couple of weeks. We hope that you have found them valuable. On these evenings, it is often less about the information sharing and more about putting a face to the names of those who are responsible for the pastoral care of your son or daughter. It is always easier to contact someone should a concern arise if you have established a relationship prior. The last level to meet is Year 8 and this will occur on Wednesday evening.
Open Day
Advance notice that on Sunday, March 19 we will have our Open Day from 12pm to 3pm. Tours will be conducted on 20 minute intervals, with the last tour departing at 2.20pm. Bookings are not required. Parents with a child in Grade 5 are reminded that the enrolments for the 2025 Year 7 are now open. Please note that we do not presume that you are enrolling your child at the College and that an application is required. Should you have any questions, please contact College Registrar, Ms Madeleine Kalla on 9259 3008.
新澳开奖 School Advisory Council
The 新澳开奖 School Advisory Council will meet for the first time in 2023 next week and it is my pleasure to introduce the members and to advertise that we have a vacancy for a parent/guardian to join our council in the role of Financial Representative. Please contact me on principal@aquinas.vic.edu.au if you are interested in being considered for this vacancy. Should you want more information, the is available on the College website.
Fr Dispin John- Canonical Administrator
Mr Chris Leahy- Chair
Mr Darren Atkinson- Principal
Mr Rhys Cameron- Student Representative
Ms Sharon Daley- Staff representative
Dr Kerry Elliott- Parent Representative
Mr Dave Mutimer- Primary Principals鈥 Representative
Ms Brodi Stone- Representative of Parents & Friends Committee
Mr Dean Scott- Parent and Representative of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Ringwood
Ms Joanne White- Parent Representative
VACANCY Financial Representative
In attendance:
Mr Paul Benedict- Business Manager
Ms Maddy Kalla- Secretary
Driver Conduct
The College has received complaints from neighbours about motorists ignoring the parking restrictions at drop off and pick up times, and in doing so, exacerbating the problems in our already congested side streets. Could I please request that you obey all signage. I appreciate that the roads around the College are very busy, especially at the two peak times each day, and ask you to consider whether a drop off/pick up point a few streets from the College might make it a lot easier for you, with the added benefit of a little bit of exercise for our young people.
Darren Atkinson
Principal