From the Principal
Semester 1 Thanks
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is Thank You, it will be enough. Meister Eckhart, Dominican theologian and mystic (c.1300)
We are coming to the end of an extended 11 week term, concluding the semester with Activities Week. I wish to express my thanks to all members of our community for the great sense of belonging and partnership that I have experienced across my first six months at Aquinas. More specifically:
- Thank you to the many students whove welcomed my intrusion into their conversations, providing many insights to their experience at Aquinas and why they value our College (along with some advice for enhancing our college).
- Thank you to our wonderful staff who so openly value positive relationships as the key to building our community. This is exemplified in their daily interactions with students, colleagues and families, and particularly in the incredible range of co-curricular opportunities, along with the amazing range of opportunities staff have prepared for Activities Week.
- Thank you to the many families who Ive encountered at the drop-off zone, information nights, music evenings, in Cafe N9ne and elsewhere. As a College we appreciate our positive partnership in learning and the care of your children. Personally, I thank each of you who has made the time to introduce yourself or even just wave and smile from your car.
- Finally, I am grateful to the many people and organisations in our wider community who enrich student (& staff) learning and the wellbeing of our students both within and outside our college.
I wish all students, staff and families a refreshing holiday break from 29 June (stay warm & well!).
Student Leadership Forum
A few weeks ago, I was invited to a Student Leadership Forum that was completely prepared and led by Aquinas students for our Aquinas Year 7 - 12 student leaders. While staff leaders were in attendance, we, too, were led by our College captains and assigned to student groups for discussions and activities. We certainly have a number of budding leadership consultants among our leaders, as they impressively covered leadership skills, clear communication, and future directions for the College among their engaging sessions. Congratulations to all involved in a great afternoon of student voice, agency and collegiality.
Two Aquinas nominees for Australia's Best Teacher!
We know that Aquinas is blessed with many wonderful teachers and thank the many students and parents who nominated a range of staff for the Australias Best Teacher awards. Congratulations to Kelly Coach Breazeale and Peter Shim who were in the Herald Sun among only 14 Victorian educators listed in the Top 50!
Key dates
Date | |
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Mon 24 - Fri 28 June
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Activities Week
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Friday 28 June
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Final student day for Term 2
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Mon 8 - Mon 15 July
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Office & Finance closed for Mid-Year break
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Monday 15 July
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Staff Spirituality Day Student-Free Day
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Tuesday 16 July
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Office & Finance reopen for Term 3 All students resume for Term 3
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David Broadbent
Principal