黄瓜视频

End of Term

This is the last edition of The Lighthouse for Term 2 and we finish the semester with a hive of activity at the College.  

Middle Years

In a very full week, Year 9 students undertook their special education block, which includes a rotation by team through the City Project and the It Starts with Me program at Aquinas. Year 8 students have been working on Global Green Projects as they develop an understanding of the need for astute stewardship for our environment and natural resources. Year 7 students have been involved in our Connect Program and have enjoyed LOTE Day, Humanities and STEAM activities as part of a program to help students connect their learning to real world challenges. They have also participated in pilgrimages to learn more about the founders' stories and how they served God by caring for others.

Senior Years

Our Year 12 students have been on Retreat on Phillip Island and have taken this opportunity to catch their breath and reflect on the last few months at this mid-point of the year. The activities on retreat invite participants to learn more about their spirituality and  personal qualities, as well as build community as they gather together for one of the last times as a cohort and share a common bond. Many of our Year 11 students are travelling through the Northern Territory and others are participating in our City Experience. Our Year 10 students are thinking about their directions during Futures Week by hearing about offerings at our tertiary institutions and through presentations from invited guests on their own career journeys. Other workshops on various aspects of life skills make for a very full and interesting program.

Thank you for your ongoing support this semester. I especially want to say thank you to our staff who have given so generously of their time, especially this week, so that these exciting co-curricular opportunities are available. I wish all members of our community a relaxing break at the end of the week.

Term 3 Commencement

Term 3 commences for students on Tuesday, July 11 and this is a Day 2. Monday, July 10 is a designated Staff Professional Learning Day and is therefore a student free day.

Vandalism

I am disappointed to have to inform you that we have recently experienced a spate of vandalism in our toilets and, as a result, some have needed to be closed for repairs. The damage has occurred in both female and male toilets. For those responsible to choose to vandalise a resource that their peers need to be comfortable at school suggests a very selfish act, as well as a complete waste of (your) money. While we endeavour to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account, you will be able to help by having a discussion at home about your expectations in regards to respecting others and their property. Other students surely witnessed this vandalism and we need them not to turn a blind eye, but to let us know, confident that they can do so safely and privately. 

End of Semester Reports

Semester 1 reports will be made available on Friday evening July 14, the first week back after the Term break. To access your student鈥檚 report, you will require your username and password for the Parent Access Module (PAM): . If you cannot recall these login details, please contact the College Office on 9259 3000 and we will assist. Parents will continue to be able to see results and feedback task by task in PAM as soon as the teacher completes the assessment.

Time to Check and Update Details

I ask all Parents/Guardians to log on to the  on the College website and take the time to check that your own personal details are correct: for example, your residential address, your occupation information, your personal email and phone number. We require the most up to date information prior to the August Census and, most importantly, to ensure that we can contact you. Any changes can be made via this portal and you use your ICON login details. We ask that this information is checked and updated before the end of July.

Opening Hours during the Holidays

The College Office is closed during the second week of holidays, however students are welcome to work in the Aquinas Resource Centre (ARC) during the first week between the hours of 8.30am and 3.30pm.  It should be noted that this is the only supervised area at the College during the holidays and that there will be no teacher supervision of the College grounds, nor will crossing supervisors be in place. Office Hours during the holidays will be 8.30am to 3.30pm. 

Year 7 Enrolment Reminder

A reminder to our families that applications for enrolment in Year 7 for 2025 close on August 19 and that we will not presume you wish to enrol your Year 5 child just because you have an older child currently enrolled at the College. Please contact the College Registrar, Ms Madeleine Kalla on 9259 3008 should you have any questions.

Darren Atkinson

Principal

The responsible use of social media

In this edition of The Lighthouse, I wish to share an article from School TV which offers some insights into how social media influencers impact the development and wellbeing of young people. Your child鈥檚 pastoral leaders tend to spend a lot of time dealing with social media misuse, which often takes place outside of the College. The impact nonetheless influences the climate of the school when it comes to social relationships and engagement. For this reason, I always urge families to access support content and resources which aim to improve the use of social media in ways that are positive and effective in enhancing learning. Please refer to the available resources from the eSafety Commissioner .

One of the challenges that we all face is that children can access a virtual world with limited constraints and unknown dangers. For this reason, it is important that students develop functional literacy skills when it comes to technology use, but further develop critical and analytical skills to understand the context under which they function and the skills to contribute positively to their society. Please read the article below on Social Media Influencers and their probable impact on your child.

From School TV: Social Media Influencers

Social media influencers have become powerful individuals who often shape the opinions and beliefs of others due to strong connections with their audiences. In today's fast-paced digital world, attention has become a valuable commodity.

However, the impact of social media influencers on youth mental health is a growing concern, most recently, the controversial actions and statements of Andrew Tate. His rise to fame has made him a polarising figure, amassing a significant following of mostly young males. Educators and families have raised urgent concerns about the damaging nature of Tate鈥檚 content, worried that his messages may radicalise students and create a generation of young men with regressive and harmful beliefs.

Young people often compare themselves to the idealised lives presented by influencers, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth and dissatisfaction. Social media algorithms may also expose them to inappropriate or harmful content such as explicit material, promotion of harmful behaviours, or distorted perceptions of body image or mental health.

It is important to guide a young person鈥檚 social media use and promote open communication. Be curious to comprehend why they might be drawn to radical influencers, like Andrew Tate, and actively seek understanding as part of the solution. While not all influencers have a negative impact, parents play a vital role in ensuring a balanced approach to social media. By actively modelling kindness, respect and positive values, parents can help tackle the sway of radical influencers and be part of the solution to countering unhealthy masculinity.

This Special Report from School TV provides guidance on how to respond to misinformation and disinformation, instead encouraging critical thinking and emphasising the value of real-life connections. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, encourage you to seek support from the College if needed. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help. The YFC is available to offer support if required.

Click on this link to view the Special Report: 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the College.

Nap Rodezno

Deputy Principal

Thank you to all of our staff who have contributed to a wonderful term of learning for our students - both in and out of the classroom.

This has been particularly evident through this final week of term with our scheduled activities at each year level. A great deal of planning and preparation has gone into the week鈥檚 success, led by our teaching and non- teaching staff. Our students have certainly experienced a myriad of new learning opportunities, enhancing their life experience and knowledge.

Here are some examples of the great work that has been happening this week:

I wish our students and staff a relaxing holiday break with your family and friends and look forward to seeing you in Term 3.

Gina Goss

Assistant Principal - Staff

Senior Years Report

Activities Week is a blended week filled with diverse learning activities which focus on developing students academically, socially, mentally and spiritually. Year Level Leaders, with various Learning Areas, develop meaningful programs focused on providing purposeful learning experiences. You can view each year level鈥檚 activities more closely across the next two Lighthouse editions.

A quick overview of the week for each year level:

Year 10 Future鈥檚 Week is designed to prepare students for making decisions about their futures. Focussing on careers and pathways, discussions were held on finances, banking and tax, culminating with tours of chosen universities and TAFEs. Scattered throughout the week, students also participated in preventive health sessions led by Choicez Media and Toolbox Education, focusing on managing healthy relationships, raising awareness of the mental stories we build which impact self-worth and the impacts of gambling.

Year 11 activities are camp based. Students selected to either travel to the Northern Territory or participate in City Camp. The Kakadu trip is self explanatory (many of you have probably been on a similar trip yourselves when at school). City Camp is a highly active camp involving day trips to rock climbing and Werribee Zoo. It involves a two-night stay in the city, visiting a combination of day and evening attractions. We wish our Kakadu Trip continued safe travels as they enter their final week of camping.

Year 12 week started with an English Day followed by the annual Big Day Out, visiting seven different TAFE and Tertiary institutions, culminating with their retreat on Phillip Island.

Thank you to the families and friends who joined our program, sharing their vocational journey stories with our Year 10 students. Expanding students' views of the world and the possibilities beyond Aquinas is invaluable. Gaining from different experiences on early career planning, career changes, setbacks, successes and possibilities was greatly appreciated and great stimulus for conversations throughout the week.  

Thank you to the many families who were able to involve themselves this week. Feedback sheets from the Year 10 parent evening workshop delivered by Success Integrated, reported that people valued the tips on how to hold conversations with their children to make informed choices for the future. Being informed of the choices your children will face when selecting subjects and pathways for their final years at school is valuable. When we return in Semester 2, information will be disseminated about subject selections for 2024. If you were not able to attend the parent workshop this week, keep an eye out for advertisement for subject selection expo in Term 3. This will be your next opportunity to learn more about the choices your child will face in their chosen pathways for Years 11 and 12.

Advanced notice to Year 12 parents/carers assisting their children in conversations relating to courses for 2024, springboarding from the TAFE and university visits this week, individual institutions begin their open days from July onwards and early entry applications through VTAC are now open. To assist in navigating this time, students have access to resources presented through assemblies via their Year 12 Mentor Website and .

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

Middle Years Report

This week meet... Callum Settle

When Callum Settle took off for his 10 kilometre run at the Melbourne Marathon Festival last year, there were several Aquinas teachers in the same race. They even actually kept up with Callum that morning for about 400-500m, until the car they were in got a flat tire. Callum ran his 10km in 36 minutes and 43 seconds. He was placed 63rd out of nearly 8,000 competitors of all ages. In the 14-17 age bracket (and Callum had just turned 14) he placed 6th out of 141. Callum said he despised running when he started. The early days were filled with the sickening nerves followed by the pain of running. He felt that he was "pretty average at the start." This week, we hear how Callum turned his nerves into successes and the importance he places on self-discipline and effort.

What are some things about Athletics that you love? 

The mixed sensation of exhaustion and happiness you feel after a run, getting the opportunity to meet new people and travel to new places and the thrill of competing and running fast. 

Describe some of the challenges or setbacks that you have had along the way.

I鈥檝e only had a few setbacks; severs, squinting patella (a condition in the knees where the bone grows in the wrong way causing the patella to face the wrong way.)

What are some of your greatest memories in athletics?

Running at my first nationals in the 2000m Steeplechase in Adelaide, coming fifth in the Australian Junior Championships in the  1500m with a PB of 4:07min, and placing fourth in the 3000m also with a PB of 8:58 min. I鈥檝e competed in Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, all of which has been incredible to run against some of the best athletes in the country and represent Victoria.

Are there people that you look up to in the sport that have inspired you?

Many people: Stewart Mcsweyn, Eliud Kipchoge and Sebastian Coe. Their achievements on and off the track are inspirational. 

Do you have any higher ambitions in athletics?

Loads! Representing Aus is every athlete's ultimate goal, and obviously going to the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth games etc. But within the next few years, the aim is to get on the national podium.

What characteristics have you learnt from athletics that help you in your life away from the track?

Self-discipline, dedication and effort. Effort and dedication are complementary when you want to succeed and self-discipline is a sign of strength and restraint.

Phil Box

Head Middle Years

The term is coming to an end, and although the connection between year levels may currently be low due to activities week, it is important to remember that there is always someone there for you. The next two terms will be more difficult, but with someone by your side that can help you along the way, it will make this experience so much easier. Currently we have our Year 8s completing Global Green, which is vital for both their learning and for meeting people in different houses at school. We have our Year 9s on their SEB block, which includes being in the city or on camp. We have had our Year 10s enjoying their activities and Year 11s currently in central Australia on their central/Kakadu trip. Lastly, we have had our Year 12s on their final school camp, Year 12 retreat. We hope that all students alike have enjoyed this week and we wish you all a very safe and good holidays.

Brooke Tudor and Thomas Scutt

College Vice Captains

Do you find yourself gobsmacked that the contestants on Who Wants to be a Millionaire don't know the obvious answer?

Do you reach for Trivial Pursuit at the mere mention of a game night?

Do you have a brain full of random facts and don't quite know when or where to use them appropriately?

Do you have a group of friends/colleagues/acquaintances who know a lot about a little, but when put together are a trivia force to be reckoned with?

If you said YES to any of these questions, grab your calendar, gather your brains trust and save the date for the Annual Parents and Friends Trivia Night to raise funds for the 黄瓜视频 community.

Prizes, raffles and laughs are promised...as well as trivia for all abilities. 

As indicated in previous communication, the College will embark on the construction of a Sports and Multipurpose space in the current Tennis Courts site. Access to and from Great Ryrie Street may be impacted, but the College and building company have planned ahead so that safety is a priority. Please note the alterations to the areas and discuss with your children the importance of adhering to the temporary adjustments to movement while construction takes place. 

Please refer to the diagram below for information regarding access to and from the school gates along Great Ryrie Street and alterations to the Out of Bounds zones. When walking to school, students cannot enter the College through the Bus Bay or adjoining gates as these will be closed. Students travelling by bus will have access to the College through the bus bay. 

Throughout Term 2, the Music department has held several soiree evenings to showcase the varied instrumental groups within the Music Program. Students from all year levels who study Voice, Woodwind, Drums/Percussion, Piano and Brass at Aquinas were given the opportunity to perform as soloists or small groups to an audience full of friends and family.

The students prepared for these evenings throughout first Semester and were able to deliver engaging and well rehearsed performances.

Well done to all students who performed, and a big thank you to friends, family and other school staff who came to support the students on these evenings. 

Music team

The Senior Play is an annual and popular event on the College鈥檚 performing arts calendar. All of our cast and crew are Senior Years' students who work constructively every Tuesday and Thursday after school to develop a full length, entertaining and polished production. Students are also responsible for set design and construction, which they also complete in their lunchtimes and recesses under the guidance of Ms Maryanne Leavey. 

This year, the Senior Play is Almost, Maine: a rather whimsical and magical play, comprising a series of loosely linked short vignettes that explore love, hope and loss in a remote, mythical US town. Although this play is often performed by and for adults, it is arguably one of the most popular choices for secondary schools and therefore suitable for an audience of all ages. 

Our two performance dates are the evenings of Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 19. Tickets are available via  

All tickets are $20.

Boys Basketball B premiers

Girls Ultimate Frisbee runners-up

Boys Softball premiers

VCE PE Unit 2 - Contemporary issues in Sport, Physical Activity and Society with guest speaker, El Chaston

In Year 11 VCE PE Unit 2 there has been a focus around Contemporary issues in Sport, Physical activity and Society. The unit explores a range of issues, including those linked to gender equity, inclusion and diversity, athletes' mental health and wellbeing, physical health (concussion), impacts of social media, children's sport, violence in sport and sexualisation in sport.  

It's quite a broad unit with plenty of scope for discussion and debate on a range of topics which is often guided by what is occurring at the time in the world of sport and physical activity.

Fortunately, past student (2019), El Chaston, was kind enough to come in and speak to the classes about their experiences as an elite athlete (AFLW), and the different insights, challenges and achievements both personally and professionally.

It was an insightful, sensitive and engaging presentation that provoked and challenged many thoughts and opinions in the students.

Student Reflections:

"I thought the talk was interesting, being able to hear a different perspective about the troubles that can come from being a professional athlete. It was good to hear about what goes on around the clubs and how most female athletes have to have another job other than footy, as they don't make a stable salary off just playing football. It was also interesting to find out that they only get a six month contract, so they need to be able to get a new job so that they have enough money to live off. It was really good to get more of an understanding on the gender pay gap, as I was unaware of some of the major differences that come with the gender pay gap."

"I thought that El was very well spoken and addressed multiple contemporary issues in sport. They spoke from their personal experience in professional sport (particularly AFLW) and how these contemporary issues affected them. El briefly mentioned concussion, which is the topic I am investigating, and I feel that their talk has helped to grow my understanding."

鈥淚 believe that the talk was very interesting, and it was very beneficial hearing El's opinions on contemporary issues. They have obviously experienced first hand many of the issues, so I think it was good to hear from them. One thing that El said that I found very respectable was when we were talking about pronouns and they said that they are not affected when people call them by the wrong pronouns. They understand that it can be hard to grasp, but if people refuse to call them by their preferred pronouns, they do not think too much of it and just don't associate themselves with those people.鈥�

"I thought the talk was good. It was straight to the point and did not feel like a form of propaganda. El was clearly passionate about the topic and brought up points I had never really thought of, like how AFLW players have full-time expectations but get paid part-time wages. I also liked that they understood that changing to use their pronouns is difficult and is not always a form of disrespect when someone gets it wrong."

"I really enjoyed the talk and found their opinions very interesting. I liked their attitude to the talk as they were open and honest about what they came here to talk about. I didn't know as much as I thought I knew about the issues raised, so it was cool to hear from a different inside perspective. The pay gap issue was really interesting as I didn't really take into account all the factors and barriers it is enabling and therefore with El I was able to understand more about the key issues around it."

Steve McGrath

Health and Physical Education Learning Area Leader