Principal's Report
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Welcome back to Term 2
I trust that you had an enjoyable Easter with an opportunity to spend time together with family and friends, or perhaps you finally had a long awaited chance to travel. While this first week has been abbreviated due to parent teacher interviews and the public holiday, it has been pleasing to see smiling faces as students return to school and we look forward to a productive term ahead.
As we move into the colder months it is important to remember that both COVID-19 and other influenza-like viruses will become more prevalent. Our COVID-19 advice of 3 February remains unchanged. Please assist in reducing transmission at school by keeping students at home when they are showing symptoms and encouraging good hygiene practices.
ANZAC Day
Thank you to our College Captains, Chloe and Matt, and College Vice-Captain, Brooke, who represented us at the Dawn Service in Ringwood on Tuesday and laid a wreath. It was a very moving ceremony and a large crowd were in attendance to witness the tributes to our fallen soldiers and to those who returned from service forever changed. Thanks also to our Year 12 Leaders for supporting our students as they represented our community.
Our ANZAC Day celebration at the College occurred on Wednesday morning. Once again, our student body responded as appropriate and showed genuine respect in their silence for those who have sacrificed so much in the arenas of war and as peacekeepers. Thanks to our College Ambassadors, Lucy and Jay, who led our liturgy, and Isidore and Shaelee who played the last post and sang the national anthem, and in doing so, added so much to this solemn occasion.
Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent Teacher Meetings concluded this week. Thank you to those who were able to take advantage of this opportunity to discuss the progress of their children. I wish to extend my thanks to the teaching and support staff for their continued efforts to provide meaningful feedback to you on your childs progress.
Advance Notice - Family Mass
The next of our family masses is on Tuesday, May 9 commencing at 7.30pm in the College Chapel. The focus of this mass is Mothers Day and to gather to offer thanks to our mothers and to those who nurture others.
Welcome to visitors from our French sister school
We welcome 16 students and two teachers from our partner school who have arrived from France. Our long standing sister school partnership gives students the opportunity to visit another country and participate in a rich cultural exchange. The visiting students are from the culinary school and study areas such as Service, Cookery, Bakery, Patisserie and Hospitality Management. Thank you to all families who are assisting by hosting students while they are here. Thanks also to Mr Owen Stott, Director of the Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre, for coordinating this visit.
Uniform Changeover
We have a two week transition period in which winter or summer uniforms can be worn and from Monday, May 8, all students must be in full winter uniform. Students have received an email emphasising the importance of wearing the correct uniform to school. Details of the College winter uniform can be found here:
GIRLS' WINTER UNIFORM- TERMS 2 & 3 | BOYS' WINTER UNIFORM- TERMS 2 & 3 |
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White long sleeved shirt with angular collar, worn tucked into the skirt
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White long sleeved shirt with angular collar, worn tucked into the trousers
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College tartan fabric skirt, worn at knee length
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Dark grey College trousers
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College tie
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College tie
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Black opaque tights
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Dark grey socks worn above the ankle
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Black leather lace-up school shoes (N.B. school shoes have a heel, leisure shoes do not)
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Black leather lace-up school shoes (N.B. school shoes have a heel, leisure shoes do not)
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College blazer
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Plain black leather belt
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College jumper
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College blazer
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OR- Dark grey tailored College shorts or dark grey College trousers (worn with shirt tucked in)
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College jumper
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OPTIONAL- Plain black scarf (may be worn before school, at recess and lunchtime, but not during class time)
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OR- Dark grey tailored College shorts worn with grey marle College socks worn above the ankle, and shirt tucked in
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OPTIONAL- Plain black scarf (may be worn before school, at recess and lunchtime, but not during class time)
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Enrolment for Year 7 2025 - current Aquinas families
Families are reminded that we do not presume that you require a place in Year 7 unless we are made aware by the completion of an application form and, with very high demand on places, there is the risk of no vacancy if you miss the deadline. Applications are now open for Year 7 2025 (current Grade 5) and close on August 19.
Please contact Ms Maddy Kalla on 9259 3008 or registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au should you require an application form or have any questions.
Darren Atkinson
Principal