黄色十大软件

Year 12 Farewells

The last fortnight has witnessed a number of rites of passage for our Year 12 Class of 2025 as they conclude their final school days as Aquinas students. For most, it is the culmination of 6 years at Aquinas and 13 years of schooling. While our VCE students still have crucial weeks of preparing for and sitting their final VCE exams, today鈥檚 Celebration Day activities and tonight鈥檚 Graduation Ceremony mark the end of their formal schooling at 黄色十大软件.

Our messaging to the Class of 2025 has themed on 鈥榝inishing well鈥�: to be remembered for the positive impact they have made on so many staff, peers, other students and members of our Aquinas community across the last 6 years. I thank our Year 12s for the great example of community and belonging they have shown, truly embodying our Spirit of Aquinas values and providing a template for the 2026 Vertical Pastoral system in the many ways they have embraced mentoring and leading younger students.

As our Year 12s face the choices of where to head in 2026, we pray that they delve into their Year 12 value Spirituality and the power of prayerful discernment. In this Year of Jubilee as 鈥楶ilgrims of Hope鈥�, please joining in prayer with and for our Class of 2025 that they continue to embody this hope:

In times when human life and happiness are precarious, hope can be hard to come by. In Christian faith, hope takes us into a world larger than our own. It is based on the assurance that each human being and our world are precious and loved dearly by God. God loves us so much as to send his Son to die for us, and remains with us in the community of believers. Our hope is built on trusting God鈥檚 promises and following the path of Jesus, God鈥檚 Son.

Christian hope is not about me and what I can do but is about my relationship with God and with others. (Fr Andrew Hamilton, 2025)

House allocations for 2026

In the coming week we look forward to informing families of your House allocation from 2026 onwards. I thank key members of our Leadership Team and those who have worked diligently to combine the needs for balance across the Houses with those students who expressed a House preference. For those moving to one of our new Houses - Chisholm, Mannix or McCormack - the communication will also include details regarding the subsided House Polo for each Yr 8 - 12 student in 2026.

David Broadbent

School Principal

 Uniform and Phone Reminders

Jess Alger
Deputy Principal

 Today we celebrate and congratulate the Class of 2025! This morning鈥檚 festivities marked a wonderful beginning to their final day at 黄色十大软件, with a Year 12 Celebration Breakfast, Graduation Mass, and Whole School Assembly. Tonight, the celebrations continue as we welcome students and families to the Graduation Evening.

The morning鈥檚 celebrations reflected the warmth and spirit of the year level as they honoured each other, their teachers, and the wider school community. During breakfast, students shared memories from their journey and enjoyed the Year 12 Edit created by Ruth Tawng, a short film celebrating every student and Mentor group. Photos from their Grade 6 Orientation Day through to Primary School Dress-Up Day, brought back some old memories and many laughs.

The Graduation Mass held deep significance, offering a moment to strengthen the students鈥� connection with their Parish communities. As they leave 黄色十大软件, it is through these communities that they will continue to remain connected.

At the Whole School Assembly, students and staff came together to celebrate and reflect on the Class of 2025鈥檚 six-year journey through secondary school. The assembly featured energetic performances by the Year 12 Music students, an address from the Principal, and a teacher reflection by Mr Andy Harrison, who has shared much of the cohort鈥檚 journey 鈥� from leading them in Years 7 and 8 as Dominic Team Leader, again in Year 11 as Level Leader, and teaching some students in HHD this year. A big thank you also to Boon Heng for the special Year 12 Sign Off video that captures every Yr12 student farewelling the school.

The school also took time to acknowledge and thank the 2025 College Student Leadership Team. Followed by the announcement of the 2026 College Captains and Vice Captains who were proudly presented by the outgoing 2025 College Captains.

As the streamers are swept away and the chairs straightened in the school gymnasium, we look forward to welcoming Year 12 families back this evening for the Graduation Ceremony. The night will also feature the fabulous Art Grad Display, showcasing the impressive folios and creative works produced this year by our Art, Visual Communication, Media, and Design & Technology students.

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025, we are proud of all you have achieved and look forward to celebrating your many successes to come! 

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

Term 4

As we commence the final term of the year, we are excited to re-launch our Middle Years Homeroom Competition. It is designed to be a positive way to finish the year strongly, aligned with our high expectations and allow students to enter the next academic year with positive momentum.
The competition is designed to foster school spirit, build community within homerooms and encourage students to value the importance of the little things that they can control. These controllables are their attitude and inclusiveness in the classroom, punctuality and appearance.
Each Homeroom will earn points based on three areas; number of commendations received, punctuality to class and wearing the correct school uniform. These categories have been chosen to reinforce the values of responsibility, respect and readiness for learning.
We believe that by focusing on these controllable actions, students can not only contribute to a conducive learning environment but also build strong habits that support their personal growth.
We look forward to celebrating the winning homeroom at the end of the year and more importantly, recognising the effort and commitment shown by all students in upholding the high expectations that we value as a College community.

Sam Storey
Head Middle Years

 
 What makes Aquinas community truly special is that once you're a part of it, you鈥檒l always be. No matter where life takes us, we can feel comfort in the fact that this place will always be our home and such a significant chapter in our story. The values we have formed here - kindness, perseverance, respect- will stay with us long after we leave. The memories we have created, the support and love we have shared, will stay with us forever. Whatever your future holds, the Aquinas in you will never fade. It will live in the way you treat others, the way you face challenges, and the way you chase your dreams. Just know that every person in this room, together as a big Aquinas family, is cheering you on, hoping to see you do incredible things. And we are so grateful to have such a strong community to rely on. To the year 12s, thank you all for the connection we have made together. Hold on to all the laughter that filled the corridors, the smiles, the hugs, the recess and lunches, the school events and unforgettable moments as you step into the unknown. Have courage and never stop chasing what matters most to you. To those sitting exams in the coming weeks, we wish you luck. Approach each challenge with confidence, give it everything you have, and remember that success isn鈥檛 just measured by scores, but by the effort, growth, and determination you bring to everything you do. Continue to shine bright and be the best versions of yourselves. We are so beyond proud of you all. How lucky we are to have formed something so special here that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Evie Evans

The number one thing that defines Aquinas is our spirit. You see it everywhere, the way we all connect with one another and enjoy every moment of each other's company is beautiful. It is on the court or field of EISM, in our local Aquinas soccer league, in the energy of our musicals, in the way we cheer when someone is performing a solo and through everyday activities with the quiet effort that reminds us that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

So to the graduating class of 2025, and to every student here, remember there is a version of yourself 10, 20, 30 down the track, that is begging this version of you right now, to enjoy where you currently are just that little bit more. Because no matter what success you find later in life, all the money, all the fame, all the knowledge, all the sporting abilities or musical expertise that you could ever want, you will never be where you are again, you will never ever be this young again. So, enjoy it while it lasts, appreciate every friend, show kindness and take on every single opportunity that is thrown your way.

Joey Campbell

Environment and Sustainability News

Chickens on the move!

The chickens are currently enjoying a farm stay while their home is re-built with the new building program being undertaken. We hope to see them soon enjoying the veggie garden and orchard soon.

Soft Plastics Recycling

Soft plastics are the flexible plastics that can be easily scrunched into a ball 鈥� like bread bags, chip packets, and wrappers. Great news, soft plastics recycling is now underway across various locations in Victoria.

As part of the Soft Plastics Taskforce (a partnership between Woolworths, Coles, and ALDI), pilot collection programs have begun in selected Melbourne stores. Shoppers can now drop off their clean, dry soft plastics at the collection points located at the front of participating supermarkets.

Together, these efforts are helping reduce landfill waste and move us closer to a circular economy.

Some helpful links:

Plastics take can be recycled:

Participating Woolworth stores:

Check with your local Coles or ALDI store to see if they鈥檙e participating in the soft plastics recycling program.

Karyn Myers

Sustainability Coordinator

Aquinas Career News Edition #28 can be found . Topics this week include a special edition for Year 12's career news.

• Dates to Diarise in Term 4
• VTAC 2026 Upcoming Key Dates
• FAQs - Results, Courses, Offers, Apprenticeships and Employment
• Useful Tips for a University Degree Wannabe (UDW)
• How to be Successful in my First Year of Uni?
• Tips: Campus Maps and Travel Concessions for Students
• Low Income Health Care Card for Australian and PR Students
• Useful Websites and Links
• Study Abroad & Exchange Programs offered by Victorian Universities
• Scholarships to Study Abroad
• Links to Victorian University Clubs & Societies
• Useful links to Victorian Universities Student Support Services]
• University Terms 

 Vanessa Ramsay

Careers Counsellor

Year 11 Chemistry students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit the Victorian Space and Science Education Centre (VSSEC), where they stepped into the shoes of real scientists to support astronaut health for long-term space exploration. During their visit, students conducted two analytical investigations, applying rigorous scientific design and method to simulate testing of astronaut serum samples.

In Experiment 1, students used the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer to determine the concentration of calcium and magnesium, both essential minerals for maintaining bone health in microgravity. In Experiment 2, they employed the UV-Visible Spectrometer to measure iron levels, critical for preventing space-induced anaemia.

As part of the experience, students were responsible for preparing and testing standard solutions and samples, then interpreting the data collected through instrumental analysis. Prior to their investigations, students participated in a dedicated Preparation and Consolidation Session, allowing them to develop a deep conceptual understanding of the techniques and their real-world applications.

This hands-on excursion not only enriched their chemistry knowledge but also highlighted the vital role of science in space exploration and astronaut wellbeing.

Dianna Haines

Chemistry Teacher

Student Reflections
We went to the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) and analysed a collection of astronaut blood samples to identify which individuals had a condition called Space Anaemia. It was a great opportunity to experiment with specialised equipment that isn鈥檛 available at school and to practice a real life application of what we鈥檝e been working on in class. We measured iron concentrations of the samples using ultra violet visible spectroscopy and used atomic absorption spectroscopy to analyse calcium and magnesium concentrations. This allowed us to create standard curves and identify which sample contained the condition. Overall it was a great day and a very beneficial way to experience what university chemistry might be like.

Abigail and Sam

At the Victorian Space and Education Center, we got to use equipment that we don't have access to here at school like the UV vis spectrophotometer and Atomic absorption spectrometer. We used a series of standard solutions containing target ions to predict the unknown concentration of iron, calcium and magnesium from astronaut serum samples. We were investigating what happens to iron, magnesium and calcium concentration during prolonged space flight. Our favourite part of the day was getting to use specialised equipment like the ipads and apple pens to record our data. We also liked using the pipettes to dispense the solutions.

Kiah, Alex and Zoe

On Tuesday we all went to VSSEC in Strathmore, to further our understanding of colourimetry by using equipment such as the fancy pipettes, atomic absorption spectroscopy, uv-visible spectroscopy, etc. The first practical involved exploring the serum calcium and magnesium concentrations in astronauts during periods of flight using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The second practical involved measuring serum iron concentration in astronauts using UV spectroscopy. We learnt about trends between the three elements like how calcium and magnesium follow a linear relationship as their concentrations both increase together. As calcium and magnesium increase this causes iron levels to decrease. We compared astronaut serum levels to a set of standard solutions we prepared. We then analysed this data by using a calibration curve we drew up ourselves using data from the two machines to compare the concentration of each ion element, to adsorption with the standards.

My favourite part of the day was using much more technologically advanced equipment, even the simple things of using an ipad with a fancy stylus to analyse our results as well as pipettes that were not entirely disposable.

Maria

It鈥檚 an exciting and inspiring time for the Arts at Aquinas! As the year draws to a close, our creative spaces are buzzing with activity and achievement across Visual Arts, Media, Music, Dance, and Drama. The dedication and talent of our senior students is on full display, showcasing just how vibrant and thriving our Arts community truly is.

Prior to the Graduation Ceremony on Friday night, families, staff, and peers are invited to visit the The Grad Display in the Arts Building and celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduating Art, VCD, Media and DAT students. This exhibition highlights a diverse range of artistic exploration. Each piece tells a story of growth and imagination, reflecting the individuality of our artists and the strength of our Visual Arts programs.

For our senior Music students, this week marks a significant milestone as they complete their performance exams. Months of practice, refinement, and rehearsal are culminating in final recitals that demonstrate both technical excellence and artistic expression.

Our Dance students stepped into the spotlight on Tuesday as they presented their VCE Solo Performance Exams. These pieces represent the culmination of extensive rehearsal, creative exploration, and physical artistry.

Next week, it鈥檚 the Drama students鈥� turn to shine, as they perform their VCE Solo Performance Examinations鈥攐riginal character-based works that showcase imagination, storytelling, and performance skill. These pieces demand creativity, discipline, and confidence, and our students continue to embody all three with grace and enthusiasm.

We are immensely proud of all our senior Arts students for their perseverance, courage, and creativity throughout the year. Supported by passionate teachers, the Arts at Aquinas continue to inspire, challenge, and empower students to express their unique voices.

Paola Unger

Acting Arts- Learning Area Leader

 As part of a recent design project, our imaginative Year 7 students turned their attention to the skies - literally! The project began with students researching different types of kites, examining how various shapes, materials, and design principles affect flight.

From there, they brainstormed and sketched several original kite designs, refining their favourite ideas into final plans. Using recycled materials and adding plenty of streamers and colourful ribbons, the students brought their creative visions to life.

The highlight of the project was taking their handcrafted kites out to the school oval, where they had a fantastic time flying them under the open sky. It was a wonderful way to combine creativity, sustainability, and hands-on learning, with lots of laughter and excitement along the way.

Well done to our Year 7s for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and impressive kite-making skills!

Fenix S:

Paper wind takes flight,
Dancing in the great sky,
A colourful sight.

Year 9 Dominic  - My Vic

Written by student leaders: Zia S. Grace S.  & Sienna S. 

Year 9 Rice - Camp

I really enjoyed camp and the opportunities that I got to get out of my comfort zone and spend time with my peers. My favourite part about camp was the hike, where we hiked 10kms one day then set up our tents and cooked dinner before toasting marshmallows over a fire, then walking 2km back the next day. I enjoyed having a laugh with my friends and doing the nutbush on the beach at sunrise with my group. Another thing that I found really enjoyable was the tubing. I loved how we got to go zooming around the lake and bumping across the waves. What I found challenging was carrying my pack towards the end of our hike when it started feeling heavier and when we were walking up the sand dunes and it felt like it was going to pull me back down. Overall I had a fantastic time at camp and would definitely go back if I had the opportunity.

- Jess

Year 9 MacKillop - My Melbourne

The Year 9 Mackillop cohort spent the final week of term 3 exploring all aspects of Melbourne鈥檚 CBD. The focus for the week was on developing independence, social skills and an appreciation of the culture and architecture of Melbourne鈥檚 CBD. Students had the opportunity to plan their itinerary and travel for each day. Highlights included tours of the MCG, Eureka Skydeck, visit to the Melbourne Magistrates court, the Koorie walk and a session with the team from Big Issue. Students reflected on new found confidence in their ability to travel via public transport and a greater appreciation of the many activities on offer in the city. Thanks to the staff that supported the students in their endeavours each day.

Michael O鈥橦alloran

9 Mackillop Team Leader

Student reflections:

City was one of my favourite things that I have done so far at Aquinas. It taught us how to plan and take public transport, and manage our way around the CBD. All of the activities, like the MCG, Marvel, and the AMCI were amazing. Each day was jam packed with loads of activity, but not too many, leaving everyone time to spend with their teammates looking at buildings and shopping . The city is amazing for everyone.

Ethan G 

My city experience was good. It taught me how to get on and off at the right station and to find my way around the CBD. My favourite part was finding where to eat each day. I liked spending time with friends and doing activities. The best activity was the MCG because it was cool and big and we went to the locker rooms.

Ollie G 

City was a really fun experience that made the end of the term exciting and intriguing. Being able to learn about all the interesting stuff in the city and having to navigate ourselves made me feel very responsible! I personally loved how we were able to be with our friends and having time to do what we wanted, it really was the cherry on top to a great week.

Ivy B 

My incredible end-of-term trip to Melbourne was an amazing experience, allowing me to fully appreciate the city's highlights. From seeing all the important/well-known areas to admiring the colossal skyscrapers, the architecture was truly stunning. The numerous types of food I was able to sample also made the trip an unforgettable and memorable experience.

Jasper F 

Great overall learning experience of learning what鈥檚 happening in the city and the different culture there. The use of public transportation was a key learning aspect for us students as we will probably use this knowledge for later transport. I鈥檓 grateful for Aquinas college for this experience of a lifetime.

Casey G

Last week, our talented Music students were presented with a special memento to celebrate their time studying Music at Aquinas.
This week they were the first to begin exams - and we couldn鈥檛 be prouder! Year 12 VCE Dance students have also had their first Performance examination.
We're wishing them, and all of our VCE, VM and VET students, every success as they get ready to complete the formal part of their schooling this week.

On Monday night, we gathered to celebrate the immense creative talent of our Media students at the Aquinas Student Film Festival 2025. The evening showcased an impressive array of short films from Years 9 to 12, including animations, music videos, a documentary, and narrative works spanning comedy, horror, and drama.

The audience鈥檚 reactions throughout the night added to the atmosphere, popcorn crackling, candy wrappers rustling, followed by bursts of laughter or sharp intakes of breath, all contributing to an authentic and engaging cinematic experience.

An extraordinary amount of time and creative energy goes into each student production. From the carefully hand-drawn stories in Year 9 animation to the nine-month major film projects undertaken by our Year 12 students and everything in between. Planning, shooting, and editing a short film requires commitment, often supported by a network of friends and family.

For many students, the opportunity to share their work with an audience made all the planning and effort worthwhile. For our Year 12s, the night was especially bittersweet as they prepare for final exams and begin their journey beyond school.

As a Media teacher, I felt incredibly proud and privileged to witness the culmination of this year鈥檚 work on the big (well, medium) screen. 

A special thank you goes to Ted Wardle and the Year 10 Leaders for their help in organising and promoting the event across the school. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year鈥攑erhaps we鈥檒l see you there!

Congratulations to the winners of the people鈥檚 choice awards, Ted Wardle (Year 10)  and Boon Heng (Year 12).

Natalie Desbois, Josh Wakefield and Emily Jackson

Media Teachers

鈥楪rease is the word鈥︹��

The 黄色十大软件 Production team is excited to announce that our 2026 Musical will be 鈥楪rease鈥�. Next year our cast, crew and band will take audiences back to the 1950鈥檚 to meet the iconic characters of Danny, Sandy, The TBirds and The Pink Ladies exploring relationships amidst the challenges of high school cliques, peer pressure, and identity in 1959.

Our 2026 Production launch occurred last Friday lunch in The OD Room with over 200 students in attendance. We counted down from 30 possible musicals removing one poster at a time until Grease was revealed to the crowd, with a huge cheer and much excitement!

Students who are interested in learning more about our upcoming auditions in Week 4 are encouraged to read the Production Launch Information PowerPoint located in the Student Notices section on SIMON, before filling in a Google Form to lock in their audition spot. Auditions for new students and 2026 Year 7鈥檚 will take place in Term 1 next year.

The Production team looks forward to announcing our wonderful cast later this term. So, OK cats鈥� Throw your mittens around your kittens and away we go!

Gina Goss and Sarah Owen

Musical Directors

Aquinas Career News Edition #28 can be found . Topics this week include a special edition for Year 12's career news.

• Dates to Diarise in Term 4
• VTAC 2026 Upcoming Key Dates
• FAQs - Results, Courses, Offers, Apprenticeships and Employment
• Useful Tips for a University Degree Wannabe (UDW)
• How to be Successful in my First Year of Uni?
• Tips: Campus Maps and Travel Concessions for Students
• Low Income Health Care Card for Australian and PR Students
• Useful Websites and Links
• Study Abroad & Exchange Programs offered by Victorian Universities
• Scholarships to Study Abroad
• Links to Victorian University Clubs & Societies
• Useful links to Victorian Universities Student Support Services]
• University Terms 

 Vanessa Ramsay

Careers Counsellor

A favourite day on the Year 12 calendar - Primary School Dress Up Day!

Today, our Year 12 students celebrated by dressing in their old primary school uniforms, bringing back memories of their early school days. It was great to see Mr Broadbent appear in the 'Solo starters' photo!
It鈥檚 a fun way to reflect on their journey as they approach the end of their final year.
From those first school moments to now - they鈥檝e come a long way!

Over the break, I was fortunate enough to travel up to Brisbane to compete at the Irish Dancing National Championships. The week-long competition was held at the Brisbane Convention Centre, where the best Irish Dancers from across Australia came together to compete and see who would be crowned National Champion. After training consistently throughout the entire year whilst also trying to juggle year 12 and being a College Vice Captain, this competition was a great opportunity to show off all of the hard work and sacrifices I have made throughout the year.

After previously being crowned National Champion in 2022 and 2023, then injury stopping me from being at my best in 2024, I had my eyes set on trying to retain this prestigious title. There was a lot riding on this competition which brought about much pressure and nerves, but at the same time so much excitement as you get to show off all of the hard work you have put in this year. I completed three rounds across the day, feeling happy with the performances I had given. At the end of the day, the results are awarded, which inevitably brings about much anxiety. However, reminding yourself that you did your best and in a subjective sport, the end result is up to the judges provides you with much comfort during this time. I was fortunate enough to come away with the win, which was pretty exciting given the sacrifices I have made this year. The pure joy, excitement and relief that you feel afterwards is incredible and I couldn鈥檛 have achieved this title without the unwavering support from all my coaches, parents and friends. The next step for me is to hopefully travel overseas next year to compete at some of the World Majors including the World Championships to chase my dreams of placing top 10 in the world. Until then, my main focus will be working hard for the end of year exams beginning this month.

Maeve Wilkinson, Year 12

Celebrating Our Lyrebird Youth Award Nominations for The Wedding Singer 鈥� A Musical Comedy!

We are proud to announce that the 黄色十大软件 production of The Wedding Singer has been nominated in the prestigious 2025 Youth Lyrebird Awards, which celebrate excellence in school and community theatre. The Lyrebird Awards (or Lyrebird Drama Awards) are annual awards that celebrate and recognise excellence in non-professional school and community theatre and performing arts, primarily in the eastern and south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
We鈥檙e thrilled to announce that our production received four nominations in the Youth Musical under $40K category, including:

Best acting partnership 鈥� Rose Ennis and Macsen Reynolds
Best Performer in a Lead Female Role 鈥� Rose Ennis
Best Lighting and Best Director
This recognition celebrates the creativity, talent, and teamwork of our incredible cast, crew, band and staff who brought this production to life!
The Awards will be held on Sunday, 7 December at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren.

Updated Spartan Uniform Price List

It is a clear expectation that all students at Aquinas wear the College uniform correctly and proudly.

Spartan supplies all facets of the uniform to our families. All items can be conveniently purchased on line or in store. The online facility includes the options of free home delivery for Aquinas families, or pick up from the shop can be arranged. 

1/210鈥�214 Canterbury Road
Bayswater North
(03) 9070 8284

Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
First Saturday of the month 9.00am - 12.00pm

If you need assistance with the College uniform and student personal appearance requirements please read here .