From the Principal
Remembrance Day & the Patron Saint of soldiers
On Tuesday this week, we observed the century old tradition of pausing at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11 month to commemorate Remembrance Day, the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. At each remembrance service the Ode of Remembrance is recited to commemorate those lost in war:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
November 11 is also the Feast Day of St Martin of Tours, one of the recognised patron saints of soldiers. St Martin鈥檚 story is a fascinating one, as he was a 4th-century conscientious objector forced into military service. During his service, St Martin came across a near-naked beggar who was suffering on a freezing winter鈥檚 day outside the city of Amiens, France (notably, a site of major battles during WWI). Moved with compassion, he cut his military cloak in two with his sword, giving half to the beggar. That night Martin had a vision of Jesus wearing the half of the cloak that he had given away, effectively fulfilling Jesus' challenge in The Last Judgement: 鈥淚 was naked and you gave me clothing鈥 (Matthew 25:31-46).
In many ways, St Martin鈥檚 compassion reflects the humanitarian work undertaken by modern Australian soldiers that helps to build relationships both within Australia and overseas. Rather than 鈥榯o secure peace, prepare for war鈥, these actions help to secure peace through building positive international relationships. (And to save you googling, St Martin later became a Catholic priest, eventually appointed as Bishop of Tours, France).
Upcoming Community event: Splendour in November - 26 November
While specific gatherings for 2026 Year 7 parents and 2026 VCE parents are occurring on the evening of 26 November, all families are encouraged to join the 鈥楽plendour in November鈥, which will include a Family Mass, BBQ dinner, live music, Art & Fashion displays, all prior to the 2026 Year 7 Transition Evening and 2026 VCE Information Evening. Please see the article below or click on the poster for further details.
Staff Excellence in School Improvement
On Friday 31 October, our staff professional learning day focussed on the final stages of our College鈥檚 re-accreditation as a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). All staff - teaching and non-teaching - worked collaboratively on the concluding milestone of their projects of professional passion, focussed on varying positive outcomes for our school and students. The day was defined by our staff's characteristic generosity, energy, and motivation, in the name of progressing and extending Aquinas now and in the future.
A small sample of the 24 projects includes:
- Publications to educate and support students, parents, and staff on everyday health and wellbeing topics
- Implementation plans for Positive Behaviour for Learning to support student engagement and positive learning environments
- Subject-specific resources to improve VCE exam preparation
- Extension of the RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) to further our connections to Indigenous culture and reconciliation.
- A review process and website development of the new Vertical Pastoral System to enable and connect staff, teachers, parents, and students.
- A series of programs designed to develop Year 7 student responsibility and initiative, developing resilience and lifelong perseverance.
The day concluded with a joyous sharing of staff projects and achievements with one another, exchanging materials, resources, and implementations already underway through a series of presentations. Our CIS Self-Study will conclude with a visit from the CIS in May 2026 to finalise our international re-accreditation. I thank all staff for their energy , vision and dedication, and particularly thank our CIS Coordinator Ms Jane Tobler for her leadership of this aspect of our school improvement journey.

David Broadbent
School Principal




