The Aquinian - Middle School
Issue 25 - Week 3 Term 4 - 2018
From the Headmaster
PARENTING – Nightmare habits that are ruining teenagers’ sleep
Many teenagers today are sleep deprived. They should be getting between nine and 10 hours sleep each night, yet most get only seven or eight hours. Some get less. It causes young people to function at a less than optimum level. It can be the cause of poor behaviour, mental health problems and low functioning in the classroom. Read HERE.
Year 12 Boarders Graduation Mass and Dinner
On Thursday evening the Year 12 Boarders celebrated a very special Liturgy in the Chapel with Fr Rodrigo in the presence of their parents and the other Boarders. This was followed by an enjoyable dinner at Eat Greek for Year 12 Boarders and their parents. My thanks to Sean Henderson (Head of Boarding), Amanda Bavich and Karin Ukich, Br Robert Stewart and all involved in the organisation and coordination of this special event.
Year 12 Graduation: Celebration and Farewell
Graduation Day commenced celebrating Mass with Fr Oscar and Fr Rodrigo followed by Morning Tea in the Redmond Common under the Jacaranda trees. Students then took part in the Graduation Ceremony in the Hall and an impressive Guard of Honour. The Valedictory Dinner in the Br Paull Centre with speeches and musical performances, slideshows and a lovely meal completed celebrations. A lot of work, time, effort and energy went in to making this event unique and exceptional, and I sincerely thank all involved including Dolores Castelino, John Van Dyk (Acting Head of Senior School), and all who worked tirelessly in coordinating this special event.
Thank you to the many parents, staff and students who volunteered in the lead up to and during celebrations, Ladies’ Auxiliary, PSG and P&F volunteers, Steve Burke, Jacob Bester and the Grounds team, Megan Sweeting and the Cleaning Services team, catering staff and all who assisted in making the day a memorable event for our graduating class and their families.
We wish the Class of 2018 every success and happiness on their continuing journey in life.
City Toyota Starry, Starry Night Foundation Ball
Last Saturday evening 445 guests attended the City Toyota Starry, Starry Night Foundation Ball in the Br Paull Centre. It was an evening of fun, elegance, community celebration and incredible fundraising, a testament to the strength and generosity of the Aquinas College Community.
The evening included live music from Diamond Road Band, an Operatic Interlude showcasing the talents of our own Rebecca Watson, a spirited Welcome to Country by student Lachlan Thomas, live and silent auctions, an incredible meal from Supper Road and drinks.
I would like to sincerely thank our major sponsor, City Toyota, and all our other amazing contributors for their support of our much-loved biennial event. Details of all our sponsors can be found by following this link.
Thank you also to Louise Symonds from the Foundation Office for her tireless work leading up to this very special event, along with the Ball Committee comprising Robyn Bowler (Chair), Jo-Anne Smith, Claire Griffiths, Antonella Zaninovich, Liz Perrott and Emma Chapman, who assisted Louise to ensure that we had a fabulous evening.
I would also like to acknowledge the tireless work of our volunteers on the evening, including representatives from the Ladies’ Auxiliary and the OAA – we couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you also to Megan Sweeting, Steve Burke and the Grounds and Cleaning Services teams for their work behind the scenes pre, during and post event.
Finally, a big thanks to you, our Aquinas College community, for making the Starry, Starry Night Foundation Ball a huge success.
National Apology by the Australian Government
Please find attached a Statement sent on behalf of Executive Director, Wayne Tinsey, in relation to the recent National Apology by the Australian Government to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. Read Here.
Mr David McFadden
Headmaster
From the Head of Middle School
Term 4 CAT Schedule
Please see below for the Term 4 Cat and Year 9 Exam Timetable. After feedback received from students after the Term 3 CATs we have decided to spread the assessments over the allocated two weeks. This will be a busy time as boys will also be required to complete assessments for some of their non–core subjects during these weeks. The run-up to the end of the year is not all work and no play, however, as immediately after the last assessments the final Tuatha Cup competition will take place, the Middle School Summer Sports Carnival.
I am sure that after the busy testing period the boys will enjoy the chance to unwind and flex their muscles on the sporting field. This event will take place on Thursday 29th November. It will also allow staff some time to finalise marking of the Wednesday assessments so that appropriate feedback can be given to the students on the Friday and following Monday.
Middle School Term 4 CAT and EXAM Timetable
Year 8 Advocacy
Last week I discussed the Year 8 Advocacy Presentations that were held on Tuesday and Thursday nights. While there were some impressive performances by some very prepared boys it was also good to see boys who struggle with public speaking step up to the plate. Many boys commented to me in the following days they thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the challenge they were presented with.
Being able to look a bit deeper into an advocacy project builds the capacity in our young men to empathise with those who don’t always enjoy the lifestyles we are accustomed to. I came across many a discussion about the challenges of the project and the learning that took place.
Again, I thank students who gave their best and our parent community who wholeheartedly supported this initiative. It takes a village to raise a child and the Year 8 Advocacy Project was a good example of our parent community working alongside the College. Please click here to read Tom Cousins’ (Year 8 boarder – Brothers House) article about the challenge.
Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Award
At the start of the year the College challenged all Year 9 students to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The award is internationally recognised and allows our boys to build skills in service, develop a new skill, demonstrate physical activity and complete an adventurous journey (OLE in the middle of the year). Congratulations must go to the 34 boys who have completed the award by logging all of their hours, with some even going beyond the expected hours, which was a super effort.
Many boys are extremely close to finishing, but still need to log their final hours. All boys who complete the award will be recognised at an assembly at the end of term. I am, however, concerned that there are 90 boys who have not started logging their hours, not least because the program has been introduced at significant financial cost to the College. The College sees the benefits in students completing the award and has backed this view by funding the boys’ participation in the award. I hope students who are still to log their achievements, recognise and appreciate this commitment and do everything in their power to achieve the Award by the end of Term 4. I would appreciate your full support with this program and hopefully we can achieve 100 per cent completion by the end of the year.
Year 7 Aquinas and Santa Maria Activity Day
This Friday will see our Year 7s battling it out with their Santa Maria counterparts in the annual activity day. I am sure the boys will have a fantastic time as the event is a great opportunity to socialise with the opposite gender. Boys have been reminded to wear their House shirt, Aquinas black shorts, Aquinas broad brimmed hat and bring their water bottle and sunscreen. Even more importantly though, they must bring their best manners and interpersonal skills. Often boys can get quite excited at this event and their ability to self-regulate can be diminished. While some boys feel very comfortable around the opposite sex, others can find it confronting. I ask that you speak to your sons about being good men who are inclusive and caring towards others at all times. Good men lift others up!
Congratulations
Tahj Loo has been chosen to represent Australia for “Binar” (Aboriginal Sporting Group - he was one of eight youths chosen in WA) to play in Singapore at the Asia Pacific Basketball Youth Cup 2018. With 77 teams from ten countries this will be a big competition. It’s a four-day tournament and eight-day trip, including two days in Bali where Tahj and his team will visit an orphanage to donate basketball equipment and teach the orphans how to play. Well done, Tahj.
Michael Dempsey
Head of Middle School
Parent Notices
P&F Meeting rescheduled – Thurs 1st Nov 2018
The Term 4 P&F Meeting has been rescheduled and will now be held on Thursday 1st November from 7pm.
Please join us and guest speaker Chris McMillan (Head of Culture) who will be speaking about the “Future of Arts” at the College. Headmaster David McFadden will also be there to answer questions on any topic of broad interest to parents.
Please join us at the meeting;
Date: Thursday 1st November 2018
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm followed by Wine, Cheese and Chat
Place: Agile Learning Area (Early Learning Centre)
Daniel Bianchini
P&F President
Year 9 Social Event - Father & Son Breakfast
Be our guest at the upcoming event for Year 9, the Father & Son Breakfast by the River.
Feel free to bring your ball of choice for a few friendly games on the lawn after breakfast and before school commences
Where: Deep Water Point Reserve
(100 Esplanade Rd, Mt Pleasant - right-hand side of the boat ramp).
What: Cooked breakfast with juice and water provided for you and your Year 9 sons
(Hot drinks of choice can be purchased from The Dome Cafe adjacent to the Reserve)
When: Friday 2nd November
Time: 6.30am-8am
Bring: outdoor chairs, sporting balls of choice, your game face and appetite!
RSVP: Friday 26th October to attain your spot.
(As this is a catered event from your Year 9 coordinators funds, numbers are limited, as a courtesy to us a response will be greatly appreciated by the date or before) via Classof2021@aquinas.wa.edu.au
We look forward to your company on 2nd November!
God Bless
Ruth Burton & Juliana Fimmel
Year 9 Social Coordinators
Year 9 Santa Maria College/Aquinas College Family Sundowner
Friday 9th November from 6pm at Point Walter.
$5pp. (pizza provided) For more info and to purchase tickets please visit
https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=437245&
Uniform Shop Appointment & Open Days 2018/19
Boarders' Day Only
Friday 26th October 2018 8am - 4.30pm
Appointment Days
Mon & Tue 26 & 27 November 2018 - 3pm – 6pm
Tue & Wed 22 & 23 January 2019 - 8.30am – 4.00pm
Tue & Wed 29 & 30 January 2019 - 8.30am – 4.00pm
Open Days
Friday 1st February 2019 10am – 2pm
Sunday 3rd February 2019 - 3pm – 6pm
Monday 4th February 2019 - 3pm – 6pm
Community Notices
The Oxford and Cambridge Singing School – flyer attached
7-11th January 2019 at St George's College UWA
The Oxford & Cambridge Singing School is returning in January 2019 for children (aged 7-13) who are musical and love singing! Details are available here.
Middle School Sport
Last Friday Aquinas matched up against Wesley, below is a summary of results.
In Basketball the Year 7s continued their strong start to the season with all teams victorious. Year 8s were also impressive with the highlight being a huge win for the 8As. Year 9s were competitive in all games with coaches impressed with improvement, particularly for the 9Bs.
In Cricket there were wins for both Year 7 teams who showed promising signs when batting. The 8As held on for a draw whilst the 8Bs did not have the best day with the bat which resulted in their loss. After an early batting collapse, the 9As middle order recovered to set a target that was too much for Wesley. The 9Bs weren’t so lucky and will look to work on their batting over the next few weeks.
Year 7 and Year 9 Tennis teams had wins, highlighted by a big win for the 7As. The Year 8 teams were both defeated, but several close matches in the 8As has coaches confident that success is not far off.
Once again, all Year 8 and 9 Volleyball teams had comfortable wins. The Year 7 teams will continue to use the Friday Fixtures as an opportunity to improve their skills through coaching clinics and round-robin matches.
Our Water Polo teams again came away victorious in the A and B games, whilst the C and D team versed each other in a friendly.
Bryan Johnson
Assistant Director of Sport
Good News
Has your son accomplished a great achievement? Please let the College know via goodnews@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Contact Updates – data collection
In October Aquinas College is required to supply the Federal Government with the residential addresses of all of our students and various other items of information.
Before doing so, the Government requires us to send the attached collection notice to the parents\guardians of all of our students, advising them the collection is taking place and the purpose of the collection.
If you need to update any of your contact details with the College please do so as soon as possible via contactupdate@aquinas.wa.edu.au.
P&F Opt Out
To unsubscribe from all parent social communications please email pandfoptout@aquinas.wa.edu.au Please note your choice to unsubscribe will remain on file until your son’s graduation – unless you email Communications Officer claire.kelly@aquinas.wa.edu.au to re-subscribe.
Aquinas Care
More often than not, Aquinas Care provides evening meals for families and we have a band of willing volunteers who are more than happy to support their fellow Aquinians in this way. Please be aware that Aquinas Care can cater for a variety of dietary requirements.
Should you know of anyone who might be in need of support, please contact me via email at maree.brennan@aquinas.wa.edu.au and I will contact the family on your behalf.
Finally, the provision of support via Aquinas Care is strictly confidential. Should you be interested in volunteering as an Aquinas Carer, I look forward to hearing from you.
Mrs Maree Brennan
Head of House, Edmund and Co-ordinator of Aquinas Care
Calendar
Week 3 Term 4 - 2018
Thursday 25 October
- Treacy House Mass 8.00am - 8.30am
- Prefect Assembly 9.30am - 10.15am
Friday 26 October
- AC Bye
- Year 7 Activities Afternoon with SMC 1.00am - 4.00pm
Saturday 27 October
- AC Bye
- Aquinas Rowing Regatta
- Year 7-9 Orientation 8.30am - 12.00pm
Week 3 Term 4 - 2018
Monday 29 October
- PC/AC Rehearsal B,O 5.00pm - 6.30pm
Tuesday 30 October
- Year Seven Retreat (BRYAN) 9.00am - 3.30pm
Wednesday 31 October
- Year Seven Retreat (EDMUND) 9.00am - 3.30pm
- 2019 Band Auditions (PCAC/AJO1 & 2/Inter Band)3.15pm - 5.00pm
Thursday 1 November
- Chaney House Mass 8.00am - 8.30am
- 2019 Band Auditions (PCAC/AJO1 & 2/Inter Band) 3.15pm - 5.00pm
Friday 2 November
- SC v AC
Saturday 3 November
- Guildford Rowing Regatta
- SC v AC
- Indigenous River Cruise 4.00pm - 8.30pm
UNIFORM SHOP
Wednesday: 10am - 3.30pm
Thursday: 10am - 3.30pm
Friday: 8am - 11am
Phone: 9450 0650
Uniform@aquinas.wa.edu.au
ATTENDANCE
Senior School
If your son is going be absent or late from the Senior School please contact the School Office by 9.15am on:
9450 0599 or email: attendance@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Please state the following information:
Student name
Student Year Group
Student House
Reason for absence / late arrival
Junior School
If your son is going be absent or late from the Junior School please contact the Junior School Office by 9.00am on: 9450 0614
Or email juniorschool.office@aquinas.wa.edu.au before 9.00am.
Parent Information
9450 0600
Senior School Office
9450 0685 / seniorschool.office@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Middle School Office
9450 0685 / middleschool.office@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Student Services
9450 0685 / seniorschool.office@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Absentees Senior School
9450 0599 / attendance@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Junior School
9450 0614 / juniorschool.office@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Absentees Junior School
9450 0614 / juniorschool.office@aquinas.wa.edu.au
College Board
Michael Hughes, Chairperson 0412 923 705
Foundation Council
Julian Lodge, Chairperson 0419 952 144 / julian@primewest.biz
Ladies’ Auxiliary
Vini Brehaut, President
0403 272 270 / ladies.auxiliary@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Parents’ and Friends’ Association
Daniel Bianchini, President
0410 546 115 / PandF@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Parents’ Support Group (PSG)
0409 648 310 / psg@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Old Aquinians’ Association
Matthew Noonan-Crowe ('99), President
Matthew.Noonan-Crowe@valentilawyers.com.au
Old Aquinians’ Hockey Club
Jamie Cook
0430 554 964 / president@reds.com.au
Aquinas Rowing Assist (ARA)
Adrian Wilkes, President
0499 996 980 / adrianwilkes1973@gmail.com
Reds Volleyball Club
Anthony Meo, President
0487 624 757 / president@redsvolley.com
Aquinas Care
Maree Brennan
9450 0507 / aquinas.care@aquinas.wa.edu.au