The Aquinian - Senior 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 Senior School
Farewell to the Class of 2018
Luckily the wintery weather was kind to the graduands on Friday as they celebrated their final day together with College staff, family and friends. There were many tears shed at key moments such as when they sung the College Song for the last time together to close Mass, shook their Tutors’ hands whilst receiving their certificates and due to the memories stirred up by the many heartfelt speeches throughout the day. As Tim Bodlovich, outgoing College Captain said in his speech, these boys were a collective and the shared memories will help them remain connected as time passes.
I would like to formally thank all staff who made this day run so smoothly, the thoughtful preparation and attention to detail by many allowed the graduands and guests to be caught in the emotion of the event. A sincere thank you to Dolores Castelino, Duncan Warlters, Bernard Major, Kylie Virgo, James O’Neill, Simon Montgomery, Chris McMillan, Jeremy Sivewright, Dr Andrew Kania, Br Robert Stewart, Megan Sweeting, Jacob Bester and Adam Fardig.
Prefect Handover
As they say, timing is everything. We were very fortunate to lock in a few productive hours of discussion between our current and future leaders last week as the Year 11 examination conclusion coincided beautifully with a free afternoon for our departing Year 12s. Mr Bernard Major and Mr Richard Mavros facilitated a very fruitful handover session which was led by Tim Bodlovich and the outgoing Prefects as a way to ensure the lessons learned were shared with our incoming Prefect Elect.
Peace and Nonviolence
Late in Term 3 I had the pleasure of meeting with Brendan McKeague (Pace e Bene Australia) and Jo Hart, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), thanks to Director of Justice and Advocacy Richard Mavros, to discuss the concept of Peace and Nonviolence. With the assistance of grant funding from The Australian Research Theology Foundation (ARTFinc) Pace e Bene Australia worked with the Anglican Schools Commission (WA) to develop lessons on these topics which have been trialled in schools this year. EREA is very keen to have schools implement these lessons into their schools so we will trial some lessons in Year 10 Veritas in Term 4 before looking at broader implementation in 2019.
The lessons form a unit which introduces/broadens students’ knowledge and understanding of peace and nonviolence as a philosophy and practice. It will allow them to become aware, explore and gain knowledge and support them in developing an informed view of their own. It will also encourage them to explore personal, faith, societal and global perspectives and apply problem solving and new skills to particular issues. Students will look at the scriptural basis for a theological (Christian) foundation for peace and nonviolence and consider both individual and organised Christian responses to injustice and conflict.
ALTITUDE Ball – Royal Flying Doctor
As a College with boarders, the Royal Flying Doctor is a well-known organisation which proudly serves rural WA. The Royal Flying Doctor services over 2.5 million square kilometres with 17 aircraft and five operating facilities located at Jandakot, Kalgoorlie, Meekatharra, Port Hedland and Broome. It is the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical service in the world which provides 24-hour medical assistance to one patient every two minutes, year round reaching 60,000 families in WA in the past year alone.
ALTITUDE was established to raise essential funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of WA and one of their main fundraisers for the year was the ALTITUDE Ball in the hangars at Jandakot Airport. 16 of our Year 11 students lined the red carpet and helped VIP guests from limousines at this event, raising funds for such a worthwhile cause. A huge vote of thanks for the facilitation of the boys by Sue Darbyshire, mother of 2019 College Captain Ben who, along with the following boys, represented the College proudly; Matthew Clarke, Oliver Warlters, Dylan Condon, Tom Johnston, Joel Wilkes, Will Dundas, Will Anderson, James Higgins, Tom Martin, Oliver Khinsoe, Courtney Lee, Liam Wyatt -Smith, Jordan Fancote, Zac MacKinnon, Harry MacKinnon.
John Van Dyk
Head of Senior School - Acting
Careers
Tues 30th October ECU Information Evening Campus Mt Lawley Campus
We'll cover course admission pathways, how to apply, fees and scholarships, and flexible study options like online or part-time. Bring family or friends and explore the campus and our great facilities. 6pm - 7.30pm Register HERE.
Wed 31st October – Applications Close for Scholarships for Children and Grandchildren of Veterans
The application form is available to download from the AVCAT website
Wed 7th November ECU Careers in Sport Expo
Please join us at this event to hear inspiring presentations from industry leaders, meet with prospective employers, talk to current students and take advantage of the opportunity to speak with specialist lecturers about your specific interests.
Joondalup Campus, 5.30pm - 8pm. Register HERE.
Fri 9th November - Curtin Principal's Recommendation Award Applications Close for 2019
The Curtin Principal’s Recommendation Award has been developed by Curtin University to encourage and support students who have chosen to study at Curtin University.
Each West Australian high school principal can nominate two students for this award. Find information HERE.
Mon 10th December UWA Campus Tours
All future students and their families are welcome. For more information go HERE.
Free Resume Writing, Job Application and Interview Skills and Career Development Workshops
If you are not sure what you want to do when you leave school, go to a Jobs and Skills Centre. They are often based in TAFE colleges and the offer free, unbiased advice and support. To find out about workshops go HERE.
Skills Shortage Information
Ivan Neville from the Commonwealth Department of Jobs and Small Business said on the CDAA webinar to look to the future when making career decisions.
If you are wondering which industries are currently experiencing skills shortages you can look HERE.
This new look at data also has WA occupational cluster reports:
New Design Courses at Curtin
From Semester 1, 2019 Curtin will be offering a new Bachelor of Design
You can download the course guide here.
New Associate Degree in Agribusiness offered at Muresk Institute from 2019
Curtin is offering a new Associate Degree in Agribusiness at Muresk Institute from 2019.
The two-year associate degree will be a pathway into the full Bachelor of Agribusiness, providing up to 24 months credit. Pathways into other bachelor programs will also be available.
There will be admission pathways for a broad range of students, including applicants with vocational education and training, work and life experience and recent secondary education.
Express your interest to receive information on the confirmed full entry requirements and admission criteria.
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
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.
Senior Sport
Round 2 matches saw some excellent results for the College, with a countback in Tennis the only thing preventing a clean sweep against Wesley.
The 1st V Basketball team had a convincing 78-49 victory. After trailing by two points at quarter time, the team put the game to bed in the second quarter with a great display of team Basketball to take a 15-point lead into half time, which they built on throughout the game. All 10 players got good court time and prepare for Scotch College after the bye.
Our 1st XI cricketers also made it two from two on Saturday. The bowlers bowled with discipline, keeping Wesley to 5/185 from their 50 overs, with one Wesley boy making 100 of these on his own. Our batters then produced another strong run chase, hitting the winning runs with three overs to spare and five wickets in hand.
Continuing on their strong form from Round 1 was our Volleyball team, who had a solid but comfortable 3-0 win over Wesley. The boys have started very well, but are under no illusions - there are some tough matches still to come this term.
Water Polo returned to the winners list with a 15-9 victory on Saturday. Some trial matches are planned over the training block building up to the next game against Scotch, who had a close loss against CCGS who seem to be the team to beat at this stage.
It was a tense and ultimately an agonisingly close loss to our 1st VIII Tennis team. In a much improved display, the team recovered from a 4-8 score line at the break to be the first to reach 12 sets. However, we were unable to claim the important 13th set, as Wesley levelled 12-12, and then won the match via countback (114 games to 101). This will serve as a good confidence boost to our team moving forward.
Swimming numbers continue to increase and our coaches are happy with the improvements a number of boys are showing. Details regarding some time trial meets this term will follow in the coming weeks.
Rowing
Eight Aquinas crews will represent the College at the opening of the rowing season this Saturday morning at the Aquinas on Canning Regatta.
The weather forecast looks favourable so we look forward to a big crowd in attendance at the finish line which is at the College Boat Shed.
Good luck to our record number of crews.
David Gault
Director of Sport
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
Student Achievements
Has your son accomplished a great achievement? Please let the College know via goodnews@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Contact Details
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
P&F Opt out
To unsubscribe from all parent social communications please email PandF@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.
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
- Prefect Induction Day
- Year 11 Accounting & Finance BEWA Competition Exam 8.45am - 12.00pm
Saturday 27 October
- AC Bye
- Aquinas Rowing Regatta
Week 4 Term 4 – 2018
Monday 29 October
- WACE Written Exams 8.00am - 5.00pm
- PC/AC Rehearsal B,O 5.00pm - 6.30pm
Tuesday 30 October
- WACE Written Exams 8.00am - 5.00pm
Wednesday 31 October
- WACE Written Exams 8.00am - 5.00pm
- 2019 Band Auditions (PCAC/AJO1 & 2/Inter Band)3.15pm - 5.00pm
Thursday 1 November
- Chaney House Mass 8.00am - 8.30am
- WACE Written Exams 8.00am - 5.00pm
- 2019 Band Auditions (PCAC/AJO1 & 2/Inter Band) 3.15pm - 5.00pm
Friday 2 November
- WACE Written Exams 8.00am - 5.00pm
- SC v AC
- Year 11 VET Senior First Aid - catch-up 8.30am - 3.00pm
- Yr 10 Presentation. Candy Shop 1.45pm - 3.15pm
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