Principal's Report
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As this edition of The Lighthouse is published, our Year 12 students should be well immersed in their SwotVac period in preparation for exams commencing (for most) with English on Tuesday. We wish them every success in these final assessments and we also pass on our best wishes to those who are in the process of transition to further training or work. It is a great credit to their resilience that they have continued to maintain a focus on their studies during a year so full of disruption. We hope that each student navigates a pathway that is rewarding and provides an opportunity to continue to develop their God given talents.
Graduation in times of Covid-19
Our class of 2020 joined together in Mentor groups last week to have their Graduation recorded so that we can share this formal event with parents/guardians and other family members. We hope that this video provides a lasting memory of secondary school that is positive and acts as a fitting acknowledgement of the achievements of the last six years. Thank you to the production team for capturing this ceremony.
On Thursday, the students celebrated the last day of Year 12 together in a spirit of belonging and friendship. Within the confines of our Covid-19 restrictions, the students were able to share the common bond that they are the graduating class of 2020 and, to this extent, have had an experience that is quite unique. I offer thanks to all who contributed so that this day of celebration was possible.
Excerpt from Principal鈥檚 Graduation Speech
"As I take this opportunity to reflect on your time at 黑料社区, it is obvious that I do so in the shadows of a year that none of us either expected, nor welcomed. Covid-19 has tested our resilience and resourcefulness. Yet, it is at the times we face our greatest challenges, that we learn the most about our own personal strengths. At the times we see our social fabric most threatened, we witness a response in kindness from others and a heightened concern for the wellbeing of our fellow human.
In looking back at your last six years, I鈥檓 going to encourage you to lift your eyes and see beyond any disappointments that this year may bring. There is much to be celebrated. Some of the anecdotal feedback that has been received from students this year shows this great insight:
- 鈥淚 have missed not having my teacher in the classroom with me, but I have learned that I am far more resourceful than I believed鈥
- 鈥淚 have missed my friends, but I have developed a special relationship with my mum and dad鈥
- 鈥淚 have sometimes felt lonely, but I have learnt that I actually enjoy my own company as well鈥
- 鈥淚 am more resilient than many people thought I would be鈥
I hope, as you reflect on the last six years, that you are flooded with fond memories of good times and great people. You are the graduating class of 2020 and will always be so. You have a shared experience that no one else can fully understand and, long after much has been forgotten, you will continue to share bonds of friendship that will prevail. If this year has taught us anything, it has been to value human connectedness.
I want to extend a vote of thanks to the parents/guardians who have trusted their children to our care. I hope you look upon your young people with a great sense of pride in their formation as a young adult. To those families whose youngest or only child graduates this year and so end their association with 黑料社区, I would like to offer a special vote of thanks to you for entrusting Aquinas with your children.
I also thank the 黑料社区 staff who have committed themselves to the formation of young people. Not just those who have taught Year 12, but those who laid foundation stones in Years 7 and 8, witnessed the emergence of an independent mind in Years 9 and 10, and focussed the learning in Years 11 and 12. I also want to acknowledge the staff who work in a support capacity and make a difference that sometimes goes unacknowledged. The staff of 黑料社区 are education professionals of the highest calibre and their dedication to the students entrusted to them is generous. Graduates - I encourage you to take the time to reflect on the outstanding teachers that have shared their love of learning with you.
Finally, I would like to thank you, the graduating class of 2020, for your contribution to 黑料社区. We are a better community for your sharing of your gifts with us. Our mission was to 鈥減romote quality education while developing an awareness of God in our lives, the value and connectedness of all human relationships, a sense of justice, a hopeful spirit and a love of learning.鈥 As we approach the finish line, I hope that you feel this mission is accomplished. I wish you every success for a bright future, confident that our destiny is safe in your hands.
Thanks to our College Leaders of 2020
It has been my pleasure to congratulate and thank our student leaders for 2020 this week:
- College Captains: Bridget Dale and Nick Tellus
- College Vice Captains: Jules Carboni and Anita Mugamu
- Board Representative: Charlotte Dring
- College Ambassador: Luca Napolitano.
This group of young leaders have played a significant role in College decision making as we have endeavoured to navigate the many challenges this year has posed. At one stage, in the first period of lockdown, they were meeting with the College Executive on a weekly basis to offer a student perspective on the Continuing Learning Plan and this insight was invaluable. Over recent weeks, they have continued to represent their peers and offer a student voice as we were planning end of year arrangements.
Important Dates
A reminder of some key dates coming up:
November 2020
Tuesday, Nov 10 - VCE English Exam
Monday, Nov 16 - Year 11 Exams commence
Tuesday, Nov 17 - Final meeting 黑料社区 Board
Tuesday, Nov 24 - Year 11 to 12 Transition commences
December 2020
Tuesday, Dec 2 - VCE Exams conclude
Friday, Dec 4 - Final Day Years 7 - 10
Monday, Dec 7 - Year 7 2021 Orientation Day
Friday, Dec 11 - Last day for Teaching Staff
Friday, Dec 18 - College Office closes
Thursday, Dec 30 - VCE/VCAL Results published
January 2021
Friday, Jan 22 - Middle Years and Senior Years Office opens
Wednesday, Jan 27 - Year 7 Parent Information Night
Friday, Jan 29 - Year 7 & 12 commence
February 2021
Monday, Feb 1 - Years 8 - 11 commence
Monday, Feb 1 - School photos
Darren Atkinson
Principal