Principal's Report
![](https://media.digistormhosting.com.au/ac-au-vic-612-website/documents/The-Lighthouse/Staff-photos/Darren-2022.jpg?v=1643931310)
NAPLAN
Students in both Years 7 and Year 9 have commenced NAPLAN tests this week. We see NAPLAN providing another avenue of feedback to supplement the various sources of assessment undertaken at the College by the classroom teacher which, combined, help to build a picture to measure progress for each student. These tests also play a role at the systems level of education as there are benchmarks set for performance in various aspects of Literacy and Numeracy and governments value these measures to assess the effectiveness of our education systems. There is, of course, continued public debate and diversity of opinion in the educational community about the value of NAPLAN. Some see these tests as an unnecessary additional stress on young people and, while some performance anxiety is actually healthy, we endeavour to reassure those who seem worried that there is little to fear. Thanks to Mr Phil Box, Head Middle Years, and the middle years鈥 teachers for ensuring that the NAPLAN tests have been administered as smoothly as possible. I also congratulate the students for participating conscientiously and giving their best effort.
All State Jazz Championships
Aquinas students will be representing the College at the All State Jazz Championships this weekend at St Leonard鈥檚 College and we wish our musicians every success. Thanks to Mr Jared Campbell and the music staff for their work to prepare the students to showcase their talents.
Leaders Forum
I had the pleasure of joining our student leaders this week as they conducted their Student Leadership Council. It is so encouraging to witness these enthusiastic young leaders seek ways to make a difference in our school community and tackle important issues like sustainability, interconnectedness and academic readiness. The council will now break into working parties to develop action plans around topics of specific interest.
EISM Division 1 Athletics Carnival
Last Thursday a large group of athletes represented 黑料社区 at Lakeside Stadium as part of the EISM Division 1 Athletics Carnival. The students performed really well and we were the winner of four age divisions and finished third overall. Thanks to Mr Bernie Brummell and all of the coaches for supporting our athletes in helping them to prepare for this event.
Family Mass
Thank you to those who were able to accept the invitation to join us this week for the first of our Family Masses. We look forward to offering another opportunity to gather as a community to worship later in the year.
Welcome
We welcome new members to our community in senior non-teaching roles. Mr Matt Cincotta has joined the College as Property Manager and Mr Jeffrey Peach as IT Manager. Both bring great expertise with them as they undertake important responsibilities ensuring that we continue to offer first class learning environments for our students and staff.
Darren Atkinson
Principal