Illuminare - Showing perseverance and compassion in challenging times
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illuminare Showing perseverance and compassion in challenging times
contents
college news aquinas life our alumni
03 from the Principal 11 snapshots of Aquinas life 16 alumni in the news
@ College
05 living our core values 17 how are our alumni coping?
13 snapshots of remote learning
06 our students’ voice 19 in memoriam
14 snapshots of learning during
08 house challenge 20 our history
COVID 19
09 impact on our Year 7s 21 “the Bloods”
15 thinking creatively
10 student compassion
www.aquinas.vic.edu.au
facebook.com/AquinasRingwood
twitter.com/AquinasRingwood
2 Aquinas has joined us as one
from the
Principal by Darren Atkinson - Principal
Our “Perseverance” core value encourages members of our Some observed that Lockdown 2.0 was easier than the first
community to continually strive for excellence and, this year in round of remote learning as their teachers had become more
particular, we are being challenged more than ever to persist adept at delivering learning virtually and had also responded
despite being presented with many challenging obstacles. to issues of workloads by further refining the curriculum to
identify the essential learning. More importantly, the students
Just a few weeks ago we were
identified that they had actually
immersed in Parent Teacher
become more effective as learners
Interviews and an amazing online
by growing in understanding around
Subject Selection Expo when high
their learning needs and better
winds knocked out power in the outer
utilising their teacher as a resource.
Eastern suburbs, including Aquinas
What a mature observation! A couple
College. Surely, many of us must
of participants in this forum made
have been asking “what more can
really important contributions about
this year possibly serve up to try us?”
their peers and concerns that some
Not surprisingly, given what we are
were finding it harder to maintain
learning about the resourcefulness
motivation as the weeks in lockdown
of our community, many teachers
passed. They described some of the
have reported that they either
risk factors that they were witnessing,
found ways to continue with their
such as growing numbers who were
interviews through other mediums,
turning off their cameras, seemingly
or have already organised alternative
as a coping mechanism, or an increase
times to discuss how the students are
in the numbers appearing to miss
progressing with parents/guardians.
deadlines for the submission of work.
Most students also seem to have
Our teaching staff have been
been able to find a workaround
identifying students exhibiting
and submit their subject selection
“...when we get to the other side, some of these risk factors also and
requests for 2021 amidst the
as we inevitably will, we will reflect working with Wellbeing Teams on
confusion of restricted online access.
early interventions throughout this
While we were inconvenienced on this time and recognise that
period of remote learning. We have
by the blackout, we should also
our ability to persevere is one of the appreciated the partnership with
acknowledge that falling trees had
hallmarks...” parents/guardians who have alerted
far more tragic consequences for
us to concerns as they have become
some and we keep these people in
apparent in the home learning
our prayers.
environment. But it was most
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic we are taking each heartening to hear our Student Leadership Council, led by our
day as it comes, but when we get to the other side, as we College Captains, begin to discuss what they might be able to
inevitably will, we will reflect on this time and recognise offer to increase motivation in the student community. Ideas
that our ability to persevere is one of the hallmarks. A recent began to flow around House challenges, based around themes
Student Leadership Council meeting provided great insight and determined by the year level leadership teams each week.
into the resilience of our youth and how they are growing in The council discussed this as an opportunity for students to
their resourcefulness. These young leaders, from Years 7 to 12, share something with their peers on the theme: What makes
were making observations about their own learning and that me happy? What lifts my spirits?
of their peers and they showed wisdom well beyond their years.
Our dreams and our hearts are but young 3
from the principal
As a result, we have ended up with some While there is inevitable disappointment No doubt, there is much about 2020 that
great initiatives in which students have that school this year has not been as we we will want to soon leave behind so
shared examples of artwork, creative had hoped in many regards, the need for that we can return to a life that is more
cooking ideas and, most recently, a students to take greater responsibility “normal”.
music challenge. Samples of this work for their learning may well have a lasting
I’m confident that our new normal
have been shared with the community benefit. It has been interesting to hear
will be led by young people who are
in recent editions of The Lighthouse. students reflect on their experiences
resilient, resourceful and compassionate
I was fortunate to be asked to be one and say things like:
- I’ve seen it in action this year!
of the judges for the music challenge
“I have learnt that I am more resourceful
and it was great to see such talent and My prayers are with those who have
than I thought.”
enthusiasm on show. We moved onto experienced loss this year, in some cases
a sporting challenge, then a cooking “I have become a better problem solver.” tragic loss, and I am grateful at this time
challenge and finally a performance to be counted in a community of faith
challenge. I know this will appeal to the “I have become better at utlising my
that is committed to the nurturing of
many students who love being physically teacher as a resource.”
young people so that they may flourish.
active and have been restricted by a loss
“I have realised that I actually like my own
of competitive sport this year.
company.”
Ever the optimist, could it be that
“I have valued having my dad home.”
“student agency” will emerge as a
silver lining around the Covid-19 “I have grown a lot closer to my mum.”
thundercloud?
4 The years stretch before us with promise unsung
living our
core values by Tania Grace - Assistant Principal - Mission
In our 2019 edition we presented how we are embedding our values into Aquinas’ daily life. While we are
continually looking at all our values across year levels and integrated throughout the College, this article is
focusing on two of our values - Compassion and Perseverance.
There have been many ways we have seen the values as our Brass Ensemble
of Compassion and Perseverance in our community students recorded the Last
so far this year. The most obvious example is the Post and our Year 10 leaders
perseverance as we focus on continuing to educate stood at their doors at dawn
across the various formats from a full College, to a split to remember. The Long
between some onsite students and remote learning, Walk was acknowledged
and then to completely remote learning. as a virtual event and with
the help of Nova Peris who
Throughout all these iteration, it is the creative
sent us a video to join us
ideas and collaboration of staff and students has
on the day, we were able
made this possible. In our first lockdown we saw how
to stand in solidarity with
students helped staff and their peers with the “how to”.
our indigenous Australians.
Supporting each other as they learning new skills to
During Term 2, over 60
either access or submit work.
students across different
At the forefront of our minds across the whole year levels volunteered to
Aquinas Community was how important it was to write to people in residential
stay connected and continue to foster our feeling of aged care as they recognised
belonging. Teachers and students alike have focused the need to help those who
on finding ways that we can continue to feel part of suffer from loneliness the
the community. The RE Learning Area held an Easter most during isolation.
Egg painting competition earlier this year. The PE &
2020 has been a truly
Health Learning area challenged students to hit some
extraordinary time.
personal bests and compete remotely across various
Throughout this time our
activities. The Arts Learning area encouraged their
staff and students have
students to think outside the box and draw on nature,
banded together to ensure
items around the home and their imagination to
that each person in the
create some incredible artworks. The Music teachers
community is not alone.
held online sessions and collaborated to record their
We have overwhelmingly
interpretation of some well known songs. While
embodied many of the core
the student leaders invited students and teachers
values that form the basis of
to participate in a four week House Challenge to
the Spirit of Aquinas. We have
get encourage House Spirit. These competitions,
made it a priority to ensure
challenges and activities gave us all an opportunity
everyone of our community
to maintain our connections (belonging) to each other
continue to feel that they
and to bring variety in our days.
belong; we have compassion
Yet, as we have said many times before - our values for each other and our
do not work alone. While we have all undoubtedly environment (stewardship);
needed to draw on our perseverance, the examples we have persevered through these times; and have the courage to
of Compassion across our Community in these times speak up for justice in our community.
has been extraordinary. We remembered our fallen
The Holy Spirit has been with us in all we do and for all that we continue
soldiers on ANZAC day with respect and compassion
to do to ensure the Spirit of Aquinas continues to grow in 2020.
And we face them together as one 5
our students’ voice
“What have you been doing to
stay sane during lockdown?”
“I’ve been using lots of the extra time to hone in on music “During lockdown, I’ve found that having weekly calls with my
practice, figuring out where my weaknesses are and working on friends and family, and constantly baking / cooking for others have
it. As well as talking to friends to keep some form of connection helped keep me a little sane. Picking up old hobbies has been a
during this time, getting homework done early to be able to do great way to pass the time, and keep me entertained as well.”
this as much as I can. Not to mention watching lots of movies Jasmine Hiney, Year 11
and series!”
Jay Hills, Year 11 “What I have been doing to keep my sanity is doing a lot of karaoke
showcasing my beautiful angelic voice to my family… lol… sorry
“I’ve been staying sane during quarantine by adapting to the neighbours. And also, my family and I have been doing a lot of
strange stuff my family does. I just try to get along with whatever dancing!! I encourage everyone to let loose and let your inner
stupid stuff my brother is up to and sit down and chat with my Charli D’Amelio come out.”
parents. The main way I’ve been staying sane is by keeping in Khea Visperas, Year 11
touch with friends. Through video games I’m always having a
good time with my mates and keeping on keeping on.”
Brad Steer, Year 11
“The ‘silver lining’ of
remote learning”
“For me, remote learning is a great Remote learning also offers benefits of “While ye old plague has been pretty
opportunity for you to control your own doing things you enjoy and improving trash as a whole, I would definitely say it’s
learning. It gives us the chance to learn your overall mood. “It’s good for me given me ample time to slow down from a
how we do best, whether that is visual or because instead of being cooped up regular hectic school schedule and work
writing. Not to mention how we can just indoors I’m allowed to have fresh air on projects I’ve been wanting to for ages.
roll out of bed into our next class.” - while completing my work” I’ve even grown closer to my sisters in the
Molly Daley, Year 11 Sarah Crosbie, Year 11 process, so isolation wasn’t nearly half as
bad as I had expected”
Elise Walsh, Year 11
6
Let us sing out, let it ring out, Illuminare
our students’ voice
“What have you done differently or
learnt about yourself?”
“Something I learnt about myself during this time is that I enjoy “Online schooling was a unique experience for all of us, a tough
sticking to a routine and that I need to keep myself productive time for some of us, and an interesting experience for most of us.
throughout the day. This became more and more difficult as time At first it was challenging as I adjusted to my new lifestyle. It was
went on as there were fewer people to talk to. Although I really like I was climbing up a mountain, but an obstacle blocked my
appreciated the time I got to spend with my family and I loved way from climbing upwards. I missed my friends, classmates and
the time I got to spend working on hobbies such as playing the teachers. I wasn’t used to spending my day in front of a screen
guitar and kicking the footy.” so I got multiple headaches. But as each week went by, I learnt
Leila Hedderwick, Year 9 something new. I learnt how to create my own timetable, deciding
what to do now or what to do later, and being more organised
“Something I learnt about myself is that I need an organised day overall. When the final week of online school was approaching, I
otherwise I would get bored. I also found that when we were all had picked up so many useful skills. I had overcome so much, and
home I spent a lot of time with my family because we usually are faced so many challenges that I was ready for anything.”
too busy to sit down and play a game together.” Lucy Jordan, Year 7
Lucy Crouch, Year 7 “
“Some successes that I experienced during at home learning were the ability to exercise every morning, having salads at lunch and
before I go to sleep I write down what I have grateful for. Some challenges I had encountered during isolation were that I wasn’t able
to exercise every day because of certain events happening in the morning, and I wasn’t able to talk to my friends and family.”
Ebony Barker, Year 10
“I did find that I ate a lot of unhealthy food during isolation as my family had frappe Friday and take away Friday which we never
used to do. In order to overcome this, I did more physical activity on a Friday. I did connect online with my family every night but not
so much with my friends. In terms of physical activity, I was able to do a lot more. I trained for cheer and dance everyday so I could be
even more fit than before isolation. Overall, I found isolation to be quite a positive experience.”
Amber Majic, Year 10
“During isolation I made a habit of walking/running up to my local IGA everyday which I hope to continue. This was my main source
of exercise as footy training and other outdoor activities all got cancelled. I think my physical activity went backwards because I was
also just sitting around a lot but I don’t think I was too bad compared to what the average probably is.”
Sam Moulden, Year 10
“I really struggled as I had no structure or routine. Example: no sports were up and running and gyms were closed so I was forced to
improvise with what had and I seemed to become lazy with it and wasn’t keeping to any new structure. Nutrition on the other hand
hasn’t changed much I seemed to keep a similar structure with a bit of flexibility.
Matt Wicks, Year 10
Hand in hand now, we will stand now, et Ardere. 7
house challenge
Our student leaders have met regularly during both lockdown periods, and have also worked
closely with the Executive team of the College to focus on student wellbeing. One of these student
led initiatives is the House Challenge. The Student Leaders across all year levels invited students
and teachers to participate in a four week House Challenge to get encourage House Spirit. These
competitions, challenges and activities gave us all an opportunity to maintain our connections and
have fun earning points for our allocated House. Over five weeks, a weekly, themed challenge, was
open to students and staff to enter, with each theme created and managed by specific year level
Student leaders. Challenges included an Art challenge; a Cooking challenge; a Music challenge; a
Sports challenge and a Performing Arts challenge. It was very successful with a huge number of
students and staff entering each week, and a great opportunity to remember that we are all part
of the Aquinas College community.
8
As our light, burning bright, turns our courage to flames
impact on our Year 7s
Our newest cohort, Year 7 students, has now spent almost twice as much time remote learning than they
have at the College. These students are looking on the bright side of this highly unusual situation
‘What good things have you noticed that have come out of the current situation that we have been in?”
• Dad is working from home so I am able to see him more • I have found that I am actually quite organised and I can get
stuff done if I put my mind to it.
• Spending more time with my family, having my parents
across my school work and having a variety of lunches - also • We have learnt a lot more about how to deal with different
walking around in my undies all day is pretty cool situations that we are not used to.
• I get to spend more time with my family and now every • I have become more resilient and persistent.
Wednesday night we have game night.
• I’ve been running often which is good for my fitness.
• I think that my family has noticed how much we have to
• People seem more friendly when you pass them on walks
pitch in and help around the house.
• My dogs are having the time of their lives because everybody
• That I have come more resilient and have gotten to spend
is always home with them.
more time with my family.
• I have been drawing lots of things in the pandemic
• I have improved my mental health because I have spent
time by myself • My dad has been able to work from home which is great
because he usually flies all around the world for his job so
• I’ve gotten a new motivation
he’s gone 1/3 of the time. It’s great having him around more
• Me and my brother have gotten closer often.
second generation
In the blur of 2020, we haven’t had a chance to welcome the children of our Aquinas Alumni
Student Parent Peer Year Kiera Nicholas Moran 1992
Aaron Janine Piper (Box) 1986 Kellie Moran (Lobosco) 1992
Alex Lisa Constable (Rankine) 1985 Lachlan Michael Downes 1991
Sharon Downes (Truscott 1991
Alexander Melissa Niemann (Onofrio) 1994
Laura Claire McCartan (Anderson) 1993
Alicia Michael Warton 1986
Liam Wayne Doherty 1997
Brianna Janine Bucci 1992
Paula Day 1997
Chris Anthony Pezzano 1994
Lucas Nicole Brasher (Gill) 1988
Claudia Nathan Semos 1993
Lucy Jason Crouch 1990
Belinda Semos (Meehan) 1993
Suzanne Edelmair 1990
Dylan Stephen O’Brien 1984
Mia David Lopez 1997
Ella Amanda Anderson (Proctor) 1990 Emily Lopez (Tang) 1998
Richard Anderson 1990
Neve Johanna Stafford 1993
Eloise David Marraffa 1997
Rachel Simone Wade 1993
Jacklyn-Marie Marraffa (Castellucci 1998
Raphael Craig McLean 1995
Finn Chris Edwards 1986
Michelle McLean (Fenech) 1995
Flynn Sherrie Jones 1994
Ruby Cathy Gough (Newton) 1991
Harrison Justin Quinn 1993
Ryan Wayne Svrakov 1992
Kelly Quinn (Cooke) 1995
Tahlia Kerry Grey (Thomas) 1992
Isabella Laszlo Finto 1988
Taj Sherrie Jones 1994
James Russell Knight 1990
Natasha Knight (Leong) 1992 Tyson Stephen Darmody 1987
Jonty Elizabeth Prasad (Flanagan) 1986 Tyson Bridgette Heydon 2003
Zac Kristi Disney (Johnston)
9
United our hearts will remain. United our hearts will remain.
student
compassion
The challenges of 2020 have seen some incredible examples of Compassion from our students both to each
other, and the greater Aquinas community.
Many of our elderly in nursing homes are
experiencing loneliness and isolation from
family with the significant restrictions.
Rebecca Crozier, our Social Justice
Coordinator, came up with the idea to write
to people in nursing homes to help brighten
their day.
With the help of the Catholic Life team, Faith
& Liturgy classes this idea has come to life.
Each student was allocated a person from
one of the three nursing homes involved as
their “pen pal” and has written a letter to this
person. The response to the letters was so
positive.
“Thank you to you and the wonderful students for the lovely letters”.
“I’m sure they will sure put a smile on the residents faces.”
“Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to the students.” The Year 11 Student Leaders wanted to
“We look forward to receiving more and keeping up to date with the connections being made.” support their peers to help them stay
“Thank you so much!” connected with each other, engaged
“These are fantastic!” and keep their spirits high. Quarantine
“Thank you also for your kind words and support, it is much appreciated.” Connections eNewsletter was created with
“We’ll be in touch next week.” tips on studying remotely; mindfulness and
meditation; movie and tv reviews; puzzles
We hope that both our students and their pen pals continue to find this a positive
and brain teasers; as well as honest insights
experience and can help to ease the loneliness during isolation.
into how their cohort were coping through
This project was also featured in CEM News & Events lockdown and remote learning.
Year 8 VCD student, Aiden Year 9 Arts students focused on community
Mitchell decided to use positivity and social awareness. They were
textiles to commemorate tasked to come up with an idea focusing on
ANZAC Day and the Victoria those aspects and easy to implement with
Police’s recent loss. It is a what they had at home. The ideas ranged
great use of the template/ from positive posters, pavement chalk
pattern piece and colour as drawings and painted rocks placed around
a powerful tool as symbols. their communities and in local parks and
playgrounds.
10 As we grow and we pass through the yearssnapshots of Aquinas
life @ the College
We did enjoy some great activities in Term 1 and some of Term 2, including
Year 7 camps, Year 9 Challenge Walk, our French students visiting, Shrove
Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, and some class time...
11
and we learn from the joys and the tears12 From people we’ve loved and from challenges met
snapshots of
remote learning
13
Oh may we never forget.snapshots of learning
during COVID 19
14
Let us sing out, let it ring out, Illuminarethinking creatively
Our incredible students have been challenged to think “outside the box” to express their creativity while
learning during lockdown. Here is just a glimpse of their creations.
15
Hand in hand now, we will stand now, et Ardere.alumni in the news
Mike Wood
Peer Year 1977
Aquinas College alumni, Mike Wood, was appointed as
a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s
Birthday 2020 Honours List on 8 June 2020.
Mike was nominated to recognise his long association
with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and his
outstanding contribution to raising the profile of
outdoor recreation and outdoor education in WA.
When asked to comment Mike said “I am extremely honoured to receive this award
in recognition for my work with the recreation and trails community in WA, and Bec McGrath
specifically for my great passion, the Bibbulmun Track.” Peer Year 2015
For over 30 years in Western Australia Mike has done an enormous amount to Relatively recent alumni, Bec McGrath
connect people with the outdoors and nature and inspire them to be a part of it. He recently featured on Vinnies Victoria
is a passionate advocate for outdoor recreation and outdoor education and has been social media, highlighting her
on numerous boards, panels and government committees. dedication as a member of the youth
Extract from interview on bibbulmuntrack.org.au volunteer team. As a new nurse this year
at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton
the coronavirus pandemic has provided
an introduction to nursing that she
David Powell won’t forget. Despite her work hours
Peer Year 2009
being increased due to the crisis, she is
Congratulations to David Powell on his selection as part of the Australian Table still volunteering with Vinnies and was
Tennis Team for the Tokyo Olympics. Now a Maths teacher at Haileybury, David featured as part of National Volunteer
returns for his second games after competing at the Olympics in Rio, 2016. Week Bec, 23 has been caring for a
number of patients with COVID-19 and
“It’s a dream come true,” Powell said. “I never imagined I’d make my first Olympics, let
says that one of the hardest issues to
alone two and I’m proud to be able to qualify
deal with is that patients are in isolation
for Tokyo 2020.”
units and their families can’t see them.
“You work so hard for so long and there’s such
“It’s very stressful and difficult for the
a fine line between making the team and just
families and patients.” She said that her
missing out. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
experience with Vinnies, where she has
Balancing full-time teaching at Haileybury been active in Casey and Aquinas Young
College and elite sport, Powell is adapting Vinnies and Kids Camp for almost seven
to the new normal in both his athletic years as well as being the Northwest
and academic life. “We’re adapting to the Central Council Youth Representative,
lockdown, I’m teaching from home and is helping her to talk with families in
sometimes onsite, but I always try to see the distress.
positives. I just want to be in the best shape
Extract from article on Aquinas Young Vinnies
come July 2021.
Extract from interview on olympics.com.au
16 As our light, burning bright turns our courage to flameour alumni
during COVID 19
Dr Daniel Norton AO
Peer Year 1969
Living in Hobart, Tasmania has meant we haven’t had to go through quite the traumas of Melbournians. As an example, my golf
course has remained open. My one Melbourne based directorship finished in March. My other business involvement in Tasmania
as Chairman of the Electricity Transmission and distribution business has had its challenges but the team have done well to adjust
to the necessary workplace changes and set in place a ’new normal’.
My daughter and her partner with a three year old and a five year
old live in Melbourne. It has been very tough for them as both
have really challenging jobs. My wife Kathy and I have been very
frustrated by our inability to provide more than moral support.
I have attached a picture of me with Wilbur and Beatrix (our
Melbourne grandchildren) taken on one of my last visits before the
pandemic struck. Reading to young children is so rewarding!! Our
thoughts are with those at Aquinas, students and teachers, who are
being dealt a very unfair blow by the pandemic. It will eventually
pass and in the meantime friendship, innovation, solidarity and
resilience are critical.
Bianca Testa
Peer Year 2015
As this year is my first year working as a Registered Nurse straight come across in my few months of work. These precautions also
out of University, you could say COVID-19 has had an effect on me. restrict the amount of staff allowed in the room so I was having
my coworkers pass me the things I needed through the door and
I started working Austin Hospital in February this year. The first then it was me on my own. This was the day I really saw how
month or so working on the Stroke ward was amazing. Then COVID-19 can hugely impact those patients who don’t even test
March and of course the beginning of COVID-19 and everything positive for the virus.
changed. As the weeks went on we had to close half of the beds
on the ward in order for the anticipated influx of sick COVID-19 In August I was moved to a “suspected COVID-19” ward. Each day
patients. This was surprisingly the quietest time within the last 10 I met with very sick people who are waiting for their swab result
years However no one wanted to come to hospital as the public Some are positive, most are negative which is great but you can
was scared of acquiring the virus on hospital grounds. This then never be too careful. On this ward we must wear full PPE all day
meant people having strokes, heart attacks were staying home which makes caring for sick patients more challenging due to
and putting their lives at great risk. feeling restricted, hot and the associated element of increased
stress. From a patients perspective being sick, not being able to
By June the ward was full, half with “suspected COVID-19” patients, see your family or have visitors and then being cared for doctors
Mostly all these patients were negative but it made it very hard and nurses in full body coverings is extremely de-humanising and
to treat some people under these precautions. I remember one can make being in hospital even more scary.
particular shift when a patient who just had a severe stroke,
also presented with a high temperature. This patient had to be I’m sure the next 6 months of my career will meet me with new
treated under the “suspected COVID-19” precautions because challenges and I wouldn’t change any part of this year as I have
if they were put into a bed in our specialised stroke bay they learnt so much. I just hope we can soon see the reduction of
could put our team and patients at risk of infection. This shift was COVID-19 as a community be able to enjoy the life we once lived.
intense, acutely caring for probably one of the sickest people I had
17
United our hearts will remain. United our hearts will remain.our alumni during COVID 19
Paul Monk
Peer Year 1974
The lockdown, paradoxically, has been a time when friendship and community have become more important and appreciated than before.
It’s good to hear from Aquinas College, in this context. I’m a veteran now, at 63 and it will be interesting to learn how others from the
Aquinas community, with young families, mortgages and businesses, have been coping.
I have for years now lived alone and worked from home, so I was not drastically affected
by the lockdown. It did prevent me from starting in a new position at the Peter McCallum
Cancer Centre, as part of a team building a new Cancer School there; but that can wait
until the emergency is dealt with.
I have been hard at work on two new books during this whole drama: a long book of
poetry (154 poems) called Lyrical Epigrams and a true story about catfishing, trolling
and fake identity (which I experienced at first hand all last year and through to August
this year). The second book is coming close to complete as September begins. It is called
All the Bad Things.
Zoom has been a great boon. I talk with friends and professional colleagues on Zoom
on almost a daily basis. One of the revelations of the COVID-19 problem has been the
advantages conferred on us by the incredible technologies that have burgeoned in the
21st century.
I am also very active on Facebook and, through that platform, keep in touch with
hundreds of people around the world, including old friends from school and university.
a family of Aquinas alumni
The Edwards family recently shared their long history of attending Aquinas College. Chris Edwards shared that three of
his four children are current students at Aquinas in year levels 7, 11 and 12. They are respectively the 21st, 24th and 26th
Edwards children attending Aquinas, along with their three cousins who are currently in years 8, 11 and 12.
In the first generation of Edwards family, there were ten attending Aquinas College - Toni, Jane, Kerri, Suzie, Michael, Patrick,
Chris, Brendan, Lynne and Steven.
The second generation of Edwards children welcomed by Aquinas College were Mitchell, Sarah, Cameron, Samara, Chantelle,
Charlee, Merrinda, Madeline, Danniel, Noah and current students Millie, Issy, Finn, Emilie, Will and Alice.
A number of the 26 members of the Edwards family who attended the College also married Aquinas Alumni
18 As we follow the Lord’s leading wayIn Memoriam
Kate Dunne
Staff
It was with great sadness that the Aquinas community
learnt of the passing of Ms Kate Dunne earlier this
year, after a sudden heart attack. Kate worked at
Aquinas as caretaker over an 18 year period and had
a reputation for being “fierce but fair” She retired in
2014.
Kate was remembered as going above and beyond her
duties many times, such was her nature to help which
gave her great satisfaction. She became a confidante
to many and imparted her wisdom to those who were
lucky enough to be in a conversation with her.
Aquinas College and its staff were very lucky to know
her and experience her dedication.
Katie O’Dwyer
Peer Year 1993
Vale Katie O’Dwyer
Former student Katie passed away on July 25, 2020. Katie was a beautiful soul, amazing friend, ‘bonus aunty’ and successful business
owner in the real estate industry who had such a positive impact on so many people around her. Her beautiful smile, laugh and zest
for life will be deeply missed by family and friends, many of whom she met whilst at Aquinas. Rest in peace Katie x
19
Standing strong as the years fall awayour history from the College archives
The Aquinas Resource Centre, known as divided into smaller areas by hanging
the ARC opened its doors fifteen years green vinyl walls. The original design
ago, in February 2005. The building included a mezzanine floor, but this did
was the culmination of many months not make it to the construction phase.
spent on design, and many more spent
The original library successfully served
watching its construction. Graduates of
the Aquinas Community well for nearly
that year will remember lots of mud,
thirty years, not just as a place for
noise and cyclone fencing. Students
students to read and research, but
of 2006 may also remember that our
also as a large open plan area where
opening day did not go according to plan
community activities could be held.
thanks to a sudden downpour that made
However by 2000 the building was
the name ARC particularly appropriate.
starting to show significant signs of
Many Aquinas Alumni will have fond age, and couldn’t support the changing
memories of the previous Aquinas technological needs of the College. The
Library, which was built in 1976. One of building was completely refurbished
its most appealing features was a bound and repurposed, and is now the ARTS
straw ceiling, state of the art at the time, building.
into which pens and other materials
The 1977 building was designed for many as four classes at one time. It also
could be successfully embedded if flicked
books. The new ARC was designed includes a silent study area, which the
hard enough in an upward direction. The
around technology. Audio visual school had wanted for some time.
straw was apparently fire retardant, but
technology such as televisions and
dreadful if you had hayfever. The ARC is a beautiful building, and is
VCRS on trolleys were being used less
showing no sign of its age. We can’t wait
The library was a remarkable space for frequently. The future was networked.
to welcome students and staff back to
its time. Set between the Girls and Boys
A significant amount of credit for the make it hum again.
School, it had a door on each side of
design of the ARC is due to Mrs Janet
the entry foyer, so that it could be easily
Blackwell, and to the vision of Principal
accessed by both schools. It included
Mr Anthony O’Byrne. The building is
multi-purpose rooms which could be
bright and comfortable and seats as
20 The light of His glory will make us all one“the Bloods”
2020 was the season that wasn’t! The really pleasing aspect of the Under 19 program has been
the continued pathway from to Senior football with five Senior
It’s perhaps not surprising that despite much effort on behalf
Premiership Players in 2019 straight out of the Unders 19s
of the club and the association, the 2020 season was officially
and a further seven in our Reserves Grand Final team.
cancelled on July 1.
Our Women’s program was set for another huge year with a
Whilst this was a disappointing result for all club members, it
squad of over 40 players including three VFLW players and a
was ultimately the right call in the interests of keeping all our
host of other strong recruits.
people safe.
We look forward to welcoming many players from our U18
Coming off another senior premiership in 2019, training for
Girls side to the senior ranks for next season.
2020 started in early November of 2019, with consistently
high quality on the track. The junior club has continued to expand and had three Girls
teams set to take the field this season.
A number of very impressive recruits for both our Men’s and
Women’s programs meant everybody at the club was confident As always we would like to thank Aquinas College for their
of another strong showing and potentially adding to our ongoing support especially Maryanne Leavey, Paul Benedict
premiership haul from recent seasons. and Anthony Bilton and College Principal, Darren Atkinson.
Our Under 19 program under the tutelage of Craig Glennie Whilst the vast majority of our players and supporter base are
recruited well again, with almost half of the squad were either current or former Aquinas students we open our doors
current students at Aquinas College in 2020. to all comers.
All updates on our great club can be found on social media
Join the Club
If you are considering becoming involved with a
progressive, family oriented Local Suburban Football
Club, please contact:
Jack McDonald
Secretary
secretary@aquinas.com.au
0430 130 520
21
The new day has only begun.Share your news
We would love to hear from our Aquinas College Alumni. Share your news about births, engagements, marriages, in memoriam or
outstanding achievements to feature in upcoming editions of Illuminare.
If you have any historical information for our archives, we would love to take copies for our archives.
Email your news, photos and information with your contact details to:
illuminare@aquinas.vic.edu.au
Our Website
www.aquinas.vic.edu.au
Would you like to be added to the mailing list to ensure you get every future copy of Illuminare?
Register on the Alumni section of the College website.
AQUINAS COLLEGE
46 Great Ryrie Street
(PO Box 190)
Ringwood Vic 3134
Ph: +61 3 9259 3000 Illuminare Editor
Rebecca Presta
Cricos
00127G Design and Composition
Rebecca Presta
22
Let us sing out, let it ring out, Illuminare. Hand in hand now, we will stand now, et Ardere.You can also read
