Proud to be a part of the Aquinas College Community

Edition #1, 2021

inter house and EISM swimming competitions, athletics and a myriad of other sports. Years 7 and 8 students participated in their camps programs and, in so doing, were both physically challenged and formed bonds of new friendships. Year 9 students began their Cafe N9ne and Special Education Block (SEB) experiences. Senior students focused on settling into good study routines and looked to make the most of their opportunities to build confidence in themselves as learners. We also enjoyed some wonderful whole school events. Our Opening Mass and Assembly, while modified to comply with regulations, were great celebrations of our identity. We were also able to recognise those who achieved outstanding results in 2020 at our Excellence @ Aquinas evening, including the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful results of our graduating class and congratulate them on their perseverance and achievement.

The term came to a close with a rich celebration of cultural diversity on Harmony Day with a focus on our role in addressing the damaging effects of racism. Finally, we were also overwhelmed by visitors on Open Day, many of whom were seeing the College for the first time given last year’s closure. It is reassuring that Aquinas proudly remains a school of preference for many families in our region.

While every effort has been made to avoid the use of the “C word” (Covid-19) in this welcome, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the amazing work of our teachers during this pandemic. We’re blessed that we already had a community that respects our teachers and values their dedication to the students, but remote learning provided insights into their craft that parents/guardians would otherwise generally not get to witness. We saw that our teachers are resourceful and responsive, keen to ensure that students continued to flourish and that no one was left behind. If we have learnt anything during this time of pandemic it could be that there is always another way, and that teachers are indeed “essential workers”. I also wish to acknowledge the staff who work in a support capacity so that the teachers are able to focus on what they do best.

Welcome to our first edition of Illuminare for 2021 and our focus on celebrating so much of which we should feel proud as an Aquinas College community.

I’m pleased to report that Term 1 has been delightfully, well… normal!

Regular readers would be correct in pointing out that this seems unlike the usual statement of aspirational annual goals and exciting themes that would normally characterise the first edition of Illuminare each year. And yes, we have already achieved some of our more challenging improvement targets, including transiting to a new governance model as a member of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) on January 1 and in undertaking a very successful re-accreditation visit with the team from the Council of International Schools (CIS) in mid March. While concentrating on these significant transformative projects, we were also navigating around a building site as a long overdue replacement of our main stormwater infrastructure addressed a flooding problem that has plagued users of the Mahon Theatre in recent times.

Yet, it would seem that it is the fact that we have been able to otherwise almost return to “business as usual” that has brought the most smiles to the faces of our community members - students, parents/guardians, and staff. A vibrancy has returned to the College - the energy created by nearly 2000 people working together in harmony and with a shared purpose.

The calendar for Term 1 always looks full and this year we have shoehorned in a couple of extra events as well. To capitalise on the warm weather we provided opportunities for

Our dreams and our hearts are but young

from the Principal

Aquinas has joined us as one

contents

college news03 from the Principal

04 200 years of Catholic education

05 our students’ voice

06 our high achievers

aquinas life10 snapshots of Aquinas life

14 second generation

our alumni15 call for nominations - leading lights 2021

16 alumni at the College

21 where are they now?

21 in memoriam

24 our history

25 “the Bloods”

facebook.com/AquinasRingwood

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www.aquinas.vic.edu.au

by Darren Atkinson - Principal

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Aquinas College Leading Lights program seeks to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our former students in their specific vocation.

Nominate your potential Leading Light by Monday 17th May 2021

Click here for more information and nomination form

Celebrating Inspiring Alumni

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200 years of Catholic education

In 1820, Fr John Therry along with convict George Marley opened the first Catholic school in Parramatta, with 31 Catholic and Protestant students. By the 1830’s Bishop Polding took responsibility for all Catholic schools which had grown to 13 primary schools. His vision was to ensure all children - no matter their faith, status, gender or ability were able to access an education.

In this bicentenary year more than one in five Australian students attends a Catholic school, and many others a Catholic preschool, college or university. There are Catholic schools in most towns and suburbs. They form a community with a common purpose and shared mission. As Christ said that He had come “that they might have life, life to the full” (John 10:10), we seek to draw out our students’ gifts, address their challenges and enable them to experience fullness of life.

Catholic schools have long held that education should be directed not just towards personal enrichment for the individual student but also to community contribution. At Aquinas College we bring this ethos to life through our social

The years stretch before us with promise unsung

“Two hundred years ago the first official Catholic school opened in Australia. Since then Catholic education has grown to educate around 770,000 students in more than 1,750 schools...” “These results weren’t just a product of a

two year VCE struggle, it was the build up of many years of teacher led encouragement...”

our students’ voice

And we face them together as one.

Nick’s Acceptance Speech at Celebrate Excellence @ Aquinas evening:“Good evening parents, teachers and high achieving students. I am excited to have been given this opportunity to speak to you tonight. Of course it wouldn’t be a celebration of 2020 without lockdown postponing it once or twice. Nevertheless I am grateful that we are finally able to come together and recognise the truly remarkable results of our students in the most exciting and simultaneously most

by Tania Grace - Assistant Principal - Mission

frustrating of school years.I am so grateful and honoured to be recognised as the Aquinas College Dux for 2020, however there is no way that I can take full responsibility for my success. I’d like to think that this award is representative of the encouragement and dedication of my entire support network. In keeping with the traditions of this acceptance speech, I would like to firstly thank my parents for their tremendous support throughout my entire life. There’s no way I could overstate just how integral you have been to my personal and academic successes. Every time I’d get too far ahead of myself, you’d find a way to bring me back to Earth and reassure me of my abilities. And honestly I don’t know how you put up with the last six years of anxiety but I’m so grateful that you did.

Next I’d like to recognise the efforts of the amazing teaching staff at Aquinas. These results weren’t just a product of a two year VCE struggle, it was the build up of many years of teacher led encouragement that led to my success and so I would like to thank each and every one of my teachers for their positive influence and support of my development which has led to these results.

Finally I’d like to leave you all with some advice that might help you further succeed for the rest of your time at school. Of course success cannot be condensed down to one key ingredient or technique. Naturally, each student will find a routine that they are comfortable with and that best suits their style of learning. But if I can inspire you to do one thing; think outside the box. Challenge your learning and ask questions about the subject’s content. In my opinion, the most powerful word in the English lexicon is “why”. If you choose to ask “why” throughout your learning, then you can unlock a much deeper understanding of the content.

I understand that not everyone will be in a position to confidently work on and research extensions of their curriculum so please take my advice with a grain of salt and maybe experiment with how it may fit into your schedule. However I truly believe that everyone here has the potential to achieve outstanding

results and so I encourage you to think outside the box and you may discover something that you never thought was possible.

Thank you”

by Nick Tellus - 2020 Aquinas College Dux

justice and community programs including our support of the Mission of Charities; the penpal program with the elderly residents of a nursing home; and our FairTrade Fair where we highlight products that are sourced and produced sustainably to name a few.

Religious Education (RE), like all subjects, has also developed their practice. With the Horizons of Hope and Pedagogy of Encounter as our guiding documents. RE has developed into an opportunity for all students, no matter their level of faith, to explore Jesus’ message in an open, contemporary manner. By incorporating our core values, students can develop an understanding of how our values and beliefs provide an opportunity to grow into a global citizen, witnessing Christs love and forgiveness in the community around them.

The formal celebrations were due to be held from October 2020 to October 2021 to recognise this bicentenary milestone. However, due to pandemic restrictions, the celebrations will now be held during the 2021 school year. At Aquinas we will celebrate 200 years of catholic education during our Patrons Mass.

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our high achievers

Let us sing out, let it ring out, Illuminare

As the numerous accolades that VCE Dux of 2020 and College Captain, Nicholas Tellus, had received were recounted at Celebrate Excellence! – the College’s Excellence evening, there was an audible buzz of awe and appreciation amongst some of the younger award recipients. Subsequently, as Nick addressed the audience and spoke about his learning journey and offered some motivational words and useful advice, the one hundred and sixty odd students listened intently. That type of response is one of the reasons that we have continued to hold these award nights. Nick Tellus is a role model, and many of those younger award recipients already admire him and will want to emulate his success.

In her address to the whole College community on the following day, current College Captain, Mikaela Tenney recalled her first days as a Year 7 and the impact that then Leader and high achieving, excellence student Brett Honey had on the impressionable little Mikaela. But the excellence evening is not just about ATARs and VCE. Anyone hearing the description of all the achievements and qualities of our Dux of VCAL, Jack Spicer, could not have helped but be impressed. Not just at school but also at TAFE and on the worksite, everyone agreed that here is an excellent young man. And the list goes on.

Our recipients of College and ADF awards whose commitment to their studies but also the Arts, Sport, Social Justice and Leadership is so impressive. Every year as part of the interviews for College Captains, applicants are asked to discuss the important influences on them as learners and leaders. Every year a number of aspiring College Captains speak about the student role models they have heard speak and present and receive recognition over their secondary schooling. It is therefore so important that we offer many opportunities for that exposure to continue.

by Meredith Greenwood - Head Senior Years

Hand in hand now, we will stand now, et Ardere.

our high achievers

This Award... Was Awarded to

Patrick Ryan Award (College Dux) Nick Tellus - for achieving College Dux

Senior VCAL Award Jack Spicer - the highest achieving Senior VCAL student

Evelyn Hine Award Mady Romijn - for academic achievement and excellence in Drama

Jac Roczniak Award Jade Leonard - the female dux of Science

Mark Campbell Award Leon Walshe - for excellent commitment to the Performing Arts

Dave Mallia Award April Smith - for academic achievement and excellence in Humanities

Parents & Friends Network Award Bridget Dale - in recognition of outstanding involvement in the life and leadership of the College community

College Board Award for General Excellence Anita Mugamu - in recognition of excellence, generosity and commitment to the College community

Nick Dodd College Award Claire Hurley - in recognition of outstanding achievement academically and as a role model to the College community

Visual Art Award Bridget Dale - for a Year 12 student who has excelled in two or more Visual Arts subjects

Music Award Charlotte Dring - in recognition of a student’s passion and focus in classroom music

ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership Charlotte Dring (Year 12) and Georga Carusi (Year 10) - in recognition of a & Teamwork Award student who demonstrates leadership and teamwork within both the school and broader local community, displaying strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and ‘mateship’.

Intermediate VCAL Award Merrick Bishop - the highest achieving Intermediate VCAL student

Deakin Shield (Dux of Year 11) Reuben Steen - for the highest achieving student in Year 11 VCE.

Edmund Rice Award Rory O’Brien - for Community services

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VCE Perfect Score Award (score of 50) Reuben Steen (Year 11) Chemistry; Jamie Hanrahan (Year 11) Environmental Science; Daniel Barber (Year 12) Media;

Spirit of Aquinas Award In recognition of their contribution within and beyond the Aquinas community and embodying the core values of the College

Year 12 - Spirituality: Anita Mugamu & Nick Tellus

Year 11 - Compassion: Reuben Steen

Year 10 - Justice: Madeline Brown

Year 9 - Perseverance: Jigo Cruz

Year 8 - Stewardship: Ella White

Year 7 - Belonging: Tyra Wu

United our hearts will remain. United our hearts will remain

VCE Award of Excellence for ATARS over 90 Nicholas Tellus; Lucas Clarke; Jules Carboni; Claire Hurley; Jade Leonard; April Smith; Maggie McKellar; Isobel Faktor; Daniel Barber; Anita Mugamu; Cassidy Stephens; Edward Box; Corey Wootten; Eboni Tucker; Mallory Coppens; Tiana Mumford; Jordan Martuccio; Molly Howie; Mackenzie Pragnaratne; Meg Benger; Brendan McHugh; Jessica Heng; Xuechun Cheng

our high achievers

As our light, burning bright, turns our courage to flame 98

snapshots of snapshots of Aquinas life Aquinas life

In Term 1 we embraced our return to some normality and enjoyed a number of events from sporting competitions to camps; challenging experiences to celebrating excellence; dressing up to focusing on Harmony. Here is a snapshot of Term 1 at Aquinas College...

As we grow and we pass through the years And we learn from the joys and the tears 1110

From people we’ve loved and from challenges met Oh may we never forget 1312

second generation

Let us sing out, let it ring out, Illuminare

In 2021, we welcomed over 20 students into Year 7 who continued their family tradition of attending Aquinas College. Here are our second generation students for this year.

Student Aquinas Alumni Peer Year

Edward Melanie Barclay (Duell/Hess) 1997

Carys Joanna Baynes (Stafford) 1993

James David Boland 1994 Jennifer Boland (Edelmaier) 1994

Mya Robyn Breslin 1991

Finn Katherine Butler (Stammers) 1995

Aria Andrew Conway 1997 Amanda Conway (Pezzulich) 1996

Emma Sarah Craigie-Law (Law) 1997

Benjamin Beth Excell (Harris) 1993

Harrison Lisa Groenewegen 1998

Mia Katherine Grogan (Mackenzie) 2003

Sophie Robert Heazelwood 1992

Sam Luke Higgins 1999

Edward Katrina Leahy (Skedden) 1994

Emma Claire Lindsay (Corrigan) 1990

Ruby Adam Martin 1994 Kate Martin (Barr) 1993

Eva Edward Mascitti 1994 Kelli Mascitti (Meehan) 1998

Oliver Jennifer O’Donnell (Whitehead) 1992

Charli Gemma Puddy (Mascitti) 1995

Nicholas Rohan Schulties 1991 Melanie Schulties (Hewitt) 1991

Zac Anthony Treeby 1996 Lisa Treeby (Svrakov) 1996

Jim Benjamin Volombello 1997

Olivia David Woods 2001 Melinda Woods (Watson) 2000

Nyah Danielle Woolhouse (Matheson) 1994

leading lights call for nominations

Celebrating Inspiring Alumni. The Aquinas College Leading Lights program seeks to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of former students in their specific vocation. Here is a snapshot of our 2016 and 2018 inductees. Submit your 2021 Leading Lights nomination here

Our 2016 Inductees

The Pierce Brothers (PY 2006) Entertainment - Acclaimed artists and multi-instrumentalists who have enjoyed success in the ARIA charts and released a number of successful albums.

Renae Sayers (PY 2003) Science - A much sought after International Science Communicator and professional, sharing the wonders of Science, collaborating, performing and teaching.

Liam Shiels (PY 2009) Sport - A talented AFL player who has played over 220 AFL games, including playing an important role in the Hawthorn premierships won in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Michael Sukkar (PY 1999) Civics - As the Federal Member for Deakin, Michael has championed local causes including funding for better roads, community facilities and support for small business and families.

Louise Swinn (PY 1993) Arts - Co-owner and Editorial Director of Sleepers Publishing House, a much sought after literary professional, and a founding member of the Stella Prize.

Silvana Tedesco (PY 2000) Business - A leading fashion designer in Australia with her own label and business, she is thriving in the bridal industry.

Our 2018 Inductees

Andrew Conway (PY 1997) Civics - The youngest person in Australia to be appointed CEO of a public entity and has played a direct role in shaping corporate regulation.

Daniel Kickert (PY 2000) Sport - One of Australia’s finest basketball players, he played for the Australian Boomers, helping his team win medals at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Jessica Lye (PY 2002) Science & Technology - A vocal proponent of investing in biosecurity preparedness by agricultural industries, and recipient of the AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award.

Ben Roche (PY 2006) Health - Won a silver medal with the Aust Paralympic Football team. Ben is most proud of his programs which help kids focus on physical and mental health, community and inclusion.

Patrick Thomas (PY 2001) Service - Manages World Vision’s Low Income Countries Team and has held roles with international NGOs. Awarded a Community Service commendation by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

Caroline Tran (PY 1988) Broadcasting & Journalism A music radio broadcaster, program producer, podcaster and writer with the ABC. She is a passionate champion of Australian music for almost 20 years.

Hand in hand now, we will stand now, et Ardere 1514

alumni at the college

As our light, burning bright turns our courage to flame

Over the years we have been very fortunate to welcome back a number of our Aquinas alumni as staff. We currently have 27 alumni at the College as teachers or support staff. A number of these alumni have been working at the College for over 10 years, and some over 25 years of service.

Lynda Schulz - Science Learning Area LeaderPeer Year 1997

What are your Top 3 memories of being a student at Aquinas College?

The Year 11 Central Australia Trip; my Year 12 year in general - the ability to apply myself to my studies; the amazing working relationship I developed with my teachers, the intense stress of VCE CATS (common assessment tasks which were later replaced with SACs).

How has the College changed since you were a student?

The College has changed significantly in some ways. The most obvious and visible ways are our physical workspaces and the incorporation of technology into so many aspects of our learning. Some of my teachers are still teaching at Aquinas. Catherine Santagada was my Year 10 Homeroom teacher and is now science colleague. Michael Box was my Year 12 English Teacher. One of the things that has not changed from when I first commenced as a student at the College, is the deep sense of connection that people feel to the wider Aquinas community.

What connection do you have with your peer year cohort OR other Aquinas alumni?

The friends and memories I shared at Aquinas are some of the most memorable I have. The Aquinas community stretches wide and far and it doesn’t take long to connect with people in the wider community who share a story of an Aquinas student or experience.

Has anyone from your peer year achieved something that was recognized after they left the College?

Andrew Conway was a member of my peer year, and has been recognised for his business and political achievements as well as being inducted as an Aquinas Leading Light. He was also my Year 11 Deb partner. I was awarded the Jan Roczniak Award as female Dux of Science. This award is still awarded today in recognition of our top-performing girl in VCE Science, and this year I had the pleasure of presenting it to our 2020 recipient.

What have you been doing since Graduation?

I studied a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical) at Monash University; followed by a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Monash Uni). I was fortunate enough to begin my teaching career at Aquinas where I have enjoyed teaching junior science and senior chemistry and biology ever since. In addition to my role at Aquinas, I am raising two children who are currently attending a Catholic primary school and eagerly awaiting to start their secondary education at Aquinas College.

United our hearts will remain. United our hearts will remain.

Emily Jackson - TeacherPeer Year 2007

What are your Top 3 memories of being a student at Aquinas College? I got the Parents and Patron award in Year 7, and it came with $50 cheque. Being 12 years old, I thought I had totally hit the jackpot!

Celebration Day for Year 12 - I will always hold fond memories of the day, including the jumping castle, breakfast with everyone, dress ups and our final assembly singing the school song loud and proud up on the stage with far too much glitter and streamers.

Camps - I was never one to love the idea of a school camp, yet funnily enough they’re the stand out memories I have of each year level. I encourage all my students to go even now. You really do form

the best memories, even if it’s not the activities you do but the conversations you have and the new friendships formed.

How has the College changed since you were a student? When I started as a teacher at Aquinas 6 years ago, I found there were many, many teachers still here! It was the Aquinas I had always known, just with a fancy cafe and newer buildings. I always found it hard to call Mr Griffin, ‘Peter’ (he’s still Mr Griffin to me) and found it a little uneasy going into the staff room at lunch time because it was full of teachers! But as time has passed my memories of the College are a warm mix of my time as a student and my time as a teacher.

What connection do you have with your peer year cohort OR other Aquinas alumni? I’m lucky enough to still hold strong friendships with students from my year level. We’ve celebrated many milestones together and are now having our babies all around the same time which is really special.

What have you been doing since Graduation? I spent five years at three different universities, traveled to 23 different countries, worked at a school with 75% refugee students, worked at an all boys school on the surfcoast, and then found my way back to Aquinas. I never thought I would be a teacher when I was at school! But, it’s funny the way things work out!

Jeff Harrington - TeacherPeer Year 2011

What are your Top 3 memories of being a student at Aquinas College? One of my favourite memories of being a student at Aquinas College was Kakadu in Year 11. I also loved everything about City Project. I really appreciated all of my amazing teachers who inspired me to become a teacher

How has the College changed since you were a student? There are countless teachers still around from when I was a student and over a dozen who taught me for at least a semester. The Middle Years building is new and every classroom has an interactive whiteboard. When I was a student we did not have technology as readily available - so that meant teachers booking computer rooms or good old fashion pen and paper work.

What connection do you have with your peer year cohort OR other Aquinas alumni? I was lucky enough to marry one of my peers (Jill Beddoes) and have two beautiful daughters together. We invited some Aquinas alumni to our wedding and catch up with others regularly. I’m looking forward to our 10 year celebration later in the year.

What have you been doing since Graduation? After I graduated in 2011 I enrolled in Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin. After completing my degree I began a Masters of Teaching at ACU. I started back at Aquinas at the end of 2017 in Educational Support Services. I now teach VCAL, VET Sport and Recreation and RE.

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As we follow the Lord’s leading way

Danielle Lorkin - Teacher & Learning Enhancement CoordinatorPeer Year 1997

What are your Top 3 memories of being a student at Aquinas College? I can clearly remember my first day with Mr Brummel welcoming me into his Year 10 Homeroom. It was very different from my previous high school and I was excited for the extra opportunities it presented. I also have really enjoyable memories of playing senior EISM and winning a few premierships and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Year 12 - it was a great year!

How has the College changed since you were a student? Mr Brummell was my very first homeroom and PE teacher. When I was organising my teacher placements many years later, he was then the student-teacher co-ordinator and he generously organised a placement for me which then led to my current

teaching position. Mr Michael Box was also my Year 12 English teacher.

What connection do you have with your peer year cohort OR other Aquinas alumni? I went to school with Ms Lynda Schulz and I now teach a number of students who are the children of my peers in my year level.

What have you been doing since Graduation? After leaving Aquinas I graduated from LaTrobe University as a physiotherapist. I worked for several years as a physio for Eastern Health (Angliss Hospital) and Specialist Children’s Services before completing my Grad Dip Ed. I completed one of my final teaching rounds at Aquinas College and Bec McCormack was my supervising teacher. She was about to take maternity leave and I was fortunate to be offered a position to replace her and here I am 15 years later with my son about to start at the College next year.

alumni at the college

Natalie Zuccon - Teacher & Internationalism CoordinatorPeer Year 2006

What are your Top 3 memories of being a student at Aquinas College? Six years of school basketball including as many competitions and fairy-floss fundraisers for Nationals as we could get away with. Bussing all the way to Central Australia and back (no plane flights for us!). All the other Year 12 celebration events. Despite the challenges, it really is the best year of school.

How has the College changed since you were a student? So many new teachers have joined the staff over the years, but there are still plenty of familiar faces who I now teach right alongside. There have been so many changes in the last 20 years - the old dark science labs are now the Middle Years building; the in-classroom locker bays (hiding spots) are no more. Women’s footy has exploded in popularity. The resident fox has found a new home, and various uniform trends have come and gone. Every single building has been updated in some way!

What connection do you have with your peer year cohort OR other Aquinas alumni? The 2005 and 2006 peer years produced four teachers who ended up back teaching at Aquinas, which must be some kind of record. I am still close friends with some people I first met and became friends with in Year 7 Silver homeroom. That’s 20 years of friendship and counting!

Has anyone from your peer year achieved something that was recognized after they left the College? 2006 produced some high achievers. Jack and Pat Pierce and Ben Roche have all been recognised as Aquinas Leading Lights, inspiring us in the areas of Entertainment and Heath.

Standing strong as the years fall away

Michael O’Halloran - Teacher & VCAL CoordinatorPeer Year 1996

What are your Top 3 memories of being a student at Aquinas College? My favourite memories of Aquinas were the friends that I made there and still hang out with to this day. I always enjoyed being involved in sports teams and competing against other schools. Camps were also a real highlight for me, my favourite was the Grampians camp in Year 9.

How has the College changed since you were a student? Most of the buildings in the school have changed and almost all the teachers have moved on. There are still a few relics around the place; such as the old Year 10 quad and Bernie Brummell!

What connection do you have with your peer year cohort OR other Aquinas alumni? Shortly after I left the College I began playing footy with the Aquinas Old Boys which made staying connected to a lot of old school mates very easy. When I got too old and slow to play anymore, I did some coaching and am still currently involved helping out with the girls team which has been a lot of fun!

What have you been doing since Graduation? After graduating from Aquinas I wasn’t too sure about what the future held. I completed a double degree in Commerce and Science at Monash University before starting a career in these fields. My first job was working in business banking then I moved on to become a stock market analyst. But after a couple more jobs I decided that office work was not my calling and went back to study teaching at Melbourne University. Nearing completion of my studies, my old maths teacher Trish Ferguson gave me a call asking if I was interested in coming back to Aquinas to teach and the rest is history! I began teaching at Aquinas in 2004 as a maths teacher, moved into the role of Mathematics Learning Area Coordinator from 2010 - 2020 and currently embarking on a new role as VCAL coordinator.

Jill Beddoes - ESS & Campus CoordinatorPeer Year 2011

“I graduated from Aquinas College in 2011. After graduating I did a GAP year at Aquinas and I worked in ESS (Educational Support Services). This is how I started my career as an Integration Aide. I worked in ESS until 2018 and then I went on maternity leave. I have returned this year after having 2 1/2 years off and I am working back in ESS and also completing administrative duties in Campus Events.

Including my time here as a student, I have been involved with Aquinas for nearly 15 years. My husband (Jeff Harrington) and I met at Aquinas as students in Year 8 (2007) and we have been together since. We had our beautiful twin girls in 2018, got married in 2019 and now we are both back at Aquinas working together.

My top three memories as a student are meeting Jeff; going on Kakadu; and completing my Presentation Ball. The College hasn’t changed too much since I was a student, the new buildings opened in my final year of school. There are definitely more subject options which are great and I love the Cafe N9ne program.

There are still a few teachers here that I had as a student such as Craig Cleeland, Phil Box, Belinda De Guzman, Steve McGrath, Lynda Schulz, and many more. I still keep in touch with a few different people from high school, I am actually in the process of organising our 10 year reunion so I am currently getting in touch with most of them at the moment.”

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alumni at the college

Sam Eggleston - Teacher Peer Year 2011

What are your Top 3 memories of being a student at Aquinas College? By year 12, we had a greater appreciation and understanding of how lucky we were to hang out every day with our best mates and a fantastic year level. Kakadu was an unbelievable opportunity to learn more about our country and the incredible culture around us with a wonderful group of mates and teachers. I’ll be forever grateful to my parents that I was able to attend. Ball sports - downball, footy, cricket, soccer and the various games we’d make up on the spot. They brought laughter, joy and often trouble, but most of all they brought different friendship groups together.

How has the College changed since you were a student? Aside from the new Middle Years building, the various changes to the PE uniform and the rebirth of the canteen, not a great deal. There is still the same fantastic sense of community among students, and I see it now in the staffroom as well.

It’s what my Mum experienced 40 years ago when she was a student, what my sister and I lived a decade ago and it’s something that distinguishes us from other schools. I still catch myself accidentally calling them Mrs or Mr which is embarrassing. I also share an office with my Year 7 Homeroom teacher, Mr Aragones. Walking in and not knowing what to call him on induction day was a bizarre moment.

What connection do you have with your peer year cohort OR other Aquinas alumni? I still get to see many people from both my year level and others. We have a tight friendship group - we go away together, we play sports together, go out together etc. I also see a lot of people through playing footy at Aquinas Old Collegians. The mix of old and young cohorts makes for a lot of stories and laughs.

What have you been doing since Graduation? I was all over the shop; all I really thought about doing after school was something to do with sport, and I was lucky enough to get a good start in Journalism at RMIT and a fantastic cadetship. I soon realised I didn’t have the killer instinct to be a journalist, and spent the next year working in retail; then took up a plumbing apprenticeship but had this constant, nagging itch to give uni one last crack. I took the plunge and completed a Bachelor of Psychology at Deakin. Again I was umming and ahhing between continuing towards further Psych studies and teaching, and after chatting to a lot of people enrolled and completed a Master of Secondary Teaching. Then by chance rather than design, a job ad came up and I landed a gig back here at Aquinas. I love coming to work - getting to know the kids, helping them learn and grow as people, and working with a supportive and fun team makes it a pretty good job.

Aquinas alumni on our staff...Jill Beddoes ESS & Campus Coord

Michael Box Deputy Principal

Phil Box Yr 7 & 8 Level Leader

Nadine Callaghan Teacher

Sam Eggleston Teacher

Jeff Harrington Teacher

Jo Hope Secretary

Emily Jackson Teacher

Paul Jess Yr 10 Level Leader

Ebony Jones VET Coordinator

Natalie Jones Nurse

Madeleine Kalla Registrar & EA to Principal

Megan Lemieszek Teacher

Danielle Lorkin Teacher & AGiLE Coord

Sara Love ESS

Emma McCann Teacher

Jenny McLean Teacher

Michael O’Halloran Teacher & VCAL Coord

Jenny Paterson Accounts Payable

Lynda Shultz Science LAL

Anne Stebbing Library Team

Eva Stewart ESS

Josh Wakefield Teacher

Tom Wilson Yr 9 Level Leader

Natalie Zuccon Teacher & Internationalism Coord

The new day has only begun

our alumni where are they now?Leon WalshePeer Year 2020

“Upon nearing the end of Year 12 I knew that my desire was to study Musical Theatre. I never expected to get into any courses straight away, let alone one of the most prestigious courses available in Australia. But I did. Whilst my friends were focused on exams, I was auditioning. This process was very lengthy - it was a couple of months of performing monologues and songs through videos, then callback videos (including dance routines) and finally online interviews. I was very lucky to have lots of support from various people at Aquinas and I’m eternally grateful towards them.

I’m extremely fortunate to be attending WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) and I have already been encouraged, challenged and grown so much as a person and performer.

The move across to Western Australia was tricky enough, but to add onto the stress, I had to navigate quarantine isolation and covid guidelines myself. I was completely socially isolated in a place where no-one knew who I was which was a very scary sentiment. However I have since connected with some awesome room mates as well as genuine and incredibly talented course mates who not only push me to do my best but from whom I am able to learn.

Balancing adulthood, socialising, cooking, cleaning, working as well as doing a full time course has been a challenge but there is never a dull moment! I’ve really enjoyed the freedom of being in a state by myself. I can be who I am which is so empowering.

I have no idea how long this experience will be for, whether it be a year or a further three, but I am extremely blessed to be learning from experts in the fields of acting, singing and dancing, as I know others would kill to be in the position I’m in!”

In MemoriamCatherine (Katey) Gray - PY 1989 and College Captain

In this edition of Illuminare, we say farewell to some members of our student and staff alumni.

Michael Kelly Teacher and joint composer of the Aquinas College song

The light of His glory will make us all one 2120

Let us sing out, let it ring out, Illuminare

In 2021, Aquinas College commemorates 60 years of educating students from our local parishes.

To acknowledge our 60th year, we invite our Alumni to stay connected and share memories of their time at Aquinas College. These stories, memories and photos will be gathered into a special edition of Illuminare which we will share with our Alumni later in the year.

We are focused on reconnecting with our lost Aquinas Alumni and ask for your support in sharing this message with fellow former students.

Stay connected by joining our Alumni communication list and share your memories with our alumni team at alumni@aquinas.vic.edu.au

COMMEMORATING60 YEARSA Q U I N A S C O L L E G E A L U M N I

In Memoriam

Rosa began teaching at Aquinas College 17years ago and was an immediate asset. She was a well respected Homeroom teacher and her passion was teaching in the arts and inspiring her students to be the best possible designers and artists. She cared about each student as a creative individual and wanted to impart the passion she possessed into their hearts. She taught the meaning of respect, honesty and courtesy and how to appreciate all that life has to offer.

Rosa immersed herself in numerous College activities including exhibitions, arts events, camps, retreats and trips to Kakadu, always encouraging the students, whatever the environment. Rosa particularly loved the beauty of the outback, its wildlife, freedom, serenity and mystique. More importantly though she loved how such trips provided a wonderful social and cultural experience for the students who travelled with her.

Rosa travelled extensively around Australia and overseas. She had a great appreciation for the performing and visual arts and was a regular at exhibitions, the cinema, classical concerts and the theatre. Her real passion though was collecting artworks, antique jewellery and vintage clothing. She was also a strong advocate for women’s rights, equality and climate change, which were often displayed in the designs her students produced.

Rosa was fiercely independent and encouraged such a trait in the students in her care. This in turn improved their self-esteem and gave them a sense of accomplishment. There is now a void in the Visual Communication and Design team and within the Aquinas community. We will miss Rosa’s quirkiness, her loyalty and her friendship. Rosa was unique! She would not want any of us to be burdened with undue grief or sorrow - she led a full life.

We now take solace in knowing that she is finally at peace.

At the end of April 2021, we sadly said farewell to Rosa Coppola who shared her passion for teaching in the Arts and inspired students at Aquinas College for 17 years.

Hand in hand now, we will stand now, et Ardere 2322

our historyfrom the College archives

Michael Gilchrist was a part of the early years at Aquinas College, having taught here from 1963 to 1968. According to Michael he “fell into teaching” after leaving the Seminary in the early 1960s, when a former teacher from St Kevin’s was looking for a lay teacher to start at St Joseph’s College in Pascoe Vale. With no formal training, Michael began his “baptism of fire” in front of 50 students in Term 3, 1960.

By 1963, Michael had “got all the kinks out of his teaching” and started a part time teacher training course. He received a call from Brother Francis inviting him to teach at Aquinas College, which was at the time a relatively new Catholic boys school, and a lot closer to home.

Michael remembers Aquinas as being a “laid back friendly school” where the kids were “pretty good and respectful on the whole”. With an average class size of 45 students, he began teaching Year 7 students Geography, History, English and Arithmetic, then soon progressed to Form Master. He has fond memories of excursions to Sherbrooke Falls; table tennis competitions between students and staff; and umpiring highly competitive inter-house football games.

As were the times, “the strap” was considered an acceptable form of punishment in the classroom to control unruly behaviour of such a large class of students. Michael recalls on his first day, the Head Teacher showing him all the “things he needed to know” - how to stand at the blackboard; where the chalk and eraser were held; where the strap was stored and how to use it.

Thankfully, by the time Michael began at Aquinas College, the use of the strap was almost gone, and Michael preferred to “rely on having an engaging lesson instead”.

With a passion for film, Michael captured life at Aquinas College onto 8mm film over his years at the College. At the end of each year he would edit all the snippets of film together and create a 40-50 minute snapshot of the events and day to day activities to show to the parents. Michael caught moments of our history including Archbishop Simmons blessing the College in 1964; and a team of our brightest students competing in the Channel 10 TV series “It’s Academic” in 1968...which we won.

Michael went on to teach at Christian Brothers College, St Kilda (now St Mary’s College); and then was drawn into teacher education at the time the Whitlam Government were investing in teaching. He moved to Ballarat and took up a role at what was then Aquinas College Ballarat, which is now Australian Catholic University (ACU).

The photo and video archives that Michael has shared with our archives team is an invaluable piece of Aquinas College history. Thank you Michael for keeping these treasures for over 50 years and donating them to the Aquinas College archives to share them with our alumni.

“the Bloods”

Who would have thought after our Senior Men’s Premiership in mid September 2019 that it would be over 19 months until a football was kicked in the name of Aquinas Old Collegians Football Club.

After the longest and strangest pre-season in our club’s history, Saturday April 10 was Round 1 and our young men and women were beyond excited to pull on the red, black and green of the mighty Bloods.

A huge season awaits as we welcome five senior teams for the first time in club history.

In 2021 the Bloods will be entering Senior and Reserves teams in the men’s and women’s competition as well as an U19 team.

Round 1 saw 116 players representing the club, 98 of whom were either current or past students of Aquinas College, the connection between school and football club has never been stronger.

On field every single one of our teams will be competing in a higher division in 2021 than they did in 2019.

Our Senior Men’s team will be in Division 2 for the first time since 2011 after winning the 2019 Division 3 premiership.

The Women’s program has added a Reserves team meaning they will compete in Premier C, the first time an Aquinas OCFC team has competed in the Premier grades.

Our U19s once again maintain a strong link to the College, with all but one player either a current or immediate former student.

If you are considering becoming involved with a progressive, family oriented Local Suburban Football Club, please contact:

Join the Club

Jack McDonaldSecretarysecretary@aquinas.com.au0430 130 520

The club has been going from strength to strength in the past few years and we are very excited to see where the current crop of exciting, talented and hard working young men and women can take us.

Founded in 1981 this year we celebrate our 40th Anniversary with an extravagant gala ball planned for Saturday 10th July, enquiries should be directed to 40thball@aquinas.com.au.

It will be a night not to be missed and will see four decades of Aquinas footballers and supporters gathering at Leonda by the Yarra.

As always we thank the College for their support in allowing so many players and supporters to enjoy the club they love on a weekly basis.

If you’d like to sign up for the club’s e-newsletter please head to www.aquinas.com.au

As our light, burning bright, turns our courage to flame United our hearts will remain. United our hearts will remain. 2524

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Illuminare EditorRebecca Presta

Design and Composition

Rebecca Presta

Our Websitewww.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 3134Ph: +61 3 9259 3000

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Share your newsWe 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