We welcome all students back to onsite learning and hope that they are all enjoying seeing their peers and teachers face to face, albeit with important COVID Safe protocols that will need to continue to observe so that we can operate safely. All students are expected to attend onsite. Exceptions may exist for medically vulnerable students. It is recommended that parents/carers of students with complex medical needs seek advice from the student’s medical practitioner to support decision making about whether onsite education is suitable and work with the relevant level leaders at the College in regards to a plan. As all students have returned to onsite learning, online remote learning will cease.
COVID Safe Protocols
The key messages that will continue to be emphasised are:
Vaccination
In accordance with the health directions, all staff, contractors and volunteers must have provided evidence of their vaccination status to the College by now to be given permission to work onsite. While it is not mandatory for students to be vaccinated to attend the College, it is highly recommended and we are strongly encouraging all eligible students to be vaccinated for their own safety and to support the safety of the community.
Visitors onsite
All visitors to the College will be required to sign in via QR code and display evidence of their full vaccination status. Parents picking up children do not need to sign in, but must remain in their car.
Return to face-to-face classes
The Victorian Government has announced that it is bringing forward the given that the community will reach the first vaccination target this week. Years 7 and 11 will return onsite full time from Friday 22nd October. Other year levels will have a staggered return of 2 days per week until the expected full time return for all students in early November.
The updated roadmap is as follows:
Year 7 Return to onsite learning from Friday 22nd October and continue onsite next week. Friday will be Day 5 as shown on SIMON and will commence at 8.45am for extended Homeroom.
Year 8 Continue with online learning until they return to onsite learning on Tuesday 26th October and Wednesday 27th October only. Resume online learning on Thursday and Friday.
Year 9 Continue with online learning until they return to onsite learning on Thursday 28th October and Friday 29th October only.
*Note: the Aquinas roadmap for Year 9 varies from the public version to help avoid congestion on Wednesday 27th Oct when the VCE English Exam is scheduled.
Year 10 Return to onsite learning on Friday 22nd October, continue with online learning on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and return to onsite learning on Thursday 28th October and Friday 29th October only. Year 10 students studying VCE subjects are only permitted onsite on days when their year cohort is also onsite.
Year 11 Return to onsite learning from Friday, 22nd October and continue onsite next week.
Year 12 As per current program.
Darren Atkinson Principal
New settings for safe, successful VCE exams.
The Victorian Government has announced changes to the management of school exposures and students who become primary close contacts – ensuring Year 12s can sit their VCE exams with confidence.
VCE students who become primary close contacts will now have permission to attend their exams, while otherwise complying with the isolation orders that apply – which will be 14 days for unvaccinated students or seven days for those who are fully vaccinated.
These students will be able to sit exams in dedicated rooms with separate entrances, either by themselves or safely distanced from other students who are also primary close contacts, depending on capacity. They will be supervised by staff wearing face shields and enhanced personal protective equipment, in safely ventilated rooms that are cleaned between each use.
The process for students who test positive or show symptoms for coronavirus will not change – they cannot attend school or their VCE exams and will receive a Derived Examination Score for any assessments they are forced to miss, with the Consideration of Educational Disadvantage process also taking their situation into account.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
We continue with online learning for next week (w/c 4th October) with a outlining a plan for return to onsite learning over the coming weeks.
We have confirmation that the GAT will proceed on Tuesday October 5 and that Year 12 students and Year 11 students studying Unit 3/4 will return to onsite learning on Wednesday October 6.
Subject to public health advice, the next milestones are a staged return of other levels from Tuesday October 26 and the full time return of all levels from Friday November 5. I appreciate how difficult it will be for many of you to coordinate your lives around these flexible schedules and I thank you in advance for your support as we endeavour and do our best for your children.
We outline the plan for Week 1 of Term 4 and will issue a further update next week covering the upcoming few weeks as more information becomes available.
Monday 4th October:
Tuesday 5th October (Staff Spirituality Day):
Wednesday 6th October through to Friday 8th October:
Onsite Supervision of Year 7-11 Students:
For authorised workers who require onsite supervision of their children or those with children considered vulnerable, please email registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au to seek permission to be onsite.
No student will be permitted on site without prior authorisation from the Principal so that we can ensure that there are adequate staffing levels in place.
Please know that Year Level Leaders and the Youth and Family Centre yfc@aquinas.vic.edu.au are available should you have concerns about the wellbeing of your child or need support.
We are very proud of the resilience our students have displayed over recent weeks and look forward to the return to onsite learning in accordance with the Victorian Government's roadmap. While there is still some uncertainty ahead, with your continued encouragement and the support of the College, I am confident that we will experience a fruitful and rewarding Term 4.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) is committed to supporting the Victorian Government to meet its aim for all final year students to be vaccinated by the time they sit their end of year exams.
Final year students should be strongly encouraged to make an appointment to receive a vaccine, either with their general practitioner (GP) or in one of the state vaccination hubs.
At the present time, the is that:
COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and voluntary. The more people who choose to get vaccinated, the greater the protection for those vaccinated and the whole community.
The best person to talk to if you have concerns about your health and being vaccinated against COVID-19 is your doctor/general practitioner (GP).
Consistent with this advice, COVID-19 vaccinations are not currently mandated in Victorian Catholic schools. I would echo the advice’s recommendation about speaking to a doctor or general practitioner regarding any concerns. Comprehensive information on the COVID-19 vaccines is also available from the.
Please contact the College should you have any concerns.
Darren Atkinson Principal
GAT rescheduled & Wellbeing Day for all students
This year’s General Achievement Test (GAT) for Year 12 students will not proceed on Thursday August 12th and is to be rescheduled to keep Victorian students, teachers and broader school communities safe from coronavirus.
With ongoing community transmission still occurring in metropolitan Melbourne, the Department of Health’s public health team has recommended the GAT be rescheduled, reducing the risk of a further outbreak with large cohorts of students taking the test together.
On the rescheduled date, students who are in quarantine as positive coronavirus cases or primary close contacts, as well as schools deemed exposure sites, will receive an exemption from the GAT. This will not disadvantage students’ results and will be taken into account with the Consideration of Educational Disadvantage process.
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) will support schools in the coming weeks to make appropriate COVIDSafe plans to hold the GAT.
Thursday August 12th will instead become a Wellbeing Day and normal timetabled classes will not proceed.
Communication will be provided to students to share ideas about activities that will help energise in preparation for the return to their learning on Friday (whether this be in-person or online). The day is designated Professional Practice Time for teaching staff so there will be no onsite supervision for students.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
Sadly, we find ourselves back in familiar territory following the announcement by the Premier today around a snap lockdown effective 8pm tonight (Thursday) for seven days.
Tomorrow, students should be prepared to check in and be online from 11.30am for each of their normal Friday Period 4, 5 and 6 & 7 lessons to receive direction from their teacher. From Monday, the normal timetable will resume and we will provide updates as required. These details have also been communicated to students directly.
Should any student need to collect materials from their lockers, they can come in tomorrow (Friday) between 9.00am-10.30am. They must sign in to the Middle Years Building and only the student is permitted onsite. Parents are asked to remain in the car.
We would like to reassure you that our amazing teachers are well prepared to continue to provide high quality learning online and it is really important to encourage your child/children to remain engaged, to attend their classes and to keep trying to do their best. Students seeking support should contact their year level leader, or the YFC.
For authorised workers who require onsite supervision of their children or those with children considered vulnerable, please email registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au to seek permission to be onsite. No student will be permitted on site without prior authorisation from the Principal so that we can ensure that there are adequate staffing levels in place.
Thank you for your continued support and please contact the College should you have concerns.
The Premier has announced that all students and staff are permitted to return to face-to-face classes from tomorrow (Wednesday, 28th July) and we look forward to welcoming everyone back.
A reminder that restrictions remain in place:
The canteen will be open at the College and water fountains are also permitted to be used.
It is important that students do not come to school if they are unwell and, if the symptoms are COVID-like, they should be tested. Those with underlying conditions, like hayfever and asthma, should attend school unless their symptoms are different or worse than usual.
Any students who remain in quarantine need to contact the College so that we can provide learning support. Please contact the respective Team Leader or Year Level Leader.
Thank you for your continued support.
Following the announcement by the Victorian Government that the current lockdown will most likely continue for at least another 7 days, the College will be open for students to collect materials.
The College will be accessible tomorrow, Wednesday 21st of July, from 8.30am to 9.30am, only for students that need to collect materials and/or resources.
Families will need to follow these guidelines:
Please note that the College will not be opened for the collection of materials at any other time.
For any other questions, please contact the respective Year Level Leaders.
As you are aware, there has been an announcement made by the Premier today around a snap lockdown effective midnight tonight (Thursday) through to and including Tuesday next week.
The speed with which this latest outbreak has developed has caught many of us by surprise. But, please reassure your children that their teachers are well prepared to continue to provide high quality learning and that it is really important to remain engaged and to attend every class as required.
Students will move into online learning tomorrow and they will receive communication from Dr Rodezno this evening outlining our expectations. Tomorrow, they should be prepared to check in for each of their normal Friday lessons to receive direction from their teacher.
For who require onsite supervision of their children or those with children considered vulnerable, please email registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au to seek permission to be onsite. No student will be permitted on site without prior authorisation from the Principal so that we can ensure that there are adequate staffing levels in place.
Thank you for your support and please contact the College should you have concerns.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
As we welcome back staff and students for Semester 2, we ask that all members of our community familiarise themselves with the COVID-19 restrictions that were updated for Metropolitan Melbourne over the school holidays.
Face masks - Staff and students:
QR Codes
Visitors to the College
Interstate travel during the holidays
Some students may be returning from a designated orange or red zone, and in this case are required to undertake home-based quarantine. If this applies to you, please let the College know about your circumstances and our staff will provide your child with material to learn while in quarantine.
Stay Home When Unwell
Please ensure you stay at home and notify the College if you or anyone in your home has the following symptoms or circumstances;
If your child suffers from allergies or other conditions which present similar symptoms to those listed above, we ask that you contact your child's YLL/TL or the Health Centre to discuss the situation. Medical clearance is required so that the community remains safe.
We look forward to seeing our students back in person on Tuesday 13th July and a successful beginning to the Term. If you have questions about our COVID-safe provisions please do not hesitate to contact the respective pastoral leaders.
Thank you for your continued support.
The last week of Term 2 has a range of co-curricular activities at each year level and the relevant Heads of School will be advising of the program outlines and specific requirements at each year level.
Masks
Camps, excursions and work placements
School sport
Visitors to the College
Stay Home When Unwell
The most important action school communities can take to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 is to ensure that any unwell staff and students remain at home and get tested, even with the mildest of symptoms.
Students with underlying conditions (such as hay fever or asthma)
If a student has persistent symptoms due to an underlying condition such as hay fever or asthma, the student should still be tested for COVID-19 if they develop symptoms that are different to or worse than their usual symptoms. Students whose symptoms are clearly typical for their underlying condition can continue to attend school.
We look forward to the week ahead and the opportunity to finish the term on a strong note after a couple of challenging weeks compounded by the terrible storm damage that continues to have an impact on so many of our families.
Should you have any questions about either our COVID-safe provisions, or the programs planned for next week please do not hesitate to contact the College and thank you for ongoing support.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
Return to face-to-face classes
Acting Premier Merlino has announced that all students can return to face-to-face classes from tomorrow (Friday, 11th June) and we look forward to welcoming everyone back.
A reminder that restrictions remain in place:
The canteen is open at the College and water fountains are also permitted to be used. It is important that students do not come to school if they are unwell and, if the symptoms are COVID-like, they should be tested. Those with underlying conditions, like hayfever and asthma, should attend school unless their symptoms are different or worse than usual.
Each year level has a co-curricular program planned for the last week of this term and we will update you over coming days as to any modifications that are required to these programs. We are expecting that there will be further announcements next week in regards to changes to restrictions levels.
Thank you for your continued support.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
Just a reminder that tomorrow (Wed 9th June) is no long a student free day due to the cancellation of the GAT. Classes for Years 7-10 students will be online as per the normal timetable. Years 11 and 12 will continue on site learning to the normal timetable.
This advice will be updated once we have received operational guidelines from the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and the Department of Education and Training (DET).
Students in Years 11 and 12 studying VCE and VCAL and those studying a Unit 3/4 VCE or VCAL subject will return to face-to-learning today.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we endeavour to apply the advice that we are receiving from the Victorian Government and their public health team. As we receive further information we will update this advice. Should you have any questions please contact Ms Meredith Greenwood greenwoodmj@aquinas.vic.edu.au.
To assist the safe return for our senior students, please ensure to remind your son/daughter of the following CovidSafe protocols:
Darren Atkinson
Principal
Earlier today, Acting Premier James Merlino announced that the lockdown restrictions currently in place would continue for another seven days from midnight tomorrow. While an extension to the lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne is not what we have hoped for, we all play a part in minimising the risk of this virus spreading further in the Victorian community.
Years 7 to 10 students will continue with their remote learning program during the upcoming extended lockdown period and it has been pleasing to hear many positive reports of students applying themselves to their learning with a great sense of purpose. We hope to see this continue over the next week. Year 7 to 10 students are expected to return to face-to-face learning on Friday 11 June.
Students of authorised workers and those deemed vulnerable will continue to be able to attend school and work on their online continuing learning program under the supervision of staff. Permission to attend must be granted by contacting the College Registrar registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au.
However, there are changes that have been announced that impact on Senior Years Students. Those changes are as follows:
We have also been informed by the VCAA this afternoon that the GAT, scheduled for Wednesday June 9 has been postponed until a future date yet to be determined. Further information for students will come from the relevant College leaders to address the practical questions that they undoubtedly hold.
To assist the safe return for our senior students, please ensure to remind your son/daughter of the following CovidSafe protocols:
Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to keep our school community and the wider community safe. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
Friday, May 28th, has been declared a student free day by MACS.
From Monday, May 31st, learning will transition to online as outlined in the .
Student attendance on site
Aquinas will provide on-site supervision for students in the following categories:
Children where both parents and/or carers are who cannot work from home, work for an essential provider and where no other supervision arrangements can be made:
Children experiencing vulnerability, including:
Please email registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au to seek permission for your child to be onsite. No student will be permitted on site without prior authorisation from the Principal so that we can ensure that there are adequate staffing levels in place.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
As your child undertakes remote learning, it is important that the following suggestions are considered when assisting their learning:
We have learnt over the last 15 months that the impact of lockdowns can be negative for some students. The negative outcomes can be long lasting. It is important that our students are supported during remote learning in ways that will assist their continued growth and progression. Please assist us in supporting your child by taking care of the points listed above.
Tomorrow (28th May, 2021) will be a Student Free day for all MACS schools. We will transition to remote and flexible learning from Monday 31st May.
Dr Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal
As recently stated by the Victorian Health Authorities, new COVID-19 safe measures are required for Melbourne. The new restrictions for Greater Melbourne will be enforced from 6pm Tuesday 25th May. These include:
All students must wear a mask while in class and indoors and must have one with them at all times. Please ensure that your child has a mask with them to avoid any breaching of the expectations. If there are special medical reasons that exclude your child from wearing a mask, please make contact with the relevant Year Level Leader.
As a school community, we are required to adhere to the expectations of the Health Authorities and all events have been considered in light of their specific requirements. Further information will be provided by respective event organisers, but please note that any public event exceeding 30 people in total, including students and staff, will not be permitted until further notice is provided by the authorities.
Upcoming events that have been impacted include:
Year 11 & 12 Drama Ensemble - 25th May: event will continue without external guests/parents.
Maths Pathways Information Evening - 25th/26th/27th May: the event on 25th May (tonight) has been postponed and more information will be provided shortly.
Restaurant Nights - 26th/27th May: will not continue as planned, more information will be sent shortly.
Plain English Speaking Awards - 26th May: this event has been cancelled at this stage.
Student Immersion Information Evening - 27th May: this event will proceed without external guests and an additional online meeting will be held at a later date.
Cafe N9ne is not open to external guests.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Year Level Leader or Team Leader.
We pray that those affected by this situation are on the road to recovery and that the restrictions help us all to stay safe.
MACS have recently released their operations manual around COVID-19 requirements. They have advised that:
We believe that these measures are in place to protect all members of our community and I stress to you the importance of seeking advice from any of us should you have any concerns or questions.
Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal
IMPORTANT: If your child is sick, or displaying any of the COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that your child stays home and is checked by a medical practitioner before returning to school.
As our state continues to address the dangers of COVID-19 and each school is required to implement clear statewide restrictions and precautionary measures, we would like to remind you of some very important obligations you have as students of the College.
We believe that these measures are in place to protect all members of our community and I stress to you the importance of seeking advice from any of us should you have any concerns or questions.
Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal
Please note, this is a constantly changing situation in Victoria and we await instruction from the State Government and MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). Refer to this page for the latest updates.
IMPORTANT: If your child is sick, or displaying any of the COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that your child stays home and is checked by a medical practitioner before returning to school.
As directed by the Victorian Chief Health Officer, face masks are no longer mandatory in all indoor spaces in the broader community. Masks are still required in limited indoor settings, such as public transport, commercial passenger vehicles and large retail settings.
At ÎÛÎÛÂþ», this means that face masks are no longer mandatory in all indoor spaces for staff and students.
Requirements for the use of masks are outlined below. Visitors and parents must also observe this guidance.
Nap Rodezno Deputy Principal
Please note, this is a constantly changing situation in Victoria and we await instruction from the State Government and MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). Refer to this page for the latest updates.
IMPORTANT: If your child is sick, or displaying any of the COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that your child stays home and is checked by a medical practitioner before returning to school.
Welcome back from the Snap Lockdown. The State Government has made recent announcements regarding the return to school for all students and staff and we look forward to welcoming students back to the College on Thursday 18th February.
In order to maintain safety and adhere to the regulations, the following conditions apply:
We look forward to seeing the students and hope that we can resume face to face learning in a safe ÎÛÎÛÂþ».
Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal
In accordance with the directive from the Victorian Government today, the College will be closed from Monday 15th February to Wednesday 17th February for onsite learning. We expect to resume our normal onsite learning program on Thursday 18th February.
Our Continuing Learning Plan will be effective for online learning from Monday morning and we are expecting all students to check in to each of their timetable classes and meet their teacher to receive instructions. Our teachers are well placed to provide guidance and appropriate learning tasks to be undertaken at home.
Students will be emailed details of our Continuing Learning Plan and new students will receive assistance in helping them to become familiar with Google Meet if necessary.
I understand that this may mean uncertainty, but it is a relatively brief disruption and we are well placed to maintain continuity in the learning program. As a united community we are doing all we can to mitigate the impact of these changes on our students, and to minimise the impact of this disruption on your child’s learning program.
Thank you for your support in ensuring that students are online and prepared for their first pastoral class on Monday morning. The students have started the year with a great sense of purpose and enthusiasm and we are confident that we can maintain this momentum with our
For those families of essential workers and vulnerable students, supervision will be provided onsite. The request for this supervision must be approved by the College Principal and requests emailed to registrar@aquinas.vic.edu.au.
Requests will be monitored over the weekend and an email sent to approve the attendance of the student. The normal CovidSafe guidelines apply and students should not attend if showing COVID like symptoms and must wear a mask. Onsite supervision will be strictly from 8.30am - 3.45pm. We ask that these times are adhered to and that no child turn up without prior permission.
Thank you for your continued support.
Darren Atkinson
Principal
Unfortunately we will need to postpone this event and have put it on our calendar for March 1 with our College Mass and Assembly on March 2.
Please note, this is a constantly changing situation in Victoria and we await instruction from the State Government and MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). Refer to this page for the latest updates.
Please note, this is a constantly changing situation in Victoria and we await instruction from the State Government and MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). Refer to this page for the latest updates.
Due to the events in Victoria announced late on Wednesday evening (3/2/21) in relation to COVID-19, these new guidelines for schools apply immediately in accordance with the Victorian Government:
This information night due to be held today (4th Feb) will no longer be held onsite at the College.
The information night will now be held virtually via Google Meet at 7.30pm.
Parents will receive an email from their child's Homeroom Teacher this afternoon with a link to the Google Meet. Please ensure you have Google available and you have received this link before 7.30pm tonight. If you have not received the link information, please email your child's Homeroom Teacher before 7.30pm.
This information night is due to be held on Monday 8th February at 7.30pm.
This event will now be held virtually and further details will be sent out via email before Monday.