Welcome to the third issue of Aquinas Chronicle, the proud student newspaper of Aquinas College. In this issue we reflect on the events from term 2 This will also unfortunatly be the last issue i edit as Captain of Media and Editor. I’d like to thank all those who helped in the creation of the chronicle from students too staff; it has been an honour and a privelidge to work with you. I would also like to thank the readers for their support
- Luke Bettini, Captain of Media
Hey you! Are you a student at Aquinas College? Do you have an interest in cameras, filmaking, editing, social media or writing? Do you want to be apart of one of Media’s many projects such as the Aquinas Chronicle or AC catchup? Do you want to start you own media related project? Well good news. he media council is always open to new members. Meetings are held weekly on Wednesdays at Break B in the Media room (E24). Email the current captain or rock up to a meeting if you wish to join. I WANT
OneofthemostexcitingtourswastotheNASADeepSpace CommunicationComplex.ItwascrazytoseehowAustraliahelpstrack spacemissionsandcommunicatewithastronauts.Wedidn’trealisehow muchscienceandtechnologygoesintospacetravel. AnothercoolstopwastheGovernor-General’shouse Itwasmassive andlookedlikesomethingoutofamovie Justwalkingthroughitmade usfeellikeIwaspartofsomethingimportant Ofcourse,thetripwasn’tallaboutlearning;wehadheapsoffuntoo My favouritepartsweredefinitelythesnowandgo-karting Beinginthesnow wasawesomebecausewedon’tgettoseethatinPerthorathomeup north Wehadsnowballfights,raceddownhillsontoboggans,andhada blastjustmessingaround Go-kartingwasnextlevel,flyingaroundthe trackwitheveryone,laughingandtryingtobeateachother,was unforgettable. Whetherwewerelearning,exploring,orjustjokingaroundonthebus, wewerealwaysmakingmemories.Eventhoughitwasfreezingcold mostofthetime,itdidn’tstopusfromhavingthetimeofourlives. ThisschooltriptoCanberrawasonewewillneverforget Itwas theperfectmixoffun,learning,andfriendship Ifanyonegetsthe chancetogo,I’d100%recommendit.Itwasacoldtrip,butan epicone.
By Baxter Cowcher
Boarding at Aquinas College is a great experience for students, combining a strong academic programme with a lively community and setting them up for life outside the College. One of the best things about living on campus is the sense of friendship and support amongst the boarding students. Sharing a living space helps students form close bonds, making it easier to navigate school life together, especially for the Year 7 students when they are introduced to the College. Aquinas College boarding creates a safe and welcoming environment, ensuring that students feel at home The staff in boarding are dedicated to helping students grow and become more independent Living in a boarding setting teaches students important life skills, like managing their time and responsibilities. One of the favourite parts of boarding for most the students is the accessibility to sport, such as the Basketball court, the Cricket nets and Memorial oval Another advantage of boarding at Aquinas is the easy access to teachers and academic resources. Students can get help with their studies whenever they need it, which can lead to better academic performance, via the help of their Duty Masters and Heads of their boarding house Aquinas College also values diversity and inclusion, hosting events that celebrate different cultures and perspectives. This exposure helps students understand the world around them and prepares them for life beyond school In summary, boarding at Aquinas College offers a supportive community, opportunities for personal growth, and a range of activities that make the educational experience enjoyable and fulfilling. It’s a great choice for students looking for a well-rounded school experience
By Addison Grace
After months of preparation, countless rehearsals and an incredible display of dedication, our senior students have taken their final bow in this year’s production of Guys and Dolls, and what a show it was!
From the moment the curtain rose to the final ovation, Guys and Dolls captivated audiences with its energy, talent and heart. The cast delivered outstanding performances that brought each character to life, while the backstage crew worked tirelessly to ensure every scene change, lighting cue and sound effect was seamless. The stunning costumes, imaginative set design and lively choreography all came together to create a truly memorable theatrical experience This production wasn’t just a performance it was a testament to the teamwork, creativity, and resilience of our senior students Each member of the cast and crew poured their passion into the project, creating a shared sense of achievement that will be remembered for years to come. A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated directors Emma Leopardi and Chris McMillan, choreographers, and technical teams, as well as the families and friends who supported our students throughout the journey Your encouragement and enthusiasm made this production possible.
As the stage lights dim on Guys and Dolls, we celebrate not only the final performance, but the friendships, skills, and memories built along the way. Congratulations to everyone involved .You’ve made Aquinas proud!
A special acknowledgement goes to the Senior School students who played a vital role behind the scenes These students helped with the sound, lighting, and backstage crew, ensuring that each performance ran smoothly. Their technical knowledge and calm support helped create a professional and polished show environment, and their mentorship was appreciated by both staff and younger students alike. The production would not have been possible without the support of teachers, parents, and staff across the Junior School From rehearsals and choreography to costume-making and backstage organisation, the entire community came
ByNoahPorteous
On theThursday of the final week ofTerm 2, excitement and anticipation filled the Brother Paul Centre as students gathered for one of the most highly anticipated events of the school year the Battle of the Bands. The atmosphere was electric, with cheering housemates, and an energy that could be felt as soon as you walked in the door Each house brought their own style, personality, and musical flavour to the stage, making the event not just a competition but a celebration of the incredible musical talentwithintheschool
The competition was fierce, but it was Durack who ultimately stole the show.Their winning performance ofValerie, originally by The Zutons but famously covered by Mark Ronson and featuring AmyWinehouse, had the crowd singing along from the very first note Their tight harmonies, polished instrumentation, and confident stagepresencemadeit astandout act that deservedly earned them first place Coming in a close second was Prendiville, with a spirited rendition of Mr Brightside byThe Killers Their energy was infectious, and their lead vocalist managed to capture the song’s raw emotion perfectly, though they narrowly missed out on the top spot. Cullity took third place with their dynamic cover of Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand, delivering punchy guitar riffs and a driving rhythm that kept the audience on their feet. Unfortunately, Chaney placed last despite a heartfeltandmovingperformanceofTheScientistbyColdplay,whichshowcasedtheirsofter,moreemotionalside.
As if that wasn’t enough music for one week, the celebrations continued beyond the school grounds That same week, several Aquinas bands travelled to The Milk Bar in Inglewood for Rock Band Night, a special evening dedicated to showcasing local student musicians Among the performers were theYear 12 Rock Band, the Certificate II in Music bands, and the well-loved Hayman Band. The venue buzzed with energy as friends, family, and music enthusiasts gathered to watch the students performliveinaprofessionalsetting.
One of the unexpected highlights of the evening came between sets During the stage changeovers, a performer known only as “The Funny Man” entertained the audience with quick-witted humour and light-hearted banter His presence ensured the crowdstayedengagedandlaughingwhilethebandspreparedfortheirnextsongs,makingthenightfeelseamlessandlively TheYear 12 Rock Band delivered a powerhouse setlist of Australian rock classics, including Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil and Better by The Screaming Jets.Their high-energy performance captured the spirit of Aussie rock and had the audience clapping along in rhythm. Meanwhile, the Hayman Band took a different approach, impressing the crowd with their original compositions Their music showcased not only technical skill but also a strong sense of creativity and songwriting ability, giving theaudienceaglimpseintothefutureoflocalmusic
Overall, it was a week where music took centre stage from the friendly rivalry of Battle of the Bands to the professional spotlightofRockBandNight highlightingtheincredibletalentanddedicationofAquinas’youngmusicians.
ByLoganNixon
My Future Friday is one of Aquinas College’s most innovative initiatives, directed by Mr Gellin and his team The program provides students the flexibility to use Fridays for personalised learning and skill development, making it an invaluable part of thecollegeexperience.
For ATAR students, teachers assign online vodcasts for each subject.which can be completed in the College library on Friday or at home over the weekend This ensures students stay on top of their coursework without missing any vital lessons In addition, students who remain on campus have access to extra support such as strength and conditioning, Maths help, Englishhelp,andadditionaltimeinpracticalspacesliketheworkshoporartroom
For Industry Pathway students, My Future Friday offers opportunities for hands-on experience and skill-building. Many students take part in workplace learning in their chosen fields, attend TAFE, or work towards completing certifications.These experiencesaretailoredtopreparestudentsforfuturecareers
Personally, this program has been extremely beneficial As an ATAR student, I can balance my studies with value-add programs that improve my employability For example, I recently completed a cooking class and food handling certificate with the College chef, as well as the St John First Aid certificate These qualifications give me a competitive edge for future job opportunitieswhileallowingmetomaintainmyacademicprogress.
Overall, My Future Friday has had a significant positive impact on Aquinas students. It provides a flexible, customised approach to learning that supports both academic and practical development This program truly reflects the college’s commitmenttopreparingstudentsforlifebeyondschool
