AQUINAS COLLEGE VALUES AQUINAS COLLEGE VALUES We continue to read the signs of We continue to read the signs of the time to provide service the time to provide service through Catholic education for through Catholic education for boys, and we endeavour to live an boys, and we endeavour to live an authentic Christian life based on authentic Christian life based on our core values and beliefs. our core values and beliefs.
FAITH IN ACTION We journey in our faith and express it by living the Gospel Values through life and prayer
CHARACTER
We strive to challenge our College community by focusing on holistic success and the facilitation of opportunities for boys to achieve.
EXCELLENCE EVERY DAY We enable our students to understand, care about and act on core ethical values such as respect, justice, civic virtue and citizenship, and responsibility for self and others
Welcome 2
The School Day 3
Classes commencement
Late Arrivals / Absentees
Approved Leave
Drop Off & Pick Up
Bus Travel
Canteen
Lockers & Padlocks
Bicycles
Personal Property
Mobile Phones
Uniform 4
Summer Uniform
Winter (Formal) Uniform
Sport Uniform
Hair and Grooming 5
Middle School Structure 6
Timetable
Academics 8
Curriculum Support
Home Study Structure
Student Responsibilities
Parent Responsibilities
Home Study Outline
Homework Club
Academic Scholar Program
OneNote and SEQTA 11
Content Library
Student Workspace
Collaboration Space
Spirituality 12
Character Education 13
What is Character?
Veritas Program
Year 7 and 8 Veritas Program
Year 9 Veritas - The Odyssey Program
Duke of Edinburgh Program
House System 15
Tuatha Cup
Pastoral Care 17
Tutor
Head of House
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
School Psychologists
Leadership Program 19
Core components
Communication 21
Parents contacting the College
Guidelines to assist with communication
Obligations & Expectations
Newsletter
Consent2Go
College App
Parent Interviews & Reports
Formal parent-teacher interviews
Communication Diagram
Devices 24
Loss / Damage / Return of Devices
Mobile Phones
Sport 25
Code of Behaviour in Sport
Parents & Other Spectators
WELCOMEFROMTHEHEADOFMIDDLESCHOOL IwouldliketoextendawarmwelcometonewMiddle Schoolstudentsandfamilies Startingsecondary schoolingisanexcitingtimeforeveryoneinvolvedandI lookforwardtomeetingournewstudentsandgetting toknowthemastheyjourneythroughtheAquinas CollegeMiddleSchool
MiddleSchoolisadynamicandengagingtimeofgreat changeforstudentswhichcoincidesdevelopmentally withtheearlyadolescentperiod TheCollegecatersfor thecognitive,physical,socialandemotionalneedsof adolescentboysundertheguidanceoftheAquinas CollegeLearningJourneyframework
Withapproximately600studentsfromvastWAand internationaldestinations,journeyingthroughthe AquinasCollegeMiddleSchoolisaninterestingand excitingexperienceforstudents MiddleSchoolhas specificfocusesincluding;
Transitioningstudentsintoanewandvibrant learningenvironment
Providingasafeenvironmentforsocialand emotionalgrowth
Developingacademicskillsthroughavarietyof opportunitiesintegralforpresentandfuture academicsuccess
Characterdevelopmentwhichisessentialtobuilding goodmenwhocanmakeapositivedifferencein theirowncommunitiesandthewiderworld
Helpingstudentsdeveloptheattributesof collaboration,resilience,criticalthinking, creativityandindependentlearning
TheMiddleSchooloffersaplethoraofopportunityforboys: fromacademics,theArts,Sports,ServiceLearning, leadershipopportunitiesandspiritualdevelopment There issomethingforeveryboyatAquinasCollegeandwe activelyencouragestudentstobeengagedinschoollife
Understandingtheimportantneedsofourboysisa groupofhighlydedicatedandskilledteachers Theirrole extendswellbeyondtheclassroomaspastoralcare tutors,academicmentors,coaches,boardingstaffanda varietyofothermanagementroles Throughtheseroles theydevelopstrong,positiverelationshipsenablingthem togiveboystheopportunitytobethebesttheycanbe Theyworktirelesslytosupportandensureaccountability, whenrequired,tohelpfostermenofgoodcharacter
AttheheartoftheCollegeistheEdmundRicetradition, whichfocusesonbuildinggoodyoungmen,who contributetothewidercommunitytohelpmakeitbetter forothers
Michael Dempsey Head of Middle School
THE SCHOOL DAY Classes commence at 8.30am and conclude at 3.15pm (300pmonFridays) Studentsaretoarriveatschoolwith enoughtimetocompletethefollowing:
Storeequipmentintheirlocker
Ensure books are ready for the first two periods of the day
Store any oversized sport equipment in the Br Paull Centre storage area (cricket bags, hockey keeper gear, etc)
Late Arrivals / Absentees Bus Travel
Studentscanelecttousepublictransport(Transperth)or theAquinasCollegeprivatebusservice(BusWest)to traveltoandfromschool AquinasCollegeissuesa TransperthSmartridertoallnewstudents Alternatively, studentsareabletoutiliseBusWestwhichtravels directlyfromtheschoolalongvariousroutesthroughout Perth BusroutescanbeviewedonthePortal–College Handbook–BusInformation
Canteen
Parentsareabletoorderandpayformorningteaor lunchforstudentsfromtheCollegeCanteenusing QUICKCLIQ–Portal – College Handbook – Canteen
Lockers & Padlocks Everystudentwillbeassignedalockeratthebeginning oftheschoolyear Studentsareexpectedtohavetheir ownlockontheirlockeratalltimes
Allstudentsarrivinglateorleavingearlyarerequiredto reporttotheAttendancecounter,locatedinthe AttendanceOfficenexttotheVeritasCentre Ifstudentswillnotbeattendingschoolbecauseofillness orinjuryforexample,parentsarerequestedtocontact theAttendanceOfficervia attendance@aquinaswaeduaupriorto830am
Bicycles Approved Leave
Allrequestsforextendedleave(morethantwodaysand notasaresultofillness)mustbedirectedtotheHeadof MiddleSchool Whilemostleavewillbeapproved,some leavewillberecordedasunapprovedleave Itis importanttonotethelinkbetweennon-attendanceand loweracademicoutcomes Thereisalsoanegative impactontheworkloadofstaffwhenstudentschooseto takeunapprovedleave Australianstudentsreceive plentifulholidaybreaks Extendedholidaybreaksexcept forextraordinarysituationswillberecordedas unapprovedleave
Drop Off & Pick Up Forthesafetyofstudents,parentsarerequestedtodrop offandpickupstudentsfromthedesignatedareasinthe MainCarPark(firstleftbeforetheroundaboutonthe maindriveway) Pleasedonotusethebusteardroparea onMtHenryRoadtodropoffyourson
Allbicyclesmustbestoredwithalockintheappropriate storagearea(nearthetenniscourts) Studentsmustnot ridetheirbikesthroughtheCollegegrounds,on walkwaysorthoroughfaresatanytime Helmetsareto bewornatalltimes
Personal Property
Allpersonalpropertymustbeclearlyandpermanently markedwithyourson’sfullsurnameandfirstnameor initials Ifanyitemislostormislaid,itmustbereportedto theboy’stutorteacherortostaffintheSchoolOfficesoa noticecanbeplacedintheStudentBulletin No weaponsorotherdangerousitemsareallowedatschool atanytime Allvaluablesshouldbeplacedintolockers LostpropertycanbecollectedfromtheUniformShop
Mobile Phones Mobilephonesaretobekeptinstudentlockersbetween 800amand315pm Thisextendsto5pmonthedays boyshaveafterschoolsporttraining Ifastudentneeds tocommunicatewithhome,theymustdosoatthe MiddleSchoolOffice Studentsseenusingphonesinside ofthesehourswillhavethemconfiscatedforuptoaday, orlongerforrepeatedbreaches
UNIFORM Students are expected to wear their uniform with pride and have an appearance that upholds the good name and reputation of Aquinas College
The College has a formal school uniform (the winter uniform), a separate summer uniform, as well as a uniform for Sport and Physical Education.
At all times boys are expected to wear the appropriate school uniform whilst travelling to and from school and for all school functions unless informed to the contrary. Whenever the College uniform is worn, it must be complete and not mixed with non-uniform items or sports uniform. Shirts must be tucked into shorts/trousers at all times
Summer Uniform
Studentsareexpectedtowearthesummeruniform duringTerm1and4 ThisismadeupofCollegegrey shorts,Collegegreyshirtwithcrestedpocket,shortgrey Collegesocksandblackleatherlace-upschoolshoes On coolerdaysstudentsarepermittedtoweartheCollege greypullover Allstudentsarerequiredtowearthe CollegehatduringBreakAandBreakB
Winter (Formal) Uniform Studentsareexpectedtowearthewinteruniform duringTerm2and3 Thisismadeupoflonggrey melangetrouserswithblackleatherbelt,Collegegrey shirtwithcrestedpocket,Collegeredandblacktie, Collegeblackblazer,greyorblackcolouredsocksand blacklace-upschoolshoes
IfstudentsweartheCollegepullovertheyMUSTwear theCollegeblazer Boysarerequiredtoweartheir blazerstoandfromschoolandwhenevertheformal schooluniformisworn
Sport Uniform
Studentsareexpectedtowearthesportuniformfor PhysicalEducationandPSAsporttrainingandmatches ThisconsistsofCollegeredpolosportshirt,College tracksuit,sportshorts,whitesocksandappropriatesport shoes TheHousepoloshirtmaybeworninsteadofthe redsportspoloforPhysicalEducationclassesorsport trainingandmustbewornforHouseevents
Sportteamuniformswillvaryaccordingtothetypeand natureofthesportconcerned,forexamplejerseysor footballsocks Ifthisisthecase,studentsmustchange intotheseatthegamevenue OnFridays,MiddleSchool studentsarepermittedtoweartheCollegesport uniformtoschoolinpreparationfortheirPSAsporting fixtureintheafternoon
HAIR AND GROOMING Student’s hair must be clean, neat and well-groomed and retain its natural colour at all times
Cutsorstyleswhich,intheopinionoftheschool,are peculiar,ostentatious,bizarreorextremeinstyleare unacceptable Hairmustnotextendbelowthetopofthe collar,hangdownoverthefaceorbecloselyshaven(no shorterthananelectriccombsettingofnumber2)
Gelandsimilarproductsarenotallowed
ACCEPTABLE HAIR
UNACCEPTABLE HAIR
Student’sfacesmustbeclean-shavenwithsideburns notextendingbelowthemiddleoftheear
IfindoubtconsulttheCollegebeforemakingradical changestohair Theschoolremainsthefinalarbitratorof whatconstitutesanacceptablehaircut Studentswhose hairstylesareunacceptablewillnotbeallowedtoattend theCollegeuntiltheirhairstyleisrectifiedtomeetthe expectedstandardoftheCollege
MIDDLE SCHOOL STRUCTURE MiddleSchoolismadeupofthreeyeargroups(Years7-9) withapproximately540students(180peryeargroup)
Studentsaredividedintofourhouseswithadedicated HeadofHousewhoisresponsibleforeverystudentinthe house
Thehouseisdividedintotwotutorgroupsperyear The HeadofHouseworkscloselywithtutorstoensurethe academicandpastoralneedsofeachboyaremet
EachstudentjoinstheirtutorgroupinYear7andhasa dedicatedtutorteachertoexperiencetheirMiddleSchool journeyalongsidethem Thetutorteachermeetswiththe groupfourtimesperweekforathirty-minutepastoral period Thetutoristhefirstcontactpointbetweenthe schoolandparents
Whilstmanyoftheircoreclasseswilltakeplacewithin theirtutorgroup,studentswillmovethroughoutthe schooltopurpose-builtbuildingsforspecialistsubjects suchasMusic,theArts,PhysicalEducationandDesign andTechnologyandwilloftenbewithdifferent classmates
Thisallowsastrongconnectiontodevelopwithinthe tutorgroupbutalsoprovidesanopportunityforboysto developotherfriendships
TheMiddleSchooltimetablerunssimultaneouslywith theSeniorSchool’s Socialinteractionsoccurduring breaksalongsideavarietyofotheropportunitiesto encouragefriendshipandasenseofbelonging
TheHeadofMiddleSchoolworkswithadynamicteamof staffincluding;theCollegeLeadershipTeam(CLT),Heads ofHouse,HeadsofLearningAreaandAcrossCollege Directors,theCollegeChaplain,teachers,tutors,school psychologists,HealthCentreandadministrationstaff,all ofwhomplayapivotalroleinsupportingyourson
Detention Monday to Friday 330 - 430pm Saturday 100pm to 400pm
ACADEMICS Middle School delivers a comprehensive academic program for Year 7-9 students equipping them with knowledge, skills and values which foster lifelong learning. Whilst the majority of academic time is spent in the core learning areas of English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science and Religious Education, we believe in providing a breadth of educational experiences
Thisallowsclarityforbothstudentandparents,whilst promotingastrongacademiccultureandworkethic Eachdayyoursonshouldbestudyingathome Home Studyconsistsof: HomeworkTask-setbytheteacher Readingathome–minimum15mins Preparationandplanning–revisionnotes, completionofworknotfinishedinclass 15minutesofMaths
Boyswillhavetheopportunitytodevelopnewskills andpassionsthroughstudyoftheArts,Languages, Health&PhysicalEducationandTechnologies We believethisrangeofstudyopportunitiesenhances students’abilitiestobecomeoutstandingglobal citizensofthe21stcentury Interwovenintotheacademicprogramisastrong emphasisonbuildinggoodcharacterinstudentsand equippingeachstudentwithskillsthatwillassistin navigatingthesenioryearsandbeyond
Amoreextensivepictureoftheacademic opportunitiesexistontheCollege Portal - AcademicCourse Outlines.
Curriculum Support
TheLearningSupportteamsupportsstudentswho experiencedifficultyintheareasofLiteracyand Numeracyorhaveaparticularlearningneed Teachers areabletodifferentiateintheclassroomandstudents workwithspecialistlearningsupportteachersinsmall groupsormayreceiveassistanceinclasses Learning needsareidentifiedviaorientationtesting,previous schoolreports,teacherobservationsandmost importantly,parentdisclosure
Home Study Structure
HomeStudyisanimportantpartofMiddleSchooland studentshaveastructuredapproachtotheirnightly study
Yourson’sPlannerwillhelpyoutoplayanactiverolein hisstudies TheStudentPlannerisanimportantpartofa student’sday Itassistsstudentstoorganisethemselves forclassandHomeStudy,whilealsoprovidingimportant informationsuchasrulesandguidelines
AsingleHomeworkTaskissetweeklyforeachsubject andisanextensivepieceofwork(usuallywritten)that willtake30minutestoonehourtocomplete(depending onwhichyearyoursonisin) TheHomeworkTaskmust behandedinonthecorrectdayasfailuretosubmit homeworkwillresultinahomeworkslip
ItisimportanttoestablishgoodroutinesforHomeStudy fromtheoutset Yoursonwillneedanareaforstudythat isquietandfreefromdistraction(television,mobile phoneorothertechnology) A regular start time is essential
Everystudentshouldcompletetheirhomeworkattheir ownspeed HomeStudyisn’tdesignedtobestressfulor overlydemanding Ifyoursonisexperiencingdifficulties incompletingtheassignedworkduetothework provingtoodifficult,oritistakinglongerthanthe requiredtimeorhehasothercommitments,please contactyourson’steachertodiscuss
Student Responsibilities
Ensuretheirstudyenvironmentiskeptneatand tidyatalltimes
SetaHomeStudyroutineandstarttime
EnsuretheirHomeworkTaskiscompletedeach night
Completetheirworktotheirbeststandard
Consistentlyworkonbuildingtheirrevisionnotes throughouttheterm
Readonaveragefor15minuteseverynight
Talktotheteacheriftheyarehavingdifficulty
Beaccountablefortheirefforts
ParentResponsibilities
Encourageandacknowledgeindependentlearning
Ensure that the work completed is the student’s own
Assist with establishing a Home Study routine
Inform your son’s teacher if he is having consistent difficulties with Homework Tasks
Homework Club
HomeworkClubisavailabletoanystudentinthe MiddleSchoolonTuesdayandThursdayafternoons from330pmto430pm ItoccursintheAngelicvm andisrunbytheHeadofAcademicScholarProgram
Studentswillbeassistedbyseniorstudentsto completetheirsetHomeStudytasksorwithany academicconcernthattheyneedassistancewith StudentsattendingHomeworkClubneedtoarrive withapositive,independentattitudeandtake ownershipoftheirlearning
Thesupportistheretoassistthemandhelpthem thinkforthemselveswhentheyarefacedwithan academicproblem
Example of a Year 7 Home Study Routine 3.30pm Sport Training
5.00pm Travel home, shower, dinner, help out with dinner chores
6.45pm Major Homework Task (30 minutes)
7.15pm Small break
7.25pm 15 minutes of Maths (completed every night)
7.40pm
Complete any work from that day’s classes, organise work and build revision notes
8.00pm Break
8.30pm 15 minutes reading (can be completed in bed)
8.45pm Lights out
Academic Scholar Program
TheAcademicScholarProgramisanacademicextension andenrichmentprogramfocusingonableandreceptive studentsseekingtoextendtheiracademicandcultural horizons
Studentsareidentifiedthroughon-entryCollegetesting andmaintaintheirpositionbyachievingAcademic CertificatesofExcellenceorDistinction,incombination withachievingaBgradeaverageacrosstheirsubjects
Avarietyoftopics,outsidethecorecurriculumareoffered Asmuchaspossiblethetopicsaretailoredtomatch students’interests Expertsfromwithinandoutsidethe Collegeengagethestudentsandsparktheirinterestin areasnotcoveredbythegeneralcurriculum
Theprogramrunsasawithdrawallesson(s)duringthe schooldayandmayhaveadditionaltimeallocated before/afterschoolorduringbreaks Therearearangeof individualandteamcompetitionsonoffertoallstudents aspartoftheprogram
ONENOTE AND SEQTA OneNote
AquinasCollegeusesOneNote,asoftwareprogram whichenablesteacherstoenhancestudent engagementintheclassroomandbeyond Classroom teachersuseClassNotebooksinOneNotefor teachingandlearning Thesoftwarehasthreedistinct spaces;
Content Library
Thisspaceisusedbyteacherstopublishresourcesfor yoursontoengagewith,suchas;websitelinks,PDF documentsandvideos
SEQTA
SEQTAistheLearningManagementSystem(LMS) usedacrossAquinasCollege Therearethreefunctionalareasoftheplatform: SEQTALearn:Forstudentstoaccessimportant schoolinformation–includingtimetables, resources,homework,assessmentsandPortal pages
ParentshaveaccesstotheContentLibraryviathe subjectpageonSEQTA
Student Workspace
Thisspaceisusedbystudentstosubmitand completeclasswork,including;interactiveworksheets, handoutsandattacheddocuments
Collaboration Space
Thisspaceisusedforstudentcollaboration,as directedanddesignedbytheteacher
SEQTAEngage:Forparentsandguardiansto accesstheirchild’sinformation,including;class timetables,attendancerecords,schoolnotices, homework,Portalpages,andassessments SEQTA Engageisalsoacommunicationchannelbetween parents/guardiansandstaff
SEQTATeach:Forteacherstohosttheirclasses andassociatedfunctionsaswellascommunicate withstudents,parentsandguardians Further informationaboutSEQTAandlogindetailsfor studentsandparents/guardianswillbeemailedto parentspriortothestartofTerm1
SPIRITUALITY In simple language, ‘Spirituality’ is the experience and expression of our walk with God as we journey towards a deeper unity with Him.
Itisthespirit,asSt JohnofDamascusremindsus,that givesusalllife,whichanimatesus,soitiscriticalthat thisbenurturedsoeachboycancometogrowintothe fullnessoftheirbeing
ThespiritualformationexperiencesatAquinasCollege arethereforeaimedatfosteringwhatisalreadyinherent ineachboy-theirspirit
Eachdayhasmuchtoteacheachofus–yetonlyifwe letit EachdayinthelifeofayoungmanatAquinas Collegecanrevealallmannerofinsightstotheboy aboutwhotheyarebecoming,whotheyyearntobe andindeedwhotheysenseGodwillsthemtobe Itisin momentsofreflection,throughthelensofourfaith tradition,thatthelessonsofeachdayarerevealed
Thisisfartooimportantajourneytoleavetochance Itiswiththisgoalinmindthatweacceptthe responsibilitytoprovideregularandintentionalSpiritual FormationfortheyoungmenentrustedtotheCollege
Forjustasweneedtoregularlyexerciseourmusclesto buildupourphysique,wealsoneedtoexerciseto developourselvesspiritually
Aquinasstudentsareprovidedwithavarietyof opportunitiestodeveloptheirspiritualityincluding; Weeklymass,weeklychapelservices,yeargroupretreats, dailyprayerandreflection
Allofthisisconductedaspartofouruniquegift,our uniquelensondiscipleship-theEdmundRiceCharism Towhatendcanthisbeeasilysummedupfortheyoung man–sothathemightbecome,andknowheis becoming,thebesthecanbe forothers ns insey
“Ourdeepestfreedomrestsnotinourfreedom todowhatwewanttodo,butratherinour freedomtobecomewhoGodwillsustobe.”
CHARACTER EDUCATION Character education is one of the core principles of an Aquinas education
Aquinas has been steeped in Edmund Rice Values from its inception and character education driven by our gospel values is well known to anybody who has been part of an Aquinas Education
ExplicitlyteachingCharacterEducationenablesour boystohaveastrongunderstandingofthesekey virtueswhichsupportsthemtomakeinformedethical decisionsanddemonstratepracticalwisdom
HerbElliott(paststudent1955andOlympicGoldMedalist Rome1960)saidthefollowingwheninterviewedrecently “I’dbeenbroughtupaCatholicatAquinasCollegein Perthandyou’reconstantlyconfrontedbythisideaof beingabetterperson Thatappealedtome My motivationwasverypure Iwantedtobeabetterhuman being Thatwasmynumberonething”
What is Character?
Characterisasetofpersonaltraitsthatproduce specificemotions,informmotivationandguide conduct Charactereducationisanumbrellatermfor allexplicitandimpliciteducationalactivitiesthathelp youngpeopledeveloppositive,personalstrengths, calledvirtues
Virtue: TheOxforddictionarydefinesaVirtueasaquality consideredmorallygoodordesirableinaperson
WhyisCharacterEducationimportant?
CharacterEducationisintegraltoAquinasCollege’saim andpurpose,asitseekstopromotedesirablecharacter traitsamongstudentsandtheirdevelopmentaswellroundedindividualstobecomethebesttheycanbe Specifically,CharacterEducationsupportsourFaith Formationprogramsby:
Encouragingstudentstounderstand,valueand demonstratethepositivebehaviourtraitsthatmake well-rounded,groundedcitizens;
Supportingthedevelopmentoftheskillsrequiredto functioninandcontributetosociety;
Supportingsocialandemotionaldevelopment,in orderforstudentstobetterunderstandthemselves andworkontheirweaknesses;and Instillingstudentswithamoralcompassandskillsin understandingandinteractingwithotherpeople
How do we build Character in boys? WhilsttaughtthroughtheVeritasprogramCharacter EducationshouldalsooccuracrosstheCollege’s curriculumandco-curriculumprograms Assemblies, tutortimeandextra-curricularactivitiesareopportunities to‘drip-feed’thedesiredmessagestostudentsand encouragethemtoreflectupon,developand demonstratecharactertraits Staff-studentrelationships arealsokey,withstaffmodellingdesiredtraitsandbeing approachableandengagingtoencouragestudentstobe openwiththemandtakeonboardtheiradvice
Veritas Program
TheVeritasProgramisanintegralpartoftheMiddle Schoolcurriculum ItallowsfortwoperiodsaweekinYear 7-9ofdedicatedtimetoexaminetheareasof21stcentury skills,ethicalleadership,advocacyandcharactereducation
Studentswillhaveastrongcharactereducationliteracy andunderstandingcoupledwithnumerous opportunitiestoexploreanddeveloptheseskillsin authenticsettings TheAdvocacyPresentationinYear8 isanexamplewherestudentscanapplytheir understandingofcharacterandsharetheirviewpoints withthewidercommunity–buildinganarrayofskillson theway
StudentscompleteacharacterjournalinYear7and8 encouragingthemtoexploretheirunderstandingof theirpersonalcharacter,theimpactitcanhaveontheir widercommunityandtomakeapositivedifferencein theworld Webelieveitisn’twhathebecomesitiswho hebecomes
TheMiddleSchoolleadershipprogramworkscloselywith characterdevelopmentandisopentoeverystudent enablingthemtobuildtheirleadershipcapacityand characterstrengthsthrougheverydayinteractions The MiddleSchoolmottoof“WorkHard,BeKind”challenges boystonotonlystrivefortheirbestintheclassroombutto displaysmallactsofkindnesseveryday
Year 7 and 8 Veritas Program
Thisprogramfocusesonprovidinglearning opportunitiesforboysto; developpersonalcharacterstrengths; advocateintheformationofjusticeintheworld; enhancestudyskillsandcriticalthinking; nurturetheirleadershipqualitiestobeeffectiveleaders andteammembers; developimportant21stcentury“soft”skillsrequiredfor nowandfutureemployment,collaboration,critical thinking,communication,creativitytonameafew
Year 9 Veritas – The Odyssey Program
BoysundertaketheOdysseyProgram,ariteofpassage journeyfromboytoman Thisisayear-longprogramin whichstudentsreflectonwhatitmeanstobeamanin today’ssociety
Itisdesignedtoempowerboystotakeresponsibilityfor beingagoodmaninthefuturebyexploringwhotheyare andtheirpersonalvalues
Fromperformingachoreographeddanceonstagein frontoftheCollegecommunitytosailingonthe Leeuwin,walkingamarathon,campingsoloovernight, learningtocook,workingwithConservationAustralia andengaginginenvironmentalserviceactivities,along withparticipationintheCollegeretreatprogram, studentsareofferedadiverserangeofchallenging activitiestocompletetheprogram
Duke of Edinburgh Program
AllstudentsareexpectedtocompletetheDukeof EdinburghBronzeAwardaspartoftheOdyssey Program Thisisaninternationally-recognisedprogram thatinvitesstudentstocreateopportunitiestolearnnew skills,getphysicallyactive,giveserviceandexperience adventure
TheDukeofEdinburghAwardcanplayacriticalrolein thedevelopmentofayoungperson’scharacterbecause theresponsibilitytomeettherequirementsoftheaward isonthestudent
Participantsneedtodevelopinitiative,communication skills,andtimemanagementaswellashaveselfdisciplineinmeetingtherequirementsoftheaward
Byexploringthese,boyscandiscovertheirconnectionto society Bytheendoftheprogramboyshaveastronger senseofpersonalresponsibilityinallaspectsoftheirlife, theirfamily,theAquinascommunityandthewiderglobal community ThisisasignificantprecursortotheYear11 EncounterRetreatProgram
Boysparticipateintwolessonsperweekduringthe program Theyareexposedtochallengingsituations duringtheirlearning,aimedatencouragingtheboysto demonstrateskillssuchascourage,self-confidenceand resilience
HOUSE SYSTEM There are four College day houses in the Middle School
Each House has a Head of House under the leadership of the Head of Middle School. Each year within the House level is divided into two tutor groups with a tutor teacher There are approximately 24 students in each tutor group.
Tuatha Cup
TheunderlyingprincipleoftheAquinasCollegeHouse systemisforstudentstovalueeachotheraspeersand topromoteastrongsenseoftogethernessinour community Insupportofthis,theCollegehasa dedicatedawardsystemthatencompassesthespiritof competitionthroughteamworkandpridethatcomes frommembershiptoaHouse
Theword“Tuatha”derivesfromtheGaeliclanguage meaningfamily,communityandasenseofbelonging TheMiddleSchool’sTuathaCupcompetitioncomprises diversesporting,cultural,academicandservice activities EachyearHousescompeteforpointsthatgo towardwinningthecup
Allactivitiesareinclusiveofeverystudentandinclude Inter-HouseSwimming,AthleticsandCrossCountry carnivals,academicpoints,HouseEisteddfod,debating, creativewriting,chesscompetitionsandotherInterHousecontests
In2018,theCollegeexpandedthehousesystemto incorporatethreedistincthouseformatsacrossthe Junior,MiddleandSeniorSchools,witheachschool conductingitsownHousecompetition
After Adversity
Endure fort (Endure with Strength)
BRYAN Royal Blue Strive for Better Things
EDMUND Maroon Major Ab Adversis Better
GLOWREY Teal Green
TREACY Emerald
Dignity Courage
BRYAN
WilliamBryanwasthefirststudent enrolledatCBCPerthwhichbeganin 1894 HewasDuxoftheCollegein 1897and1898 HeservedasPresident oftheOldBoysfrom1907to1914 He wenttotheFirstWorldWaras Captainofthe1stAIFandwaskilledin actioninFrancein1917
EDMUND
BlessedEdmundRicewasthefounder oftheChristianBrothersinIreland He beganhisfirstschoolin1802inNew StreetWaterford Hewasawealthy businessmanwhoturnedhisfortune toassistthepoorboysofhistime His CongregationofBrothersspreadto everycontinentontheglobe Hedied in1844attheageof82
GLOWREY
SENIOR SCHOOL HOUSES Nescit Vox Missa Reverti (A word once spoken can never be recalled)
LindsayGlowreywasastudentatCBC Perthfrom1906to1913 Hewasa PrefectandPresidentoftheElocution andDebatingSocieties Hewentto theFirstWorldWarasa2nd Lieutenantandwaskilledin1917in France
and Determination
)
TREACY
BrotherPatrickAmbroseTreacy broughttheChristianBrothersto Australiain1868aswastheProvince LeaderforthewholeofAustraliafrom 1869to1901 Heoversawthe foundationofCBCPerthandwassaid tohavetoldthearchitect:“Builditwell MrCavanagh,ithastolast100years”
JUNIOR SCHOOL HOUSES Contactinformationforyourson’s HeadofHouseandtutorcanbefound onSEQTAundertheAquinasPortal tab
CLUNE Gold The Will to Do, the Soul to Dare
EGAN Pale Blue Aim High
QUINLAN White Veritas in Te Ipso (The Truth Is In Us All)
REDMOND Red Faith and Justice
CHANEY Dark Grey Integritas Primi - Integrity First
CULLITY Orange
DURACK Purple Dignity
PRENDIVILLE Black Sapienter Vive (Live Wisely
PASTORAL CARE The Aquinas Middle School implements a comprehensive Pastoral Care program that is targeted to the needs of the adolescent boy
On entering Middle School, every student is placed into a day house and tutor group There are two tutor groups per house in each year, divided into East and West For example; Year 7 Bryan East and Year 7 Bryan West Each House is overseen by a Head of House.
Aswithanytransition,enteringtheAquinasCollege MiddleSchoolbringswithitarangeofattendant emotionsfromexcitementandanticipation,to trepidationandwonder Weareblessedtohavestudents fromvastlydifferentbackgroundsmergingintoone inclusivecommunity
Year 7 Tutor
TheHeadsofHouseworkcloselywithtutorteachers whohavedailycontactwiththeirstudentsduring allocatedTutorperiods TheTutorperiodrunsfor30 minutesandisheldafterPeriod2,priortorecessfrom MondaytoThursday Duringthistimestudentsbuilda closerelationshipwiththeirtutorandotherstudentsin theirtutorgroup Thistimecanbeusedfor:
TutorGroupdiscussion Groupactivities
StudySkillssessions Silentreading, ChapelService(onceperfortnight) Assembly(Wednesday)
TimeinTutorisextremelyimportantfortheeffective deliveryofourPastoralCareProgram Itallowsforthe developmentofapositiveandinclusivecultureand providesaclimatewhichencouragesstudentstostrive forexcellence Itbuildsstudentaccountabilityand strongrelationshipsbetweenstudents,staffand families
Head of House
TheHeadofHouseisthekeypersonresponsiblefor yoursonwhileheisinMiddleSchool Theyworkin tandemwithtutorsandteachingstafftooverseeyour son’sjourneythroughYear7-9 ThetutorandHeadof Housearethefirstpointofcontactshouldtherebeany concernsofapastoralnature
ThefirsttermofYear7focusesonthesettlinginprocess, withatailoredapproachtomakingyourson’stransition assmoothaspossible Specificeventsandsupporttoaidthistransitioninclude: Week1transition(gradatedentry,introductory lessons,guidedtoursetc)
Year7AfterschooltransitionactivitiesTerm1 Year7IntroductoryCampearlyinTerm1 Year10Mentorsprovidingasupportiverole throughoutSemester1 Inparticular,duringWeek1-4 andYear10mentorsassistingonYear7camp Arangeoffunactivitiesforstudentsduringbreaks, whichhelpfacilitatefriendshipsandencourage participation
SpecificYear7and8breakareaswhichareina centrallocationbesidetheHeadofHouseOffice
Year 8 Year8istheyearforsteppingup;hence,ourfocuson leadershipthroughtheMiddleSchoolLeaderProgram
ThisprogramchallengeseveryboytoreachMiddle SchoolLeaderstatusthroughtheireverydaywordsand actions ThejourneyculminatesattheendofTerm4 whenstudentswhohavesuccessfullycompletedthe applicationprocessarepresentedtotheCollege communityasleadersandreceiveatieandbadgein recognitionoftheirefforts
MiddleSchoolstudentsaregiveneveryopportunityto reachthisstatusandnewleadersarepresentedupuntil theendofTerm3inYear9
Thisallowsfordifferentratesofmaturityand development Itisourhopethateveryboywillachieve leadershipstatusduringhistimeintheMiddleSchool
Year 9
TocompletetheMiddleSchooljourney,Year9student areintroducedtotheOdysseyProgramwhichfocuses ontheinnerdevelopmentoftheboyonhissometime rockypathtomanhood
StudentsarechallengedthroughextensiveOutdoor Educationactivities,theDukeofEdinburghProgram andotherinitiativesdesignedtohelpouryoungmen undertakedeepandhonestself-reflection Alongthe way,theyareencouragedtoexaminemanyofthe stereotypicalnotionsofmanhood,recogniseandadop charactertraitsassociatedwithgoodmen,andreflect ontheirpurposeintheircommunity
ThePastoralCareProgramworksinconjunctionwith theVeritasProgram,acharactereducationinitiative introducedintoAquinasclassroomsin2018 Italso workswithintheEdmundRiceEducationAustralia touchstonesofLiberatingEducation,Gospel Spirituality,InclusiveCommunityandJusticeand Solidarity ThePastoralCareProgramistheoverarching frameworkofsupportwhich,inconjunctionwiththe workofstaff,parentsandcommunity,provides opportunitiesandskillsneededtobuildgoodmenfor thefuture
p y g p
psychologicalservicesforstudents,parentsandstaff, addressingconcernsaroundsocialandemotional wellbeingandstudentlearning Theyareawonderful resourceandworkincollaborationwithPastoralCare leaderstoprovidecollaborativesupportforstudentsin need Whiletheycannotprovideindividualised counsellinginthelongterm,theirexpertiseinseeking appropriatespecialisedsupportisinvaluable Theschoolpsychologistservicecanbeaccessedvia HeadsofHouse,self-referralorthroughSEQTAfor students
Pleasenote,ourschoolpsychologistsdonotcomplete psycho-educationalassessments,however,please consultwithourLearningSupportdepartmentor externalpsychologists,ifyourequireinformationabout anassessment
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Aquinas College students are called to become active participants within the College community and broader society
To help equip them and determine when demonstrating leadership is appropriate, Aquinas College has developed a unique approach to nurturing the necessary qualities and practices
WhilstinMiddleSchool,studentstakepartina dynamicprogramrunacrossfiveschoolterms commencingatthestartofTerm2,Year8and culminatingattheendofTerm2,Year9
Thepurposeofthisprogramistomakeleadership experiencesaccessibletoallstudentsandtoassist themwiththedevelopmentofskillsandpractices whicharevitaltotheirformationasyoungmen
TheMiddleSchoolLeadershipProgramisattainableby allthosewhoupholdtheCollegeValuesandmeetthe expectationssurroundingBehaviour,AcademicRigour, AttendanceandPunctuality,aswellasavarietyof holisticchallengesthattheCollegewillprovide
Theseexperienceswilldevelopleadershipskills,support theirpersonaldevelopmentandenrichtheCollege community Asstudents’progressthroughtheCollege, theywillencounteranarrayofopportunitiestoaccept leadershiproles,includingpossibilitiesofsupportingthe day-to-dayorganisationoftheschool
Itishopedthateverystudentwhopartakeswillbeable toachievethestatusofMiddleSchoolLeaderbytheend ofTerm3,Year9 Thisisnotapositionthatcomeswith dutiesandresponsibilitiesbutratherisapublicand formalacknowledgementthatthestudenthas completedtheMiddleSchoolLeadershipProgramand thereforehasdevelopedtheirleadershipskills, experienceandcapacity
Thisprogramisjustoneofthewayswearebuildinga cultureofserviceandleadershipatAquinasCollege
CORE COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM 1 APPLICATION Tutor Teacher and Head of House
have submitted my application form I have completed the Year 8 Leadership Induction MARIAN TERM 3 YEAR 8
6
have successfully delivered an Advocacy Presentation to the Aquinas College Community
have attended all expected Aquinas College Retreats I have demonstrated active involvement in House and College Mass
lead by example as a member of my Tutor group and Aquinas College Community I have volunteered to help in leading a College or House activity
I am striving for academic success My ‘Performance Indicators’ average over 85% I have an attendance of over 95% I am punctual and well-dressed each day I behave well, respect members of the community and I have maintained ‘Good Standing’ THROUGHOUT YEARS 8 AND 9 8 REFLECTION, REVIEW AND GOAL
have submitted my Leadership Reflection and Review I have met with my Tutor to discuss my progress and set goals for the next six months FROM TERM 4 YEAR 8 TO TERM 2 YEAR 9
“Young men striving to be the best they can be for others” COMMUNICATION Communication is widely recognised as being a key feature in the successful operation of an interconnected community like the Aquinas College Middle School.
Positive and considered communication between parents and the school will always result in issues being addressed confidentially and professionally
Parents contacting the College
College email and phone contacts can be found on the College Portal under the following tab: PortalContact Us.
Specificteacheremailcontactdetailscanbefoundby clickingonyourson’stimetableinSEQTAandselecting thespecificsubject Emailisthepreferredoptionto contactastaffmember
Pleaseallow48hoursforaresponse Ifyoudonot receivearesponseduringthistime,pleaseresendthe email Formoreurgentmatterspleasecontactthe MiddleSchoolOfficeon94500685
Guidelines to assist with communication
Specific academic matters - Parentsareencouraged todiscussconcernsregardingaspecificacademic matterwiththerelevantsubjectteacher
General academic matters –Parentsareencouraged todiscussconcernsregardingoverallacademic progresswiththeTutor
Pastoral matters – Forpastoralconcerns,parents shouldcontacttheTutor
Serious general interview - Apartfromthe formalinterviewevenings,interviewswithregardtoa boy’sprogressshouldbearrangedwiththeboy’sHead ofHouseandTutorortheteacherdirectlyrelatedtoa parent’squeryorconcern Interviewsarebestarrangedbyemailorphonecall
Obligations & Expectations
Itistheresponsibilityofeachboytokeephimself informedofmatterspublishedintheMiddleSchool Portal,onschoolnoticeboardsandthroughSEQTA Itis importanttonotethatattendanceatallsportpractices andgamesiscompulsory Boyswhoareinmusic groupsarealsoremindedthatattendanceatall rehearsalsiscompulsory Whereboysareparticipating inclubsport,theirprioritymustbetheirschoolteam’s practicesessionsandgames
Middle School Portal
ParentsareencouragedtochecktheMiddleSchool PortaleverySundaytostayinformedaboutupcoming eventsandotherimportantinformation Thisportal servesasakeycommunicationtoolforparents
Newsletter
AquinasCollegepublishesanelectronicnewsletter eachweekduringtermwithalinkemailedtoparents ThenewsletterwillfeaturenoticesfromthePrincipal, HeadofMiddleSchool,HeadsofSeniorandJunior Schoolandotherstaffmembersincludingawiderange ofinformationpertainingtotheAquinasCollege community
Consent2Go
ItisvitaltheCollegehascorrectcontactandemergency detailsforstudentsandparents/guardians Toassistin thegatheringofthisinformation,theCollegeusesthe Consent2Goplatform Anychangesthatoccurinthe Consent2Goplatformautomaticallyupdateother schoolplatformssuchasSEQTAsoitisextremely importantthatthisinformationisuptodateand correct Tocheckandupdateyourson’sdetails,please visit
https://wwwmcbschoolscom/aquinas/StudentUpdate andenteryouremailaddress Youwillbeemaileda uniquelinkwhichyoucanusetoupdate:
Parent/guardianandemergencycontactdetails suchasemail,homeaddressandphonenumbers Yourson’shealthcaredetails Ifyouexperienceanytechnicaldifficultiesusingthis facility,pleasecontacttheICTHelpdeskon9450 0320
College App
TheAquinasApphastheabilitytosendnotifications directlytoyourphonesoyounevermissimportant Collegeinformation Itisavailablefordownloadon AppleandAndroiddevices PleasecontactICTHelpdesk forassistance:helpdesk@aquinaswaeduau
Parent Interviews & Reports Theboysundertakeavarietyofassessmentsineach learningareaeveryterm Theseassessmentsinclude CommonAssessmentTasks(CAT),assessedHomework Tasks,assignments,individualprojects,collaborative projects,performancesandoralpresentations
Theassessmentsgatheredthroughoutthetermwillbe formallycommunicatedtoparents:
InaninterimreportattheendofTerm1andTerm3 InaSemesterreportattheendofTerm2andTerm4
Formal parent-teacher interviews:
Year7HeadofHouseandYear7Tutorsinformal catchupTerm1
MiddleSchoolBoardinginterviewsTerm1 BeginningofTerm2
BeginningofTerm3
Do you have an academic question?
Contact the subject teacher
HEAD OF LEARNING AREA LEARNING SUPPORT
STUDENT OR PARENT
SUBJECT TEACHER (ACADEMIC) or
TUTOR (PASTORAL)
Do you have a pastoral question?
Contact the Tutor.
HEAD OF HOUSE HEALTH CENTRE BOARDING STAFF
HEAD OF HOUSE
VICE
PRINCIPAL
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
MR MICHAEL DEMPSEY
PRINCIPAL MS JEN KNOX
MR ROBERT HENDERSON
DEVICES Students must only use information technology on campus to support classroom learning.
Theuseofmobilephones,iPads,laptopanddesktop computersandotherelectronicdevices,regardlessof ownership,mustcomplywiththe‘ICTUseCodeof Conduct–StudentConditions’,thatstatesthat unacceptablematerialmaynotbeproduced,stored, displayed,broadcast,communicated,sharedor distributedoncampus Allelectroniccommunications withstaffmustbethroughMicrosoftTeamsorCollege email
Mobilephonesareonlytobeusedbeforeandafter school Mustremainonsilentatallothertimes Studentsmustnotengageinsocialnetworkingwhilst atschool VPNsareprohibitedfrombeingusedon Collegegrounds SeeICTCodeofConductinthe MiddleSchoolPlannerontheportal
Mobile Phones Mobilephonesinschoolsoften: impedesocialinteractionandplay,whichare importantsocialisingopportunities disruptteachingandlearning presentopportunitiesforboystousethephoneina mannerwhichcancausedistresstoothers beasafetyrisktostudentsinrelationtoimagelaws WhilsttheCollegeacknowledgesthatboysmayneedto usemobilephonespriortoorafterschool,theCollege restrictstheiruseduringtheschoolday Mobile telephonesmustremaininthestudentlocker throughouttheCollegeday(830am–315pm)orinthe caseofboardersremainintheirboardinghouse Mobile usewhileatschool(fromthecommencementofperiod onethroughoutthedayuntiltheendoftheSchoolday), isstrictlynotpermitted,unlessinveryexceptional circumstancespermittedbyandunderthesupervisionof astaffmember PurchaseoffoodattheCanteenmustbe madebycash,bankorcreditcardorSmartriderandnot withamobilephone
Ifastudentiscaughtusingtheirmobilephoneduring theday,hewillreceiveanafterschooldetention
Loss / Damage / Return of Devices Intheeventoflossoraccidentaldamage,students mustreporttheincidenttotheICTHelpDesk immediately Anydamagethatisasaresultofanact thatisinbreachofthisagreement,ormalicious damagethecostofrepairwillbemetinfullbythe parent/guardian Forotherlossordamage,a$200fee willapplyforthefirstclaimwhichispayabletoAquinas Collegeortheinsuranceprovider
Forasecondorsubsequentclaimforrepairsafeeof uptothefullpriceoftherepairorreplacementcost maybecharged Studentswhowithdraw,whoare suspendedorexpelled,orterminateenrolmentat AquinasCollegeforanyotherreason,mustreturnthe College-owneddeviceonorbeforethedateof termination
Inemergencies,studentsmayrefertotheirHeadof HouseandSchoolOfficetomakeoutgoingcallsorusea mobilephoneunderthesupervisionofastaffmember Unlessinanemergency,theStudentOfficeisunableto forwardmessagestostudents Studentsshouldbeaware thattheybringpersonalmobiledevicestotheCollegeat theirownriskandmustberesponsiblefortheircareand security TheCollegedoesnottakeresponsibilityfor stolenitemsandtheCollege’sInsurancedoesnotcover student’spersonalitems
StudentsinYears10to12areexpectedtobringtheirown devicethatwillworkofftheCollegenetworksystem StudentsarerequiredtobringtheirdevicetotheCollege fullychargedandrecentlybacked-upeachday
SPORT Aquinas has a proud sporting history With access to vast playing fields, the river’s edge and modern facilities, students have the ability to experience a range of sporting options available at the College.
Code of Behaviour in Sport Goodsportsmanshipisanintegralpartofsport Itincludes agenerousspirit,truerespectforothersandthegame, graciousnessandasteadfastresistancetotemptations suchasattemptingtogainanunfairadvantage
InadditiontoPhysicalEducationclasses,boyshave theopportunitytoparticipateinsportsincluding;
Summer Term 1 and 4: Basketball,Cricket,Rowing, Swimming,Tennis,VolleyballandWaterPolo
Winter Term 2 and 3: AFL,Athletics,Badminton, CrossCountry,Hockey,RugbyandSoccer
AquinasisamemberofthePublicSchools AssociationofWesternAustraliaandcompetesin summerandwintercompetitionsagainstsixother boys’schoolsinPerth Itisexpectedthatallboys participateinthePSAsportingprogramfromYear4 throughtoYear12
Inter-housecompetitionsalsotakeplacethroughout theyear,includingAthletics,CrossCountry, Swimming,Triathlon,Rowing,winterandsummer sportcarnivals
Thefollowingguidelineshavebeenproducedinorderto preserveandenhancetheeducational,sportingandsocial practicesthatareanembodimentofthestandardsand expectationsofPublicSchoolsAssociation(PSA)schools AllthoseinvolvedinPSAfixtures,betheyplayers,coaches orsupporters,arerequiredtoadheretotheseguidelines
Regardlessofaboy’sphysicalability,webelievesport teachesimportantlifeskillssuchasleadership, teamwork,resilienceandperseverance We encourageourboystolivebalancedlives,inwhich academicworkandphysicalactivityareembraced
SportstrainingforMiddleSchoolstudentsgenerally occuronMondayandWednesdayafternoonsfrom 330pmto500pm Fixturesagainstother PSAschoolstakeplaceonFridayafternoonsfrom 130pmto600pm(dependingonthesport)
ContactNathanEaton,AssistantDirectorofSportnathan.eaton@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Students Positiveandsportsmanlikebehavio exhibitedbyextendingstandardco opposingteamie pre-matchcour recognitionforgoodplay,thanking umpires/refereesandopposingtea match
Deliberateviolenceofanysortisun Verbalprovocationandresponseto provocationisunacceptable Badlanguage,whetherdirectedat spectator,umpire,refereeoroneselfis unacceptable
Theumpire/referee’sdecisionisalwaysfinaland nottobecontested
Immodestbehaviourinvictoryorsuccessand manifestationofself-disgustatanerrororfailure areactsofpoorsportsmanshipandare unacceptable
Unfairorillegaltacticstogainadvantageare unacceptableandshouldneverbeused Studentsareexpectedtogiveprecedenceto representingtheirschoolinPSAfixturesrather thanoutsideclubs
Parents & Other Spectators Childrenappreciatethepresenceandsupportoftheir parents Accordingly,parentsmustalwayssetan exampleofgoodsportsmanshipandgive enthusiasticbutnotexcessiveorinappropriate support Schoolsportisonlyapart,butanimportant part,ofastudent’sfullandbalancededucation
Abalancedapproachtosportandtotheall-round offeringanddemandsofPSAschoolsareexpectedand stronglyencouraged.
Hostschoolparentsareinvitedtoassumesome responsibilityformakingvisitingparentsfeelwelcome Parentsvisitingfromanotherschoolareurgedtorespect thehostschool’spremisesandrulesconcerningparking, tidiness,consumptionofalcohol,etc
Parentsshouldnotgiveadviceduringamatchto coaches,umpires/refereesorplayers
THE ARTS Studying the Arts promotes teamwork, listening skills, personal discipline and commitment
ThereareavarietyofmusicaloptionsatAquinas Collegethataimtocaterforindividualdifferences andinterestsofboysacrossdifferentyearlevels
FromensemblesandbandstotheMiddleSchool Choir,boysareofferedtheopportunitytolearn musicaltheoryandperforminarangeofsettings andcompetitionsacrosstheschoolyear
MiddleSchoolstudentscanalsodeveloptheirskills onstageintheannualMiddleSchoolProduction
Studentsparticipateinauditions,rehearsalsand performancesaspartoftheannualmusical production Theylearnroles,lyricsandchoreography astheyprepareforperformancesforourcommunity
Boysareencouragedtotakepartintheannual productiontodeveloporbroadentheirskills,either ascastorcrewmembers,andenjoytheexperience ofpreparingandperformingalivestageproduction
VisualArtisanotheraspectoftheMiddleSchoolArts programwhichdevelopsboys’creativityanddesign skills Boyslearnkeyaspectsofarangeofartistic stylesandtechniquesacrosstheVisualArts curriculum Theyalsohavetheopportunityto showcasetheirworkintheCollege’sannualArt Exhibitionandenterotherexternalartcompetitions throughouttheyear
BOARDING Year 7 boarders are housed together in Brothers House, an ideal facility for the youngest of our boarders to transition into residential life at the College
Theboysareguidedthroughtheirfirstyearofboarding bytheDirectorofBrothersHousewhooverseesthe care,supervisionanddevelopmentofthestudents
TheDirectorofResidenceisverywellsupportedbythe HouseMother,alongwithanumberofdutysupervisors whoassistwiththepastoralcareoftheboys
AllBrothersHousestaff,alongwiththoseinthesenior houses,strivetocreateapositiveenvironmentfor boarderstogainthemaximumfromtheirstayinour residentialcommunity Themodeldesignedfor boardersatAquinasisbasedontheethosofthe College
Throughouttheweek,Year7boardersfollowset routinesandstructures,ensuringtherightsand privilegesofeachstudentareguaranteed
READ THE BOARDING HANDBOOK
Studyintheeveningstakesplaceinavarietyof includingtheLibrary,DiningHall,andBrothersH Ifstudentsrequireassistancewiththeirstudies, haveaccesstotutors,academicmentors,duty supervisorsandtheAquinasConnectfacilitator
Year7boardersalsohaveaccesstothewideran sportingfacilitiesavailableattheCollege Inadd eachweekendseesadiversemixtureofrecreati eventsmadeavailabletotheboys,astheyare encouragedtokeepactiveintheirsparetime SeniorstudentsrotatethroughBrothersHouse termintheroleofmentors
HEALTH CENTRE The College Health Centre is in the main administration building. Registered nurses provide quality health and emergency care to students during the school year and are an integral part of the College’s pastoral care team
Nursingstaffperformavarietyofrolesincluding healthandinjuryassessmentandcare,management ofaccidentsandemergencies,referraltoalliedhealth professionals,healthpromotion,andarrangeannual Fluvaxforstaffandboardingstudents
ALLstudentsthatareunwellorrequireurgent medicalreviewwillbedirectedtotheHealthCentre forassessmentoftheirillness/injury Theirsupport andcareoptionswillbemanagedfromthere Often studentscanbesupportedtostayatschool,andat othertimesparentswillbecalledtotaketheir studenthomeortoseekamedicalreview
Boarderswhoareunwellmaybeadmittedtothe HealthCentretobecaredforduringthedayand appropriatecarediscussedwiththeirparents Ifastudentisabsentforthreedaysormorethrough illnessforinjury,amedicalcertificateistobesupplied toAttendanceasperschoolpolicy
Of particular importance
AllstudentswhohaveanAnaphylaxis,Asthma,or otherActionPlan,musttaketheirprescribed emergencymedicationsand/orx2currentEpiPens, puffers,alongwiththeirActionPlan(Updatedevery 12-18months),duringallschoolonandoffcampus activities
Pleasenote:AquinasCollegedoesnotsupportany studentself-administeringmedications,otherthan prescribedEmergencyMedications Pleaseliaisewith theHealthCentreifyourequireclarificationregarding this
Allmedicationsthatarerequiredtobeadministeredto aDAYstudentthroughtheschoolday,MUSTbe deliveredtotheHealthCentreintheoriginal pharmacylabelledpackagingforsafeadministration Regularmedicationmaybeadministeredfromthe JuniorSchoolOfficeifsuppliedinapharmacypacked websterpack
General Details health@aquinaswaeduau 94500608
Admin - Health Centre AdminHealthCentre@aquinaswaeduau 94500786
TheCollegeHealthCentrerequiresup-to-datehealth andmedicationinformationforallstudents Thisis gatheredviatheConsent2G,(C2G),platformwhich canbeaccessedatanytimeviatheAquinasParent Portal IfyouhaveanyC2Gissues,pleasecontactICT viahelpdesk@aquinaswaeduau
Principal MrRobertHenderson RobertHenderson@aquinaswaeduau
CONTACT DETAILS College Reception
94500600
Heads of House
Pleaserefertothe
SEQTA-Portal-Middle SchoolPortalpage
Tutors
Pleaserefertothe
SEQTA-Portal-Middle SchoolPortalpage
Middle School Office 94500685
middleschooloffice@aquinaswaeduau
Absentees Middle and Senior School 94500599
Attendance@aquinaswaeduau
ICT Help Desk 94500347
Helpdesk@aquinaswaeduau
Music Department
AquinasMusic@aquinaswaeduau
Learning Support LearningSupport@aquinaswaeduau
Associations and Groups
Vice Principal MsJenKnox jenknox@aquinaswaeduau
Head of Boarding MrRossMeadows RossMeadows@aquinaswaeduau
Head of Middle School MrMichaelDempsey MichaelDempsey@aquinaswaeduau
Head of Academics MsAmandaPecotich AmandaPecotich@aquinaswaeduau
Head of Teaching & Learning K-12 MrBrendanChapman BrendanChapman@aquinaswaeduau
Director of Sport MrBrettSilver BrettSilver@aquinaswaeduau
Head of Arts and Culture MrChrisMcMillan ChrisMcMillan@aquinaswaeduau
Ladies’ Auxiliary
TheroleoftheAuxiliaryistoprovideawelcomingfacetotheAquinas community,helpingnewcomerssettleinandmakenewfriends The Ladies’AuxiliaryalsoorganisesandhostsmanyCollegefunctions Ifyou wouldliketomakeyourselfavailableortofindoutmore,pleasecontact: Ladies.Auxiliary@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Parents’ Support Group (PSG)
TheroleofthePSGistoassiststudentsandstaffoftheCollegeina practicalmannerbyhelpingtoorganiseandconductvariousfunctions andactivitiesthroughouttheCollege Ifyouwouldliketomakeyourself availableortofindoutmore,pleasecontact: PSG@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Aquinas Care
AquinasCareisagroupwithintheCollegeformedtoassistfamiliesinthe Collegecommunitywhomaybeinneed Therearetimeswhenmembers oftheCollegecommunityrequireshorttermsupport,eitherduetoillness orsomeformofcrisis Ifyouwouldliketoregisterasavolunteerplease contact:MareeBrennanAquinasCare@aquinaswaeduau
Parents’ and Friends’ Association
P&Fmeetingsareafantastic opportunityforparentstoengage directlywithCollegeleadersabout theirapproach,challengesand directionstheyaretaking Ifyou wouldliketofindoutmore,please contact:
PandF@aquinaswaeduau
Old Aquinians’ Association
MatthewNoonanCrowe@valentilawyerscomau
Old Aquinians’ Hockey Club
JamieCook-0430554964President@redscomau
Reds Volleyball Club
AnthonyMeo,President president@redsvolleycom
SCHOOL SONG THE SONG OF AQUINAS We ask you Lord to make us strong
To seek the right and spurn the wrong
To raise the flame of Learning’s spark
That lights the mind, dispels the dark, And shows the road Aquinas trod: Truth conquers all for sons of God!
You are the sun, we are the seed
You are the life, we are the breed: Australia’s sons who brave the day
And know that Christ will light the way, Aquinas’ sons, who serve the Lord and sing the praise of God adored!
Words: Mr J Stokes
Music: Br Gerald Crooks, CFC
Our prayer of hope to God ascends
For priests and brothers, teachers, friends
That in the darker hours of youth
Their words will show the way to truth And lead us from the doubts of night
To faith renewed in morning’s light.
The sweetest sound of bat on ball,
The soaring leap, the urgent call, The rhythmic pace, the easy skill, And flexing muscle, steel the will:
The red and black will strive once more And hope becomes a surging roar!
And some there are have gone before Aquinas’ sons who died in war
For right they fought, like men they died
And men recall their names with pride. Our hymn of praise for them we sing They live in light with Christ our King
By Canning waters still serene
In playing fields of mellow green
Where Chapel stone enshrines the hours
Aquinas dreams from sunlit towers
And prayer enkindles faith again
That God will make us worthy men
We ask you Lord to make us strong
To seek the right and spurn the wrong
To raise the flame of Learning’s spark
That lights the mind, dispels the dark, And shows the road great Edmund trod: Truth conquers all for sons of God!
THE AQUINAS PRAYER God, grant me the grace to open myself completely to your Holy Spirit, that I may be led into all truth; The truth of your Word and the truth of a daily life which glorifies you
May no-one be caused to stumble by any word or action of mine; may no-one be poorer because of my neglect or thoughtlessness
Touch my mind, so that I may think of you; touch my eyes, that I may see others as you see them; touch my lips, so that my words might comfort, encourage or rebuke as necessary; touch my hands, so that all tasks might be performed well; touch my heart, my innermost being, so that your love might guide me Amen
Invocation
Saint Thomas Aquinas:
R: Pray for us
Blessed Edmund Rice:
R: Pray for us
Live Jesus in our Hearts: R: Forever
In imitation of Edmund Rice, students are welcome to make a visit to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament of our College Chapel
CLASSROOMMAP AngelicvmE4
AttendanceSecondarySchoolE5
Designand TechnologyF5
C3
BrPaullCentreF4 EdmundRice AdministrationC6
BrothersHouseA9
CanteenF5
C9
PerrottMathematics &ICTWingE5
B10
C7 Visitor ReceptionD3
GroundsFacilityH6 MaryKerrArtsCentre “McAppionTheatre”D7
E6 CareerCentreC6
A12 ChapelofSaint ThomasAquinas D5
