Illuminare, Edition #1 2022

Edition 1 2022

Edition 1 2022 | 1

Let us sing out, let it ring out, llluminare Hand in hand now we will stand now Et Ardere As our light burning bright turns our courage to flame United our hearts will remain.

United our hearts will remain.

Aquinas has joined us as one Our dreams and our hearts are but young The years stretch before us with promise unsung And we face them together as one.

Let us sing out, let it ring out, llluminare Hand in hand now we will stand now Et Ardere As our light burning bright turns our courage to flame United our hearts will remain.

United our hearts will remain.

As we grow and we pass through the years And we learn from the joys and the tears From people we've loved and from challenges met Oh, may we never forget.

Let us sing out, let it ring out, llluminare Hand in hand now we will stand now Et Ardere As our light burning bright turns our courage to flame United our hearts will remain.

United our hearts will remain.

As we follow the Lord's leading way Standing strong as the years fall away The light of His glory will make us all one The new day has only begun.

Let us sing out, let it ring out, llluminare Hand in hand now we will stand now Et Ardere As our light burning bright turns our courage to flame United our hearts will remain.

United our hearts will remain.

Aquinas College Illuminare Editor: Rebecca Presta Design & Composition: Emily Scott 2 | ILLUMINARE

In this

Edition 4

From the Principal

5

Living our Core Values

6

College Captains

7

Thank you and Farewell

8

Celebrating Excellence

12

Leading Lights

18

Term 1 Snapshot

22

Second Generation

24

Aquinas Alumni

26

In Memoriam

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From the

Principal I predict that in the future we will be able to self apply a simple nasal swab, soak this in a reagent and place a few drops on a plastic test strip to determine if we have a virus and all from the comfort of our home…hang on! Okay, Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are not necessarily as accurate as a laboratory test and you probably should secure a supply chain first…but how good is science! RATs, in the hands of a school community taking the responsibility of infection control seriously, has meant that we have navigated the start of the year very successfully and with only minimal interruption. As someone of an optimistic disposition anyway, I must admit to feeling nervous as the Omicron variant sent our community infection numbers off the scale as school resumed. What reassured me most were the smiling faces that came in our gates each day - students and staff - clearly pleased to be back at school and looking forward to the year ahead.

Of course, a key element of schooling that students missed during lockdown relates to their socialisation. Despite adolescents having ready access to online social networks, it seems that these cannot adequately replicate the rewards of in-person interaction. Johann Hari in ‘Stolen Focus’, a book tantalising sub-titled: ‘Why you can’t pay attention - and how to think deeply again’ dedicates a section to the value of unstructured play for children and casual observation of our school yard provides a wealth of evidence that important learning takes place through play.

There are multiple groups who have organised a downball game. They have established the rules, are resolving disputes, accepting failure and joining the end of the queue to try again. All without adult intervention. Others have formed groups to share stories. As they lean forward intently, it is clear that the storyteller is sharing something captivating and the occasional outburst of hysterical laughter rewards these emerging raconteurs. Entry to these groups is invitational and will, occasionally, lead to feelings of exclusion and all the associated emotions. These are some of the most important things we learn to navigate when growing up and struggle to replicate online.

Trying to draw conclusions about the impact of COVID-19 on our school community over the last two years is fraught with danger. Firstly, it suggests that the pandemic is over and secondly, it requires a series of generalisations to be made about the experience. It is patently clear that some people 4 | ILLUMINARE

have had very different experiences to others.

Our Celebrate! Excellence Evening on February 28 acknowledged students who had achieved outstanding results in 2021…and there were many of them. In fact, it was one of our best years on record in regards to VCE results with 31 students receiving ATARS of over 90 placing them in the top 10% in Australia. Our dux was Reuben Steen with an exceptional ATAR of 99.9. In any other year, Tanisha Wu (99.75), or Mikaela Tenney (99.2) may well have topped the school and their amazing achievement puts them in the top 1% of all graduates. We also recognised excellence in VCAL and vocational learning, arts, sport, service and academics in Years 7 to 11.

Talented and accomplished musicians performed during the evening, adding to the showcase of outstanding student effort.

We have also celebrated excellence in our alumni community recently and invited some of our Leading Lights back to the College. Our 2022 candidates are Marty Alix (Arts and Entertainment), Luke Brouwer (Service), Rebecca Glenn (Science), David Powell (Sport), Ruby Tribe (Service and Health), and Angela Wood (Community Service). Unfortunately, only David, Rebecca and Ruby could join us in person, but we acknowledged all six candidates at our celebration cocktail party. Rebecca and Ruby also spoke to students during the day on their experiences since leaving Aquinas as students and, hopefully, inspired the next generation to make a difference. This edition of Illuminare includes profiles of our Leading Lights so that you can appreciate the great contribution these past students are making in their chosen fields.

The Aquinas College mission statement says that we aim to be people with ‘a hopeful spirit’. We often use powerful imagery to describe what this might mean: a flame shining light in the darkness, or a lighthouse guiding sailors safely into the harbour. As Christians on a Lenten journey towards Easter, we will feel the despair and hopelessness of the crucifixion only to rise triumphantly in hope again with our Lord.

Hope, in these terms, is more than just a fancy, it is a promise of new beginnings and what could be more liberating as we start a new school year.

Welcome to our first edition of Illuminare for 2022 and our focus on celebrating so much of which we should feel proud as an Aquinas community.

Darren Atkinson - Principal

Living our

Core Values Across all aspects of College life, be it curriculum, socialisation, or extracurricular activities, our students, staff and the broader community are encouraged to connect and bring to life the College’s Core Values - Belonging, Stewardship, Perseverance, Compassion, Justice and Spirituality.

These Core Values are the pillars which support the College’s Vision and Mission and we strive to embed them so that they may not only become second nature to our students and staff, but also give our community a tangible representation of our Catholic identity.

Naturally, being the commencement of the year, there is a strong focus on our Belonging Core Value as we welcome new staff and students to the College. Our Year 7 students in particular have had the opportunity to embody this core value through various activities, camps and classroom opportunities. They have focused on discovering their place in our local and global community; learning who they are and understanding the importance of respecting the other members of their cohort.

Our Compassion and Justice Core Values are also a strong focus during Term 1 as we launch the Project Compassion campaign. Many of you may remember fundraising for Caritas as students of Aquinas and this tradition continues. Caritas Australia works around the world to help provide a hand up not just a hand out. The students are drawing on their kindness and generosity informed by Catholic Social Teachings to raise funds and awareness about Project Compassion and how it supports communities' dignity by helping people to gain stability in a sustainable way.

While these Core Values have been an obvious focus this term, it doesn’t mean that Core Values of Stewardship, Perseverance and Spirituality have not been a part of our day to day College life. Across activities and events such as Year 9 Challenge Walks, the Cafe N9ne program, Opening Mass and liturgies, and Celebrate! Excellence Awards evening, through to tending the College chickens or simply recycling cups, our students and staff are living these Core Values everyday, and developing fully as Catholic witnesses in our community.

Tania Grace - Assistant Principal - Mission

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College

Captains I am honoured to be one of the College Captains for 2022. My interest in the role began when I started at Aquinas as a Year 7 in 2017. Over the years I have been inspired by past leaders of the College.

I admired the enthusiasm they brought to the role and their efforts in creating a positive school experience.

The past two years have created obstacles for us all, however the College community was able to come together and provide the best learning environment they could under the challenging circumstances. 2022 offers a new hope of a return to face-to-face learning and the opportunity to be involved in working towards a new normal inspired me to apply for the role of College Captain. It has become a personal goal to give back to the College community and to be a valued representative of the student body.

When I told my parents and family that my application for the role of College Captain had been successful they were extremely proud. It meant so much to them that I was chosen to represent such a prestigious College and experience this rare opportunity in my final year at Aquinas. I hope to learn new skills and experience personal growth that will allow me to develop a new confidence.

A message to those in the younger year levels, if you have an interest in becoming a part of the leadership team, it’s never too late to put yourself forward. Your secondary school journey will fly by, so make the most of the leadership opportunities Aquinas College offers. These may be formal or informal roles such as sporting captains, class captains, music captains or even volunteering to get involved with school tours. Additionally, it is a fantastic way to meet like minded people who share a similar interest in putting themselves forward and actively seeking personal growth.

2022 is a year filled with hope. We have learnt to be resilient and have faced many challenges along the way. We have worked hard to be where we are today so we deserve to enjoy and celebrate this school year!

Bailey Leatch - 2022 College Captain

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After many years of collaboration with leadership teams at Aquinas, it seemed like the most natural decision to apply for College Leadership. Whilst I remained unsure of which role I wanted to hold in 2022, I knew that applying for leadership was something I’d like to do. It took many conversations and considerations that led me to my final application decision, but the end result proved to be an incredible honour!

Looking at how leadership has worked in the past few years at Aquinas, I am filled with great excitement to see opportunities arise for all students, and being able to contribute to the creation of said opportunity is a task I look forward to completing.

In the hopes of leaving a legacy as a spiritually strong leader, the emphasis on collaboration as a school community will be something of high importance to me, bringing together a harmonious school life!

My advice to all junior students whether or not they aim for leadership positions is to be open minded. Be open to new ideas, new opinions and new interactions because that is what will set you up for a fruitful life. Understand that there may be hardships you face in your high school journey, but be intentional in your pursuit of purpose as you grow over the next few years.

Levi Mugamu - 2022 College Captain

I humbly accept my role as a student leader of Aquinas College.

I pray in the spirit of Saint Thomas Aquinas, May my conduct be pleasing to You, May I serve the Aquinas community with wisdom and compassion.

Give me the grace and faithful perseverance to guide me through this year.

Amen.

Thank you

and Farewell

Julie Harding - 23 years service

Janet Blackwell - 21 years service

Leo Franken - 18 years service

Chris Kelly - 10 years service

Rosie Lloyd - 7 years service Edition 1 2022 | 7

Cel

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lebrating

ellence In early March, the Aquinas College community came together to Celebrate! Excellence.

We acknowledged the academic, community, performance and sporting achievements across all years levels and celebrated the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2021. Congratulations to all students who received awards. We are very proud of you all.

2021 College Dux, Reuben Steen, shared some words of wisdom to the eager students, parents and peers: "Firstly, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of school, and it might feel like every year the pressure piles higher and higher trust me, I felt it. To deal with that, one thing that helped me so much was to just relax, laugh, and make jokes with my friends at lunch, recess, and after school.

While it is obviously important to work hard, make sure you enjoy yourself too. Believe it or not, I definitely

didn’t study 12 hours a day. You have to find a balance, and don’t forget to have fun.

Secondly, build a good rapport with your teachers, or in other words, let them know that you're grateful for their work and act interested in what they’re teaching you, even if it’s English. Always say thank you after lessons, participate in class, and ask questions. Just remember, your teachers are the ones that know the subject back to front, so if you want to do well, they’ll be the ones to help you get there.

My final piece of advice, which is pretty much my entire personality, is to work smarter, not harder. Don’t waste your time. If you know a task isn’t going to help you learn, have a conversation with your teacher to see if you can maybe do something else instead that’ll be worth your time and effort."

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Our high

Achievers Patrick Ryan Award

Reuben Steen

for the College Dux

Senior VCAL Award

Tobi Johnson

for the highest achieving Senior VCAL student

VCE Perfect Score Award Perfect score of 50

Kaelan Boundy Physical Education

Reuben Steen Physics

Tanisha Wu Business Management

VCE Award of Excellence for ATARS over 90

Liam Beltrami Stefanie Etchells Erin Gualano Ethan Kadlis Benjamin Mancarella Rory O'Brien Emilia Santoro Bradley Steer Buster Todd Tanisha Wu

Lachlan Blakiston Shanae Fantin Jamie Hanrahan Ethan Liu Charlotte McGrath Laura Peterson Grace Scutt Mikaela Tenney Elise Walsh Michelle Wynne

Sienna De Vink Brianna Fitzmaurice Ling Jiang Chloe Maglica Tianyi Mei Goerge Sajive Reuben Steen Samara Terpstra Jing Wang

VCAL atEAST Awards

Mitchell Medson Ebony Smith

Grace Mitchell Heather Sutton

Dave Malia Award

Emily Waryszczuk

for academic achievement and excellence in Humanities

Evelyn Hine Award

Karissa Chowdary

for academic achievement and excellence in Drama

Jan Roczniak Award

Mikaela Tenney

for the female Dux of Science

Mark Campbell Award

Molly Daley

for excellent commitment to the Performing Arts

VET Awards

Jacqui Pisa

Breanna Wynd

Top Design Award

Alice Hong

Design and Technology

Visual Art Award

Sarah Crosbie

for a Year 12 student who has excelled in two or more visual art subjects

Shared Stories Anthology

Tyson Langsdon

Music Award

Jay Hills

Aquinas Film Fest

Xavier Hedderwick Isabella D’Alessandro, Hannah Manders, Keira Whelan

Deakin Shield

Alexander Robinson

for the highest achieving student in Year 11 VCE

Intermediate VCAL Award

Mitchell Bowring

for the highest achieving Intermediate VCAL student

Spirit of Aquinas Award

Year 12: Charlise Smith Year 11: Amber Majic Year 10: Jackson Boundy Year 9: Connor Haughie & Monique Bambery Year 8: Lucy Scutt Year 7: Ria Jijose

in recognition of their contribution within and beyond the Aquinas community and embodying the core values of the College

Edmund Rice Award

Dylan Tudor

for community services

ADF Long Tan Youth Award

Chloe North-Coombes

for leadership and teamwork

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar

Nathan Magpantay

Athletes of the Year

Alyssa Martin Grace Higgins Alexandra Oldaker Anthony Jordan

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for passion and focus in classroom music through to Year 12

Tharwin Prarom Joshua Nester Eden Smith Elise Keegan

Director’s Cut Award People’s Choice Award

Junior Swimming Senior Swimming Junior Athletics Senior Athletics

Congratulations

Class of 2021 31

33%

students gained an ATAR over 90

ATARs 80 and above

Top 3 ATAR results

99.9

99.75

99.2

Reuben Steen College Dux

Tanisha Wu

Mikaela Tenney

Study Scores of 50 Kaelen Boundy

Reuben Steen

Physical Education

Tanisha Wu

Physics

(Year 11 student)

Business Management

VCAL class of 39 students

25

have converted to full time apprenticeships

8

have completed their traineeships and currently interviewing

While we celebrate the 2021 ATAR results and VCAL achievements at Aquinas College, our measure of success does not rely on a single score. We encourage all of our students to develop an awareness of God in their lives, value the connectedness of human relationships, foster a sense of justice, and a hopeful spirit. This is our measure of success.

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It was a pleasure to welcome our 2022 Leading Lights to officially induct them as inspiring Aquinas Alumni.

It was an honour to hear and share their outstanding achievements with the College community.

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

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Marty Alix

Peer Year 2013 Arts and Entertainment

Graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2017, Marty performed in several mainstage and independent productions.

These included Spamalot, Bring It On, Rent, and In The Heights.

Marty received Sydney Theatre Awards nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Newcomer, and a Helpmann Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Marty was awarded the Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Hamilton at the 2021 Sydney Theatre Awards.

Marty enthusiastically participates in the development of new work, and is passionate about the performing arts.

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Luke Brouwer Peer Year 2009 Service

Understanding that infrastructure and water are critical to the wellbeing of all communities, and with a keen interest in this field, Luke studied a Masters of Engineering (Civil). Throughout university, Luke volunteered at the local St Vincent de Paul, becoming Vinnies Oceania Youth Representative, attending both the Spain and Panama World Youth Day in this capacity.

It was through volunteering internationally along with developing infrastructure skills that Luke was fortunate to join Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) as a Construction Manager in Somaliland, delivering critical infrastructure in the battle against Tuberculosis.

Rebecca Glenn Peer Year 1998 Science

Rebecca is a Forensic Investigator with the NSW Police Force. She gained her expertise in Crime Scene Investigation and is accredited with the Australasian Forensic Science Assessment Body.

Rebecca’s work involves the investigation and interpretation of a range of scenes and her expertise is called upon in numerous settings including fires, shootings, missing persons and homicides. She has committed to years of study and has further developed her skills in the field. Rebecca’s list of credentials indicates expertise in disaster victim identification, bloodstain pattern analysis and biological and chemical enhancement.

David Powell Peer Year 2009 Sport

David is a two-time member of the Australian Olympic Team having represented Table Tennis at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. After graduating, he represented clubs throughout Poland and Germany. He has been the Oceania Cup Champion multiple times, achieved No.2 in Australia and a World Ranking of 110, and represented Australia at two Commonwealth Games.

David has been inducted into the Table Tennis Victoria Junior Hall of Fame and is the youngest inductee into Victorian Senior Hall of Fame. He holds a Bachelor of Education and is an influential leader who uses his positive attitude to encourage young players to work hard and follow their dreams.

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Ruby Tribe Peer Year 2014 Service and Health

While undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing studies, Ruby was encouraged to apply for a cadetship program at St Vincent’s Hospital. Offered the role of Cadetship Coordinator for the Aboriginal Health Unit, Ruby became the youngest person to chair this position.

During the pandemic, Ruby worked on the front lines with the homeless and indigenous population. She is currently a Registered Nurse at the medically safe injecting rooms.

Ruby aspires to work with rural indigenous communities to gain access to adequate healthcare to close the gap. She is proudly carrying on the passion ignited in her during her time at Aquinas in her role as a FIRE Carrier.

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Angela Wood Peer Year 1995 Community Service

Angela always had big dreams and an inherent drive to seek opportunities to help those in need. As a mother and a teacher, it was witnessing women doing it tough in her neighbourhood that called Angela to respond as she had years before as part of the Aquinas social justice outreach program.

Angela decided to start up an organisation that donates baby and parenting goods to disadvantaged families, and Big Group Hug was born. As Founder and Program Director, Angela has appeared on numerous podcasts and television programs raising awareness for the charitable organisation which has helped thousands of families and is assisted by over 200 volunteers.

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Term 1

Snapshot

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Term 1

Snapshot

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Second

Generation In 2022, we welcomed over 40 students into Year 7 who continued their family tradition of attending Aquinas College.

Here are our second generation students for this year.

Student

Aquinas Alumni

Leah

Amanda Anderson (Proctor) Richard Anderson

Coby

Peer Year

Student

Aquinas Alumni

1990 1990

Jonathan

David Marraffa Jaclyn Marraffa (Castelucci)

1997 1998

Ian Bradshaw (Grandfather)

1970

Lenny

Patrick Matthews

1993

Noah

Melanie Barclay (Hess)

1997

Ben

James McCallum

1986

Darcy

Kate Butler (Stammers)

1995

Hugh

Peter Mercuri

1997

Charlie

Monique Cooper (Challinor)

1991

James

Peter Mercuri

1997

Mia

Anthony Cullen

1999

Milla

Rob Moran

1995

Benjamin

Michael De Navi Caroline De Navi (Mcallister)

1991 1991

Xavier

Melissa Niemann (Onofrio)

1994

Lily

Sonia Dixon (Gioia)

1997

Jessica

Daniel North-Coombes Fran North-Coombes (Sorace)

1994 1993

Honor

Kim Dempsey

1991

Julian

Stephen O’Brien

1984

Rebecca

Michelle Fletcher (Cullen)

1994

Antonio

Anthony Pezzano

1994

Emily

Nadine Forder (Aromataris)

1992

Jacinta

Janine Piper (Box)

1986

Milania

Carlene Foster (Volombello)

1995

Blade

Maureen Platt (McKenna)

1985

Ruby

Emma Foster (Downes)

1993

Summer

Paul Rees

1992

Connor

Brianna Fouche

1998

Annie

Ashley

Carolyn Glennie (Jansen) Peter Glennie

1997 1997

Jessica Rees (Pote) Lucas Rees

1993 1993

Jade

Melanie Richardson (Gleeson)

1987

Charlie

Jacqueline Thom Luke Higgins

1998 1999

Alyssa

Adam Rickerby

1998

Mikaela

Rachael Hood (Jenkins)

1995

Riley

Stephanie Sear (Arthur)

1999

Dylan

Natalie Jones (Espinheiro)

1996

Billy

Belinda Semos (Meehan) Nathan Semos

1993 1993

Camden

Hayley David

1991

Aayla-Anij

Samantha Stallbaum (Santamaria)

1991

Leila

Shane Jones Cecelia Jones (Visser)

1988 1990

Jethro

Joanne Steen (Mansour)

1996

Ben

Warwick Kane

1998

Fynn

Belinda Svrakov (Pravidur) David Svrakov

1992 1994

William

Sean Kennealy

1992

Khalia

Danielle Taumoefolau (Collard)

1994

Max

Danielle Lorkin (Glassborow)

1997

Cameron

Desiree Terrill (Tyssen)

1994

Brittany

Hazel Maffia (Cleary)

1995

Samuel

Chris Tynan

1996

Jemima

Tania Markic

1985

Platt Family

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Higgins Family

Peer Year

Hood Family

PLATT FAMILY

“I can’t believe it’s 42 years since I started at Aquinas.

My twin sister and I were the youngest of nine McKennas to attend the College and so January 1980 was a very exciting time for us! When I attended Aquinas, most of the girls had short hair and even shorter dresses, and we sunbaked at lunch time, removing our ankle socks and t-bar sandals to make sure we didn’t get any tan lines! No hats were required at school, lessons were delivered on blackboards with chalk and dusters, we had an annual fete in the quadrangle and did pottery and sewing as part of our curriculum. There were still nuns teaching at the school and there was a co-ed area between the girls’ and boys’ schools should you want to mix with the opposite sex at recess or lunch.

We had a tuckshop, run by parents, where the fare was cream buns, tubs of Nutella and twistie rolls!

The Aquinas School song was introduced when I was in Year 7, written by our teachers, Michael Kelly and Howard Draper. It was sung with gusto in 1980 as I believe it still is today. I particularly loved the Girls' School - we were a tight knit community and it felt like a sisterhood. In my time we mourned the tragic deaths of Mary Anne Lynch and Jacqui Slattery keenly, and even recently as my year level lost our school captain Michelle Bilston, it was clear that the Aquinas bonds still hold strong.

When we moved to the Senior School for Years 11 and 12, we were in co-ed classes and called some of our teachers by their first names – so cool! I was in the 1984 School production of “Man of Steel” playing the villainous Olga de Volga – the show was directed by Dave Malia and I pray daily that no recording of it has survived! I did my HSC in 1985 and still see my friends from Aquinas regularly. My husband, who didn’t attend Aquinas, can’t believe how I can know so many people from one school! But Aquinas is like that - a real community, and associations that were made so long ago remain strong to this day. I truly hope that my son Blade has the same experience of secondary school that I did and I wish him, and the 2022 Year 7 cohort, a wonderful Aquinas journey!”

Maureen (McKenna) Platt, 1985 Blade Platt, Year 7

HIGGINS FAMILY

Jacqueline graduated in 1998 is now a Sergeant in the Victorian Police Force and has been in the force since 2011. Luke graduated 1999 and is now a Project Manager for an electrical company and has been in the industry since 2000. Grace is currently in Year 12; Sam is in Year 8 and Charlie has just begun as a Year 7 student.

JACOBS FAMILY

“I studied at Aquinas and went on to study at Box Hill Tech after being very well supported by Aquinas to focus my learning around the fashion industry. I went on to work in Bridal wear and later furniture and other aspects of fashion before turning to more the spiritual aspects of guiding others. From the age of 18 I started my business part-time then owned a shop in Lilydale and then went on to be known internationally as Psychic Medium. Assisting in missing person and murder cases. My daughter has just completed Year 12 at Aquinas,Talia Smiton who is now heading to Deakin to study Psychology. My son Camden is now attending Aquinas and is in Year 7.”

Hayley David, 1991 Camden Jacobs, Year 7

MATTHEWS FAMILY

After graduating, Patrick went to the Victorian College of the Arts to study theatre. He loved the backstage work but didn't really gel with being on stage so completed his theatre studies at Holmesglen Tafe. He then started work in the car industry whilst dabbling in semi professional theatre. This is where he met his future wife.

Patrick then became a qualified shopfitter and started working in film and television set building, using his shopfitting carpenter skills to build some of Australia's famous sets including The Dressmaker, The Preacher, Netflix's Clickbait and Channel 10’s Neighbours. He is still donating his set building skills to local schools and theatre companies when time allows. Patrick is studying again to become a VCAL teacher as he hopes to be the first Victorian set building teacher and find a way to add it to the Victorian curriculum. Their youngest child Lenny, started at Aquinas as a solo starter this year and loves being in Coach Kelly's homegroup.

Patrick Molloy, 1993 Lenny Matthews, Year 7

HOOD FAMILY

“I finished Aquinas in 1995 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Business at Swinburne University. I married Doug in 2004 and we had Mikaela in 2009 who has just started Year 7 at Aquinas. I ran my own business for 20 years as a finance broker and now work as Admin/Student Liaison for a Healthcare company. I still remember and love the school song and am still friends with many people from my years at Aquinas.”

Rachael Hood, 1985 Mikaela Hood, Year 7

Luke Higgins, 1999 & Jacqueline Thom, 1998 Charlie Higgins, Year 7

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Aquinas

Alumni CLASS OF 2011 10 YEAR REUNION Our 10 year reunion was held at The Coach in Ringwood on Friday 25th February. It was fantastic to catch up with old friends who we may have seen the weekend before and some who we may have not seen since our last days together at Aquinas.

Many of us have tied the knot with our significant others, become homeowners, have begun successful careers and have children of our own. It was great to hear everyone’s stories about their journey in life after Aquinas and reminisce on the great times we shared together while we were students.

Jeff Harrington - Peer Year 2011

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Where are

they now?

TORI HOWARD-LONG, 2011

JASON SMITH, 2011

After graduating from Aquinas College, Tori went on to complete her Bachelor of Nursing at Victoria University. Tori then completed her Graduate year as a Registered Nurse in 2015, where she found her passion in the emergency department, later completing her Graduate Certificate of Emergency Nursing. Tori has been an emergency nurse for seven years now, currently working as a clinical nurse specialist in ED. Tori also works part time as a cosmetic nurse injector, completing a Certificate in Cosmetic Injectables. Tori has been fortunate to do some travelling, she backpacked Vietnam and Cambodia, and has travelled to Thailand, New Zealand and Japan. In 2018, Tori and her now husband purchased their first home and have a beautiful one year old daughter.

Graduating from Aquinas, Jason was torn between following his interest in psychology or aligning with the suggestions from mentors to follow a business oriented path. As the well-marketed Old El Paso saying goes ‘por qué no los dos?’, and that’s exactly what Jason did. Jason graduated Deakin University with a major in psychology and marketing and is now the primary Marketing Manager for Rubicon Water, a company dedicated to developing technology to improve the availability of the world’s agricultural water. Jason also maintains a freelance marketing gig in his spare time, advising and developing campaigns for a handful of businesses across FMCG, energy and agricultural industries.

Outside of career centric achievements, Jason is recently married to his primary school crush – they both own a house together that is engulfed in house plants and ruled by their fur-baby cat named Pip.

GABRIELLE PHILLIPS, 2011 Since graduating in 2011, Gabrielle has been lucky to forge a career in the Community Health sector managing Government funded packages designed to provide housing security to individuals. Gabrielle obtained an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences in 2015 and is currently in her final year of a postgraduate, Master of Social Work. This year Gabrielle and her partner are extending their home and getting married on the anniversary of the their 10th year together. They are both excited about the opening of international borders and planning a trip to Mexico to celebrate their 2022 achievements.

Share your news about births, engagements, marriages, in memoriam or outstanding achievements to feature in Illuminare.

Email illuminare@aquinas.vic.edu.au or phone (03) 9259 3000 Edition 1 2022 | 25

In Memoriam

VALE DES HEARN

VALE FR KEVIN MOGG

Earlier this year we learnt of the sad passing of Mr Des Hearn. Des has been at Aquinas for many years and loved being a part of this community.

His good friend, Dennis Sartory, shared some kind words to celebrate his life.

In February this year, Fr Kevin Melville Mogg AM passed away, just two months short of his 90th birthday. Fr Kevin served the local Church of Melbourne for more than 65 years, spent more than five decades as a leader in Catholic social services, founding Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV), and officiated at Aquinas College Masses in the early 1990s.

“Des was a unique spirit. He had a unique ability to talk openly and respectfully with the highly educated as well as those with life challenges including the homeless. Our friendship was strong because we didn’t always see eye to eye with opinion, conversation and observations. This always made every outing very special and engaging. I always looked forward to indulging in wonderful conversation as well as the many strangers from all walks of life who passed us during our many adventures.

Des experienced standing in the active zone at a Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City soccer derby at AAMI. When he first went, as a passionate AFL supporter, he started telling everyone to sit down as they usually do at an AFL match…but not at a soccer match. He received some stern looks from those nearby but I defused the moment by telling them that he is an AFL supporter and this was his first time. All was good.

Once he understood the culture of standing and singing continuously for 90 minutes he really got into it. And he mentioned many times after that match how much he enjoyed that night because it was so new to him.

Des would often ask me to come and watch him umpire local cricket; or catch up with him to see a movie at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville; or grab lunch at the Cave in Boronia. It was a pleasure to spend time with him and enjoy these special moments together.

A unique friendship was created by a unique engaging human being.”

26 | ILLUMINARE

Fr Kevin was ordained on 22 July 1956 at St Patrick's Cathedral, and over the years spent time in various parishes around the Archdiocese including Bentleigh, Heidelberg West, Ringwood North and Mornington. Fr Kevin was appointed Rector at Corpus Christi College (Glen Waverly and then Clayton), before being appointed as Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Ringwood North where he spent more than 20 years serving our local community. Fr Kevin was a tireless and inspirational leader, educator, and advocate for the vulnerable.

Fr Kevin's dedication to the Church and towards creating a just society had been a lifelong mission, and he encouraged many others to take part in this mission, too.

Indulge with a coffee and a freshly baked cake, muffin or slice, or enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast.

Tuesday - Friday During School Terms 8.30am – 11.30am Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre Aquinas College

Each student spends a week working in Café N9ne. The experience provides a range of specific literacy, numeracy and hospitality skills which can assist when looking for casual work, as well as soft skills such as collaboration, team work, respect, punctuality and confidence building.

The Café is open to the public and parents are encouraged to visit.

We look forward to seeing you!

View the menu here

An opportunity for business owners of our Aquinas Community

The Parents and Friends Network has embarked on creating an Aquinas College Business Directory to support the small businesses of our community.

• Membership to the Business Directory is specifically for parents/guardians and alumni of the College.

• It will offer the broader Aquinas community convenient links and contact information to businesses owned by members of the College community.

• It will be accessible by all members of the public via the Aquinas College website.

All commercial businesses from across the services, industries and trades are welcome to apply. If you wish to be considered for entry into the Aquinas Business Directory, please submit an application here or contact pandf@aquinas.vic.edu.au.

Please note, the P&F Network reserves the right to assess that the business application meets the criteria and is suitable for inclusion in the Business Directory.

Edition 1 2022 | 27

SHARE YOUR NEWS We would love to hear from our Aquinas College Alumni. Share your news about births, engagements, marriages, in memoriam or outstanding achievements to feature in upcoming editions of Illuminare.

If you have any historical information for our archives, email your news, photos and information with your contact details to: illuminare@aquinas.vic.edu.au

Receive future editions of Illuminare straight to your inbox. Update or register your details at www.aquinas.vic.edu.au/alumni or click here.

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