Illuminare Edition 2 2022

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

Aquinas College acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and travel upon and pay our respects to the Elders, both past and present. We recognise, acknowledge and respect the history, culture, diversity and value of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In

Aquinas

Studying

Aquinas in the News

Celebrating 50 Years

from our Alumni

Where are they now?

Advice

From the Principal

DISCOVER YOUR PATH

The theme of this edition of Illuminare is "Discover Your Path” and, amongst other news from the College, you will hear stories shared by some of our alumni regarding their post-school destinations. It is always interesting to hear others talk about their vocations. Our graduates often follow the most varied and interesting of careers. We also know our young people have more diverse post-school opportunities than ever before and that assisting them to navigate these options requires expertise. Our lexicon now includes the word “pathways” to describe a broad range of processes and resources aimed at helping students and their families make timely choices that help to chart a course.

In its simplest form, a pathway is just another way of describing a track. However, for our purposes, the Collins dictionary definition: “a course of action as a way of achieving a specified result”, is more meaningful. What is the difference and why does it matter? Well, firstly a track is often described as meandering, winding and narrow. Secondly, especially when it comes to activities like bushwalking, we sometimes follow tracks that don’t go anywhere. If the track disappears we have to back-track to find another route to our destination. For many of us, this probably describes the path that our own careers have taken.

A pathway should be purposeful and the actions required to get to the destination should be identifiable and practical. To this extent, it is similar to the visible learning framework that underpins our learning program - the learning is intentional and the success criteria is known and shared. We want pathways that can address the diverse needs of all members of our student community and believe that every student should “find their place” at Aquinas. We need to believe that our young people can learn; have different needs; can reach their full potential; and, will not all reach their destination via the same route, or at the same time.

This sounds obvious. Yet, much of the infrastructure that allows this to occur has entered schools during my lifetime. I remember schooling where students only stayed at school for senior years if they planned to go to university. The mass exodus at the end of Year 10 was so entrenched in our systems that no-one seemed to question whether

it was appropriate. We now understand that there are ways of successfully integrating schooling and work readiness in the senior years and appreciate that there are well researched protective benefits by staying connected to school. I was fortunate to go to a good school and felt that the teachers cared about us all doing well, but we came back for our (limited subject range) matriculation with greatly depleted student numbers. Our pathways were relatively linear. By the time my own children were in secondary school things had changed dramatically. Not only was there a broad range of subject offerings at school, there was a seemingly infinite choice of tertiary courses to consider and a variety of entry points.

Our retention rates through to Year 12 are very high at Aquinas. Of the 300 students who commenced Year 7 in 2017, 250 remain enrolled in Year 12 this year, despite the COVID-19 disruption which saw a small number turn to virtual schooling and other alternative options when the return to onsite attendance seemed overwhelming. The students missing from the current cohort are generally those who have graduated into apprenticeship programs and full time work and we should celebrate these great outcomes as well. These students, each with a unique outcome, are our success stories. The data from On Track, a survey of graduates undertaken by the Department of Education and Training indicates that the overwhelming majority of Aquinas students still choose, at least initially, to undertake higher education at universities. This data shows 65% of the females and 73% of the males who responded to the survey have enrolled at university and most, probably, still required an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) to gain entrance to their chosen course of study.

Creating an environment in which those who desire high ATAR scores can excel remains central to our vision and our good VCE results are testament to the commitment of staff, students and parents/guardians to this end. Earlier this year we celebrated with Alice Hong as her Product Design was selected for the VCE Seasons of Excellence and put on display in the Melbourne Museum. Recently, I had the great fortune of attending the VCE Premier's Awards to celebrate the success of Tanisha Wu and Kaelan Boundy who scored perfect scores in Business Management and Physical Education, respectively, in 2021. While this awards ceremony

brings together over 300 students from across Victoria who are elite in terms of their academic achievements, those selected to be showcased still described uncertainty as to what the future may hold. A high score might provide more options, but it does not seem to make the quest to find your passion any easier.

I’m proud to be able to describe Aquinas as an “early adopter” in many regards when it comes to vocational options for students and, when the Firth Review of senior secondary pathways was being undertaken, we were selected for consultation. A key finding of this review means that from 2023 there will be a common Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) for all senior students with a vocational stream for those who seek these competencies. The review hopes that these changes will help remove some of the stigma that lingers, that continues to place more value on an ATAR than the flourishing alternative pathways.

Post-compulsory education is a rapidly changing space at present. A group of Catholic schools from the Archdiocese came together recently to share best practice and it was quite impressive to see the range of solutions that had been developed to respond to a local need. There were emerging partnerships with tertiary providers, various forms of micro-credentialing and a range of creative solutions to provide options for students to pursue an area of interest. What is clear is that the traditional lines between secondary school and beyond are increasingly blurred. Good pathways education starts early in secondary school and should always be about creating options and providing choices. As we enter the season of subject selection, we are fortunate to be able to offer a comprehensive learning program, grounded in our

faith tradition, with an exciting variety of specialist subjects to allow students to pursue an interest.

Have we learned anything through the pandemic? We’ve seen the stress on our health professionals, especially those supporting the aged care sector. We understand far more about the vulnerability of our supply chains and appreciate the importance of those working in transport and logistics. We’ve seen people move out of offices to work from home and we’ve learnt that in some professions, such as education, our well-being suffers when we are denied in-person connections. And, of course, we have seen the suffering of many who have lost their livelihoods. Having experienced this massive disruption, future generations will likely be more agile in regards to their careers, more willing to move and less willing to tolerate low job satisfaction. Aquinas students are encouraged to grow into global citizens and I look forward to seeing our fine young people emerge as the next generation of leaders.

Darren Atkinson - Principal

Aquinas Spirit Guiding your Path

Imagine that moment you finally feel you have found your purpose in life. It is exciting, fulfilling and a great sense of calmness flows over you. For some of you reading this, it is still only a dream for others you may have encountered this on more than one occasion. As we grow, and gain more experiences in this world our purpose and path can change. Each time we start searching for the new meaning or purpose our spirit, deep inside, guides and nurtures us through the search. The core values of Aquinas are a part of that inner spirit, encouraging us with perseverance, helping us to belong, giving us the desire to strive for justice or show compassion and through it all - find our path.

I remember in Year 12 saying to my geography teacher that I wanted to be where she was and asked about university options. Five years later I returned to that same school as a teacher, to discover that I was sitting at the same staffroom desk that my teacher had when she taught me. Over the years, marriage, kids and life in general changed my path and, having achieved my goal, I thought I needed to find something new. Several years later, I once again returned to my school. This time for the memorial of a dear friend and colleague. We had worked on the school production in the Director and Producer roles. As he prepared his memorial before passing it contained many amazing moments. The turning point for me was to see the three lead singers from that same production come together and sing one of the songs from the musical. At that moment, the spirit deep in me, reminded me of the joy in watching young people achieve and knowing for a small moment you get to support them on their journey. My spirit helped me to return to teaching.

Working at Aquinas these past five years, I have had the privilege of working with a community that has strong core values. To see students grow in these values and to develop an understanding that even if they do not yet know their path, they do leave Aquinas with the values and attributes needed for their journey.

No matter your path, no matter your destination; may the spirit of Aquinas burn deep in your hearts. Illuminare et Ardere

Studying Through COVID-19

2018 COLLEGE CAPTAINS

I graduated from Aquinas in 2018 with my heart set on becoming a sports doctor for both the Collingwood Football Club and the Australian Track and Field team. Four years later, with just one more year left in my course, that is still very much my ambition!

Such a focused long term goal could become paralysing when you still haven’t actually graduated from high school, but my time at Aquinas had equipped me perfectly for being able to set big goals and chip away at them slowly; in Year 7, Year 9 content looked overwhelming, just as in Year 9, VCE content seemed insurmountable. Yet, when I got to Year 9 I found that over the last two years I had developed the skills to cope with the content, and when I got to VCE I similarly found I was able to tackle what had previously seemed unconquerable. Essentially, what Aquinas taught me was that if you focus on the small things, and do them well, the big things will take care of themselves.

My ultimate career goal is still years from even being a possibility, and before that, in just the next five years, I need to graduate from my course, begin working as a junior doctor, sit my exams to enter into the College of Sports and Exercise Physicians and then begin another stint of study to become a specialist. I’m incredibly excited, incredibly nervous and incredibly curious to see how this period unfolds. However, I’m confident I’ll realise my goals because Aquinas ingrained in me an understanding that when you focus on each day and each challenge as it comes, eventually your goals will seem achievable. This is something I’ll always remember and always be thankful to the College for showing me.

Keep an eye out for me on the TV broadcast of the 2030 Grand Final…I’ll be the one sitting next to coach Pendles on the bench with my "Team Doctor" bib on!

Siobahn Brodrick, College Captain, 2018

Thankfully, my study path has been a steady path for me! Having studied a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash with a major in sustainability and a minor in accounting, I now find myself in a role at the centre of sustainability reporting developments in the accounting profession.

Like everybody, the pandemic had a significant effect on day-to-day life, in particular with study, as half of my degree ended up being delivered online (3/6 semesters). The biggest disappointment was missing the opportunity to do a semester exchange. While I’ve been able to push ahead in the very early stages of my career, I have a keen interest in prioritising experiences for the present. These include taking opportunities to travel overseas, making up for all the lost concerts during the pandemic, and picking up new skills and hobbies where I can.

No one message of advice stands out, although the overall support and encouragement of various teachers over the journey ensured I was never pressured or swayed to take a certain study path. I hope that all students feel as though they have this freedom with their decision.

Matt Cavicchia, College Captain, 2018

Aquinas in the News

BEN TRETHEWEY, 2018

Since leaving Aquinas Ben has studied a Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) at Monash, majoring in plant science and minoring in ecology and conservation biology and earth science.

Ben is keen on science and its own as a way of understanding the world. He is interested in how scientific knowledge can (or can't) be applied to solve the complex issues that the world is facing.

Ben also have found an interest in looking at different ways of viewing the world through different ways of being such as those seen in Indigenous cultures across the world. These views combine with his passion for agriculture, and he is heading to Samoa on the New Colombo Plan Scholarship soon to study, intern, and explore these challenges in a different context. Our current science students have been fortunate to hear him speak about life after school.

ANTHONY JORDAN, 2023

While Year 11 student, Anthony is not technically an alumnus yet, his recent achievement at the Commonwealth Games is something to be shared and celebrated. Anthony competed as the youngest member of the Australian Athletics Team, running the T47 100m. At the start of the 2021/22 summer season Anthony was ranked eighth in the Commonwealth, after the close of the Commonwealth Games qualifying period in April, the Commonwealth Games Federation offered Anthony a quota as a result of direct qualification for the Games and was announced in the Australian team soon after. Anthony achieved an incredibly impressive result in Birmingham, and we all enjoyed cheering him on. He will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

HARRY KERR, 2017

The College had the opportunity to congratulate former student Harry Kerr on winning the Stawell Gift for 2022. An absolutely amazing achievement!

Kyle Nicolussi, a former student in the same peer year (2017) also made the final.

TANISHA WU, 2021 AND KAELAN BOUNDY, 2022

Aquinas College was honoured to have two of our students recognised with a Premier’s VCE Award, this year. We congratulated Class of '21 student Tanisha Wu, and current Year 12 student, Kaelan Boundy, on receiving this award in recognition of achieving a perfect score in a VCE subject.

Tanisha received a Study Award for Business Management, and Kaelan received a Study Award for Physical Education This puts them among the top VCE students in the state in 2021.

Mr Darren Atkinson, Aquinas College Principal, is proud of these outstanding achievements. "Congratulations to Tanisha and Kaelan on their recognition. It is an outstanding achievement in any year to be included amongst the select group who receive a Premier's VCE Award, but given the disrupted nature of learning during this time of pandemic, truly an acknowledgement of great perseverance as well as academic excellence.

While Tanisha and Kaelan have been singled out for this honour, it is fitting to acknowledge that many students achieved outstanding results despite the additional complexity of an interrupted couple of years. Congratulations, also, to Ms Camilla Bar-Ness and Mr Stephen McGrath for their expert tuition in Business Management and Physical Education, respectively, and to all of our teachers and support staff who continue to demonstrate outstanding dedication to the profession and care for their students".

LIAM MILNER, 2006

Liam Milner was commissioned to produce artwork and designs for the House of Darwin and The Long Walk 2022.

"I've always drawn my whole life and just kept drawing/creating/painting/making music. About 10 years ago I came up with Luna Tunes and most of my art has been under that name ever since. My main goal is to just keep changing and going down different paths to move away from the idea of a brand and just keep making art. By being honest in my work I've been lucky enough to work with lots people to help create what they want to create. AIME mentoring and House of Darwin have been two major supporters of mine in both my art and putting food on the table through my art."

Congratulations Liam. Super proud to see your work on such a huge stage.

Left Br Len Francis, right Br Mark O'Loughlin

Snapshot

Term 3 Snapshot

50 YEARS SINCE OUR FIRST GIRLS' SCHOOL GRADUATION

I was very lucky to have been one of the first small cohort of girls at Aquinas Girls’ School, from 1967 to 1972, in an era of pivotal societal change. Not only did we not have any big girls to boss us about, we were privileged to have an amazingly diverse array of talented teachers, both religious and lay, who guided us wisely and encouraged us to develop our strengths, confidence and questioning skills. Among these were the inspirational – and very young –Principal, Sr. Gabrielle Kelly, the enthusiastic and knowledgeable history teacher, Sr. Anthony and the insightful and humorous English teacher, Sr. Helen. Their passionate introductions for us into the world of learning – from Shakespeare to the fascinating revelations of historical primary documents - fairness and care inspired me to follow in their footsteps. So, as a recently retired teacher of these subjects and one-time deputy principal, my advice would be to appreciate your wonderful teachers and role models, work hard and follow your dreams.

Margaret Pagone (Mioni) - 1972

One of the many images I carry with me always, is of 84 open faced eleven year olds, clad in motley garments, on the morning of the official opening of the College in the second week of February 1967. They, and those who were to join them and follow them in subsequent years were the heart of the Aquinas project; they were its meaning and its purpose.

In the early years, there was the ever present clay dust in summer and the mud in winter, the buildings constantly under construction, and never quite keeping up with additional enrolments. There were the very early days when to venture into the 'playground' at lunchtime was to risk injury from a frisbee in full flight, when shade and shelter from the sun and rain were practically nonexistent (except for the classroom), when geography lessons on alluvial fans and floodplains could be illustrated by a quick trip outside to the unimproved landscape. There was the day when uniforms were worn for the first time, when we purchased the very first library books - and so many more 'first times'. I believe that all who were there in those early days would also agree that the community we experienced together in the task was special - a gift arising from the 'privileged' conditions of foundation years.

Sr. Gabrielle Kelly - Girls' School Principal 1967-72 Extract from Interview, March 1982

Reflections from our Alumni

TONY BUSH, 1961

Arriving at a new school, no gardens, sports ovals, chapel or library. From memory there were two Form 1s and two Form 2s divided into Red and Green with a total population of around 130. Morning assembly was when Br. Francis examined the state of the uniform, shoes and hair length. Students were told to go up the street to the barbers and get a haircut!! I was in Form 2 and our main teacher was Br. Francis who also created the school motto and explained its purpose. Shoes were left in lockers outside classrooms and we wore slippers inside to protect the floors. Students remained in allocated rooms and the teachers moved from room to room. We stood up when teachers entered and left.

Subject selection was virtually nil-Latin or Technical drawing. There was a small tuckshop that was popular but mostly we brought our own lunch and sat outside on benches underneath the classroom verandas. Each Friday we brought shovels, spades and mattocks to school and dug the flower beds along the side of the driveway. One of my classmates, Angelo Tomada, had a father who owned a construction company so Br. Francis told Mr Tomada to bring his grader and bulldozers and dig out the playing fields and ovals - for no charge of course. Students were rostered to come to school on allocated Saturday mornings with their father to help to clean the school.

One particular influence that has stayed with me was the concept of active learning that came from Br. Francis whose response when asked something was usually to look it up - this was not always easy as it meant searching for a particular book or textno internet naturally.

I made a number of solid friendships that have remained throughout my life. I left Aquinas at the end of Leaving (Form 5), and worked for a few years at Ansett Australia before going to London. I trained as a Nurse in London and worked in a number of specialties. During this time I used to write to Br. Francis who was then headmaster in Mt Hagen in Papua New Guinea. I worked in numerous locations in the UK for six years then returned to Australia but left after six months to work at Vardåsen Sykehus (tuberculosis hospital) in Norway. After a year there I went to London and worked in the NHS (National Health Service) for about a year before returning to Australia. I worked in a variety of clinical settings in Melbourne and then went to work in Aboriginal settlements in the Northern Territory for a few years.

After returning to Melbourne I commenced a journey of tertiary study that commenced with a Diploma to a B.Ed then to a Masters and finally to a Doctorate of Public Health. During this time I got married and had children. I worked at RMIT for 29 years as a senior lecturer specialising in palliative care as well as public health. Students were often inclined to Google information but I would invariably tell them to “look it up” which meant that they would have to actively seek out data via texts or journals (shades of Br. Francis). I still live in Mitcham so often see Aquinas students in their slightly different uniform to the original.

JOHN (CASS) PEPERS, 1972

Although my name back then was John Pepers, my actual name was Caspar Johannes Pepers. My parents and I decided that John was a cooler name for a kid growing up Down Under and so I grew up as “John” but have returned to “Cass” since leaving Australia in 1973. This year it will be exactly half a century ago that I matriculated at Aquinas in 1972 and then three months later left Australia for good on board a boat bound for the land of my parents and their ancestors. And so, instead of going to Monash University where I was accepted for Civil Engineering, my parents and my sisters and I spent six glorious weeks on a cruise ship to Europe.

My schoolmate, Mike, accompanied me on the ship and we had huge plans of going, seeing and conquering all of Europe before returning to Ringwood. In reality we were wide eyed, seventeen, full of dreams but void of funds. So we didn’t really get very far and things turned out a little differently.

I enrolled, and was somehow accepted, at the Eindhoven University of Technology (at the heart of the Dutch version of Silicon Valley) and became their first ever foreign student. The university had no idea at all of what my Higher School Certificate represented, but I was allowed to stay on as long as I could keep up with the rest. Six years later I graduated as an architect and building engineer.

Immediately after graduation, my double nationality resulted in my being called up for military service. After 18 months in the army, I was 25 years of age, and ready to return to civilian life and pursue a proper career as an architect. In 1986 I started my own company in architecture and in the past 36 years we have designed major buildings, not only in Holland, but in other countries like the United States, China, Germany and Malta.

My English is pretty rusty after half a century of daily Dutch, and I find myself groping for the appropriate words. Only 17 years Down Under and 50 years in Holland, but often I still feel as if I’m an Australian tourist here. Australia was a paradise for me growing up. The weather, the flora and fauna, the sports. I was addicted to cricket and Aussie Rules and was a dedicated player for the school and for Heathmont. My tennis lessons in Australia finally paid off and in 1978 I was local club champion for a year. And to top it all, I’m the reigning township champion in European billiards!

I really feel as if I have had two different lives: a perfect youth growing up in Victoria, and a wonderful adult life Holland. Literally the best of both worlds! I still live in the colourful rural village of my ancestors. The giant gothic church in the centre of the village marks the place where many generations of my family have been baptized, married and buried in the past centuries.

I have revisited Australia a couple of times. Whenever I am in Ringwood, I always stop for a while at Our Lady’s and Aquinas, and although much has changed, the good memories come flooding back. Especially that of walking down Great Ryrie Street and entering the gate on that very first brave day in 1967.

Where are they now?

DAN FOX, 2005 & SEAN FOX, 2009

Dan and Sean Fox directed a short film which was shot in many parts of Aquinas College. The shooting concluded in 2019 but due to Covid they were unable to finish post production until the end of last year. The film was accepted by several film festivals around the world including the Brussels Film Festival (a qualifier for the Academies).

They recently announced that they had won the award for best short at the Malibu Film Festival. The film is beautifully shot and it was so interesting seeing how our college looks on film. A third brother, Pat Fox, did the Art Direction for the film and brother number four, Michael and sister Mahala were extras in the film as were quite a few other alumni including James Shepard, Rima Chamoun and more. Mahala Fox and James Shepard were school captains in 2004.

BERNARD NOLAN, 1969

My wife and I married in 1975. Our first two sons were born in Victoria. Our third son and our two daughters were born in Murwillumbah near where we still live. Four of them and their respective families live nearby. Our eldest and his family are in the ACT. They have all contributed to our extended family and have produced a total of 10 grandchildren ranging in age from nearly 16 to nearly three. I retired from my working life as a spatial scientist (land surveyor) at the end of 2015.

CLASS OF 1988 LADIES' LUNCHEON

Last Sunday the Aquinas Girls class of 88 held their first ‘Ladies' Luncheon’. It was a delightful afternoon, although it has been many years since we have been together, it took no time to get straight back into it.

We have all had such interesting life journeys, there were fascinating stories, proud mother moments and life experiences shared. There was a lot of laughs and a fair bit of reminiscing, trying to remember past teachers, fellow students and year level colours.

We had fabulous food in the gorgeous courtyard garden at the Side Door Wine Bar in Kew, which is owned and run by fellow Aquinas alum Emma Brown (Peer Year 1992). We are all looking forward to the next one, which we hope grows each year.

Gemma Donnellan

CURTIS NORTON, 2016

After Curtis left Aquinas, he worked part time in hospitality while he completed his Degree at Swinburne (Bachelor in Animation). During his studies he found a passion for environmental art with games. In his first year of University, he felt that his degree would not have him ready to work in the field immediately, so during his first year he connected with a mentor in the US, and started working on a project to gain skills working towards creating a AAA standard asset. Through working with this mentor, he became connected with artists around the world, and was part of a forum where he could submit his efforts and gain feedback from other artists.

Through the connections on this forum he got some small jobs to create assets for a company in Texas, and as he worked with them and improved over time, they let him work on a project where he was part of a team of 12 people who created the 3D image of the Whitehouse which was used on Fox News reports during the US election.

Curtis’ skills went from strength to strength, so when he completed his degree, he was contracted to do work for a French company who contracted him for an array of different projects. One of them was the architectural design project, Twin Motion.

While Curtis was doing contract work, he decided he really wanted to contribute to Australian companies so he created his own small business - as a side hustle - where he creates asset packs which are sold on Epic games unreal engine platform.

In September Curtis applied for a job at a gaming studio company in Frankfurt, Germany, and he attained a position at a company called Crytek Due to Covid Curtis has been unable to get over there so he is currently working remotely from Melbourne working to their timezone

Curtis believes he wouldn’t be where he is without his teachers (especially Kerry O’Gara). You can see some of Curtis’ work here: Content by Epic+Games - UE Marketplace. He has created five packs which sell on this Epic platform. The assets can be used in games and cinematics.

Alumni Advice

I started in an accounts department where they implemented a new accounting software. I did so well that they offered me a job to support the software for their clients. 38 years later I have owned a distribution of a mid range software consulting company, supporting clients all around Australia.

Sue Vowles - 1983

I was interested in a police career and was lucky to meet some police through my cricket club who encouraged me to pursue it. I didn't realise until later how important the different jobs and that the travel I had done would assist me.

Glenn Grandy - 1984

I had been to multiple job interviews and I was just so tired of it. In my last job interview I was asked "Why should we choose you?". In frustration I said "Because you just should!" They hired me the next day. They told me it was that answer that got me the job. I was 18. I am still with the company 23 years later.

Liz Lisle - 1998

I met fellow students at Australian Catholic University who became lifelong friends who were interested in Indigenous issues which led me to doing a student prac at Wadeye (Port Keats, NT). I knew I wanted to return to teach in a remote community once I felt like I had a couple of years of experience under my belt. I intended on staying for two years at Kururrungku CEC at Billiluna in the Tanami Desert but stayed four years. I have been living in Broome for the past 22 years where I currently work as an intervention teacher, Literacy Coordinator and digital technologies coach.

Rose Mitchell - 1991

Moving overseas to work for the NHS in Scotland.

Victoria Petrini - 2007

In the early 1980s as a middle level manager in Human Resources in the Australian Public Services I was given the opportunity to participate in a 12 month development program in Human Resource Management. While I was comfortable with what I was doing at the time I accepted the opportunity which entailed course work and placements in other Commonwealth Agencies.

Greg Jones - 1996

Leaving school I had no idea what I wanted to do but I knew that I didn't want to do any further study at that point in time. My late dad worked at Channel 0/10 and managed to get me an interview for a job in the Film Department. I started my new employment watching a lot of TV programs before they went to air, timing & editing them to fit into the allocated timeslots. I then moved onto many various roles, including a Production Assistant and then producing, directing and editing on air promos, onto an event organiser and then moved into Sales.

Denise Gill - 1975

I was working part time in a warehouse when a fellow worker informed me that the cigarette company, Phillip Morris, were looking to hire new production staff. I immediately forwarded my application, and within two weeks, I began a 20 year career, receiving a generous redundancy package when I left. I would never have thought of this career change if it wasn’t recommended to me by my warehouse colleague.

Wayne Materazzo - 1973

Applying for a Scholarship to attend the Australian Defence Force Academy. I failed to win the scholarship, however it began the recruitment process of joining the RAAF and leading to an amazing career in the RAAF and in Aviation.

Peter Spiess - 1985

Is there a particular opportunity, moment or meeting that changed the trajectory of your career?

My Year 12 experience at Aquinas led me down the career path I am on now. I had such wonderful and influential teachers who were fun and down to earth.

Scott Kirkby - 2001

Mental health challenges were faced through many of my fellow peers in high school. This made me become so passionate about mental health, and is one of the many reasons I am now a registered psychiatric nurse and work on a mental health psychiatric unit in helping people when they are at some of the most challenging and vulnerable points in their life. It is a very challenging but also extremely rewarding career.

Katie Robinson - 2015

A friend of the family mentioned an opportunity to work at his firm. I stayed there for 41 years.

Chris Allan - 1975

Years 11 and 12 really shaped my career and what I thought was possible. Receiving support and encouragement from some incredible teachers and being able to study subjects that really spoke to my skills, interests and core values. I gained so much confidence in myself and my academic ability. One example was when I was offered two choices to go to Melbourne University (Vet Science or Agricultural Science). I had 24 hours to decide and ended up selecting Ag Science for which I had obtained a cadetship. My advice to all young people is to make sure you have options!!

Dr Dan Norton AO - 1969

When I was doing my university placement as a medical scientist at the Royal Women's Hospital my boss asked me if I'd like to do a rotation in the mortuary (something not usually offered to students). I said yes and it was the best decision because it led me to discover my true passion. I worked for several years as a qualified medical scientist assisting with autopsies and caring for deceased patients, and I really enjoyed this, but I realised that while I was meant to be in the death industry, I was actually meant to be on the other side of it - dealing with the living, and honouring the deceased by helping their families arrange and execute a fitting farewell for them. If I hadn't said yes to trying something new I would never have found my passion and my dream job as a funeral director.

Megan Johnson (de Koning) - 2005

I contracted bi-lateral chronic conjunctivitis and was unable to complete my university degree in arts and my diploma in education. I subsequently joined the workforce in contracts. Eventually I went back to study part time and completed a bachelor of accounting and economics at RMIT. I obtained a position in Australia Post where I managed its supply operations including a large warehouse in Altona North and a print production unit in its Victorian operations. My branch won a national excellence award under my stewardship. I then moved into financial systems at the national headquarters setting up its EFTPOS system which is now in all of its retail outlets. I eventually became its national purchasing manager and wrote their purchasing manual on three occasions. So I went from a potential career in secondary teaching into an administrative career in accounting, contracts, systems and purchasing caused by a medical problem which eventually cleared up.

Gerald Toohey - 1966

An industrial accident challenged me to reassess and change the direction of my working life. From that, I learned to take each opportunity that comes along. I have met some extraordinary people and had some amazing life experiences. This all gets woven into a rich tapestry called life.

Carmel McCartin - 1975

I had a meeting with a new COO after the merge of the business I was working for and they advised my current role was redundant but they had a new opportunity for me. This new opportunity was to be a state manager running two factories and about 100 employees. The challenge for a Melbourne born and bred person like myself, with a wife and four children was that the opportunity was in Adelaide. We, as a family, accepted the challenge which led to a career in managing multiple sites and more people including relocating back to Melbourne the Sydney, London and back to Melbourne. The roles included state, national, Asia Pacific region and global. All this from accepting a challenge to relocate with a young family.

Mark Barker -1974

Through the opportunity of professional engineering placement at Manningham Council combined with dedication throughout university, I was fortunate enough to get offered my dream job and set me on my path.

Harrison Kerr - 2017

Class of 1975 Reunion Lunch

A significant downturn in the land development industry led to seeking employment in the very north-eastern corner of New South Wales and/or the very south-eastern corner of Queensland where I have lived and/or worked to this day.

Bernard Nolan - 1969

Aquinas' investment into the Arts Centre in the mid 2000s created a fantastic environment for those of us with creative mindsets and gave us the space to learn and grow. This had a direct impact on my career path and I am now working in the creative/ media industry.

Jess Grierson - 2008

Despite having a low ATAR of 49.4, I persevered and was able to gain an internship for teaching English to Japanese high school and university students in Japan through an exchange program. The best moment came when I was told that my students exam average went up by 10% from 70-80 because of me. I still continue to work hard in both life and my Japanese and I never stop learning, always looking for something that will be beneficial in my field. I hope to undertake the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program this year as a coordinator for international relations and do my absolute best. As long as you have the resolve to work hard and the passion and perseverance to follow what you are looking for, sooner or later, you'll achieve your dreams and goals.

Dennis George - 2014

In 1992 I arrived in Papua New Guinea chasing adventure and I found it! My career shifted from being corporate centric to focusing on developing people and financial inclusion.

Tony Westaway - 1976

After completing my Honours degree at Monash I was employed by the MMBW in 1971 as a research scientist during a period of intense activity by the board, designing and building a variety of capital works. These activities were slowing down and I foresaw that as a result the scientific services section where I worked would eventually be reduced in size. This vision was prescient as the section was eventually closed and its work contracted out following the reorganisation of water supply, sewage and town planning activities of the MMBW at the end of the 1980's. In 1981 I started looking for another career. I was appointed Melbourne Laboratory Manager for the then Australian Wool Testing Authority, located in Kensington. This was a major change in the trajectory of my career, requiring very different disciplines. Over a period of 26 years I progressed to the position Regional Manager - NSW and subsequently to an executive Head Office role as Corporate Development Manager where a major portion of my accountabilities was managing the Research and Development Division. Along the way I also became a website developer and manager, and assumed responsibility for media contact and publications. The enduring lesson from my period at Monash is that learning should never cease.

Peter Sommerville - 1966

I dabbled in writing as a hobby in the late 1980s, while working in my day job as a secondary teacher. When I met another like-minded writer at my son's kindy, we decided to set up a writers' group together in our local community. The writing group still attracts new members and I have been writing professionally for over 30 years.

Chris Silk - 1973

Tuesday - Friday

During School Terms

8.30am – 11.30am

Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre Aquinas College

View the menu here

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!

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.

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

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