Illuminare Edition #2 2023

Edition #2, 2023

College SONG

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.

From the PRINCIPAL

Over recent years, as President of our school sporting association, Eastern Independent Schools Melbourne (EISM), I have developed valuable insight into the challenges associated with running interschool sporting competitions. EISM is a large association with 21 member schools. It is also quite diverse in terms of school size, culture and geography, and a significant amount of work has gone into creating conferences so that “like schools” can compete against each other. Aquinas College competes in the Central Zone, which is categorised by having the seven largest schools as members and, generally, we engage in robust and healthy competition. While all EISM schools clearly value the opportunity to participate in interschool sport, it is noticeable that “sport appetite” is not the same in every school. Some schools forfeit, express concern about the impact on teaching time, and even request that they not participate at a level that requires a commitment to finals. Others seek longer seasons, longer matches and more opportunity for competition. Sport clearly plays a different role in the life of each member school.

At Aquinas College, there is a strong appetite for EISM sport, especially in the Middle Years, where the interest often exceeds our capacity. This creates its own raft of challenges, as we have Year 9 students understandably disappointed that they were not selected to compete. However, it is a different story in the Senior Years, where participation rates decline and we find that it is increasingly harder to consistently field teams with reserves to cover last minute absences due to illness and injury. This trend is not localised to Aquinas, but is identified in research studies from across Australia. For example, Flinders University (2022) reported: “While there was very little difference in the proportion of males (23.9%) vs females (26.4%) who did not play any sports in Year 8, this gap grew in Year 10, with 40% of females no longer playing any sports, compared to 30% of males”. There is possibly a COVID-19 factor in these figures, but many would say that this has merely amplified a trend that was already occurring.

Knowing the long term health benefits of physical activity, the contribution that physical activity is seen to play in learning and academic development, and the protective factors offered by participating in sport (especially team sport), it is not surprising that a lot of work is going into better understanding why participation rates appear to be dropping. When questioned in the Flinders University study, students reported that the major factor for leaving sports was balancing school, work and other priorities, with girls more likely than boys to drop sports to best utilise their time. In other research by Victoria University, girls also reported that they left when sport was no longer “fun” and this often related

to segregation based on ability, meaning they could no longer play with friends. Many also wanted to avoid a weekly commitment and a lack of flexibility when it came to training and playing times. When it comes to social sport, both females and males identify the emphasis on winning and losing as a deterrent to participation. Many sports are looking at ways of making their competitions more accessible.

Conversely, some girls reported that learning to improve was rewarding and reported a growth in confidence, including improved body image. When questioned, students could identify the benefits of participating in sport. They appreciate that sport can help them with teamwork (91%), resilience (77%), collaboration (73%), discipline (71%), and leadership (70%). In addition to these skills, young girls who did continue to play sports reported numerous benefits. These included the ability to clear their mind, lift their mood, give them energy, improve productivity, and aid in better sleep. Yet, according to an article in The Educator, many reported a lack of role models with 60% of young female respondents saying they didn’t have a female sports star they looked up to.

This edition of Illuminare will highlight our Aquinas sportspeople. In doing so, we will learn more about why sport is so important to each and the role that it plays, both in their life generally and in promoting wellbeing. Sport ignites our passions. It is also a vehicle through which we can learn important life skills.

When you consider the four priority areas of our current School Improvement Plan - RESPECT, SPIRIT, HIGH EXPECTATIONS and INCLUSIVITY - it comes as no surprise to me that these are also the desirable characteristics we hope to see in our sportspeople and teams. We aim to educate the “whole person” at Aquinas College and learning more about a healthy lifestyle through participation in sport is a valuable component. I hope you enjoy this edition of Illuminare and thank you to all of our contributors.

Darren Atkinson Principal

“Never stop growing in sport or spirit.” Pope Francis

Sport involves commitment, collaboration, determination, teamwork and so much more. Many young people have sporting idols as their role models.

The Pope recently said, “Sports are a metaphor for life,” and “healthy competition can contribute to making one’s spirit mature. The true sportsman always seeks to learn, to grow, to improve and this requires discipline. Discipline then allows everyone to play their part, and for the team to best express itself as a whole.”

While the Spirit of Aquinas emphasises the core values across all areas of student life, they are also the epitome of what we would like to see in our sporting students.

Perseverance is to keep going even when things may not be easy or the wins are few and far between. Belonging by being a contributing member of a team or welcoming of others in individual sports, mentoring those new to the sport.

Compassion for those we play with and compete against. There are many examples of compassion in sport that are used as motivation for inspiring students.

Stewardship for the waters, land and sky in which they play to ensure a sustainable future for their sport. Justice in seeking fair and ethical behaviour both on and off the field. Spirituality in the way they compete, act, and respond.

There is no doubt the Spirit of Aquinas is present in the sportspeople featured in this edition.

Tania Grace Assistant Principal - Mission

R D S H I P

B E L O N

P E R S E V E R A N C E

J U S T I C E

SPI R I T U

S S I O N GING

Sport withBERNIE

Bernie Brummell is a name that springs to mind when we think of sport. Not in the way we think of Usman Khawaja or Sam Kerr, but more in the way you might think of that one coach that has stuck in your memory (in a good way), or your parent who signed you up all those years ago for the 8am Auskick or Miniroos competitions. You know, the ones that get you out there, tell you to join in, that encourage you to play sport for all the benefits it offers and won’t listen to you saying “I’m not good enough.” That’s how Bernie is known in the sports circles of secondary education.

Who is Bernie?

Bernie has worked at Aquinas for 34 years. For context, way back then, Bob Hawke was PM, Joan Kirner was Premier, the Hawks defeated Geelong in the Grand Final and Madonna’s Like a Prayer was the number one song! He commenced as a PE and Maths teacher.

Bernie has played over 20 sports in his lifetime and has participated in sport since he was five. His main interests are predominately cricket, which he still plays today, baseball and touch football.

Bernie has been the Sports Coordinator at Aquinas for the last 13 years and he thoroughly enjoys the challenge of getting students to participate, grow and succeed. He is passionate about seeing as many staff and students involved as possible.

The most rewarding part of Bernie’s job is seeing students have fun when they succeed and watching their faces light up from the thrill of participation and healthy competition. A challenge in his role is encouraging the senior students to participate, as other priorities come in to play.

Four facts with Bernie:

1. His least favourite sport to watch- synchronized swimming!

2. He has competed at Mt Panorama (on foot as a fun run which ironically was not fun and involved 6.2kms of hills and struggles).

3. He worked at the Sydney Olympics at the tennis, volleyball and cycling and witnessed the first ever men’s team to break the four minute barrier in the 4000m pursuit in cycling – a major wow moment.

4. Inspirational Alumni in the sporting sphere: David Powell (two-time Olympian), Daniel Kickett (National and International basketball), Paul Clearly (Olympic runner) and Liam Shiels (AFL).

Bernie’s advice:

“Get involved no matter how good or not so good you think you are. You will only improve and learn from losing, enjoy winning!”

College CAPTAINS

For the past 11 years, I’ve played a mix of domestic, representative and regional netball outside of school, while also representing Aquinas at EISM and extracurricular levels. I started playing when I was six because the majority of girls in my Grade 1 class were joining, and over the years I began to love how the sport provides an outlet for my competitive nature and allows me to establish many valued friendships.

I’ve been really fortunate to have made a plethora of fond memories through netball, but one of the highlights actually took place earlier this year. After playing about 10 games against some really competitive opposition, my rep team made the Association Championships Grand Final. Despite not coming away with the win, I was so proud of the team for making it to the final and for progressing through to the next round of the tournament, especially considering we weren’t expecting to be as competitive as we were.

Besides the cliché lessons that I’ve been taught through netball, such as the importance of teamwork, determination, friendships and work ethic, one of the most valuable things I have learnt through sport is to manage your workload and consider your stress. Early last year I was invited to trial for a VNL development team, which is the next step up in the Netball Victoria pathway. I ended up being successful and with the excitement of being accepted into this elite environment, I didn’t really consider whether it was the right decision for me to make. Leading up to the first training, I was quite nervous about how I would perform, and I was also worried about trying to balance these new demands with school, work and leadership. I made the decision to pull out to ensure that netball continued to be an outlet and not a stressor, so I would be able to balance my other responsibilities. Although it’s important to extend out of your comfort zone, it’s also equally as important to be aware of how to manage your time to reduce stress. I realised that to be able to effectively manage my workload over VCE, it was in my best interest to pursue a higher level later on.

Chloe North-Coombes 2023 College Captain

To be completely honest, I didn’t even realise diving was an actual sport until the day I started. When Aquanation first opened in 2015, Dad brought me to check it out. When we got there, I really wanted to jump off a diving board for the first time but we found out once we got over to the dive pool that I had to join a trial class with Ringwood Diving Club if I wanted to jump off a board. So, I joined in and ended up going all the way up to the 7.5 metre platform that day. Because of my great experience that day, I signed up for a few classes and have been diving with RDC ever since then.

All my biggest highlights have been competing in competitions interstate, as well as in Mildura. The Mildura competition is held in January each year and a lot of divers from Ringwood go up for the weekend and stay at the same motel. We have a lot of time to bond with each other and enjoy activities around town, like mini golf and go-karting. My favourite interstate competition was the Schools Sport Australia Championship held in Brisbane last year. It was very different from any other competitions I’ve been in and included going to Dreamworld and competing in a team event, where I was with people from other states. However, the biggest highlight I’ve had through diving was getting my first ever national medal in 3 metre synchro with my best friend in Adelaide last year, which we were not expecting. When we saw our names on the scoreboard in third place it was an amazing feeling. I’ll never forget it.

By being a part of the RIngwood Diving Club, I’ve learnt to be a very encouraging team member, especially with the ages of members ranging from 12 up to 35. I have also been diving for quite a bit longer than a lot of the others at the club, so I’m able to give advice to newer divers with the experience I have gained from training and competing. As well as competing, I started coaching this year, which so far has been a great experience teaching others not only how to dive, but also how to be part of a team. Finally, the most important thing I have developed through diving is perseverance. Some days competitions don’t go as planned and I might mess up a dive. When I first started competing, if I was to do one dive poorly it would cause me to continue to dive poorly, because I wouldn’t have a good mindset anymore. Now I never let a little mistake put me off track and I can apply this into much more than just sport.

In my first few years of diving my main role model was Matthew Mitcham, who was an Olympic Gold Medallist for Australia in Beijing 2008. Since then, I have found a lot of other role models in the sport and have even met and spoken to some at competitions, including the very popular Sam Fricker. Now I haven’t got a specific individual role model, and there’s a lot of people I look up to, but aside from Olympians, my best friend is an amazing diver. Although he’s the same age as me and I’ve competed at some of the same events as him, he inspires me to be a better diver and to push myself towards more achievements.

Matt Azzopardi 2023 College Captain

Serving UP SKILL

After leaving Aquinas in 2014, Riley Christgoergl wasn’t sure what the future had in store for her.

A passion for food and cooking led her to pursue a career as a chef, but it was at the age of 20, after a family friend invited her to a football training session, that she discovered other possibilities.

“I had played a bit of footy during my time at Aquinas, but I had never fully committed to a team during my childhood, as those avenues and opportunities weren’t there for females,” she said.

“After my first week of training, I knew that was something I loved just as much as I loved working with food, so I left my job and switched to a daytime role to accommodate for footy commitments.

“Sport has always been something I’ve loved, and when I rediscovered football in my early 20s, I realised it was the sport I loved the most, I just hadn’t had the opportunity to know that until later in life.”

After starting out with the Old Xaverians in 2019, Riley worked her way up to join Western Bulldogs in the VFL, where she rose as a leader to captain the side for two seasons.

“It was the biggest honour,” she said.

“To know that everyone in the room with you when your name’s read out, from the players, to the coaches and the board, chose you and backed you in to represent the team and the club, I’ll never be more grateful for that moment and that opportunity.

“I never really thought I’d be in such a role. I just wanted to work hard and do everything I could to be a great footballer, a great teammate and to represent my club well.”

The skilled midfielder has welcomed a change of colours this year after joining Collingwood, and is now a part of the Pies’ leadership team.

“The facilities, resources and staff are unbelievable. To be training at the AIA Centre in the sporting precinct where some of the greatest names in sport have played, is unreal,” she said.

“I am incredibly grateful for the way Collingwood have welcomed me into the club and the way my teammates have made my time there so enjoyable. I’m incredibly lucky to be there and don’t take a second of that for granted.”

She credits her cousins for helping to ignite her passion for sport from a young age, and can still recall playing soccer on the oval at Aquinas in her full school uniform: skirt, tights and a tie.

After spending five years as a qualified chef, Riley has ridden the highs and lows of her career off the field, as well as on, and is content seeing what opportunities await.

“For now, I just want to see how far my best football can take me, as I feel that I haven’t reached my full potential,” she said.

“Once football is over, I am fortunate enough to have a great career to fall back on, but I am also keen to work in football in some capacity.

“I have a great job in management outside of football and am incredibly lucky to be well supported by my workplace.

“At the moment, I have a very fulfilling and fortunate life, so I’m just focused on that every day.”

Pictures: She Scores, Bruce Huynh and STM Photography

ife in the FAST LANE

Since leaving Aquinas in 2014, Zak Mills-Goodwin has approached life with a fearless attitude.

For most people, the thought of placing your trust in a board while you fly down the road is unimaginable, but that’s an average day in the life of Zak.

In August last year, he made international headlines after becoming the first person to skate from the top of the world’s steepest street in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Reaching speeds of more than 80 kilometres per hour, Zak compared the sensation of conquering Baldwin Street to “flying.”

The homegrown daredevil has experienced the thrill of donning green and gold after representing Australia at the World Skate Games in November last year.

Zak made the qualifying round with a time of 1:12.68 before finishing fourth.

“Feels surreal to make it to the deep end at such a large competition, but it’s left me hungry to take some steps to the podium next time,” Zak wrote in a social media post following the event.

“Surreal experience with Australia being the strongest team, we couldn’t have done it without an outstanding amount of support from everyone.”

Along with the highs, Zak was also left nursing a concussion and broken nose after getting tangled in the final turn on his speedboard.

The current Australian Downhill Champion is exploring the world while pursuing his passion for the niche sport.

In April this year, he finished in second place at the VLT Siquijor in the Philippines and isn’t showing signs of slowing down.

Last year, he told New Zealand publication, Otago Daily Times, “I’ve been travelling all over the world to go to different places, skate the big roads and go really fast - it’s something I just really love doing.”

Zak Mills-Goodwin is definitely a name to watch.

Picture credit: @aprilroseadventure (April Rose)

Picture credit: @ni_cnussy (Linus Marsh)

Picture credit: @haxmeaton (Max Heaton)

L eading by EXAMPLE

Footy is often a talking point between Tom Wilson and his students.

When the former Aquinas student and current Dominic Year 9 Level Leader isn’t leading the way in the classroom, he’s setting an example on field for Collingwood in the Victorian Football League.

“The students take an interest, which is nice,” he said.

“There’s a lot of students here at Aquinas that are involved in footy. It’s a nice thing to have in common with them.”

Tom represented Eastern Ranges as a top-ager in the under18s before joining the Northern Bullants, where he spent 12 years. Throughout his 150 game career in the VFL, he has been a five-time club best and fairest winner, has been named in the VFL Team of the Year and represented Victoria in 2017.

This year marks his first season with Collingwood, where he has also taken on a development coaching role.

“All of a sudden I’m one of the older ones,” he laughed.

“I think last year I was bringing up the average age by about five or six years.

“It’s been a great journey.”

Jokes aside, he finds fulfilment in helping youngsters reach their full potential.

“That’s one of the things that has kept me in the VFL system, the fact that you get to work with really good young talented players who are keen to learn and get better,” he said.

“I think in many ways, that keeps you on your toes and you can look at different ways you can get better and continually improve.

“The development coaching role I’m in this year has been a bit of an eye-opener in terms of the things that happen Monday to Friday before game day, which has given me a new lens to look through.

“It’s about working with the younger group and trying to put in some development programs to help them fulfil their dreams and aspirations as well.”

After finishing school in 2010, Tom went on to complete a Certificate III and IV in Fitness and spent several years working for his father’s building and construction company before deciding to go back to university.

After a year of Exercise Sports Science, he transferred to Physical Education Teaching and Psychology. Once completing his degree, he returned to Aquinas College.

During his time as a student, he recalls seeing other past students excel on the football field, like three-time AFL premiership player Liam Shiels.

“To share the same space as him at school was pretty special,” he said.

“There’s certainly admiration for him, and there were others in and around the mark as well.”

Tom also now enjoys working alongside some of the teachers who taught him, with the likes of Michael O’Halloran, Steve McGrath, Phil Box and Bernie Brummell.

He hopes to continue leading by example.

“I’d love to get into the coaching space post my playing days,” he said.

“I’ve got a real passion for educating and teaching to try to help young people achieve and fulfil their dreams.

“I’d like to be able to one day apply some of the things I’ve learnt here and be fortunate enough to be involved in an elite coaching environment.

“But that’s going to take some time and some hard work.”

For now, his focus is on helping Collingwood to a flag this season.

“The ultimate goal is hopefully three or four months away,” he said.

Shooting ForSUCCESS

Sarah Hogan recalls spending her childhood analysing televised netball games after taking up the sport as a nine-year-old.

It marked just the start of her passion for the game.

After graduating from Aquinas in 2007, Sarah returned to the College in her gap year as a PE assistant, working alongside Bernie Brummell. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physical Education at RMIT in the years that followed, while also playing for and coaching the university’s national netball team.

The talented goal-attack has been involved in the Victorian Netball League since 2008 and has taken on a range of roles within North East Blaze over the last 10 years.

The 2017 season remains a highlight for Sarah after helping Blaze to a Championship premiership, while also coaching the club’s Division 1 side to the grand final. They went one better in 2019 with Sarah at the helm.

She admits she’s been lucky to learn from Collingwood Magpies’ assistant coach Kate Upton over the years.

In 2015, Sarah represented Victoria’s mixed netball team where she gained selection in the Australian side. Competing in New Zealand, Sarah not only co-captained the team, but was also the flag bearer at the opening ceremony.

“It was an amazing experience,” she said.

She’s also taken on coaching roles for the Victroian state program, leading 17s, 19s and the School Sport Victoria under15s.

Alongside these opportunities, Sarah has also played and coached at several football and netball clubs.

“It’s really rewarding and at the same time extremely challenging because there’s different ways people learn and different motivators for people in various settings,” she said.

When she’s not playing or coaching netball, Sarah teaches VCE Health and Human Development, Year 9 Health and Physical Education and is a Pastoral Care leader at St Peter’s College Cranbourne.

She’s hoping to continue pursuing opportunities in teaching and coaching.

“I’m doing my next coaching accreditation and I’m also trying to juggle the opportunities that I’m getting in my work life as well,” she said.

“I’m looking to do some further study and to take some of the leadership qualities and management skills I’ve gained through netball into a school setting.

“I hope to build culture and provide a lovely environment for the students to want to learn and find the balance between that, which I think everyone is trying to do.”

She looks back fondly at her time at Aquinas.

“I’m grateful for all of the sporting opportunities Aquinas offered to us and the chances to coach as senior students,” she said.

“One of the PE teachers, Martine Harkin, was coaching State League back when I was in Year 9 or 10 and she was someone who really encouraged us to try out and give things a go.

“We were very lucky.”

Pictures: Treeby Images and Woori Yallock Football Netball Club

Finding theBALANCE

Football is more than just a game for El Chaston. It’s a safe space.

“At any level, sport offers a sense of community by being around like-minded people,” they said.

“For me, personally, it was more about being in a supportive space where I felt comfortable to express myself and could navigate self-discovery in a really accepting way.”

Hearing their name called out at pick number 32 of the 2021 AFLW draft was the start of El’s dream becoming a reality, going on to don black and white in 11 games for the Pies across two seasons.

The last 12 months have provided significant change, with El finding a new home in Essendon’s VFLW program after being delisted by Collingwood, while also defining themselves as non-binary and undergoing top surgery.

While pursuing a career on the field, El is also making a name for themselves in their role as a speaker with Coach Approach.

They were recently back in the Aquinas classroom for the first time since graduating in 2019 to speak to Year 11 VCE Physical Education students about their experiences on the topics of gender equity, wellbeing, mental health, diversity and inclusion.

“It’s nice to walk the same halls again that used to be my entire life and routine,” they said.

“I’ve changed quite a bit since high school, so it’s nice to reflect on the amount that’s happened in the four years since I’ve left.

“There’s a big and exciting world out there and there are a lot of opportunities once you leave school. Life’s big and grand and often it’s being pushed that university is the way to go, and I like being able to show that there’s pathways outside of that.”

El is finding their role speaking to students from various schools just as fulfilling as standing alongside their teammates on game day.

“We run sessions on sport, but also the lifestyle and wellbeing side as well,” they said.

“It joins athletes that are like-minded and want to give back to that next generation, while showing the pathways in sport and giving back the knowledge and life skills that we’ve learnt through sport. I think that’s a really important thing.”

While they continue to chase that elusive flag, they’re also working towards other goals.

“Personally, I’ve reached a really good balance between my life as a professional athlete and my own personal aspirations,” they said.

“They used to be quite aligned, but now there’s a good balance between football and things outside of football.

“In terms of football, I would love to get back onto an AFLW list and that’s where the burning desire is at the moment.

“Outside my life as an athlete, it’s about being able to impact and give more to the community and help other young people who are struggling with their identity and sexuality and give them an insight and show that it is a space where there are people out there to support them.

“It’s not a taboo subject and it’s really important that there is that representation.

“I’m very honoured that I can share my story and use my platform to do so.”

Chasing DREAMS

When we think about careers in sport, it’s often athletes and coaches that cross our minds first.

But former Aquinas student Ryan Kogleman is proof that there are many other roles and opportunities within the sporting landscape to pursue.

After leaving the College in 2000, Ryan completed a Diploma in Sports Management before working as a Communications Officer and Development Coach for Eastern Ranges.

He then progressed to a role within the AFL as a Recruiting Officer for the Richmond Football Club before landing at AFL Queensland, where he worked as General Manager of Labrador Tigers and as a Development Officer.

He spent over 20 years in the AFL system through these various roles.

But it was in 2012 when he forged his own path by drawing on his extensive background in Sports Administration to kickstart a career in Sports Consulting.

Starting out as RDK Sports Consulting, Ryan and his team initially worked with over 100 emerging and professional athletes before expanding into RDK Sports International, which the business is still currently known as.

Over the last 11 years, Ryan and his team have undertaken a wide range of projects for schools, universities, sports clubs, businesses, government bodies and sporting organisations.

Ryan has managed some of the biggest names in AFL football, basketball and netball, just to name a few, and places a strong emphasis on forging strong relationships.

His role also opens up opportunities to travel the world. There’s more to careers in sport than you might think.

Sarah L ves SPORT

Sara Love recognised from an early age that she had a love of sport.

It all started with gymnastics, which she enjoyed into her early teens before reaching Level 9, when she was considered to be “past her prime.”

However, running became the activity of choice for the former student and current staff member, with middle distance her preferred course.

“I ran nearly every lunchtime during my 13 years working as an Executive Assistant in the city,” she said.

Netball has also played a major role in Sara’s life, enjoying the game from both playing and coaching perspectives.

She has been at the helm of Our Lady’s Netball Club for the past 13 years and has previously also enjoyed coaching stints with an All Ability team at the State Netball Centre.

When she’s not running, yocan also find her pedalling. Sara has completed the Great Victorian Bike Ride and Round the Bay in a Day on several occasions.

“These days, a leisurely lap of a bicycle-friendly circuit near home gets the blood flowing,” she said.

Her family’s three dogs, a German Shepherd, Pomeranian and Blue Heeler also enjoy physical activity just as much as Sara. (Can’t forget the cat as well!)

Aquinas LONG WALK

In 2004, former AFL legend Michael Long walked more than 650 kilometres from his home in Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra to call for action against the plight of the Indigenous community.

Throughout his time in the AFL, the two-time premiership player and Norm Smith Medallist took a stand against racial abuse, asserting that it has no place in sport.

Following his trek to Canberra, The Long Walk initiative continues to shine a light on the need for reconciliation. Here at Aquinas, we continue to mark this occasion.

Since 2011, the Aquinas Long Walk has been demonstrating the need to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Australians to seek justice and true reconciliation. Each year, we invite people from a range of organisations. It was wonderful to have 150 guests attend the event this term, including: The Long Walk Foundation representatives Leanne Brooke, Michaela Long (Michael’s daughter), and Uriah; Opening the Doors representatives, MACS representatives, primary schools and secondary schools, including those of other faiths.

Leanne Brooke, General Manager and Indigenous advisor to Essendon Football Club, spoke to the gathering about the need for change and the ways in which we can all help. Our Year 11 Music class performed “The Dead Heart” by Midnight Oil and Indigenous artist Emma Donovan, and our FIRE Carriers, along with our guests, led the walk.

Forever MEMORIES

Earlier this year, we said goodbye to our visiting group of 16 students and two teachers from our French partner school Lycée Notre Dame du Roc.

This was another great trip with a jam-packed itinerary, which helped forge relationships between students and teachers from another country. The group participated in a range of activities, which included:

• Melbourne Skydeck visit

• Melbourne-style coffee training

• Yarra Valley Chocolaterie visit

• Domaine Chandon visit

• Healesville Sanctuary visit

• two nights in Sydney

• tour of the Melbourne Museum, including First Peoples Exhibition

• Sports Museum and MCG Tour

• Shopping at Eastland

• Aquinas College classes, including Sport, French, Chinese, Physics, Hospitality/Cookery and a tour of the Native Ingredient Trail

• Queen Victoria Market visit

• Industry tour from the Executive Chef at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

• and much more

The French group showed their thanks and appreciation for their Aquinas host families by turning Aquinas into a finedining French Restaurant, where host families could enjoy a complimentary gourmet dinner.

This visit also helped build connections that will assist Aquinas students who plan to take up the opportunity to visit France on the Hospitality and French language tour at the end of the 2024 academic year. If you are a VET Hospitality or VET Cookery/ Kitchen Operations student interested in travelling to France, please contact Owen Stott, Director, Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre stottom@aquinas.vic.edu.au.

Thank you again to the Aquinas host families. Without you, this type of International student visit is not possible.

Owen Stott Director, Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre

Au revoir! A message from the French group

Hello everyone, It is with great pleasure and motivation that our group of students and teachers came to spend these 15 days in your school. We cannot thank all the host families and Aquinas staff enough, especially Holly Blease, Rhonda Wheeler, and above all, Owen Stott, for their incredible investment and support of all of us. The time we spent with all of you will no doubt remain forever memories for our young students. We took great pleasure in sharing our culinary art and service with you. Your country is, for many of us, a dream that you have made possible thanks to your incredible generosity and indescribable kindness. The challenge is very high for us: to welcome you to France as you have welcomed us. Thank you so much.

THE FRENCHIES

Carla: An unforgettable stay, an incredible dream (Sydney, MCG, the welcome…) It was just amazing, thank you for everything.

Maxence: Thank you to all Australians, especially my family, Rachel, Ben, and the young ones. Thank you to the school for welcoming me to Australia. The generosity, as well as kindness, has gone straight to my heart. Just thank you for everything.

Léo: The stay in Melbourne and Sydney was incredible (Bondi Beach, Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge). My host family is so nice… I don’t want to go back to France

Liam: Many thanks to Aquinas College for hosting us. A huge thanks to Owen for practising cooking with us in Australia! Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to the families who helped me discover so many things! Goodbye to you all!

Jeanne: Thank you to my host family for this amazing trip. It was a very good and fun experience.

Orane: I can say that I made my dream come true and it was really amazing! Thank you to Owen and my host family.

Aliénor: I loved the moments shared with my host family (training, theatre, songs in the car, meals)!

Adélaide: Thank you all for your welcome, kindness, and generosity. And especially a big thank you to Owen and my host family Suzanne and Desmond for their welcome and for helping me discover Australian culture.

Charlotte: I thank Owen for allowing us to cook in the kitchens in Australia, and my family for their involvement in helping me discover Australia.

Mathis: Thank you all for welcoming us, I discovered a new landscape and a new culture.

Raphael: Thanks to Aquinas and the families for hosting me on this trip, it was amazing.

Aude: I thank the College and families for hosting us, and I’m happy to have met some really nice people and hope to see them again someday. Thank you!

Eryne: I thank the College teachers for taking the time to take care of us, and I thank my family for welcoming me and helping me discover Melbourne.

Tessa: Thank you to all of you for your generosity and your welcome… You helped us discover and see extraordinary things. And thank you to Aquinas and the families for their involvement and their smiles.

Marine: It’s an incredible chance to have been able to discover Australian culture, with a fabulous host family and a great group! All activities were very interesting (like Manly Beach, the visit to the MCG and the dinner at Aquinas.)

Gauthier: Unforgettable trip! Sydney was magic! Melbourne is like a dream: restaurants everywhere, good food, and incredible moments with my host family. A big thanks to Owen and all the staff for everything and for managing this trip.

EISM PHOTOS

For the first time in 15 years, Aquinas College was recently crowned the winners of the EISM Athletics Carnival. After a recount was conducted, it was discovered that Aquinas was the leader of the carnival overall, 12 points clear of second placed Donvale. A wonderful result for all students and coaches who were involved.

Term 2 PHOTOS ILLUMINARE

Reunion NOTICES

You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet Yr 12 2003

The Aquinas class of 2003 will celebrate their 20 year reunion on Saturday, September 9 at The Coach, Ringwood. A College tour has also been scheduled for that afternoon before the evening event commences.

For more information and tickets

Aquinas College Class Of 1980 Yr 12 1980

A gathering of Year 12 1980 and those who shared the classroom with them.

Saturday 14 October, 2023

Mitcham Football Club

7.00pm until midnight

AQUINAS COLLEGE CLASS OF 1980 REUNION

Register your interest to make sure you are included in all correspondence by sending your name and contact details to:

aquinas1980@mail.com and follow us on Facebook

A gathering of Year 12 1980 and those who shared the classroom with them.

Saturday 14 October 2023

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

Mitcham Football Club

https://www.facebook.com/Aquinas80/

7.00pm until midnight

Register your interest to make sure you are included in all correspondence by sending your name and contact details to aquinas1980@mail.com and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Aquinas80/ Share

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