Principal's Message

Mrs Josie Crisara

Easter

Easter Services this week reminded us of the events that form part of the Lenten season and lead to the events of Holy Week, the crucifixion and resurrection.

In all of this we are reminded of God’s unconditional love for us all.

I wish everyone a Blessed Easter time.

Reach out Community (ROC)

Reach out Community (ROC) recommenced after two years of disruption due to COVID with a family picnic and an exciting Easter Egg activity and hunt. Thank you to Mr Cooper and Reverend Vaughn for their organisation and to all who supported this activity. It was very busy with over 100 people in attendance.

Parents and Friends

The Parents and Friends Committee continue their good works with the Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser and the Preloved Uniform Sales. Thank you for supporting their efforts.

ANZAC Service

ANZAC Service this year was held yesterday. This was a solemn occasion to commemorate those who have sacrificed so much that we enjoy the freedoms of a democratic society. However, we spent time reflecting on the contributions of our First Nations peoples who were so brave in combat, fighting as equals and then hearing the stories that require acknowledgement of the injustices they faced on return from war.

Dr. Aleryk (Al) Fricker is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung man and academic. He is currently employed at RMIT University. He was formally a Primary and Secondary school teacher and has a passion for everything teaching and learning. When he is not working he studies as a full-time PhD student at RMIT University. In his leisure time he coaches for the local junior basketball club and enjoys sitting in front of the TV playing video games.Al's research is focused on justifications for the need to decolonise education in Australia, as well as the practical outcomes and the applied processes for school leadership, classroom teachers, curriculum designers, and school communities to achieve this goal.

Alumni

We recently welcomed back past students from the class of 2011 and 2016 for their 5-year and 10-year Alumni celebrations who were eager to share their stories since leaving Aitken. We should be proud of their stories and it is heartening to see their progress since leaving the College.

Harmony Week

Harmony Week was celebrated recently with a number of activities, including Chapels and Assemblies focussing on our wonderful diversity and keeping with the message that we all belong. Students engaged in a range of activities across the school some posted on our Face Book Page https://fb.watch/cbejyzJvZ8/

Staff

Congratulations to Ms Carmen Mazzarotta on being announced as the winner of the Highly Commended State-Based Prize for Victoria in the 2022 National Teacher-Artist Prize for her artwork ‘Colour Healing’.

Farewell

We say thank you and farewell to the following staff :

Mrs Kay Mitchell who is retiring
Rev. Jim Vaughn who is moving to work with the Salvation Army
Miss Angie Thomas is moving to Queensland
Ms Erin Ranieri who is completing her contract

Long Service Leave

We wish Dr Hudson, Mr Hudson, Mrs Shipp and Mr Eleftheriou all the best as they take Long Service Leave in Term 2.

We welcome back Mrs Nicole Gilbert from Long Service Leave.

Welcome

A warm welcome to the following staff:

Mrs Jamie Brown: Acting Head of Science and Biology and Chemistry Teacher
Ms Jaimee Pezzutti: Year 6 homeroom teacher
Ms Jacqui Duong: Director of Admissions

Mickleham Road Funding

We heard announced in the Federal budget that additional funding (besides that already committed by the state government) has been given to an upgrade of Mickleham Road that includes duplication, lights at our intersection and at Somerton Road as well as funds for further studies. This work should commence in 2023. To keep up to date with progress you can subscribe to the Major Roads Victoria page at. https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/major-road-projects-victoria/email-and-sms-updates Thank you to students, staff and parents who have been advocating along with the school for these works.

Performing Arts Captains Concert

Congratulations to our Performing Arts Captains Concert, Mackenzie H and Charleigh M who have worked tirelessly this term. The concert was held this Thursday 7 April 2022 in the CPA. How lovely it was to have a live audience! Thank you to all staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Chapel

We will have special guests assisting us with Chapels in Term 2 whilst we seek a new College Chaplain.

Enjoy the holiday break; it has been a long term.