College Activities
Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge - November 2019
We are proud to announce that 181 of our students completed the Challenge, reading an astonishing 8,243 books during the 6-month period. Many students logged more books than needed to meet the requirements of the Challenge, with 26 students from various year levels logging the maximum 100 titles. We would like to congratulate the students on their hard work and thank parents and teachers who helped them along the way. It really is a team effort, and we appreciate the input of everyone involved.
Students who met the Challenge received an official certificate of achievement signed by the current Premier of Victoria, Mr Daniel Andrews, and past Premiers who have supported the program. These certificates were handed out during this week’s Assemblies.
We look forward to your involvement in the Challenge in 2020!
Ms Annamaria Meszaros
Premiers' Reading Challenge Coordinator
Class of 2009 – Ten Year Reunion
Friday 8 November
In 2009 the top single in Australia was ‘I got a Feeling’ by Black Eyed Peas and all those attending this reunion did indeed have a ‘good, good, good, good, good night’.
Forty Alumni from the Class of 2009 returned to the College to reconnect and celebrate the 10 year anniversary of their graduation and then we could not get them to leave! An additional twenty sent apologies typically based around previous engagements, overseas travel and work commitments.
Some Alumni were accompanied by partners who were interested in poring over photograph albums to see the adolescent version of their ‘other half’. And of course there is always the 2009 mugshots and hairstyles to review/mock.
Early in proceedings, Mrs Crisara and the group dodged the rain to undertake a brief tour of the new facilities and of course Alumni were amazed by the changes they witnessed.
It was a fabulous evening with much laughter based on shared memories. Unsurprisingly, the strong relationship between students and teachers was noted with great affection. Other comments were:
- I look back fondly over the Design and Technology (Woodworking) classes
- I made strong and lasting friendships
- I really appreciate the time spent with many of the teachers especially in Senior School
- The best thing was the openness; grass, paddocks, cows and gumboots in Primary school
- The culture of the place and the mates I made are the best.
By this age/stage these twenty-somethings are becoming established in their roles and often moving into more managerial positions. They proved to be an interesting, enthusiastic and lively group with a variety of expertise and talents: technical, academic, creative, entrepreneurial and so much more.
Occupations represented (including multiples of many listed):
We were especially delighted to have the fabulous former staff member, Mrs Lyn Treadwell and her husband Jim, join us, making the trek from the Bellarine peninsula for the occasion. Lyn played a vital role in caring for these young people during her time at Aitken in the role of Head of House (Brodie).
Towards the end of the evening, Mrs Crisara made a toast to the Class of 2009. We look forward to seeing them again at the next function if not before.
Many thanks to all those who contribute to the success of such events.
Ms Rae Gibbs
Alumni Coordinator
Community Meal
I would like to invite you and your family to our End of the Year Community Meal dinner. The plan is simple – you bring the food and we will provide the place. I would like to invite you to bring to the school one of your favourite home cooked foods and bring something that expresses your culture. Along with the food bring some stories to tell about yourself.
We will meet again at the Food Studies Centre. This venue provides a great opportunity for your children to play and engage with each other on the basketball courts and soccer field while the adults chat with each other. As we arrive we can put the food we have prepared on a table in the centre of the room. There will be tables and chairs set up. After getting some food from the centre table join with some people from the school at a table to eat and talk. Share the food and share your stories.
Please note: Be mindful that others may have allergies to foods such as seafood or nuts. A label with your food listing the ingredients will be useful for others and do not forget – this is a family event – bring your kids. So, please come. The school will also provide the plates, cutlery and drinks. The details are:
- Saturday, 23 November
- 5.00pm - 7.00pm
- Food Studies Centre
Refer to the attached flyer for further details.
Rev. Jim Vaughn
Community Chaplain
Aitken College Giving Tree
The Aitken College Giving Tree is a wonderful opportunity for our community to share our resources with those who might otherwise miss out at Christmas. You are invited when purchasing your Christmas Gifts this year, to buy one extra for the Giving Tree. We are looking for any school-age appropriate present for boys or girls (no guns please). It needs to be new, without a price tag and UNWRAPPED. The Giving Tree is in the Chapel and Performing Arts Centre foyer; however, the gifts need to be taken UPSTAIRS to Mr Ward’s office. In the past, we have helped many families who struggle to provide for their children at Christmas; we do this in partnership with Uniting Care in Broadmeadows. We all know just how significant the giving and receiving of presents at Christmas is for children. Please support the Giving Tree this year, and many thanks to those who already have.
Mr Chris Ward
Director of Chaplaincy & Student Services