Principal's Message

                                                                     Mrs Josie Crisara

Life of Leonardo da Vinci

I am reading a book about the life of Leonardo da Vinci, a talented artist, inventor and scientist. He is known for some of his famous paintings, the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper, and his drawings of the Vitruvian Man. But perhaps most interesting are his notebooks, in which he made drawings and notes on a variety of subjects including anatomy, astronomy, botany, cartography, painting and paleontology. Leonardo was also known for his technological ingenuity. For example, he designed helicopters, armoured fighting vehicles, solar panels and an adding machine, although relatively few were ever constructed in his lifetime as they did not have the technology. 

Although he had no formal academic training, he was an individual of insatiable curiosity and inventive imagination. He himself was a mysterious and remote person. Amongst his writings he wrote: “Nature is the source of all true knowledge. She has her own logic, her own laws, she has in effect without cause nor invention without necessity.” 

So what has this to do with our students? Each individual has their own unique talents and they should be passionate about displaying them.  Attributed to Leonardo in his writing is: “I am impressed with the urgency of doing.  Knowing is not enough; we must apply.  Being willing is not enough; we must do". Students are encouraged to try and do as much as they can. They should take up the opportunities available to them. However, having a set of values is important: clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, as described in Colossians 3:12 which formed part of our weekly prayer.

The Season of Lent

The season of Lent commenced on Wednesday this week with Ash Wednesday.  Lent is a six week period leading up to Easter which is an important time in the Christian calendar. Lent is a time of observance and preparation for the trials and resurrection of Jesus, concluding with Easter Sunday, a day of celebration for the risen Lord. Lent can be a time for fasting or sacrificing something as we remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  Will Lent be a special time of observance for you?

Parents and Friends Association

The Parents and Friends Association met this week to plan out activities for the year.  Please support their activities such as the Hot Cross Bun Stall and Pre-loved Uniform Sale for this term. Last year the Parents and Friends contributed to the building of the new Cumberland playground which has been well received by students.

The Office Bearers of the Association are:

• President:  Allison Phelan
• Vice President:  Melinda Gallicchio
• Treasurer:  Sally Penaluna
• Secretary:  Amanda Phelan

Thank you to the new members who joined. Any other parents interested in joining the committee can email pandf@aitkencollege.edu.au.

Home Learning

We successfully transitioned to Home Learning after the Premier’s snap announcement.  Thank you to the staff who at a drop of a hat were able to deliver curriculum in a revised format and for students and parents picking up on this. Hopefully this will be a rare occurrence this year. Thank you also for your support in following our Health and Safety initiatives which for the time being include: 

• Practise good hygiene and regularly and thoroughly wash your hands.
• Maintain physical distancing, keep at least 1.5 metres away from others.
• Children aged 12 years and over must wear a face mask indoors or where physical distancing cannot be maintained outdoors. 
• Students must carry spare face masks with them at all times
• If you feel unwell do not go to school.
• If you have symptoms get tested at a nearby testing location. Return home immediately.

Class of 2020 Destinations

The graph below shows destinations by institutions and fields for our students. We wish them all the best for the future.

At the first Brookhill assembly this year, we celebrated the top student in each of the subjects. Congratulations to the following 2020 Alumni on their great achievement. 

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