Aquinas College is an Australian co-educational Roman Catholic secondary school in the Melbourne suburb of Ringwood. It is a regional college of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, founded in 1961 to provide secondary education to Catholics residing in the Maroondah Deanery. Aquinas College endeavours to be a dynamic and innovative learning community, striving to create an environment to meet the diverse needs of all students. Aquinas is a place in which hospitality is valued and a warm welcome awaits. As a Regional College of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, the founders had a vision of high quality, affordable, Catholic education for local people and Aquinas proudly boast strong inter-generational connection to many families residing in this region. The College motto – Illuminare et Ardere is interpreted by us to mean To Light Up and Be on Fire. In all that happens at Aquinas there is great enthusiasm and as a school based on the gospel values of Jesus Christ making every endeavour to provide an enjoyable and challenging Catholic secondary education. Aquinas College is committed to educating students to take their place in a global environment and to view the world from multiple perspectives with an awareness of God in their lives guided by the virtues taught by College Patron, St Thomas Aquinas, and the College values - spirituality, belonging, perseverance, compassion, stewardship and justice. The College is accredited with the highly regarded Council of International Schools which has over seven hundred members across the world. At the same time Aquinas College is committed to every student experiencing success in their personal learning and life development, and is proud of the expert staff, committed to enhancing the learning experience, encouraging differentiation and promoting individual resourcefulness. At Aquinas the focus is on every student finding opportunities to embrace their spirit and “discover their place” in a welcoming and supportive community. History Aquinas Boys’ College was established on 8 February 1961. Administered by the Christian Brothers at the request of the founding parish priests, opening the doors to 130 boys in Forms 1 and 2. Aquinas Girls' College became a reality in February 1967 with different orders of religious sisters supporting the college. During the second week of February they welcomed 84 girls into Form 1. As the numbers were diminishing in the religious orders, it became necessary for the sisters to withdraw their services at the end of 1978. At the beginning of