FISH - magazine of Aquinas College | Term 2 June 2023

CONTENT

Principal’s Commissioning Assembly

‘Seussical Jr’ Comes to Life at Aquinas College

Relay 4 Life

Class of 2022 Academic Results

Character building using Gospel values, the way forward for Aquinas boys’

Boarding Update

Aquinas College Schola Cantorum with WASO Foundation Update

2022 Foundation Donors

Summer Sport Update

The Resilience Project Grandparents Day 2023

Senior Rowing Tour

Old Aquinians Rowers Long Table Lunch

Fish

Why the name ‘Fish’?

In 1934 when Ken Kelsall first attended CBC Perth ‘Fish’ was the term universally in use to describe the bread and jam afternoon snack that was provided for the boarders. At the time Ken was told that the term had its origins in the earliest days of the College.

In an article by Bob Hannah in the ‘Fish’ of November 1962 there were two very similar accounts, one from Sir Thomas Meagher and one from Reg Cooper, speaking of the tradition springing from the first day of the College’s existence. They recall ‘Fish-Ho!’ being shouted to call the boys to their afternoon snack.

The practice of giving boarders an afternoon snack named ‘Fish’ was continued when the move to Mount Henry was made in 1938.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land of our schools. We are inspired and nurtured by their wisdom, spirituality and experience. We commit ourselves to actively work alongside them for reconciliation and justice. We pay our respects to the Elders; past, present and future. As we take our next step we remember the first footsteps taken on this sacred land.

Principal’s Commissioning Ceremony

Robert Henderson Principal

The Principal Commissioning Ceremony was a special occasion for my family. Hopefully, it was also significant to the College given it marked the first appointment of an Old Aquinian to the role of Principal.

During the assembly, I provided the following message:

“It is wonderful to have students from the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools present here today.

The three biggest influences on my life have been my family, my friends and Aquinas College. It is particularly special for me to have my wife, Robyn in attendance and to have my brother Sean involved in the ceremony. We are a close family. Our childhood home is just across from the McMahon Oval and Aquinas has played a huge role in my family for

the past 50 years. I am proud to be an Aquinian.

When I first walked into the grounds of Aquinas College as a Junior School student, I was filled with wonder and awe. As a much older Aquinian, still have those feelings as I wander around our campus.

I was here when the Christian Brothers ran the College. Here in our Chapel is where I really learned to pray and got married;

I was here when the first concrete was poured for our Swimming Pool; I was here when the Redmond Library was built.

I was here when students used to run around the bottom ovals, which we knew as ‘the Desert’.

All that is history. Hopefully, today is much more about our Aquinas than it is about me.

As well as my family and EREA being present, we also have guests representing Catholic Education Western. We are part of a wider network of Catholic schools, and I am delighted that the Principals of Santa Maria College, John XXIII College, St Norbert College, Corpus Christi and Mazenod College are in attendance. They are my friends as well as my colleagues.

Mrs. Oaten’s presence is particularly important as we are both keen to further harness the relationship between Aquinas and Santa Maria. Mrs. Oaten is a former student of Santa Maria so we are both in quite a unique position.

Thank you to Dr O’Connell from Scotch College for joining us today. We are a PSA school and it is great to have that network represented.

I am absolutely delighted that my former colleagues from John XXIII College are in attendance. I love that school. I have always been very loyal to JTC, and I know that loyalty has been reciprocated. I learnt the value of loyalty as an Aquinian. Thank you also to representatives of our College Advisory Council, Foundation and Parent Groups for their attendance. Most importantly, thank you to the young Aquinians and our staff, in front of me. You are the reason am at Aquinas.

I am incredibly impressed with the young men I have met to date and our staff are wonderful. As Aquinians, I am determined that we will win with grace and lose with dignity in everything that we do. I am excited to be part of Aquinas College with all of you in the years to come.”

“As Aquinians, I am determined that we will win with grace and lose with dignity in everything that we do. I am excited to be part of Aquinas College with all of you in the years to come.”

From the Page to the Stage ‘Seussical Jr’ Comes to Life at Aquinas College

By Chris McRae

Production Director and Junior School Music Coordinator

“Imagine a sky, imagine bright blue. It’s the Jungle of Nool near the river Walloo. Now imagine an Elephant lumbering through. It’s Horton, yes Horton, and Horton hears a Who.” These were the words of the Cat in the Hat that brought audiences into the quirky and colourful world of Dr Seuss for the 2023 Junior School Production of ‘Seussical Jr’. Over four days in Term 2, over 50 boys from Year 3-6 acted, danced and sung their way through the bright and fun musical which combined many of the beloved stories and characters of Dr Seuss into a truly memorable musical experience. The process of bringing ‘Seussical Jr’ to the stage began in the first weeks of Term 1. After the return of the Junior School Production in 2021 and the huge success of ‘The Lion King’ (2021) and Shrek (2022), a large number of boys enrolled to participate in the production this year. After auditions took place

in Week 1, the process of blocking scenes, learning songs and mapping out choreography begun. The music itself was a great challenge for the boys with plenty of wordy lyrics, tricky rhythms and syncopation. However, the boys rose to the challenge and by mid-term, the characters and songs were starting to come to life.

The support of the Aquinas College staff and parent community was absolutely outstanding. Throughout Term 1, a small army of parent helpers gave up their evenings and weekends to paint, sew and glue, creating a dazzling array of Seussian style costumes and props for the show. Special thanks go to costume and prop coordinators Laura Alvin and Polly Chan who were instrumental in leading the parent team and creating some truly special aspects of the production.

The Aquinas Arts Staff team were truly a force to be reckoned as always. Musical

Director Chris McMillan led the way, dedicating an incredible amount of time to work with the boys on perfecting the songs as well as directing the talented band which included piano tutor Cate Carboon and percussion tutor Dan Harrison.

Assistant Director Emma Leopardi proved instrumental throughout the rehearsal and performance process with her artistic eye and rapport with the boys shining through.

Choreographers Chanel Turner, Travis Leggett and Hannah Sibbald brought the moves, working in Dance Club and Production rehearsals to teach the boys about safe dance practice and bringing the show to life with some highly creative movement.

Mark McAndrew worked tirelessly to ensure this ‘sung through’ show sounded impeccable, working with Year 9 student Harrison Agnihotri to balance not only the

band but multiple headset microphones and teaching the boys about microphone technique.

Lachlan Bowyer, with the assistance of Year 12 student Dillon Thiel ensured the show looked incredible with a dazzling Seussian set design, with the talents and support of Lucy Hughes, Bina Butcher and John Van Dyk, as well as a vibrant lighting design.

The promotion of the show was integral to the full houses. Thanks to Sheree Kendall for her creative photography and design work, as well as Year 12 Media Captain David Scott for his behind the scenes photography.

Finally, the show could not have happened without the support and efforts of Isa Main in ticketing, programs and administration, and Rebecca Watson, working tirelessly on Front of House for each show.

Just as important as the action onstage

was the amazing efforts backstage. Led by Nicole Monzu and Arts and Culture Captain Rory Watson, an incredible team of Middle and Senior Students and Staff were a well-oiled machine, keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Production week was an absolute treat, with a buzz in the air, Seussical posters lining the balconies and a sold out season ahead. The boys were well rehearsed and excited to bring the words of Seuss from the page to the stage. From Whos to Jungle Citizens, Fish to Circus Animals, all these zany characters were on display to delight audiences. The story followed Horton the Elephant, who, after discovering the tiny world of Whoville inside a speck of dust, is ridiculed by the inhabitants of the Jungle and put on trial for insanity. The moral of the story was beautiful, with always standing up for your beliefs the key message and Horton’s mantra “a person’s a person, no matter

how small” proving inspirational.

This year, with Aquinas College joining the Independent Theatre Association, we had the opportunity to have the show adjudicated. The production was described as “a welcome oasis from the stresses of the world”, “a feast for the eyes” and a “memorable experience” by adjudicators.

A big congratulations and thank you to all the students, staff, parents and community members that made ‘Seussical Jr’ possible. We can’t wait to see what 2024 brings for the Junior School Production. Until then, just remember to cherish “the thinks you can think when you think about Seuss!”

Relay 4 Life

Michael Dempsey Head of Middle School

Relay 4 Life is a community event that raises funds for cancer research and has been part of the Aquinas community since 2014. All funds raised goes towards funding Cancer Council’s vital research, prevention and support programs, many of which help people in your community every day.

Aquinas and Santa Maria have a rich history in Relay 4 Life being the foundation schools to commence the Boarding Relay 4 Life event in 2014. Since then, approximately 5000 students have walked, run and danced the Memorial Oval track with over $75 000 raised for cancer research. It has become an annual flagship event for the WA boarding communities.

In 2020, a new era of Relay 4 Life began with Aquinas and Santa Maria Year 8s and 9s commencing their own event. Relay 4 Life is an amazing event where the two schools join in a wonderful social event bringing boys and girls together with a common purpose to serve the community in raising funds for cancer research.

Relay 4 Life aligns closely with the values of both schools, particularly the value of service. Students are either running or walking, playing volleyball or even dancing for four hours. Students are challenged to raise money by donating their own funds; organising sponsorship; or working to make their contribution. The only rule they had to follow was not to ask their parents for money – they had to contribute

their own way. This year’s event was conducted on 31 March 2023 and proved to be bigger and better than previous years, with approximately 800 students, staff and parents getting involved.

During the event, the separate tutor groups from both schools are joined for a variety of events including the Herb Elliot 6 x 250m relay race (trying to beat Herb’s 1960 Rome Olympic gold medal world record time of 3min 35.6 – they didn’t come close), a very impressive dance off and a volleyball competition that was played in the middle of the track. In short, it was four hours of healthy engagement with $19,000 raised for the Cancer Council.

Class of 2022 ACADEMIC RESULTS

The College congratulates the 2022 Aquinas College graduates and their teachers on their academic results. Each of our students takes upon a unique learning journey and pathway and the College is proud to recognise those students who have achieved outstanding results broadly across the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses. We applaud those students who aspired towards personal excellence in their academic endeavours.

AQUINAS MYFUTURE CLASS OF 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

• A median ATAR of 84.90

• 35 students (34% of ATAR population) achieving 90.00 or greater

• 14 students completed two tertiary units with the University of Notre Dame Australia as a part of the uniPATH program

• 3 uniPATH students completed the Cambridge IPQ research qualification in partnership with the University of Western Australia

• As a feature of the ATAR+ pathway, 25 students completed a Professional Internship

• 53 uniREADY students. Direct university entrance through VET qualification – Certificate IV

• 7 ATAR pathway students also completed a Certificate IV qualification as combinedPATH students

• 137 VET qualifications – 49% of Year 12 students completed at least one VET qualification in 2022

• A total of 3258 workplace learning hours were completed by 34 industryPATH students

• As successful graduates from the College’s Industry and Enterprise pathway, 19 students have secured an apprenticeship.

The College acknowledges and appreciates all staff who have guided the Class of 2022 over their journey. The considerable investment of time and effort often goes unseen and we extend our thanks. Together, we wish all students much success in the future and once again thank them and their families for their contribution and commitment to the College community.

Aquinas College Median ATAR

2022.....................................84.90

2021.....................................83.50

2020.....................................85.85

2019.....................................82.65

2018.....................................83.25

Top ATAR Results

Dux – Alik Papaphotis – 99.8

Proxime Accessit – Kurtis Tanna – 98.8

Vocational Education and Training

Dux - Darcy Alvaro

Congratulations

Special congratulations to the students who attained an ATAR score of 97 or above (9.8% of student ATAR population):

Alik Papaphotis – 99.8

Kurtis Tanna – 98.8

Benjamin Warr – 98.0

Adam Csontos – 97.9

Ashton Teixeira – 97.8

Truman Han – 97.6

Blake Davies – 97.5

Daniel Green – 97.5

Riley Plester – 97.5

Luca Milani – 97.4

Subject Certificates of Excellence

Certificates of Excellence are awarded to eligible students who are in the top 0.5% of candidates for a course.

Evan Cooper

Mathematics Applications

Lachlan Panton

Mathematics Applications

Thomas Brennan

Physical Education Studies

Blake Davies

Physical Education Studies

Certificates of Distinction

Awarded based on a points system accumulated during Year 11 and Year 12 studies.

Rourke Barlow

Adam Csontos

Blake Davies

Truman Han

Jack Johnston

Leo Paoliello

Alik Papaphotis

Kurtis Tanna

Ashton Teixeira

Benjamin Warr

Certificates of Merit

Awarded based on a points system accumulated during Year 11 and Year 12 studies.

Lucas Bogensperger

Buz Brady

Hamish Fulwood

Daniel Green

Kevin James

Shenahan Kasthuriarachchige Don

Lukas Mollica

Zai Nicoli

John Paoliello

Matthew Paoliello

Callum Peacock

Sebastian Pietrzak Da Rocha

Riley Plester

Jonah Smith

Marcus Taylor

SCSA High Performing Courses

Accounting and Finance Design

Mathematics Applications

Mathematics Methods

Physical Education Studies

Politics and Law

As a College community we are very proud of these students and their achievement. These students balanced personal excellence on their chosen learning journey with a development of faith, co-curricular commitment and character development. The College congratulates the Class of 2022 on their contribution to Aquinas College. We wish them every success in life beyond Aquinas College.

Brendan Chapman

Head of Academic Studies

(L-R) Dux – Alik Papaphotis – 99.8

Proxime Accessit – Kurtis Tanna – 98.8

Character building using Gospel values, the way forward for Aquinas boys’

Mark Weston

Education at Aquinas College not only teaches information about character, virtues, faith, spirituality, justice, advocacy, and the human condition – but also deliberately builds competence and confidence within young men to enable them to be the best they can be for others.

In 2017, the College Leadership Team, examined two frameworks that would inspire the cultural way forward for the all-boy school students.

The first framework called Redesigning the Curriculum for a 21st Century Education, focused on expanding in the areas of knowledge, skills, character, and meta learning.

The second framework examined was from the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham. This framework identified schools should focus on building student character in

an intentional, proactive, and comprehensive way.

The Aquinas leadership team began their journey by applying the ‘character is taught’ practice, with the introduction of character education classes referred to as ‘Veritas.’ The creation of the Veritas Program led to the role of Character Education Specialist given to a lead teacher from each of the junior and secondary schools.

In 2019, the second stage of character building incorporated the practice ‘character is sought.’ The College prioritised to provide students with many authentic opportunities to put into practice the character virtues they learned through the Veritas Program.

The motto ‘Human Kind – Be Both’ was developed by students and was applied in the Junior School. This helped the young boys understand the importance of caring

deeply for others.

A Mentoring Program now sees Year 9 students visit junior classes twice a week, to support the younger boys in reading, maths, spelling, STEM, sport, or any number of tasks requested by the teacher. Through this experience, junior school students not only gain assistance and help, but the Year 9 mentors are able to develop their emerging leadership skills.

As part of their Justice & Advocacy class, Year 8 students are tasked to produce an advocacy presentation. Students are taught on how to think critically, work collaboratively, work towards becoming problem solvers and communicate effectively.

The concept of a ‘Man Box’ is used by the College to identify the ‘character is sought’ practice. Teachers encourage students to develop empathy, kindness, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Year

9 students enrol in a six-week intensive dance program which concludes with a performance by students for friends and family.

The final stage of implementing character education is to promote the practice of ‘character is caught.’ Staff are embedded with the vision and mission of the College’s new-found practices. Staff development days help equip teachers manage the expectation of modelling good character,

so that the boys see it being lived out across all aspects of the College. Character education now permeates the curriculum and complements the traditional formation programs of the College. It is contributing to the ideal destination of educating boys to become men the world needs.

Director of Character Education and Leadership

Update BOARDING

After the cancellation of last year’s event due to COVID, it was wonderful to see the Boarding Parent Sundowner resume its place in the calendar. This event was held outside the Churack Pavilion at the same time as the Brother Clery Cup cricket competition, with the Senior School matches played on Nunan Common and Middle School games on the new boarding basketball court. The boys looked great in their Clery Cup House Uniforms and ran the competition very well while staff mixed with boarding parents during a very enjoyable evening.

The highlight of the night was the unveiling of a 132-page photobook showcasing the homes and communities of our

boarding families. This project was the result of many hours of work from our Boarding Parent Committee, particularly Trin Suckling and Kate Caughey. The final product is simply beautiful and became available to purchase among the Aquinas College community on the final day of Term 1. You can scan the QR code to purchase a copy. Limited quantities are left.

Proceeds from the sale of the photobook will go towards funding some of the “creature comforts” for the boys within boarding, as will money that was raised from the Farmers’ Food Festival during the Athletics Carnival held at the end of Term 1. Donations from boarding families and

local businesses were sold or auctioned by boarding parents. Some of our boarders also assisted D&T staff with the creation of chopping boards made from recycled wood that was removed from the boarding houses during the 2017/18 renovation. Sincere thanks from Aquinas Boarding goes to our parents for supporting these events.

Ross Meadows

Head of Boarding PHOTOBOOK ORDER

Aquinas College Schola Cantorum with WASO

On Friday April 28th and Saturday April 29th, the Schola Cantorum had the honour of performing with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra at the Perth Concert Hall. Whilst the Schola had done this twice last year, this 2023 performance was particularly special – the choir were involved in the world premiere of a piece of music called The Tides of Longing, written by Perth composer and rising star of the Classical Music world, Lachlan Skipworth.

The Tides of Longing tells the story of a refugee who travels to Australia by boat, and is performed by orchestra, adult chorus, boys chorus and a single actor. At about 35 minutes in length, the music takes the audience on both a physical and emotional journey, as the protagonist survives storms and relives the horrors that he has fled on his journey to Australia.

The Schola were featured prominently at four different sections of the piece – as well as beginning and ending the whole piece, they also sang two different solo sections. One of these, called Ayee Bird was so well received that it will now be recorded as a stand-alone piece to be heard on ABC Classic FM. The fact that these sections were composed specifically for the Schola makes them even more special.

These two performances, which were to a combined audience of about 3,000 people, prepared the boys in the Schola well for their upcoming tour to England and Ireland, where they will perform seven times inside two weeks.

Hugh Lydon

Director of Aquinas College Schola Cantorum

FOUNDATION Updates

LOUISE SYMONDS Executive Officer, Aquinas College Foundation

GIVING

Thank you to the Aquinas community who continue to give back to the College in so many ways, inspiring future generations to continue making a difference in the world.

2023 activities to date include:

Annual Foundation Philanthropy Award

In conjunction with Mr John Richards, Director of Christian Service-Learning, the 2023 Annual Foundation Philanthropy Award was launched in Term 1 this year. This annual award was established in 2022 to recognise students - across Junior School, Middle School and Senior School - and staff who actively embrace our four touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity, making outstanding contributions to the College or local community during the year.

Nominations for the 2023 Award can be submitted by a teacher or a peer using the official Nomination Form from Week 1 of Term 3 through to the last day of the term – 22 September 2023. Winners will be notified early in Term 4, with certificates handed out at the relevant Presentation Nights.

The 2023 Annual Bursary Appeal

The Annual Bursary Appeal launched on 1 June 2023 and will run until the end of the year. This year’s Appeal highlights the remarkable impact of the Terry Bourke

Family Bursary which has assisted students from all backgrounds to access the high-quality education offered at Aquinas College by providing vital financial support. Terry Bourke (’43) and his wife, Nell, initiated the Terry Bourke Family Bursary in 1997, as they strongly believed in the importance of providing equal opportunities to all students. Since then, the bursary has enabled 23 students to pursue their dreams and make the most of their potential.

The Aquinas College Foundation and the College take great pride in continuing the legacy of the Terry Bourke Family Bursary through our Annual Bursary Program, but we need your help to ensure that this bursary, along with all our other bursaries, can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.

By donating to the 2023 Annual Bursary Appeal, you will help us to continue to provide bursaries to deserving students who might otherwise not be able to afford to attend Aquinas College.

Contributions to the Annual Bursary Appeal are tax-deductible under the name of Aquinas College Foundation Inc Scholarship and Bursary Fund’ ABN 93 078 219 075, with receipts issued by the Foundation. You can make your donations by scanning the QR code.

Current Parent Annual Appeal

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our families who have generously made tax-deductible, voluntary contributions to the Foundation in the first few months of 2023. Your donations to the Scholarship and Bursary Fund have the potential to transform lives through education, while your contributions to the Building Fund enhance the learning environment for all our students. With tax season approaching, there is still time to make a donation before June 30 to receive a taxdeductible receipt for the 2023 financial year. You can easily contribute any amount by visiting the following links, with tax receipts issued automatically:

Scholarship and Bursary Fund

https://bit.ly/3ODlIdl

Building Fund

https://bit.ly/3MMAEVb

Your support has a profound impact on the lives of our current students and future generations. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our mission.

Peer Bursary Gift

The Class of 2023 Bursary Gift was launched to the Year 12 cohort in Term 4 of 2022 and the boys have been busy planning their fundraising activities. The Appeal received a healthy kick start earlier in the year, when Year 12 student Jack Sheppard donated $2,444 from the proceeds of his cookie business - Jack’s Creative Kitchenin the lead up to Christmas. As in previous

EVENTS

Terry Bourke Veritas Event

At a special event on Tuesday 21 March 2023, the College and the Foundation proudly welcomed Terence (Terry) Bourke (’43) into the Veritas Society, established to thank and celebrate members of the community who leave a gift to the College in their will. Terry’s three children - Jenny, Libby and Michael - were present at the ceremony, along with past and current recipients of the Terry Bourke Family

years, families will be asked via the Year 12 Graduation Pack - to consider a $50 contribution towards the 50% bursary for a boy for Years 11 & 12. Visit https:// bit.ly/3MELwnX to go to the dedicated fundraising page. Thank you to our boys who, in true Aquinas spirit, are giving back to the next generation.

Bursary, several parents and Foundation and College representatives. In his keynote address, Veritas Society Patron, Justice Eric Heenan (’62), spoke about a humble and extremely successful Aquinian who lived a life of incredible service. Principal Robert Henderson and the Aquinas College Foundation thank the Bourke family for their continuing loyalty and support of Aquinas College.

2023 FOUNDATION BALL POSTPONED

Join us for a special Aquinas College Foundation Ball in 2024 to celebrate 130 years of Growing Good Men at Aquinas College: 1894 to 2024. This will be a night for the history books, as the Aquinas community unites for an evening of thanks, fun and elegance, while raising funds for the Aquinas College Foundation Bursary Program.

For further information about the 2024 Foundation Ball, please contact foundation@aquinas.wa.edu.au in the Foundation Office.

THANK YOU to our 2022 Foundation Donors

The Aquinas College Foundation acknowledges and thanks the Aquinas College community – current and past parents, Old Aquinians, staff and friends of Aquinas College – for your generous support throughout 2022.

Mrs E & Mr J Abbott

Mrs M & Mr B Abbott

Mr H Alvarez & Dr D Kallidis-

Alvarez

Mrs J & Mr J Alvaro

Mr P & Mrs C Alvaro

Mr M Alves

Mr A & Mrs L Ambrosino

Mr B & Mrs K Andrews

Anonymous

Mr C & Mrs N Antonio

Mr A & Dr G Arena

Ms N Argyle

Mr R Arrowsmith & Ms R Gao

Mr F & Mrs S Ashe

Mr M & Mrs L Ashton

Mrs R & Mr B Atwell

Mr B & Mrs A Auld

Mr A & Mrs K Auret

Mr J Azzopardi & Ms N Selten

Mr S & Mrs L Backhouse

Mr A & Mrs C Bacon

Mr W & Mrs C Baggott

Mr J & Mrs T Baile

Mr R & Mrs D Barlow

Mr C & Mrs S Barnett

Mr D & Mrs R Barnett

Mr F & Mrs T Barr

Mr J & Mrs R Barrett

Anonymous

Mr R Batubara & Mrs F Tjahyadikarta

Dr J & Mrs K Baumwol

Mr P Bayliss & Mrs K Wheeler

Mr T & Mrs F Beckett-Cooper

Mr J & Mrs K Beissel

Mr A & Mrs M Berson

Mr M Bettini

Mr N & Mrs R Bhat

Each and every contribution, large or small, was received with gratitude, helping us to build on the generosity of previous benefactors to provide for the students of today and tomorrow.

Mr D & Mrs R Bianchini

Ms T Birch

Mr T & Mrs L Blackadder

Mr A Bobey & Ms F Brooks

Mr W & Mrs P Boekeman

Mrs C & Mr A Borromei

Mr J & Mrs A Bougourd

Mr M & Mrs M Boulton

Mr J & Mrs J Bow

Mr M & Mrs A Bower

Mr R Bower

Mr R & Mrs M Bowring

Mr J & Mrs S Brace

Dr S Bracknell & Dr D Green

Mr S & Mrs D Brady

Mr P Brandsma

Mr G Breen & Ms S AllenRowlandson

Mr G & Mrs M Brennan

Mr & Mrs L Brennan

Mr R Brennan

Mr T & Ms E Brennan

Mr A & Mrs J Brittain

Mr S & Mrs L Brockhurst

Mr B & Mrs E Brown

Mr G & Mrs E Brown

Mr P & Mrs J Brown

Mr G & Mrs C Bryndzej

Mr T & Mrs D Bucat

Mr Z & Mrs S Bukhari

Mr N & Mrs K Burnett

Mr & Ms S Burvill

Mr S & Mrs J Burvill

Mr M & Mrs M Burych

Mr A & Mrs G Cacho

Mrs J & Mr J Campbell

Mrs Z & Mr R Campbell

Mr M Canton & Mrs L Xiao

Mr M & Mrs J Capelli

The following is a list of our 2022 Foundation donors, across all appeals and events. Thank you also to those donors who have chosen to remain anonymous.

Mr T & Mrs S Cronin

Mr W & Mrs C Capes

Mr J & Mrs C Cardoso

Mr M & Mrs K Caughey

Anonymous

Mr G Chambers & Ms D Andyono

Mr M & Mrs K Chambers

Mr B & Mrs N Champness

Mr F & Mrs A Chaney

Mr A Chapman

Mr O & Mrs D Charlesworth

Anonymous

Mr G & Mrs G Charlton

Mr S Chester & Mrs L Borovina

Mr J & Mrs M Christie

Mrs P Chua-Kyselicova & Mr P Kyselica

Mr D & Mrs S Clark

Mr A Clarke & Ms E Constant

Mr J & Mrs R Clarke

Mrs M Clune & Mr T Clune

Mr S Clune

Mr T Clune

Anonymous

Mr P Collins

Mr G & Mrs N Connelly

Dr J Connor & Mrs D Kurmann

Mr G & Mrs J Conte

Ms R Cooke

Mr S Cormack

Anonymous

Mrs A Cousins

Mr R & Mrs K Cousins

Mr P Coutts & Ms K Allister

Mr A & Mrs J Cowain

Mr P Cox

Mrs K & Mr C Craker

Ms J Critch

Mr S & Mrs P Crommelin

Mr B Crozier

Mr A Csontos

Mr B & Mrs M Cummins

Mr L Cunning

Mr M Cunnold & Ms E

Grimshaw

Mr P Curtis

Mr E & Mrs S Cybula

Mr T & Mrs L Da Silva

Mr E D’Albret

Mr T & Mrs C Dall

Dr P & Mrs E Dallimore

Mr G & Mrs J Davies

Mr R & Mrs S Dearlove

Mr L Delahunt & Mrs Y HumichDelahunt

Mr G & Mrs C Delic

Mr D & Mrs A Della Bona

Mr & Mrs P Dennis

Mr R & Mrs L Di Toro

Mr W & Mrs K Dodge

Mr A & Mrs J Doyle

Mr M & Mrs J Drake-Brockman

Mr A & Mrs E Draper

Mr D & Mrs B Draper

Ms A Duncan

Mr S & Dr D Dunn

Mr B & Mrs S Edwards

Anonymous

Mr J & Mrs A Eiffler

Mr R & Mrs N Elhaj

Mr D & Mrs K Ellis

Mr A & Mrs J Emin

Mr M & Mrs S Erickson

Mr L & Mrs R Evangelista

Mr T & Mrs H Evans

Mr D Ewart & Mrs D Liu

Ms G Fabrega Toro & Mr B

Dr L Groombridge

Mr P & Mrs P Hagen

Mr R & Mrs C Hales

Mr M Hall & Ms K Dewson-Hall

Mr M Han & Ms M Shin

Mr N & Mrs T Hancy

Mr P & Mrs J Harburn

Mr S & Mrs E Harris

Mr P Harrison & Ms D Palandri

Ms N Harvey

Mr I & Mrs J Harwood

Anonymous

Mr M Hassan Murad & Mrs Parvin

Mrs M & Mr T Hawkins

Anonymous

Mr R & Mrs K Heal

The Hon Justice E & Mrs E Heenan

Mr C & Mrs A Henry

Anonymous

Mr D & Mrs K Karczub

Mr J Keeffe

Mr S & Mrs A Keeley

Anonymous

The Kennedy Family

Mr P Kennedy & Ms C Olney

Mr G Kent & Ms K Soh

Mr P & Mrs S Keppel

Mr B & Mrs S Kerr

Ms A Kesic

Mr R & Mrs D Kestel

Mr D & Mrs J King

Mr S & Mrs C Klomp

Mr W Kynaston

Mr R & Mrs M Lamont-Smith

Mr B Latella

Mr P & Mrs M Latham

Mr S Lawrence John & Mrs J Shibu

Mr D & Dr R Lea

Mr B & Mrs L LeCras

Mr K & Mrs A Medlen

Mr M & Mrs P Mena

Mr S & Ms J Middlemas

Mr A & Mrs M Milani

Mr J & Mrs N Millard

Mr R & Mrs N Milne

Dr D & Mrs M Mincham

Mr K & Mrs J Mitchell

Mr M Mohendroo

Mr S & Mrs N Moir

Ms J Monneron

Mr S & Mrs P Montgomery

Dr A & Mrs P Mukherjee

Mr T & Ms S Mulcahy

Mr P & Mrs A Munns

Mr A & Mrs D Murray

Mr J & Mrs A Murray

Mr T Neesham & Ms A Honey

Mr D Neill

Mr T & Mrs G Neill

Mr L & Mrs M Nel

Mr J & Mrs B Perry OAM

Mr J & Mrs J Petersen

Mr P & Mrs N Phelan

Mr B & Mrs T Pickett

Pieters and Baker Families

Mr R & Mrs L Pino

Mr A Platts & Miss B Murphy

Mr A & Mrs L Plester

Mrs E & Mr M Pobjoy

Mr A & Mrs J Porteous

Mr D Power

Mr P & Mrs D Power

Mrs S & Mr R Power

Mr M & Mrs S Prandi

Mr F & Mrs J Prendergast

Dr J & Mrs G Pretorius

Mr M & Ms L Price

Mr K & Mrs V Prindiville

Mr T & Mrs J Rae

Anonymous

Mr G & Mrs T Rayner

Mr D Stade & Ms N Nicholson

Mrs R & Mr J Stenslunde

Anonymous

Mr J & Mrs S Stopforth

Mr C & Mrs T Suckling

Mrs T & Mr C Suckling

Mr X & Mrs S Surty

Mr M & Mrs H Svosve

Mrs L & Dr D Syed

Mrs L & Mr G Symonds

Mr A & Mrs M Tanna

Mr K Tanna

Mr B & Mrs N Taylor

Mr D & Mrs O Taylor

Mr P & Mrs V Tempra

Mr S Thiedeman & Mrs C Lowe-

Thiedeman

Mr S & Mrs S Thiel

Mr J Thomas & Ms S Tariq

The Travia Family

Mr L Trewartha & Mrs C

Reyes Alfaro

Mr P & Mrs R Farmer

Mr P & Mrs L Firth

Mr S & Mrs M Fisher

Mr D & Mrs A Fissioli

Anonymous

Mr M & Mrs J Foss

Mr A & Mrs P Fraga-Diaz

Mr A & Mrs A Francesca

Mr S & Mrs H Fry

Mr K & Mrs K Fuchsbichler

Mr D & Mrs J Fulwood

Mr B & Mrs L Gabbedy

Mr S & Mrs D Galipo

Anonymous

Mr C & Mrs S Gammon

Mr N Gan & Mrs S Lai

Dr S & Dr S Ganapathipillai

Mr J & Mrs C Garces

Mr R & Mrs A Gardner

Mrs W & Mr C Gardner

Mr A & Mrs J Gasmier

Mr L & Mrs R Giles

Dr E Glasson & Mr G Wouts

Dr N Gnanendran & Mrs S

Nimalan

Mr J Godfrey

Mr C & Mrs T Gonsalves

Mr S & Mrs K Gonsalves

Mr G Gordon & Miss J Fox

Anonymous

Mr P Gostt

Mrs D & Mr M Goundrey

Mr J & Mrs J Graham

Mr O & Mrs A Grahame

Mr N & Mrs L Grazia

Mr C Grida

Mr J & Mrs K Grierson

Mr M & Mrs C Griffiths

Mr T & Mrs K Herbert

Ms W Hernan

Mr P & Mrs S Hicks

Mr P & Mrs A Hicks

Mr W Hill

Dr J Ho & Ms Z Loke

Dr A & Mrs A Hooper

Mr P & Mrs J Hopfmueller

Mr T & Mrs L Hopkins

Mr M Horak & Mrs M De

Kalbermatten

Mrs A & Mr J Horgan

Mr M & Mrs S Horsfall

Ms A Howard

Dr Z Huang & Ms X Guo

Dr D & Mrs K Hudson

Mr G Hughes & Ms N Egginton

Mr M & Mrs A Hughes

Mr B & Mrs D Hulls

Mr I Humich

Mr M & Mrs A Hussey

Mr K Hutchinson

Mr P & Mrs J Hutchinson

Mr N Huynh & Mrs A Widjaja

Mr B & Mrs C Hyde

Mr P Hymus

Mr T Irawan & Mrs M Halim

Mr D & Mrs C Ivancich

Mr A Jackson & Mrs M Liang-

Jackson

Mr T & Mrs C James

Mr L Jannetta

Mr L Jayatilaka & Ms F Smith

Mrs L Jenaway

Dr E Jenkins

Ms L Johnston

Mr W & Mrs J Johnstone

Mr S & Mrs C Jolly

Mr R & Mrs D Jones

Mr A & Mrs W Lee

Mrs A & Mr N Leeson

Mr S & Mrs A L’Estrange

Mr C & Mrs S Levett

Mr J Lewins & Mrs C NicolettiLewins

Ms P Li

Mr R & Mrs C Librizzi

Mr H Lim & Mrs H Heo

Mr K & Mrs E Linke

Mr D & Mrs G Locke

Mr R & Mrs C Lomen

Mr M & Mrs E Loughnan

Mr T & Mrs C Luzny

Mr J Lyford & Ms J Samaras

Mr P & Mrs A Maartens

Mr S & Mrs J Macdonald

Mr D & Mrs K MacKinnon

Mrs M Mackintosh

Mr P & Ms K Mahar

Mr M Major & Ms J Baldock Anonymous

Mr P Malyniak

Ms D Manning

Mr C & Mrs S Marshall

Mr R & Mrs C Marston

Mrs J Martin

Mr P & Mrs L Martin

Mr M & Mrs J Mascarenhas

Mr P & Mrs B Masiello

Mr J & Mrs M Maslin

Mr M & Mrs L Maund

Mr S & Mrs C Mayne

Mr T & Mrs S McCormack

Mr A & Mrs C McDowall

Mr M & Mrs H McGrath

Mr P & Mrs S McKenzie

Mr K & Mrs J McNee

Mr P & Mrs P McVittie

Mr M Moss

Mr S & Mrs S Ng

Mr M Ng’Andwe & Mrs C Katwishi-Ng’Andwe

Mr Q Nguyen & Mrs A Pham

Mr S & Mrs S Niazi

Mr S & Mrs M Nicholls

Mr D & Mrs M Nixon

Mr M Noonan-Crowe & Ms L

Thurston

Mr G & Mrs S O’Brien

Mr J & Mrs L O’Brien

Mr M O’Callaghan

Mr M & Mrs J O’Callaghan

Ms J Oksis

Old Aquinians & Friends

Reunion Tour

Mr B O’Meara

Anonymous

Dr M & Mrs J O’Neill

Mr M & Mrs D Opalinski

Mr K & Mrs R Osman

Mr H & Mrs L O’Sullivan

Mr R & Mrs L Otero

Mr R & Mrs D Palmer

Mr H & Mrs S Panizza

Mr S & Mrs K Panton

Mr C & Mrs M Paoliello

Mr R & Mrs R Pares

Mrs B Parker

Mrs S & Mr G Patching

Mr B & Mrs J Paterson

Mr M & Mrs M Paton

Dr W & Dr M Pavey

Mr A & Mrs S Payne

Mr G & Mrs J Pearson

Mr M & Mrs S Pedley

Mr C Perkis & Ms N Baroni

Mr P Perry

Mr S Razga & Ms A Langley

Mr A & Mrs L Rechichi

Mr J Redmond

Mr C & Mrs S Reed

Mr T & Mrs D Reed

Mr M & Mrs S Regan

Mr J & Mrs G Richards

Mr K & Mrs D Richardson

Mr M & Mrs K Ridgwell

Mr R Rigg

Mr P & Mrs L Robertson

Dr J & Mrs J Robinson

Mr & Mrs N Rowson

Mr P & Mrs G Ruane

Mr D & Mrs C Rumenos

Mr M & Mrs C Rummer

Mr J & Mrs V Salerian

Dr S Salfinger

Mr B & Mrs M Sayers

Mrs J & Mr M Scannell

Mr K & Mrs J Scott

Scott-Waugh Family

Mr T & Mrs D Shearer

Mr N & Mrs T Simmonds

Mr M & Mrs F Sims

Anonymous

Mr K Sindel

Mr J & Mrs F Slade

Mr A Smith & Mrs A Woods

Mr A & Mrs K Smith

Mr D & Mrs J Smith

Mr J & Mrs M Smith

Mr G Snow & Ms P Gardener

Ms A Soesanto & Mr V Haryanto

Mr C & Mrs L Soklich

Mr J & Mrs P Sowden

Mr M & Mrs D Spencer

Mr D Squires & Mrs S DaleSquires

Bracknell

Mr J & Mrs M Tribe

Mr P & Mrs H Trueman

Mr K & Mrs J Tyler

Mr S & Mrs K Tyrrell

Mr K & Mrs K Ukich

M Van Doorn & Mrs M Nguyen

Mr J van Hoek

Anonymous

Mr J & Mrs L Veitch

Mr P & Mrs J Vinci

Mr M & Mrs L Vlismas

Mr C & Mrs M Waddingham

Mr G & Mrs A Waldock

Ms L Walters & Mr S Atkins

Mr D & Mrs T Warlters

Mr R & Mrs J Warr

Mr D & Mrs L Waters

Mr G & Mrs S Watkins

Mr D & Mrs A West

Mr C Westlake & Ms K Barr

Mr S & Mrs E Whitfield

Mr J Whiting & Miss A Dunkley

Mrs P & Mr P Whyte

Mrs B Williamson

Mrs A & Mr R Wilson

Mr S & Mrs K Woods

Mr P & Mrs N Woodward

Mr A & Mrs N Worth

Mr G Wouts & Dr E Glasson

Mrs K Yasuda & Mr E Tsang

Mrs S & Mr S Young

Mr P & Mrs L Zaninovich

Dr H & Mrs S Zhu

Mr J & Mrs R Zito

Mr M & Mrs P Zoiti

Mr P & Mrs J Zoiti

SUMMER SPORT

2022/2023 PSA Summer Season including the Head of the River and PSA Swimming Interschool Carnival

Basketball Cricket Volleyball Waterpolo

1st Aquinas College

2nd Hale School

3rd Christ Church Grammar

3rd Wesley College

5th Scotch College

6th Trinity College

7th Guildford Grammar

1st Christ Church Grammar

2nd Aquinas College

3rd Hale School

4th Scotch College

5th Trinity College

6th Wesley College

7th Guildford Grammar

1st Hale School

2nd Aquinas College

3rd Christ Church Grammar

4th Wesley College

5th Trinity College

6th Scotch College

7th Guildford Grammar

1st Christ Church Grammar

2nd Aquinas College

3rd Scotch College

4th Hale School

4th Trinity College

6th Guildford Grammar

7th Wesley College

Tennis Rowing 1st VIII Rowing Hamer Cup Swimming

1st Wesley College

2nd Christ Church Grammar

3rd Trinity College

4th Guildford Grammar

5th Scotch College

6th Hale School

7th Aquinas College

1st Trinity College

2nd Aquinas College

3rd Christ Church Grammar

4th Scotch College

5th Guildford Grammar

6th Hale School

7th Welsey College

1st Trinity College

2nd Christ Church Grammar

3rd Aquinas College

4th Guildford Grammar

5th Scotch College

6th Wesley College

7th Hale School

1st Scotch College

2nd Christ Church Grammar

3rd Hale School

4th Trinity College

5th Wesley College

6th Aquinas College

7th Guildford Grammar

Congratulations to Coach Alex Hayman and Captain Roman Lutton on winning the Blackwood Trophy. Aquinas basketball continues to produce competitive teams from Year 7-12 and that is demonstrated by the 1st V securing the Blackwood for a 6th time in nine years.

Finishing 2nd to Hale in the 2021/22 season was enough to drive our boys to train harder, commit to the program and ultimately put everything into this season. am so proud of how the young men handled themselves and to return the Blackwood to Aquinas College was outstanding.

A CLOSE 2nd

Our Cricket, Water Polo, Volleyball and 1st VIII Rowers all had amazing seasons and were so close to ultimate glory. Although they fell agonisingly short in 2nd place, they must be proud of their efforts and the way they all represented the red and black. All four groups of athletes took on the challenge to improve from the 2021/22 season and that is exactly what they did.

Our 1st XI Cricket were exceptional and fell short only to Christ Church, who they drew with in the head to head fixture in Term One. Congratulations to Coach Kristian Morisey and Captain Presley Campbell for the culture you have created and attitudes across all Aquinas Cricketers. Cricket at Aquinas is in a very good place and there is a genuine chance to celebrate Darlot Cup success in the very near future. It was a similar story for 1st Water Polo Coach Tom Hoad, Captain Aidan Harvey and the playing squad who finished 2nd.

With a draw in Term Four, the Round Nine match with Christ Church was going to be an early grand final. Unfortunately, the red and black were not at their best and with Aidan Harvey playing with a shoulder injury, the 2023 title would again be celebrated at Christ Church. With the majority of players returning and some talented young prospects coming through our Middle School, am excited at what lies ahead for AC water polo.

Ethan Dodd and Captain Mitchell Barnett again took on the challenge to defeat

Hale School in volleyball for the Br Carrigg Shield. The two schools have produced an exceptional standard of volleyball over the last two seasons and with the addition of Sam Hoskin as Assistant Coach, there was a feeling that this could be our year to return to the top of the table. The senior players took on extra sessions, adjusted the way they played and with the help of numerous games against former Aquinians, they were very well prepared for the top to the table clash late in Term One. Sadly, once again, Hale were too good and celebrated back-to-back Br Carrigg Shield success.

This year, the first VIII rowers was again led by old boy, Steve Saunders, having returned to the College last season. The boys challenged at the Head of the River in 2022 and with many Year 11’s returning in 2023, Aquinas’ Challenge Cup drought of 25 Years was potentially going to end. With numerous wins at lead up regattas,

Brett Silver Head of Sport

BLACKWOOD TROPHY

everyone knew the Head of the River was going to be a tightly contested event. Our boys put on a great display of teamwork, comradery and determination and were edged out of glory by a very efficient Trinity Crew. Although 2nd place is not what the boys were aiming for, they should hold their heads high for what was a great season.

Credit to all crews and coaches for ensuring Aquinas remained on the podium in 3rd position for overall points and congratulations to Trinity College who retain the Hamer Cup with a very dominant day on the water.

CELEBRATE THE SMALL WINS

Although tennis at Aquinas has not had the success of other sport recently doesn’t mean they aren’t making progress. With numerous Middle School players knocking on the door of the 1st VI and the inclusion of international tennis player Jessica Moore to the coaching ranks, there was a vibe amongst the players that success was near. With close losses throughout the season the momentum was building and the squad knew the Term One rematch with Hale was going to be our best chance for a win, and that’s exactly what they

did. Aquinas 1st VI tennis celebrated their first win in over 4 years. Credit to Coach Mike Gill, Manager Ben Puris, Assistant Coaches Dwayne Augustin and Jessica Moore as well as the players for constantly striving for improvement even without the weekly success. Your efforts have been recognised and hope to see all tennis players return stronger and hungrier for success and competitive tennis in Term Four.

THANK YOU

We extend a tremendous amount of gratitude to the coaches and managers for their exceptional coaching expertise and unwavering support of our sporting program. The enthusiastic staff have been instrumental in ensuring that our sporting program is the best it can possibly be, and we recognize that without their time, effort, and support, none of this would be possible.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Steve Burke, Shaun Williams, and the Ground Staff at Aquinas for their tireless efforts in

maintaining and setting up the sporting facilities for us. The boys are fortunate to have such excellent facilities at their disposal, and we appreciate all of the hard work that goes into keeping them in top condition.

We would also like to express our appreciation to the medical staff and our outstanding admin team for their hard work and organisation behind the scenes. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed and have been critical to the success of our program.

Lastly, we extend our sincere thanks to Tom Campbell from Total Sports Photography for capturing the incredible moments of our program on social media. To stay up-to-date with the Aquinas College Sports program, please follow our ‘aquinascollegesports’ Instagram account.

Resilience Project

This year the Junior School have begun using The Resilience Project to further develop our Character Education program. The Resilience Project is a company based out of Melbourne which aims to teach positive mental health strategies and build our capacity to deal with adversity.

The Resilience Project was developed by a man named Hugh Van Cuylenburg for two main reasons;

• His sister suffered from a mental illness.

He visited India and met a boy call Stanzin.

Whilst he was in India, he learnt that Stanzin was one of the happiest people he had ever met. Because of this, Hugh has based his program on three key principles

which are designed to build resilience and make us happy.

Gratitude – Paying attention to what we have and not what we don’t have. One activity we did was the ‘DIS’ challenge. Whenever we were doing something we loved like playing sport or an instrument or having dinner with our family, we would stop and say DIS. The idea is that we are saying “how good is this” and being grateful for what we have in our lives.

Empathy – Understand how others feel. During our focus on Empathy, students were asked to perform random acts of kindness around the school and in our home. We learnt that we felt happier when we were able to help others.

Mindfulness – Being calm and present in any given moment.

An activity we did, which was challenging, was sitting still for 2 minutes, and focusing on what we could hear. By doing this it made us be present and calm as we are trying hard to not think of anything else. We like the program because it has allowed us to be more grateful for what we have. We also like the lessons because it is a chance to relax during the school day and not feel overwhelmed with our school work or lives.

GRANDPARENTS DAY 2023

On Friday the 10th of March, we all celebrated Grandparent’s Day. It started off with a beautiful liturgy which was accompanied by the joyous sound of the Aquinas College Schola Cantorum. It was a great liturgy with amazing readings from our Year 7 cohort. After the liturgy, we all attended the Grandparents Day assembly. As the MC, I relished the opportunity to get to talk in front of my fellow peers and my grandparents. The assembly gave the grandparents a taste of what it is like at Aquinas College with speeches from Year 7 students about sport, music, the College, the Year 7 camp, and what it is like to be a boarder. We even had art presentations and music performances from some of the students. After this, we had the sausage sizzle in the Year 7 courtyard where all the grandparents came together. The sausages were all amazing and the helpers did a really good job. After we had eaten the sausages, the grandparents were invited to go to our PSA games where we all had lots of fun. Overall, this day was a great success, and I am very glad that we had the opportunity to have experienced it.

Daniel Vinci

7 Glowrey East

On the 10th of March we celebrated Grandparents Day. I was very excited because they had to fly from the station, in Port Hedland, to come and spend Grandparents’ Day with me. We celebrated the start of the day with a Liturgy and then we had an assembly where my grandparents heard about all the experiences I have at Aquinas College and they listened to what it is like for me to be a boarder. After the liturgy, we had a sausage sizzle lunch and a cup of tea. It was nice to have a meal together. From here, my grandparents watched me play basketball against Trinity College. Grandparents’ Day was fun and allowed me to spend time with my much-loved grandparents as well as them getting a chance to see what life is like for me at Aquinas College.

Jack Steele

7 Bryan West

Lincoln and Max Junior School Students

SENIOR ROWING TOUR

TASMANIA 2023

The conditions on Lake Barrington for training were perfect, with calm waters and stunning weather surrounded by the amazing forests of North-West Tasmania. The boys were able to train hard and focus on the finer details of their technique and preparation for the regatta. During their last few days in Tasmania, the team participated in a regatta against other schools and clubs from the area. It was a fitting way to end the trip, testing their newfound skills and experiences from the previous weeks. The team was able to put into practice all that they had learned and develop into a well-oiled machine, with all boats performing to their best abilities.

Despite the challenging conditions of racing against unfamiliar crews and some extreme weather conditions on the last day, the boys did exceptionally well. Their hard work and dedication paid off as they won multiple races.

The team bonded and strengthened their connection during the trip, affirming the College’s longstanding tradition of developing top-tier rowers. For many, the tour was one of the highlights of their time at Aquinas College, providing memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

The tour to Tasmania was also an opportunity for the boys to connect with the wider rowing community in Australia, as they met new competitors and potential future teammates. The exposure and experience gained from racing against other schools and clubs will undoubtedly aid them later on in their individual careers.

watching them mature and excel both on and off the water.

The tour to Tasmania was more than just a rowing trip, it was a testament to the power of shared experiences and dedicating oneself to a common goal. Every member of the team came out of the tour with a greater understanding of their teammates, the sport, and themselves. The trip will no doubt inspire the Aquinas senior rowing team in years to come, serving as a benchmark to aim for. For the younger rowers, the next tour is planned for January of 2025.

The beginning of the year is always an exciting time for many students – the return to school, catching up with friends, and getting back into a routine. However, for the senior rowing team at Aquinas College, the start of the year meant a trip to Tasmania for a rowing tour like no other.

The tour took place over two weeks, with the first five days spent in Hobart. With the boys rowing out of The Hutchins School shed, they were treated to some of the best views of the Derwent River and surrounding hills. The first two days were used to get a feel for the river and some of the unique challenges that come with rowing in a new environment, such as negotiating the large cruise ships and active port in the centre of Hobart. In addition to on-water training, the team was able to explore their surroundings by hiking Mount Wellington through the extraordinary Lost Field, where they enjoyed spectacular views of Hobart and

the region. The group also took part in laser skirmish and visited the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). These activities offered a chance to bond and create memories outside of their shared passion for rowing.

The on-water rowing training increased throughout the week, with additional ergo sessions at the University of Tasmania and running sessions in Sandy Bay adding to the training load. A rest from training over the weekend was well earned as the boys departed Hobart for the next leg of the tour.

The next two nights were spent on the east coast of Tasmania where the boys visited the Port Arthur Historic Site and explored the fascinating history of the region. They also enjoyed a thrilling jet boat ride around the Tasman Peninsula, which gave them a new perspective of Tasmania’s rugged coastline. A lunch break at Fortescue Bay saw the boys take the challenge of plunging into the icy cold

waters of South-East Tasmania for a very refreshing swim.

One of the highlights of their trip was a trek on the Freycinet Peninsula. The six-hour hike provided an awe-inspiring view of the beach and cerulean waters of Wineglass Bay. The boys descended into Wineglass Bay before trekking across to the remote Hazards Beach.

After all the excursion had to offer, the team travelled to Lake Barrington International Regatta Centre for their last week of training. As one of Australia’s premier rowing facilities, Lake Barrington offered the ideal location for the team to prepare for the upcoming season.

The team had been looking forward to the opportunity to train in such a well-equipped facility. The International Regatta Centre was the boys base for next five days as the focus of the tour changed to preparing for the weekends racing.

As the boys departed from Tasmania for their return to Perth, they were left with newfound skills, memories, and experiences that they will take with them for the rest of their lives. As First Eight coach, Steve Saunders, reflected on the success of the tour, he spoke of the pride in the team’s hard work and the joy of

The tour to Tasmania was more than just a rowing trip, it was a testament to the power of shared experiences and dedicating oneself to a common goal.

Nick Collins Director of Rowing

Old Aquinians Rowers

LONG TABLE LUNCH

Nick Collins Director of

In the lead up to this year’s Head of The River, over fifty old Aquinas rowers made their way to the River Centre for a long table lunch, where they reminisced on their past successes and celebrated the future endeavours of the Aquinas rowing program.

The event was a celebration of their shared history, the friendships that had been formed on the river, and the sport that had brought them all together. The special guest for the lunch was Max Cunningham, a former Aquinas rower and Olympian from the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.

The long table lunch provided a great opportunity to reconnect with old teammates and, for some, to meet younger generations of alumni who share a common bond of rowing. The lunch festivities had the old rowers lined up at a beautiful long table in the River Centre’s boat bays between the eights over-looking the Canning River.

There was also the chance to tour the new facilities, which had left the old rowers in awe. The facilities offer world-class equipment and space, providing the next generation of rowers with everything they need to take their talents to new heights.

During the lunch, old rowers presented the College with some memorabilia from their time rowing for the school. Tim Meagher kindly donated the rudder from the boat he coxed in 1957 and The Hesford Family found a truly unique piece of Aquinas Rowing history, a rowing club flag believed to be from the 1940s.

As the long table lunch came to an end, many participants shared their acknowledgments of how the day had rekindled their love for their sport and the beautiful facility that they were privileged to be in. Being able to come back and visit, they said, had made them all feel like they were back within the rowing community that they had left behind.

The long table lunch had been a great

success, connecting old teammates, coaches, and supporters who all shared a passion for Aquinas Rowing. The facility at the Aquinas River Centre offers a bright future for the program, ensuring that future generations of rowers will have access to the same quality of equipment, support, and opportunities that the alumni before them had. With events like the long table lunch, the history of Aquinas rowing lives on in the present and offers a stunning future to the years ahead. It is events like these that remind us of the importance of community, and the power of sport to bring people together. The long lunch for old rowers from Aquinas College was a testament to the enduring bonds that are formed through sport, and a celebration of the shared values that underpin the sport of rowing. With the success of this year’s event, a future long table lunch is planned for next season in the lead up to the 2024 Head of The River.

Rowing

AQUINIANS LEADING A SPIKE IN VOLLEYBALL IN WA AT REDS

Reds Volleyball Association has begun its sixth season in WA’s premier indoor volleyball competitions, the Western Australian Volleyball League (WAVL) and Western Australian Junior League (WAVJL). The Club was established at Aquinas College in 2018 by a group of Old Aquinian coaches and players and has since grown to become the largest volleyball association in Western Australia. While primarily based at Aquinas College, Santa Maria College and Penrhos College, Reds now operates across 15 different locations in Perth offering competitive playing opportunities for male and female volleyballers in the WAVL and WAVJL and participation opportunities in the Association’s Reds Beach, Kids Volley, Junior Volley, All Abilities and Sitting Volleyball programs.

We are proud to have hundreds of Aquinians, parents, staff members and Old Boys involved at Reds as players, coaches, umpires, supporters and members of the

Reds Board. Our vision of ‘Good people first, good volleyballers second’ aims to inspire our members to develop on and off the court in a positive sporting environment.

“We are equally as proud of our successes on the court like being named Volleyball WA’s Club of the Year for two years in a row, as we are with our successes off the court that have included the launch of Reds Reach. This community engagement program has expanded the game of volleyball to new communities through collaborations with organisations such as the Edmund Rice Foundation, the Western Australian Disabled Sports Association and Clontarf Aboriginal College,” Reds Vice President Logan Vanderweide (’19) Captain of the Australian Volleyroos Luke Perry (’12) coaches and volunteers with Reds during his time home from national and club team duties and has enjoyed watching the club grow in recent years.

“It’s great to see the growth and success

of Reds over the years. I see something unique and ambitious about this club and I think it’s still just the start of bigger things to come. It’s really exciting for volleyball in WA,” Perry said.

Head of Volleyball at Aquinas Michael Dempsey (’88) serves on the Reds Board and as a Junior League coach. Dempsey has been a strong supporter of the Reds program to enhance the development of Aquinians during the PSA offseason.

“Reds Volleyball has provided our aspiring volleyballers the opportunity to develop their skills at a high level against other clubs outside the PSA competition. It has been great to watch many of our volleyballers go on to bigger and better things from their involvement at Reds,” Dempsey said.

To become involved as a player, coach, volunteer or sponsor of Reds Volleyball, email rva@redsvolley.com to find out more.

Anthony Meo (’16)

President | Reds Volleyball Club

A Double Century

JACK AND DES

Jack Evans

Jack Evans had a well deserved reputation as a batsman, both while at the College and later in first grade cricket, notching the occasional triple figure score. But his most coveted century was observed on May 14 - his 100th birthday. He had great pleasure celebrating the milestone with family and friends.

Jack, who was among the first students when Aquinas College opened at the Mt Henry site in 1938, had a brush with his initial cricket century representing CBC – the forerunner of Aquinas – against Guildford Grammar School in 1937. He was in fine touch against Guildford but was stranded on 98 when stumps were drawn!

He had an impressive career, including membership of the pennant winning East Perth (now Perth) team in 1948-49 with fellow Old Boys and State players Bert and Basil Rigg. An earlier teammate was Bill Alderman, father of Test fast bowler Terry.

On leaving school, Jack made every post a winner. He joined the Commonwealth Public Service, rising to senior ranks in the Department of Works. He spent six years in Darwin in the 1950s, and was later seconded to help the city’s recovery after the disastrous Cyclone Tracy in December 1974.

During World War II he trained as a pilot with the RAAF and flew Dakota aircraft based in England in 1945. After the war he remained in England long enough to join

Actors’ Equity and “star” as a stretcher bearer in the feature film “Stairway to the Stars” with David Niven.

Returning to Perth, he resumed his sporting career gaining selection in the State hockey team in 1946. He enjoyed a long association with the Old Aquinians club, made five overseas tours with the Hotspurs team and chaired the Commonwealth Hockey Stadium at Bentley.

Jack’s greatest partnership was with Kate (nee Kane), his wife of more than 70 years, who sadly died in 2021. Their four sons –Peter, Michael, John and Anthony – are all Old Aquinians!

Des Jennings

Des Jennings turned 100 on 9 May 2023. Des finished his education at Aquinas at age 16 and within a couple of years was a member of the AIF. He completed his initial army training in Perth before taking a train to South Australia and embarking with a convoy of trucks to Darwin where he was stationed during intermittent bombing by the Japanese. Soon after, he was transported to New Britain on a Liberty Ship and he served in this combat zone for over two years.

On his return at the end of WW2, he completed accountancy studies and embarked on a 36 year banking career with the R & I Bank before retiring in 1983. Apart from managing several branches Des was also appointed as the first ever

Marketing Manager of the bank. He played league football for Subiaco and was a successful country golfer and cricketer. His retirement years have been spent with family travelling, enjoying Jazz music, playing the piano, lawn bowling and supporting the West Coast Eagles. At age 96 he was the oldest ever participant on the tv show Millionaire Hotseat. He was happily married to Kathleen for over 72 years and they had 4 children together.

2023 BEVERLEY & DISTRICTS (COMBINED) PSA

Ex-Scholars Association Dinner

REUNIONS

CLASS OF 1962 & 1963

The 87th Beverley Dinner was celebrated at the Beverley Golf Club after an absence of 2 years due to the pandemic. The Beverley Dinner is an opportunity for alumni of the seven PSA schools to come together to renew friendships forged through a shared experience of attending one of the schools.

The Beverley Dinner is a long-held tradition of PSA schools, which commenced as a networking event for rural alumni to engage and connect as a community.

On a rotational basis, each of the schools

undertakes to assist the association with the organizing of the event and in 2023 Aquinas College undertook that role.

Working closely with Brendan McLean (Class of 87) who was the designated President of the Association, Nichole Rowson from the Development Office managed to re-establish the event with over 60 guests attending. Aquinas was well represented including Robert Henderson attending his first Beverley dinner in his role as Principal of Aquinas College and alumni from the Class of 1979.

One of the significant highlights of the night was the address provided by Paul Duffield who spoke of his journey from Darken to the AFL and back to the farm. Paul was College Captain in 2002 and went on to play 171 games for the Fremantle Football Club. The guests had a wonderful opportunity to seek an insight into his journey and the level of interest generated was reflected in the number of questions from the floor covering not only football but the agricultural sector. He was a wonderful ambassador for the College and it was great to hear his story.

Peter Robertson Head of Development

Pars

JORDAN ANDREOTTA (’03)

Jordan recently had this portrait of Br Clery on display at the West Australian Portrait Artists Exhibition.

GEOFF MILLS (‘73)

Geoff Mills has announced his intention to retire at the end of 2023. Geoff has worked as a Principal and educator, and in recent years, as President of the Catholic Secondary Principals’ Association.

CLAUDIO LUNARDI (’73)

After graduating from Aquinas in 1973, Claudio studied teaching and upon completion of his studies was awarded a Diploma of Teaching and with further studies, a Bachelor of Education. He completed his country service in Collie and Greenbushes with the longest teaching service being at Yokine Primary School. His duties at Yokine Primary was classroom teaching along with teaching science, physical education and ICT

skills to students at all year levels. Over the years, he has travelled to Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. In 1988 he married Merinda with the service held at the Aquinas Chapel and has been living in Wembley Downs since 1991. In 2006, he had the opportunity to see the West Coast Eagles win the AFL flag at the MCG and is currently a proud member of the club. Prior to retiring in 2018, Claudio took long service leave for an overseas

BENJAMIN (’10) AND SEBASTIAN (’14) AND JONATHAN (’08) DOBLE

Congratulations to the Doble brothers who recently got married!

Benjamin Doble (‘10) married Paula Wanderley Alves at Sandalford Winery on 3 Feb 2023. Benjamin is a Superintendent with LinkForce, living in Perth but based at the Rio Tinto Mine in Tom Price, WA.

Sebastian Doble (‘14) married Megan Harbrow at Old Broadwater Farm, Busselton on 22 April 2023. Sebastian is a Poly Welder with LinkForce based in Menzies, WA.

Jonathan Doble (‘08) married Morgan Manypeney at St John’s Church, Fremantle on 12 January 2020. Jonathan is a Captain in the Australian Army based in Brisbane, Queensland.

trip with Merinda to California with the highlights being a VIP tour of Universal Studios in Hollywood, visiting Disneyland in Anaheim, Alcatraz in San Francisco and seeing the majestic Grand Canyon in Arizona. Claudio is enjoying an easier pace of life after teaching and finds time to meet-up with friends and complete projects around the house.

Paul recently took to the stage as Don Josè in the production of Carmen at the WACA as part of the Perth Festival! Paul was even be accompanied by 5 of our Aquinas College Schola Cantorum choristers on stage.

PAUL O’NEILL (‘96)

Condolences

Desmond Hart (’65) passed away on 26 November 2022 at age 74. Always ready to help and to offer advice, Des’ circle of friends and acquaintances was very wide indeed. He was always generous with his time and his money, and anyone who knew Des also knew it was pointless asking him to slow down. He worked every day like it was the last day he had to help others. Des’ funeral was held at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lesmurdie on Tuesday 13th December. The church was overflowing with friends and family who cried, laughed, sang, and gave thanks for the life of Des Hart.

Basil Worner passed away on 25 April 2023. As part of the Christian Brothers order in the 1960s and 1970s, Basil had many connections with Aquinas – the final one being his funeral mass in the College Chapel on 8 May 2023. Basil joined the Christian Brothers in 1949, at the age of 18. It was in 1960 that Basil received word he was being transferred to Aquinas, and this was to be a formative time in his life. Basil had a room in the tower, and he was in charge of the second-year dormitory. He taught history, English, Latin, Geography and Economics – and he admitted later he knew nothing about Economics.

REUNIONS

D o y o u o r s o m e o n e y o u k n o w h a v e a b u s i n e s s , c o m p a n y o r o r g a n i s a t i o n t h a t c a n o f f e r :

I n t e r n s h i p s

W o r k p l a c e L e a r n i n g

S c h o o l B a s e d T r a i n e e s h i p s

S i t e T o u r s

P l e a s e s c a n t h e Q R c o d e f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o c o m p l e t e t h e e x p r e s s i o n o f n t e r e s t

To book a ticket to the reunions listed below, go to https://humanitix.com/au and search for Aquinas College. If you reunion is not listed here, we need help with the planning. There is not a lot to do, pick a date, venue and type of function, and we will do the rest.

Email events@aquinas.wa.edu.au to find out more.

Class of 1973 50-year reunion

7 October 2023

5 – 9pm

$82.00 per person

Waterford Room @ Aquinas College

2023 EVENTS

Class of 1993 30-year reunion

2 September 2023

6.30pm onwards

$100.00 per person

The Camfield

Class of 2003 20-year reunion

14 October 2023

5.00pm onwards

$67.00 per person

The Como Hotel

Willis (0417923848 M) & Mick Stroud (0418945603 M)

43– magazine of Aquinas College

OAA Merch Pricelist

OAA Polo OAA Cap

Supporters Cap - AC Black or Grey Supporters Cap - AC 1894

Supporter Jacket 1/3 zip & full zip

Long Sleeve White T-Shirt Picnic Blanket (173 x 131cm)

It has never been more important to support local business and we know this value is supported by the Aquinas College community. For the opportunity to target your business advertising to our engaged network contact fish@aquinas.wa.edu.au

Uniform.Shop@aquinas.wa.edu.au

A Catholic School for Boys in the Edmund Rice Tradition

Aquinas College

Mt Henry Rd Salter Point Western Australia

Mt Henry Rd • Salter Point • Western Australia

Locked Bag 11, Bentley Delivery Centre, Bentley WA 6983, Australia

Telephone: +61 8 9450 0600 Facsimile: +61 8 9313 1901

Locked Bag 11, Bentley Delivery Centre, Bentley WA 6983, Australia

www.aquinas.wa.edu.au

Telephone: +61 8 9450 0600 • Facsimile: +61 8 9313 1901

CSIRO Code: 00428E

www.aquinas.wa.edu.au CRICOS Code: 00428E