and storytelling in this region for countless generations,andwepayourrespecttotheirelderspast,presentandemerging. WeextendthatrespecttoallAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeoplestoday
Aquinas College is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual development of every student.
Our faith formation programs emphasise prayer, service and reflection, encapsulated in a ‘head, hearts and hands’ approach to encountering Christ. We believe in translating knowledge into action, evident through community service initiatives such as Doorways Breakfast Patrols, Clean-up Australia and Disabled Surfing Association. Our students seek justice and solidarity through advocacy, both locally and abroad, fostering continual spiritual learning.
Daily prayer and reflection are integral to life at the College, shaping our students in the Catholic tradition and in the spirit of St Thomas Aquinas
Our Religious Education program focuses on holistic spiritual development, offering activities for self-reflection and discovery within a Catholic context Weekly Masses, year group retreats and immersion programs provide genuine opportunities for enrichment, creating a shared sense of purpose and belonging.
Inspired by the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice, our goal is to send forth graduates ready to positively influence the world and who embody Gospel values of kindness, compassion, inclusivity and tolerance At Aquinas College, we recognise the importance of nurturing the spirit in each student towards becoming the best they can be for others.
Pastoral care is a strong feature of an education at Aquinas College from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12.
Guided by the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Touchstones of Justice and Solidarity, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Liberating Education, our pastoral approach ensures each child is known and valued as they are supported on their journey of faith, character and excellence.
In the Junior School, students are in the expert care of their classroom teachers, and in the Secondary School our House system nurtures strong relationships between students and their Tutors throughout their journey with us. Here, our boys are seamlessly integrated into a supportive and welcoming community, with each House consisting of year-level Tutor Groups.
Overseeing the comprehensive welfare of our students are Heads of Junior, Middle and Senior School, supported by dedicated Heads of House and pastoral teams
Safety and wellbeing are paramount at Aquinas College, and students feel secure to express themselves and be empowered to live their lives to the full.
Our commitment to wellbeing extends beyond the academic realm, aligning with the holistic development of each student. By prioritising safety, fostering a supportive community and ensuring personalised care, students can thrive emotionally, intellectually and spiritually in their journey toward becoming compassionate and resilient individuals
At Aquinas, we introduced a new member of our wellbeing staff who quickly became a firm favourite among students of all years Miss Eddy is a specially trained Australian Cobberdog whose big grin and wagging tail sets many minds at ease and supports our students’ emotional, social and psychological needs. We have seen significant benefits through Miss Eddy’s presence on campus including increased care, compassion and friendship-building, and the joy on the faces of many students when she is in the vicinity is a testament to the power of the pooch
Junior School
INTRODUCING PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Last year, Aquinas College was excited to introduce our new Pre-Kindergarten program for three-year-olds on Mondays and Fridays at our beautiful campus.
The fabulous day commences at 845am and parents are encouraged to spend the first 15 minutes with their children, engaging in puzzles or reading to help everyone feel comfortable and supported with the transition from home to school
The young learners experience the same level of pastoral care and excellence in teaching that is at the heart of an Aquinas education.
Our Pre-Kindergarten program highlights the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment and inspiring young minds With plenty of fresh air and the sounds of nature against the backdrop of the city, our youngest students are guided to develop social skills and a sense of curiosity that build solid foundations for their future learning journey
LITTLE REDS PLAYGROUP
Younger children can be immersed in the Aquinas experience from an early age with our Little Reds Playgroup for babies to four-year-olds. Girls and boys are welcome to attend with a parent or caregiver on Thursday mornings from 900am to 10.15am, enjoying our beautifully designed play spaces that support curiosity and growth, making friends and learning how to cooperate and become resilient
PRE-KINDERGARTEN Operates on Mondays and Fridays
EARLY YEARS PROGRAM KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 3
As a school in the Edmund Rice tradition, at our Junior campus we place great value on fostering a caring and supportive environment so our boys feel safe, valued and connected to their community, enabling them to thrive academically and personally.
Junior School is a happy place where our young learners begin to discover their own unique gifts and we work together to ensure every boy’s emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing is nurtured and developed
Building positive relationships, promoting values of respect, compassion and empathy and providing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, our programs encourage a love of learning and appreciation for the joy that can be discovered by working and playing together
Our Early Years Program is specifically designed to cater to the unique learning needs of boys, with a strong emphasis on the literacy and numeracy skills that form the foundation for their future.
Art, languages, music, and physical education are integral to the learning program, offering boys a well-rounded foundation and an enriching start to their educational journey.
We are dedicated to tailoring our teaching methods to support how boys learn best.
Our curriculum aims to stimulate the natural curiosity of young boys, encouraging exploration and discovery in an enriching and multi-sensory learning environment
Boys thrive when given opportunities to engage in hands-on learning that provides opportunities for movement and space; they love to construct, investigate, experiment and question. Through inquiry play-based learning, our teachers guide boys to discover and explore new concepts.
Completed in 2014, our purpose-built Early Learning Centre has a village-style feel with spacious, airconditioned learning areas All classrooms open to outdoor courtyards, creating flexible learning areas that can be quickly and easily adapted for different activities
Not only is the space aesthetically inviting, but it also meets the needs of curious young boys who require space and diversity to further enrich their learning experiences in the early years of school.
KINDERGARTEN Operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
JUNIOR SCHOOL YEARS 4 TO 6
At Aquinas, our emphasis on literacy and numeracy ensures students are well-prepared for the challenging secondary school years ahead. To help every boy discover his passions and talents, he will also receive specialist teaching in Art, Languages, Music, Physical Education and STEM
We understand that boys thrive with structure and routine. We make sure they know what we expect from them and help them to take responsibility for their own learning. In this way, they develop independence, initiative, and self-confidence within a safe and secure environment
We also recognise that young boys have energy to burn; they need lots of room to move, play and explore Our beautiful grounds and ovals offer the space and freedom to learn and grow in an open and unrestricted environment
At Aquinas College, from Kindergarten right through to Year 12, students can elect to take individual instrumental lessons
Kindy to Year 1 (optional)
Students will be able to choose instruments suited to their physical capabilities. Generally, this includes piano and violin
Primary Key Performances
Junior School Production
Music Awards Assembly
Presentation Evening
Catholic Performing Arts Festival
Band and Orchestra Concert
Open Day
Open Evening/Arts Exhibition
Aquinas Music Eisteddfod
Year 2 to Year 3
Students will learn a string Instrument: violin, viola, cello or double bass
Year 4
All students will learn a string or Concert Band instrument. Individual tuition is available for students from all year groups on a wide range of instruments including woodwind, brass, guitar, organ/piano, percussion, strings and voice
Primary School Clubs
Complimentary Clubs:
Art Club
Board Games
Chess
Cooking
Challenge
Craft
Early Years
Dance
Dance (Years 4-6)
Drama
House and Interschool C
Training and Trials occur during
Term 1 Athletics, Swimming
Term 2 Cross Country
Year 4 Sport
Four-week rotation, modified program
Summer TERMS 1 AND 4
Basketball, Tennis, Cricket
Winter TERMS 2 AND 3
K and PP Play
Music/Choir Rehearsals
Maths Problem Solving
Sports
Lego
Lego Robotics
STEM Curiosity
ReadFlix
Clubs that are an additional cost:
Basketball
Years 5 and 6 Sport
Summer Basketball, Cricket, Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo
Winter Football, Hockey, Rugby, Soccer
Chinese Coding
Soccer
Moving from Junior School to Middle School is an exciting time and the challenges can sometimes feel a little overwhelming.
Building new friendships, navigating multiple classrooms and teachers and having extensive opportunities in the school coincide with physical, social, and emotional changes as boys move into the early adolescent period
Aquinas helps students navigate the transition with practical support that includes structured homework evenings, consistent learning routines and setting high expectations for all our students
We strongly focus on building foundation skills in academics and social interactions so students feel supported and free to engage in their learning.
In addition, there are multiple opportunities for authentic experiences where students can develop their creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communi ti kill that are essential for th and life after graduation
Supporting their holisti at Aquinas we provide a opportunities for stude character through servi advocacy and leadershi
The developing young m engage in our unique C Education program tha develop a deeper unde of virtues, strengths, em literacy, inclusive practi relationships and health
Delivered over two lessons a week, the program is a natural segue into the Year 9 Odyssey Program, which invites our students to challenge societal expectations that men should act and behave in certain ways to demonstrate their masculinity.
This powerful program culminates in a two-week Odyssey adventure that includes three days on the Leeuwin sail training ship and the Duke of Edinburgh award, providing a genuine sense of achievement and memories that will last forever
As they anticipate the next stage of their learning journey, the College leadership program offers every Middle School student opportunities to build confidence in their own unique skills as leaders. Supported by the character development and personal growth of the Middle School years, the young men are prepared for their future
The Aquinas Middle School provides many opportunities for students to develop skills and become good people Students are undoubtedly busy with all that is on offer.
Whether in the classroom, developing an appreciation for the arts, engaged in the service program, developing their leadership skills or challenged on the sporting field, there is something for every student!
Senior School
In Senior School, our young men are making choices that shape their future learning pathway and are fully informed about what it means to be a man of faith, character and excellence.
LEARNING JOURNEY
At Aquinas, Senior School fosters personal excellence through student agency, belonging and voice. While honouring the rich traditions of the College, we pride ourselves on innovative, student-centred academic programs.
Our programs have been developed with an eye on the current and future demands on tertiary learning and the workplace, as well as our extensive research on adolescent development through the Aquinas College Learning Journey
professional internships in Medicine, Architecture, Robotics or Engineering due to the asynchronous learning provided by their classroom teachers
The cornerstone of academic excellence is the Aquinas myFUTURE framework, which is a blended learning model that supports traditional classroom instruction with online learning. This provides a more personalised education than an industrialised model could provide.
On a Friday, you may find our ATAR pathway students exploring LOGOS at The University of Notre Dame Fremantle campus, studying for the Independent Project Qualification through Cambridge at the University of Western Australia or maybe engaging with
Diversity of student choice is also as expansive in our Industry & Enterprise pathway, with students training in nearly every field and offered countless opportunities to develop skills and certifications throughout their journey
Aquinas myFUTURE is the ultimate career development framework that allows for customised learning for every student
It supports young men as they thrive in their studies on campus while allowing them to develop learner autonomy, agency and confidence for their future
Classof
ATAR Pathway
ATARPlus
Adding short course opportunities
uniPATH
ATAR courses enriched with university study
combinedPATH
Combining study with industry
AQUINAS myFUTURE
Learning that meets the needs of industry and future labour markets developing and accelerating:
Employability skills Soft skills
Technical skills Real life experiences
The Ultimate Career Development Fra del
Customised learning for every studen and practical/han uation
Industry & Enterprise Pathway
uniREADY
Alternative university entrance pathway
industryPATH
Industry specific VET courses,
10 Career Course
able goal setting
hips
Compan
Industry
In the Senior School, pastoral care is supported by a vertical House system with a dedicated team of educators who understand boys and the challenges of navigating adolescence.
Through education, mentoring and partnership with families, our staff guide the social, emotional and spiritual development of the young men in their care while supporting them on their Aquinas myFUTURE journey.
Our House system fosters a strong sense of belonging through teamwork and the pride that comes from being a valued member of a community The Tuatha
Houses and is made up of a diverse set of activities, with the majority being student-led such as the Push-Up Challenge and Esports
The Senior School student leadership program was designed with the belief that everyone has leadership potential All students are provided with the opportunity to demonstrate their individual talents and share their voice with peers and staff
By embarking on a journey of personal development, living the values of the College and leading a project for the betterment of the community, students can become a Prefect, with some aspiring to captaincy ead councils along with Colleg
The Senior School journey at Aquinas is unique to every young man. He is supported as he curates his own academic pathway through Aquinas myFUTURE while ensuring he develops a strong sense of belonging at the College.
Through our vast co-curricular programs, the House system and our Catholic heritage, he is provided with opportunities to grow into a man of faith, character and excellence, well prepared for life beyond our beautiful campus.
Clubs and Opportunities
Middle School co-curricular options may include:
Coding and Robotics
Dance
Drama Club or Theatre Sports
Drumline and Masters Club, including ACTV
Sculpture graphy
dary School Production mithing
Art Club g work
hange on a term basis.
Aquinas Jazz Orchestra
Aquinas/Perth College Chorale
Aquinas/Perth College Senior
Concert Band
Aquinas/Perth College Senior Strings
Camerata Strings
Classical Guitar Ensemble
Drumline
Guitar Ensemble Flat Tops
Intermediate Concert Band
Middle School Barbershop
Percussion Ensemble
Schola Cantorum
Senior School Ensemble
Super Saxes
Year 12 Jazz Combo
Year 12 Rock Band
Year 11 Rock Band
Year 10 Rock Band
Year 9 Rock Band
Year 8 Jazz Combo
Year 8 Rock Band
Year 7 Jazz Combo
Year 7 Rock Band
SCHOLA CANTORUM
The Aquinas College Schola Cantorum is a distinguished choir of more than 60 boys from Years 4 to 12, commonly referred to as ‘The Schola’.
This premier choral group is central to the College’s identity, enhancing our Chapel Services and major events like Anzac Day The choir also performs during term time at the 6pm Saturday Vigil Mass at St Patrick’s Basilica in Fremantle
Choristers dedicate nine hours every week to rehearsals while continuing to excel academically. Under Hugh Lydon’s leadership since 2019, The Schola has flourished, collaborating annually with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and many other WA Arts institutions.
Recordings of the choir can be found on all music streaming services
SECONDARY SCHOOL SPORT
Aquinas College is an original member of the Public Schools Association (PSA) which commenced in 1905.
At Aquinas, PSA competition takes priority over community sport as these experiences outside the classroom allow students to learn, have fun, and develop new and productive relationships with their peers, teachers, coaches and officials
We also seek opportunities for the boys to play fixtures against other schools who excel in their chosen sport, offering our athletes a chance to represent the College in quality competition across the metropolitan area.
Boys will select a sport at the end of Term 3 that they will play for the entirety of Terms 4 and 1.
Boys select their sport at the end of Term 1 which they will play for Terms 2 and 3.
Summer Season
TERMS 1 AND 4
Basketball
Cricket
Rowing
Swimming (plus additional PSA sport)
Winter Season
Badminton
Athletics Season
MID-END TERM 3
Running
Outdoor Recreation Classes
Abseiling
Camp Cooking
Climbing & Prussiking
Fishing
PSA Rowing
TERMS 1 AND 4
With the culmination regatta being the Head of the River
Trials From Year 7 in Term 4
Training most days at Aquinas Bay
Competitions Saturday at Champion Lakes
House and Interschool Carnivals
Term 1 Swimming and Athletics
Term 2 Cross-Country
Term 3 (Weeks 5-8) PSA interschool Athletics
High, Long & Triple Jump
Hurdles
Relay
Shot Put and Discus
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Powerboating (Dinghies)
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Boarding
Each year, Boarding at Aquinas College welcomes more than 200 boys from all over Western Australia and internationally to our unique bushland campus right in the heart of Perth.
At Aquinas College, we have four Boarding Houses including Gibney, Nunan and Pinder Boor, each with almost 60 students ranging from Years 8 to 12.
The fourth is Brothers House, which is for a smaller group of Year 7 boarders who are spending their first year together as they transition into the experience of living away from home
Each House is coordinated by a Director, who lives onsite with their family as part of a residential community that includes the Principal, Head of Boarding, Head of Sport, and several other live-in staff members who become an important part of the boarders’ lives. Together with House Mothers and staff from Catering, the Health Centre, Boarding Administration and Duty Supervisors, there is a large team supporting the boys who board at Aquinas. Students follow a routine that keeps them busy but also allows each boy to explore various academic, co-curricular and social opportunities.
Each boarder develops a strong connection to his House through activities such as the Clery Cup competition, and a structured study routine is in place in the evenings following dinner in the Dining Hall that looks over the Canning River.
Several recreation options are available each weekend following PSA sport fixtures, and the whole boarding community comes together each Sunday evening in the Chapel of St Thomas Aquinas to reflect and acknowledge student achievements during the week
Boarders enjoy the extensive facilities available during their free time, such as the basketball courts, ovals, cricket nets, bike track and swimming pool However, the most important aspects of a boarder’s time at Aquinas are undoubtedly the relationships he develops with the peers he grows up with during his time here, and the values he develops along the way.
Admissions
To start the enrolment process, families are required to complete and submit the Application for Admission form. We have rolling admissions for all year groups, subject to availability. The major intake years in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Year 4 and Year 7 (boarding and day students) are highly competitive and fill up quickly.
The 2026 Academic, General Excellence and Music Scholarships are now closed and the 2027 Scholarships will open in November 2025
The 2026 MADALAH Scholarships for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders close Friday 27 June 2025.
Foundation
At its heart, philanthropy has always played an important role in the history and culture of Aquinas College.
Aquinas College Foundation was established in 1997, and has grown to become an important part of the College, establishing a culture of giving at our school for the benefit of boys today and into the future
The Foundation supports the College in its mission to provide a holistic Catholic education for boys in the tradition of Edmund Rice through the provision of bursary opportunities and the funding of capital works projects that have enriched the educational experience at Aquinas.
You can support the Aquinas College Foundation in the following ways:
Aquinas College Foundation Inc Building Fund
Our Building Fund is the major source of income for the continuous development of the educational facilities our boys enjoy at Aquinas College today
Each year, generous Building Fund contributions from our community enable the College to enhance our magnificent campus and continue to develop the facilities and programs for our students
Gift in Will Program
A gift in your Will to Aquinas College is a unique and personal way to help shape the education of future generations of Aquinians Gifts can be delegated to an area of your choosing or left to the College for general purposes All donations are gratefully received, contributing to the ongoing prosperity and success of our College.
Gifts to the Aquinas College Foundation Inc Scholarship & Bursary Fund provide life-changing opportunities for boys who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Aquinas. Each year, Bursaries are awarded to students of potential whose families have genuine financial needs, providing an education to a young man who can find their place in the world as a man of faith, character and excellence.
OLD AQUINIANS' ASSOCIATION
Bursaries
Old Aquinians' Association
In the spirit of our founder, Edmund Rice, Aquinas College is dedicated to ensuring that every young man receives a comprehensive education, irrespective of their family's financial situation.
To accomplish this goal, the College provides assistance to students based on their financial need
The amount of the Bursary will vary depending on each family's unique circumstances
After graduation, our young men are invited to join the Old Aquinians’ Association (OAA) and become part of a diverse and inspirational network of past students.
First founded in 1938, the OAA plays an important role within the College community, contributing to the development of current students’ career aspirations, providing leadership mentoring and being a potent
reminder of the great achievements of our alumni
In a further effort to give back, the OAA also supports a bursary, providing the son or grandson of a past student with the opportunity to attend Aquinas.
Alongside the College, the OAA conducts a schedule of reunions, networking and social events throughout the year.
AQUINAS COLLEGE PARENTS & FRIENDS
At Aquinas College, our Parents & Friends group focuses on supporting the College’s initiatives and strengthening our wonderful community.
The key objectives of the P&F are to: Connect College leadership with parents Foster community spirit.
Work alongside the College to help students achieve their best.
Provide a forum for engaging and consulting with parents on new initiatives, policies, and strategies.
The P&F also creates opportunities to enhance the College’s social fabric through events like the annual P&F Sundowner, College activities and year-group gatherings
The group holds evening meetings four times a year and their assistance at functions provides an appreciated service to the community
Obtaining an RSA is essential for some events and the P&F can help to arrange this training if necessary. New members are welcome!
AQUINAS COLLEGE VOLUNTEER SUPPORT GROUP
Our Volunteer Support Group offers parents a rewarding way to engage with the Aquinas College community while assisting with events for students, families, alumni, families and more.
Volunteers assist staff, coordinate helpers and ensure events run smoothly, including Junior School Mother’s Day, Grandparents’ Day, and various hospitality functions including Orientation and Old Boys’ Day.
Evening and weekend events feature the Year 11
Mother and Son Dinner, Year 12 Ball and College Art Exhibitions.
Highlights have included the annual raffle for graduation gifts, a joint wellness retreat for Aquinas and Santa Maria parents and an inspiring Old Boys’ Day celebration
With events year-round, any time you can offer, whether an hour or a whole event, is deeply appreciated and makes a difference!
AQUINASCARE
Aquinas Care supports families in our College community who need short or long-term assistance primarily through meals prepared and delivered by our generous volunteers.
Each year, Aquinas Care provides more than 100 meals to families Our success relies on volunteers willi to make a meal or donate funds for pre-made meals. Aquinas Care operates with the utmost respect an discretion and all communication is through the Heads of School If you can contribute even one meal year, please consider joining the Aquinas Care email list.
MT HENRY PENINSULA CONSERVATION GROUP
Mt Henry Peninsula (MHP), located between the Aquinas College boarding residences and Mt Henry Bridge, is a heritage-listed bushland designated as Bush Forever Site 227.
As one of the last remaining pockets of natural, undeveloped bushland in the Swan/Canning river basin, MHP is a valuable ecological site. It hosts a nesting site for a pair of Ospreys, who return each year to breed.
The endangered white-tailed Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo and Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo are frequent visitors, along with other bird species.
The peninsula is also home to several colonies of quendas (bandicoots) and various common reptile species native to the Swan Coastal Plain.
Aquinas College is fortunate to have access to such pristine bushland on campus, which serves as a valuable teaching and learning resource for students
Students from Pre-Primary to Year 12 can engage in environmental work on Mt Henry Peninsula through the College’s Service Learning Program, held during Terms 2 and 3. Parents and guardians are also welcome to join their sons in conservation efforts on the peninsula.
Our History
Aquinas College has a rich and proud history that dates back to the establishment of Christian Brothers College Perth on St George’s Terrace in 1894.
As the school reached capacity on its land-locked city site during the heady goldrush days of Western Australia, the Brothers purchased land at Salter Point overlooking the sparkling Canning River and in 1938 Aquinas College commenced with 160 boarders and 55 day students. CBC Perth remained a busy and popular education option for Catholic families until it was relocated to a site on the Swan River that is now Trinity College
Aquinas College has continued to offer excellence in values-based education and has been the school of choice for generations of West Australians who have gone on to serve our communities with faith, character and excellence
At Aquinas College we are preparing to embark on the next phase of our strategic plan with the building of a state-of-the-art Recital Hall that will provide seating for more than 700 people, offering an exceptional community facility for our Schola Cantorum, ensembles and drama students to perform
The exciting project includes an adjacent Music Centre with tutorial rooms, recording facilities and practice spaces, enhancing the College’s performing arts program and encouraging excellence in learning
The Recital Hall and Music Centre precinct is due to commence building in 2025 and we expect the opening to be in 2027.
School Hours
Junior School
Before School Clubs 7.30am complimentary (Kindy to Year 6)
Supervised Playground 8.10am (Years 1 to 6)
School 8.30am – 3.00pm
Clubs 3.30pm – 4.30pm Including a range of complimentary clubs
Afterschool Care 5.00pm complimentary
Middle School YEARS 7 TO 9
School 8.30am – 3.15pm | Friday 3.00pm finish
Sport Friday 1.00pm
Training Monday (Years 8 to 9) and Wednesday 3.30 – 5.00pm (Years 7 to 9)
Co-Curricular Art Program Monday 3.30 – 5.00pm (Year 7)
