Farewell to the Class of 2020

Farewell to the Class of 2020

On October 23rd we celebrated the finish of the Class of 2020’s journey at Aquinas College. Unsurprisingly, restrictions meant we had to approach the day in a different way with Cullity and Chaney split from Durack and Prendiville, running the Graduation Ceremony and Mass in parallel, joining for a morning tea and then again for the Guard of Honour. The split provided an opportunity for more students to participate and share their story. The following are excerpts from some of their reflections.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all the boys in saying it has been a rough year. None of us were quite prepared for what this year would entail such as zoom calls and vodcasts with teachers... this created a year which our once Year 7 selves would never have predicted as we journeyed through Aquinas... we have been the first cohort in the new house colours, a new leadership structure and who didn’t even have to be at school all year to graduate.” Matthew Costa

“At the end of the day whether you won or lose, wearing the red and black while battling it out against your archrivals will forever be a privilege. Playing sport at Aquinas is more than just a game, it’s a chance to be part of a team and form bonds with other boys that last forever.”

Sam Collins

“The five values of the College are embedded within the spirit of the College to nurture them into us, so we can carry them within as well as outwardly express them to others. The opportunities for spiritual lessons and experiences are constantly provided by staff members at the College, experiences that we will leave the College with and truly never forget, continuing to use the lessons learnt in our everyday lives as we become members of the wider community.”

Hudson Campbell

Boarding Graduates

Congratulations again to all our Year 12 boarders on everything you have contributed and achieved over your time at Aquinas. Recently, I spoke to a small group of Year 12 boys from a variety of Houses and asked them what made boarding at Aquinas so special, apart from spending time with their close mates. Their responses were interesting. They all agreed that they had made some great connections with their Duty Supervisors, House Directors, and House Mothers, and they felt that these staff members really cared about them and were very interested in their day-to-day activities. A very mature response, and one which I believe is certainly very true. A number of Year 12 parents commented to me during graduation week that their boys will miss the relationships which they have made with all the staff in their Houses.

Sean Henderson, Head of Boarding