The magazine of Aquinas College
fish
summer - 2021
1894
AQUINAS COLLEGE
Contents 1
Principal's address
15 Memorial Walk
40 Holy Ground Coffee
2
Aquinas myFuture
16 River Centre
41 Weddings
3
Student Voice
17 New Boats
42 Obituaries
4
New Opportunities for Middle School Students
19 Sports Wrap 2020
45 Calendar of Events
5
A Student’s perspective: MS Production
20 Character Education
Published by: Aquinas College 58 Mt Henry Road Salter Point Western Australia
6
21 Reunions
Year 2 to 4 String and Band Programs
25 Past College Captains Day
6
Letters to Old Boys
26 LAX Events
8
Extended day
27 PSG & P&F
9
Farewell to the Class of 2020
28 Old Aquinians Association
10 Justice Peace and Advocacy 2020 12 The Pandemic and the Aquinas Community 14 Meritorious Service Award
30 Pars 32 Scholar Choir 33 One Hundred Up 34 Foundation
Publication Co-ordinators: Ashayla Ramsey ashayla.ramsey@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Samantha Coffey samantha.coffey@aquinas.wa.edu.au Cover photo: Graduation 2020 Kelly Bucksey Photography
Inside photography: Total Sports Photography, Aquinas staff and students. Copyright notice
This material has been reproduced and communicated to you by or on behalf of Aquinas College pursuant to Part IVA Division 4 of the Copyright Act 1968 (the Act).
The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further reproduction or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act.
Senior
ATAR school tables are of little value I received again this year a congratulatory letter from the Catholic Education on our wonderful academic results in the ATAR results. Whilst good academic performance is important, it is only a part, I believe, of the true measure of what makes a great school and a good education. I remember reading in the newspapers after the London riots of 2011, that approximately half of rioters charged in the courts had the government’s gold academic standard of 5 A*-C grades. It is a fact that academic performance alone will not guarantee your child success and true happiness as an adult. The primary aim of an Aquinas College education is not just to achieve academically but to assist our parents to educate their children in accordance with the teachings and values of the Gospels. That is, the formation of young people who live their faith; people of good character who find a sense of happiness in Christ by serving and supporting others.
In his book 'Parenting for Character', Andrew Mullins argues that character equals good habits. He argues that happiness in adult life is largely determined by the good habits we have formed in our character – habits of optimism, generosity, honesty, loyalty, self-control, and clear-headed problemsolving. These habits are the foundation of happiness. Habits alone, however, are insufficient - they need good values. Stalin had well-developed habits of action but little conscience! I guess to put it into perspective, how easy it is for all of us to fall into the trap of working for selfish materialistic reasons. It is through our parents and our faith, we form conscience and establishes values to guide us. The College, through our character education program, aims to consolidate in your child the good habits or virtues that you are forming in them, to help build behaviours motivated by a loving and responsible attitude to others. The
acquisition of a good ATAR or Certificate is an important aspect of this aim; they are, however, only a minor part of what constitutes good schooling and a good education. David McFadden Principal
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If 2020 was the year of the pandemic, it was also the year of change at Aquinas College. Term 4 saw the introduction of the new Senior School learning program – Aquinas myFuture. Why the change? ï To improve the quality of provision and learning for all students. ï Allow content delivery to be done in a flexible and self-paced learning model, which will facilitate more teacher/ student interaction throughout the week. ï Expose students to concepts through online learning to bring them to a common understanding allowing the in-class lessons to be at a higher order with more active learning. ï To ensure students are equipped with the skills to cope in a world dependent on technology-based learning beyond school at university and the workplace. ï A move towards a learner first approach where each student can curate their own Senior School education. ï To provide ATAR students with a multitude of other possible education and training opportunities to develop skills which will benefit both their ATAR and transition to tertiary studies. Aquinas myFuture is a complementary and flexible Senior School learning framework designed to empower students 2 / the fish
to gain further skills, qualifications, personal attributes and a modern education in order to meet the growing needs of the workforce and tertiary educational institutions. We do this by offering a personalised, passion-driven and self-paced learning journey that encompasses micro-credentials, university courses, combined pathways, internships and workplace learning opportunities. How it works Students attend regular classes at the College Monday through Thursday, and, on Friday, students engage with a pathway of their choosing – ATAR or Industry & Enterprise. ATAR Pathway On Friday, ATAR classes are offered online – mirroring current university practices - with further opportunities to personalise the learning journey with one of three pathway options: • ATARPlus – Adding short course opportunities to develop skills, dive into passions and help shape future university endeavours. • uniPATH – The broader road to university allowing students to undertake Logos or Independent Research Topics at recognised universities and kickstart their goals. • combinedPath – Combining achievement of an ATAR with industry-specific qualifications at TAFE or in the workplace. This allows students to keep their
university options open while also gaining workplace learning or a traineeship. Industry & Enterprise Pathway Students who do not wish to undertake any ATAR subjects can continue with the Industry & Enterprise pathway. • uniREADY – Keeping the window to university options open through alternative entrance means while gaining certifications in an area of their choice. • industryPATH – Learn the handson skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the industry area, job or occupation of your choice with a pre-apprenticeship, school-based traineeship or undergoing VET qualifications. • workPATH – Experience handson learning in a range of jobs or occupations that interest students. Want to help current students embarking on Aquinas myFuture? We’re on the lookout for interning, workplace learning and apprentice opportunities for current and future Senior School students. If you would like to learn more or offer a place to a current student, please contact Graham Powell Graham.Powell@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Student Voice A culture where teachers and students work together and where student voice, agency and leadership are understood as interrelated factors contributes to the notion of empowerment and sense of school pride. During the past year, Aquinas saw the inauguration of the new Student Council System – designed to allow students more voice and opportunity to engage. The new system sees the College Captain and Vice-Captain oversee a collective of sub-councils serving houses, learning areas and passion projects such as Sustainability and Student Wellbeing. It is the responsibility of these councils to host events, encourage student participation and promote a positive environment. It has been wonderful to see a greater presence of student voice in making decisions around the College. When first ‘pitching’ the distributed leadership model to cross-College directors back in 2018, Dr Andrew Kania, Director of Spirituality, summed up that “Student
leadership of the students, by the students and for the students to ensure the Mission of the College for the present and future.” This has been very evident in 2020 and I have been impressed by how the Captains have returned from remote learning with a clear intention of forming a positive culture within their councils. Some examples of initiatives that have run or are in progress are; - Student Wellbeing council hosting a Christmas door decorating contest to boost morale and engage staff and students as well as painting a blue tree on the College grounds to encourage discussion about mental health - Durack Council running Year 10 Course Information Sessions allowing their students to connect and ask questions Senior School students about the life of an ATAR or General student. - Academic Council organising a STEM challenge for Middle School
and Amazing Race for Senior School. - Justice, Peace & Advocacy Council connecting to study leaders across the Edmund Rice Education Network and acting locally by planning a “For She’s Someone” event where boys made a statement / pledge / promise to speak out against disrespect about/ towards women when they hear or see it. - A new Environmental/Sustainability Council has been developed due to student voice and the passionate backing of Mr Ben West. I would once again like to extend my thank you to all of the staff who are co-leading councils with the Year 12 Captains and Prefects. John Van Dyk Head of Senior School
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New Opportunities for Middle School Students A goal of 2020 was to expand the after-school options for Middle School Students. Recognising that not every student is a passionate sportsman, the College wanted to offer more art and design activities while still providing sport to those inclined. Term 3 saw the test of Monday afternoon co-curricular activities. The success of this trial will see the project rolled out in full in 2021.
Sprint Technique Training Knowing I wanted to improve my speed when the athletic development options were released, I knew I needed to pick Sprint Technique Training. This type of training works on your sprinting technique and improves your speed through lots of different drills so that you can become a faster competitor. Sprint Technique sessions usually start off by doing multiple sprint technique drills and skills to improve a range of things like your knee drive and balance. After this, we got into some short runthroughs where we can put all of our practice into work. I found these pieces of training really fun and beneficial for my running and will definitely help me in the future. Sprint training is also very beneficial for any sports you are currently or going to be playing later on in your life. If you are deciding whether you should give this activity a try or not, I strongly
recommend doing Sprint Technique Training, because it is an activity that anyone is capable of doing and will only offer positive impacts on yourself. Brayden Atwell
Gyotaku Fish This term the school gave us an option to try a co-curricular subject instead of sport, and I thought I would give the Japanese fish printing (Gyotaku) a go. Now, l know that it sounds weird and disgusting but this form of art is fascinating and can create beautiful artworks. Each lesson Ms Hughes brought a dead fish (the types ranged from Snapper, Barramundi and Red Emperor) and we paint them with ink. We used different colours of ink from black, pink to blue and used them to create prints on paper which are then hung on the wall. We also free drew coral and other ocean scenes on paper. I was surprised how fun this cocurricular subject was and I love all the bright colours of the inks, they make the room so bright. I enjoyed the fish printing because it gives us an insight into a different form of Japanese art that we have never heard of before, let alone seen. Some of the challenges we faced are getting a good print and getting the perfect amount of ink. I would highly suggest that you come down and give this co-curricular subject a go. Fred Johnson Year 7
Drumline The range of fantastic options for cocurricular activities Aquinas has offered this term was endless, but in the end, I chose to do the drumline. The Middle School drumline is a programme that teaches students of all drumming abilities to enhance their 4 / the fish
snare drum skills and experience a variety of different drums, such as the bass or tenor. Students in the drumline got to perform with an ensemble in a way that is completely different and unique from everything they have learnt before. The reason I picked the course is because I was intrigued by videos I had seen online and because I wanted to be a part of a drum only ensemble so I could learn from the drummers around me. I enjoyed the drumline for a countless number of reasons but some of them include the experience playing on different kinds of drums, learning new techniques to play the snare drum, coming up with creative beats and bars for songs, and playing with and learning from the teachers and students. The drumline was a very new experience for me as, before this, I was predominantly a kit drummer and hadn’t properly mastered playing in a group. At the start, I perhaps tried too hard to listen to those around me and therefore becoming out of sync with the other drummers. But as I continued to learn in this group, I can hopefully improve my skills slowly to a point where I can successfully stay in sync with others, while not forgetting that I still have to play the drums as well! All in all, the drum line allows me to experience a unique musical ensemble, with group members of all skills that encourage and help, along with talented and engaging teachers to guide us. The Middle School drumline is looking forward to their performance next week and has greatly appreciated this opportunity provided by the College. Gabe Maund Year 8
A Student’s perspective: MS Production The Middle School Production this year has been a truly enjoyable and interesting one. Taking a major detour from our usual performance style, this year’s production wasn’t a Musical, but instead went down the route of Live Theatre in the form of the comedy, How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare play. This new style came with its own unique set of challenges and rewards, as the cast soon found out. The auditions were the first interesting part of the process; we had a wide range of roles that all came with speaking parts, unlike in previous productions, so that every boy got a chance to enjoy the limelight at one point or another. The Year 9’s had the opportunity to fill some of the classic Shakespearean leads, such as Romeo, Hamlet and King Henry V, and the Year 7’s and 8’s got to play various hilarious characters from an assortment of Shakespeare’s plays. I thoroughly enjoyed playing Macbeth, fated to be killed by a woman who was “untimely ripped from the womb”, and one of the overzealous followers of the King Bro. After the first reading, where we got a full appreciation for the play, we came to realise that we would have to memorise all the hilarious lines we had been given. We began the long process of learning
our lines and blocking scenes, devoting our Thursday and Sunday afternoons to the production, but the boys pushed through, and soon we were bouncing lines back off one another on stage. We fast developed the characters and pace that give the show all of its charms, and before we knew it there was only a week before our first performance. After organising props and costumes, and getting all the lights and sounds organised, with lots of the laughing in between, the show was finally ready, and weeks of hard work have come to a point with this year’s incredible Middle School Production. Matteo Conte -Year 9
goes into putting on a production and the process of taking a show “From page to stage”. The cast worked for many hours to produce a very entertaining show that captivated audiences over three nights. A huge thank you to all staff and parents who helped behind the scenes. Here’s to next year’s production! Emma Leopardi
From the Director: It has been a brilliant experience for all involved in this year’s Middle School Production, ”How to survive being in a Shakespeare play” Not only did it challenge the boys to learn and perfect their dialogue but it also provided them with a greater capacity for characterisation than they may have had in the past. The boys supported each other along the way and should be applauded for their commitment and enthusiasm. Throughout the process, the boys gained a greater understanding of the work that 5 / the fish
Year 2 to 4 String and Band Programs Our students in Years 2 to 4 have the opportunity to learn an instrument as part of the Year 2 - 4 String Program and Year 4 Band Program. Students in Year Two learn one of the four orchestral string instruments: violin, viola, cello and double bass. The program continues until the start of Year Four, at which time students can elect to continue with learning their string instrument or transfer to a different string or band instrument, such as woodwind or brass instruments. In addition to receiving weekly instrumental music lessons, our students are also provided with the authentic experience of performing as part of a String Orchestra or Concert Band. Working as part of a larger ensemble not only enriches the learning that takes place in the instrumental lesson but allows our students to engage in a positive mindset that channels into other aspects of school life. These include selfconfidence and pride for how you present yourself to others, problem-solving, perseverance and resilience in a time when we feel most challenged, empathy and compassion for others, and a sense of teamwork.
There is an abundance of research that indicates that learning an instrument at an early age aids their cognitive and social development through enhancing social skills, self-esteem and emotional development, strengthens fine motor skills, increases neural pathways that support numeracy and literacy skills, and aids creativity and expression. The late Richard Gill was a leading Australian figure in Arts Education and he quotes, “The things that promote literacy and numeracy are the arts, beginning with serious arts education in the early
Letters to Old Boys Every year Aquinas College invites the graduates from 60 years prior back to the College with their partners. They are invited to attend an assembly, visit the Junior School and then have lunch together in the Waterford Room. Thanks to COVID-19, the Class of 1960 reunion was cancelled. The College wanted to connect with the Old Boys in some way, so we decided to ask our Year 6 students to write a letter to any one of the graduates from the Class of 1960 in the hope they would receive a reply. The boys wrote to an Old Boy each and some were lucky enough to get a return letter. Our young Year 6 students told the Old Boys about life at Aquinas College in 2020. It was wonderful for the boys to receive a reply and the stories helped the boys realise how different their time at Aquinas College is. 6 / the fish
An excerpt from Bob Kestel’s response to Aaron. “First of all, it was different today than when I started in 1943, at the age of 7. We were in the middle of the World War, large numbers of fathers and families were soldiering on at war overseas and Australia, including my father and mother doing their share. We also had Cadets and we were issued with a uniform and wore them on Cadets Day, which we all enjoyed. Also, a 303 rifle. We used to carry them on the bus when I was a day student. No one seemed to worry. I was also in the Cadet Band and played the Kettle Drum. I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed my time at Aquinas. The Brothers were wonderful and taught us how to behave and look after other people. I think God for the time I had.”
years. If you want a creative nation, an imaginative nation, a thinking nation and a nation of individuals, then we must increase the time for arts education, especially music education.” Aliesha Tomkyns Junior Music Teacher
An excerpt from Brian Baxter’s response to Jonathon: “I am grateful for the experience of going to Aquinas as it made me persevere and taught me a lot about life.” An excerpt from John Kelly’s response to Louie: “During my three years at Aquinas, I enjoyed tennis, football and athletics and made the most of every opportunity to learn the art and contest to the very best of my ability. My time at Aquinas exposed me to city life and the many opportunities the College offered to express one’s personal expertise and gifts to society. On leaving College the call of the country life was all-consuming for me, and at the age of 15 years, I commenced my 50 year journey in farming. Louie, I’m so impressed with your passionate attitude towards the latest experiences that have been offered to you through the College programs. Please continue to involve yourself wholeheartedly in every expression of your chosen pathway, believe in yourself and enjoy every present moment.” An excerpt from John Tracey’s response to Tait: “Aquinas was much smaller in my day. There was the front of the school, which I think was smaller then and the main school block to the east. All of my classes were in the main block with the science labs on the top floor. =There
was a nice new library on the southern side of the classrooms. The Chapel was a large room in front of the school. In Year 12 I studied Religious Education, English, Geography, Physics, Chemistry and two lots of Mathematics. I had very good teachers for Mathematics and Science and they turned me around from disliking these subjects to really loving them. I went on to University for a Science degree and a career in teaching Science.” An excerpt from Neil Leach’s response to Archie: “I was a student at Aquinas for 7 years as a boarder. I started in 1954 at the age of 10 and I was in Year 5. As a boarder we had weekends out, where we could go home, if close enough, or to relatives, if home was not possible. I could go home and, as I had not been away from home before, I was very much looking forward to my first “weekend out”. However, at this time we were experiencing another medical pandemic, this time it was the polio epidemic. It was a terrible disease which, if contracted, left the patient permanently deformed or paralysed, often no longer able to walk without crutches or callipers. Fortunately, this disease has all but been eradicated throughout most of the world. Due to this epidemic, the College at the last moment decided that the boarders could not go out on the planned “weekend out”. This might seem like a small
problem now, but at the time it was very upsetting to me.” The success and enjoyment of both the students and Old Boys have led to the decision to continue this project in the future. Nichole Rowson Events & Alumni Administrator
Extended day Making school more flexible.
Little Reds Playgroup
We recognise that the standard workday doesn’t match school hours, so we’ve extended our offerings to cater to parent needs. As of 2021, Junior School students are able to be dropped at school from 7:30am for sport, music, dance and library time. At 8:10am, the playground opens. In the afternoon, students are able to choose from a number of exciting and educational clubs, activities and classes until 4:30pm. They are then welcomed to remain in the Junior School library completing homework, reading or engaging with other students until 6pm. Some of the exciting new activities on offer include clubs and classes for Art, Learning Enrichment, Language (Chinese and Latin), Cooking, Dance, Gardening, Lego, Robotics, Math, Literature, Music, Podcasting and STEM.
We have had a wonderful response to our Aquinas Little Reds Playgroup that is held every Friday of the school term. Little Reds Playgroup is the perfect place to meet new people and make new friends in the beautiful Early Years Kindy Classroom and Playground at Aquinas College. Playgroup provides children with an opportunity to play which is a major factor in healthy child development. Through play, children learn about the world around them and how to cooperate and become resilient. Playgroup provides the building blocks that can help children be ready for school. It has been lovely to see younger siblings and some new families enjoying the opportunity to play and learn in a safe and stimulating environment. The Little Reds Playgroup is for girls and boys aged 0-4 years, attending with a parent/care giver. For more information and to register your interest please email us at littlereds@aquinas.wa.edu.au Brooke Fraser-Dewar, Early Years Learning Co-ordinator
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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.”
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Words on Justice Peace and Advocacy 2020 We often hear about notions of ‘Head, Heart and Hands’, the idea that while each is vital, it is the integration of all three that really brings our potential to fruition. We all know how wonderful it feels at certain times in our lives when it feels as though all three of these interconnected elements are working in sync, there is no doubt that the whole is far greater than the sum of the individual parts. We also know that in many ways any sense of separation between these parts is an artificial distinction that belies how overlapping and interrelated these parts of ourselves are. This ‘Head, Heart and Hands’ model is sometimes applied to the deep connections between the Religious Education Curriculum (head), the Spirituality Retreat Program (heart) and our Christian Service-Learning Program (hands). Over the last couple of years, we are striving to bring another couple of layers to this metaphor – Feet and Voice. A wide variety of endeavours across the secondary campus in the areas of Justice, Peace and Advocacy are designed to firstly acknowledge that as Christians we 10 / the fish
are called to use our feet to not only walk alongside others but to also take a stand, i.e., to choose a side when we encounter an unjust behaviour, practice or policy. This might take some time and energy to educate ourselves about the nuances of the issue. Furthermore, we are then called to use our voice to advocate for a change towards a more just world. This is best done when we use our voice to amplify the voices of those that are not being heard loud enough within the unjust situation. It is the quest to form, train and use our feet and voice wisely that drives the energy of the Justice, Peace and Advocacy Student Council. Under the leadership of Ged Street, Prefect for Justice, Peace and Advocacy, the Student Council is once again launching for a big year ahead. Our areas of interest are wide and varied. Much of our attention turns to the ways boys at Aquinas College think about, speak about and treat each other and also the young women in their lives. As a result. we have staged a variety of campaigns to address these issues – to
grab the attention of the young men at Aquinas College, raise their awareness that they are capable of better collectively and provide encouragement towards this better future. In addition, we have examined environmental sustainability and the rights of the first Australians and the most recent Australians. Yet to really glimpse our purpose as a group means to put aside the list of topics. Far better is to understand that we exist to look at any and all issues through our particular lens – ‘advocating for change’. Each of us regularly notices something that isn’t right in the world, we can lament in silence or complain to those around us about how much we wish things were different. However, our group often rallies around the idea that ‘whinging isn’t changing’. We focus on the principle that we must clearly identify a better alternative and the people or group that have the power to make the changes we seek - then we need to find creative and persuasive ways to deliver our change message to those people. Whenever people, perhaps especially teenage boys, notice an injustice the
focus usually starts with a rant about what they are ‘against’ – the focus is on the problem. One of the key elements in our process is to gently and patiently talk the issue through until we can articulate what are we ‘for’. Getting boys to paint a picture of the ideal destination they are aiming for is a slower process, they generally prefer to play whack-a-mole….!? Once the destination can be articulated, then tangible steps towards that destination can be identified. As ideas for achievable changes arise, we work out who is capable of bringing about these changes and we start to imagine what we might say to them to encourage these changes to be adopted. Ultimately, we want to be advocating for change to those with the ability to make the changes we seek, proposing a more positive alternative to them to encourage their implementation of change. Our greatest hope then is that we are able to prevent some suffering before it even occurs. We see these efforts as deeply interconnected and overlapping with the works of our head, heart and hands. Of course, this means that the bulk of our time is spent preparing ourselves for these endeavours, to ensure that we understand the issues and the particular intent of our interventions. In essence, we focus primarily on education and formation on matters of justice and peace in preparation for action and advocacy. If we get our preparation right, then any projects or campaigns that emerge should make a valuable contribution to our community and deepen the way young
men at Aquinas understand and fulfil their contemporary discipleship.
‘Young Justice Leaders’ Forum’ In 2020, we once again helped stage a successful ‘Young Justice Leaders’ Forum’ for over fifty students. Delegates came together from Santa Maria College, Aquinas College, Iona Presentation College and CBC Fremantle to participate in two full days, held during the October holidays, at CBC Fremantle. The students were provided with justice, peace, and advocacy formation and training grounded in the Gospel. Networking with like-minded students, the delegates had time to practice and develop their own leadership capacity, their public speaking competencies, and even tested their project planning skills over a short timeline. The forum culminated in the delegates delivering
presentations to showcase the major themes of the forum to their parents, this was a dynamic and powerful experience. Afterwards, delegates, parents and staff joined together to celebrate Eucharist and share a closing dinner. “The program taught me about charity, justice, advocacy, peace and non-violence, and how to effectively plan a project or campaign. We worked in groups, brainstorming and discussing injustices in our world and planning a campaign around how we could do something about it.” – Student delegate The success of this program has contributed to a growing interest among our peers at other Perth Catholic Schools in coming together to explore matters of Justice, Peace and Advocacy. The hope is that we will not only continue to share formation and training experiences, but that one day soon we might collaborate on an advocacy campaign. Richard Mavros, Director of Justice, Advocacy and Formation
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The Pandemic and the Early in 2020, I had the opportunity to travel to Adelaide and meet with all the other Edmund Rice schools’ Captains from across Australia. It was a real privilege to spend time with this group of young leaders and we’ve stayed in contact throughout the year to bounce ideas off each other and talk about how we can effect change. During this year of lockdowns and restrictions, one thing everyone in the group wondered was how to make the year about more -to talk about more than just coronavirus and get the attention away from that great big elephant in the room. This wasn’t as much of a challenge to our Prefects. The elephant was and is still there, however, we as a school and as a community weren’t stopped by this. The subject of the pandemic throughout the year has been inescapable; in the news, quiet shopping centres or toiletry shortages. Aquinas, however, always had something better to show. From the master chef competition to NAIDOC week basketball matches, Greenbatch 12 / the fish
recycles to the staggering number of supporters lining the stands of our sports teams, and, finally, the presentation and graduation evenings. Throughout the whole year, the Aquinas community as a whole came together and got busy. There were no mistakes to be made; 2020 to us was never about the pandemic. In fact, I’ve only officially mentioned it less than a handful of times. 2020 was about coming together; that unity between junior, middle, senior schools, and the communities we are a part of. 2020 was about all the big and small things we accomplished - something that not I nor any one person can take credit for. Our very accomplished year is a success which we endeavoured toward, and enjoyed, together. Something I think really embodies this has been the supporting crowds at some of this year’s 1st team fixtures. Coming from over East, trying to understand the nuances of footy wasn’t quite my forte, but what’s great about the red and black is that it doesn’t matter. Those clouds of red shirts
dominated the sidelines and there’s this spark of energy - maybe it's another record one of our players just smashed or the entire Brother’s House which comes down to watch - but it invites you in. It’s ironic, even, that the biggest crowds and tightest community I’ve felt a part of here at Aquinas has been during the
Aquinas Community year of lockdowns and social distancing, but that’s us. That’s how we responded to Covid. We’ve been so well supported by each other, the staff, and the numerous organizations within the college and community who’ve given us the footing to not only complete the year
but do it well. Conversely, to speak of our successes is not to forget the real hardships many of us faced throughout the year. On top of the pressures the year already dolloped onto us, it’s been tragic to see anticipated events such as the Head of the River regatta or Senior School Production being delayed or put off. In all of this, the boys’ resilience really came to show, and with the backing of our amazing support network, we’ve been able to recoup much of the year that was: productions, school ball, and with the new rowing shed, it’s hard to miss the swathes of boats back on the water, ready for the next season. In finishing my own journey as a student I’m met with a sense of bittersweet proudness. When my Instagram feed is splashed with the familiar colours of the Aquinas page, showing off all the many new and exciting things our councils are up to, I feel excited and proud to have been a part of this student community and I know it’s something I’ll definitely miss.
At the same time, I feel the support of the broader Aquinas community embracing around our year 12 group and have come to realize that while we have left the school as students, we’re always welcomed back as part of that community. I’d like to challenge the senior school of 2021 to keep at it; keep my Instagram feed interesting like you have been and hold onto that red and black spark and spirit. Our legacy is in keeping that fire alive. You’re what makes Aquinas special to me. From myself and the year 12’s especially, it’s been an honour to come here all these years. I’ve had a blast, but now it's your turn. For that, I’m thoroughly excited. Kynan Ganza College Captain 2020
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Meritorious Service Award Christian Service-Learning is an integral component of an Aquinas College education. All students are encouraged to participate and volunteer their time in the wider community. We are proud to hear of many students who continue to volunteer and dedicate their times outside of the expected College hours. Many choose to do this, or are able to do this, because of the planning, organisation and supervision of staff such as Paul Rich. It was recently announced that Paul has been awarded the Meritorious Service Award from the Australian Association for Religious Education (AARE) for his exemplary contribution and service to Aquinas College. Although Paul is not an RE teacher, the AARE recognises all facets of religious formation. It is fitting that Paul’s role as the Director of Middle School Service-Learning has been acknowledged. He has put
in many hours of work creating and monitoring countless rosters for students who sign up for Bush Care, Aged Care, Coastal Watch, Clean-Up Australia Day and a variety of community events where volunteers are needed. Paul also volunteers as a Red Cross Soup Patrol driver on a regular basis. John Richards, Director of Christian Service-Learning says that “Paul is integral in planting the seeds for service in the younger students so that they develop initiative, desire and commitment to continue their service during their senior years. He does it so well and the kids look forward to every event”. I am sure the College staff and students would like to join me in congratulating Paul on a well-deserved award. Well done Paul. We are very proud of you.
Of Service to Others Congratulations are due to Oliver Cox ('13) for receiving a National Outstanding Service Award from the Australian Red Cross in early October. The Outstanding Service Award recognises outstanding service to Red Cross and is awarded to members, volunteers or staff who have demonstrated dedication to Red Cross principles, ideally over a period of at least six years. 14 / the fish
For Ollie, it recognises his outstanding contribution to the Soup Patrol Service leading the Aquinas team since he earned his P plates. Our very own John Richards also received the Outstanding Service Award in the same ceremony. This award is another feather in the cap for Oliver Cox who received South Perth’s Young Volunteer of the Year Award in 2018, recognising his role
with the Red Cross and as an Edmund Rice Camp Leader - providing essential respite and exciting holiday programs for children from less privileged backgrounds.
Memorial Walk What the memorial plaques mean to a veteran Old Aquinian. “The place where they proudly wore the red and black” We know that these Memorial Plaques will connect the boys at Aquinas today to those old boys who served their country at War. Be it the legend and tragedy of Lieutenant Aleric Pinder Boor from World War One, and I note descendants of Pinder Boor’s family are here with us tonight; or be it through the many hundreds of Aquinians who served in World War One, World War Two, Korea, Borneo, Vietnam and more recently in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan; it is through these plaques that we remember our old boys for their service and we honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These Memorial Plaques also connect those Old Aquinian veterans to the present. The College has evolved over the past 126 years. The buildings, location and administrations have changed over time, but one thing has not changed, one thing has remained the same since 1894, and that is that we all wore the red and black with pride and we carried that red and black pride with us as we served our country.
I note that Brigadier Rod Curtis AM MC is with us here tonight. An old boy from 1957, Brigadier Curtis was awarded the Military Cross for leadership and bravery in Borneo. He is also a Vietnam Veteran and a former Commanding Officer of the Special Air Service Regiment. Plus, to our more recent veterans, I see Peter and Trish Spencer here tonight – no doubt representing their son Stephen, a former Commando and two-times Veteran of the Afghanistan conflict. These Memorial Plaques are more than a respectful memorial to our soldiers, sailors and airmen, they enable us to connect the hundreds of old boys
through time who served their country at war. Most importantly, the memorial plaques link our veterans back to our school today. Because it is through these plaques that the duty of our old boys, who served and who died at war, are linked back to the place that meant so much to them in their youth. Be it from their time at CBC on the Terrace or here at Mount Henry, it links them to the place where they proudly wore the red and black. by Colonel Sean L’Estrange MLA, Class of 1985
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Over 25 years in the making A proposal was first put forward in 1993 by the coaches, including legendary Aquinas Coaches Don O’Brien, Bob Brearley and Mike Scott for the replacement of the rowing shed. A need for a new facility that could accommodate the growing boat fleet, ergometers, weight room, toilets and change rooms was proposed. 27 years later and the new River Centre provides that and more. An amazing facility that provides not just for the students of today, but for future generations of Aquinians to come. The new facility has four rowing bays, one dinghy bay, and an Outdoor Ed bay housing kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. The bays have been named after legends of Aquinas Rowing. • Brother Norm Wilson - the former Rowing Master of Aquinas whom the previous Boatshed was named after - keeps the ties to our Christian Brothers heritage. • Brian Tonkin, who has been a part of Aquinas Rowing for over 50 years as a coxswain, coach, rowing master, and mentor for future generations. • Nick Garratt, a four-time Olympic coach. • Peter Hutchinson, an old boy whose efforts over such a long period have seen this project finally come to light.
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• Stuart Reside, the College’s greatest oarsman and two-time Olympian and Bronze Medallist. The building itself has been designed to incorporate the past and be adaptable for the future. The red brick façade around the building ties into the Main Building of the College and represents our past, when the College first moved to its current location. The grey bricks that line the back of the building are the same type as those that stood strong in the previous Br N.N. Wilson Boatshed. From the water, the red brick and very dark grey steel front sits imposingly over Aquinas Bay as a red and black stripe across the shoreline. Inside the facility, the boat, oar and Outdoor Ed racks have been designed to be completely reconfigurable as the sport evolves and the requirements of the building change. The weights room is three times the size of the previous school weights room and is set up in a US College style format. New toilet facilities and change room see the facility up to date with modern times. A dynamic learning space is also on the second floor, which provides rowers the opportunity to do video review sessions, and as a new learning space for the college. The ergo room houses over thirty rowing machines, with a further ten bikes, and provides a spectacular view of Aquinas Bay.
Surrounding the walls of the ergo room, the history of Aquinas rowing is proudly displayed in framed photos and newspaper clippings, with memorabilia and artefacts on show in display cabinets. The rear wall of the boatshed sees a photo of every Aquinas First crew from 1899 to 2020, and awaits the current rowers to have their place on the wall. The River Centre proudly displays the incredibly successful history of Aquinas Rowing whilst providing a building that will adapt to provide success for both the current and future Aquinians. Nick Collins Director of Rowing
New Boats Mike Scott (’58) (as spoken by his son) Dad boarded from the age of five, including through all of his high school years at Aquinas. He has been part of a long tradition of grabbing boarders and making them row – especially the stronger, or lankier looking ones! His father Phon (my grandfather) rowed for Aquinas in a winning 4 in the 1927 crew. Dad rowed for Aquinas between 1955 and 1958 – both coxing the Ist IV and rowing in it. Not winning though! He made lifelong mates throughout this time. He represented the state in Rowing and rowed in the Kings Cup in 1966 and 1967. Which at the time was the premier rowing race between states. Later he coached rowing at Aquinas, when my brother Mick went through Aquinas (winning 8 – 1989) and then myself (winning 8 – 1994). In the year I won, Dad coached the winning 2nd VIII, and my brother Mick coached the winning 3rd VIII. We won the Champion Cup and the Hamer cup that year. Coincidentally my cousin Tim was the Cox for my winning 8 that year. There was also my uncle Peter whose crew won in 1965 (coached by Phon!). Herb Elliot was in that crew.
I believe this is the 3rd boat to be named after a member of the Scott family. The Phon Scott was first, then Barbara Scott. And now the Mike Scott. The Phon Scott was a gift to Aquinas rowing from Dudley and Mike. Dad has continued with Seniors and Masters rowing locally and internationally through-out, winning many races but also making great mates along the way. Dad’s achievements in rowing along the way have not been in isolation, and despite his ultra-competitiveness, it has always been a healthy one, driving himself and those around him to do his and their best. We have seen so much change on a technology front over this time with rowing boats and oars move from handcrafted wood, to tailor-made carbon fibre hulls and Clever blades, it’s also fantastic to see the school’s investment in the new River Centre. We are very grateful as a family that the Aquinas community has named a boat after dad in acknowledgement of his efforts at Aquinas and in the broader rowing community – to make the boat go faster and for the people around him achieve their best both individually and as team players.
John Perry (’65) John Perry’s long association with Aquinas College commenced in 1960 when he came to Aquinas as a boarder from the town of Mandurah. He was a strong all-rounder who figured prominently in many areas of College life including debating, YCS, Holy Name Society and Cadets, oftentimes taking on the role of secretary or treasurer – a precursor to his successful professional life outside of school - matriculating in 1965 with six subjects. A natural leader, he was a Prefect in his leaving year. In the sporting arena, John’s star shone brightly, with an enviable list of sporting achievements including: Under 16 Athletic Champion in 1963; Under 17 Athletic Champion in 1964; Open Athletic Champion in 1965; Under 17 State Schoolboy Champion Hurdler in 1964; under 19 State Schoolboy Champion Hurdler in 1965; and Vicecaptain of the Victorious Inters athletic team in 1965. He rowed from 1962 – 1965, and in his final year at Aquinas rowed in the successful 2nd VIII, a year in which Aquinas won every race at the Head of The River. From 19611965 he played football with honours, representing Aquinas in the 1st XVIII. After achieving his Leaving Certificate in 1965, John went on to complete the Real Estate Valuation course at WAIT 17 / the fish
(now Curtin), eventually returning to Mandurah to manage the family’s real estate firm, H & N Perry Mandurah. John’s enormously successful real estate career spanned many years and many successful projects, including the highprofile land developments at Madora Bay and Florida Beach Estate, Dawesville. Last year, H & N Perry Mandurah celebrated its 70th anniversary, servicing the Peel Region. In the years since graduating, John’s involvement with Aquinas College has continued unabated, marrying his beautiful wife Bella at the Aquinas College Chapel in 1971, returning to the College for various events and reunions over the years and supporting the College’s philanthropic endeavours, including our new River Centre. Now retired, John and Bella are still heavily involved in the Mandurah and Peel Region, supporting groups involved with Health, sport and education, including Peel Health Campus Foundation, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and Mandurah Catholic College (Music Scholarships), with a particular bias towards helping youth.
Nick Guidera (ʼ00) Nick arrived at Aquinas in 1993 as a Year 5 student and enjoyed 8 years at the College. An all-rounder, he represented the college in a number of sporting and cultural activities as well as achieving academic success. He was an active member of the Music department, a Prefect in his final year, and winner of the Caltex Best All Rounder Award. Nick represented the College in Swimming & Cross Country, tried his hand at footy, but left it to the future AFL players in his year group, settling instead for the role of Runner for the 1st XVIII. In his final year, he was named Captain of Boats, rowing in the 1st VIII, and receiving the award of Strongest Oarsman. In a season marred by gastro and a closure of the Swan River due to an algae bloom, his crew rose to the challenge, achieving much success throughout the season, but the Head of the Race was not to be theirs. Post School, Nick has enjoyed a successful 20 years. Relocating to Sydney with his family at 17, he coached rowing at Sydney Church of England Co-Educational Grammar School for a number of years. In 2006, he graduated from the University of Technology 18 / the fish
Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws and was then admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW. After 5 years in Industrial Relations Law, he turned his hand to finance, joining Asian Investment Bank CLSA after completing his Masters at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management. An amazing post graduate program sent him to Hong Kong, London and ultimately New York. Now living in Curl Curl, NSW with his wife Nicole and two small children, he has joined the funds management community as a small capital equity specialist – and enjoys surfing and ultra-marathons in his spare time.
Stuart Reside (ʼ95) Stuart Reside came to Aquinas College in Year 8. He was an all-rounder, a prefect and a house councillor. His athletic achievements were many and varied, including: Athletics 1995; Football 2nd XVIII 1994-1995; Swimming Team from 1991-1995, and Volleyball A Team in 1994. Most notably, Stuart rowed in the winning 1st VIII in the 1995 Head of the River, a very talented and high calibre crew who were determined to retain the trophy won by the 1994 crew the previous year and more than willing to put in the hard yards. In that year Stuart received honours for rowing and was named as the Best Clubman. That determination to succeed, instilled during his school years, fuelled Stuart’s post-school life. After winning the Head of The River for Aquinas, Stuart was selected to represent Australia in the Junior World Championships in Poland, and set to row in the double scull, however he contracted a severe case of Salmonella food poisoning,
loosing half his body weight. Returning from Poland to train in Bunbury in a state rowing camp, he was then bitten by a mosquito and contracted Ross River fever that left him debilitated for months. Nothing came easy during this period but Stuart refused to let anything hold him back, training like there was no tomorrow. He went on to win the singles scull at the World Junior Rowing Championships the next year, the first and only Australian to do so. From there, his rowing career went from strength to strength – always with the same level of sacrifice and perseverance. The following year in 1997 Stuart was selected for his first senior Australian Team in the Mens’ Quad Scull. This would lead to Stuart representing Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics where the Men’s Quads team came fourth. With a view to life after rowing, Stuart took 18 months off to finish his Bachelor of Commerce at Curtin University. With unfinished business on the water, however, he picked up the oars again to row in pairs and eights, making the Australian team in 2002, but did not put his hand up. Then, in 2003, he was selected for the Men’s Eight, and went on to win bronze at the Athens Olympics in 2004. One of Stuart’s coaches remembers that: “When he thinks he’s at his limit then he’ll go a bit further and extend himself. And if he reaches that, he’ll try to go further.” Stuart achievements in rowing make him arguably Aquinas Colleges greatest ever oarsman.
Sports Wrap 2020 COVID-19 has certainly presented challenges this year, but as a College and the PSA as a collective, to get what we were able to out of the year has been a credit to the many stakeholders involved. Congratulations once again to our 1st Basketball, Volleyball and Cross Country for taking out premierships in their respective competitions. As we break for the Christmas period, our 1st Basketball and Water Polo teams sit undefeated on top of the ladder in their competitions, but a lot of work is still to be done in Term 1 in what are very even competitions. 1st volleyball lost a thrilling 5 set match to Hale School in the final round and will need to turn this result around in term one if they wish to retain the Br Carrigg Shield. Our 1st XI Cricket team have been involved in some thrilling matches this term, with three games going down to the last over, with one win, one loss and one draw eventuating. A win over Hale in the final game sees us well in contention for the Darlot Cup with the extra points of Term 1 cricket on offer. Our 1st Tennis team have faced stiff opposition through the term but continue to show improvement,
individually and as a team. What has been most pleasing is the many acts of good sportsmanship that are witnessed each week across all age groups and all codes. While we must always strive for success, the quest for victory must never come at the expense of fair play. Good people first, good sportsmen second. On this note, we must acknowledge the 8C Basketball team. The College received notification from Guildford Grammar School thanking the team for the sportsmanship they showed in a recent fixture. The Aquinas team was clearly stronger than the Guildford team, but the Aquinas team, at times, held back their defence to allow the Guildford boys to score and achieve some success on the day. Our rowers have had some good results through the term, winning the Aquinas Regatta and placing second at the Guildford Regatta after our 2nd VIII’s ran into some difficulties with other crews on the tight circuit. Our Year 9 boys have dominated their age division at all regattas. Competition for spots in crews across the whole boatshed is strong, which continues to drive standards up. Aquinas won all 3000m races at the recent Trinity regatta and will set their sights now to their Albany training camp
which will be the platform to prepare for Term 1 regattas and, ultimately the Head of the River. The swim squad have been training hard and will continue to do so across the school holiday period as we prepare for the 2021 season. Many boys took the opportunity to race at a recent time trial meet hosted by Southshore swim club which was a great initiative. Thanks to all boys, parents and coaches for your support of Aquinas sport this year. I encourage all boys to maintain their conditioning over this period, and we will provide some running and conditioning programs for the boys to use as a guide over this time. Our boys showed during the shutdown period what they could do to stay fit when not in structured programs, and this experience should help them over the coming weeks. I wish all families a safe and happy Christmas. David Gault, Head of Sport
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Character Education The magnitude of the need for schools to have a Character Education curriculum was highlighted by the impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Daily, the media reported situations where people’s character was called into play. Perseverance and courage were seen in the many people that became unemployed, demonstrations of generosity and kindness in supporting people who were suffering most, such as the elderly, were frequent, scientists exhibited problem-solving skills to develop a vaccine and people became creative to ensure life continued as close to normal as possible with the restrictions in place. Fortunately, our students were in a good position to deal with the world turmoil last year because Aquinas College has had a specific Character Education program in place since 2018, with it advancing across the school over the last three years. 2020 was the third year of implementation and saw each Veritas class in Year 7 and 8 gain a second lesson a week which allowed students to delve deeper into understanding what character is, how it is built, how it is tarnished 20 / the fish
and why it is important people have good character. The Junior school also introduced specific character education lessons for all year groups. In 2021 the College will continue the promotion of Character Education by introducing a second lesson to each Year 9 Veritas class, thus providing greater opportunity for boys to engage in more Rites of Passage activities for the Odyssey Program. Visually stimulating signage that articulates the importance of people having good character has been arranged
to be placed throughout the school and will provide students and visitors with a daily reminder that Aquinas is a school for building character in boys. Mark Weston Head of Character Education & Student Leadership
2019 Old Aquinians & Friends Reunion Tour In January 2020 the Foundation and the College were delighted to welcome back the Old Aquinians & Friends Reunion Tour group for their annual thank you luncheon in the Waterford Room. Dick Nulsen (’54) presented Principal David McFadden with a cheque for $5,120 for the Foundation’s Bursary Fund, the proceeds of their 2019 bus tour. David thanked the group for their significant and ongoing support of Aquinas College, which has contributed more than $57,000 to the Aquinas College Bursary Program over the past fourteen years. The 14th annual Old Aquinians & Friends Reunion Tour, conducted during October 2019, saw a healthy contingent
of 45 Old Aquinians and friends take part. The idyllic Esperance was the ultimate destination. The itinerary was devised by the tour group’s local Esperance resident, Dick Nulsen, with input from Terry Young (‘54) and Brian Kirkwood (‘59). Stops along the way included a visit to the Williams Woolshed, Wagin’s Giant Ram, and for a lunch consisting of yabbies at Kukerin. Whilst in Esperance, the group enjoyed visiting Esperance Stonehenge (a full-sized replica of England’s Stonehenge), the picturesque Cape Le Grand National Park, the beautiful Lucky Bay and the Esperance Museum - which displays many components of the infamous Skylab that crashed to earth nearby in
1979. The return journey included stops at Ravensthorpe to see the world’s biggest lollipop on a 7.5-metre structure, and Hyden to visit the famous Wave Rock. As per usual, the annual tour auction was the main source of funds raised for the Foundation, with all items donated by tour members. Additional monies were also received from surplus tour fees and a number of generous donations. Plans for the 15th Old Aquinians & Friends Reunion Tour, which was to take place in the beautiful Margaret River Region in October 2020, were postponed due to Covid-19. Anyone interested in joining this intrepid group’s 2021 tour should contact Jack Bana (‘54) on 9275 2883 or j.bana@bigpond.net.au.
1959 Reunion A regular down south ‘get together’ was held this year at Xanadu Winery by a few of the old boys from Leaving Year 1959. Gerry McGarry Jnr told the story of the boys leaving school on the last day of the year (and were not returning the next year) – ‘whilst riding their bikes out the front gate they would throw all their Aquinas belongings in the bush’. 21 / the fish
Frank Cusmano and Peter Fornero
1969 Reunion The Class of 1969 held its 50th Reunion on Saturday 19th October 2019 at the wonderful Royal Perth Golf Club. It was a night of much laughter and reminiscing about school days, as well as subsequent years. Forty-four classmates travelled from overseas and throughout Australia to celebrate the occasion. Special efforts
Bob Stanley and Tim Coakley
were made by Dr Simon Dolin who came from Scotland, Bruce Shanahan travelled from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and Dr Graeme Bradley made the trip from Melbourne. Three teachers who taught us some fifty years ago were also invited. We were very pleased that Max McAppion, Basil Warner and Bob Stanley accepted and added a great deal to the evening. In what is a fantastic achievement for one of our class, in May 2017,
Br Max McAppion and Simon Dolin
Pope Francis appointed Father Michael Morrissey as the Bishop of Geraldton. During the evening, Michael conducted a prayer service for the nineteen of our classmates who have sadly passed away. The Class of 1969 wishes to sincerely thank Nichole Rowson at Aquinas College for all her help in ensuring the reunion was such a success. Peter Mackin (’69)
Bob Stanley, John Sheridan and Gerry Hu
Stephen Wyche, John Benari, Frank Treasure and Les Bonser
Neville Pozzi, Richard Norris, Leo Seward and Mark Wilson
Peter Mackin, Graeme McKeown, Ian Howlett, Mark Fitzhardinge
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Class of 1980
Class of 1970 Reunion
Plans for a fully blown 50th-year reunion of the class of 1970 were thrown into disarray, like most things in 2020. As a result, it was decided to defer the big event until next year, when it is hoped that more of our eastern states and overseas members might be able to join us. But rather than let the year pass by without acknowledgement, a hardy band of around 30 former classmates gathered at Steves Hotel in Nedlands on 14th November to reminisce about times gone by. Although that was only about one-third of the class, the total weight of those attending probably equalled the total weight of the whole of the class in 1970. Notwithstanding some increased bulk, most were readily recognisable, including those who had moved their hair from the top of their heads to their chin. The passage of time had not dimmed the memories of good times (and some not so good) at Aquinas in the sixties. It was remarkable how easily the conversation flowed as did the laughter as stories were told and events were remembered. One subject of universal interest was what classmates who could not make the function were now doing and where they are living. Hopefully, when the full reunion is held in 2021, many of those who could not make it this time will be there to fill in their own stories. The organising committee will be meeting early in 2021 to begin planning and setting the date. The warm-up event at Steves suggests that there is a good time to be had when the “proper” reunion happens.
Class of 1970
Class of 1980
After a COVID delay, the reunion for the Perth group took place on Saturday 10th October 2020. A group of old boys started the day with a tour of the College hosted by Peter Robertson and Nichole Rowson from the Development Office. It is safe to say that things have changed at the College in 40 years!! Lots of stories were shared, teachers and friends remembered, while we walked around the College. The reunion then moved to the Manning Bowling Club and was joined by more old friends. If COVID restrictions and borders permit, we have plans to hold a full reunion for the year group later in 2021.
Class of 1985
On Saturday, 28 November, members of the Class of ‘85 got together at Ascot for an informal 35-year reunion. The combination of COVID and harvesting impacted the numbers but there was still a good turnout with the group suggesting that the Mackinnon Stakes at Ascot every year would be a good yearly catch up - so Class of ‘85 members keep that date in mind in 2021.
Class of 1985
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Welcome back Class of 2019!
The Class of 2019 returned to the College on Friday 9 October 2020 for the annual Aquinas College Foundation Leavers’ Function. Like most events this year, the format was reimagined, offering the boys an evening sausage sizzle instead of the usual breakfast in the Churack Pavilion. The event kicked off with a tour of the new River Centre conducted by Head of Rowing Nick Collins. The boys were suitably impressed and undoubtedly a little envious of the current rowing cohort. They then headed back to the Staff Common Room where they caught up with class tutors and classmates and poured over their last College Annual. Peter Robertson warmly welcomed the graduates back to Aquinas, congratulating them for their generous contribution to the College by way of the Class of 2019 Scholarship Gift. “This year, as I’m sure you’ll appreciate, has been an unusual year,” said Mr Robertson. “One of the significant impacts this year for the College has been the way we have had to support families. There are now a whole lot of families who simply cannot afford to have their sons at school here,” he said. “Last year, you guys were good enough to put a contribution into the Scholarship Fund by way of the Class of 2019 Scholarship Gift – that gift is now 24 / the fish
helping a boy to be at Aquinas this year.” The plaque commemorating the Class of 2019 Scholarship Gift (which hangs in the Heritage Room alongside previous Peer Scholarship Gifts) was unveiled on the night and will be a permanent reminder to the community of the generosity of the Class of 2019. To round off the evening, Old Aquinians’ Association (OAA) Committee Member, Michael Flower, also addressed the boys, encouraging them to join the OAA to take advantage of the wonderful social and networking opportunities available to them through membership. Good luck to the Class of 2019 as you navigate the next exciting stage of your lives. We look forward to many more opportunities to welcome you back to Aquinas College.
Class of 2000 Reunion
To celebrate 20 years since leaving Aquinas College, the Class of 2000 was looking forward to seeing each other again. Unfortunately, COVID cancelled the original plan to hold the reunion in April 2020. Those based in WA we were lucky enough to be able to hold a catch up. 40 Old Boys from the Class of 2000 turned up to the Broken Hill Hotel on Saturday 28th November 2020. It was a great night with lots of laughs and stories shared. We hope to be able to have a full class reunion in late 2021 that will include those who are interstate and overseas.
Past College Captains Day
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Ladies' Auxiliary 2020
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PSG & P&F Events 2020
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Old Aquinians Association As this is the first edition of Fish for 2020, I would like to welcome the graduates of 2020 to the Old Boy community and the new life-members to the Old Aquinians’ Association.
Business Breakfast The Association commenced 2020’s social calendar with the Business Breakfast held on Friday, 28 February 2020 in the Hughes Dining Hall. The event was hugely successful with special guest speaker James McMahon DSC DSM (1981) speaking to a packed room of guests from across the Aquinas community. James served in the Australian Defence Force from 1985 to 2007, including serving as the Commander of the Special Air Services Regiment (SASR), a special forces unit of the Australian Army. James was named Western Australian of the Year in 2019. James was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for command and leadership in action in Afghanistan and Iraq and the Distinguished Service Medal for leadership in action in Timor-Leste. In his post-military career, James has served as the Commissioner for the Department of Corrective Services in Western Australia, Chief Operating Officer at Azure Capital, on various boards, and is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Australian Capital Equity. James shared with the crowd many personal experiences from throughout 28 / the fish
his military and post-military career. James also briefly discussed his role as an ambassador for ‘The Fathering Project’, a not-for-profit organisation supporting fathers and father-figures. The Fathering Project attempts to inspire and equip individuals so that they can effectively engage with their children. The audience appreciated James’ insight and candour, which clearly imbued the audience.
Spring Sundowner The Association was delighted to host the Spring Sundowner at the Broken Hill Hotel in Victoria Park on Thursday, 15 October 2020. As many of the Association’s events earlier in the year were cancelled due to COVID-19, it was heart-warming to see approximately fifty us together, albeit socially distanced. The crowd, including individuals from the graduating classes of 1954 to 2016, discussed various topics, including, of
course, the COVID-19 experiences of themselves and their family and friends. Many guests were thrilled to enjoy a conversation with Elliot Yeo (2010), a West Coast Eagles player who is a John Worsfold Medal winner and co-owner of the Broken Hill Hotel. The Spring Sundowner served as a particular reminder to guests of the importance of and enjoyment of human connection, and the bond that past and present Aquinas College community members possess.
Thanks The Committee and I would like to express our sincere thanks to James McMahon, Elliot Yeo, and Nichole Rowson (Alumni and Events Administrator) for the time they have devoted to the Association. Alex Anile, OAA Committee Member
Cam proves a crowd pleaser Test cricketer Cameron Bancroft was a big drawcard at the Old Aquinians' Association's annual dinner on August 21, which was one of the best attended for years. Cam, who was at the college between 2006 and 2010, and captained the
Darlot Cup team in his final year, spoke frankly about the ball tampering incident in South Africa in 2018 which attracted world headlines. Cam, along with the Australian captain, Steve Smith and fellow opener David Warner, was suspended from Test
cricket for his role in the event. He said in retrospect it had been a major mistake. Cam was a member of the Ashes touring team in England in 2019, and said the home fans had given the side a hot reception. He brought the house down singing a few lines from a less than complimentary song which the crowds sang about the South African incident. Cam fielded a wide range of questions from Peter Kennedy (Leaving Class 1959), and then from the audience. As with his batting when facing a hostile attack, he didn't take a backward step. this paragraph could go if space us tight: He is the fifth Old Boy to represent Australia in Test cricket. The others are Ernie Bromley who made his debut in the 1932-33 Bodyline series against England, pace bowler Terry Alderman, spinner Brad Hogg and the current Australian coach Justin Langer. The OAA wishes to thank the Dean of Development at the college, Peter Robertson, and Events and Alumni Administrator Nichole Rowson, for their meticulous organisation which helped ensure the success of the evening.
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1951, 1960 and 1961 Reunion
pars Louis Moyser (’50) was wed in 1975 and fathered two daughters. After serving in the Australian Defence Force, Louis went on to become a specialist anaesthetist, eventually working his way up to the position of Head Director of Anaesthesia at Osborne Park Hospital. John Salerian (’50) spent 32 years of his life as a farmer – 27 of which as a dairy farmer and the rest as a beef farmer. A further few decades were spent as a bus contractor before returning to his grazing property. John was blessed with four children, a son and three daughters and spent much of his free time volunteering for groups such as I.E, P&C, P&F, Hospital board, Peel Community Care, Community Resource Centre and his Shire Council. Richard Fox (’60) earned a Doctorate in Physics from the University of Oxford and spent the next few decades dedicated to scientific and medical advancement – working as a Scientific Assistant and the Institute of Cancer Research in London, a Lecturer at the University of London and then, after returning to Australia, as Head of the Department of Medical Physics at Royal Perth Hospital. He continued to lecture at UWA as a Professor of Physics. Currently, Richard is a visiting Professor at Curtin University 30 / the fish
and an Emeritus Consultant for Royal Perth Hospital. Among this illustrious career, he became a Fellow of AIP, FInstP(London), ACPSEM, IPEM(UK), fathered two children, volunteered at Scitech, swam with the Claremont and Mandurah Masters swimming clubs and was the two time President (and life member) of the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association. Jim Gherardi (’60) studied medicine at UWA and served the Fremantle community as a General Practitioner for 40 years. He fathered three children, with his two sons following in his footsteps as students at Aquinas College. A proud dad, he readily brags of their achievements in Environmental Science, as a wine maker in Margaret River and as a Primary School Teacher. Nowadays, Jim likes to spend his time playing lawn bowls at the Spearwood Bowling Club. Gerard Tonks (1960) now boasts FCA and FCIS at the end of his signature. These additives were earned through a career spanning 11 years in banking, 13 in public accountancy and 25 in commercial accounting in the mining industry. Gerard owned his own accountancy practice in Kalgoorlie and lectured at Notre Dame. A proud dad, Gerard has been blessed with two
grandsons in recent years. Brendan Parker (’60) spent his career in animal health and sales and marketing at a national level, as well as raising four children. All of his sons attended Aquinas and his grandsons to his daughter are also current students. Nowadays, Brendan is enjoying the life of a retiree in Denmark – fishing, surfing and kayaking. Graham Mahony (’61) earned his Doctorate and served a fulfilling career as a chartered professional engineer (CPEng) both here in Australia and overseas. He is proud that his wife and all of his four children also earned tertiary qualifications – and his eyes are now set on his six grandchildren.
pars Sidney Herrington (’09) has been painting houses around Perth while taking a year away from his engineering studies at Curtin University. Sidney made his mark at the College as a high jumper, using the "Fosbury Flop" style to win the open event as a member of the successful Inters team in his final year. His best leap is 1.92 metres, just above his own height (1.89 metres). Sidney has also had success in martial arts which he took up as an 8-year-old. He has won silver medals in the Muay Thai division - which employs fists elbows, knees and shins - in the past two national titles. He's aiming to go one better next year and earn the right
to represent Australia in international competition. Tom Dempsey (’20) has been accepted into The Australian Volleyball Academy (AVA) and will be joining the AVA athlete cohort in Canberra for 2021. Thomas Horton (’83) was recently nominated for two BAFTA awards and a US Producer Guild Association Awrads for his work on “Emerald City” and “A Series of Unfortunate Events”. Thomas is currently residing in London. Ben O’Connor (’13) stole the show when he took out his first stage win in the Giro d’Italia. He conquered 203-kilometres of mountainous road from Bassano del Grappo to Madonna di Campiglio, which featured four categorised climbs. Josh Gammon-Carson (’06) was nominated the WA Police Officer of the Year (’19) after a star-studded career, working with the Detective's Office, running an operation targeting juvenile offenders - finding ways to divert young people away from crime and the court system. Joshua Cribb (’14) and his company released the first fully Australian built electric plane and the world’s first electric ducted microlight aircraft in 2020. The team are pioneering the development of electric flight by focusing on the key enabling technology - the propulsion system.
Cliff Owen (’59) has been the driving force behind the building of Two Skiffs on his property and their launch last year in Augusta. Cliff is now a regular morning rower in the skiffs and a founding member of the Augusta Community Rowing Association.
Ben O'Connor Joshua Cribb - 1st on the left
Josh Gammon-Carson
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Perth choirs feature in international star Andrea Corr Christmas Songs EP Last Christmas, international music sensation Andrea Corr visited Dublin’s Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross and sang a selection of her personal Christmas favourites. It was an incredibly moving experience that inspired her to record the songs this year. The four beautiful, moving songs featured on ‘Andrea Corr Christmas Songs’ have a special place in her childhood. Christmas is always an emotional time, this year more than ever. ‘Next year all our troubles will be miles away,” she sings in ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ before adding “someday soon, we will all be together/ until then we will have to muddle through somehow.” These words resonate deeply as we approach Christmas 2020.
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Always bittersweet, the song has taken on a new meaning as we live through this global pandemic. The other featured songs are equally poignant: ‘O Holy Night’, ‘In The Bleak Mid-Winter’ and the original ‘Begin Again’ written by Andrea with more than a touch of the Corrs about it and backed by Perth’s own Aquinas College Schola Boys Choir. “These are songs that I grew up with, my father played ‘O Holy Night’ in our church every Christmas Eve when we were kids,” Andrea says. “We had been planning this record since my visit to the hospice last year—and then the world changed, and the lyrics took on a whole new and special meaning.” So did her vocals which beautifully convey the heartfelt sentiment across all the tracks. It took a lot of endeavour to find a male voice choir who could all sing together in the same venue but this was eventually discovered in Perth, Australia with the lovely Giovanni Consort Choir and Aquinas College Schola Boys Choir. Year 6 student and Aquinas College Schola performer Dashiell Van Ingen said, “I’m nervous but very excited because it’s my first professional recording.” His sentiments were echoed by the rest of the choir, consisting of Xavier Bianchini (Yr 7), Dylan Atkins-
Walters (Yr 7), Aidan Griffiths (Yr 6), Luka Patak (Yr 6), Dominic Lomen (Yr 6), Isaac Lim (Yr 6) and William AtkinsWalters (Yr 5). The Schola Choir Director, also the Director of the Giovanni Consort Choir, Hugh Lydon said, “It’s a great opportunity for the boys and for the school. We were deeply honoured to be asked and couldn’t be prouder of the boys for all their hard work and professionalism.” Anna Rice and John Hughes put the EP together with much tender loving care. ‘Andrea Corr Christmas Songs’ provides some comfort and joy in these rather difficult times. Enjoy! Stream and download the album here. Team Involved Anna Rice, Johnny Taylor, Anton Drennan, Rachel Factor, Dave Hingerty, Ailbhe McDonagh, Giovanni Consort, Kate McNamara, Aquinas College Schola Choir, Lee Buddle of Crank Recording, Brian Crosby, Alan Kelly Mastered by 360 Mastering and, of course, Andrea Corr.
One Hundred Up During November of this 2020, Aquinas College completed its 100th Encounter Retreat which began in 1996. Although the College has 24 Retreats each year, four of these are specially designed for 16-year-old boys. These are called Encounter Retreats and are an attempt at a ‘rite of passage’ experience for the boys. Each of these retreats is held over several days and nights at a campsite in Baldivis, about 40 km’s south of Perth. Over the years they have been much appreciated by the lads and their parents. Paul O’Neill was the first student I approached for our initial Encounter Retreat. Since leaving school Paul has forged a compelling international career with the Berlin Opera Company in opera houses and concert halls throughout Europe and Australasia. Paul is now back home in Perth and gladly accepted an invitation to open the 100th Encounter Retreat, and what a fine opening he gave us. The retreats program was introduced for three reasons. Firstly, to give the boys a chance to open themselves, to themselves and God, i.e., to have a serious ENCOUNTER. Secondly to help combat the alarming rise in numbers of male suicides in Australia, and thirdly, my conviction of the latent
power for good of positive peer pressure. Incidentally, we always have a past pupil guest speaker for each Encounter Retreat. At our last Retreat Justin Langer was our speaker. What an inspiring presentation he gave us! He has done this about ten times over the past years. It is quite humbling to have him reorganise his heavy schedule as Coach of the Australian Cricket Team to be present, but he loves it, and so do we! Cameron Bancroft has also been a guest speaker. This was shortly after the balltampering incident. His genuine humility and words of wisdom were powerful witnesses for all present. Nowadays I help in the running of our retreats, especially the Encounter Retreats. This includes training/coaching senior students to run group discussions and to give presentations to their younger peers. Each senior student gives a 15-minute talk on a virtue he values, then leads a discussion. It’s positive peer pressure at its best. Gospel values and insights from Richard Rohr OFM, form the basis of the presentations. We have estimated that over 5,000 students have completed an Encounter Retreat since 1996.
Paul O’Neill should be around for the 200th Encounter Retreat, but I have serious doubts about my own presence! Br Brian Clery
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The College Foundation - central to the future of Aquinas College Recent studies from CEWA and others have highlighted five increasing difficulties facing all Catholic Schools in Perth: 1. Decline in local Catholic demographics 2. Decline in economic status of middle classes 3. The disconnect between increase in wages and education fees 4. Future school government funding model 5. Changing nature of future employment A number of these threats have been accelerated, with the COVID-19 crisis affecting current and future parents’ income and well-being. Out of this challenging period, Aquinas College has ensured that no boy has had to leave due to financial hardship. The security provided by the College Foundation, enables us to continue to support our families during this COVID disruption and assists the College Board to set, a 0% increase in tuition fees in 2021. Whilst the immediate future is secure, what of the future? How does the College plan for a future of volatility and uncertainty? The Sydney Morning Herald on August 26, 2020 ran the headline, “Wealth, not faith drives most Australian 34 / the fish
students to religious schools”. The article was reporting on the publication of the Cardus Education survey, the first of its kind to be conducted in Australia. The survey analysed how ‘millennials’ who finished high school between 1998 and 2011 were faring, both materially and in a range of life matters including relationships and community connections. The report noted that those who went to religious based schools were faring markedly better but the findings did raise concerns about the increase of advantage and inequality that threatens social ties across Australia. The so-called meritocracy our Australian societies aspire to, with the claims that anyone should be able to rise in accordance with their talent and be rewarded for it, is a destructive delusion. There is no level playing field, only a race heavily fixed in favour of those who already have the most. The roles of luck and advantage are ignored. Wealth and success are conflated with worth. A solution offered is education. Is education a solution if it is inaccessible to the marginalised? Aquinas College, as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition follows an adherence to four key touchstones. Our current environment increasingly
challenges the College to fully align with core elements of the “Inclusivity” touchstone. In particular, to meet the touchstone’s requirement to “demonstrate a preferential option for the poor by standing in solidarity with those who are powerless and marginalised, and strives to provide access to those who otherwise would not seek enrolment”. Aquinas College needs to ensure its mission in relation to inclusivity both as an EREA school and as a member of the Church. It is only through the wonderful work of the College Foundation that we are able to offer a Foundation Bursary program, which provides an Aquinas College education to boys from families who are unable to afford a Catholic education. We believe, as did Blessed Edmund Rice, in the divine agency and liberation that comes with a strong faith and good education, so the true value of these Foundation Bursaries are found in the young lives that are changed. I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have contributed to the College Foundation and those who serve on the Foundation Council. I hope the generosity and hard work of our community will continue in 2021. David McFadden Principal
Thank you Sundowner Thank you to all our College volunteers and Foundation supporters who attended the annual Thank You Sundowner in the Waterford Room on Friday 27 November 2020. Now in its second year, the joint Development Office/Aquinas College Foundation event serves to thank those members of the College community who have given back to the College in some way during the year. Principal David McFadden delivered a stirring address, thanking everyone for their selfless contributions to the College during 2020, contributions that do not go unnoticed. Foundation Deputy
Chair Ashley Bacon followed David with a thank you from the Foundation for the amazing support received from the Aquinas community throughout this difficult year. Once again, our College Leadership Team donned black aprons to serve the canapés, reinforcing the notion of giving thanks. Guests were delighted with the format which enabled staff to interact with every guest throughout the night. Following the success of the Welcome Parents Evening in early November, representatives from our 2021 College Captains again joined us to welcome and mingle with guests. This was particularly
well received by our Old Boy guests. Thank you to: Nichole Rowson (Development Office) for organising the event; our talented College Leadership Team for helping to make it a memorable and fun night; representatives of our 2021 College Captains for their stewardship; and Steve Lewis and staff for providing the delicious food and manning the bar. Finally, thank you to our wonderful College community for all your support during 2020 – we could not do it without you.
Foundation Ball up and Running Again The Foundation is delighted to confirm the Arts Plus Foundation Ball, postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19, is up and running again. Mark your diaries now for this not-tobe-missed event: Date: Saturday 4 September 2021 Venue Crown Perth Ticket prices for the 2021 event can be found in the adjacent Save the Date. If you would like to support the Ball in any way - ticket sales, auction items, corporate tables, sponsorship etc. - please contact Louise Symonds from the Foundation Office at foundation@ aquinas.wa.edu.au or 9450 0799.
Save the Date
Lights, Camera, Action! Foundation Ball 2021 Saturday 4th September Crown Perth Standard Table of 10: $2,000 Corporate Table of Ten: $5,000 Note: Special Crown accommodation rates will apply
AQUINAS COLLEGE
Foundation
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Your Gift, their future! During 2020, the Aquinas College Foundation Gift in Will Program received a significant boost, welcoming three new members to the Veritas Society – established to thank those who leave provision for the College in their Will along with three anonymous benefactors. At a morning tea ceremony, hosted by Principal David McFadden and the Foundation just before lockdown, John (’65), Bella Perry and the late Nick Garratt (represented by his brother Chris Garratt (’62) were thanked for their generous gifts to the College and presented with Veritas Society pins. In September various members of Geoffrey Cowcher’s (’56) extended family, including his brother Max Cowcher (’50) and his sister Kath Carr, gathered together as David McFadden and the Foundation posthumously welcomed Geoffrey to the Veritas Society. Geoffrey’s surviving siblings, Max and Kath, were presented with Veritas Society pins in memory of Geoffrey’s generous gift. Thank you to all our Veritas Society members – including those who choose to remain anonymous. Your support of Aquinas College will be treasured and will help the College well into the future. A special thank you also to our Veritas Society Patron, Justice Eric Heenan, 36 / the fish
for his stewardship of the Gift in Will Program since its inception in 2018. Read on to find out more about our newest Veritas Society members: John & Bella Perry John Perry’s long association with Aquinas College commenced in 1960 as a boarder. Since graduating, his involvement with Aquinas College has continued, marrying his beautiful wife Bella at the Aquinas College Chapel in 1971, returning to the College for various events and reunions over the years and supporting College fundraising efforts. After achieving his Leaving Certificate in 1965, John went on to complete the Real Estate Valuation course at WAIT (now Curtin), eventually returning to Mandurah to manage the family’s real estate agency, H & N Perry Mandurah. John’s successful real estate career spanned many years and many successful projects, including the development of the Garden City Shopping Centre in Booragoon and the high profile land developments at Madora Bay and Florida Beach Estate, Dawesville. In 2020, H & N Perry Mandurah celebrated its 70th anniversary, servicing the Peel Region. According to Bella, John often recalls his six years as a boarder at Aquinas with fondness, “where he had the opportunity
of education, sporting success and the formation of personal values.” “The school also sowed the seeds of giving assistance to those less fortunate. The Veritas Society will provide an avenue to enable talented young people to attend the College for an education they may otherwise have been denied,” she said. Now retired, John and Bella are still heavily involved in the Mandurah and Peel Region, supporting groups involved with health, sport, music and education - including Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Peel Health Campus Foundation, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre and Mandurah Catholic College (Music Scholarships).
Gift in Will Program Nick Garratt A prefect and crew member of the 1965 winning first VIII in his final year of school, Nick was a much loved and admired member of Aquinas College rowing, and Australian rowing in general. Nick returned to Aquinas in the early eighties as coach of the senior IVs, before pursuing his successful Olympic rowing career. Despite his international successes, he always maintained close ties with his College rowing club. Geoffrey Cowcher Geoffrey (Geoff) Thomas John Cowcher was the sixth child of William and Ellie Cowcher of Williams. At the age of eight, he attended the Katanning Convent School, followed by several years at the local Quindanning School,
before attending Aquinas College for three years during his high school years. Following school, Geoff returned to the family farm and was involved in sheep and cropping activities. Later he turned to pig farming and was very proud of the fine animals he produced. At the age of 25, Geoff sought to join the Christian Brothers who he greatly admired from his time at Aquinas. Unfortunately, due to health problems that plagued him throughout his life, he was unable to fulfil his dream, returning to the family farm once again until his father passed away in 1978. Following his father’s death, Geoff and his mother moved to Mandurah where the Church became the focal point of his life and it was here he made many lifelong friends.
Geoff remained proud of his Aquinas College links throughout his life, coming from a long line of Aquinians dating back more than 100 years. His father, William, was a successful scholar at CBC on the Terrace in the early part of the 20th Century, whilst Geoff and his three brothers, Neil, Bruce and Max, all attended Aquinas College in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Geoff and his brothers were succeeded at Aquinas by eight nephews and 11 grandnephews (two of whom are current students, Sam and Joshua Cowcher) and a plethora of other Cowcher relations.
Your Gift, their future! If you would like to learn more about including a gift to Aquinas College in your Will and joining the Veritas Society, or you would like to notify us that you or a late family member have already included the College in your Will, please contact: Louise Symonds at foundation@ aquinas.wa.edu.au or 9450 0799 or visit www.aquinas.wa.edu.au/giving/ 37 / the fish
Thank You to our 2019 Foundation Donors The Aquinas College Foundation acknowledges and thanks the Aquinas College community – current and past parents, Old Aquinians, staff and friends of the College – for your generous support throughout 2019. Every contribution –whether large or small – is received with gratitude and Mrs M & Mr B Abbott Activate Physiotherapy Adventure World Dr P & Mrs B Ainsworth Mr C & Mrs E Alexander Mr S & Ms J Alievski Mr J & Mrs T Allen Mr C Allsop Mrs J & Mr J Alvaro Mr P & Mrs C Alvaro Mr A & Mrs L Ambrosino Mr P Anderson & Ms N Telford Mr S & Mrs L Anderson Mr B & Mrs K Andrews Mrs A Antonio Mr C & Mrs N Antonio Argyle Family Dr C & Mrs S Armstrong Mr F & Mrs S Ashe Mr M & Mrs L Ashton Mr K Aston & Ms A Wood Mr A & Mrs K Auret Mr J Azzopardi & Ms N Selten Mr A & Mrs C Bacon Mr A & Mrs E Bailey Mr C & Mrs C Barbato Mr W & Mrs C Barber Mr C & Mrs S Barnett Mr D & Mrs R Barnett Mr M & Mrs S Barnett Anonymous Mr F & Mrs T Barr Mr T & Mrs F Beckett- Cooper Mr J & Mrs K Beissel Mr K & Mrs K Benson Mr G & Mrs W Bergin Mr A & Mrs M Berson Mr B & Ms G Best Mr N & Mrs R Bhat Mr D & Mrs R Bianchini Mr T & Mrs L Blackadder Mrs J & Mr M Bodlovich Ms C Bogunovich Mr G & Mrs K Bolton Mrs C & Mr A Borromei Mr J Bowen Mr M & Mrs A Bower Bowler Family Mr R & Mrs M Bowring
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helps us to build on the generosity of previous benefactors to provide for the students of today and tomorrow. The following is a list of our 2019 Foundation supporters, across all appeals and events, including the 2019 Building Fund Appeal, 2019 Annual Appeal for Bursaries, Class of 2019 Scholarship
Dr G Bradley Mr A Brady Mr S & Mrs D Brady Mr C & Mrs V Brehaut Mr B & Mrs T Brennan Mr G & Mrs B Brennan Mr G & Mrs M Brennan Mr I & Mrs L Brennan Mr A & Mrs J Brittain Mr G & Mrs C Bryndzej Mr T & Mrs D Bucat Mr M & Mrs R Bumbak Miss K Burgess Mr N & Mrs K Burnett Mr R & Mrs D Burton Mr I & Ms S Burvill Mr S & Mrs J Burvill Mr B & Mrs N Butcher Mr P & Mrs R Byron Mr S Campain & Ms D Beretovac Mrs J & Mr J Campbell Mr M & Mrs J Capelli Mr W & Mrs C Capes Mr J & Mrs C Cardoso Mr C & Mrs M Carle Mr J Carter Mr A & Mrs A Carvallio Mr T & Mrs J Cashmore Mr K & Mrs C Cass-Ryall Mr A & Dr A Castley Mr M & Mrs K Caughey Anonymous Mr M & Mrs K Chambers Mr S Chambers & Ms K Farina Mr B & Mrs N Champness Mr K & Mrs L Chan Mr F & Mrs A Chaney Mr J Chaney & Ms R Palmer Mr A Chapman Mr O & Mrs D Charlesworth Hon E & Ms E Charlton Mr G & Mrs G Charlton Mr S Chester & Mrs L Borovina Mr G & Mrs K Chew Ms M Chew Mr K & Ms T Chizema Mr J & Mrs M Christie
Mrs V & Mr G Cirillo Mr B Clarke Mr J & Mrs R Clarke Mr T & Mrs M Clune Mr J Coffey Mr P Collins Mr T & Mrs K Collins Mr G & Mrs N Connelly Mr M & Mrs V Connor Mr G & Mrs J Conte Mr F & Mrs S Costa Mr G & Mrs C Costa Mr J & Mrs M Cotte Mr D & Mrs C Cousins Mr R & Mrs A Cousins Mr R & Mrs K Cousins Mr A & Mrs J Cowain Mr G & Mrs A Cowcher Mr C & Mrs K Craker Mr B & Mrs C Cripps Mr T & Mrs S Cronin Mr B & Mrs N Crook Mr D & Mrs A Cullity Mr M Cullity Mr B & Mrs K Cunning Mr M Cunningham Mr M Cunnold & Ms E Grimshaw Mr P Curtis Mr T & Mrs L Da Silva Mr T & Mrs C Dall Dr P & Mrs E Dallimore Mr T & Mrs S Darbyshire Mrs J Davies & Mr G Davies Mr L Delahunt & Mrs Y Humich-Delahunt Mr S & Mrs D Delic Mr D & Mrs A Della Bona Mr S & Mrs S Della Bona Mr M Della Bosca Mr M & Mrs M Dempsey Mr I & Mrs P Dennis Mr R & Mrs S Dennis Ms K Destremau Mr L & Mrs T Dillon Mr L Dodge Ms S Donaldson Mr M & Mrs R D'Orazio Miss J Douglas Mr P & Mrs D Drake-Brockman
Gift, Boatshed Renewal Appeal and Gift in Will (Bequest) Program. Thank you also to those donors who have chosen to remain anonymous.
Mr D & Mrs B Draper Mr M & Mrs R Ducler des Rauches Mr N & Mrs N Dundas Mr A & Mrs A Durmanich Mr A & Mrs K Dwyer Mr S & Mrs M Dymmott Mr A & Mrs K Eager Mr B & Mrs S Edwards Mr C Edwards Mrs N & Mr R Michel-Elhaj Mr H Elliott Mr M & Mrs S Erickson Mr L & Mrs R Evangelista Mr K & Mrs J Fancote Mr P & Mrs R Farmer Mr L & Mrs M Farrell Mr C & Mrs S Faulkner Mr C & Mrs C Fell Mr A & Mrs S Figueiredo Melo Mr L & Mrs J Fimmel Mr B & Mrs A Finlay Anonymous Mr S & Mrs M Fisher Mr D & Mrs A Fissioli Mr G & Mrs S Flaxman Mr A & Mrs R Foss Mr M & Mrs J Foss Mr A & Mrs P Fraga-Diaz Mr A & Mrs A Francesca Mr J & Mrs J Freedman Mr D & Mrs J Fulwood Dr S & Dr S Ganapathipillai Mr W Gao & Mrs L Jia Mr J & Mrs C Garces Mr C & Mrs W Gardner Mr R & Mrs A Gardner Mr A & Mrs J Gasmier Mr J & Mrs A Gavranic Mr E & Mrs K Gianotti Mr D & Mrs K Glennon Mr J Godfrey Mr B & Mrs E Goeree Mr C & Mrs D Golding Mr B & Mrs M Gorringe Dr N & Mrs C Gottardo Mr J & Mrs J Graham Mr N & Mrs L Grazia Mr M & Mrs W Green Mr P & Mrs F Greenland Mr F & Mrs A Grier
Mr M & Mrs C Griffiths Mr M Hackett & Ms C Meiklejohn Mr B & Mrs L Haeusler Mr R & Mrs C Hales Mr M Hall & Ms K Dewson-Hall Mr A & Mrs D Hallett Ms T Han Mr P Harburn & Ms J Chivers Mrs R & Mr D Hardey Mr S & Mrs E Harris Mr P Harrison & Ms D Palandri Mr A & Mrs P Haslett Mr R & Mrs K Heal The Hon Justice E & Mrs E Heenan Mr S & Mrs N Henderson Mr M & Mrs J Herbert Mr B & Mrs R Heron Mr P & Mrs J Heron Mr T Herrmann & Ms K Abercromby Mr S & Mrs J Higgins Mrs E & Mr T Hilder Anonymous Mr S & Mrs C Holloway Dr A & Mrs A Hooper Mr T & Mrs L Hopkins Mr M & Mrs C Horan Mrs A Horgan & Mr J Horgan Mr M & Mrs S Horsfall Dr Z Huang & Ms X Guo Mr G Hughes & Mrs N Egginton Mr M & Mrs A Hughes Mrs C Hugo & Dr V Hugo Mr B & Mrs D Hulls Mr I Humich Mr R & Mrs M Humich Mr K & Mrs B Hunt Mr M & Mrs A Hussey Mr G Hutchinson Mr P & Mrs J Hutchinson Mr B & Mrs C Hyde Mr P & Mrs L Hymus Mr J & Mrs S Hynes Mr A & Mrs K Imms
Mr T Issa & Mrs M Kis Afrim-Issa Mr S & Mrs M Ithier Mrs C & Mr D Ivancich Mr A Jackson & Mrs M Liang-Jackson Mr L Jannetta Ms L Jeffees Mr D & Mrs J Jenaway Mrs P & Mr S Jessop Mr P Jiggins & Ms L Richardson Mr B Johnston & Miss J Beattie Mr R & Mrs L Johnston Mr R Johnston & Ms W Neo Mr R & Mrs D Jones Mr M & Mrs L Jordan Mr S & Mrs A Keeley Mr J & Ms S Kelly Mr J & Mrs L Kennedy Mr P Kennedy & Ms C Olney Mr B & Mrs M Kennelly Mr K & Mrs L Kent Mr R & Mrs D Kestel Mrs K Kim & Mr C Hwang Mr P & Mrs L King Mr D & Mrs M Kirby Mrs A Kiss & Mr S Kiss Mr S & Mrs C Klomp Mr D & Mrs A Klumpp Mr D & Mrs C Knox Mr R & Mrs B Koscak Mr W & Mrs R Kynaston Mr P & Mrs N Langford Mr P & Mrs M Latham Mr L Lau Mr D & Dr R Lea Mr T & Mrs A Leaver Mr A & Mrs W Lee Mr D Lee & Ms S Bligh-Lee Dr J Lee & Ms V Tran Mrs A & Mr N Leeson Mr S Leeson & Mrs H Lo Mr T & Mrs J Lego Mr A Lepcha & Ms S Subba Mr S & Mrs A L'Estrange Mr J Lewins & Mrs C Nicoletti-Lewins Mrs J & Mr B Liddelow Liquor Barons Applecross Mr L & Mrs E Long Mr M & Mrs E Loughnan Mr V Lu & Ms T Vo Mr A & Mrs D Luchmaya Mr T & Mrs C Luzny Mr C & Mrs L MacDonald Mr S & Mrs J Macdonald Mrs M Mackintosh Mrs C Maffescioni Mr P & Ms K Mahar Mr P Malatzky Mr W & Mrs J Maley Mr P Malyniak Mariola.Hair.Design Ms C Martin
Mr R Martin Mrs B & Mr J Martinez Mr S & Mrs S Martino Mr E & Mrs R Masaka Mr M & Mrs J Mascarenhas Mrs C & Mr B Mavrick Mr S & Mrs C Mayne Mr A Mazzega Mr P & Mrs G McAuliffe Mr M McCormack Mr K & Mrs C McGahren Mr G McGarry & Mrs P Martin Mr M & Mrs H McGrath Mr R & Mrs T McIlveen Mr W & Mrs D McKenzie Mr G McKeown Mr M & Mrs S McKinnon Ms S McLean Mr T & Mrs N McLernon Mrs J & Mr S McMahon Mr K & Mrs J McNee Mr K & Mrs A Medlen Mrs L Mele De Carvalho Curley & Mr J Curley Mr A Mendoza & Dr H Cabalu-Mendoza Mrs M & Mr A Milani Mr J & Mrs N Millard Mr G Miller Ms N Milsom Dr D & Mrs M Mincham Mr S & Mrs N Moir Mr S & Mrs A Monck Mr I Monkhouse & Mrs F McAlpine-Monkhouse Mr S & Mrs P Montgomery Mr K & Mrs K Morisey Mr T Morrissey Dr A & Mrs P Mukherjee Mr B & Mrs B Mumme Mr P & Mrs A Munns Mr A Murphy Mr A & Mrs D Murray Mr J & Mrs A Murray Mr J & Mrs S Mutter Mr D & Mrs S Myers Mr M & Mrs S Nagle Mr R & Mrs N Neesham Mr T Neesham & Ms A Honey Mr T & Mrs G Neill Mr L & Mrs M Nel Mr A Nevin & Ms E Thio Mr B & Mrs D Newman Mr Q Nguyen & Mrs A Pham Mr S & Mrs M Nicholls Mr D & Mrs H Nolan Mr P & Mrs S Nolan Mr M Noonan-Crowe Mr P & Mrs C Norrish Mr R Nulsen Mr S & Mrs J Oaten Mr G & Mrs S O'Brien Mr M & Mrs J O'Callaghan Mr J & Mrs P O'Dea
Mrs A O'Hare-Searle & Mr A Searle Ms G O'Loughlin & Mr R Cocksedge Mr B O'Meara & Ms M Forrest Mr J & Mrs R O'Neill Dr M & Mrs J O'Neill Mr M & Mrs D Opalinski Mr M O'Sullivan Dr C & Ms P Owen Mr M & Mrs C Paganoni Mr G & Mrs M Page Mr B & Mrs J Palmer Mr R & Mrs D Palmer Mr H & Mrs S Panizza Mr R & Mrs J Panizza Mr S & Mrs K Panton Mr C & Mrs M Paoliello Mr M Papaphotis & Ms M de Reus Mr J Pasqua Mrs S & Mr G Patching Mr M & Mrs L Peacock Mr G & Mrs J Pearson Mr M & Mrs D Pensabene Mr P & Mrs K Perin Mr T & Mrs W Perrett Mr T & Mrs E Perrott Mr J & Mrs B Perry Dr R & Mrs K Perry Mr G & Mrs G Philip Mr J Pike & Ms M Cullen-Pike Mr D & Ms S Pin Mr R Pini & Ms V Bradshaw Mr M & Mrs E Pobjoy Mr F & Mrs K Poeta Mr J Polmear Mr A & Mrs J Porteous Mr G & Mrs K Povey Mr A & Mrs J Power Mr F & Mrs J Prendergast Mr K & Mrs V Prindiville Mr J & Mrs E Quinn Mrs M Quinn & Mr R Quinn Mr T & Mrs J Rae Mrs N & Mr B Ralph Mr M & Mrs V Raphael Mr G & Mrs T Rayner Mr N Read & Miss K Sellars Mr J & Mrs S Redelinghuys Anonymous Mrs L & Mr M Richards Mr K & Mrs D Richardson Mr M & Mrs K Ridgwell Mr A & Mrs C Ridolfo Mr R & Mrs M Rifici Mr R Rigg Mr B & Mrs C Ritchie Mr P & Mrs L Robertson Mr G Robinson Mr J & Mrs V Robinson Dr J & Mrs J Robinson Mr A & Mrs M Rocchiccioli Mr C & Mrs K Ross
Mr I & Mrs N Rowson Mr P & Mrs G Ruane Mr D & Mrs C Rutley Mr T & Mrs C Sader Mr J & Mrs V Salerian Dr S Salfinger Mr S & Mrs A Sardinha Mr I Saunders & Ms S Chant Mr P & Mrs L Saunders Mr P Sawle Mr W & Mrs D Scaini Mrs J & Mr M Scannell Mr R & Mrs S Sceresini Mr R Schlam Mr H & Mrs M Schmidt Mr B & Mrs J Schortinghuis Mrs S Schubert Mr A & Mrs D Scott Mr J & Ms L Scott Mr K & Mrs J Scott Mr M & Mrs J Scott Mr M & Mrs B Scott Scott-Waugh Family Mr C & Mrs C Sears Mr A & Mrs K Settineri Mr M & Mrs F Sheppard Mr M & Ms B Shooter Mr R & Mrs M Sims Mr B & Mrs L Sinclair Mr G & Mrs S Sinclair Mr J Skerritt Mr B Slater Mr S & Mrs N Small Mr D & Mrs J Smith Mr G Smith & Ms R Wyatt Mr G Smith Mr J & Mrs M Smith Mr L & Mrs R Smith Mr M & Mrs D Smith Mr A & Mrs K Smith Mr C & Mrs L Soklich Mr S Sparrow Ms L Barnes Mr C & Mrs J Spence Mr T & Mrs J Squire Mr D Squires & Mrs S Dale-Squires Mr D Stanley Mr M & Mrs A Steber Mr G & Mrs N Stein Mrs R & Mr J Stenslunde Mr S & Mrs T Stenvers Anonymous Mr J & Mrs S Stopforth Mr S Subburaj & Mrs S Kopeti Mr C & Mrs T Suckling Mr M & Mrs H Svosve Mrs L Syed & Dr D Syed Mrs L & Mr G Symonds Mr A Taghavi & Ms S Adviehchi Mr S & Mrs E Takii Mr B & Mrs M Talbot Mr S & Mrs A Taranto Mr B & Mrs N Taylor Mr W & Mrs L Taylor
Mr A & Mrs S Teasdale The Re Store Mr S & Mrs S Thiel Mr P & Mrs K Thomson Mr L & Mrs M Thong Mr C & Mrs S Timms Mr R & Mrs C Torrance Mr L Trewartha & Mrs C Bracknell Mr K Trewhella & Ms V Storer Mr P & Mrs H Trueman Ms C Truscott & Mr M Healy Mr K & Mrs K Vanderweide Mr F & Mrs N Varone Mr P & Mrs S Vassileff Mr P & Mrs J Vinci Mr M & Mrs L Vlismas Mr J & Mrs N Wallace Mr J & Mrs J Wallis Walsh & Sons Wines Mrs L Walters & Mr S Atkins Mr G & Mrs L Walton Mr D & Mrs T Warlters Mr G & Mrs S Watkins Mr D Webb Mr M & Mrs E Webb Mr T & Mrs K Wessels Mr D & Mrs A West Mr J & Mrs J West Mrs T & Mr R Wharton Mr D & Mrs L Wheller Mr B & Mrs N White Mr G & Ms P White Mr V & Mrs L Whyte Mr A & Mrs J Wigger Mr A & Mrs J Wilkes Mr I & Mrs D Williamson Mrs A & Mr R Wilson Mr J & Mrs J Winnett Mr D & Mrs H Wisewould Dr R & Mrs S Wittkuhn Mr S & Mrs D Woewodin 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 Mr S Yensch Mr D & Mrs A Zaza Mr L Zhang & Ms Y Yan Dr H & Mrs S Zhu Mr J & Mrs R Zito
39 / the fish
Aquinas College now has a coffee van! Holy Ground Coffee was established to provide the Aquinas community a place to meet and enjoy each other’s company over a great cup of coffee and light snack. While it feeds the community, it also serves to empower Senior School Students with employable and life skills, qualifications and experiences – teaching them customer service, accountability, mindfulness, perseverance and how to make a coffee that’s truly holy. Both ATAR and VET Senior School students have the opportunity to gain
work experience. Earn a wage and complete a certification. Musically gifted students from across the school are given the opportunity to ‘busk’ at the Holy Ground Coffee’s pop-up location next to the hockey pavilion. The van is designed to travel around the school and to Aquinas events – meaning you’ll never be far from drinks, cakes and toasted bagels made from fresh local produce. If that isn’t enough to sweeten the pot, proceeds from sales will be used to establish a bursar fund to assist less fortunate boys to receive an Aquinas education. Here’s what some of our #boybaristas have to say; “I have been working at the Aquinas Coffee Van and it has been a very enjoyable experience, through working at the coffee van it has shown me how to handle the stress of working under pressure and with all inconveniences that have come with it, mostly heat and the pressure of making coffees for students, parents, and teachers. The owner, Amanda Wilson, is great to work with and has helped me and everyone else, and in all working at the coffee van has been such a great experience.” Charles King “In the van it has been fun, we have been serving coffees for about 5-6 weeks now and we are told that we’re doing well
and that we look as if we are extremely experienced! It has been good fun and it has tough us how to deal with stressful situations, how to work with customers and how to deal with money.” Joshua McGrath Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs, 6am – 11am Friday, 6am – 2pm Saturday, 8am - midday
Red Haze Day Come support the red and black on 14th August 2021. The College grounds will be open for a Super Saturday event - all of our winter sports teams competing on home ground. The day will also include live performances from Aquinas bands, activities, tours of the ground and more. So come along, wear your Aquinas colours, show your Aquinas pride and help our 2021 Student Council fundraise for their bursary gift - giving underprivileged students the opportunity of an Aquinas education.
weddings Congratulations to the following Aquinians who married in 2020. • Stefan Banovich (2002) & Natalie Lowe – 7th September 2019 • Sarah Meyer (dad and brothers are Alumni) & Adrian Hobson – 4th January 2020 • Joshua Farmer (2012) & Demi Logan – 11th January 2020 • Jason Pasqua (2004) & Ada Jakimowicz – 22nd February 2020 • Rob Enright (2006) & Sinead Shortt – 11th July 2020 • Brett Hamilton (2006) & Saffira Mattfield – 28 November 2020 • James Anile (2011) & Kimberley Barnett – 5th December 2020
Jason Pasqua (’04) & Ada Jakimowicz
Did you tie the knot or celebrate the birth of a child or grandchild this year? Send us the details and a photo at fish@ aquinas.wa.edu.au so we can celebrate with you.
Brett Hamilton (’06) & Saffira Mattfield
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 (p13) two very similar accounts, one from Sir Thomas Meagher and one from Reg Cooper, speak of the tradition springing from the first day of the College's existence, and '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. Stefan Banovich (’02) & Natalie Lowe
Mr Ken Kelsall, Class of 1938 41 / the fish
obituaries Donald Charles Allen (1956) passed 29th December 2020 Eric Birghitti (2015) passed 2nd January 2020 Terry Capellaro (1975) passed 26th January 2020 Tomislav Cop (1984) passed 8 October 2020 Anthony Donohoe (1963) passed 20th March 2020 Bill Gibson (1939) passed 29th May 2020 on his 99th birthday James Kennedy (1985) passed 17th April 2020 Russell O’Brien (1968) passed July 31st 2020 Declan McKeown (2015) passed 2nd June 2020
Dan Clune (’57) passed 10th June 2020 Dan Clune, who was a prominent senior student at the college in the mid1950s, died on June 10, 2020, aged 80, after a long battle with cancer. Dan hailed from Three Springs and matriculated in his final year in 1957. He was a leader in a wide range of college activities. In addition to being a Prefect, he was treasurer of the Holy Name Society and a Prefect in Our Lady's Sodality. His involvement in these activities was not a surprise. His great, great uncle was Patrick Clune, the first Archbishop of Perth (1911-35). Dan was also a stern Sergeant Major in Brother Boyd Egan's Cadet Unit and had an impressive sporting record. In 1956-57 he rowed in the First VIII and played in the First XVIII, which won the Alcock Cup in both years. Eddie Rigg, who was a teammate in the 1956 side, recalled that Dan and Tom Hoad shared duties in the ruck and alternated in the back pocket. "Neither went round corners," Eddie said. After leaving school, Dan returned to 42 / the fish
Three Springs but his adventurous spirit was prominent. He became a trailblazer in agriculture, being awarded one of the first lots developed for irrigation in the pioneering Ord River Scheme in the mid-1960s. Classmate Tony Morrissey was granted an adjoining property. Dan was elected president of the Growers' Association. Cotton was the major crop. But it was susceptible to attacks from pests which were difficult to control. Many cottongrowing ventures, including Dan's, did not go well. But he was successful in a second stint at the Ord in the 1980s, growing melons and getting them trucked to the big markets on the east coast. In the mid-'80s Dan returned to Perth where he was employed by an American company and later moved to its Sydney office. He was the top sales and marketing performer two years in a row and was rewarded with overseas holidays, first a world trip including London and Hong Kong, and the second to Mexico. Dan also worked overseas. He became involved in developing radiofrequency technology for a German company concerning livestock. He then moved to St Petersburg after an approach from the Australian Government to assist Russian farmers in preserving their cattle for the food chain. Back in Sydney in 2009, he was a member of a committee which introduced compulsory microchipping for the recovery of "companion" animals. His entrepreneurial spirit persisted and he had major success with another innovation - working with the RSPCA. Through a link with the Queensland branch, he supplied microchips and developed a database for pets. This led to the development of his successful family company, HomeSafeID, for the national registration of animals, which is still operating. Dan married Lorraine (nee Kidd) and they had five children. They now have 10 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. A well attended funeral service was held for Dan in the college chapel.
Tony Golding (’44) passed 6th January 2021 Tony was a good student and a talented sportsperson, gaining honours in both Rowing and Football. On leaving College, Tony obtained qualifications as an industrial chemist and was employed in the Oil industry for 18 years, being involved in quality control, research and as a technical advisor. He then worked in the paint industry for the subsequent 11 years, specialising in corrosion control systems, later establishing his own business dealing in special surface coatings used in the building industry. Tony retained friendship with many of the students of his time and always appreciated the legacy of his school days at Aquinas. His sons Ian & Graham, as well as grandsons Tom & Chad Golding, and Nick Chetkovich also attended Aquinas. Tony died at the age of 93 having lived a full and rewarding life.
John Kennedy Peterson (’51) passed on 27th December 2020 John was born in Broome in 1934 and was very happily married to Robyn for 67 years. They had 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and live in Scarborough for 41 years. John worked in various professions, including teaching, publican, insurance and motor vehicle industry. John’s time at Aquinas is fondly reminiscent including
have to ride his horse from Fremantle to school. John was very proud of his grandchildren Nick and Ben Steens having also attended Aquinas College.
which was effectively a history of the Mirror newspaper, a Perth paper at one stage edited by his father Frank, which new owner Rupert Murdoch closed in 1956. His brother Lawrie (LC 1955), said in his eulogy that Ron was always known as “Davo” at Aquinas. “I was proud to be called ‘Little Davo’ through my primary years at school,” Lawrie said. Ron is survived by his wife Dianne and daughters Emma and Jane. Several old boys, including Bill de Gruchy and Don Martin, attended his funeral.
Ted Speering (’67)
Ron Davidson (’53) passed 10th October 2020 who attended the college from 1943 to 1953, and was a prominent Inters athlete, died in October after a short illness. He was aged 84. In his Leaving Certificate year, Ron was a member of the Open Relay team which set records at both the Inters at the WACA Ground and the State Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Championships at Leederville Oval. He later competed in the interclub athletics competition, assisted Geoff Worner in coaching the Inters team, and was a member of several winning Old Boys relay teams with 1950 national 100 yards champion Bill de Gruchy, Graham Ward and Bernie Scahill. A second generation Aquinian, Ron gained a cadetship in journalism at the Sunday Times, and within a few years was the chief football writer. He covered the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympic Games, including Herb Elliott’s world record-breaking run in the 1500 metres. He also reported on state politics. Ron graduated from the University of WA with first-class honours in psychology and, in a career switch in the late 1960s, joined the university’s Psychology Department, undertaking wide-ranging research. After retiring in 1997, Ron took up writing with gusto, producing several books, including one with his wife Dianne called “Saving Fremantle”. He also wrote, “High Jinks at the Hot Pool”
passed on 13th December 2020 Ted’s life was challenged with an underlying brain condition, which caused a stroke in 2015. He fought back from his paralysis and was back on his feet to walk his daughter down the aisle in 2016 – there was not a dry eye in the house. The same at the reception when he did his new version of a waltz. That video has since been used to encourage stroke patients. He spent his subsequent time serving as a volunteer in the OPH Stoke unit visiting and encouraging stroke patients. He was much loved by the OPH staff. They were constantly inspired by Ted’s courage, cheerful disposition and his sense of faith and hope. He was always genuinely interested in people of all ages and a point made over and over again was he had a unique way of engaging with them. He constantly set goals once home to keep improving. His motivation was his desire to give back in gratitude. He signed up and did a training course with Red Cross and engaged in making morning calls to ensure people living alone were up and safe. Ted never quite stuck to the script and developed a “connection” with these people over years of calls. He was aware that it may be the only opportunity to chat to someone in their day. While he sadly was unable to return to Mercy college after his 2015 stroke, Ted commenced maths tutoring, volunteering to help out kids/ adults in the street and beyond to achieve their goals. He was always driven by his desire to teach and encourage. He lived life as fully as possible. Even when the next stroke in June 2020, robbed him of all the achievements mentioned, the smile never left his face despite the pain of having to re learn to
walk yet again and deal with cognition injuries. He put his energies into enjoying time with his children and 6 grandchildren that have arrived since 2016. His humour was unique and will live on in his three children! Ted trusted in his God. Never questioned “why me” just accepted and lived as best he could always knowing he had an incurable progressive condition in his brain. He loved me to sit with him at night while he read a psalm, and said prayers of intercession for all in need. He suffered another stroke in June 2020 and then another in Nov. He passed away from the consequences of a catastrophic stroke which occurred on 9/12. The attendance at the Mass to celebrate his life was a testament to a magnificent man who served others, remained joyful and was grateful for his loving family. So many staff who attended the Mass, including the head consultant for the OPH stroke services and nurses adorning their uniform on their days off, says it all. His years of commitment to Catholic education has been widely acknowledged by so many colleagues.
Terence Bowen (’53) Passed away peacefully on the 2nd August 2020, a Sunday morning in the loving company of family. Terry, who had endured a long illness with cheerful forbearance and a penchant for spirited comebacks, was finally assuaged in receiving the Last Rites one last time. He is survived and sadly missed by his five children and beloved wife Arlette, sister of fellow old boys Frank, Alan, Noel and John. A devoted family man, who could 43 / the fish
obituaries light up a room with his smile and conversation, Terry always had time for anyone. He was much loved in the community and parish for his enthusiasm, humanity and willingness to help. Originally a farm boy hailing from Wongan Hills, Terry spent some 9 years at Aquinas. Throughout later life, he fondly recalled his time there, and experiences shared with classmates, teammates, brothers and staff. An early love of sport was fostered at the college on the football field, cricket pitch, and tennis court where he became singles and - together with partner Steve Houghton doubles champion. Subsequently, during a stint at UWA where he and George Grljusich became mates, the passion for sport did not abate. Around this time, Terry encountered an amateur actress and fencer - sister of a fellow Aquinas alumnus. Spurred on by this romance and a potential new sporting pursuit, he later assumed the role of her manager, as they embarked on an international life training and competing in National and World Championships throughout Eastern and Western Europe. They married and then sojourned for a time in New York, where Terry worked at the United Nations building. Meanwhile, on the home front, they transitioned their base to the Eastern states, Arlette won the Australian title and they started a family. Yet Aquinas always remained close to Terry’s heart. In the 90’s he was able to fulfil a long held wish to have his sons – Dominic, Brendan and Martin - attend his alma mater. Also boarders, they joined their cousins already at the school, and the near mythic notions of the Aquinas spirit imbued in them by the old man were realised. Stories from those halcyon post-war days down by Mount Henry must have echoed around many a family dinner table. Classmates (and their families) of Terry are welcome to get in touch with his sons via the Aquinas development office.
John Cawley (’42) passed 31st January 2021 John Cawley grew up across the state of Western Australia, travelling from country town to town with his father, a school teacher. He was awarded a scholarship to 44 / the fish
attend Aquinas College and gained the title of Dux in 1942 and an equal top position in the state. He went on to study engineering at UWA. After graduation, he moved to South Australia where he worked for the Department of Defence as a design engineer. He spent 40 years with Salisbury and Woomera. He met his wife, Julie-Ann, in Woomera in the early 1960s and married in 1962, raising two daughters and a son. He was a proud dad with one particular failing - he could never help us with maths homework because he just looked at the question and gave the answer without being able to explain the intermediate steps. The highlight of his career was his last project - the Nulka hovering rocket decoy - one of the great successes of Australian Defence Science. In retirement, John was an enthusiastic handyman and did an enormous amount of charity work, especially for Rotary and St Vincent de Paul. He died peacefully aged 85 at Southern Cross Lodge in Adelaide on 31 January 2021 and is survived by his wife JulieAnn, children Amanda, Mary-Ann and Tim, their spouses and six grandchildren.
Peter Hall (’43) passed 19th May 2020 Peter Beresford Hall was born in Moora on 29 March,1927. He attended Aquinas as a boarder in 1939 and completed leaving in 1943. After
riding to and from the family farm to a small country school, he relished the opportunities that boarding at Aquinas offered him, including sports and he played in the football and cricket teams. Friendships made at school lasted a lifetime, especially Maurie Carr, Brian O’Hara and Alec Harold. He recalled many happy times and funny stories from his school days, and the boarders enjoyed a lot of freedom in the college grounds which was bushland at that time. After school Peter studied medicine at Adelaide University until he was eligible to enlist in the RAAF, and returned to Perth in 1945 to join one of the airforce’s last intakes. However, training stopped shortly after as the European war ended and Australian flight crews returned home. After studying dentistry at the University of Western Australia he found his true passion engineering, a field he worked in for the rest of his life and for work reasons he moved from Perth to Melbourne in 1958. Peter worked for British Timken, NSK, and other companies before starting his own business designing and selling fans. His youngest son continued this with AC Hall Airconditioning, one of the niche businesses in Melbourne. Unusually for the times, Peter’s life was far more than a career. He was involved in a number of charity organisations from running the little athletics for the local Catholic primary school, founding and collecting money for Freedom from Hunger and Third World Interest Group, running the bookshop at the local church and later in life, being a volunteer driver for AIDS patients and a guide at the Fox car museum. Peter was also a keen bush walker and one of the founders of the Waverley Bushwalking Club. Peter met Patricia Gamble in Manjimup in 1955, and they married in August, 1957. They had four children Kate, Annie, Damian and Alex and seven grandchildren. It was a long and happy marriage that lasted 62 years. Pat died on February 23, 2020. Peter predicted his own death to his children, telling them he would die of a heart attack in his bed, and be carried out of his house feet first. He also said that wouldn’t happen for at least one or two years. However, just five weeks to the day after his beloved wife died, Peter died exactly as he said he would, on his 93rd birthday.
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Phone 9474 1533
Looking for connections to a new market? Try advertising in the Aquinas College FISH magazine. For details on advertising rates and discounts for multiple bookings contact the Publications Co-ordinator on 9450 0661
www.jonesballard.com.au
Calling Year Reps
Where in the world are you?
Calling all Old Boy Year Representatives and Captains, please make yourself known to our Alumni team and make sure your details are up to date with the College. The College is available to assist in the planning of reunions and other alumni events. For enquiries please contact aquinas.events@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Do you have a story to tell or simply want to update the College on what’s been happening in your life? Did you run into another Old Boy by chance, reconnect and snap a picture? Did you recently come along to an Old Aquinian Association or College event and want to share your experience? Has your hard work earned you recognition in your field? Let’s celebrate it! Whatever your story, we want to share it. Email your stories to fish@aquinas.wa.edu.au
Calendar of Events Events
Reunions
2021 Beverley & Districts Combined Public Schools Annual Dinner 26th March 7pm - hosted by Christ Church Grammar School Old Boys’ Association
Class of 1990 Reunion 15th May 2021 Rescheduled reunion (postponed in 2020 due to COVID) 1pm College Tour, 5pm The Camfield Contact Geoff Graham: 0402 145 452 1966ers Reunion 10th November 2021 12pm The Camfield Contact Mike Hanrahan: 0418 926 449 mikehanrahan49@gmail.com Rowers from 1965 are also welcome to attend the reunion. Class of 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2011 it is your reunion year!
Year 7 Grandparents Day 31st March, 2021 Senior Old Boys Day 25th August, 2021 Past College Captains Welcome 28th October, 2021
Old Aquinian Association Events Br Clery Jubilee OAA Function 25th March 6pm – 8pm OAA Business Luncheon 28th May, 1.00pm OAA Early Career Networking Sundowner 21st July, 6.00pm-8.00pm The Painted Bird OAA Annual Dinner 13th August 2021
If you would like further information on any of the above events, or to register your interest, please contact Nichole Rowson on 9450 0660 or via the below email. To receive event invitations directly, please email your current email address to events@aquinas.wa.edu.au
45 / the fish
College Captains and Council Captains 2020 Back Row: Luke Egger, Dylan Teasdale, Thomas McGrath, Joshua Cripps, Kynan Ganza (College Captain), Peilin Lei, Samuel Dixon Front Row: Oliver Lego, Ryan Fox, Declan Jefferys, Samuel Collins (College Vice Captain), James Brennan, Thomas Grier, Samuel Lego
AQUINAS COLLEGE 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 www.aquinas.wa.edu.au
CRICOS Code: 00428E