Farewell to the Old Aquinians and Friends Reunion Tour Group

After 15 tours to iconic WA locations between 2006 and 2022 (missing 2020 only due to Covid), the end of the line has come for the Old Aquinians and Friends Reunion Tour Group. The original group of travellers was comprised of Aquinas graduates from the 1950’s, with ‘friends’ added along the way as numbers dwindled. Fast forward to 2022 and many of the original group have passed away or now find touring too difficult due to illness or incapacity.

As reported in the December 2021 issue of Fish Magazine, the 15^th tour to Margaret River in November last year was the group’s swansong tour. Since their first tour to New Norcia and Wongan Hills in 2006 - the brainchild of Bill Boekeman (’54) - the group has covered key locations between Kalbarri in the north, Albany in the south and Kalgoorlie to the east, savouring the local attractions at every stop while raising more than $60,000 for Aquinas College Bursaries along the way.

Each tour was arranged and conducted with military precision, thanks mostly to the organisational efforts of Jack (’54) and Ronda Bana. Each year a tour booklet was produced, incorporating the full tour itinerary – dates and times - the names and contact details of all the tour participants, details of all previous tours, details of all previous Foundation contributions and Helpful hints for a happy trip.

Each tour included a special dinner with a live auction of various goods donated by members of the tour group, with the proceeds of the auction - and any leftover tour fees or donations - forming the basis of the annual contribution to the Foundation.

On Thursday 20 January 2022, the College and the Foundation welcomed more than 40 past members of the group for a final, annual Foundation thank you luncheon. The event afforded the group an opportunity to come together for a formal windup that included presentations to key tour group players, speeches and the handing over of their final Foundation cheque for $4,915.

On accepting the cheque - along with a special commemorative plaque - Principal David McFadden thanked the group for their tremendous contributions to Aquinas College Bursaries over many years, contributions that have directly supported the mission of the College to educate boys who would otherwise not be able to attend Aquinas.

Although there was a feeling of great sadness at the closing of an era, there was an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the fun and the camaraderie shared by all who took part in the tours over 15 years, as well as a great sense of pride in helping many young boys to receive an Aquinas education.

From the College, a big thank you to everyone involved. Your generosity has provided many bright and deserving boys with the opportunity to realise their dreams and change their lives for the better. We wish you all good health and look forward to other opportunities to welcome you back to the College.

Louise Symonds
Executive Officer | Aquinas College Foundation

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Inspired by his son, Old Boy Mick Caughey ('87) has decided to put together a music festival. Showcasing local West Australian talent (including some Old Boys represented), the festival is set to be a great night out for all.

For more information.

Olympic Games veteran Tom Hoad entertained fellow Old Boys and their partners with Olympic stories at the annual Senior Old Boys Day at Aquinas College on August 25.

Tom (LC 1957), who was one of three Aquinians in the 1960 Rome team, represented Australia in water polo at every game up to 1988, either as a player – including a stint as captain - or coach.

He spoke with pride at the lunch in the Hughes Dining Room of how he watched fellow Aquinian Herb Elliott (LC 1955) win his famous 1500 metre gold medal in world record time in Rome. And guests were delighted that the college’s third representative at those games, oarsman Max Cunningham (LC 1954), also attended the lunch.

The Olympic theme was linked with the success of younger Old Boys, hockey co-captain Aran Zalewski (silver medal) and swimmer Zac Incerti (two swimming relay bronze medals) who performed at the recent Tokyo Gamers with distinction.

Other Senior Old Boys who spoke at the lunch of their time at the college and subsequent careers included Bill de Gruchy (LC 1947), Mike Erickson and Rob Kilderry (both LC 1958) and Chris Back (LC 1966).

The popular event included a welcoming complimentary coffee served from the college’s Holy Ground Coffee van, followed by a special assembly which showcased the impressive array of extra-curricular activities now being offered at the college. An excerpt from the recent Lion King production was a highlight.

Father Rodrigo da Costa Ponte celebrated Mass in the St Thomas Aquinas Chapel, delivering a brief but pertinent homily.

Special thanks for another most enjoyable Seniors Day must go to Nichole Rowson, the Events and Alumni Administrator, and Brother Max McAppion who helped organise the Mass before returning to classroom duties.

The original reunion date was postponed due to COVID in 2020. Rescheduled to Saturday the 15^th May 2021, the 1990 group enjoyed a tour of the College, hosted by Mike Dempsey (Head of Middle School) and Nichole Rowson (Events Coordinator). After the walk down memory lane, the tour moved to the Camfield where they were met by some more of the contingent for a good old catch up - one that lasted into the late hours of the night.

Thank you to the following Old Aquinians who have chosen to sponsor subject prizes for students who have demonstrated academic excellence in Year 12 in the Class of 2021.

Quentin Lau (Class of 1992)

Quentin attended Aquinas College from 1985 to 1992. In 1997, he graduated with a degree in architecture and returned to Hong Kong to commence his career. He now specialises in and provides consultancy advice on residential property development at the Summit Homes Group. Quentin is known to be one of the most experienced development architects within Perth. Married with children, Quentin's eldest daughter attends Santa Maria College while his son attends Aquinas College. Quentin has kindly sponsored a monetary prize for the Year 12 Subject Dux for Economics ATAR as well as Human Biology ATAR.

Hilary Lau (Class of 1993)

Hilary studied at Aquinas from Year 5 until his graduation in Year 12. He went on to study for a double degree in Law and Commerce at the University of Western Australia. Currently, Hilary is a partner at leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. Hilary’s practice is focused on the energy and resource sector and he has earned the position of Head of the Energy Practice, Asia within his firm. Ranked as one of the best energy lawyers in Asia, Hilary is married with a son. Hilary has kindly sponsored a monetary prize for the Year 12 Subject Dux for Politics & Law ATAR as well as Marine & Maritime Science General.

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 6th November 2021 in mind.