Aquinas College Foundation Thursday, 23 Mar 2023

Terry Bourke (’43) welcomed into Veritas Society

At a special event on Tuesday afternoon, the College and the Foundation proudly welcomed Terence (Terry) Bourke (’43) into the Veritas Society, established to thank and celebrate members of the community who leave a gift to the College in their will. Terry’s three children - Jenny, Libby and Michael - were present at the ceremony, along with past and current recipients of the Terry Bourke Family Bursary, several parents and Foundation and College representatives. In his keynote address, Veritas Society Patron, Justice Eric Heenan (’62), spoke about a humble and extremely successful Aquinian who lived a life of incredible service. Principal Robert Henderson and the Aquinas College Foundation thank the Bourke family for their continuing loyalty and support of Aquinas College.

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Aquinas College Foundation Monday, 27 Feb 2023

Donor Honour Roll

Mrs E & Mr J Abbott Mr A & Mrs J Gasmier Mr P Nommeots-Nomm & Ms A Berry
Mr J & Mrs I Abreu Mr J & Mrs A Gavranic Mr G & Mrs S O'Brien
Mr A Alaga Mr C George & Mrs A Mathews Mr J & Mrs L O'Brien
Mr H Alvarez & Dr D Kallidis-Alvarez Mr B & Mrs E Goeree Ms J Oksis
Mr A & Mrs L Ambrosino Mr C & Mrs T Gonsalves Mr B O'Meara
Mr A Ambrosino Mr D Gostelow Mr J & Mrs J Omodei
Mrs L & Mr A Ambrosino Mrs K Gostt Dr M & Mrs J O'Neill
Mr C & Mrs N Antonio Mr O & Mrs A Grahame Mr L & Mrs A Oorloff
Mr A & Dr G Arena Mr N & Mrs L Grazia Mrs K & Mr H op den Dries
Ms N Argyle Mr J & Mrs K Grierson Mr P O'Shaughnessy
Dr C & Mrs S Armstrong Mr M & Mrs C Griffiths Mr R & Mrs L Otero
Mr R Arrowsmith & Ms R Gao Dr L Groombridge Mr H & Mrs S Panizza
Mr F & Mrs S Ashe Mr P & Mrs P Hagen Mr R & Mrs J Panizza
Mr M & Mrs L Ashton Mr R & Mrs C Hales Mr S & Mrs K Panton
Mr B & Mrs A Auld Mr M Hall & Ms K Dewson-Hall Mr S & Mrs A Panton
Mr A & Mrs K Auret Mr N & Mrs T Hancy Mrs C & Mr P Park
Mr A & Mrs C Bacon Mr P & Mrs J Harburn Ms B Parker
Mr J & Mrs T Baile Mr P & Mrs K Harney Mr B & Mrs J Paterson
Mr A & Mrs E Bailey Mr D & Mrs L Harvey Mr T & Mrs C Paterson
Mr C & Mrs S Barnett Mr I & Mrs J Harwood Mr M & Mrs M Paton
Mr D & Mrs R Barnett Mr J & Mrs S Hawke Dr W & Dr M Pavey
Mrs S & Mr M Barnett Mrs M & Mr T Hawkins Mr F Pawle
Mr F & Mrs T Barr Mr R & Mrs K Heal Mr A & Mrs S Payne
Mr J & Mrs R Barrett The Hon Justice E & Mrs E Heenan Mr G & Mrs J Pearson
Miss M Barrett Mr S & Mrs N Henderson Mr B & Mrs P Perry
Ms S Barrett Mrs U & Mr M Henderson Mr P Perry
Mrs R Barron Mr C & Mrs A Henry Mr J & Mrs J Petersen
Mr R Batubara & Mrs F Tjahyadikarta Mr M & Mrs J Herbert Mr P & Mrs N Phelan
Mr P Bayliss & Mrs K Wheeler Mr T & Mrs K Herbert Mr B & Mrs J Pike
Mrs F & Mr T Beckett-Cooper Ms W Hernan Mr R & Mrs L Pino
Mr G & Mrs W Bergin Mr P & Mrs S Hicks Mr A & Mrs J Porteous
Mr N Bergmans Mr P & Mrs A Hicks Mr M & Mrs S Prandi
Mr A & Mrs M Berson Ms A Honey & Mr T Neesham Mr F & Mrs J Prendergast
Mr M Bettini Mr T & Mrs A Hornby Mr M & Mrs L Prendiville
Mr N & Mrs R Bhat Mr P & Mrs J Horner Mr M & Ms L Price
Mr D & Mrs R Bianchini Mr M & Mrs S Horsfall Mr K & Mrs V Prindiville
Mr T & Mrs L Blackadder Mr S Hossack & Mrs B Lis Mr T & Mrs J Rae
Mr A Bobey & Ms F Brooks Mr R & Mrs C Houareau Mr M & Mrs V Raphael
Mr W & Mrs P Boekeman Ms A Howard Mr A & Mrs L Rechichi
Mr G & Mrs S Bond Dr Z Huang & Ms X Guo Mr J & Mrs S Redelinghuys
Mr J & Mrs A Bougourd Mr E & Mrs L Huddlestone Mr J Redmond
Mr M & Mrs M Boulton Dr D & Mrs K Hudson Mr T & Mrs D Reed
Dr T Bourke Mr G Hughes & Ms N Egginton Mr M & Mrs S Regan
Mr J & Mrs J Bow Mr M & Mrs A Hughes Mr J & Mrs B Rendell
Mr M & Mrs A Bower Mr I Humich Mr K & Mrs D Richardson
Mr R Bower Mr K & Mrs B Hunt Mr R & Mrs K Richardson
Mr S & Mrs D Brady Mr M & Mrs A Hussey Mr T Richings
Mr G Breen & Ms S Allen-Rowlandson Mr K Hutchinson Mr P & Mrs L Robertson
Mr G & Mrs M Brennan Mr B & Mrs C Hyde Mrs J & Dr J Robinson
Mr R Brennan Mr A & Mrs K Imms Mr I & Mrs N Rowson
Mr A & Mrs J Brittain Mr A Jackson & Mrs M Liang-Jackson Mr J Royce & Mrs A Coleman
Mr S & Mrs L Brockhurst Mr L Jannetta Mr P & Mrs G Ruane
Mr P & Mrs J Brown Mr L Jayatilaka & Ms F Smith Mr S Ruane
Miss L Browne Mrs L Jenaway Mrs C Ruatta & Mr R Scaglione
Mr N & Mrs K Burnett Mr R & Mrs D Jones Mr M & Mrs C Rummer
Mr I & Ms S Burvill Mr D & Mrs K Karczub Mr J & Mrs V Salerian
Mr S & Mrs J Burvill Mr D Keating Dr S Salfinger
Mr M & Mrs M Burych Mr S & Mrs A Keeley Mrs L & Mr L Sandberg
Mrs J & Mr J Campbell Mrs L Kennedy Mrs J & Mr M Scannell
Mr M Canton & Mrs L Xiao Mr P Kennedy & Ms C Olney Mr R & Mrs S Sceresini
Mr J Carter Mr G Kent & Ms K Soh Mr N & Mrs V Sciorilli
Mr A & Mrs T Cassisi Mr M & Mrs A Keogh Mr K & Mrs J Scott
Mr G Castieau Mr R Kestel A/c Shales Mr L & Mrs S Seberry
Mr M & Mrs K Caughey Mr D & Mrs J King Mr T & Mrs D Shearer
Mr M Cawley Mr S & Mrs M King Mr J Sheppard
Mr N & Mrs N Ceglar Mr M & Mrs J Kirchner Mr M & Mrs F Sheppard
Mr M & Mrs K Chambers Mr G & Mrs M Kirk Mr N & Mrs T Simmonds
Mr K & Mrs L Chan Mr S & Mrs C Klomp Mr M & Mrs F Sims
Mr F & Mrs A Chaney Mr W Kynaston Mrs A & Mr F Sinagra
Mr B & Mrs E Chapman Mr R & Mrs M Lamont-Smith Mrs H Singh
Mr G & Mrs G Charlton Mr B Latella Mr P & Mrs C Slyth
Ms M Chew Mr D & Dr R Lea Mr J & Mrs C Smales
Mr J & Mrs M Christie Mr A & Mrs W Lee Mr A Smith & Mrs A Woods
Mrs P Chua-Kyselicova & Mr P Kyselica Dr J Lee & Ms V Tran Mr A & Mrs K Smith
Mr A Clarke & Ms E Constant Mr R & Mrs E Leeson Mr D & Mrs G Smith
Mr B & Mrs S Clarke Mr F & Mrs L Legena Mr D & Mrs J Smith
Mr K Coakley Mr S & Mrs A L'Estrange Mr J & Mrs M Smith
Mr P Collins Mr K & Mrs E Linke Mr J & Mrs C Smith
Mr G & Mrs J Conte Mr D & Mrs G Locke Ms A Soesanto & Mr V Haryanto
Ms R Cooke Mr S Lowe & Ms V Kipsaina Mr C & Mrs L Soklich
Mr S Cormack Mr T & Mrs C Luzny Mr J & Mrs P Sowden
Mr M & Mrs Z Cortese Mr P & Mrs A Maartens Mr M & Mrs N Spinks
Mr R & Mrs K Cousins Mr S & Mrs J Macdonald Mr D Squires & Mrs S Dale-Squires
Mr P Coutts & Ms K Allister Mrs M Mackintosh Ms L Stallard & Mr R Miller
Mr A Cowain Mr P Maher Ms J Stanbrook & Mr M Fitzpatrick
Mr M & Mrs L Cox Mr W & Mrs J Maley Mrs R Stenslunde
Mrs K & Mr C Craker Mr S Malho Antunes & Ms S Marques Silveiro Mrs K & Mr B Stocker
Mr S & Mrs P Crommelin Mr P Malyniak Mrs L & Mr T Stockil
Mr T & Mrs S Cronin Ms D Manning & Mr K Ellis Mr J & Mrs S Stopforth
Mr K & Mrs J Cummings Mr N Marsh Mr L & Mrs D Strange
Mr B & Mrs M Cummins Mr R & Mrs C Marston Mr C & Mrs T Suckling
Mr M Cunnold & Ms E Grimshaw Mrs J & Mr Q Martin Mr X & Mrs S Surty
Mr T & Mrs L Da Silva Mr M & Mrs J Mascarenhas Mrs N & Mr B Taylor
Mr E D'Albret Mr P & Mrs B Masiello Mr S Thiedeman & Mrs C Lowe-Thiedeman
Mrs M & Mr C Davey Mr B & Mrs C Mavrick Mr P & Mrs K Thomson
Mr M & Mrs E Davey Mr S & Mrs C Mayne Mr L & Mrs M Thong
Mr M & Mrs M Davidson Mr J & Mrs E McCarthy Mr B & Mrs P Tilley
Mr L & Mrs L De Chiera Mr T & Mrs S McCormack Mr G & Mrs C Tippet
Mr D & Mrs R De Santis Mr M & Mrs H McGrath Mr P Tormey
Mr R & Mrs S Dearlove Mr R & Mrs T McIlveen Mr L Trewartha & Mrs C Bracknell
Mr L Delahunt & Mrs Y Humich-Delahunt Mr P & Mrs S McKenzie Mr K Trewhella & Ms V Storer
Mr A & Mrs H Delfs Mr W & Mrs D McKenzie Mr S & Mrs K Tyrrell
Mr D & Mrs A Della Bona Ms A McLeod & Mr P Hunt Mr K & Mrs K Ukich
Mr M & Mrs M Dempsey Mr T & Mrs N McLernon Mr A Vahdat & Mrs S Abbasi
Mr A Di Camillo Mr P & Mrs P McVittie Mr F Varone
Mr R & Mrs L Di Toro Mr M & Mrs P Mena Mr J & Mrs L Veitch
Mr J Ding Mr S & Ms J Middlemas Mr J & Mrs T Vermeersch
Mr S Dissanayake Mudiyanselage & Mrs C Dissanayake Mr D & Mrs A Mills Mr P & Mrs J Vinci
Mr C & Mrs J Dixon Mr R & Mrs N Milne Mr C & Mrs M Waddingham
Mr A & Mrs J Doyle Mr A Mitchell Mrs L & Mr B Wakenshaw
Mr C & Mrs T Drage Ms S Mohan Ms L Walters & Mr S Atkins
Mr M & Mrs J Drake-Brockman Mr S & Mrs N Moir Mr N Warlters
Mr A & Mrs E Draper Mr D & Mrs R Molony Mr D & Mrs L Waters
Mr D & Mrs B Draper Mr J Monisse Mr R & Mrs J Watson
Mr A & Mrs R Eade Mr S & Mrs P Montgomery Mr D & Mrs A West
Mrs N Elhaj & Mr R Michel-Elhaj Mr J & Mrs J Monzu Mr S & Mrs E Whitfield
Mr J Ellis Mr R & Mrs J Moore Mr J Whiting & Miss A Dunkley
Mr M & Mrs S Erickson Dr A & Mrs P Mukherjee Mrs A & Mr D Widjaya
Mr T & Mrs H Evans Mr T & Ms S Mulcahy Mr R & Mrs M Wilkie
Mr D Ewart & Mrs D Liu Mr P & Mrs A Munns Mr S Williams
Mrs C Fairhead Mr B Murphy & Mrs L Trench-Murphy Mrs A & Mr R Wilson
Mr P & Mrs R Farmer Mrs A & Mr J Murray Mr H & Mrs E Winch
Mr P & Mrs L Firth Mr J & Mrs A Murray Mr C Woo & Mrs T Choi
Mr S & Mrs M Fisher Mr T & Mrs G Neill Mr P & Mrs N Woodward
Mr D & Mrs A Fissioli Mr L & Mrs M Nel Mr A & Mrs N Worth
Mr C & Mrs V Flodin Ms N Ness Mrs K Yasuda & Mr E Tsang
Mr P Fornero Mrs D Newman & Mr D Newman Mr D & Mrs J Yeow
Mr A & Mrs P Fraga-Diaz Mr Q Nguyen & Mrs A Pham Mr R & Mrs M York
Mr A & Mrs A Francesca Mr S & Mrs S Niazi Mr P & Mrs L Zaninovich
Mr S & Mrs H Fry Mr S & Mrs M Nicholls Mrs Z Zhang
Mr D & Mrs J Fulwood Mr M & Dr R Nihalani Dr H Zhu
Dr A Gallagher Mr D & Mrs M Nixon Mr J & Mrs R Zito
Dr S & Dr S Ganapathipillai Mr D & Mrs H Nolan Mr P & Mrs J Zoiti
Mrs W & Mr C Gardner

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Aquinas College Foundation Monday, 30 Jan 2023

Welcome New Foundation Councillors

After an extensive recruitment process in late 2022, the Aquinas College Foundation and Aquinas College are delighted to announce the following appointments to the Aquinas College Foundation Council, effective November 2022.

Ian Burvill (’79)
Ian commenced at Aquinas College in 1971 and was dux of the school in 1979. He has Bachelor of Engineering and MBA degrees from The University of Western Australia. Ian has lived in Perth, Sydney and Denver (in the USA). He has worked in the mining industry as an engineer, banker, private equity investor and public company director, and comes to the Foundation with extensive board and committee experience. Ian and his wife Sharon have three adult children. Ian is a keen sailor and has competed many times for Aquinas in the College Cup.

Michael Prandi (’81)
Born and raised in Kojonup, Michael attended Aquinas as a boarder from 1977 to 1981. In 1981, he returned to Kojonup to work in the building industry, taking over the family business which he successfully ran for 32 years. Michael has been married to Suzanne since 1992 and has had two sons pass through boarding at Aquinas (between 2010 and 2017). Well known to the Aquinas community, Michael has served on the Aquinas Advisory Council (2017-2022), the Aquinas Building and Grounds Committee (2012-2022) and the Boarding Parent Committee (2016). In 2020, Michael and Suzanne moved to Perth to pursue business interests. Michael is looking forward to contributing to the Foundation.

Kirsty Burnett
Kirsty is a qualified accountant with over 15 years' business and administration experience in the corporate sector. Over the last five years she has focussed her energy in the not for profit sector, in particular organisations whose work directly benefits children. Driven by the desire to improve the lives of children in need, both locally and overseas, Kirsty hopes to provide opportunities for children to thrive within the Aquinas community in her role at the Foundation. Kirsty and her husband Norman have a son in Year 10 at Aquinas.

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Aquinas College Foundation Monday, 14 Nov 2022

Annual Foundation Philanthropy Award

In conjunction with Mr John Richards, Director of Christian Service-Learning, the Aquinas College Foundation was proud to launch the Annual Foundation Philanthropy Award this year to recognise students – across Junior School, Middle School and Senior School - and staff who actively embraced our four touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity during the year, and made outstanding contributions to the College or local community.

Congratulations to everyone who was nominated throughout Term 3. The quality of nominees was outstanding, making selection a challenge. After much deliberation by the selection committee, Noah Myers (Year 7) emerged as the Middle School winner and Jack Sheppard (Year 11) the Senior School winner (there were no Junior School or staff winners for 2022). Certificates of commendation are presented to the winners at their relevant Presentation Nights. Read on to find out more about our Middle School and Senior School winners.

Noah Myers, Middle School Winner

Noah demonstrated great initiative by finding placements at Foodbank and Conservation Volunteers during his school holiday breaks. These agencies normally engage much older students and adults, so for a Year 7 student, like Noah, this was a wonderful achievement and service to his community. Noah has selected the Cancer Council WA as the recipient of his $500 prize money.

“I first volunteered when I did the Ignite Award in year 5 & 6 and I really enjoyed it. I chose Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA). In Year 7, I found out we had to do a minimum of 10 hours of community service. I thought about volunteering for another organisation, as well as CVA, and decided on Foodbank, as I knew about what they did as a charity and I wanted to help. This Award means that I can give back to another organisation. If I can play a part in that, then it means the volunteer hours have even more meaning. My Nan sadly passed away from cancer and my parents told me how proud she would have been to know I made a contribution to Cancer Council in not only her memory, but for everyone affected by the disease.”
Noah Myers (Year 7)

“We are so proud of Noah’s achievements. Every time he volunteers, he gets stuck right in and just gets on with whatever he is asked to do. Noah is so pleased he can give back by donating some well-needed money to his chosen cause which is the Cancer Council WA. Having lost his much-loved Nan to cancer, it’s a cause close to his heart. Noah is lucky to have Aquinas support him in his endeavours. We wholly encourage not only Noah’s, but also any young man’s, efforts in giving back. We feel blessed we continue to be able to do this. It truly does impact positively on everyone involved.”
Sally and David Myers

Noah Myers
Caroline Bryndzej from the Cancer Council with award winner Noah Myers


Jack Sheppard, Senior School Winner

Jack is the founder of Jack’s Creative Kitchen, and has been baking, packaging and selling cookies since he was fourteen years old. Jack donates all his proceeds to local charities, including Saint Barts Refuge and Autism Association WA. In addition, Jack has used his Christmas wrapping skills to raise more than $1500 for Variety Club WA, donated 150 cookie bags for Edmund Rice Day 2021, helping to raise funds for Edmund Rice ministries, and spent personal time caring for autistic children. Jack has selected Autism Association of WA as the recipient of his $500 prize money.

“My philanthropic work is something that I hold close to me. I get to do something I love, baking and creating has always been a passion of mine, and I always wanted to do it on a large scale. The prospect to raise money to help others was a great opportunity. I have personally seen the wonderful work charities like St Barts, Variety WA and Autism Association of WA have done and it makes me proud to know my hard work goes to worthwhile causes. I’m just a person who loves helping people. It just feels natural to me and puts the biggest smile on my face. Especially when I’m using my time to do something worthwhile. It’s a very special feeling when you give your time to make someone else happy … the most amazing part of the award was the $500 prize money that I was able to donate to the Autism Association of WA. I have always wanted to acknowledge those living with Autism in our Aquinas community and show my care and support. Jack Sheppard (Year 11)

We love Jack’s enthusiasm for service. Nothing is ever too much trouble. He is always willing and able, provided the support and the opportunity is there to help him. We encourage all parents to support their sons in pursuit of activities they enjoy that can also help others. Whether it is organised by themselves or the school, it is a spiritually rewarding experience that they should not miss as part of the holistic education offered at Aquinas. As Jack enters adulthood, service will always be a part of his life and we are so thankful to all the teachers and staff for supporting him in this area of his education. We are blessed to have a son who, more often than not, places others before himself and we are extremely proud of the beautiful man he is becoming.”
Fiona and Mark Sheppard

It is reassuring to know there is a generation of young philanthropists in our own community who are already making a difference in their world.

Jack Sheppard
Award winner Jack Sheppard with Paul Baird from Autism Association WA

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Aquinas College Foundation Thursday, 24 Feb 2022

End of an Era

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 15th 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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Aquinas College Foundation Monday, 11 Oct 2021

Annual Appeal to Current Parents: Thank You from the Foundation

With the 2021 school year now in its final term, there is still time to make a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution to the Foundation and receive a tax receipt for the 2022 financial year. Contributions of any amount can be made by visiting the Online Shop and selecting ‘ACF Inc Annual Bursary Appeal’ or ‘ACF Inc Building Fund’ from the dropdown menu.

Contributions to the Scholarship Fund via the Annual Bursary Appeal have the power to change the lives of boys who would otherwise not be able to attend the College, while contributions to the Building Fund enrich the learning environment for all our boys.


All gifts to the Building Fund and the Scholarship Fund are allowable tax deductions under the name of ‘Aquinas College Foundation Inc Building Fund’ ABN 93 078 219 075 or ‘Aquinas College Foundation Inc. Scholarship Fund’ ABN 93 078 219 075 respectively, with tax receipts provided by the Foundation.

A sincere thank you to all our families who have supported the Foundation during 2021. Every contribution, whether small or large, makes a big difference to the lives of our boys and the future success of the College.

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