Aquinas College was deeply honoured recently when word came through that Andrea Corr (of the Corr’s fame) wanted our Schola Choir to perform in her Christmas album. The boys jumped at the chance and spent a long evening at Crank Studios in Northbridge recording and rerecording their part of the song “Begin Again”. To make the evening even more challenging, Andrea and her team were in lockdown in Ireland and working with Hugh Lydon and the boys through Zoom!

Andrea Corr “Christmas Songs” is now live on all streaming platforms - https://lnk.to/andreacorrchris...

The College would like to formally thank Andrea and her team at Spoke Records for their faith in our boys and the opportunity granted to them.

Aquinas College Junior School Student Leaders discuss Lifelink Day at the school and one of the programs the fundraising supports.

Though Salter Point is mostly bushland, with plenty of trees, flora and fauna to gaze at, it is now home to a rather special tree. The Blue Tree stands as an important message to all that pass that it’s okay to not be okay.

The Blue TreeOriginally inspired by Jayden Whyte of outback WA hit close to home to students at Aquinas College and encouraged them to act. Instead of removing a dead tree situated outside the College’s boarding facilities, the school’s Wellbeing Council worked with the Grounds and Maintenance department to turn it into a symbol of hope and remembrance.

Brotherhood and community are of core focus in the school, particularly in boarding, so the team of students opted to add a secondary element to the famous project – the hands of those who participated. “Mental health issues are isolating and it’s hard to remember that there is support available,” Year 12 student Jarvis Pickering, the driving force for the project, stated, “the hands are to remind people that they’re not alone.”

While students like Jarvis may soon be graduating, their legacy lives on with the project sparking further trees to be scouted with the aim of painting, alongside discussions throughout the school on the topic of mental health.

Members of our Junior School have been working hard on their Ignite Award program. Here's Oskar from 5Red to tell you a little about his experience.

Congratulations to Leo Paoliello, Year 10, on his Driveway Project initiative, to support his local community during COVID-19 restrictions.

The initiative was started by Landi Bradshaw who is a photographer in the Kimberley, and other photographers around the state have taken up the initiative, including Leo.

Leo’s work has been recognised in the Melville Gazette and he has put together a video which he has shared with his neighbours. Click here to view the video on Leo’s website.

(LAX President Janine Stanley [centre] pictured with second prize winner Michelle Latham and third prize winner Virginia Bradshaw)

The Aquinas College community celebrated the annual Ladies' Auxiliary July Morning Tea on the final day of Term 2.

Mums, aunties, grandmothers and friends gathered to enjoy a delicious morning tea with family and new acquaintances. Guest speaker Amanda Viviers inspired audience members, discussing the importance of identity, taking time out for yourself and finding a creative outlet to alleviate stress in your day-to-day life.

Kelly Chisolm also spoke at the event, sharing stories of her time in Ruanda and being part of a supportive community of women. Aquinas College musicians, drama students and the Schola Choir also entertained guests on arrival and throughout the morning.

The annual July Morning Tea is the Ladies' Auxiliary's main fundraising event of the year. Each year a Major Raffle is held to raise funds, congratulations to the Major Raffle Prize winners;

1st Prize $10,000: Christine Bacon
2nd Prize $4,000: Michelle Latham
3rd Prize $1,000: Virginia Bradshaw

This event is organised and run by dedicated volunteers each year, and could not be possible without their ongoing support of the event. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's July Morning Tea.

Aquinas College Year 8 student Timothy Kania was awarded the City of Perth’s WA Young Community Citizen of the Year award on Australia Day for his work on various homeless projects.

Timothy was presented with a framed certificate, medal and trophy by Governor of WA Kim Beazley at a ceremony at the Perth Town Hall. Below is Timothy’s speech he gave at the event;

Good morning. I would like to start by acknowledging the traditional owners of this land.

I would like to thank the City of Perth for the award they presented to me – which I humbly accept, on my own behalf and that of the countless volunteers of our city; a city that I feel so fortunate to have been born in and to live in.

Our nation would not exist today without the self-sacrifice of the volunteer. This spirit underpins who we are as Australians. We have seen over this summer that we live in a beautiful and harsh land. Without strong community links – we would perish. The bushfires have starkly reminded us all that without service to others, all that we build up would not only be torn down, but not be built up again for lack of hope.

Although I am saddened by the loss of life, of property, of fauna and flora, I am proud to be an Australian – for when things are at their worst – Australians are at their best.

My Great Grandmother was one of the pioneer ladies of the CWA, she spent her life bringing families together in the bush – her brothers gave their lives in War, defending our nation – what their examples show me, is that we should always be ready to give of ourselves.

Once again – I thank you – may God bless you all, and our beautiful nation.