Aquinas College, Perth

Aquinas College is a catholic college for boys in Salter Point, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia.

In 1894, the Christian Brothers established Christian Brothers College (CBC) in the centre of Perth (at the present-day site of the Duxton Hotel As Perth's central business district grew, there was growing pressure to relocate, and in 1938 the college split, with boarders and some of the day students moving to the newly established Aquinas College and the remainder staying on at CBC (CBC was closed completely in 1961 when it relocated to the present day Trinity College site.)

Since 1938, Aquinas College has been sited on an elevated 62-hectare property, with over two kilometres of water frontage on the Canning River.

History

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Front Facade of Aquinas College

On the 31 January 1894 the Christian Brothers opened their first school in Western Australia at the corner of St Georges Terrace and Victoria Avenue in Perth. They had come to the new colony at the invitation of Bishop Matthew Gibney who knew of the work of the Brothers in the other States and in England and Ireland.

Initially only day pupils were enrolled. However, population growth in Western Australia during the Goldrush period put pressure on the school to accept boarders, and so the first residential students were enrolled in June 1896. The site and style of accommodation were very limited and as early as 1917 the Headmaster, Br. Paul Nunan, saw the necessity of acquiring a suitable property away from the city centre to resite the whole school.

The Brothers entered into negotiations for the purchase of 20 acres at Point Heathcote on the Swan River but later in 1928 they finished up purchasing 234 acres on the Canning River just east of the Riverton bridge naming it Clune Park. However, plans to develop this site were shelved with the recession of the early 1930's.

It was in 1936 at the instigation of Br. Paul Keaney, the Superior of Clontarf that 165 acres were purchased from the Manning family at Mount Henry Peninsula on the Canning River. Early in 1937 the work of clearing the grounds and preparing the site was taken up vigorously with squads of boys from the old college playing a major role.

The foundation stone was laid on 11 July, 1937, and the school opened in February 1938 with 160 boarders and 55 day pupils. Br. C.P. Foley was the first Headmaster.

Although several ovals were carved out of the virgin bush, much of the property is still thickly wooded. The main wing was brick, but the College in its early years made extensive use of wood frame, galvanised iron buildings for both dormitories and classrooms in order to cope with steadily growing numbers of pupils.

In 1955, the first major classroom block, 'The Murphy Wing', was opened and then followed the Science Wing in 1962, the Junior School in 1963, the Chapel in 1966, the completion of the main boarding wing in 1967 and the building of the Library in 1976. In 1980 the College embarked on a further expansion which saw the addition, between 1981 and 1983, of the Senior Classroom Block, the Manual Arts building, the Art Centre and finally, the Gymnasium. Because of ever increasing pressure on enrolments in the school and the need to involve married and single lay staff in the care of boarders, the College built new boarding accommodation in 1986 and renovated buildings to provide needed classrooms.

The Archbishop of Perth, Most Rev. Redmond Prendiville, addressed the first Headmaster, Br. Foley, on the 19th November, 1938:

With the proud traditions of St Georges Terrace to sustain it, and with the additional advantages of new quarters and ideal surroundings, I have no doubt that Aquinas College will achieve still greater results in the moral and intellectual training of good Catholics and good citizens.

Coat of Arms

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Aquinas College Logo

• The Aquinas coat of arms, or College crest, is an adaptation of the Christian Brothers Congregational crest.

• The star and the Celtic cross are the central features of the Aquinas crest

• The star is the symbol of the light of knowledge

• The Celtic cross signifies the College's Irish Catholic heritage.

• The cross is symbolic of the Christian way of life

• The motto Veritas Vincit, literally translated, means Truth Conquers and implies that people who seek the truth will be given the power and the means of overcoming all the challenges and difficulties in living the Christian way of life.

College leadership

Leadership Team

• Headmaster: Bob White
• Dean of Business and Finance: Peter Shaw
• Dean of Development: Peter Robertson
• College Dean: Mark Sawle
• Dean of Residential Services: David Carney
• Dean of Senior School: Mike Hanrahan
• Dean of Middle School: Mark Sampson
• Dean of Junior School: Steve Males

Headmaster

The headmaster of the College is Mr. Robert J. White.

Head Boy

• 2003 - Nicholas Hubble
• 2004 - Daniel Zachnich
• 2005 - ?
• 2006 - Brett Hamilton
• 2007 - Jesse Way

Location

The College is situated on an elevated 62-hectare property, with over two kilometres of water frontage on the Canning River.

State-of-the-art facilities include modern refurbished classrooms with audio-visual and ICT facilities, dedicated science areas, a specialised art, drama and music complex, a fully computerised library and resource centre, dedicated computer areas, technology and enterprise rooms, a gymnasium, weights room, 50 metre swimming pool, ten playing fields and a new cafeteria located under the science block.

Aquinas Song

We ask you Lord to make us strong

To seek the right and spurn the wrong

To raise the flame of Learning's spark

That Lights the mind, dispels to dark,

And shows the road Aquinas trod:

Truth conquers all for sons of God!

By Canning Waters still serene

In playing fields of mellow green

Where chapel stone enshrines the hours

Aquinas dreams from sunlit towers

And prayer enkindles faith again

That God will make us worthy men.

We ask you Lord to make us strong

To seek the right and spurn the wrong

To raise the flame of Learning's spark

That Lights the mind, dispels to dark,

And shows the road great Edmund trod:

Truth conquers all for sons of God!

College Uniform

Summer (years 8-11) - College grey shorts and shirt, with crested pocket, long College grey socks and black shoes. The College pullover may be worn with this uniform if necessary, and if so the tie is to be worn. It is customary to wear this uniform throughout the First Term and in the Fourth Term. Summer (year 12) - As for other years except year 12 wear a white shirt with crested pocket.

Winter (years 8-11) - Long grey melange trousers and the College blazer are to be worn with black shoes grey or dark coloured socks, grey shirt, tie and blazen The white shirt is worn for special occasions. Winter (year 12) - Long grey melange trousers and the College blazer are to be worn with black shoes, white shirt and grey or dark coloured socks. The optional blackjumper may be worn with the blazer but not as an alternative to it.

College Houses

Aquinas College has eight houses, which compete in a competition between each other to win the Tuatha Shield. The houses are as follows:

Bryan House (Dark Blue) - William Bryan was the first student enrolled at CBC Perth in 1894, and was dux of the college in 1897 and 1898. He served as president of the Old Boys from 1907 to 1914. He went to the First World War, was Captain of the 1st AIF and was killed in action in France in 1917.

Clune House (Yellow) - Archbishop Clune was the Catholic Archbishop of Perth from 1911 to 1933. He was a very strong supporter of CBC Perth, and contributed financially for the development of the College. He proposed in 1929 to move the College to Ferndale and be called St John's College, Clune Park.

Edmund House (Maroon) - Blessed Edmund Rice was the founder of the Christian Brothers in Ireland. He Began his first school in 1802 in New Street, Waterford. He was a wealthy businessman who turned his fortune to assist the poor boys of the time. His congregation of Brothers spread to every continent on the globe. He died in 1844 at the age of 82.

Egan House (Light Blue) - Brother Boyd Eymard Egan OAM taught at Aquinas from 1945 to 1966. He was involved in all aspects of College life both inside and outside the classroom.

Glowrey (Dark Green) - Lyndsay Glowrey was a student at CBC Perth from 1906 to 1913. He was a prefect and president of the elocution and debating societies. He went to the First World War as 1st Lieutenant and was killed in action in France in 1916.

Quinlain (White) - Timothy Quinlain was a dedicated layman who was instrumental with Bishop Matthew Gibney in bringing the Christian Brothers to Perth. He helped in establishing CBC Perth in 1894. He was the Speaker of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly.

Redmond (Red) - Brother Michael Frances Redmond OBE taught at CBC Perth from 1916 to 1919, and 1926 to 1927, and at Aquinas from 1940 to 1979. He was sportsmaster at the College.

Treacy (Light Green) - Brother Patrick Ambrose Treacy brought the Christian Brothers to Australia in 1868 and was the Province leader for the whole of Australia fom 1869 to 1901. He oversaw the foundation of CBC Perth and was said to have told the architect: "Build it well Mr Cavanagh, it has to last 100 years".

Tuatha Shield

The word "Tuatha" derives from the Gaelic language meaning family, community and a sense of belonging. The Tuatha Shield therefore comprises of a diverseity of sporting, cultural, and academic activities that set in opposition House against House for points towards the Tuatha Shield. All activities are inclusive of every student from the Junior, Middle and senior school and include the interhouse swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals, academic points, House Esteddford and debating competitions aswell as other interhouse contests. The winners are as follows

• 1994 - Edmund
• 1995 - Edmund
• 1996 - Edmund
• 1997 - Edmund
• 1998 - Edmund
• 1999 - Bryan
• 2000 - Bryan
• 2001 - Bryan
• 2002 - Bryan
• 2003 - Clune
• 2004 - Clune
• 2005 - Treacy
• 2006 - Treacy

Learning Areas

Mount Sion Formation Centre - This centre is at the heart of the college and is named after the first establishment founded by Blessed Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers in Waterford, Ireland.

Perrot Wing - This facility houses eight classrooms associated with the faculty of mathematics and four ICT laboratories. The wing was named after Mr Tom Perrott who was an old boy of CBC Perth and whose sons and grandsons attened Aquinas.

McKenna Wing - This facility is home to seven science laboratories, staff facilities, and a rooftop space for astronomy exercises. This facility is located next to the Perrott Wing. The wing was named after Brother V C McKenna who was on staff at Aquinas from 1962 to 1966 and Deputy Headmaster from 1963 to 1966. He was responsible for the development of the original science facility.

Murphy Wing - This wing houses 14 classrooms over 3 floors. The building has the English and Society & Environment faculties. The Western end of the ground floor is dedicated to the ICT sector. This wing is located next to the McKenna wing. This wing was refurbished in 1999 and 2003. This wing is named in honour of Brother V I Murphy who was Headmaster of the College from 1951 to 1956. The building was built during his time and was the first to be built since the original building in 1938. He made a significant contribution to the growth of the College.

Mary Kerr Arts Complex - This complex houses the arts; mazzotti art studious - ground floor, music and media - first floor and drama - second floor. Classrooms are also located at the western end of both first and second floors. This complex was named in honour of Mary Kerr who was a music teacher on staff from 1967 to 1989. This facility is part of the original building built in 1938 and was refurbished in 2003.

Edmund Rice Administration Wing - This wing runs North-South across the front of the College. Named in honour of Blessed Edmund Rice it houses administration for the Headmaster, College Dean, Business & Finance, Development, Residential Servies, Health Centre, Psychologist, Counsellor, Reception, Administrative Support and Interview Rooms. There are to two meeting rooms located in this wing; the Mary Elliot Rice room and The Callan Room. On the third floor of this facility there are three classrooms for LOTE, aswell as the offices for Directors of Sports & Recreation, Boy's Education and Leadership.

Chapel - This facility was opened in 1966 and is testimony to the design of the more inclusive participation in liturgical celebrations.

Remond Learning Centre - The learning centre, or the library is at the centre of the College and contains resources for all students. Opened in 1976, it still serves the needs of students in this technological age. It is named in honour of Brother Michael Frances Redmond who was on staff at Aquinas over a span of 45 years.

Gymnasium - This facility was opened in 1983 and was the first gymnasium to be built in Perth schools. This facility holds classes in Physical education aswell as being a venue for major college celebrations.

Swimming Pool - This facility was opened in 1975, and was renovated in 2002/3. The pool had a heating system installed in 2006.

Ground Facilities

Redmond Common - This area bounded by the junior school, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool and Redmond Learning Centre is a 'game free' area for the community to enjoy.

Memorial Oval - This is the College's premier oval named in 1951 to commemorate those Aquinians who lost their lives at war. Cricket, Australian Rules Football and Athletics areheld there. The scoreboard was constructed by the Old Aquinians Association and named in honour of Brother C P Foley, the first headmaster on this site at Salter Point. The Scoreboard was renovated in 2006, and is electronic. In 2006, The Churack Pavillion was constructed on the boundary of Memorial oval. it provides change room facilities, viewing area and a function centre.

McMahon Oval - This oval is used for both cricket and Australian rules football and is adjacent to the Kennedy fields. It is named in honour of Brother T A McMahon, Deputy Headmaster from 1938 to 1942 and the first boy from CBC Perth to enter the Christian Brothers.

Lynch Oval - This oval is below Memorial Oval and is used for socer, cricket, an general purpose training activities. It is named in honour of Brother J H Lynch who was a member of staff from 1942 to 1947 and from 1540 to 1954. He was instrumental in working with groups of fathers and boys in the development of this land for sport.

Clery Park - This large area which contains carparks, ovals and fields is named in honour of Brother Brian Clery, who has been on staff at Aquinas since 1986. Brother Clery continues to work in the area of spiritiuality as Assistant Director of Spirituality in the College.

Redmond Ovals (1 & 2) - These two ovals are named in memory of Brother Redmond, they are located on Clery park, and are the College's two rugby ovals.

Scott Field - This field is named in honour of Alphonsus Scott who attended CBC Perth from 1921 to 1927 and maintained his link with Aquinas in his capacity as Secretary, Vice-President and President of the Old Boys between 1929 and 1941. He was instrumental in establishing the Old Aquinians Hockey Club in 1932. Scott Field is located on Clery Park and is used for Soccer.

Keaney Oval - Brother Paul Keaney was a long time supporter of Aquinas, being responsible for the purchase of the Salter Point site, whilst in his role as Principal at Clontarf College. Keaney oval is located on Clery Park and is used for Australian Rules Football and soccer.

Kennedy Fields (1 & 2) - These two fields are named in honour of the St John-Kennedy family, long time supporters of Aquinas hockey. This site is home to the Mike Kinsella Hockey Pavillion, which was jointly sponsored by the Old Aquinians Hockey Club and the College. It was opened in 1972 and named to honour Mike Kinsella who was instrumental in the development of the project.

Brother NN Wilson Rowing Shed - This facility is on the shores of the Canning River and honours Brother Niel Wilson, who was on staff at the college from 1959 to 1970 and from 1988 to 1997.

Boarding Facilities

There are three residences, which house approximately 70 student each. Accommodation for the Director of the residence and his family together with the shared single assistance residence are provided

Nunan Residence - Brother Paul Nunan was Headmaster of the CBC Perth 1897 - 1908, 1912 - 1918, 1920 - 1921. He was one of the headmasters who inaugurated the PSA and a member of the Royal Commission whih established the University of Western Australia

Pinder Boor Residence - Mr Aleric Pinder Boor was College Captain and Dux of the College in 1912. He also captained all sporting teams that year and was a Rhodes Scholar. He went to the First World War and was killed in action in Palestine in 1917 as a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps.

Gibney Residence - Bishop Matthew Gibney was the founding bishop of the Catholic diocese of Perth. He was a pioneer priest and a great benefactor of the College. He was the clergyman who gave the last rites to Ned Kelly before his execution.

Hughes Dining Hall - Brother Regis Hughes arrived in Perth in 1896 and set about raising money to build the original CBC College in St Georges Terrace, Perth. He travelled the state of Western Australia in his efforts to ensure that funds became available for the construction of the College.

Sport

Interschool sport at Aquinas mainly relates to the involvement with the Public Schools Association sports competition, competing against other PSA schools which are Christ Church Grammar School in Claremont, Guildford Grammar School in Guildford, Hale School in Wembley Downs, Scotch College in Swanbourne, Trinity College in Perth and Wesley College in South Perth. Summer sports include; rowing, swimming, tennis, water polo, cricket, basketball and volleyball. Winter Sports include; Australian rules football, rugby, hockey, cross country, soccer, and badminton Other sports include; Athletics (spring), surfing and golf.

Service Learning

The service learning program at Aquinas was started in 1997, it involves students in various forms of community service such as door knocks and appeals, soup patrol, the Adult Migrant Conversational English Program, and the Kindred Family Support Program in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice.

Aquinas College was also the first school to implement a graduate requirement for Senior Students in 2002. The primary goal of Aquinas College is to develop young men who will become future leaders in their community who will act with compassion and a strong sense of justice. They are called to "make everyday at Aquinas a better day for others"

Students are recognised for their achievements through the awards of Service Colours, Honours and the annual John Beeking Particpation award.

Mt Henry Peninsula

Main article: Mount Henry Peninsula

The Mount Henry Peninsula was purchased by the Christian Brothers in 1937 for the college. Since then there has been much work on the peninsula thanks to community service voulinters and members of the public. Jobs completed include limestone slope restoration, weed reduction, tree planting and the baiting of introduced animals.

Jan King has been the main reason for the point's success. She has been coordinating the program for many years, drastically improving the peninsula.

Notable alumni

• Justin Langer — Australian cricket team member
• Terry Alderman — Australian cricket team member
• Brad Hogg — Australian cricket team member
• Darren Wates — Western Australian cricketer
• Herb Elliot — Olympian
• Daniel Kerr — West Coast Eagles AFL player
• Quinten Lynch — West Coast Eagles AFL player
• Peter Bell — Fremantle Dockers AFL player (Captain)
• Paul Duffield — Fremantle Dockers AFL player
• Fred Chaney — Senator
• Mark Priestley — Actor, All Saints (TV series)
• Michael Chaney — Chairman, National Australia Group
• Robert Haddrill — Fremantle Dockers AFL player

References

1. Aquinas College, (2006), Christan Brothers, [1]

[2]

External links

• School website