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Aquinas College, Perth

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Aquinas College
File:Aquinas Logo.png
Location
Map
Salter Point
,
Perth

Australia [2]
Information
TypePrivate boys school [1]
MottoVeritas Vincit (Truth Conquers) [1]
Established1938 [3]
School districtWestern Australia [2]
PrincipalRobert J. White [2]
Faculty140
Grades4 - 12 [2]
Enrollment1,100 [2]
Campus size62.4 acres [1]
Campus typeSuburban
Color(s)Red and black
MascotRed-back spider [4]
Websitewww.aquinas.wa.edu.au

:This article is about Aquinas College located in Perth, Western Australia.

For information regarding other schools named Aquinas College, see Aquinas College.

Aquinas College, informally known as Aquinas or AC, is a Catholic college for boys [5] in Salter Point, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Since 1938 [3] Aquinas College has been located on an elevated 62.4 hectare property, with over two kilometers of water frontage on the Canning river.[1]

In 1894, the Christian Brothers established Christian Brothers College (CBC) in the center of Perth at the present-day site of the Duxton Hotel. [6] As Perth's central business district grew, there was growing pressure to relocate, and in 1938[7] 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, which closed completely in 1961 when it relocated to the present day Trinity College site.[8]

History

The Christian Brother opened their first school in Western Australia on the 31 January 1894 on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Victoria Avenue in Perth. The Brothers were invited to the new colony by Bishop Matthew Gibney who knew of the work of the Brothers in Australia, Ireland and England. [9].

Initially a CBC Perth only day pupile were enrolled, but due to population growth in Western Australia during the gold rush period pressure was put on the school to accept boarding student. The first boarding students were enrolled in June 1896. The accommodation at the current site was very limited and as early as 1917, headmaster Brother Paul Nunan saw the nescessity of acquiring a property away from the center to reside the whole school. [9].

Plaque Commemorating The Site of CBC Terrace

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 due to the Great Depression.[9]

In 1936 at the instigation of Br. Paul Keaney, the Superior of nearby Clontarf Orphanage, 165 acres were purchased from the Manning family [10] 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 [9]. The foundation stone was laid on 11 July, 1937 , and the school opened in February 1938 [3] with 160 boarders and 55 day pupils. Br. C.P. Foley was the first Headmaster.[9]

The Catholic Archbishop of Perth, Most Rev. Redmond Prendiville, addressed the first Headmaster, Br. Foley and students, on the 19 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.

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, galvanized iron buildings for both dormitories and classrooms in order to cope with steadily growing numbers of pupils.[9]

In 1955, the first major classroom block, 'The Murphy Wing', was opened and then followed the Science Wing (McKenna 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 Center and finally, the Gymnasium. Because of ever increasing pressure on enrollments 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.[9]

Coat of arms

File:Aquinas Logo.png

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, the star is the symbol of the light of knowledge and the Celtic cross signifies the College's Irish Catholic heritage.

The cross is also symbolic of the Christian way of life with the Latin motto Veritas Vincit, literally translated, means Truth Conquers implies that people who seek the truth will be given the power and the means of overcoming all the challenges in living the Christian way of life.[11] It also implies that the truth will always conquer over lies.

All you need is a small bit of light in a dark room to light it up. The same cannot be said for darkness. Darkness will never stop light. It is only the lack of light that will allow darkness in.

Location

Located at exactly (32°1′23.2″S 115°51′49.5″E / 32.023111°S 115.863750°E / -32.023111; 115.863750), The College is situated on an elevated 62.4-hectare property, with three kilometers of water frontage on the Canning River[9]. Aquinas College is situated in the suburb of Salter Point which is governed by the City of South Perth as part of the Manning ward [12].

Mt Henry Peninsula

Main article: Mount Henry Peninsula
File:Mount Henry Peninsula.jpg
College frontage along the Canning River

Mount Henry Peninsula is a land feature and reserve located 11 km south of Perth, Western Australia, on the north bank of the Canning River near the Mount Henry Bridge at Salter Point, Western Australia.

It covers 11.9 hectares, and includes both Banksia attenuata and Banksia menziesii woodland.

The peninsula features limestone slopes, shoreline vegetation, wetlands, and contains the most inland vegetated knoll of the Spearwood dunes on the Swan-Canning estuary, as well as a significant variety of natural conditions for birds and other fauna.

The Mount Henry Peninisula is a designated Bush Forever Site, number 227.

The Peninsula is owned by the Christian Brothers as part of the Aquinas College property, and is managed as a reserve with the Department of Environment and the City of South Perth for heritage conservation, education and passive recreation values.

Senior students at Aquinas College are involved in the Community Service Program, and many choose to participate in Environmental Service. [13]

College management structure

Main article: Aquinas College Perth Leadership Structure

The Aquinas College management structure is separated into two distinct units. The First part of this structure is the Aquinas College Foundation, which was established in 2004 and exists under the auspices of the Christian Brothers, this unit is responsible for acquiring (through donations) and providing the funds nescessary to operate, maintain and expand the school.

The second unit is the Aquinas College Board, which was established in 1987, who are responsible for the day to day educational needs of the students - this area includes all teaching staff, the headmaster and the head of residential facilities. [1]. The major responsibilities of the board include forming policy, planning future developments, and financial management. The Foundation operates inderpendantly from the Board to ensure a sound financial future for the College, however it does work collaboratively with the College to assist in achieving the College's mission.

File:Aquinas college map.JPG
Map of facilities at Aquinas College

Buildings and infrastructure

Main article: Aquinas College Perth Infrastructure

The college is comprised of a number of buildings and sporting facilities necessary for the day to day educational needs of the students. Some of these buildings are of historical significance - including the Edmund Rice Administration wing and the Chapel and are listed with the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

A large number of the buildings at Aquinas are named in tribute to notable and significant people in the College's foundations and history. [14]

Student Life

Academic studies

The college offers a wide range of academic subjects and courses for students to participate in, whilst also rewarding them for strong results, with awards such as academic colours, subject awards and the dux award, these awards are given at the annual presentation night. [4].

File:Presentation Night.jpeg
Presentation Night 2006 - Students Receiving Academic Awards

Students in the senior school are given the opportunity to learn musical instruments during class time. Student may also join music groups such as the Vocal Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Concert band, and the brass ensemble. These groups occasionally go on tours - the most recent being the Vocal Ensemble's tour to New Zealand.

The college drama program runs an annual production which is hosted in the College Gymnasium. Recent productions include 'West Side Story' and 'Les Miserables'.

Junior, middle & senior school system

The College is split into three main groups, the junior school (years 4-7)[4] , middle school (years 8 and 9) [4] and the senior school (years 10-12) [4]. The junior school is located on the same site, but is completely separate from the middle and senior school [14].

The college offers a wide range of programs aimed at enhancing the education of the boys - this includes the Monte Cassino program in the junior school and the fast-track program which operates in years 9 and 10.

Boarding

Main article: Aquinas College Perth Boarding

When Aquinas opened in 1938 it started with 160 boarders,and was primarily operated as a boarding school, as of 2006 there are 216 boarders and the school is primarily for day students. [15]

All boarders live in one of the three boarding residences - Nunan, Gibney and Pinder Boor with their House masters, house mothers and boarding assistants. Boarders meals are served in the Hughes Dining Hall which is located in close proximity to all of the residences. Boarders have 24-hour access to medical services in the College's hospital.

On weekends boarders will do a variety of activities which are arranged by boarding staff. Boarders in years 8 & 9 participate in sport on Fridays and boarders in years 10-12 play sport on Saturdays.

House system

Main article: Aquinas College Perth House System

Aquinas College has an eight house system in both junior and senior school. Each house is named in honour of individuals who have had an association with the school including. Blessed Edmund Rice founder of the Christian Brothers, William Bryan the first student enrolled at CBC later to become a Captain in the 1st AIF and Brother Boyd Eymard Egan OAM teacher 1945 to 1966.

Each house has one tutor group for each year (from 8-12). Each tutor group is overseen by a House tutor and Head of House. The members of each house are led by the House Captain.

The eight houses compete against each other in events such as Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming, Debating and Chess and points are awarded. Points are also awarded for academic awards such as excellence awards and subject awards.

File:House Shields.JPG
The crests of the 8 houses

The houses compete for the Tuatha Shield.[14] The word "Tuatha" derives from the Gaelic language meaning family, community and a sense of belonging. The Tuatha Shield therefore comprises of a diversity of sporting, cultural, and academic activities that set in opposition House against House for points towards the Tuatha Shield. Recent winners include ;

  • 2003 - Clune House [14]
  • 2004 - Clune House [14]
  • 2005 - Treacy House [14]
  • 2006 - Treacy House [1]

Sport

Main article: Aquinas College, Perth Sport

Aquinas has been a member of the Public Schools Association (PSA) [16] since 1905, when the PSA was established and Aquinas was known as Christian Brothers College [17] . Within the PSA it competes in interschool sports [17] [16]. Aquinas is the only school to have won every PSA Sporting trophy available in a single year, it achieved this twice, the first in 1910 as CBC and the second in 1942 when swimming was the only trophy available due to World War II.[17] Students also participate in non-PSA sports which include golf and surfing. The junior school also runs sailing, softball and squash programs which are not part of the PSA sporting competition [4].

Aquinas had been the benchmark in a lot of sports since it joined the PSA, but in recent years it hasn't enjoyed the success to which it had become used to. In 2006, Aquinas won the Basketball (fifth year running), cross country (second year running), volleyball (seventh year running), and waterpolo (4th year running). Aquinas is the most successful PSA school in Athletics, Cricket, Football, Volleyball, Waterpolo.

Sport is compulsory for students in years 4-10. Teams usually train twice per week. Matches are held on Thursdays for junior school, Friday for year 8 and 9, and Saturday for years 10 to 12.

Occasionally sporting tours are arranged for sporting teams. Recent tours include the Football tour to Melbourne, Hockey tour to Malaysia, Volleyball Tour to Melbourne and the Surfing tour to Reunion Island.

Old Aquinians Hockey Club

File:Reds Logo.JPG
Old Aquinians Hockey Club Logo

The Old Aquinians Hockey Club was established by Alphonsus Scott in 1932[14] . It is more commonly referred to as 'reds'[18]. The hockey playing fields were named Kennedy Ovals as a mark of appreciation for what the Kennedy family had done for Aquinas hockey [14]. The Old Aquinians Hockey Club officially opened a new pavilion in 1970 [14], with extensions carried out in 1984.[14] The pavilion was named the Mike Kinsella hockey pavilion in October 1992.[14]

College uniform

Aquinas College, like most Australian Inderpendant schools, requires students to wear full school uniform at all times. The college currently has two set uniforms - the summer uniform and the winter uniform.

File:Uniform Formal Winter.jpeg
The Formal Winter Uniform For Yr12 Students

In the past, the school have had fund-raising "free dress" days, where boys may wear what they choose to school if they donate a gold coin to the charity (the charity is usually an Edmund Rice charity).

Summer

The Summer uniform is worn in terms 1 and 4.

  • 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. It is customary to wear this uniform throughout the First Term and in the Fourth Term [14].
  • Year 12 - As for other years except year 12 wear a white shirt with crested pocket.[14]

Winter

The Winter uniform is worn in terms 2 and 3.

  • Years 8-11 - Long grey melange trousers and the College blazer are to be worn with black shoes grey or dark colored socks, grey shirt, tie and blazer, a white shirt may be worn for special occasions[14].
  • Year 12 - Long grey melange trousers and the College blazer are to be worn with black shoes, tie, white shirt and grey or dark colored socks. The optional black jumper may be worn with the blazer but not as an alternative to it.[14]

Old Aquinians Association

The Old Aquinians Association or 'Old Boys' is an incorporated organisation representing the former students of Aquinas College. The association has more than 1200 members. The association exists to provide fellowship to former students, and to support the College - especially in the provision of scholarships and financial assistance to families in need. In most cases, the assistance is provided to sons or grandsons of Old Boys.[1]

Notable alumni


See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Aquinas College Website
  2. ^ a b c d e Australian Boarding Staff Association
  3. ^ a b c Heritage Council of Western Australia
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Aquinas College Annual 2004
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Ran03 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ City of Perth Council minutes
  7. ^ South Perth Municipal Heritage Inventory Framework
  8. ^ Trinity College history
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h South Perth Municipal Heritage Inventory
  10. ^ South Perth Municipal Heritage Inventory: Origins of street names
  11. ^ Aquinas College history (access restricted)
  12. ^ South Perth Council Meeting Agenda, September 26, 2006
  13. ^ http://www.southperth.wa.gov.au/eservice/SouthPerth/environment_man/bush_fore_man_plans/mthenry_peninsula_fore_man_plan.pdf Mt Henry Peninsula Foreshore Management Plan 2002]
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Cite error: The named reference ACSD06 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ Cite error: The named reference Ran02 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  16. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference WACA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ a b c 102nd Annual PSA Athletics Carnival Guide
  18. ^ Old Aquinians Hockey Club Website
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