Traditionally, each Leaving Class has presented the College with a parting gift. Many of these gifts remain visible throughout the campus today, including the stained-glass window in the Veritas Centre and the wooden display cabinet in the Edmund Rice Administration Building. These contributions serve as lasting reminders of each class’s connection to the College.

In 2017, however, the Leaving Class chose a different path – one that truly reflected the spirit of Edmund Rice. Rather than raising funds for a physical gift, the boys chose to provide something far more meaningful, the opportunity for another student to receive a life-changing education at Aquinas College.

Since then, each Leaving Class has funded a 50 percent bursary, enabling a student to complete Years 11 and 12 at Aquinas College. This initiative supports boys who would not otherwise be able to afford an Aquinas College education and creates a life-changing legacy. What began as a single initiative has grown into a proud and enduring tradition, reflecting the generosity, compassion and Edmund Rice spirit of the boys.

There are many ways to contribute

• Each Leaving Class is encouraged to raise funds throughout the year through initiatives such as sausage sizzles, quiz nights and contributing leftover Ball funds. Creativity and initiative are encouraged to help maximise the impact of the Peer Bursary Gift.
• During Year 12, the College and Foundation write to each family via the Graduation Information Document, inviting a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution of $50 towards the Peer Bursary Gift.
• A dedicated fundraising page has been established to provide families and community members with a convenient way to make online donations in support of this initiative.

Commemoration

A commemorative plaque recognising the generosity of the Class of 2026 Peer Bursary Gift will be commissioned and displayed alongside the existing plaques in the Heritage Room.

This plaque is presented to the Class of 2026 at the One Year Reunion, held in mid-2027.