Aquinas College celebrated NAIDOC Week with an enriching program of activities designed to engage students across all year levels.

In the Junior School, hip-hop dancing, Noongar language classes, bush tours, Indigenous art workshops and cultural dance sessions offered the students many opportunities to connect with the stories, traditions and perspectives of First Nations peoples.

In the Senior School, NAIDOC Week was marked by a program of cultural experiences including a spirited Didj Ball with students and staff, a themed lunch celebrating Indigenous flavours, Wargyl Wars competitions, and engaging art workshops. Guest speakers provided powerful insights into the history and impact of the Stolen Generations, fostering meaningful conversations. With music from Aboriginal musicians played throughout the breaks, including Archie Roach and Kevin Carmody, students were encouraged to reflect on the past, present and future of our nation, and to consider their role in walking the path of reconciliation.

The week culminated in a powerful whole-school assembly in the Br Paull Centre – a moving celebration of culture, connection and our shared journey toward reconciliation.

Indigenous students led with pride, performing traditional dances that honoured Country and conveyed sacred stories through movement. Among the highlights was a stirring recital by student Sachjein, who delivered Steven Oliver’s poem ‘I’m a Blackfella’ with boldness and heart. His performance was a moment of deep cultural strength and storytelling, prompting the entire College community to reflect on Australia’s past and present, and to embrace the call for meaningful change.

We were honoured to welcome back Old Aquinian Jiah Reidy (Class of 2016), who was introduced by Master of Ceremonies, Chayce. The first Captain of Boarding, Jiah spoke with honesty and pride about his Aboriginal heritage, encouraging students to see themselves as part of the solution and asking what kind of legacy we wish to be remembered for.

A beautiful five-panel Indigenous artwork was presented in parts as the 2025 Indigenous Education Awards. These were awarded to members of the Aquinas community who have made a lasting impact on Indigenous education at the College.

To close the assembly, our Schola Cantorum choir performed a breathtaking piece in language, filling the Br Paull Centre with the beauty and spirit of First Nations culture and reminding us all of the richness that lives in the oldest continuing culture on Earth.

NAIDOC Week at Aquinas is more than a celebration; it is an invitation to listen, learn and walk together in faith and solidarity and work together to make the world a better place.

On Sunday, the Aquinas College Chapel was filled with the warmth of faith, community, and tradition as 18 members of our Aquinas community received the Sacrament of Confirmation during our weekly boarders’ Mass.

This sacred milestone was made all the more memorable by the return of Bishop Michael Morrissey, an Old Aquinian from the Class of 1969, who officiated the ceremony. His presence brought a deep sense of continuity and connection to the generations of faith-filled men who have walked the halls of Aquinas before.

For 40 weeks of the year, Aquinas is not just a place of learning—it is home, and it is parish, especially for our boarders. The Chapel becomes a spiritual centre where young men gather in prayer, reflection, and community. To celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation here, surrounded by friends, staff, and extended families, created an atmosphere of profound reverence and joy.

The College was proud to support these young men and their families on this important step in their faith journey. This celebration was not only a moment of personal grace for those confirmed, but a powerful witness to the living faith that continues to grow within the Aquinas community.

We thank Bishop Morrissey for returning to his old school to lead this significant celebration and for reminding us of the enduring values that shape Aquinas men across generations.

This year Aquinas took on the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for mental health and wellbeing. In total we completed 248,189 push ups and raised nearly $5000! Congratulations to Year 7 Bryan West who managed a total of just over 36,000 push-ups on their own. Many Aquinians learned about mental health and wellbeing through the app, through daily facts in tutor and in mental-health based assemblies run by the wellbeing council.We had a lot of fun and we can’t wait to beat this target next year! If you or a loved one need help, you might consider some of the support services listed on https://menshealthwa.org.au/directory-2/