The Br Paull Centre came alive last night as our Year 9 students took to the floor for the 2025 Dance Challenge, performing in front of an excited audience of more than 900 family members and friends.
This signature event is a highlight of the Year 9 Odyssey Program, designed to encourage boys to explore personal growth beyond the classroom.
Since the start of Term 2, students have dedicated themselves to learning choreographed dance routines – a challenge that has stretched them physically and mentally.
For many boys, the experience of dance is a transformative one. It builds physical strength, coordination and fitness, while also nurturing perseverance, discipline and focus. As students work together to master their routines, they develop teamwork and communication skills, strengthening bonds with their peers.
Just as importantly, the Dance Challenge fosters self-confidence and helps dismantle outdated gender stereotypes around male participation in the performing arts. Through dance, students are empowered to express themselves, take creative risks and grow in confidence in a supportive and affirming environment.
The important event highlights the constructive work of the Odyssey program that promotes positive masculinity, offering the Year 9 students the opportunity to have deep and honest conversations about what it means to be a good man in today’s society.
The Odyssey marks a pivotal year in the College’s Character Education program, which spans from Junior School through to graduation. Its lasting impact was evident with a group of Year 12 students and recent graduates returning to the stage, revisiting their own Year 9 Dance Challenge and reminding us that the lessons learned on this journey endure well beyond the school years.
With limited rehearsals, the senior students supported each other to deliver a great performance that was met with resounding applause in the packed gym.
But it was the polished routines of the stars of the evening that brought on the woops of appreciation as the Year 9 boys performed their moves with obvious joy and pride.
Principal Robert Henderson commended the boys for their enthusiasm and commitment. “This challenge speaks to the heart of what we aim to nurture at Aquinas – young men who are courageous, open to growth and respectful of others.”
Congratulations to all our Year 9 students for stepping boldly into the spotlight and showing us the true meaning of courage, character and community.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land of our schools. We are inspired and nurtured by their wisdom, spirituality and experience. We commit ourselves to actively work alongside them for reconciliation and justice. We pay our respects to the Elders; past, present and future. As we take our next step we remember the first footsteps taken on this sacred land.
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