Senior Old Boys were impressed by the upgrading of buildings at the College and the breadth of the modern curriculum when they returned as guests of the College on September 7.

After being greeted with a mid-morning coffee, courtesy of the Holy Ground Coffee van – staffed by students learning to become baristas – Old Boys and their wives moved to the spacious new library, the “Angelicvm”, previously the College Hall.

There they were entertained by a variety of items ranging from a drama sequence and public speaking presentation, to singing from the Junior Choir.

In his thoughtful homily during Mass in the magnificent St Thomas Aquinas Chapel, Old Boy Father Greg Donovan (‘66) reassured those present by expressing the view that wisdom increases with age. Then it was off to the generous lunch prepared by the Dining Hall Staff and assisted by the College Ladies Auxiliary in the Hughes Dining Hall where we were entertained by the extremely talented Year 10 Jazz Group.

During lunch several Old Boys shared memories of their time at the College when facilities were far more spartan. They included Bob Kestel whose last year at the College was 1952 and Bruce Sinclair (‘56). John Maslin (‘56) explained how he kept in touch with contemporaries and Dan Duggan (‘59) spoke of the significance of the Aquinas “experience” to three generations of his family.

Michael Nevin (‘64) recalled coming to the College after completing the Junior Certificate in Bunbury, and Wilfred Hendriks (‘72), who – along with classmate Kim Cowcher (’72) - was attending his first Seniors’ Day, explained the challenges linked with having a non-English speaking background.

Those present would like to thank the College and especially the Acting Head of Development Sean Henderson, Alumni Administrator Nichole Rowson and Louise Symonds who administers the Aquinas College Foundation, for hosting a very informative and enjoyable reunion.

Peter Kennedy (’59)