The Class of 2019 returned to the College on Friday 9 October 2020 for the annual Aquinas College Foundation Leavers’ Function.

Like most events this year, the format was reimagined, offering the boys an evening sausage sizzle instead of the usual breakfast in the Churack Pavilion.

The event kicked off with a tour of the new River Centre conducted by Head of Rowing Nick Collins. The boys were suitably impressed and undoubtedly a little envious of the current rowing cohort. They then headed back to the Staff Common Room where they caught up with class tutors and classmates and poured over their last College Annual.

Peter Robertson warmly welcomed the graduates back to Aquinas, congratulating them for their generous contribution to the College by way of the Class of 2019 Scholarship Gift.

“This year, as I’m sure you’ll appreciate, has been an unusual year,” said Mr Robertson. “One of the significant impacts this year for the College has been the way we have had to support families. There are now a whole lot of families who simply cannot afford to have their sons at school here,” he said.

“Last year, you guys were good enough to put a contribution into the Scholarship Fund by way of the Class of 2019 Scholarship Gift – that gift is now helping a boy to be at Aquinas this year.”

The plaque commemorating the Class of 2019 Scholarship Gift (which hangs in the Heritage Room alongside previous Peer Scholarship Gifts) was unveiled on the night and will be a permanent reminder to the community of the generosity of the Class of 2019.

To round off the evening, Old Aquinians’ Association (OAA) Committee Member, Michael Flower, also addressed the boys, encouraging them to join the OAA to take advantage of the wonderful social and networking opportunities available to them through membership.

Good luck to the Class of 2019 as you navigate the next exciting stage of your lives. We look forward to many more opportunities to welcome you back to Aquinas College.