News

In a change from previous years, the arrival of Freshers on a Friday rather than the Saturday and giving Returners the whole day for travel on the Saturday worked well as we launched into the 2026 Academic Year.

On Friday, 13 February, we welcomed 81 new students and their families to Aquinas. The hard work of the Student Leadership Team (and Staff) clearly made the move-in an easy and happy experience.

All students then returned to College during the day on Saturday, 14, in time for the evening Welcome Service. The Service, led by Father Paul Ghanem, included the formal affirmation of our leaders for 2026, the symbolism of our Freshers being entrusted into the Aquinas heart and the donning of Academic gowns for the first time by the Freshers. Following the Service, all students and parents enjoyed a delicious dinner on the Gleeson Lawns.

After farewelling parents, students gathered for a whole College Meeting followed by the traditional Fresher photo. The first Lawrie Smart event for the year was held after dinner, and students put on their house colours and got the year off to a flying start with tunnel ball.  The evening ended with a social event organised by the Student Club. All students agreed that they felt excited and positive about the academic year ahead, and enthusiastic to be members of the Aquinas family.