Valete 2022
Saturday 29 October was another memorable date in the College calendar with the Valete Service and Dinner.
The celebrations commenced with the Valete Service in Christchurch. Attended by all students and staff along with the parents of Valetants and Council members, this years’ Service was led by College Chaplain, Fr Paul Ghanem, and the music provided by the Chapel Band. The Valedictorian, Jodie Price, spoke touchingly of her time at Aquinas and the enduring friendships made over her years at College. Jodie shared that she had only intended on staying one year at Aquinas and was so grateful that this was not what eventuated.
Following the Service, the unseasonably wet Adelaide weather held off long enough to have the whole College photo taken on the Gleeson lawn and for all to then enjoy pre-dinner canapes and drinks.
The Dining Room was transformed into a candlelit banquet room with white linen and blue flowers and lighting, with everyone enjoying a five star dinner prepared by the amazing catering team.
The traditional farewells to each Valetant were emotional highlights of the evening, followed by a moving Toast to the College by the Student President, Noah Waters, the Rector’s Reply and the naming of the Aquinian of the Year, Brianna Scanlon.
A new tradition established arising out of COVID restrictions from last year, the Dining Room was the preferred venue for the “after-party” rather than going off-campus, with students, parents and staff dancing until early morning.