Valete 2025 a special evening
On a perfect Spring evening on the 1 November, we celebrated our 75th Valete.
This year we had 9 students graduating: Amelia Ballantyne, Caitlin Letizia, Joel Griffith, Kasey White, Makenzie Pickering, Noah Gazzard, Rylee Snook, Tess Matheson and Joseph McNamara. To each of these students we wished success and enjoyment in their future endeavours, and cannot wait to see them thrive and grow in their chosen fields.
The evening commenced with a Service in Christ Church led by the College Chaplain, Fr Paul Ghanem and attended by all the students, the Valetants, their parents, Staff and members of the Aquinas College Council. Valedictorian, Joseph McNamara delivered a humble speech about his time at Aquinas and how special it had been. His mother later told of the fact that she didn’t know Joseph was delivering the Valedictory address until she read his name in the booklet!
Upon entering the Gleeson Lawn after the Service guests were greeted by a stunning string quartet playing an array of beautiful songs. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres were offered on the lawns against this musical backdrop whilst the students posed for the Whole College photo as well as individual House photos.
A delicious meal followed with each Valetant being toasted by one of their friends whilst parents looked on proudly. After dinner, special guests retreated to the Montefiore House for coffee and chocolates. During this time the Dining Room was transformed into a dance space and students and staff then danced the night away.