Valete Service and Dinner ends another amazing year at Aquinas
The sun shone on this year’s Valete Service and Dinner held on Saturday 28 October.
The celebrations commenced with the Valete Service in Christchurch. Attended by all students and staff along with the parents of the Valetants , Council members and their partners, a wonderful service was enjoyed with stunning music provided by the talented vocalists and Chapel Band. The 2023 Valedictorian, Noah Waters, spoke eloquently of his time at Aquinas and the enduring friendships made over the years at College.
Following the Service, the traditional whole College photo and numerous group photos were taken on the Gleeson lawn whilst all guests enjoyed pre-dinner canapes and drinks.
The candlelit Dining Room provided a formal setting, with white napery and gold and white flowers adorning all tables, everyone enjoyed a five-star banquet prepared by the amazing Aquinas 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, Grace Moloney, the Rector’s Reply, and the very well-received naming of the Aquinian of the Year, Chandler Borg.
Following dinner, 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.