O-Week voted a huge success
Over eight full and engaging days, Aquinians have enjoyed the range of activities that were organised for them in this year’s O-Week. The aim was to have everyone feel welcome and to get people in the best possible position to begin their universities studies and college life for 2018.
Through a balanced and varied programme that was developed collaboratively by the College staff, the Student Club, and the Student House Coordinators, the week provided a mix of academic, social, spiritual and sporting orientation and preparation for the year ahead. Students entered into it with the healthy blend of focus and fun that marks the Aquinas spirit.
Over the Commencement Weekend (17-18 February) new and returning students and their families were welcomed through a Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ, a huge luncheon on the Gleeson lawns, the first College assembly of the year, and a several meetings in house groups and other special focus groupings.
The week proceeded with workshops and sessions on academics, personal well-being, relationships, responsible behaviours, resilience and other College-specific topics. University tours, meetings with tutors, and sessions on getting ready for the new semester were held through the week. These were complemented by a series of much appreciated social activities on campus and in other venues around Adelaide, organised by the Student Club, and the first Formal Dinner of the year.
Both the Student Club and the House Coordinators had spent most of the previous fortnight getting O-Week ready. Their thorough and thoughtful planning was rewarded by the responsible and appreciative way that students entered into all that happened.
The week culminated with a Mass in the College Chapel on Sunday 25th, led by the Archbishop of Adelaide. The liturgy included a Commissioning of the new College Rector and the 2018 Student Leaders and was followed by a Commencement Dinner and Awards Ceremony where prizes, and scholarships were distributed.
