Aquinas College is a Roman Catholic co-educational school that combines intermediate and college (years 7–13). It was founded in 2003 with St. Thomas Aquinas as its patron saint. The proprietor of the school, which is a State-integrated school, is the Bishop of Hamilton. The school's founding principal was Brendon Schollum (2003–2010).
| Aquinas College | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
 | |
183 Pyes Pa Road, Pyes Pa, Tauranga | |
| Coordinates | 37°45′07″S 176°07′21″E / 37.7519°S 176.1226°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Catholic co-educational collegiate and intermediate (year 7–13) |
| Motto | Kia mau ki te pono "Hold Fast to Truth"[1] |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Catholic |
| Established | 2003; 21 years ago |
| Ministry of Education Institution no. | 482 |
| Principal | Matthew Dalton (2018– ) |
| Grades | 7–13 |
| Gender | Coed |
| School roll | 806[2] (August 2024) |
| Campus type | Rural |
| Color(s) | Sherwood Green Navy Blue |
| Athletics conference | Western BOP |
| Nickname | Aquinians |
| Socio-economic decile | 8P[3] |
| Newspaper | Aquinas College Term Newsletter |
| Yearbook | Aquinas College Yearbook |
| Alumni name | Auld Boys, Auld Girls |
| Website | aquinas |
Principals
edit- Brendon Schollum: 2003–2010
- Ray Scott: 2010–2017
- Matthew Dalton: 2018–present
House system
editThe school has four houses.[4] They are:
Each house is represented by a different colour (as seen above). Each represents a well known Catholic figure/s. These are prominent individuals in the Catholic church who have demonstrated the school's touchstones throughout their lives. Browne House is named after Bishop Denis Browne, Heni Pore House is named after Heni Pore Karamu, Cluny House is named after The Cluny Sisters, and Foy House is named after Father Pat Foy. Each house is split into seven tutor classes (one for each year level).
A house championship is fiercely contested for throughout the school year, with several annual events for students to gain points for their house. These events consist of schoolwide athletics day, swimming sports, cross country, sing/dance competition and haka/waiata competition. Students compete to earn points for their house by (participation/placing) in these events. A house championship winner is announced at the end of the school year, house leaders are awarded the coveted 'Interhouse cup' for earning the most points.
Sport
editAquinas fields numerous teams across a wide range of sports,[5] with many teams and individuals representing the College regionally and nationally, including: basketball, rugby, hockey, rock climbing, sailing, surf lifesaving, touch rugby, windsurfing, badminton, cross country, water polo, netball, football, gymnastics, squash, rippa, cricket, golf, multi-sports, swimming, snow sports, track running, volleyball, tennis, rowing and air-pistol shooting.
Curriculum
editNCEA levels 1, 2 and 3 are offered for years ten to thirteen. An accelerate year 10 class in the subjects of science and math undergo NCEA level 1 work similar to year 11 students. Religious Education is compulsory as a subject for all students.
Touchstones
editAquinas College has six touchstones, which are values shown by students, staff and the wider college community: Family, Scholarship, Service, Truth, Prayer, and Joy.[6]
The school's 'Touchstone Award' is awarded to a Year 13 student who displays the school's touchstones at the end of the school year.
Notable alumni
edit- Eliana Hulsebosch (born 2007) - downhill mountain biker
- Adam Ling (born 1991) – rower; won a gold medal at the 2015 World Rowing Championships in the lightweight single sculls.
- Justin Sangster (born 1996) – professional rugby union player.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Our School". Aquinas College. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
- ^ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
- ^ "Decile Change 2014 to 2015 for State & State Integrated Schools". Ministry of Education. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
- ^ "Houses". www.aquinas.school.nz. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
- ^ "Sports". www.aquinas.school.nz. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Our School". www.aquinas.school.nz. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
External links
edit- Aquinas College Website
- Diocese of Hamilton in New Zealand Catholic-Hierarchy