It’s a highlight of the Year 7 school year, and the recent 2023 Peer Support ‘Grand Finale’ didn’t disappoint. The fun-filled finale marks the end of Aquinas' mentoring programme, firmly cementing our Year 7’s connections to their Year 11 mentors.

Fickle March weather gave way to brilliant sunshine for the finale, with teams of Yr 7s and their Yr 11 leaders rotating between activities such as giant parachute volleyball, the slip n’ slide, inflatable boxing, wet sponge fights, tug-of-war and egg tossing. The Aquinas quad was filled with music, great vibes, and wet, happy students.

The Aquinas Peer Support programme teams Yr 11s with the school’s newest students to help them feel supported and develop a sense of belonging at their new college-level school. They meet weekly throughout Term 1 for activities and conversation to build bonds for the rest of their Aquinas journey.

Thanks Yr 11 leaders for making our Yr 7s feel so welcome. Ka mau te wehi! Kudos to Mrs Kristen Gilbert and Mr Alan Syme for another epic Peer Support programme, and to the Yr 13 students who led the Grand Finale activities.