Aquinas College is proud to celebrate a very special milestone for three treasured members of our Aquinas whānau.
Mrs Ange McManaway, Mrs Karin Small, and Mr Richard Watson have each reached an incredible 20 years of service to Aquinas College and to Catholic education. Their extraordinary commitment reflects the heart of who we are, and we are fortunate to have them as part of our Aquinas story.
Last month, staff, family, and friends gathered to honour Ange, Karin and Richard at a special celebration recognising their years of service. It was a warm and fitting occasion, filled with gratitude, laughter and stories from across the years.
Their names are now etched on the Aquinas College Long Service Honour Board, joining eight other staff members who have also reached this significant milestone. It stands as a visible reminder of the experience, stability and heart that underpin our kura.
Across 20 years, Mrs McManaway, Mrs Small and Mr Watson have each had a significant impact on our community and the hundreds of Aquinas students they have worked with. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, service and contribution to our Aquinas community.
In recognition of this milestone, we invited Ange, Karin and Richard to reflect on their AC journey — the moments that have shaped them, the memories that have stayed with them, and what has kept them committed to our school for two decades.
Here’s a glimpse into their Aquinas story…
1. What is/was your title and area of responsibility?
Mrs McManaway: Leader of Learning of Science, Scholarship Coordinator, TiC Volleyball, BOT Staff Representative
Mrs Small: Assistant Librarian
Mr Watson: Leader of Learning Health & Physical Education
2. What is it about AC that kept you here for 20 years?
Mrs McManaway: Aquinas is more than just a school; it’s a family. The people (students, staff, whānau…) make this place feel like home.
Mrs Small: The staff and the students.
Mr Watson: Most certainly, it is the people, students and families that I have met. It’s such an enjoyable place to work day in and day out.
3. Your favourite Aquinas memory?
Mrs McManaway: There are too many! Camps, sports, service activities… but a real highlight has been working with the Scholarship candidates and tutors, with the ‘Top Scholar’ of Biology last year for Monique Faire being a pinnacle.
Mrs Small: My children first started in 2023 and they were foundation pupils. My favourite memory is when they graduated from Aquinas.
Mr Watson: Seeing my children complete their seven year’s of schooling and leave as Year 13 students.
4. What are your hobbies away from school?
Mrs McManaway: Outdoor pursuits (hiking, swimming, cycling, gardening), sports of all kinds, often just cheering on my own adult children as they compete or supporting Aquinas Teams. And a good book doesn’t go a miss either.
Mrs Small: Hobbies: Reading, puzzles, gardening & walking along the beach.
Mr Watson: Skiing, kayaking, mountain biking. Some DIY projects.
5. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the school over the last two decades?
Mrs McManaway: The ebbs and flows of the NZ education system. The growing roll is bringing about changes to our structures and personnel, but the calibre of those who work here makes any change, big or small, manageable.
Mrs Small: All the new buildings, how the school has evolved. The facilities.
Mr Watson: Education is cyclic and constantly changing. You need to be ready and able to move with the times. There is always another “new” thing that needs implementing.
6. You and your family have been a huge part of Aquinas. Update us on the family.
Mrs McManaway: Courtney works in education as a Youth Mentor, and I’m really proud of the work she does with at-risk young people. Ellie is a police officer, and her commitment to service continues to be an example that inspires others. Liv is my only child to have studied a Science degree, and she is an Environmental Officer in Tauranga – a real kindred spirit! Jack is a NZ Beach Black representative and juggles tertiary study with a heavy overseas competing schedule. You will see all of them here at AC giving back to the school they love as coaches to our students. And Tim continues to be our rock. Nuff said.
Mrs Small: Peter graduated in 2008, went to university in Wellington, travelled overseas and is settled in Wellington with his partner Felicity, working for ACC. Danielle graduated in 2009, is married, lives in England, has two degrees and works in a library in England.
Mr Watson: Both my children went to Aquinas. Charlotte recently graduated with a Physiotherapy degree from Otago and now has started studying Medicine at Auckland University. Stanley is an Arborist and works in Dunedin while maintaining his ties to a Dunedin student lifestyle. My wife Claire is about to start the Camino walk – an 800km walk across the top of Spain.
7. What are you most proud of during your Aquinas tenure?
Mrs McManaway: Being part of an awesome team and having had even a tiny bit of input into the development of the young people in our care. They are amazing, and I am better for having known each and every one of them.
Mrs Small: Helping students find the enjoyment of read
Mr Watson: Setting a consistent standard, adapting to change, leading by example.
8. If you could name anyone, who would you choose to share a meal with (alive or deceased)?
Mrs McManaway: Sir David Attenborough – there are too few words to describe such a beacon for the planet. (Geeky bio moment there.)
Mrs Small: Sean Connery
Mr Watson: Sir Ed Hillary. Such an inspiration not only for his first ascent of Everest, but what he did afterwards for the people of Nepal and NZ.
9. How do you hope to be remembered by your Aquinas whānau?
Mrs McManaway: As an approachable, straight-shooting, fun person who encourages excellence and who would walk the extra mile for her students and colleagues. Also, I hope people remember the ‘Gospel according to McManaway’. There’s some gold in there. 😊
Mr Watson: My amazing jokes, good looks and feats of athleticism. Also, my trivial knowledge of little-known facts.
10. Best advice for current students? b) Do you have any words for all your past students out there?
Mrs McManaway: Believe in yourself. We know you can achieve great things, so back yourself and don’t be afraid to fail along the way. Hard work pays off.
B: Thank you for letting me share your journey while you were at Aquinas. Remember, ‘once an Aquinian, always an Aquinian’. Keep in touch – I follow your adventures with great interest and pride.
Mrs Small: Enjoy your time at Aquinas and always do your best.
B: Thank you for being part of my time at Aquinas and making my job so easy and enjoyable.
Mr Watson: It’s a long time working, so make the most of your time at school.
B: For past students, please, if you see me, come and tell me what you are up to! I would love to chat to you.
