Service is one of the Touchstones of Aquinas College. This challenges students and staff to look beyond themselves, actively living out the Gospel reflection of “We are His hands here on earth”. We are all encouraged to play our part in providing justice to the most vulnerable in our world. In the spirit of Francis of Assisi: “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.”

This Touchstone was brought to life for 24 Year 13 students who, after months of tireless fundraising and planning, attended the annual Aquinas College Fiji Service Trip. The students together with nine parents and teachers, travelled to Fiji to spend their holidays working in the village of Vanuakula.

Met with smiling faces each day, the group spent six days painting, concreting, building and glazing around the village to complete classrooms, dormitories, toilet and shower blocks. The group experienced true Fijian culture and was warmly welcomed into the Vanuakula family.

It was a life changing, unforgettable trip for all involved and the time spent relaxing in Nadi was definitely well deserved!

A massive ‘vinaka vakalevu’ to Roger and Frances Dunham and all the teachers and parents involved for their hard work and support.