Aquinas College has reached another major milestone with the official opening and blessing of our redeveloped Administration Block and student services centre—our fourth significant building development in just four years.
These upgraded spaces, designed to support leadership, learning, and student wellbeing, were formally commissioned on Tuesday, January 27, in a special ceremony led by Father Arnold and Kaumātua Turi Ngātai. Principal Matthew Dalton also addressed a gathering of staff, students, and invited VIPs.
In keeping with our Catholic heritage, each space has been thoughtfully named:
St Dominic Block (formerly the Administration Building)
Honouring St Dominic de Guzmán, founder of the Order of Preachers, this block reflects Dominican values of truth, study, prayer, and service. As a Dominican friar, St Thomas Aquinas lived and taught within these pillars, and naming our leadership, pastoral, and administration spaces after St Dominic reminds us that governance and leadership are rooted in truth and the flourishing of every learner.
Summa Student Centre
Home to the Student Wellness Centre, Student Services, Library, Student Hub, and wider pastoral supports, this centre takes its name from Summa Theologica, St Thomas’ landmark work uniting faith and reason. The name reflects our belief that students flourish when academic, emotional, pastoral, and spiritual care are brought together as one.
Pompallier Action Centre (Gymnasium)
Named for Bishop Jean Baptiste François Pompallier, the first Catholic Bishop of Aotearoa New Zealand, this space celebrates his arrival in Tauranga in 1840 and the celebration of Mass that marked the beginning of Catholic life in the region. Bishop Pompallier’s missionary zeal, compassion, and commitment to human dignity inspire the communal purpose of this vibrant facility.
We can’t wait to see them buzzing with activity when school resumes on Monday!
