Our Year 7 students have officially survived their first eight weeks at college! From new subjects to new friends, it’s been a big transition. So, what have they been up to, and how has it felt? We asked them to share their experience…
Kaydence Martin
My first weeks at Aquinas made me smile. I have had so much fun having a memorable day with my peer support. My peer support has shown me I don’t need to be scared that I can make new friends and be myself. They have encouraged me to do more.
To finish our amazing day, we had a big water balloon fight. We filled many balloons with water and threw them at each other, laughing as we got soaked. Everyone was happy and smiling. After all the games, we enjoyed some ice blocks to cool down. The day was full of fun, friendship, and great memories that I will always remember.
We laughed a lot as we played, and everyone was full of energy.
Maverick Damasco
Peer support was my favourite as well because we could ask unanswered questions that we thought of that they know. Even the games were cool. It has helped me with my transition to Aquinas, because now I know the whole place.
Kaiya Dinan
I felt welcomed to Aquinas and excited for each new day! Each week I had Peer support. I think peer support is fun and I have some big kids to look up to or ask for help when needed.
After a few assemblies, I had goals for Year 13. I wanted to get a scholarship in Biology so it can help me become a dentist.
Levi Drummond
After the first few weeks at Aquinas I feel more comfortable because I know my way around the overwhelming school grounds and I have memorised my timetable. Peer support has been super helpful with my transition to Aquinas because it took my mind off work and other stressful things in my life.
Peer support was super fun especially the finale and I am super excited to see my Peer support leaders every second week.
Blake Gallagher
On my first day at Aquinas College, I felt a little frightened because I’ve never been to a school with college kids. They were so tall and big I had to look up when I talked to one.
In Year 13 I would like to be in a school band and studying music as a subject. This is because I would be a lot better at playing my instruments by then. I would also understand more about music as a subject, by the time I am in Year 13.
Mason Gesalta
When it comes to subjects, honestly, I couldn’t stop thinking about PE and French. I am the type of person who’s very much into sports and outdoor activities. French excites me because my cousins from Canada speak the language. I am even sharing what I have learned at home with the family.
Nelle Goodhue
On my first day I was so nervous. My heart was pounding. My head was hurting. Not because I had a headache but because the sun was so hot that day. I saw my friends and I ran over to them. We were all so excited. We all thought we looked so fancy and grown up.
The peer support helped me understand the rules of the school, because if I have any questions I can just ask my peer support leader and I get the answer I need.
In Year 13 I would love to win an award no matter what it is – from the Grace Cup to the Aquinas Cup. In Year 11 I would like to be a peer support leader too. This year I am excited to go through all of the TECH classes. I reckon my favourite will be one of the design classes.
Dasung Lee
My favourite subject is food tech and PE. But the one big thing that I like about Aquinas is that people were so kind! I’m so excited to do my peer support for my group when I am Year 11.
Ella Saunders
When I first walk into this class every day, I wonder how fun and exciting each day will be and so far, every day has been amazing. I have lots of friends at AC and every day I play with them, I have lots of fun with them. Though my friends are not the only thing that I’m enjoying at AC. I also really enjoy PE and food tech; they are my favorite things so far.
In Year 11 I would like to be a peer support leader. I can’t wait to be a senior because I would like to get a scholarship.
Nevaeh Strode
I really love Peer Support. It’s really fun and makes my day playing and talking with them. My Peer Support leaders are really funny, friendly and are super fun to be around! The concept was as if you had a big brother or sister at Aquinas.
Edwina Brobin
I think the most challenging thing about transferring to college is probably finding my way around, working out how to use the timetable(that was difficult) plus leaving my other friends back at primary school. I have enjoyed being with my home room teacher and food tech. On my first day of school I was very nervous. Lots of thoughts stormed into my head like a tornado. Like if I will be in the same class as my friends and that I [hope I] don’t get a strict teacher. After my first few weeks in Aquinas I feel very confident and I know the whole school top to bottom.
Annabel Jones
My favourite subject in Aquinas college is food tech. Why? I have heaps of reasons! Thinking about it, work in the Food Tech booklet would be the worst subject if it was one. But the amazing cooking probably makes up for the horrible book work. The food tech room always smells like freshly baked cookies which is always nice. In food tech I don’t just like eating, I also love baking.
Sera Sinoj
I feel great. The first week was hard, but now I’m used to it. I know where to go and how to read the timetable. I got to know my teacher and Aquinas a little bit more.
My favorite subject is food tech because I love to cook and make stuff. I also love all other subjects (except maths). I love that at least one of my friends is in my class and that I have a friendly teacher.
Sophie Silbery
My first weeks at Aquinas College were memorable! Getting used to the school routines was a bit hard, but I found my way! I haven’t learnt all the teachers at the school but I’m slowly remembering who they are. I have been at this school for a while and I have already made lots of friends, and got to know all of them. The Te Reo classes have helped me learn my culture’s language – Te Reo Māori – that I have always wanted to learn. I loved the peer support finale! I didn’t have a favourite activity from the finale because I loved the whole thing! Peer support helped me to make new friends and get used to the new environment I’m in.
Jarron Nathan Rigon
After lunchtime, we had peer support which was really fun and exciting. When school finished, we had a parent meeting about what happens at school, which I listened to carefully. After that there was a sausage sizzle which was yum.
Until today, my favourite subject is food tech because I love cooking which is fun. I’m learning French and how to cook which is useful for the future when I’m an adult.
Chloe Forlong
The thing I was most scared about was probably all of the tests and homework I would have to do but I found out it was so easy so I was relieved. After the first few weeks I started to feel more comfortable and confident with the classes I was going to and the people around me.
My favourite subjects at school are Food Tech and P.E. Food Tech is really exciting because I love making new foods and seeing different recipes.
So far I’ve loved Aquinas College and I really look forward to all the years ahead of me. In my final year of school, I aspire to earn a scholarship in maths and science.