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Extra-Curricular ActivitiesBandBand is offered at the beginner and advanced levels to any interested students beginning in 4th grade. Families pay a quarterly fee to the Garwood Whaley Music Program, a highly respected diocesan-wide band program. Students meet with the band director for sectional lessons and full band practice once a week. Both the beginner and advanced bands perform two concerts a year, in December and May. The advanced band competes at the Diocesan Band Festival in February. Band members are also called upon to play at special events such as Grandparents' Day and school Masses. Seventh and eighth grade students are eligible to participate in the Honor Band at Bishop Ireton High School after nomination by the band director. ChoraleStudents in grades 4-8 may audition for a place in the Aquinas Chorale, which provides vocal and instrumental accompaniment primarily at school Masses. This is a serious musical endeavor requiring before or after school practice and regular attendance. The Money Club (NEW!)The Money Club was created to offer students in Grades 4 through 8 an opportunity to learn financial concepts in a fun, hands-on way. Each member will receive a job, track expenses and create an investment portfolio from an inheritance. Different financial topics are explored and discussed each month with the intention of exposing students to sound financial principals and fiscal responsibility. Students learn that money earned can be spent , saved or donated to help others; all within a fun atmosphere. The club meets on the third Tuesday of each month. YearbookThe Yearbook Club provides students an opportunity to produce the school’s yearbook using Adobe Photoshop and the on-line yearbook design program, Web Ease. Students in grades sixth through eighth must submit an application along with a parent commitment form to be considered for the Club. Yearbook members not only participate in the planning, organization, layout, and selling of the yearbook, but they also act as photographers for school events. The Club meets every Thursday during the school year from 3:00-4:00 PM in the computer lab.DebateThe Debate Club provides students with an opportunity to study and discuss current issues, develop public speaking skills and present logical arguments. Students participate in fun exercises, games and role plays that expose them to the style and substance prerequisites needed for effective debating. These include:
Once students have mastered the fundamentals, they will actually engage in formal and informal debates on relevant current issues. The club meets one Thursday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 PM. ChessThe STARS Chess Club provides students with an opportunity to learn more about and, or build on their current Chess skills. Experienced club members share their knowledge with novice players. All members are encouraged to engage in friendly competition. SportsThe Athletic Program is an extracurricular program sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School through the work of volunteer parents and teachers. The program is self-supporting. It is an athletic program open to St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School students who meet the eligibility criteria set by the teachers and school administration.
The program exists for the students of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School in order to foster positive school spirit, good sportsmanship, character formation, positive experience in team participation and, most importantly, an enjoyable time for the students. The program emphasizes skill development and honest hard work. Although winning is enjoyable, it is not the primary focus of the program. The school administration, Athletic Director (AD), and volunteer coaches emphasize this. However, in order to effectively manage large teams, students may be placed according to skill level on a team. Every student is guaranteed some playing time. Aquinas parent volunteers support the program by coaching, volunteering time at the games, practices, and concession stands. Volunteers are a very important part of the program. It is necessary for parents to give of their time as well as their presence at different functions. If volunteers do not come forward, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School will not be able to furnish a sports program for the students.
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