Extra-Curricular Activities
Band
Band 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.
Chorale
Students 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 after school practice and regular attendance.
Sports
The 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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