St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Over the March break, the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Travel Club embarked on an adventure to Europe, engaging in history, culture, and art. With 40 students and 5 teachers, the trip was not just a vacation but an educational journey that left a lasting mark on everyone involved.

The trip kicked off in London, where the group experienced the heart of the city. From a city walk along the Thames River to exploring iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, the students were engaged in the energy of the British capital.

Teacher, James Trudeau commented that “one of the most interesting parts of our London tour was finding out that our hotel was next door to the East London Mosque in Whitechapel. As our tour took place during Ramadan, we heard the call to prayer every evening and found ourselves amidst 7000 worshippers exiting the Mosque after the evening service. Signs in the neighbourhood encouraged Zakat (or almsgiving). It was especially gratifying to see our older students making connections to their World Religions classes.”

Visiting the museums proved to be a highlight of the trip commented teacher Katie McNaulty. It gave the students an incredible opportunity to witness famous paintings firsthand, an experience that left everyone in awe. The journey in London also included the group attending a live theatre performance of "Wicked" in London's West End which was enjoyed by all.

The trip continued to Paris with a whirlwind tour of iconic landmarks, from the Notre-Dame Cathedral to The Eiffle Tower and The Louvre. But a highlight for everyone was venturing into the French countryside of Normandy. This was not part of the original tour but during the planning stages, McNaulty requested it was an addition to the trip be added in, and they are so glad they did.

Throughout the journey, the students embraced the opportunity to put their learning into practice, conversing in French.  Mr. Trudeau stated, it was a gratifying sight to see students using their classroom knowledge in a real-world experience.

With plans already underway for the next European excursion in 2026, the spirit of exploration and discovery continues to thrive at St. Thomas Aquinas School.

"The world is our classroom, and each journey is an opportunity to expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of the world around us." With Europe's timeless allure beckoning, the STAHS Travel Club stands ready to embark on their next great adventure.  - James Trudeau