After 44 years of service to the St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, West Belconnen community, Father Drinkwater celebrated his final School Mass on Thursday, 4 July.

Although Father Drinkwater has retired, he leaves a lasting legacy as the founding priest of the St Thomas Aquinas Parish.

School Principal, Cameron Johns, thanked Father Drinkwater for his generosity, dedication and support of the school community that has been blessed by his witness.

“Father Drinkwater is an example to others of what it might mean to live a life of service and dedication to the Catholic Church,” he said.

“The children and families are in a surer place because of his witness and we will always be grateful for Father Drinkwater’s support.”