History:
The parish of St Thomas More started in February 1964, with Father Mulligan as the first parish priest. The school opened in 1965 with Miss Clara Anson in charge. The first classrooms were situated in the old 鈥榯in鈥� building that was built that year. These rooms were also used as a Church on the weekends and a youth centre.
The school grew rapidly and five more brick classrooms were added on the eastern side. The grounds were sealed and a hall added a few years later. A small convent facing North St was built to accommodate a group of Dominican Sisters, who came from Malta to look after the school from 1969. This started a strong bond with the Maltese community.
In July 1980, a devastating wind storm destroyed all but the original 鈥榯in鈥� building. This resulted in the school being completely rebuilt with 11 classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, a staff room and offices on the western side under the supervision of Principal, Mrs Pauline Zappulla. In 1995 work began on a new eastern wing, including four new learning areas, toilets, a canteen and a sports storeroom. This necessitated the demolition of the 鈥榯in shed鈥�. At the same time refurbishment of the southern building was undertaken to enable the establishment of a modern administration area, a library and staff areas. These were all completed in 1996. At the end of that year Mrs Poon was appointed as Principal.
In 2000 the school received the National Literacy Award, a great recognition of the commitment of staff and administration to excellence in education. The Award was accompanied by a $10,000 cheque which helped to bolster the school's literacy materials.
In 2008 Mrs Marcy De Nardis was appointed Principal. A major loan followed by grants such as the NSP, BER and Catholic Capital Grants saw the installation of synthetic turf on the sports green, a new Macintosh network, refurbishment of the main building and the installation of Promethean Interactive Whiteboards in every classroom. Currently with BER funding St Thomas More is undertaking a significant building program with the refurbishment of the school hall and the construction of a 21st Century Learning Centre/Library.
Description:
The school population is now over 420 children from 20 different cultural backgrounds. There are 14 recently refurbished, spacious learning spaces that open onto shared learning areas. A newly renovated multi-purpose hall is used for community gatherings, whole school assemblies, physical education, dance and drama activities.
The school is surrounded by landscaped gardens including vegetable gardens, with shaded playing areas of both hard and rubberised surfaces. A designated football/soccer/athletics playing field has recently been
resurfaced with synthetic grass. There is also a netball/basketball court, bocce courts, two en-tout-cas tennis courts and an adventure playground on the property. A new 21st Century Library/Learning Centre is currently under construction.
Features:
鈥� A nurturing Catholic community with gospel values
鈥� A youthful, vibrant and innovative staff
鈥� Award winning building designs
鈥� Spacious, bright classrooms
鈥� A safe, secure environment
鈥� Latest Apple Macintosh technology
鈥� Promethean Interactive Whiteboards in every classroom
鈥� Well-equipped playing areas with synthetic sports green
鈥� Kelly Sports Physical Education teachers
鈥� Choir and keyboard lessons
鈥� Oz tennis private lessons
鈥� Bounce Back, Student Welfare, Student Safety Club and Restorative Practice Anti-Bullying programs
鈥� Literacy intervention - Reading Recovery and ERIK intervention
鈥� Before and After School Hours program
鈥� Interschool sports
鈥� Integration and Extension programs (MOPS and GATEWAYS)
鈥� Bi-annual Concert and Art Shows
鈥� Whole School Independence/Camping program