School Renewal Action Plan - St Thomas More College

A significant feature of our growing connection has been the increasing number of staff who attend week
end mass at Our Lady of Lourdes. Although many staff reside outside of the Parish, the growing connection
between the College and the Parish has been identified by these staff as to the reason why they attend
mass at Our Lady of Lourdes. The appointment of Steven Bird in May 2011 as Campus Minister, with his
strong connection with the Parish, has also assisted with building relationships with the Parish.
Visit to Thomas More College Adelaide: Over the long week end in May the College sent a delegation to
visit Thomas More College Adelaide. Over the last couple of years we have had conversations with the
Principal of Thomas More College in Adelaide about establishing a connection between the two colleges.
Like us, they have the motto of ‘God’s Servant First’ and through conversations with the principal and a
scan of their website, we appear to have more in common than our patron saint. They are the only other
secondary college in Australia that is named after St Thomas More. The visit by the Principal, Deputy
Principal and College Leaders was the first step in building a connection and relationship that over time will
allow us to share ideas as both communities build the charism of St Thomas More in their college
communities.
Social Justice Work: The College continued to support social justice initiatives and in particular Caritas
(through Project Compassion), the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal and Christmas Hampers and Catholic
Mission. This year through staff and students through our fundraising activities such as Mission Weeks have
raised over $1850 for charities such as Caritas and the Presentation Sisters.
The College also hosted a return visit by Warralong Community School in term 3. This was a great
opportunity for the students who participated in the immersion experience in 2011 to reacquaint
themselves with the students from Warralong. The College is continuing to work towards a yearly
immersion experience as part of the College’s social justice program.
College History Committee: The History Committee continued to meet during the 2012 school year. Of
significance has been the appointment of a professional historian, Mr Neville Buch, as the lead researcher
and writer of our College history. Significant research has happened in 2012, in particular in the recording
of the oral stories of former and current St Thomas More staff, parents and students. Additionally, there
has been significant archiving College records has taken place. The committee’s goal is to complete the
important research phase by the end of 2012 and have a book detailing the College’s history completed in
time for the 40 year anniversary in 2014. The aim is to write the book in 2013.
Opening of new College Chapel: At the start of the 2012 school year we opened the new Chapel of St
Thomas More. Fr Dan Ryan led a staff liturgy which was also attended by members of the College Board
and History Committee. The new Chapel has proved to be a great place to gather for staff and student
prayer, liturgies and mass over 2012.
Retreats: The College continued to further develop and refine our retreat program and there was some
growth in integrating this program with the year level Life Skills programs. Significantly, our College still
offers a retreat/outdoor education experience in every year and the work done in ensuring that there is a
faith element in all year levels supports our evangelising mission. The generosity of staff in offering their
time and energy in joining their Pastoral Care class as part of our overnight camp/retreat program also
supports the development of better staff and student relationships.
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