Celebrations planned

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 22

Celebrations planned

The Saint Thomas of Canterbury College will celebrate its jubilee in February. The college, which was established to provide a Catholic education for boys in the south-west area of Christchurch, opened its doors in 1961 with a roll of 110 pupils in Forms I, II and 111.

Twenty-five years later the school has a roll of just over 400, with pupils attending classes from Form I to

As the college has grown, it has made an impact both academically and in sports. The school has developed a strength in rugby and cricket and competes with some of the larger secondary schools in Christchurch.

Saint Thomas’s was initially owned by the Diocese of Christchurch and was handed over to the Christian Brothers Congregation in 1963.

The history and growth of the school is the story of the hard work and dedication of the brothers and parents and friends of the school. They seemed ever ready to roll up their shirt sleeves to help out, whether it was organising a fair, levelling paddocks or contributing financially.

Since 1981, when it integrated into the State system, Saint Thomas’s has been building and renovating blocks to comply with the State code for a school of its size. This has meant a big improvement in the conditions for staff and pupils and in resources and equipment. It shares its facilities with Villa Maria. Senior pupils from Villa Maria attend classes in physics and maths at Saint Thomas’s college, and the boys attend some classes at Villa Maria. A sports pavilion and lounge is planned to replace a building which was originally a barn and a stable for racehorses. Proceeds from a school fair held recently went towards this project. Jubilee celebrations will hopefully bring together old boys and staff and friends who have been associated with the school. The three-day celebrations will include various

get-togethers to suit all. Starting on Friday, February 7, will be a “nattering” and "nogging” session in the school hall. The celebrations will be formally opened by Mrs Margaret Austin, the member of Parliament for Yaldhurst. Old boys and staff will have the opportunity of having their photos taken and signing in. A jubilee party — cabaret style — will be held on Saturday evening at Riccarton Park. For families of boys who are attending the school at present there will be a barbeque at Sockbum Park. A jubilee mass will be held at Sockburn Church on Sunday morning, then a jubilee dinner will be held at Riccarton Park, at 1 p.m., for old boys and staff only. Those wishing to attend are invited to register as soon as possible to ensure the success of the jubilee.