Early days

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 22

Early days

The setting up of the Saint Thomas of Canterbury College came shortly after it was decided that New Zealand should become separate from the Australian Province of Christian Brothers. The late Very Reverend Brother E. Clancy appointed the late Brother C. C. Marlow as Provincial of the new Province in August, 1959.

Brother Marlow thought the establishment of new schools would help the new province to flourish. The late Bishop E. M. Joyce was enthusiastic about establishing a boys’ secondary school in the western part of Christchurch. Talks with the late Father J. J. Sullivan by the bishop and Brother Marlow brought to fruition the idea of such a school in the rapidly developing Sockburn area. Architects and builders were immediately consulted and the project was under way. So on April 24, 1960, Bishop Joyce blessed the foundation stone of the Saint Thomas of Canterbury College. The college was opened on Monday, February 6,

1961. The roll consisted of 25 boys in Form 111, 38 boys in Form II and 36 boys in Form I.

An outdoor gymnasium was built in that year. It consisted of a set of Roman rings, horizontal bar, parallel bars and a vaulting horse with a springboard. Labour and materials were generously donated. An 3.2-hectare block of land opposite the school entrance was purchased in April. This land has been invaluable in the expansion of the school and provision for recreation.

The college was graced by the visit of Archbishop de Furstenberg, the Apostolic Delegate. In addition to the normal school routine many sporting activities were initiated, including cricket, football, athletics, cross-country and swimming.

Another 70 pupils plus a new staff member joined the school in 1962.

It was noted that boys were coming from far and wide to attend the school. Their homes were in Sockburn, Hornby, Riccarton, Addington, Hoon Hay, Lincoln, St Albans, Beckenham,

Papanui, New Brighton, Mairehau, Woolston, Dallington, St Mary’s, Leeston and Darfield. A small block at the entrance to the playing fields which did not belong to the college was purchased by the provincial, Brother Marlow. In 1963, pupils increased in number from 180 to 210. Brothers Coughlan and Carroll were transferred and Brothers Boreham, Dowling and Hunter joined the staff.

The transformation of a stable and barn into dressing and storage sheds was begun in March, 1963. A working-bee of parents and brothers worked every Saturday until it was completed in May. The establishment of the Parents and Friends Association was a further step in the development of college life. This association is still active today in supporting and raising funds for the school. Saint Thomas boys sat

their first public examination — School Certificate. Three passed and they returned in 1964 to study for University Entrance. For the first time, in 1964, Saint Thomas had a Sixth Form. There was a feeling that somehow the college had “come of age.” Sadly though, the year had begun with the deaths of two men closely involved with the college. The parish priest of Sockburn, Father John O’Sullivan, died on January 19; and the founder of the college, Bishop Joyce died on January 28.

The school now had 230 boys on their roll. The staff consisted of Brothers McClintock, Rodgers, Mahon, Carroll, Hunter and Mullin. Brothers Shepherd and Gillies joined the staff. During the year, a large two-storey science and classroom block was constructed, and three more acres of land were added to the playing fields.

Again, in 1965, the roll increased. The school had 245 pupils. Lay staff were employed for the first time that year.

The school now had two third forms divided on a language - non - language basis.

The brothers and boys were saddened by the death of Brother Rodgers on August 6. The parents of the boys provided transport so that every boy in the college was able to attend the Requiem Mass in the Cathedral and obsequies at the graveside.