St Thomas More College

In 1974, Brisbane faced devastating floods. Amidst the chaos, a new beacon of education emerged: St Thomas More College. St Thomas More College opened its doors to 75 boys, led by the first lay principal of a Brisbane Diocesan Education Office college, Jim Slingsby. This marked a significant departure from tradition, a progressive step reflecting the changing times. The next year, St Thomas More College welcomed girls, becoming coeducational. This pioneering spirit continued with the development of a unique pastoral care program. It focused on essential life skills and Christian values. This program served as a model for other institutions. Initially, St Thomas More College challenged conventions by foregoing corporal punishment and uniforms. This fostered a progressive learning environment. The college’s motto, “God’s Servant First”, embodies the values of its namesake, St. Thomas More. These values permeate every aspect of the college, from academics to extracurriculars. The college’s growth is a testament to community involvement. The Parents & Friends Association and Mothers Club played a vital role in fundraising for the expansion of the original Turton Building. The dedicated staff ensured that Gospel values were interwoven into all aspects of college life. Under the leadership of subsequent principals, St Thomas More College embraced change while upholding its core principles. Uniforms were introduced in 1980, starting with a sports polo shirt, with the formal uniform becoming compulsory in 1989. Principals like Chris Noonan and Peter Elmore spearheaded advancements in infrastructure and technology, enhancing the campus. These improvements led to a surge in enrolments, solidifying the college’s reputation in South Brisbane. More recent developments under Principal Les Conroy’s leadership include the Chapel of St. Thomas More, The Thomas More Café, and improvements to the school entrance and parking. The chapel itself has a unique story. Originally Our Lady of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cooranga, it was relocated to St Thomas More College in 2017. This incredible feat involved transporting the church body and roof separately on a 380-kilometer journey. Today, St Thomas More College continues to thrive with over 1,100 students. It serves as a testament to its enduring vision. It stands as a vibrant hub for education, sports, arts, and community events.