St.Thomas More Catholic Primary School

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St Thomas More's School is situated on 23 acres in an attractive, rural setting in Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza, Victoria. It was originally opened in June 1981 with 126 students from the parishes of St Macartan’s, Mornington, and St Francis Xavier’s in Frankston. The building of the school preceded that of the church, which was officially opened by Archbishop Francis Little on 12 June 1983. Bishop Hilton Deakin was appointed as the first parish priest, and provided the vision and spiritual leadership to establish a strong and vibrant Catholic community in Mt Eliza.

His successor, Father Peter Fulton, was appointed in February 1988. He continued to lead the faith community until his retirement in December 2000. Father Laurie Pearson was appointed as parish priest in January 2001 and currently provides guidance and pastoral care to over 1000 Catholic families in the Mt Eliza community.

[edit] School description

St Thomas More’s Primary School is a parish school, which is committed to the teachings of the Catholic faith and to the provision of quality programs that foster the full and balanced development of each child. The school population has grown steadily from the original 126 in 1981, to approximately 330 students in 2006. These children from 210 families are mostly of Anglo-Saxon descent and the school has a high socio-economic index rating of 16, establishing it as a community of children with high educational advantage.

In 2006, the school has 13 grades with 24 teaching and non-teaching staff, who are highly skilled and dedicated to the ethos of Catholic education. Cooperation, respect and shared responsibility are values fostered throughout the school. The curriculum is extensive and acknowledges the individuality of students in terms of their experience, readiness and ability. The teaching philosophy is based on the acceptance of developmental differences, and the structure of the classes reflects a multi-age approach.

[edit] Special features

The teaching programs at St Thomas More’s have been based on the Victorian Curriculum and Standards Framework. To support the eight key learning areas, there have been specialist teachers appointed in the areas of English, Physical Education, Music, Visual Arts, Library and LOTE. Reading Recovery is also provided for students at risk in literacy achievement in Year 1. St Thomas More’s has participated in major research projects, which include: • 1997– CLaSS (Children’s Literacy Success Strategy) • 2001– SINE (Success in Numeracy Education) • 2002 MYRAD (Middle Years Research and Development) • 2003– Building Literacy – Years 3 & 4.

The ninth, but considered to be the most important, key learning area, is Religious Education, which is reflected in all of the other teaching programs. As directed by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, this program, taught throughout the school, has as its major teaching resource, the graded texts, ‘ To Know, Worship and Love’.

At St Thomas More’s, we recognise that parents are the first and most influential educators in the faith of their children. In partnership, we strive to continue their faith journey through the teaching of the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Parents are encouraged to take responsibility for their children’s faith education, through events and activities which involve family participation and opportunities for liturgical celebration. School and parish groups are strongly linked and cooperate to model the gospel message of service.

St Thomas More’s is an open, friendly school. Participation is encouraged in the many educational, social and fundraising activities organised over the year. The school is supported by an active and enthusiastic Parents Association, which meets regularly and has a clearly defined constitution. Matters of educational and financial policy are overseen by the Parish Education Board, which meets on a monthly basis to advise the parish priest and the principal.

Both the parish and the school have a positive image in the Mt Eliza community. Together, we participate in ecumenical services, community service projects and local business patronage. St Thomas More’s is viewed as a community united by beliefs and traditions and committed to the gospel message of service and love.