St Thomas of Canterbury College
Welcome to St Thomas
Whakahirahira te kaupapa nei o o tatou kura
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa
Talofa lava, i matua, malo le soifua. Afio mai.
Welcome to our College. We invite you to join us on the learning highway.
At St Thomas’ we believe that the best preparation for life is an education which fosters excellence in a caring, diverse environment. Our staff are committed to guiding our young men through a broad range of spiritual, academic, cultural and sporting programmes in order for our students to reach their full potential. We are a State Integrated Catholic School for approximately 550 boys from Years 7 to 13, set in a beautiful, peaceful environment in spacious grounds. Our smaller size enables us to provide the maximum attention and resources to our students in order to encourage them to develop a healthy self-image, relaxed but confident personal skills and a positive outlook on life.
The College follows the tradition of the Christian Brothers’ founder, Edmund Rice, with a focus on social justice issues and, particularly, the welfare of marginalised youth. As a Catholic School our mission is to be a place ‘of the human person and for the human person’ with our prime purpose being to develop the fullest humanity of our students. As such, the Catholic character extends far beyond religious education classes and touches upon all aspects of College life. This is reflected in the celebration of liturgy and orientation towards service. The flavour of Catholic life is evident in College and class Masses, retreats, the religious education curriculum and the many service activities students undertake. Senior students are exposed, within their religious
education programme, to a range of speakers who challenge them to consider their spirituality as young men of the 21st century.
Make every effort to undergird your virtue with faith, your knowledge with virtue, your self-control with discernment."
2 Peter 1:5-7
The Motto
- "Virtute Scientiam Complete."
- "To round off knowledge with manliness."
The Star
- The star is at the top of the crest
- It is taken from the emblem of the Cristian Brothers
- It represents faith.
The Shield
- The book is the book of knowledge
- The red background represents the martyrdom of St Thomas
- The stars are taken from the New Zealand flag
- The Pallium represents the See of St Thomas of Canterbury.
Blessed Edmund Rice Prayer
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice. He opened his heart to Christ present in Those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Our Vision
To educate minds and hearts in a Catholic school community embracing the Charism of Edmund Rice
