Our history

In 1961, Bishop Brennan invited the Sisters of St Joseph to open a school in Toowoomba – making St Thomas More’s the first Josephite school in the city. 

The school started in a renovated old farmhouse, divided into two classrooms and had 61 students from preschool to Year 4 when it opened. 

Facilities development  

Fr Hall and the parents, in this first year busily organised, with minimal financial resources, the construction of the first block of classrooms and a convent.   

This building was opened on the 8 May 1961 and was the start of a building program that continued with the growth of the school. 

By 1964, 143 students were enrolled from preschool to Year 7. 

From 1967 to 1975 the McKillop block, Hall block and Leonard block were added.  In the 1990s these facilities were upgraded and extended to include administration, a library, computer room, more general learning areas, a courtyard and staffroom facilities.  

The year 2010 saw the Building the Education Revolution funding provide the school with an upgraded library and sports centre.   

The most recent additions were opened in 2021, to facilitate enrolment growth and a move to three classes in each year level. The Leonard Block was extended with the addition of four new classrooms, two covered outdoor learning areas, covered walkways and a lift. 

Religious and lay staff 

Mrs Walker joined the staff as the first lay teacher in 1964, and it wasn’t until 1976 that the first male teacher, Mr Dan Delaney was appointed. 

September 15, 1980 was ‘Destination Day’ for the school, as the last Sister of St Joseph to be principal made way for a lay principal set to commence in 1981. Mr Pat Dwan was the first lay principal.  

On November 30, in the same year there was a farewell Mass and presentation to the Sisters, and so ended 20 years of religious leadership of the school. The Sisters of St Joseph continued a presence in the school until the end of 1995.