St Thomas’s school marks 40 years embedded in community

THREE days of celebrations were held in St Thomas’s Senior National School in Jobstown last week, to mark 40 years since the school was established.

On Wednesday, the celebration was centred on the current pupils, who were treated to ice-cream, an extended yard break and got no homework on the day to recognise the milestone.

Parents and the community came to the school on Thursday for the 40th anniversary, where they had some refreshments and reflected on the key role the school has played in the area over the years.

On Friday, staff past and present went to the school to share their own experiences in the school and their pride at how it’s grown over the years.

A talk was also given in recognition of local mental health community group Walk and Talk, who recently rebuilt the school’s outdoor classroom after it was burnt down by vandals.

When asked why the community, students and staff feel so strongly about the school and eagerly engaged with the 40th anniversary celebrations, principal John Rennick said the school is embedded in the community.

“I think the school has always worked for the community, and the school has always sought to help and, first and foremost, make sure the children were looked after,” he told The Echo.

“I think the staff have always advocated for the school and the community and they’ve always just cared for people.

“And I think there’s a lot of sentimental attachment to the school for people.”

As for Mr Rennick’s hopes for the next 50 years of St Thomas’s SNS, he said he hopes the Department of Education continues to invest in the school and support the community.

St Thomas’s SNS was established in mid-December 1982, after St Thomas’s was split into junior and senior schools due to the growing population in the area.

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