The Thomas Centre Grand Opening Ceremony

On 20 June, local, state and federal government representatives, distinguished guests and parents gathered for the official opening ceremony of The Thomas Centre primary facilities.

The Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources, together with College founders Dr Gerry and Ps Maureen McCoy, officially cut the ribbon and declared the school open, while Ps Joanne Thomas blessed the school in prayer.

Students from the Primary School Choir performed a song," Go The Distance," while presenting a time capsule of items and writings to be buried on the premises and opened in 2074.

The King's College Board Chair, Mrs Tammy Fenwick, expressed her immense pride and heartfelt gratitude to those who have served the College in its earliest stages and nurtured it through to maturation to become the school that it is today. "This day marks a significant milestone in our school's history, as we honour two exceptional individuals who have dedicated their lives to the education and betterment of our students: Joanne and Keith Thomas.

Joanne Thomas, our longest-serving principal, played a vital role in the leadership of this institution for 12 years as a principal and over 23 years as a member of staff. Her faithful service, unwavering commitment, and compassionate guidance have shaped the lives of countless students and staff members. Her students remember her with great fondness as she not only taught them but also sowed faith and wisdom into their lives. Under her stewardship, our school fostered a nurturing and faith-filled environment where every child was encouraged to reach their fullest potential and grow in their understanding of the Good News about Jesus. Joanne's legacy is etched into the very fabric of our school community, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.

Keith Thomas, Joanne's devoted husband, has also played an integral role in the growth and development of our school. As a sports teacher, Keith inspired a love for physical activity and teamwork in our students, instilling values of perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship. Mr Thomas founded the inaugural "Endurathon" fundraiser, which built endurance for running and gave students the opportunity to raise much-needed funds for the College. His passion for woodworking and his remarkable craftsmanship are evident in the numerous building projects he contributed to on our campus. The structures he helped create not only provided functional spaces for learning and recreation but also added a touch of beauty and character to our school grounds.

Together, Joanne and Keith have given their time, energy, and talents to this school with a level of dedication that is truly extraordinary. Their combined efforts have left an indelible mark on our community, and it is only fitting that we honour their contributions in a way that will endure for years to come. 

While funding for this project is principally provided by The King's College, we acknowledge the important role of the Australian Government in funding capital projects for Christian Schools. The Federal Government's contribution to the Capital Grants Scheme is absolutely vital to ensuring the provision of places of learning that inspire and uphold the faith and values of school communities. 

We also acknowledge the Low Interest Loan facility offered by the WA State Government. While this is a helpful mechanism to secure funding, the pressure on schools to continue to build safe and inspiring places of learning is immense as inflation and market economy impacts make it more challenging to provide value for money projects. 

Together, we will continue to build upon the strong foundation as new generations of students get the opportunity to learn in the wonderful Thomas Centre facilities. May it long remain a place of learning, growth, and inspiration for generations to come."