St Thomas of Canterbury School

Historial background

In 1955 a large plot of farming land, covering the area between Romany Road, the A2 and the ‘Rainham Mark Social Club’, became available; but Fr. Scott considered the plot too large for a primary school and the vendor would not sell the land piecemeal. The decision not to buy the plot was to create problems for some time to come: and meanwhile, our children were travelling to neighbouring schools in Chatham, Gillingham and Sittingbourne. Miss Dorothy Howard, the Chief Education Officer for Gillingham at that time, became so concerned about the overcrowding at St. Mary’s School in Gillingham, that she intervened personally to find a solution. Part of the site on which the new Howard School was to be built was offered to the Catholic authorities, but this was not accepted, and it was not until November 21st 1965 that Fr. Gleeson was able to announce that the building of Phase I of the St. Thomas of Canterbury Primary School was soon to commence on a site in Romany Road, and to request the names, ages and baptismal certificates of prospective pupils.

In spite of all the years of waiting there were only 35 pupils enrolled when the school opened on January 5th 1967; but after an open day held one Sunday during the first term, there was a significant increase in numbers when the school re-opened after the Easter holiday, and numbers rose to 108 in the September of 1967. With only four classrooms built in Phase I, accommodation in the school was already becoming a problem. Applications for places were being received daily, and again, Miss Howard came to the rescue. As a temporary measure two classrooms were made available at St. Margaret’s Church of England Primary School, but as the rate of development in the entire area was intensifying, with houses being built in Lower Rainham, Parkwood, Farthing Corner and Hempstead, the school extension which finally opened in September 1970 was desperately needed.

There were now ten classrooms and a hall in the complex and this remained unchanged until the autumn term of 1999 when a new kitchen was built adjacent to the hall and the original kitchen block converted into a reception class and head teacher’s office.

The first Foundation Governors of the school were Fr. John Gleeson (Chairman), Mrs. Marjorie Harping, Major Fielder and Major John Van Walwyk, who, with two Local Education Authority (L.E.A) Governors, appointed Mr. Thomas (Tom) Carter as head teacher. This was the only permanent appointment made initially: the other teachers were offered only temporary contracts. The first permanent teachers were appointed for September 1968.

In Mr Carter’s opinion it was a blessing that so few children were enrolled when the school opened as these proved to be an excellent foundation on which to build. Because they were so few all were involved in extra school activities. They were happy, very well behaved, and eager to learn; a pleasure to teach and the parents were exceptional in their support and trust.

From the beginning transport of children to and from the school was a problem that was solved only when a small committee headed by Mr. Carter and members of the P.T.A. pressured the Local Education Authority (L.E.A.) into including St. Thomas’ children on an already existing service that ran from Farthing Corner to Parkwood, which as these two areas were still divided by a wood, had to run via Meirscourt Road and Maidstone Road. Over time the nature of the problem changed and the service of mini-buses was obtained: and later still, as the number of pupils continued to increase, double decker buses. The administration of this service was a major operation for the transport committee who arranged the collection of fares and schedules of pick-up points. It was not until 1991, by which time most families ran one, if not two cars, that the bus service, and with it the transport committee ceased to function.

With excellent teachers and supportive parents the standard of education in the school has always been high; and since the introduction of Standard Attainment Tasks (S.A.T.S.), which test children at ‘Key’ stages on the core subjects of English, Maths, Science and I.T., these high standards are now quantifiable. Religious Education is an integral part of the school curriculum, with parents and parish catechists being involved in the preparation of pupils making their First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation.

The pursuit of excellence in academic subjects does not preclude the children’s enjoyment in taking part in school productions of plays and musicals. These productions are always well rehearsed, and the enjoyment of parents and guests is heightened by the professionalism of the sets and props effected by members of staff.

Physical Education, athletics and sports have always played an important role in the school; and in competition events with other Medway schools, St. Thomas’ teams are well respected.

To date there have been only two head teachers at St. Thomas’ School. Mr. Carter, who retired in July 1989, has been succeeded by Mr. Neil McKenzie; while deputy head teachers have included Mr. Noel Sturla and Mr. Peter Keegan, both of whom left to take up appointments as head teachers: Mrs. May O’Donnell, Mrs. Lynn Dennis and Mrs. Katie Kane, who was herself a former pupil of the school.