Students and families from St Therese, West Wollongong, gathered together to celebrate more than $6m worth of student-centred refurbishments when the Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev Brian Mascord DD, visited the school on Friday 18 November 2022 to officially bless and open the facilities.

Bishop Brian was joined by Father Duane Fernandez - Parish Priest of St Therese, West Wollongong; Peter Hill - CEDoW Director of Schools, and Mr Paul Scully - Member of Parliament. 

The project which commenced in 2021, included two small extensions, the refurbishment of eight primary classrooms in the original 1960's building, the inclusion of a lift and break out spaces to accommodate 21st century learning and the evolving needs of students, along with work to the St Therese Parish Centre, the external facade and landscaping. 

Director of Schools, Peter Hill, said the updated facilities represent CEDoW's ongoing commitment to providing quality learning and teaching environments for students and their families throughout the Diocese.

“The purpose of a Catholic school is to give students every opportunity in life and to assist them to continually grow in faith and learning,” said Mr Hill.

“St Therese is a parish school and the refurbishment provides greater opportunities for students to grow and achieve their best—academically, socially, physically, and spiritually through the strengthening of the rich relationship shared between school and parish.”

Established in 1939, St Therese now has enrolments of more than 360 students with family backgrounds from over 30 different countries of origin. St Therese’s principal, Stephen Thorne, said staff and students are loving the additional space in a new light and airy environment.

"Refurbishment of the classrooms has been a long time coming,” said Mr Thorne. “We knew the benefits this work would provide; however, the reality after has far exceeded our expectations.”