History Of St. Thomas's School, Kuching
The Early Years (1848 ~ 1940)
- The missionaries, led by a priest-doctor, Francis Thomas McDougall, arrived in Sarawak on
29th June, 1848.
- On 5th August, he opened a Day School for boys in an empty house in town. The House
School was set up when Rajah James Brooke asked the Mission to adopt four Eurasian
children.
- In September 1848, The Rajah granted a land situated east of the town to the mission. The
Home School moved there in 1849. The Home School was developed into the two familiar
schools in Kuching - St Thomas's for boys and St Mary's for girls.
- The Main Building was opened by the Rajah on 13th August 1886.
- The New Assembly Hall was opened and blessed on the 30th November 1927.
- The Cambridge Junior Certificate examination was first taken in 1930, while in 1935, School Certificate examination
was started.
29th June, 1848.
- On 5th August, he opened a Day School for boys in an empty house in town. The House
School was set up when Rajah James Brooke asked the Mission to adopt four Eurasian
children.
- In September 1848, The Rajah granted a land situated east of the town to the mission. The
Home School moved there in 1849. The Home School was developed into the two familiar
schools in Kuching - St Thomas's for boys and St Mary's for girls.
- The Main Building was opened by the Rajah on 13th August 1886.
- The New Assembly Hall was opened and blessed on the 30th November 1927.
- The Cambridge Junior Certificate examination was first taken in 1930, while in 1935, School Certificate examination
was started.
The Japanese Occupation (1941 ~ 1945)
- On the last day of term, 19th Disember 1941, Kuching was bombed by the Japanese Air Force. The Japanese Army landed in Kuching on
Christmas Eve and occupied the school compound on Christmas Day.
- During 1941, three to four hundred forced laborers were housed in the school. A swimming pool was built but was never completed.
- Several days before the Australians landed on 11th September 1945 the majority of the Japanese troops left Kuching and the school
building were left empty. The school buildings including the Principal's House and offices were dismantled by laborers for firewood and for
making wash bowls and furniture for sale.
Christmas Eve and occupied the school compound on Christmas Day.
- During 1941, three to four hundred forced laborers were housed in the school. A swimming pool was built but was never completed.
- Several days before the Australians landed on 11th September 1945 the majority of the Japanese troops left Kuching and the school
building were left empty. The school buildings including the Principal's House and offices were dismantled by laborers for firewood and for
making wash bowls and furniture for sale.
The Principal's House
The Post War Years (1946 ~ 1962)
- Within three weeks after the Japanese surrender, St. Thomas's School and St. Mary's School reopened as co-ed school but by 9th
January 1946 the two schools separated.
- On 1st May 1947, the restored Main Building was formally opened by the Governor of Sarawak, Sir Charles Arden Clarke.
- The first post-war Cambridge Junior Certificate Examination was held in St. Mary's School Hall in 1947 and twenty one candidates
from St. Thomas's School were successful.
- The first edition of the annual school magazine 'The Thomian' was produced in 1949.
- The Old Thomian Association (OTA) was formed in 1951 and Mr. E.W. Howell was elected President.
- In early 1952, the school was separated in Primary and Secondary Departments.
- On 29th May 1953, the then Governor of Sarawak, Sir Anthony Abell, declared open the new Science Block which was call the
the Centenary Block.
- The first edition of the school paper 'The Square' appeared in May 1955.
January 1946 the two schools separated.
- On 1st May 1947, the restored Main Building was formally opened by the Governor of Sarawak, Sir Charles Arden Clarke.
- The first post-war Cambridge Junior Certificate Examination was held in St. Mary's School Hall in 1947 and twenty one candidates
from St. Thomas's School were successful.
- The first edition of the annual school magazine 'The Thomian' was produced in 1949.
- The Old Thomian Association (OTA) was formed in 1951 and Mr. E.W. Howell was elected President.
- In early 1952, the school was separated in Primary and Secondary Departments.
- On 29th May 1953, the then Governor of Sarawak, Sir Anthony Abell, declared open the new Science Block which was call the
the Centenary Block.
- The first edition of the school paper 'The Square' appeared in May 1955.
The Early St. Thomas School
Independence (1963 ~ 2000)
- On 20th September 1969, the Governor of Sarawak, Tan Sri Tuanku Haji Bujang officially
opened the Datuk James Wong Kim Min Hall.
- On 12th March 1973, the then Minister of Education and former 2nd Prime Minister, Tun
Hussein Onn, formally declared open the new Junior Block.
- The Main Building and the School Library was badly damaged by a fire which broke out
on the night of 5th October 1979, while celebrations were going on in the town on the occasion
of the Ruler's Conference.
- From 1982 onward, Bahasa Malaysia became the medium of instruction.
- The new Science Block was officially opened in 1988.
- The school celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 1998. In the same year, the new canteen was completed.
opened the Datuk James Wong Kim Min Hall.
- On 12th March 1973, the then Minister of Education and former 2nd Prime Minister, Tun
Hussein Onn, formally declared open the new Junior Block.
- The Main Building and the School Library was badly damaged by a fire which broke out
on the night of 5th October 1979, while celebrations were going on in the town on the occasion
of the Ruler's Conference.
- From 1982 onward, Bahasa Malaysia became the medium of instruction.
- The new Science Block was officially opened in 1988.
- The school celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 1998. In the same year, the new canteen was completed.
The Main Building and The School Library
The School Library year 2011
The New Millennium
2004 - Awarded Best STPM results in the country by Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia and won the state level 'Sekolah Harapan' and PBSS
Gold Award.
2005 - Won the national level 'Sekolah Harapan' award and second placing in the state Civil Service Quality Award. Also won the 'Sekolah
Paling Cemerlang' and 'Pengetua Paling Cemerlang' in the 'Anugerah Khas Ketua Menteri Sarawak.'
2006 - Given the recognition as a 'Sekolah Lestari' and won the national level 'River Care Award.'
- Isobel Chong won the 'Best Student Award' for muet in the country.
- The Running Track was officiated and blessed by the Bishop, Datuk Made Katib.
2007 - Won anugerah "Sekolah Sejahtera"
2008 - Featured in the "First Day Cover" on 16th December 2008 (Premier School).
- Celebration of the 160th Anniversary.
2009 - Main Building gazetted as Historical Building.
- Venue for handing over of "Stimulus Package" for aided schools by DPM.
- Venue for management conference for Anglican Schools in Sarawak.
- Chong Jun Foo won The State's Most Promising Sportsman Award.
2010 - Restoration of the Heritage Building (Library Block).
- Building of the Sepak Takraw Court.
Our Badge
The Advent of our badge was entirely designed by and executed by Mr. Kong Yu Siung, one of our Masters. There are three things which should characterise a good-badge; they are the shape, the design or inscription and the motto.
Our badge takes the shape of a shield. Just as the knights of the olden days wore their shields as sources of inspiration and protection, we hope that by wearing our badge we may be constantly reminded to overcome many temptation and ungentlemanly acts in our battle of life.
The design on the badge consists of a mitre, a lamp, a carpenter's square and an animal. The whole crest being surrounded by a girdle with the motto beneath.
The mitre indicates the fact that the school is Christian one under the church with the Bishop as its head, the mitre being the distinctive
head-dress of a Bishop.
The lighted lamp symbolises the light of knowledge that we gather in the school. The carpenter's square is the emblem of St. Thomas; our Patron who was a carpenter.
The animal, as will be recognised by all, is the Badger which is to be found on the crest of the Sarawak Goverment. It was with the permission of the Goverment that we had been allowed to include this in our design as indicating the country in which the school works.
The idea of the girdle of Our Lady surrounding the whole shield has been taken from tradition which says that she threw it to St. Thomas from Heaven. It is very appropriate that the relationship between the two schools - St. Thomas's and St. Mary's - which stand in the same Mission compound, should thus be connected.
The Motto, "Aim Higher", is one which is applicable to all walks of life. It was adopted by the school some 40 years ago by the suggestion of Father Hollis at the school Prize-Giving Day.
Our badge takes the shape of a shield. Just as the knights of the olden days wore their shields as sources of inspiration and protection, we hope that by wearing our badge we may be constantly reminded to overcome many temptation and ungentlemanly acts in our battle of life.
The design on the badge consists of a mitre, a lamp, a carpenter's square and an animal. The whole crest being surrounded by a girdle with the motto beneath.
The mitre indicates the fact that the school is Christian one under the church with the Bishop as its head, the mitre being the distinctive
head-dress of a Bishop.
The lighted lamp symbolises the light of knowledge that we gather in the school. The carpenter's square is the emblem of St. Thomas; our Patron who was a carpenter.
The animal, as will be recognised by all, is the Badger which is to be found on the crest of the Sarawak Goverment. It was with the permission of the Goverment that we had been allowed to include this in our design as indicating the country in which the school works.
The idea of the girdle of Our Lady surrounding the whole shield has been taken from tradition which says that she threw it to St. Thomas from Heaven. It is very appropriate that the relationship between the two schools - St. Thomas's and St. Mary's - which stand in the same Mission compound, should thus be connected.
The Motto, "Aim Higher", is one which is applicable to all walks of life. It was adopted by the school some 40 years ago by the suggestion of Father Hollis at the school Prize-Giving Day.
The School Song
In 1952, the then Archdeacon of Kuching, Archdeacon Michael Lim, wrote the poem below at the request of Father William Lees, who fitted in the tune to that of an old hymm. Father Lees was the principal of St. Thomas's School then. Interestingly, Archdeacon Lim was not informed of the use of his poem as the school song. It was not until around 1970 that he found out that the song his sons occasionally sang was indeed "Papa's Poem" - and written about twenty years ago; Archdeacon Lim recognized his poem in that year's Thomian Magazine his children brought home.
Aim Higher
1. In days of old our founder set
Light on McDougall Hill
Since then it's spread and God has blessed
That light to burn on still
Chorus: Higher and yet higher
shall our aim ever be
Living, giving in this land of the free
2. Our Bishop, fathers and boys of old
Have worked on with one aim
And shall press on forever
Our aim shall be the same
3. Our student come from far and near
Of every race and creed
Our Watchword's one 'Aim Higher'
In thought, in word, in deed
4. Our school shall stand for all that's best
Emblem of high Endeavor
We'll march with a will and God will bless
St. Thomas's school forever
Light on McDougall Hill
Since then it's spread and God has blessed
That light to burn on still
Chorus: Higher and yet higher
shall our aim ever be
Living, giving in this land of the free
2. Our Bishop, fathers and boys of old
Have worked on with one aim
And shall press on forever
Our aim shall be the same
3. Our student come from far and near
Of every race and creed
Our Watchword's one 'Aim Higher'
In thought, in word, in deed
4. Our school shall stand for all that's best
Emblem of high Endeavor
We'll march with a will and God will bless
St. Thomas's school forever
Our Vision
ST. THOMAS'S : The Premier School
Our Mission
St. Thomas's Secondary School, being a premier education institution and in line with its vision and motto "AIM HIGHER", aims to:
- Uphold and promote the inculcation of religious and spiritual values amongst our students and teachers;
- Provide quality education through proper implementation of the national curriculum that develops and emphasizes the critical and creative
thinking domain of our students;
- Promote racial harmony and good health through total participation of our students in co-curriculum and sports activities;
- Provide adequate and modern educational infrastructure that gives our students a better chance to succeed;
- Cultivate a standard that promotes mutual respect and good manners amongst fellow students and teachers;
- Work towards enhancing job satisfaction amongst all staff thereby generating maximum commitment and productivity.
- Uphold and promote the inculcation of religious and spiritual values amongst our students and teachers;
- Provide quality education through proper implementation of the national curriculum that develops and emphasizes the critical and creative
thinking domain of our students;
- Promote racial harmony and good health through total participation of our students in co-curriculum and sports activities;
- Provide adequate and modern educational infrastructure that gives our students a better chance to succeed;
- Cultivate a standard that promotes mutual respect and good manners amongst fellow students and teachers;
- Work towards enhancing job satisfaction amongst all staff thereby generating maximum commitment and productivity.
Our Charter
We pledge with full determination and commitment to:
- Provide quality education for every student
- Make the school an educational institution of the highest standard
- Provide quality education for every student
- Make the school an educational institution of the highest standard
School's Aim & Objective
St. Thomas's Secondary School aim to produce students who are well-balanced as a scholar, sportsman and a gentleman according to the following objectives:
- All Students are able to improve academically as compared to when they first started schooling here from form 1 (based on their 'take-off
value' in UPSR)
- All students are able to discover and realize their potential in extra-curricular activities be it in sports, clubs and societies or uniform units.
- All students have appropriate soft skills, disciplined and patriotic. (Students in this context are defined as normal students, and not
students with special needs that require different approach to educate.)
- All Students are able to improve academically as compared to when they first started schooling here from form 1 (based on their 'take-off
value' in UPSR)
- All students are able to discover and realize their potential in extra-curricular activities be it in sports, clubs and societies or uniform units.
- All students have appropriate soft skills, disciplined and patriotic. (Students in this context are defined as normal students, and not
students with special needs that require different approach to educate.)
The Thomian Pledge
WE, THE STUDENT OF ST. THOMAS'S SECONDARY SCHOOL, KUCHING HEREBY PLEDGE AND PROMISE AT ALL TIMES:
TO UPHOLD THE AUTHORITY OF GOD AND THE LEADERS OF OUR NATION,
TO HONOUR AND RESPECT OUR TEACHERS AND OUR ELDERS,
TO ABIDE BY OUR SCHOOL RULES AND LAWS OF OUR COUNTRY,
TO UPHOLD OUR SCHOOL MOTTO "AIM HIGHER" AS A GUIDING PRINCIPLE IN OUR STUDIES, SPORTS AND CO-CURRICULUR ACTIVITIES,
TO BE UPRIGHT AND USEFUL FUTURE CITIZENS OF OUR SOCIETY, COUNTRY AND THE WORLD.
TO UPHOLD THE AUTHORITY OF GOD AND THE LEADERS OF OUR NATION,
TO HONOUR AND RESPECT OUR TEACHERS AND OUR ELDERS,
TO ABIDE BY OUR SCHOOL RULES AND LAWS OF OUR COUNTRY,
TO UPHOLD OUR SCHOOL MOTTO "AIM HIGHER" AS A GUIDING PRINCIPLE IN OUR STUDIES, SPORTS AND CO-CURRICULUR ACTIVITIES,
TO BE UPRIGHT AND USEFUL FUTURE CITIZENS OF OUR SOCIETY, COUNTRY AND THE WORLD.
Board of Management SMB. St. Thomas
President : The Right Reverend Datuk Bolly Lapok
Chairman : Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot
Vice Chairman : Mr. Edgar Ong
Secretary : Mr. Encharang Agas
Committee Members : Mr. Stanley Eddy Mr. Charlie Laman
Mr. Stephen Chia Mr. John Ko
Mr. Edmund Stanley Jugoh
Ex-Officio Members : The Very Reverend Michael Buma ak Galami
Mr. Wong Hiong Foo
Mdm. Alice Chung
Chairman : Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot
Vice Chairman : Mr. Edgar Ong
Secretary : Mr. Encharang Agas
Committee Members : Mr. Stanley Eddy Mr. Charlie Laman
Mr. Stephen Chia Mr. John Ko
Mr. Edmund Stanley Jugoh
Ex-Officio Members : The Very Reverend Michael Buma ak Galami
Mr. Wong Hiong Foo
Mdm. Alice Chung
Seated (L-R) : Mdm. Alice Chung, Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot, Rt. Revd. Datuk Bolly Lapok, Mr. Edgar Ong,
Mr. Encharang Agas
Second row (L-R) : Mr. Edmund Stanley Jugol, Mr. Douglas Telajan, Mr. Wong Hiong Foo, The Very Revd. Michael Buma,
Mr. Stephen Chia
Parent Teacher Association/Persatuan Ibu Bapa Guru (P.I.B.G)
SMK. St. Thomas 2011 ~ 2012
Adviser : Mr. Wong Hiong Foo
President : Mr. Shaiful Taha
Vice President : Mdm. Noriah Haron
Secretary : Mdm. Fadhillah Binti Haji Mohd. Saad
Treasurer : Mr. Kippa ak Liyu
Vice Treasurer : Mdm. Nur Ashraniza Shafie
Commitee members : Mr. Ajeng Ajok Mr. Ho Tui Kang
Mr. Mathew Gasan Mr. Kamri Hip
Mdm. Norma Wenceslaus Mr. Collin Laja
Mr. Nicholas Mr. Tajuddin Abu Talip
Mr. Mark Ferguson Miss Sylvia Teo
President : Mr. Shaiful Taha
Vice President : Mdm. Noriah Haron
Secretary : Mdm. Fadhillah Binti Haji Mohd. Saad
Treasurer : Mr. Kippa ak Liyu
Vice Treasurer : Mdm. Nur Ashraniza Shafie
Commitee members : Mr. Ajeng Ajok Mr. Ho Tui Kang
Mr. Mathew Gasan Mr. Kamri Hip
Mdm. Norma Wenceslaus Mr. Collin Laja
Mr. Nicholas Mr. Tajuddin Abu Talip
Mr. Mark Ferguson Miss Sylvia Teo
School Management Team
Principal : Mr. Wong Hiong Foo
Senior Assistant Administration : Mdm. Falsy Philip Jerol
Senior Assistant Students Affair : Ustz. Noriah Haron
Senior Assistant Co-Curriculum : Mr. Ho Tui kang
Senior Assistant Afternoon Session : Mr. Kamri Hip
Senior Assistant Form 6 : Mdm. Sim Wan Leng
Senior Teachers:
Languages : Mdm. Fadhilah Bt. Hj. Md. Saad
Mathematics and Science : Mdm. Irene Tan
Humanities : Ustz. Rafidah Haji Yaman
Vocational and Technical : Mr. Heward Engchin
Students Counsellor : Miss Sylvia Teo
Mdm. Lee Hui Lin
Secretaries:
Curriculum Commitee : Mr. Choo Chin Hoe
Co-Curriculum Commitee : Miss Ho Wei Wei
Strategic Planning : Miss Sim Bee Yong
Students Disciplinery Board : Mr. Collin Laja
Examination : Mdm. Hasnah Wahid
Senior Assistant Administration : Mdm. Falsy Philip Jerol
Senior Assistant Students Affair : Ustz. Noriah Haron
Senior Assistant Co-Curriculum : Mr. Ho Tui kang
Senior Assistant Afternoon Session : Mr. Kamri Hip
Senior Assistant Form 6 : Mdm. Sim Wan Leng
Senior Teachers:
Languages : Mdm. Fadhilah Bt. Hj. Md. Saad
Mathematics and Science : Mdm. Irene Tan
Humanities : Ustz. Rafidah Haji Yaman
Vocational and Technical : Mr. Heward Engchin
Students Counsellor : Miss Sylvia Teo
Mdm. Lee Hui Lin
Secretaries:
Curriculum Commitee : Mr. Choo Chin Hoe
Co-Curriculum Commitee : Miss Ho Wei Wei
Strategic Planning : Miss Sim Bee Yong
Students Disciplinery Board : Mr. Collin Laja
Examination : Mdm. Hasnah Wahid
Seated (L-R) : Mdm. Fadhillah Md Saad, Mdm. Sim Wan Leng, Mdm. Falsy Philip, Mr. Wong Hiong Foo, Mr. Ho Tui Kang,
Mr. Choo Chin Hoe, Mr. Collin laja
Second Raw (L-R) : Mdm. Voon Hui Joon, Miss Sim Bee Yong, Miss Ho Wei Wei, Mdm. Pui Woan Tyng, Miss Sylvia Teo, Mdm. Lee Hui Lin
The Teaching Staff (2010 ~ 2011)
Sources
- Saint Thomas's Secondary School, School Diary 11th Edition (Year 2011)
- Saint Thomas's Secondary School, School Magazine Volume 58 (Year 2010)
- Saint Thomas's Secondary School, School Magazine Volume 58 (Year 2010)
