St Therese's Primary School in New Lambton celebrated its centenary on Friday, October 31, marking 100 years since its founding by the Sisters of Mercy on November 1, 1925.
Former principal Duilio Rufo, who led the school from 2000 to 2023, attended the celebrations and noted that enrollment grew from 200 to 610 students during his tenure. He praised the school's enduring mission of offering quality Catholic education and academic excellence.
Current principal Sally Stanbridge, who returned to the school in 2025 after serving from 2008 to 2017, described the community as warm and welcoming. The centenary events included a liturgy led by Bishop Michael, old-time games, and a community picnic.
The school's history includes a dual-purpose church built in 1926 on Royal Street, which served as both a place of worship and classroom. It became the parish church from 1954 to 1956 and now functions as a hall, known as the 'Father Walsh room' after the late priest Father Brian Walsh.
