Junnebei is a word used by South-East Queensland Indigenous peoples meaning family. As the Indigenous concept of family is broader than the English definition, it is a fitting name for our school house system, which has been a part of St Thomas More College since 1989.
Originally, there were three Junnebei houses—Red, Blue, and Green—used primarily for sporting events. In 2008, a fourth house, Gold, was introduced. At that time, the College also established a deeper identity for each Junnebei by selecting house patrons: Nagel (Gold), Assisi (Green), Romero (Red), and Turton (Blue). As the College community grew, a fifth house, Mackillop (Purple), was added.
In 2025, the Junnebei system underwent a significant transformation to become more inclusive. The updated Junnebei Cup system now recognises a wider range of student achievements. Rather than focusing primarily on sport, students can now earn points for their Junnebei through academic excellence, attendance, mission involvement, music, the arts, and sporting contributions.
This enriched approach was developed to strengthen students' sense of connection and belonging—not just to their Junnebei, but to the wider College community. By recognising diverse talents and interests, the Junnebei system ensures that every student has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive.
ASSISI
St Francis of Assisi collected many followers, and founded the Order of Mendicant Friars or Franciscans. Francis was a man of action; he acted quickly because he acted from the heart. His simplicity of life extended to ideas and deeds. He encourages us to express our connection with creation in praising God.
MACKILLOPSt Mary MacKillop co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, known as the Josephites. She became Australia’s first saint largely because of her work in establishing schools for the poor and welfare institutions throughout Australia. She gave us the challenge “never see a need without doing something about it.”
NAGLE
Nano Nagle, inspired and led by the Holy Spirit, pioneered a courageous ministry to the poor and downtrodden and, in so doing, challenged the Irish authorities of her day. She taught in schools by day and visited the poor, especially the old and the sick, at night. As a result, she became known in Cork as the Lady with the Lantern. She founded the Presentation Sisters and gives us this challenge: “Who will light the lantern and keep it burning bright?”
ROMERO
Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated whilst celebrating Mass in 1980. His story is connected to the Chalice as the Eucharist was a integral part of his life. Archbishop Romero was a source of strength and hope for the poor and oppressed of his country, El Salvador. We can be inspired by his challenge: “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”
TURTONWilliam Turton was local to the Brisbane area and the college is located on Turton Street named after him. When Australia entered World War I, Turton enlisted in the army to serve his country. He was sent overseas to fight and made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed at Gallipoli in 1915. He responded with courage to the significant challenges of his day.
© BCE/St Thomas More College/2025.