Former St Thomas Aquinas Primary Springwood student Sean Cordeiro and fellow Blackheath artist Claire Healy have won the prestigious Sulman Prize for 2022 with their depiction of the fight between the warrior Raiko and the demon Shuten-dji.
St Thomas Aquinas Primary Principal Marina Hardy said the school was excited and proud that one of their former students had won such an impressive award.
Former Principal Peter Gibson also expressed his delight at the news, remembering Sean as a smart and popular student. "Sean, his parents, his entire family were lovely and I'm sure they must all be incredibly proud of him winning this award," said Peter.
Sean and Claire said they were "really surprised and humbled" at the award.
Detail from the Sulman Prize-winning entry by Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro.
"We are not usually known as painters. We approached this work in the same way we approach our sculptures: we let the materiality of the work speak for itself.
"Our work used an army surplus Vietnam war era helicopter fuselage and reverse engineered it into a kite.
"One of the ideas we were thinking about while painting was the militarisation of objects of spectacle: fireworks to bullets, kites to warplanes, social media to insurrection. Why is it that objects of wonderment become the means of our own subjugation? It seems that we are the ones being bamboozled."
They said the exhibition was "awesome, vibrant, funny and thought provoking... The energy and zest of the show is the perfect tonic for the rubbish few years that we have all had."
Blue Mountains Gazette
Katoomba news, sport and weather.
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15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Some of our Year 3 and 4 students had an amazing day representing St Thomas Aquinas at the Socktober Launch and Soccer Gala Day! Students joined schools from across the Diocese for a day of soccer, teamwork, faith and Faith in Action. Our students proudly took on the role of advocates, learning about the work of Catholic Mission and showing solidarity with communities in Malawi. Through sport and service, they were reminded that even small actions can make a big difference. πβ€οΈ We are so proud of our students for their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to putting their faith into action! π #faithinactioncspd14 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our students joined with students from local Catholic schools for a wonderful day of faith, friendship and service. Students grew in faith, connected with one another and put Catholic Social Teaching into action through prayer, formation, teamwork and service. As part of the day, students created care packages for the Year 12 students at St Columbaβs Catholic College as they prepared for their HSC examinations. ππ This was a simple but meaningful way for our students to show compassion, solidarity and support. We were incredibly proud of all the students who attended and the leadership, kindness and genuine commitment to Faith in Action they demonstrated throughout the day. β¨ A big thank you to Miss Espiritu for her leadership and guidance in our Faith In Action opportunities at STA. #faithinactioncspd
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15 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Some of our Year 3 and 4 students had an amazing day representing St Thomas Aquinas at the Socktober Launch and Soccer Gala Day! Students joined schools from across the Diocese for a day of soccer, teamwork, faith and Faith in Action. Our students proudly took on the role of advocates, learning about the work of Catholic Mission and showing solidarity with communities in Malawi. Through sport and service, they were reminded that even small actions can make a big difference. πβ€οΈ We are so proud of our students for their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to putting their faith into action! π #faithinactioncspd
14 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Last Friday, our students joined with students from local Catholic schools for a wonderful day of faith, friendship and service. Students grew in faith, connected with one another and put Catholic Social Teaching into action through prayer, formation, teamwork and service. As part of the day, students created care packages for the Year 12 students at St Columbaβs Catholic College as they prepared for their HSC examinations. ππ This was a simple but meaningful way for our students to show compassion, solidarity and support. We were incredibly proud of all the students who attended and the leadership, kindness and genuine commitment to Faith in Action they demonstrated throughout the day. β¨ A big thank you to Miss Espiritu for her leadership and guidance in our Faith In Action opportunities at STA. #faithinactioncspd
03 Sep 2026
From Facebook
What a wonderful day today at STA celebrating our fathers and other important male figures in our lives. The day began with a bbq breakfast and games on the field. Then we joined together in prayer to give thanks for these special men in our lives. We thank all those who were able to join us today and our staff and student for their preparations making the day so memorable. Wishing all our dads and other special men in our lives a fabulous Fatherβs Day on Sunday.
01 Sep 2026
From Facebook
This term, Year 4 have been participating in the Prime Minister's National Spelling Bee. Congratulations to Eden and Sebastian who have made it to the NSW State final.
28 Aug 2026
Our schools are cracking the reading code
Do you remember how you learned to read? For a vital skill that is linked to all other learning, itβs surprisingly difficult to explain how to go about learning it.
20 Aug 2026
Six Habits That Help Children Develop a Love of Reading
Book Week is a celebration of stories, imagination and creativity, but helping children love reading isn't just something that happens during one week of the year. The good news? It doesn't take expensive resources or hours of extra time. Often, it's the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
20 Aug 2026
From Facebook
β‘ BLACKTOWN SPORTSPARK WAS BUZZING YESTERDAY! πββοΈπββοΈπ¨ Our Zone athletes hit the track with incredible speed, determination and school spirit! They raced hard, chased every finish line and even found time for an impressive post-race handshake, led the way by our determined Daw brothers! π€π π¦ Our long jumpers soared πͺ Our shot putters showed their strength π₯ And every competitor gave it their absolute best! What a fantastic effort from all our St Thomas Aquinas athletes. You represented our school with pride, enthusiasm and plenty of energy. And thank you to the many competitors who stepped up and competed in extra events to ensure our team could remain strong. Your willingness to go above and beyond did not go unnoticed so thank you again. πβοΈπ
14 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 Faith in Action Team enjoyed a wonderful morning visiting the residents at Uniting Springwood Aged Care! πΏπ Students joined residents in fun balloon games π, created beautiful artwork π¨, and spent time listening to their stories and sharing conversations. π¬β€οΈ Through this experience, our students lived out the Catholic Social Teachings of Human Dignity and Participation. ππ€ A beautiful morning of connection, joy and faith in action! β¨π #faithinactioncspd
14 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 Faith in Action Team had a wonderful time with the residents of Buckland Nursing Home. πΈπ¨ Together, they pressed flowers and created beautiful artworks while sharing smiles, stories, and friendship. Through this special visit, our students lived out the Catholic Social Teaching principles of Human Dignity and Community & Participation, showing care, compassion, and respect for others. πβ¨ A beautiful morning of creativity, connection, and faith in action. ππ #faithinactioncspd
12 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Reconciliation Sacramental Program Starting! Attached is a flyer advertising the upcoming Reconciliation Sacramental Program. This program is for students in Year 3 and up. We look forward to supporting you throughout this process. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the school.
11 Aug 2026
From Facebook
Year 1 have arrived and started their great day learning about animals and their habitats
05 Aug 2026
From Facebook
β½ π₯ Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day What a day of football! Our Stage 3 students impressed with their effort, teamwork and positive attitude across every match at their gala day at Jamison Park yesterday. Congratulations to our Year 5 and Year 6 boys, who finished 3rd in their pools, and to our year 6 girls who also finished 3rd and our year 5 girls finishing 4th overall. A huge thank you to our parents for their support throughout the day. We couldnβt be prouder of the way our students represented our school. π π π β½οΈ π₯
03 Aug 2026
From Facebook
What a wonderful day we have had at STAβs Commonwealth Games today! It was a huge day of fun celebrating the Commonwealth Games and the STA community. A huge thank you to all the staff who prepared for the day, to our volunteers who joined in with the activities and cooked the bbq and to our family and friends for their very generous donations. From the Opening Ceremony to our final activity, fun was had by all.
01 Aug 2026