Thornleigh Training School For Girls

The School was a priviledged Home conducted in conjunction with the Parramatta Industrial School for girls approaching the end of their sentences at Parramatta who had responded well to their training.

The progam at Thornleigh included training in household management and gardening, cultural appreciation and community contact.  The shool provided private accommodation for 28 girls in two specially built cottages.

In February 1980 Ormond re-opened as a week-day school for truants.  The children returned to their homes at week-ends.  Ormond closed in this capacity late in 1984.

The Ormond Regional Youth Centre opened in the premises in 1985.  The purpose of the Centre was to provide assistance to children aged nine to 15 years who had been sentenced by the Courts or who entered voluntarily.  Most of the children had serious schooling problems.  The average period in residence was 20 weeks. The Duffy Avenue area later became known as Westleigh.