In 1960, an open-air quadrangle area was created for assemblies, which in 1999 was covered and reinvigorated as the heart of the School.

Named for Jeffrey O Thomas, who had just retired as chairman of the School Board (1991–99), it included a new canteen on the western side, full-width skylights and, later, glass walls and glassed-in offices. Designed to mimic tertiary institutional spaces, the Quad has been a hub of activity, used for a vast array of student and parent functions including celebrations, dinners and informal daily meetings and gatherings.

Since 2016, its seamless connection to the Centre for Learning and Innovation via a foyer, stairs, IT helpdesk and raked timber amphitheatre has further drawn the community to this space as the centre of the School.