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SACRAMENTALITY OF CREATION
From the awesome power of the ocean, to the tiniest grain of sand; from the warmth and brilliance of the sun, to the slender blade of grass; from the surprising speed of the wind, to the simple beauty of the tree; from the chaos and grandeur of the storm, to the calm and quiet of the stream.
In each of these experiences it is not difficult to sense the divine, to encounter Christ in all things, and to see the glory of God’s creation anew. When Moses experienced God’s presence in the simplicity of the Burning Bush, it is not that God was there in that place and time and then left; every bush is on fire with the presence of God. As St Bonaventure taught us, the footsteps of God, vestigia dei, are visible in all creation.
There is no question that the Sacrament of the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life, and it is through this ancient and sacred liturgical ritual that we receive Christ. But as St Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Philippians: “Christ is in all things”. In this Christ-soaked world, we experience the sacramentality of creation. Indeed, life itself is a Sacrament. A perfect gift.
May we cherish and hold sacred the sacramentality of this divine gift; in all of its beauty, wonder, ecstasy, joy, hurt, pain, suffering, confusion, complexity, simplicity, surprise, splendour, magnificence, turmoil, challenge, futility, failure, struggle, success, growth, charity, love, and hope. That is the promise of a full life.
“I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10
Mr Casimir Douglas
Wednesday 14th May, 2025
Image of Aurora Australis in Franklin, Tasmania
Taken by Gill Dayton, March 2023
Dear Parents and Carers,
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
STM TV: MOTHER'S DAY!
What a magical afternoon it was! This Monday (12th May), we celebrated the incredible women in our lives with a heartwarming Mother's Day Community Event that filled every classroom and outdoor space with laughter, creativity, and connection.
In Kinder Mums were pampered with hand massages, head massages, and soothing music. The love was practically tangible!
Prep saw joyful card-making and photo booth fun, capturing beautiful memories to cherish forever.
Grade 1/2 turned green thumbs with painted flower pots and bulb planting—perfect keepsakes to watch grow.
Grade 3/4 got creative with origami, flower crafting, and LEGO building, proving that creativity truly knows no bounds!
Grade 5/6 students proudly interviewed their mums and captured portraits that will be treasured for years to come.
Outside was alive with table tennis, chalk drawings, hopscotch, basketball, and skipping ropes. The sounds of joy and play filled the air!
The turnout of Mums was absolutely amazing! A HUGE thank you to all the Mums who cleared their busy calendars to be with their children this afternoon. Your presence made this event truly special.
Catch all the highlights, smiles, and special moments in our latest episode of STM TV 2025: Mother's Day!
GOSPEL VALUE AWARDS: EMPATHY
Our fortnightly Gospel Values Awards process provides for the nomination and presentation of the Gospel Value Awards for those students who demonstrate, live out, and exemplify the school's Gospel values. For the month of May, the school community is focused on the Gospel value of EMPATHY. Our Gospel Values: Head, Heart & Hands Framework, reminds our students that to show the value of empathy is to be gentle, learn, and listen.
The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Monday morning Prayer Assembly (12th May) this week, as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of EMPATHY:
| Term 2 - Week 3, 2025 | ||
| Zoe Whitmore | Zoe, thank you for being such a caring and empathetic member of our classroom. You always go out of your way to support your classmates if you can see they need some help. We are lucky to have you in our class Zoe! | Prep More |
| Douglas Carr | Dougie demonstrates the Gospel Value of Empathy through his words and actions. His gentle nature when interacting with his peers and teachers sees him quick to offer help, or words of encouragement when needed. | Prep Thomas |
| Charlie van Donselaar | For being a gentle and caring member of our class. Charlie shows the Gospel value of empathy by listening respectfully and showing a strong desire to learn as much as possible. Keep up the great work, Charlie! | Grade 1/2 More |
| Roy Singline | Roy consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone feels valued, heard and supported. Whether it's comforting a friend in need, standing up for others or volunteering his time to assist those facing challenges. Roy's acts of kindness demonstrate the true spirit of empathy. | Grade 1/2 Saint |
| Chloe Ralph | Chloe consistently demonstrates the Gospel Value of Empathy through her thoughtful care and consideration for her classmates. She shows genuine concern for the wellbeing of others and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her empathy extends to both peers and teachers alike, making her a compassionate and valued member of the school community. | Grade 1/2 Thomas |
| Vibes Sompali | Vibes consistently demonstrates empathy and kindness in her interactions with classmates. She listens attentively, offers support when others are struggling, and helps create an inclusive and respectful classroom environment. Her thoughtful and caring nature makes a positive difference in the lives of those around her. | Grade 3/4 More |
| Edie Eiszele | For consistently demonstrating empathy and kindness towards others. Your ability to understand and share the feelings of your peers has greatly contributed to a compassionate and inclusive classroom environment. | Grade 3/4 Saint |
| Blair Wetselaar | For always showing kindness, understanding, and care toward others. You lead with your heart, and your compassion helps everyone feel safe, seen, and valued. | Grade 3/4 Thomas |
| Gemma Richardson | Gemma consistently demonstrates the gospel value of empathy. She lives out the message of St Mary MacKillop—"never see a need without doing something about it"—by regularly offering help with extra tasks around the classroom. Gemma shows kindness to all her classmates and extends this care to the wider school community. | Grade 5/6 More |
| Ester Lun Muan Dim | Ester shows a deep understanding of the feelings and needs of others. She listens with care, offers help without being asked, and makes sure everyone feels included. Her kind heart and thoughtful actions make our school a more compassionate and welcoming place for all. | Grade 5/6 Saint |
| Tess Allie | Tess has a deep awareness of others and a natural ability to bring out the best in those around her, helping them feel calm, heard, and seen. | Grade 5/6 Thomas |
These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (13th May) in Josephite Hall during the first break at 10:50am.
STM ON THE NEWS LAST WEEK!
Last week was incredible for our Grade 5/6 students – but not just for our students, but for our wider school community, with our school making headlines across Tasmania!
On Thursday 8th May, as previously shared, our Grade 5/6 students had the privilege of engaging in Optus’ Digital Thumbprint Program, exploring vital lessons in cyber safety and digital citizenship. The session was led by Chaz Mostert, V8 Supercar champion and Optus ambassador, alongside Jayson Grool, Optus’ General Manager for Victoria and Tasmania. The event attracted strong media interest, with coverage from Nightly News 7 Tasmania, WIN News Tasmania, Chilli FM, and the Optus Media Team, all capturing the energy and learning of the day.
Our students shone in front of the cameras, with several being interviewed about what they learnt and how they plan to stay safe online. We were proud to see our school community featured on both Nightly News 7 Tasmania and WIN News Tasmania that evening!
The excitement continued on Friday 9th May, when Nightly News 7 Tasmania joined us again at Symmons Plains Raceway, as 16 lucky students took part in an exclusive Pit Lane Tour with Walkinshaw Andretti United. Our students once again represented the school brilliantly and were featured in the news that evening.
We are proud to share these stories with you – and invite you to watch the coverage through the links below:
Nightly News 7 Tasmania – School Visit Segment:
WIN News Tasmania – School Visit Segment:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2144903142690181&rdid=YkpAwYKN5Y7lMK1N
Nightly News 7 Tasmania – Pit Lane Tour Segment:
A huge thank you to Optus, Walkinshaw Andretti United, and all involved in making these experiences possible – and to our students and staff for embracing the moment with such joy, curiosity and pride.
We truly believe opportunities like these show the strength of community partnerships and the lasting impact they can have on our students’ experiences.
PRINCIPAL'S MORNING TEA
At our Monday morning Prayer Assembly this week, there were a number of students who received a Gospel Value Award for demonstrating the value of EMPATHY. These students attended a special Principal’s Morning Tea in Josephite Hall this Tuesday (13th May).
We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, lamingtons, scones, and cake and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives, including mums who do all the things (especially when we're sick!), loving families who drive us to weekend sport, cuddly pets like Wally the dog and Silvy the kitten, our beautiful school community, cultural heritage, being able to learn at STM, and even the occasional sibling shout-out (Sophie, you're a star!).
They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included shooting hoops for the Devils and Saints, serving aces in volleyball and badminton, belting out tunes at singing lessons, dancing up a storm in jazz shoes at Dance Collective and Dance Point Academy, and starring in drama classes. We had netballers from Clovers and seasoned soccer stars from the Bisons, Launceston United, and the mighty Crocodiles. Some are gymnasts flipping through Tuesdays at PCYC, others are mastering taekwondo with yellow belts (and three stripes, mind you), while a few are smashing out tunes on the keyboard, swimming laps at Nonna’s, running 1,500m races, or playing epic games of chasey with their siblings. A truly impressive, multi-talented bunch!
BRAVEHEARTS & SAFEGUARDING
This Monday 12th May, we were delighted to welcome Bravehearts and their much-loved mascot Ditto back to St Thomas More’s for another year of empowering and engaging personal safety education. Students from Kinder to Grade 2 participated in age-appropriate sessions filled with singing, storytelling, and important safety messages.
While Ditto is always the headline act for our youngest learners, the character is far more than just a source of excitement — Ditto is a powerful vehicle for delivering Bravehearts' critical safeguarding curriculum. Since 2006, Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show has helped equip children across Australia with tools to recognise unsafe situations, respond confidently, and seek help from trusted adults.
Each session focused on key personal safety rules:
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We all have the right to feel safe with people.
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It’s OK to say NO if you feel unsafe or unsure.
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Nothing is so yucky that you can’t tell someone about it.
We are proud to partner with Bravehearts every year to support our students in building resilience, body autonomy, and the confidence to speak up. Parents and carers who attended Monday’s sessions saw firsthand what a valuable and engaging program this is.
For more information, or to access Bravehearts’ excellent FREE Personal Safety Parent & Carer Guide, visit: bravehearts.org.au/personalsafety
FINAL GREETING
May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
God bless,
Mr Casimir Douglas
Principal
Please see below for the Cross Country schedule of events.
Looking for a joyful, educational start for your little one? Our Joeys Playgroup at St Thomas More’s Catholic School is the place to be!
✅ FREE sessions for children aged birth to 4!
✅ Fun, learning & play in a school environment!
✅ Run by experienced, accredited educators
✅ Tuesdays 9:00am - 10:30am during term time!
Come along to Josephite Hall and watch your child’s curiosity and confidence grow! Plus, connect with other local families and share in the joy of learning together!
No bookings required — just turn up & have fun!
St Thomas More’s Catholic School
Every Tuesday (School Term)
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3/4 Team MJR day with Marty
All day |
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1/2 Excursion to Clarendon House
All day |
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Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
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5/6 Team MJR day with Marty
All day |
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P&F meeting- All welcome
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
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STM Cross Country
All day |
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Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
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Grade 5/6 Futsal Titles
All day |
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Grade 3/4 Futsal
All day |
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Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
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Whole School Mass - Pentecost
All day |
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STM Band Soiree
All day |
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Student Free Day
All day |
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Public Holiday
All day |
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Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
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Grade 6 Reflection Day
All day |
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NIJSSA Cross Country
All day |
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