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- Strategic Plan (2025-2030): Fostering Greatness
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A NEW CHAPTER IN OUR CATHOLIC STORY: WELCOMING ARCHBISHOP TONY IRELAND
With gratitude and great hope, we celebrate the appointment of Bishop Tony Ireland as the new Archbishop of Hobart. Bishop Ireland steps into the role with a wealth of pastoral experience, theological depth, and a deep and enduring commitment to Catholic education. His appointment invites us to reflect on the mission of Catholic schools in Tasmania and the unique identity of St Thomas More’s within that tapestry.
Archbishop-elect Ireland’s background as a moral theologian, seminary rector, and contributor to the National Catholic Education Commission, speaks to a leader formed in wisdom and service. He is no stranger to the spiritual and intellectual life of Catholic schools, and we are delighted to know that our students, staff, and families will benefit from his presence; not just ceremonial, but physical, spiritual, pastoral, and influential.
Each year, our school is honoured to host the Catholic Education Week Mass and Northern Region Awards Ceremony. These are not merely formalities; they are sacred moments where our identity as a Catholic learning community is affirmed and renewed. Bishop Ireland, like his predecessor Archbishop Julian Porteous, will preside over these events; walking among our students, praying with our staff, and championing the mission of Catholic education in the north of the state.
As the shepherd of our Archdiocese, Bishop Ireland continues the positive legacy of Archbishop Porteous, whose commitment to youth evangelisation and parish renewal was deeply felt across Tasmania. At the same time, his appointment reflects the spirit of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy; a spirit grounded in synodality, compassion, and a call to serve with both head and heart. In Archbishop-elect Ireland, we see a pastor who listens, leads, and learns.
We pray that his leadership will help us grow ever deeper in faith and learning. And as a school named after St Thomas More, a man of conscience, courage, and conviction; we look forward to walking alongside our new Archbishop as we continue to foster greatness in every child entrusted to our care.
The official installation ceremony will be held on Tuesday 12th August at St Mary’s Cathedral, Hobart, where Archbishop-elect Tony Ireland will be formally sworn in as the 12th Archbishop of Hobart.
Mr Casimir Douglas
Monday 23rd June, 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
ST THOMAS MORE'S FEAST DAY CELEBRATIONS!
On Monday 23rd June, our school community gathered to celebrate the Feast Day of St Thomas More—a day that honours our patron saint and reflects the heart of who we are as a Catholic school. It was a vibrant and joy-filled occasion, rich with faith, fellowship, and fun.
The day began with a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr Leonard and thoughtfully organised by Mrs Belinda Taylor. We were blessed by the musical talents of Mrs Wahl, Olivia on piano, and vocalists Millie-Mae and Eloise, who led us in song with reverence and grace.
Throughout the day, students engaged in classroom activities exploring the life, faith, and legacy of St Thomas More. These moments of learning helped bring our Vision Statement to life: “Inspired by Christ, we are a community of lifelong learners becoming the people God created us to be.”
In true St Thomas More’s tradition, the school then came together for a shared Feast on the oval, enjoyed in Pastoral Care groups. Our wonderful Parents & Friends team cooked up a delicious sausage sizzle, and celebrated with specially made Feast Day cakes.
The afternoon was filled with lively games and activities as students competed for the Feast Day Cup. Congratulations to MacKillop House on being crowned champions once again—two years in a row!
Our 2025 Feast Day was a powerful and visible expression of our school culture—one grounded in our Josephite charism, enlivened by community spirit, and centred on the dignity and joy of every learner. From start to finish, it was a day where our students smiled arriving at school, and smiled even wider as they left.
Thank you to all staff, volunteers, and students who made the day such a meaningful and memorable celebration.
Happy St Thomas More’s Feast Day!






GOSPEL VALUE AWARDS: JUSTICE
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 June, the school community is focused on the Gospel value of JUSTICE. Our Gospel Values: Head, Heart & Hands Framework, reminds our students that to show the value of JUSTICE is to be helpful, be fair, and be be caring.
The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Feast Day Mass this Monday (23rd June), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of JUSTICE:
Term 2 - Week 9, 2025 | ||
Aaron Soegianto | Aaron you are always looking out for your friends and you show lots of care about their wellbeing. You are quick to help out others and are very compassionate. We are lucky to have you in our class Aaron. | Prep More |
Parker Springer | Parker, you have consistently shown a deep sense of justice for others, through your kind words and actions, you stand up for what is right and treat everyone with compassion. | Prep Thomas |
Yuvi Padda | Yuvi shows the Gospel value of justice by being welcoming to others in our class and in the playground. Yuvi is also happy to help out teachers without complaint. Keep up the great work, Yuvi! | Grade 1/2 More |
Isabelle Coombe | Isabelle is not just a friendly face; she demonstrates fairness and compassion in our school community. Always ready to lend a hand, she understands what it means to care for others. Her commitment to helping those around her inspires us all to be fair and kind. Thank you, Isabelle, for being a shining example of our Gospel Value of justice! | Grade 1/2 Saint |
Ivy Notman | Ivy displays justice by treating everyone fairly, standing up for classmates when something is wrong, and making sure everyone has a chance to share and be heard. | Grade 1/2 Thomas |
Elliot Strochnetter-Keefe | For demonstrating Justice by being a responsible learner and bravely speaking up when something doesn’t seem right. Well done, Elliot, your sense of fairness and integrity helps create a respectful and safe classroom for everyone. | Grade 3/4 More |
Benji Rak | For showing respect for everyone and a passion for fairness. | Grade 3/4 Saint |
Adeline Moore | For standing up for what is right and making thoughtful choices that support the wellbeing of others. Amazing, Adeline! | Grade 3/4 Thomas |
Freya McArthur | Freya consistently shows the Gospel value of justice through her fair and respectful treatment of others. Freya stands up for what is right, includes others, and helps create a welcoming and supportive environment within our school community. | Grade 5/6 More |
Morrison Harmey | Thank you, Morrison, for consistently demonstrating the value of Justice in our school community. Morrison has a strong sense of fairness and is always willing to speak up for what is right. He ensures everyone has a voice and is included. Morrison shows integrity and encourages others to do the same, whether on the playground or in the classroom. Well done, Morrison. |
Grade 5/6 Saint |
Eva Lewis | Eva consistently lives out the Gospel value of justice. Articulate and assured in who she is, she readily speaks up for what is right and offers unwavering support to anyone in need. With a keen global awareness and a sensitive eye on our school community, she notices injustices large and small, bringing thoughtful, creative solutions to every challenge. | Grade 5/6 Thomas |
These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (24th June) in Josephite Hall during the first break at 10:50am.
TERM 2, 2025 - HOUSE CUP WINNERS!
All of Term 2, students have been receiving tokens from staff members for showing our positive behaviour expectations: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be a Learner. The House that receives the most tokens by the end of Week 9 each term wins the House Cup.
The winning House each term attends a special afternoon of activities with Mr Douglas and Ms Cornish on the Tuesday afternoon of Week 10, where they will also be presented with the House Cup.
The House Captains have tallied the tokens, and the final count for Term 2 is:
In third place, with 3,305 tokens is Tenison House.
In second place, with 3,448 tokens is MacKillop House.
And in first place, and the winning House for Term 2, with 3,525 tokens is CHISHOLM House!
VICTORIAN STATE BALLET'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Last Friday evening, Launceston’s Princess Theatre was transformed into a fairytale wonderland as the Victorian State Ballet presented their breathtaking production of Beauty and the Beast to a sold-out audience. Among the cast of internationally renowned dancers and talented locals were two of our very own—Mikaela Bardenhagen and London Trotter—who took to the stage with poise, presence, and professionalism.
Mikaela and London were selected through an arduous and highly competitive audition process, standing out from a field of outstanding young dancers across the region. They were among eight students from St Thomas More’s Catholic School who auditioned, each showing remarkable courage, maturity, and grace in the process. While only two secured roles on stage, others showed their strength of character by cheering their classmates on from the audience and even greeting them backstage after the curtain fell.
For Mikaela and London, it was more than a performance—it was a powerful moment of personal growth and a lasting memory shared with their families, peers, and the wider community. Their commitment and success reflect the very heart of our Strategic Vision: fostering greatness.
We are so proud of all eight students who dared to dream, auditioned bravely, and supported each other so generously. Bravo, Mikaela and London—and bravo to our incredible dance community here at STM!
PRINCIPAL'S MORNING TEA
At our Feast Day Mass this week, there were a number of students who received a Gospel Value Award for demonstrating the value of JUSTICE. These students attended a special Principal’s Morning Tea in Josephite Hall this Tuesday (24th June).
We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, lamingtons and cake and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives; a roof over our heads during Tassie winters, our kind and caring families and friends (including shoutouts to Louie and Ziggy), loving mums, the gift of education and our school community, the support of Mrs Hartley, and even gratitude for God - for creating us in the first place!
They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included starring on stage in Beauty and the Beast with Encore Theatre and the LYTE program, scoring goals for Launceston United, netball for Generation, dancing ballet at Dance Point Academy, making a splash at Just Swim and LAC, footy, cricket, and basketball, flipping through gymnastics every Thursday at PCYC, and visiting the ultimate adventure spot - the Bluff Playground in Devonport!
MAKING JESUS REAL w/ MR DAVIE
Our Grade 3–6 students spent time with Mr Davie reflecting on how we can live out the Spirit of Jesus in our everyday lives. The session focused on the life and character of Neale Daniher, a former AFL player and coach, Australian of the Year, and now a national inspiration.
Neale Daniher is best known not for his sporting achievements, but for the strength and selflessness he has shown since being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Through his leadership of the "Fight MND" campaign, Neale has become a symbol of resilience, courage, and compassion—values that closely reflect the life and teachings of Jesus.
Students were encouraged to identify the “hero qualities” they see in themselves and others—kindness, determination, empathy, and bravery. They reflected on the idea that living like Jesus means standing up for what is right, helping others in need, and using our talents to serve our community. They were reminded that although we may not all be famous like Neale Daniher, we each have the power to make a difference. We are unique, special, and capable of showing the Spirit of Jesus through our actions.
Live Jesus in our Hearts
- FOREVER -
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
Awarded by |
To |
For |
Mrs Wheeler |
Zoe Viney |
For showing courage and a positive attitude by reaching out to others and building new friendships. It’s wonderful to see your confidence growing. |
Mrs Wheeler |
Edward Wahl |
For showing great determination and effort in staying focused on classwork and being attentive during lessons. Keep it up, Edward! |
Mrs Wheeler |
Lily Morris |
For confidently embracing her new Clover Book technology to support her learning in the classroom. Your independence and responsibility to take charge of your own learning, especially when showing others how it works, is truly inspiring. |
Mrs Ballard |
Yuvi Padda |
For always letting others go before him, whether in line, through doors, or to get an activity during class. Great work Yuvi! |
Mrs Ballard |
Bridie Herr |
For including classmates in daily activities & helping out without needing to be asked. Great work Bridie! |
Mrs Ballard |
Aria Rainsford |
For being kind every day at school, and putting the needs of others before her own. Aria is a very considerate student, well done! |
Mr Davie |
Claire Bassett |
Well done, Claire, for being a creative, hardworking student who always gives her best. Claire enjoys working with her friendship group and contributes positively to group tasks with enthusiasm and teamwork. |
Mr Davie |
Lydiah Hawkins |
Well done, Lydiah, for working hard and displaying a positive attitude towards your learning. You try your best and thoughtfully take on feedback to improve your work. |
Mrs Scharapow & Mrs Foot |
Patrick Lockwood |
Patrick demonstrates the Spirit of Jesus through the way he displays positivity and happiness in the classroom. Always greeting his peers with a smile, kind words and caring actions. |
Mrs Scharapow & Mrs Foot |
Leo Williams |
demonstrates the Spirit of Jesus through the way he offers support and encouragement to others, and helps boost the spirit in the classroom. |
Mrs Wahl |
Olivia Pooley |
For showing outstanding bravery and confidence while playing in Mass. |
Mrs Wahl |
Daisy Bertram |
For always bringing a happy and positive attitude to every lesson. Your enthusiasm and kindness brighten our classroom. |
Mrs Wahl |
Lily Black |
For outstanding progress with her writing. Hard work and perseverance have resulted |
Mrs Carr |
Mila Dolting |
For always being a joyous and upbeat personality in our classroom. Thank you for the positive way you tackle every day Mila! |
Mrs Carr |
Louie Saunders |
For the awesome progress in your writing. Louie, your sentence work is outstanding. I love how you add describing words to make your work so interesting! |
Mrs Hartley |
Harvey Richards |
Harvey, your kindness shows in the way you speak to others, the way you listen, and the way you lift people up just by being yourself. It doesn’t go unnoticed — thank you for being you. |
Mrs Hartley |
Chaz Swain |
Chaz, you have a quiet way of making our classroom a better place. You notice when others need a hand or a bit of kindness, and you step in without being asked — not for attention, but because it’s who you are. We’re lucky to have you. |
Mrs Chugg |
Millie-Mae O'Mahony |
For singing with reverence and beauty during our Feast Day Mass. Your respectful presence and heartfelt voice added a special sense of celebration to our liturgy. |
Mrs Chugg |
Blair Wetselaar |
Blair, your kind and helpful nature has made a meaningful difference to your peers and contributed to a supportive and caring classroom environment. |
Miss McLauchlan |
Freya McArthur |
For her engaging and insightful contributions to our class discussions around colonisation in HASS |
Miss McLauchlan |
Rosie Fankhauser |
For the quiet, dedicated, and self‑motivated manner in which she goes about her work every day. She sets a fine example for those around her |
Miss McLauchlan |
Ruby Rednianko |
For stepping outside of her comfort zone and performing her play with her group in drama |
Miss McLauchlan |
Lily McGoran |
For the quiet, hardworking, and determined way she approaches every maths lesson. Her persistence and positive attitude make her a joy to teach and an example for others to follow! |
Miss McLauchlan/ Miss Shepherd |
Charlie Herr |
For being a quiet achiever who tries his best to focus and on task. His hard work and dedication make a difference every day! |
Miss McLauchlan/ Miss Shepherd |
Milly Ashdown |
For being a welcoming and bubbly member of our class, and for making Miss Shepherd feel at home. Her warmth and kindness help brighten each day! |
Ms Flynn |
Judd Conroy |
For putting in an amazing effort to your maths tasks and making great progress. Keep up the great work Judd! |
Ms Flynn |
Oliver Coppleman |
For always putting in your best effort and being a thoughtful member of our class. Keep up the amazing work Oliver! |
Ms Flynn |
Mia Gebka |
For being a kind and responsible student who applies herself to her learning. Well done Mia! |
Ms Flynn |
Orla Wragg |
For always being ready to learn and focused in your learning. Keep up the great work Orla! |
Mrs Hodgetts |
Archie Smith |
For working hard on his organisational skills and being ready to learn. |
Mrs Hodgetts |
Jack Bertram |
For his enthusiasm and interest within our HASS unit on Our Precious Environments, exploring nature, water, and sustainable practices. |
Mrs Hodgetts |
Kirby Hodgetts |
For showing great improvement in staying focused on her tasks and becoming more responsive to teacher guidance with maturity and a positive attitude. |
Mrs Hodgetts |
Scout Lunson |
For her enthusiasm, attention to detail, and resilience when researching and creating an informative poster about a local water source. |
SLV Book Bash Writing Workshops.
This week, students from Grades 3-6 attended a series of online workshops presented by the State Library of Victoria. Three of Australia’s most popular authors - Anh Do, Sally Rippin and Amelia Mellor presented and took questions from students all around the country. Anh Do talked to students about the inspiration for his wonderful tales and how he comes up with his ideas. Sally Rippin discussed character development and gave plenty of story writing tips while Amelia Mellor taught students how to research and about incorporating historical characters, events and settings into stories to add authenticity. This was a great opportunity to learn from experts in their field and we came away with some fantastic writing ideas and strategies!
Rebecca Thomas
Librarian
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)
Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
|
Term 2 concludes for Staff and Students
All day |
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Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
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Term 3 commences for Students
All day |
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Assembly
2:20 PM - 3:00 PM Recurring event |
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Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |