The vision for St Thomas More's Catholic School is to be a vibrant, positive, and energetic learning community, where every child is valued, and where relationships, the Gospel, and our Josephite charism are at the heart of every aspect of our educational program.

We have high expectations for student learning and student behaviour, and aim to support our students to grow into independent and confident learners, but community-minded contributors to society.

Students are invited into an intimate relationship with Christ. We know we have achieved this goal when our students smile when they arrive at school, and are still smiling when they leave.

‘Boozhoo’

Jesus & Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

“When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully.” (Luke 19:5-6)

Above the door of my office is written the word boozhoo. And yes, it is in the large bold lettering with an orange background as pictured below. No points for subtlety. Boozhoo (anglicised as written) is the traditional greeting of the Ojibwe tribe, which is an indigenous people of Canada. The greeting, however, as understood by these First Nations peoples is not a simple 'hello', rather, the word recognises and identifies the dignity of human person, the presence of the divine within them, and the eternal seeking of transcendence. 

To speak the word as a greeting is to open oneself up to another, to be vulnerable, and to be truly present. To speak the word boozhoo is to establish at the very moment of greeting that: I will learn from you and you will learn from me. This coming together, this meeting, is not another forgettable exchange of mumbled salutations, but a commitment to be present with one another, to share the journey together, to embrace the vulnerability of the role of the learner, rather than the superiority of the role of knower. It signals that there is no attempt to dominate the exchange, to take what you need from that moment, and that relationship, at the expense of the other, but to a true mutuality, connectedness, self-emptying, and tethering to the fate and flourishing of the other. It is a movement from trite welcome to genuine inclusion. 

It is not a word to be spoken lightly.  And nor should it be. But boozhoo is not a magic word. The speaking of the word is only a figurative artefact for the act of committing oneself to be open and vulnerable to another. It is symbolic of the act of trust, the act of hope, and the act of faith to open to another, to embrace the possibility of transformation and change in the encounter, to quite literally, go out on a limb.

The Gospel from this Sunday’s reading is focused on the wealthy senior tax collector, Zacchaeus. The context of the passage is that Hebrew people reviled all tax collectors, especially senior tax collectors, and especially wealthy senior tax collectors who profited from the extortion and suffering of the Hebrew people. All those who had gathered to catch a glimpse of Jesus in Jericho on that day knew who Zacchaeus was, and didn’t much care for him. Even Jesus knew his name, and called him by it. And indeed, the exchange, the encounter, the greeting, the welcome, and the salutation between the two is the lived expression of boozhoo.

Being short in stature, Zacchaeus is not able to work his way to the front of the crowd to see Jesus. So Zacchaeus climbs up a large, sprawling sycamore tree with its many enormous branches. This is the very act in which we see Zacchaeus, quite literally, go out on a limb. To put himself in this predicament is not simply to gawk at Jesus, but to open himself to Christ. It places Zacchaeus in an open and vulnerable position; hanging above the crowd. It is the act of trust, the act of hope, and the act of faith to open himself to Christ, to embrace the possibility of transformation and change in the encounter. This is Zacchaeus’ boozhoo.

Then, when Luke’s Jesus arrives at the spot where the wealthy senior tax collector is hanging perilously and pathetically from the limb of the tree, Jesus calls to him: “Zacchaeus, come down.” (Luke 19:6). Jesus was a table-hopper, and the act of table fellowship a central motif of the Christian faith and Sacramental community. This passage takes place during Jesus’ great journey to Jerusalem and the events of the Paschal Mystery. Already the Hebrew carpenter, come teacher, healer, mystic, and miracle-worker, had attracted quite the following and his legend preceded him. Jesus could have shared the table with any of a number of people in the enormous crowd gathered to see him that day, but he chose Zacchaeus, the reviled wealthy senior tax collector. But why? Jesus recognised his openness, vulnerability, trust, hope and faith; and returned it in kind: “Hurry, because I must stay at your house tonight” (Luke 19:6). This is Jesus’ boozhoo.

For the St Thomas More’s Catholic School community we are called to open ourselves to another, to recognise and identify the dignity of human person, the presence of the divine within them, and the eternal seeking of transcendence. We are called to speak boozhoo to each other to establish at the very moment of greeting that: I will learn from you and you will learn from me. So that each coming together, each meeting, is not another forgettable exchange of mumbled salutations, but a commitment to be present with one another, to share the journey together.

Therefore, boozhoo to you, my friends.

Mr Casimir Douglas

Monday 27th November, 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

SALUTATION

Grace to you and peace.

STM TV: '23 CURTAIN CALL - OUR MAGNIFICENT MEMORIES & TOMORROW'S TREASURES

This episode for Term 4 - Week 7, 2023, features the students from every class sharing their reflections on the 2023 school year, and sharing their favourite experiences fron this year, and the opportunities they are most looking forward to in 2024.

STM TV is our school's episodic YouTube show designed to share the key learning experiences of nominated students and classes each week to engage our parents and the broader community in the learning journey of our school.

2024 ANNUAL PRIORITIES

This document aims to identify, communicate and celebrate the 2024 Annual Priorities for St Thomas More’s Catholic School.

These priorities have been derived from, and inspired by, the school’s Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan (2020-2024), and the data and feedback from the student, parent, and staff surveys conducted as part of the 2023 School Validation process. The priorities are structured in response to the four key domains of the Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools.

We are already looking toward the 2024 school year with anticipation and excitement, and look forward to working alongside our school community to achieve these goals.

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 November, 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 caring.

The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Friday afternoon School Assembly (1st December) this week, as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of JUSTICE:

Term 4 - Week 7, 2023
Sebastian Swanson	For his calm and caring nature. Sebastian always stands up for what is right and shows a strong sense of justice.	Prep More
Eli Davis Rattray	For the Gospel Value Justice, being fair and honest with your fellow classmates. You appreciate others and love to play by the rules, always make sure everyone has a turn.	Prep Thomas
Millie Mae O'Mahony	Millie is a helpful and caring member of our class. Millie shows the Gospel value of justice by caring for everyone in our class. Well done, Millie!	Grade 1/2 More
Eddie Ferguson	Eddie demonstrates the gospel value of justice by standing up for his peers and demonstrating fairness. He is respectful and kind and consistently follows school rules.	Grade 1/2 Saint
Archie Smith	Archie models what it means to live with Justice. You are a helpful friend, who always looks out for your friends and treats them with kindness and care. You help to make our classroom and school a better place for everyone. Thank you Archie!	Grade 1/2 Thomas
Finn Speteri	Finn demonstates justice through his sense of empathy and compassion for others. He has an inclusive and respectful relationship with all his peer group.	Grade 3/4 More
Jarvis Attard	For being a fair and honest member of our class.	Grade 3/4 Saint
Milly Ashdown	Milly is a fair and honest student. She seeks goodness and kindness in others. Milly strives to do what is right and has contributed to creating a positive classroom atmosphere.	Grade 3/4 Thomas
Isla Stephens	Isla always shows fairness by being kind to her friends and teachers at school. Whenever she identifies a need, Isla always takes charge and works hard to make things better. Isla is really good at doing what is right and helping others.	Grade 5/6 More
Romeo Alexander	Romeo is a caring member of 5/6 Saint, who is always willing to extend a helping hand out to his peers. He demonstrates his kind personality through positive interactions with everyone he interacts with and in his overall positive demeanor.	Grade 5/6 Saint
Emily Bester	For being a respectful and polite member of our school community. You commit to living out our gospel values every day and we value your integrity.	Grade 5/6 Thomas

These students will also attend the Principal’s Morning Tea this coming Tuesday (5th December) in the Josephite Hall during the first break at 10:50am with myself and Fr Chatty.

2024 TEACHING STAFF

Please find below the teaching staff and their assignments for the 2024 school year. Please click or tap on the image to expand and amplify it for easier readability and visibility.

CLASS TEACHERS
Staffing	Class/Role	Teacher
Kinder	More	Mrs Jacquie Wood
	Thomas	Mrs Kerrin Edwards
Prep	More	Mrs Emilie Carr
		Mrs Christine Flynn (Thur)
	Thomas	Mrs Jessica Scharapow
		Mrs Kerrin Edwards (Wed)
Grade 1/2	More	Ms Kate Nichols
		Mrs Angela Edwards (Tues PM)
	Saint	Mrs Leah Wheeler
	Thomas	Mrs Belinda Taylor
		Mrs Christine Flynn (Wed)
Grade 3/4	More	Mrs Denise Morgan
		Mrs Christine Flynn (Fri)
	Saint	Mrs Danielle Hodgetts
		Mr Nick Stacey (Wed)
	Thomas	Ms Hayley Johns
Grade 5/6	More	Ms Jessica McLauchlan
	Saint	Mr Julian Davie
	Thomas	Mr Jacob Farran
		Mrs Christine Flynn (Tues)

SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Digital Technologies Teacher	Mrs Rebecca Thomas (Mon)
Drama & Art Teacher	Mrs Angela Edwards (Mon & Wed)
Japanese Teacher	Mrs Kayla Lockett (Mon & Fri)
Music Teacher	Mrs Natalie Zegveld (Wed & Fri)
PE Teacher	Mr Nick Stacey (Mon, Thur & Fri)
Set Up for Success Teacher	Mrs Angela Edwards (Tues AM)
SUPPORT TEACHERS
EY Support Teacher & Literacy Leader	Mrs Tracey Kidd
3/4 Support Teacher	Mrs Julie Love (Mon-Wed)
5/6 Support Teacher	Mrs Aimee Rooney (Mon-Thur)
Numeracy Leader	Ms Kate Nichols (Tues PM)
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Religious Education Coordinator	Mrs Belinda Taylor (Wed)
Student Support Coordinator	Mrs Gemma Stephens
	Mrs Julie Love (Thur)
Team Leader	Mrs Jessica Scharapow (Wed)
	Mrs Danielle Hodgetts (Wed)
Deputy Principal	Ms Allison Cornish
Principal	Mr Casimir Douglas

The school is also currently undertaking a recruitment process for Teacher Assistant positions to be filled for next year, and when the appointments have been finalised, these will be communicated to the school community along with the assignments for all ancillary staff.

STEP UP MORNING!

This Thursday, 30th November, as our Year 6 student attended their Orientation Day at St Patrick's College, our Prep-Grade 5 students participated in their Step Up Morning. It was a pleasure to visit each classroom, and there was a palpable buzz of positivity and excitement for teachers and students alike.

The purpose of the morning is for the students to spend time in the classroom with their teacher for 2024 and their peers with whom they share their learning experience next year to build relationships, establish expectations and routines, become comfortable with their learning environment, and to embrace the mindset of seeing change as an opportunity. After all, as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once wrote: "Change is the only constant in life". Change is a normal part of life.

We understand that approaching a new environment with different peers, a new classroom, and a new teacher can be unsettling for our young people. But our task as a school and parent partnership are to work together to understand the student's transition needs and provide them with the best possible support to succeed in that new environment.

SCHOOL TRIATHLON CHALLENGE

The annual Schools Triathlon Challenge was held this past Friday 24th November at the Devonport Bluff. More than 50 students participated and competed in either the individual or team events. The cool and breezy weather did not prevent our students from giving it all on the sand, surf, road, or bike!

No matter where our students placed in their races, we know that they pushed themselves all the way to finish line, which is in keeping from the most famous quote of Australia's most prolific and heralded triathlete, Michellie Jones. She said: "Don't let excuses get in the way of greatness". If you set a goal for yourself and are able to achieve it, you have won your race. That is greatness!

BASKETBALL COURT UPGRADES

As previously communicated, our wonderful P&F, through their fundraising efforts this year, and through the recent Family Fun & Film Night, have committed $10,000 of the  to contribute to the costs of the refurbishment of the bottom basketball court during the upcoming Summer holidays (December/January).

We will be replacing the basketball backboards, rings and nets on the bottom court, along with all of the wiring and interconnected poles that surround the court. This also includes the KreamArt murals, which were completed earlier this term. 

As the project evolved and we evaluated, monitored, and reviewed the function and usage of the bottom basketball court, the data indicated that the most frequent usage of this court was not, in fact, basketball, but soccer! Therefore, we commenced exploring how we might not only be able to cater for replacement of the basketball poles, backboards, hoops, and nets; but also a find a solution that both created and supported the flexibility for which our students use this court.

Therefore, we are pleased to share that we will be installing combination basketball and soccer/futsal goals in the bottom courts as constructed, provided, and installed by Industrial By Nature and Curb Markers Australia. Please find an image of the structures pictured below.

We are so excited for our students to be able to access, use, and enjoy this newly upgraded facility in early 2024.

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

Dear Parents & Carers,

As we approach the festive season, I am delighted to extend a warm invitation to our annual Christmas Carols event, scheduled for next Wednesday (6th December). This promises to be a joyous occasion, uniting our entire school community in the spirit of celebration.

Every class has diligently prepared a selection of Christmas songs, and the event is poised to showcase the collective talent and enthusiasm of our students. Just like any well-coordinated team effort, we earnestly expect the participation of all students from Kinder to Grade 6.

Families are encouraged to bring along their own food, beverages, blankets, and chairs to enhance the comfort of the evening... and don't forget to bring your Christmas spirit. And also in the spirit of inclusivity, we kindly request that those with high back chairs position them towards the rear upon arrival, ensuring an unobstructed view for those seated on rugs and blankets. Furthermore, the crescendo of the Christmas Carols evening each year is the final item which features our Grade 6 students performing their farewell and graduation song. Whilst I understand the temptation for families to leave when their child/ren have the completed their performance, I implore all families to wait until the end of the evening to enjoy this special moment which is worthy of being celebrated by the entire community! 

It is important to note that the supervision of students during the event is the responsibility of their parents or carers. For safety reasons, the playground and ovals will be off-limits, as staff supervision will not be available. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

The festivities will kick off at 5:30 pm, with families welcome to arrive from 5 pm onwards. Let us come together to create lasting memories and usher in the holiday season with an abundance of Christmas spirit.

Looking forward to celebrating this wonderful occasion with each and every one of you.

God bless,

Mr Casimir Douglas

Principal

The stocktake of the Library has now been completed but unfortunately we still have a large number of books overdue. Overdue notices were sent home this week so please check with your child if they have any loans outstanding. Please return ALL outstanding library books as soon as possible.

Many thanks,
Rebecca Thomas
Librarian

Congratulations to Alexis Harmey and Jack Allie for their outstanding participation in the School Sport Australia (SSA) National Track & Field Championships last weekend.

Alexis achieved a huge PB in the shotput and an incredible 800m where there was a fall and she had to hurdle over other athletes. The Tasmanian 12 year old girls ran a smashing 800m medley relay to take home bronze.  Congratulation

Jack has only started Little Athletics about 2 months ago, so just making the team was a massive achievement, let alone making the final.  Jack smashed his PBs in both the 100m and 200m sprint heats. Jack made the final of the 200m and beat his PB again. Jack also competed in the 4x100m and medley relays.

For St Thomas More's to have two students participating in this event, is a huge achievement. What an incredible experience for all athletes being able to compete in front of family and friends. Congratulations to both Alexis and Jack!

Any student medication that is kept in First Aid in the school office is required to be collected by Parents by Monday 12th or Tuesday 13th December 2023, please ensure you come in to collect as we will not give medications to students to take home.