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.

CAPACITY FOR CONNECTION

During the Parent-Teacher Meetings last week, I had the opportunity to speak with many of the parents and carers of our community around the school both before and after their meetings. And the strongest and most consistent sentiment from the conversation was that our parents and carers were both grateful and lavish in their praise for our teaching staff.

Some of you may know the book, The Courage to Teach, authored by academic Parker J. Palmer in 1997. In his book, Palmer identifies that the single most determining factor in teacher effectiveness is not their curriculum knowledge, their pedagogical preciseness, or their number of degrees; but simply their capacity for connection with their students. It is this, more than anything, that we recruit for when building the staff team at St Thomas More’s Catholic School.

This book is a deeply reflective and insightful exploration of the inner life of teachers, focusing on how personal integrity and connection to the vocation are essential to authentic teaching.

Palmer argues that teaching is more than the delivery of knowledge; it is a relational practice that thrives when teachers bring their whole selves—mind, heart, and spirit—into the classroom. He emphasises the importance of self-awareness, courage, and the ability to engage students on a deeper level. By understanding their own inner lives, teachers can create meaningful connections with their students, inspiring them to learn not just from books, but from life itself.

One of the most impactful concepts in the book is Palmer's idea that good teaching cannot be reduced to technique alone. He explains that teaching is about the "who" more than the "how"—the personal qualities and passions a teacher brings to the classroom make the difference between merely transferring information and transforming lives. 

Palmer also discusses the struggles teachers face—loneliness, burnout, and the challenges of remaining true to themselves amid external pressures. His message of courage is timely: it takes bravery to remain passionate, connected, and engaged, particularly in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. At its core, The Courage to Teach is a call to rekindle the flame of vocation, remembering why we teach and how our faith can sustain us in that mission.

For parents in our Catholic community, Palmer's wisdom offers valuable lessons. Just as teachers must bring their whole selves to the classroom, parents too are called to be fully present in their children's learning journey. I encourage you to foster open, honest conversations with your children, listen to their struggles and joys, and guide them with both firmness and compassion. Palmer reminds us that education is not just about filling minds, but about shaping souls. Let us work together—teachers and parents alike—to model the values of integrity, faith, and courage for our children. In doing so, we create a community that inspires them to grow, not just academically, but as people of character and faith.

This partnership between home and school will ensure that our students not only excel in their studies but also develop into compassionate, courageous individuals ready to make a difference in the world.

Mr Casimir Douglas

Tuesday 10th September, 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

SALUTATION

Grace to you and peace.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2024

Today (14th September), our school's Athletics Carnival was held at the St Leonard's Athletics Track. The day had moments where it was wet, windy and wild, but this did not dampen our spirits, as the day also produced moments of magic, fun, and athletic excellence!

The school community celebrated the individual performances of athletes striving and records breaking. And whilst we weren't quite soaked by the weather, we soaked in the colour, the fun, the atmosphere, and the joy.

A highlight of the day was the final relay which pitted the Grade 6 relay teams for each House against the staff relay teams and the parent relay team! A huge thank you to Yvette Harmey, Jason Cassidy, Daniel Wahl, and Candace Cruse for putting their hand up to represent the parent community! After 400m of furious pace and action it came down to the last few metres where Mr Stacey held off a fast finishing Kaiden Brook to claim the win the staff narrowly ahead of MacKillop House!

I wish to thank all the staff for their organisation and encouragement of the students, to the parent volunteers for the generous gift of their time, to Mr Rik Bryan for the sheer volume of work he does quietly and without fuss behind the scenes, and to Mr Nick Stacey his coordination and leadership of the Athletics Carnival.

The announcement of the winning House for the carnival will be made next week!

FUTSAL CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENT

After qualifying from the Northern Schools Futsal Tournament, three teams of students travelled to Hobart today to participate in Australian Futsal Association's Champion of Champion Tournaments!

Our Grade 3 Boys were crowned champions after claiming victory in the final against Bellerive Primary School! Our Grade 4 Boys finished as runners up after a tough final opponent in Illawarra Primary School. And our Grade 5 Boys reigned supreme as champions after defeating St Anthony's Catholic Primary School in their final.

Congratulations to all the students who participated today. Not just for their goals and their victories, but for how they represented our school positively and proudly! And thank you very much to the volunteer coaches, parents, supporters, and staff who supported our students today. Without your incredible support, these opportunities are not possible!

TOURNAMENT OF MINDS

This past Saturday (7th September), a troupe of our students travelled to Hobart to participate in Tournament of Minds! It is an international education program that challenges students to hone their problem skills, master their performance techniques, be resilient and quick-thinking, and to work creatively and collaboratively to produce an outcome that is more than just the sum of its parts.

We are so proud of all the students who participated in the event, not only for the manner in which they conducted themselves and represented our school, but for the courage put the gifts and talents on display! We are pleased to share that in the Primary Arts section, our student team managed an incredible second place finish in a difficult category! 

Thank you very much to all the parents, support, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the weekend, and also to the journey of creation and rehearsal in the weeks leading up to the event. And I must again express my sincdre gratitude for the leadership and generosity of Mrs Angela Edwards for providing and driving this opportunity for our students to flourish and thrive.

PRINCIPAL'S MORNING TEA

At our Friday afternoon School Assembly last week, there were a number of students who received a Gospel Value Award for demonstrating the value of DIGNITY. These students attended a special Principal’s Morning Tea in Josephite Hall this Tuesday (10th September).

We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruit, muffins, and scones and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives, including; our school, our mothers, our family and friends, the wonderful education provided at St Thomas More's Catholic School, and of course, the food we had to share! They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included drawing, history, dancing, netball, cheerleading, scootering, basketball, gaming, and the Geelong Cats!

SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS SURVEY

St Thomas More's Catholic School is participating in Catholic Education Tasmania's new annual School Effectiveness Surveys for students, parents, and staff. The survey is being conducted by Insight SRC on behalf of the school and system.

This Monday (9th September), your child has received an envelope with a letter providing you with the link to complete the Parent Survey along with your unique Login ID and Access Code. You will find this letter in your child's school bag.

The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents' perceptions of their children's experience of school. In terms of identifying solutions and making data-informed decisions, my leadership mantra is that: "The best information equals the best outcome".

Therefore, we implore all parents to complete this 10-minute survey to provide the school with the information, the feedback, and the data we need to continue to improve our educational programme. This survey also presents all families an opportunity to tangibly contribute to the construction of our Strategic Plan (2025-2030).

The survey is now open and closes on Friday 20th September.

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

Congratulations to Aliska Slama, George Boyle, Ava Carr, Eamon Rae, Macy Smith, Fawn Cornelius, Owen Roney, Mikah Jankowiak, Edward Gill, Alice Wheatley, Liam Wylie, Huxley Clarke, Hamish Moore, Olivia Pooley, Scout Lunson and Ollie Notman who have received 25 St Thomas More's sticker rewards for their positive contributions to our school.

Congratulations to Lekhya Sompalli, who has received 50 St Thomas More's sticker rewards for her positive contributions to our school.