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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.
STARS & GRAINS
Today, Friday 22nd November, my father, Peter Douglas, turns 70 years old.
To say that my father is my hero is an understatement. Peter is a career Principal, and tenured system leader in Catholic Education Tasmania, an unbelievably talented musician and singer, a renowned orator, and an even better father and human being.
I have sought to emulate my father in all of these ways, and am not afraid to say that I fall well short; although, he would of course insist otherwise. There is so much that I have learned from my father in terms of gentleness, courage, strength, service, selflessness, hard work, humour, and perspective.
The key lessons I have learned from my father have very little to do with pedagogy, leadership, strumming patterns, Principalship, vocal tone, or speech etiquette. And they have everything to do with faith and love. My father’s faith is steadfast and unwavering, as is his love for his family.
We know from Christ’s parable of the Prodigal Son, that God’s love is boundless, unconditional, and universal. But there is a difference between simply being told that this is true, and knowing it is true. I know that God’s love is boundless, unconditional, and universal; because my own father’s love for me is boundless, unconditional, and universal.
From the time I was born my father has always said to me: “I love you more than all the stars in the sky, and more than all the grains of sand on the earth”. I remember hearing those words as a child and thinking, “Wow! My father loves me a whole lot!” I now say those same words to my children every day.
My father has walked every step of my life journey with me, he is my biggest fan, my wisest mentor, the most caring friend, the most patient parent, and the most loving father.
If I were only to be half the Principal, leader, musician, singer, husband, and father that he is; then I will have lived a truly remarkable life. My father tells all who will listen to him just how proud he is of his children, and also how proud he is of his mokopuna (grandchildren). He is now affectionately known as ‘Koro’ in our family. It is a Maori term that means, old man. But it is reserved for reverent use for the patriarch of the family.
The tales and accomplishments of my father’s life could fill books a plenty. And maybe, one day I will fill a book with those stories. But for now I will continue to carry those stories in my heart, and cherish every day and moment that I share with him.
Happy 70th Birthday, Koro! Here’s to many more blessed years together! I love you more than all the stars in the sky and more than all the grains of sand on the earth.
Mr Casimir Douglas
Friday 22nd November, 2024
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
STRATEGIC PLAN (2025-2030): FOSTERING GREATNESS
It is with great pleasure that I share with the school community our Strategic Plan (2025-2030): Fostering Greatness.
The process for formulating the strategic plan and seeking feedback and input from students, parents, and staff commenced in earnest in 2023. Please find below a list of the opportunities for this feedback and co-construction to occur:
- 2023, Term 1: Village Well - Visioning Workshop (Parents, Staff & Students)
- 2023, Term 2: Student, Parent, and Staff Validation Surveys
- 2024, Term 1: 15-Minute Meetings with Individual Staff
- 2024, Term 3: Staff Meeting - Strategic Plan (2025-2030): 12 Spheres
- 2024, Term 3: Insight SRC School Effectiveness Surveys (Students, Parents & Staff)
- 2024, Term 4: Leadership Team - Strategic Planning Day
- 2024, Term 4: Draft Strategic Plan - School Advisory Board Review Meeting
- 2024, Term 4: Draft Strategic Plan - Staff Feedback Survey
- 2024, Term 4: Draft Strategic Plan - Staff Review Meeting
The key data and themes emergent from these feedback mechanisms have shaped not just the individual goals, but the very purpose, vision, and mission of our school over the next six years:
“Our mission is to create a learning environment that fosters greatness and enables flourishing through Christ as our teacher. With humility, our students embrace self-acceptance and know they can make a positive difference in the world.”
The concept of ‘fostering greatness’ is in the very DNA of the Strategic Plan (2025-2030), and every facet of the plan; from each individual objective through to the structure of the strategic plan itself is designed with the aim of ‘fostering greatness’. The word ‘greatness’ in this context refers to our students building a healthy sense of personal significance, that, “I matter”, to truly know their worth and potential, to find their voice, and make a positive contribution to the lives of others.
I encourage all families to set aside the time to absorb and understand the Strategic Plan (2025-2030): Fostering Greatness. The driving aspiration behind the strategic plan was to identify goals that were both ambitious and achievable. There are many different formats for strategic plans. Many commercial enterprises opt for a strategic plan that is focused on numbers, data and accountability; but in such a format there is no heart, no vision, no soul, and no people-focus. Many educational institutions opt for a strategic plan that is purely vision-oriented; but the goals are so opaque and ambiguous, and not tethered to any particular action that they become meaningless. Therefore, we have settled on a format that blends the best of both these formats: it is student-centred and student-focused, utilises aspriational language to paint the vision for our future community, and includes data accountabilities in the key deliverable areas.
There are 81 goals in the plan, and the structure of the Strategic Plan (2025-2030): Fostering Greatness is clearly articulated in the opening pages of the document. Please know that behind every single one of these 81 goals is a planning document that identifies the required actions, timeframes, and staff accountable for these.
To say that I am inspired and excited for the journey ahead is an understatement. But to achieve the goals of thisn strategic plan is not just my work, it is not just the work of the staff, it is not just the work of the students, it is not just the work of the parents; it is our collective effort as a school community that will propel us to achieving our goals.
I look forward to the 2030 school year, when I can look back on the journey of the past six years, and can proudly share that as a community together, we realised this vision.
Please find below a link that enable you to download a copy of the Strategic Plan (2025-2030): Fostering Greatness for St Thomas More's Catholic School. Please also find below an image of the one-page summary document, which captures four key themes of the strategic plan and the associated goals.
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 November, 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, listen, learn.
The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our morning Prayer Assembly this Monday (18th November), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of EMPATHY:
| Term 4 - Week 5, 2024 | ||
| Alianna Andrado | For always showing empathy towards your peers. You are always willing to listen to others and show care and kindness to everyone in Prep M. Thank you for being you Ali! | Prep More |
| Billie Speirs | Empathy: You show empathy when being kind and gentle with your friends, genuinely listening to others, and being a learner in Prep. | Prep Thomas |
| Lekhya Sompalli | For consistently showing gentleness in words and actions, and always being mindful of the feelings of others. Lekhya shows the Gospel Value of empathy by making sure everyone feels valued and heard. Thank you for being an amazing friend, Lekhya! | Grade 1/2 More |
| Georgie Hodgetts | For consistently demonstrating exceptional empathy towards others, excellence in learning, and attentive listening in class. Your kindness, understanding, and dedication make our school a better place every day. | Grade 1/2 Saint |
| Ellie Pike | Ellie is awarded the “Empathy” Gospel Value award for showing a caring heart and understanding others. She goes out of her way to listen to her classmates, help when someone is feeling down, and make everyone feel included. Ellie is a wonderful example of how kindness and empathy can make our class a better place. Thank you Ellie. |
Grade 1/2 Thomas |
| Mikah Jankowiak | Your genuine empathy radiates through your acts of kindness and gestures towards others. You actively check in with others, reassure them if they are down and praise them for their efforts, as recently demonstrated in the Basketball Tournament and class games. Keep up the wonderful work Mikah. | Grade 3/4 More |
| Lillian Carey | For ensuring that she displays appropriate actions and has positive conversations with her peers and teachers. | Grade 3/4 Saint |
| Hamish Chugg | For consistently modelling Empathy by showing 5 star listening expectations in the classroom during learning. Well done Hamish, you are a star! | Grade 3/4 Thomas |
| Marlon Rooney | Marlon has demonstrated compassion, kindness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of those around him. Marlon's ability to see the world from another person's perspective is a valuable skill that we hope he continues to develop and share with others. | Grade 5/6 More |
| Millie Van Namen | Millie has demonstrated empathy throughout the year, showing kindness and understanding toward her classmates and adults within our school. She has a natural ability to listen and offer support, making others feel valued and included. Her caring nature and willingness to help those around her have positively impacted our school community. | Grade 5/6 Saint |
| Maicy Garwood | Maicy consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of others' feelings and always takes the time to reflect thoughtfully before speaking. Her considerate nature shines through in both her actions and words. Thank you, Maicy, for bringing warmth and kindness to our classroom. | Grade 5/6 Thomas |
These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday 19th November in the Josephite Hall during the first break at 10:50am.
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 Afternoon Tea in Josephite Hall this Tuesday (19th November).
We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruit, scrolls, and scones, and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives, including; education, sisters, family, friends, parents, and the coffee-coloured rabbit named Spleen! They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included soccer, basketball, motocross, swimming, gymnastics, dancing, netball and futsal!
GRADE 6 REFLECTION DAY
On Tuesday, November 19th, our Grade 6 students stepped away from their usual routines to take part in a Reflection Day at the Prospect Sports Centre. Led by Mr. Luke McCormack, a cherished former student of St Thomas More’s Catholic School and a highly respected educator, the day offered a rich blend of celebration, challenge, and connection. Luke’s wisdom and storytelling guided our students as they explored themes of growth, change, and resilience, using stories like What Do You Do With a Chance? and What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada to spark reflection and discussion. Through games, guided meditations, and creative activities—including a group dance to When Love Takes Over—our students experienced firsthand the power of stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new opportunities with courage and optimism.
This Reflection Day marked an important milestone for our Grade 6 students as they prepare to transition to high school. It was a chance to celebrate their unique journeys through primary school, reflect on the challenges they’ve overcome, and connect deeply with their peers in their final weeks at St Thomas More’s. Luke’s ability to weave meaningful lessons with fun and adventure left a lasting impression, reminding us all of the importance of embracing life’s “disorders” as steps toward growth and “reorder.” We are profoundly grateful for Luke’s presence, not only for the inspiration he brought to our students but also for the ongoing conversations about how he might support our leadership team and community in the future.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS - SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD & PARENTS & FRIENDS COMMITTEE
This week, our school held both it's Annual General Meetings for the School Advisory Board (Wednesday 20th November), and Parents & Friends Committee (Tuesday 19th November).
The focus of these meetings is the election of office bearers for the 2025 school year. I am pleased to report the following appointments:
School Advisory Board:
Board Chair: Derek Bye
Vice Chair/Secretary: Lisa Amerikanos
Financial Advisory: Jaime Foskett
Parents & Friends Committee:
President: Tamara Rimmelzwaan
Vice Chair/Secretary: Alecia Bowman
Treasurer: Kylie Artis
In reflecting on the achievements of 2024, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the parents of our school community for their unwavering support, engagement, and generosity in volunteering their time and talents. Parents are, and always will be, the first and most important educators of their children—a role that encompasses not only guiding their academic growth but also nurturing their character and faith. This vital partnership between home and school creates the foundation upon which all great learning and formation are built. I would like to thank our P&F, led so capably by Tamara Rimmelszwaan and Alecia Bowman, for their outstanding contributions this year. Their dedication has enabled numerous initiatives and experiences for our students, including a commitment of $10,000 towards the construction of a Gaga Pit in 2025, which promises to enhance the play and social opportunities for our children. Special thanks also go to Peta-Marie Goss for her driven and thoughtful representation of our school within the Catholic Schools Parent Council, ensuring our parent voice is heard at a wider level.
I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable advice, guidance, and camaraderie provided by the members of the School Advisory Board, whose work is instrumental in shaping the daily life, student experience, and governance of St Thomas More’s Catholic School. Under the steadfast leadership of Derek Bye and Lisa Amerikanos, the Board has been a key partner in navigating our challenges and planning for our future with wisdom and care. Your contributions have truly been a gift to our school, ensuring that we remain focused on delivering excellence in education and wellbeing for every student.
As a final thank you, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for morning tea generously provided to staff this week by the Massey family, Chris & Abbie. It is acts of kindness, support, and service such as this, that makes our school community special. Thank you for the thoughful gesture, and the delicious food!
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 Louie Matthews, Emmett McInerney, Oliver Coppleman, Archer Coombe, Flynn Goodwin, Nate Pedder and Imogen Dilger who received 25 St Thomas More's sticker rewards for their positive contributions to our school.
Congratulations to Florence Mattern, Edie Eiszele and Violet Jankowiak who received 50 St Thomas More's sticker rewards for their positive contributions to our school.
This is a polite reminder about the school's operating hours and the hours of supervision for children.
School starts at 8.50 am
Before school supervision begins at 8.30 am, and not before. From 8.30am, teachers are in their classrooms assisting students and there are staff members on duty in the playground.
Children should not be left unattended at school before this time. There is no supervision and there is the potential for a serious incident to occur. If there is a need to drop children at school early, before school is available, please contact Catholic Care on 1300 119 455 or by email at ccs.admin@aohtas.org.au. School finishes at 3 pm.
Children should be collected promptly from the pick-up areas on Abbott Street or Campbell Street. There is a teacher on duty in these areas until 3.15 pm. Another teacher supervises children who catch the Abbott Street bus until 3.30 pm. If you are unable to collect your children within the supervision times, please contact Catholic Care to arrange for after-school care on the premises.
Thank you for working together with us to keep your children safe.
Allison Cornish
Deputy Principal
In Grade 5/6 we read the book- The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy.
The central message of the book is about the importance of kindness, and that love exists in unexpected places, we are brave enough to let it in. The underlying feel of the book is that it is beneficial for everyone if we look out for others as well as ourselves.
More is said in the illustrations than in the words. They are deliberately messy in places. Imperfections are a part of everything in nature, including ourselves, and beauty can still be found and appreciated. There is no shying away from difficulty in these pages.
In class, the students chose a page with a quote or image that really resonated with them and recreated them. Here are just a few examples of our amazing work!
