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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.
WILD CREATURE MIND
There is no secret that reading, particularly professional reading, is not just a hobby of mine, but an obsession! My shelves are littered with books that cover a wide variety of topics that explore faith, leadership, education, and self-actualisation. Therefore, my conversations with the staff of St Thomas More’s Catholic School are often ripe with discussion of the new titles, recent reads, innovative ideas, and opportunities for learning and growth. Recently, I was given a copy of Steve Biddulph’s new book, Wild Creature Mind, by one of the wonderful staff members at our school, after we had spent some time discussing Biddulph’s literature and his influence on our parenting and approach to education.
In Wild Creature Mind, Steve Biddulph explores the complex inner world of children and teenagers, emphasising the need for a deeper understanding of their natural instincts, emotions, and developmental needs. Known for his insights on parenting and child psychology, Biddulph argues that children today often lose touch with their "wild" selves, resulting in a sense of disconnection, anxiety, and lack of purpose. Through his expert observations, he shows how, as caregivers, we can create spaces that nurture children’s growth while embracing their individuality and unique strengths.
The book reveals a recurring theme: that children are not just small adults but "wild creatures" needing guidance to grow in a world that often prioritises compliance over exploration. Biddulph encourages adults to recognise this intrinsic nature and to protect children from being overly shaped by societal pressures. His practical guidance, paired with research-backed strategies, offers a framework for helping young people thrive in their own time and way. He speaks to the importance of cultivating a safe yet stimulating environment where children can explore, express emotions freely, and develop resilience.
Biddulph also addresses the role of technology and modern distractions, suggesting that they can lead children further from their authentic selves. With his characteristic warmth, he shares personal anecdotes and case studies highlighting how simple lifestyle adjustments—like spending time outdoors, encouraging physical activity, and prioritising family connections—can make a significant impact on a child’s emotional and psychological development. His emphasis on reconnecting with nature, unplugging from devices, and fostering meaningful, face-to-face interactions is particularly relevant to today's families.
For the parents and carers of St Thomas More’s Catholic School community, Biddulph's insights offer a reminder of the beauty of nurturing our children in ways that honour their God-given individuality. As he suggests, let us continue to create and maintain home environments that encourage children to explore their faith, build connections, and learn resilience through both structured and spontaneous play. Supporting our children in developing their true selves and embracing their weird, enables them to grow into compassionate, balanced adults, ready to serve others.
Mr Casimir Douglas
Tuesday 5th November, 2024.
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
KINDER ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
What a joyful day we shared at our annual Kinder Athletics Carnival this Monday (11th November)! The school oval was alive with excitement as our youngest students embraced each event with boundless energy and bright smiles. From sack races to bean bag tosses, every activity was designed to encourage our Kinders to be active, have fun, and experience the joy of participating alongside friends and classmates. Their enthusiasm was infectious, reminding us all of the pure delight that comes from running freely, cheering for others, and simply being part of a team.
Our carnival would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated teachers, the cheering families, and our Year 6 leaders who kindly volunteered to guide and cheer on the little ones throughout the day. These moments of community highlight the spirit of our Catholic school, where we nurture every child’s growth and celebrate achievements both big and small. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day such a memorable experience for our Kinder students—your presence and encouragement truly helped make this day one to remember!
EARLY YEARS - TASMANIA ZOO EXCURSION
On Tuesday this week, (12th November) our Early Years students recently embarked on an exciting Biological Science excursion to Tasmania Zoo in Riverside, a day filled with wonder and learning about God’s creation. The Preps, Grade 1s, and Grade 2s had the chance to see Tasmania's native animals up close, from playful Tasmanian devils to colorful parrots, learning valuable lessons about the unique habitats and behaviors of these creatures.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers, whose support made the day safe, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone. Their assistance allowed us to provide an enriching experience for each child, and we’re grateful for their generosity with their time and enthusiasm. A special thanks to Mrs Therese Wahl, our Key Teacher - Science, whose dedicated organisation of this excursion ensured its success. The gallery below captures the experience from a number of our small groups from Prep Thomas!
GRADE 3/4 SCHOOLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
This past weekend, our Grade 3/4 students made us all incredibly proud as they represented St Thomas More's Catholic School in Basketball Tasmania’s Grade 3/4 Northern Schools Basketball Tournament. With over 40 of our young athletes competing across five teams—boys and girls alike—the event was a fantastic display of enthusiasm, teamwork, and the STM spirit we all cherish.
Each team brought their best to the court, playing with resilience and respect in every game. I’d like to give a special mention to our Division 1 Boys team, who made an inspiring run to the Grand Final. Though they were gallantly defeated, their courage and determination were nothing short of impressive, and they set a fine example for us all.
Our community’s presence and support made this weekend particularly special. Thank you to the parents and families who cheered, encouraged, and supported from the sidelines. It was heartwarming to see such a strong turnout, reminding us of the power of community here at STM.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Natalie Zegveld for her outstanding leadership and organisation of the event. Her dedication and attention to detail ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing our students to enjoy a memorable and meaningful experience. Thank you, Mrs. Zegveld, for your invaluable support!
Lastly, my sincere thanks to our dedicated volunteer coaches and team managers. Your time, guidance, and encouragement have left a lasting impact on our students and made this tournament experience unforgettable.
GRADE 5/6 CULTURAL DAY
This Tuesday (12th November) our Grade 5/6 students participated in their annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Excursion to the stunning Cataract Gorge in Launceston. The day was filled with meaningful learning, as students connected with the rich cultural heritage of our local Aboriginal community, exploring themes of personal values, spirituality, and their relationship with the land. Through guided activities and discussions led by local Aboriginal knowledge holders, our students gained new insights into sustainable living, the significance of flora and fauna, and the ways extreme weather has shaped our region over time.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the parent volunteers who generously supported the day, and to the Parents and Friends group for providing a delicious sausage sizzle lunch that kept everyone energized. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Simone Ross for her outstanding organisation of the excursion, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience for all. The day left our students inspired and enriched, deepening their appreciation for our community’s cultural heritage and the land we share.
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 has 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.
A number of students will receive a Gospel Value Award at our morning Prayer Assembly this coming Monday (18th November), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of EMPATHY.
These students will also attend the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday 19th November in the Josephite Hall during the first break at 10:50am with myself and Fr Vinco Muriyada.
SPRING BAY MILL CAMP!
Last week, two of our Year 5 & 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, Kohan and Tohbe, had the incredible opportunity to attend a camp at Spring Bay Mill in Triabunna alongside students from other Catholic schools. From Wednesday, November 6th to Friday, November 8th, the camp immersed our students in cultural learning and environmental appreciation, connecting them deeply with their heritage and the natural beauty of Maria Island. This experience was enhanced by cultural practitioner Luke Mabb, who generously shared his knowledge and led engaging workshops. A highlight was the Maria Island tour on Thursday, where students walked in the footsteps of their ancestors and learned the island’s rich stories.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our ATSI Coordinator, Mrs. Simone Ross, for her dedicated organisation of this memorable camp. Her commitment ensured our students could benefit from this extraordinary cultural journey, creating lasting memories and connections. This camp not only broadened their understanding of Aboriginal heritage but also strengthened their sense of identity and pride.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
Please find attached a copy of the Student Leadership Framework that outlines our approach to the task of developing Christ-centred student leaders at St Thomas More's Catholic School.
This framework underpins our practices and approach to student leadership, and provides an outline for a continuum of skill development, experiences, and formal opportunities in this space. The next phase of its development is, as referenced in the framework, to centralise all documentation pertaining to student leadership development and opportunities.
This initiative represents one of the key ways we are living out one of our key priorities from our 2024 Annual Priorities as a school community, from the Catholic Identity domain:
"To introduce, develop and resource, a Student Leadership Framework that guides the programs, structures and opportunities for student leadership in the life of the school, and outlines a continuum for these experiences and the development of relevant skills."
FAREWELL, MRS KIDD!
It is my pleasure to announce that Mrs Tracey Kidd has been appointed to the role of Principal of St Joseph's Catholic School in Rosebery, commencing in the 2025 school year.
It is with joy and excitement for Mrs Kidd, that we as a school community, fully support, endorse, and give our blessing for her to embrace and undertake this opportunity for which she is so very deserving.
Mrs Kidd has excelled in the role of classroom teacher, Literacy Practice Leader, Support Teacher, Conservation Club Coordinator, and dedicated member of the Staff Wellness Committee. Each of these roles have drawn forth Tracey's creativity, humour, generosity, and her genuine support and care for students and colleagues.
Mrs Kidd, we wish you all the best in your role as Principal at St Joseph's Catholic School, Rosebery! We have no doubt that you will enjoy the journey ahead and the opportunity to learn and grow, and support all those around you to learn and grow with you.
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
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Awarded by |
To |
For |
|
Mrs Wheeler |
George Goss |
For consistently displaying a positive attitude and a beautiful smile. Your enthusiasm and willingness to take on challenges brighten our school community. I am very proud of you, George! |
|
Mrs Wheeler |
Isabella Flynn |
For demonstrating courage and confidence as the Star of the Week by projecting your usually quiet voice in front of the class. Congratulations! |
|
Ms Nichols |
Liam Wylie |
For his dedication to learning and his ability to grow from his mistakes. Keep up the excellent work, Liam! |
|
Ms Nichols |
Frankie Crumpton |
For his exceptional dedication to assisting in the classroom. Thank you for being such a wonderful helper, Frankie! |
|
Ms Nichols |
Neve Malthouse |
For her commitment and effort in her learning. I am incredibly proud of the progress you have made, Neve! |
|
Ms Flynn |
Chace Bryan |
For consistently demonstrating good sportsmanship across the Basketball Tournament. Keep up the good work Chace |
|
Ms Flynn |
Reuben Saunders |
For being a supportive and helpful class member. You actively help others in need and are a great asset to our class. Well done Reuben |
|
Ms Flynn |
Isla Spiteri |
For your consistent work ethic across your learning. You actively engage in your tasks and seek guidance for improvement. Keep up the wonderful work Isla |
|
Ms Flynn |
Summa Zuj |
For being a respectful and polite class member of 3/4 M. You can be relied upon for making good choices and having a strong work ethic in your learning. Well done Summa |
|
Mrs Hartley |
Chloe Cocca |
Chloe is a quiet achiever who consistently applies herself to her schoolwork with a calm and steady approach. She handles each task with ease and always gives her best, no matter the challenge. We love having you (and your dry sense of humour) in our class, Chloe! |
|
Mrs Hartley |
Raghavi Sompalli |
Raghavi shows great leadership as an SRC representative. She speaks confidently in front of the class and leads by example with maturity and responsibility. Well done, Raghavi! |
|
Mrs Scharapow |
Freya Cassidy |
for being a WEST student, when you welcome and encourage others around you. You are a thoughtful member of our class. |
|
Mrs Scharapow |
Emmett McInerney |
for being a kind student, when you welcome and encourage others around you. You are a thoughtful member of our class. |
|
Mrs Carr |
Bonnie Elliot |
For your focus and participation during our InitiaLit lessons. It is awesome to see the progress you are making because of this Bonnie, well done! |
|
Mrs Carr |
Claire Hodgetts |
For her brilliant sentence writing. Claire, your ability to write an expanded sentence amazes me! I love how well you use adjectives! |
|
Mr Davie |
Eva Lewis |
For demonstrating a sense of responsibility and showing support for the relief staff. |
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Mrs Hodgetts |
Gemma Richardson |
For her articulate and clear responses when explaining the key messages within selected parables. Gemma is also able to share real life examples about these. |
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Mrs Hodgetts |
Huntah Walker |
For the excellent progress he has made within his rocket maths lessons. Huntah has shown mastery with his multiplication facts. |
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Mrs Hodgetts |
Amelia French |
For her focus and commitment to achieving success with all tasks. Keep up the great work Amelia! |
|
Mrs Taylor |
Lilou Hommel |
For her hard work in our Little Pigs drama play! Thank you for practising and remembering your lines and bringing your joyful spirit to our classroom. Your enthusiasm and dedication bring our play to life! Thank you Lilou! |
|
Mrs Taylor |
Jack Spicer |
For being a very reliable zoo tour guide! You led us all around the zoo without getting us lost and Mrs Taylor is so grateful she didn’t have to read the map. Thanks to you, we got to see so many amazing animals. Thanks Jack! |
|
Mrs Taylor |
Murphy McInerney |
For looking out for Mrs Taylor and making sure she got on and off the bus safely. Your thoughtfulness and care as a bus buddy are truly appreciated. Thank you Murphy! |
|
Miss McLauchlan |
Milly Ashdown |
For showing great resilience and a growth mindset in maths when faced with tasks that are challenging. Great work! |
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Miss McLauchlan |
Freya McArthur |
For her thoughtful and engaging contribution to our class discussion around our class novel. |
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Miss McLauchlan |
Cooper Spanton |
For his perseverance and determination when working on BODMAS in maths this term. |
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Miss McLauchlan |
Jackson Hodgetts |
For his thoughtful and engaging contribution during our class lesson for the Resilience Project |
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Miss McLauchlan |
Jessica Hernyk |
For showing great resilience and a growth mindset in maths when faced with tasks that are challenging. Great work! |
|
Mrs Chugg |
Mary Hau Sian Huai |
For her outstanding engagement in all English lessons, and towards her most recent creative writing piece- The Haunted House. |
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Mrs Chugg |
Mikayla Bardenhagen |
For showing readiness to learn in the classroom and being a positive role model for her classmates. |
|
Mrs Chugg |
Hugo McGoran |
For his dedication towards his handwriting goals, and improved confidence to share his thoughts and ideas in whole class discussions. |
Congratulations to Kohan Leggett, Jesse Cartledge and Scarlett de Virieux who received 25 St Thomas More's sticker rewards for their positive contributions to our school.
Congratulations to Neve Malthouse, Blaire Wetselaar and Quinn Cassidy who received 50 St Thomas More's sticker rewards for their positive contributions to our school.
Congratulations to Olivia Pooley who received 100 St Thomas More's sticker rewards for her positive contributions to our school.
The library will be closed for the last four weeks of term for stocktaking. Next week (Week 6) will be the last week that students will visit the library. Therefore, it would be greatly appreciated if all outstanding library books could be returned.
Many thanks,
Rebecca Thomas
Teacher Librarian
The last day for lunch orders via the Flexischools app will be Friday, 6th December 2024.
We will advise once we know when lunch orders will commence in 2025.
Last week our Grade 5 Aboriginal students attended the annual First Nations Camp at Spring Bay Mill in Triabunna with students from three other Catholic schools.
The first afternoon they spent learning about sustainability and horticulture at the Mill. After dinner the students went for a walk to Windlass Bay.
On Thursday we travelled to Maria Island, or Wukaluwikiwayna as it is called as it is in the Palawa kani. We had knowledge sharer Linton deliver the Welcome to Country on the beach. He shared his knowledge with us about the Aboriginal history of the island and about fossils. On our last evening at the Mill we danced, yarned and made firesticks around the fire pit.
