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THE TRUE JOY & MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS
As we approach the season of Christmas, we are invited to pause and reflect on the deeper truths hidden within the celebration. Christmas, in its full spiritual depth, beckons us toward an understanding of union, of being at home in the world, and of embracing the divine presence that dwells among us. The renowned theologian, Fr Richard Rohr, offers a profound insight into this message, reminding us that the heart of Christmas is the invitation to experience no separation between God and creation.
The mystery of Christmas, symbolised in the humble birth of Jesus, carries a message that is not always immediately apparent. On the surface, it may seem like a story of a baby born in a manger, but beneath that simple narrative lies a transformative revelation—the union of the divine with the human. Jesus, in his incarnation, brings heaven to earth, bridging the gap that humanity has long felt between itself and its Creator. As Rohr eloquently writes, this union is not just theological, but deeply personal. It is an invitation to embrace the reality that God is not distant but present in our every moment, in the ordinary and the extraordinary alike.
For those of us who long for something new, something life-changing, Christmas offers a path forward. However, it is not a path that can be approached with the same old ways of thinking. Rohr challenges us to let go of our old ways of being, to make room for the new that God is always offering. It is through letting go of the tired and the empty, much like St Francis of Assisi, that we open ourselves to the true gift of Christmas—the newness of God’s love that calls us to transform our hearts and our lives.
St Francis, in his own unique way, exemplified this deep spiritual truth. By creating the first living nativity scene, he invited others to witness the revolutionary newness of God revealed in a simple, vulnerable child. This newness is not only in the form of Jesus, but also in the way we are invited to encounter the world: with fresh eyes, open hearts, and a deep recognition that the divine is everywhere—within us and around us. The Christmas message, then, is one of healing and reconciliation. It is a reminder that we were never meant to live in separation, but to be united with the divine, with each other, and with the creation that surrounds us.
The true joy of Christmas, therefore, is not found in the material trappings of the season, but in the deeper, mystical experience of knowing that we are beloved and part of a greater whole. Rohr’s reflection on the mystical experiences of childhood during Christmas serves as a beautiful reminder of the deep, personal connection we can have with the divine. It is in those quiet moments, amidst the busyness, that we catch glimpses of the truth—that we are already home, already part of God’s good world.
As we celebrate this Christmas, may we each find ourselves touched by that deeper knowing, that mystical experience of being beloved, part of the good world, and stirring with the newness of life. In the words of Howard Thurman, Christmas is the promise that “love is sturdier than hate,” and that “good is more permanent than evil.” May we hold fast to this truth, allowing it to fill our hearts and guide our actions in the year ahead.
On behalf of the staff and students at St Thomas More’s Catholic School, I wish you and your family a blessed and peaceful Christmas, filled with the joy of knowing that you are deeply loved and cherished by God.
Mr Casimir Douglas
Sunday 8th December, 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
2025 ANNUAL PRIORITIES
We are both pleased and proud to present the 2025 Annual Priorities for St Thomas More's Catholic School!
The purpose of the document is to identify, communicate and celebrate the 2025 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 (2025-2030): Fostering Greatness, and the data and feedback from the student, parent, and staff surveys conducted as part of the 2024 School Effectiveness Improvement Surveys.
The priorities are structured in response to the four key domains of the Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools:
GRADE 5 LEADERSHIP RETREAT
This past Friday evening (6th December), we held our Grade 5 Leadership Retreat. This camp experience was held on the School Oval and all students and their teachers camped out in their tents, in what blessedly turned out to be an evening with no rain!
The purpose of the camp was to prepare the students for their role as leaders of our student cohort in Grade 6 through a number of games, activities, and challenges that are designed to push them out of their comfort zone, test their resilience, hone their interpersonal skills, and work as a team under pressure.
The students participated in a paired challenge in which their focus was to take care of their egg and protect it at all costs, which started with a scavenger hunt and ended with a egg-drop problem solving task. Then following a delicious pizza dinner, Mr Davie led the student in a Making Jesus Real session that tested their team work and was designed to build trust and resilience. Finally, students were fortunate to benefit from presence of Mr Luke McCormack who engaged the students in a immersive conversation about who we are human beings, and then led them in a guided meditation that prepared them perfectly for sleep time!
It’s almost expected for the Principal to use this space to praise the students’ outstanding behavior, positive attitudes, and remarkable teamwork during the retreat. But let me be clear—our Grade 5 students didn’t just meet expectations; they far exceeded them! Their conduct, initiative, and collaborative spirit were nothing short of inspiring, leaving no doubt that they are ready to step confidently into their roles as leaders of our school community.
I wish to thank the following staff for their support, guidance, and mentorship of the students during the Grade 5 Leadership Retreat: Mr Rik Bryan, Mr Julian Davie, Mr Jacob Farran, Mrs Jacky Hartley, Mrs Danielle Hodgetts, Ms Jessica McLauchlan, Mrs Simone Ross, Mr Matthew Saunders & Mrs Mandy Turner.
2025 SCHOOL AND HOUSE CAPTAINS
On the afternoon of Monday 9th December, I sent a letter to the parent community notifying them of the appointment of the 2025 School Captains and House Captains.
The appointment of the School Captains and House Captains for the 2024 school year involved the current Year 5 students: formally nominating for the position, making a speech on the virtue of their candidacy to the entire Year 5 student cohort, and attending and demonstrating their leadership skills at the Year 5 Leadership Retreat. The election to these positions is by the democratic vote of their peers and teachers.
Therefore, following the completion of the process listed above, it is my great privilege and joy to inform the entire school community of the appointments for the roles of School Captain and House Captain for the 2025 school year:
Tour our Grade 6, 2025 leader: we have no doubt that your courage to lead, and your desire to serve, will foster greatness in your peers, and help you to continue to grow into the person that God created you to be!
KINDER NATIVITY PLAYS
This past Thursday and Friday, our Kinder classes joyfully performed their Nativity play for their parents in Josephite Hall. In our Catholic school tradition, the Kinder Nativity play is more than just a performance—it's a rite of passage and a significant milestone in each child's educational journey. It's truly heartwarming to see how our Kinder students have grown since the beginning of the year, displaying such composure, confidence, and delight as they took the stage. Their readiness for Prep is evident in every smile and song.
Speaking as a parent who has recently experienced his own children's Kinder Nativity plays over the past few years, I can attest to the immense pride, strong sense of community, and deep connections that these events foster.
A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who made the time to attend their child's Nativity performance amidst their busy schedules. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Mrs Wood, Mrs Edwards, Mrs Thomson, and Mrs Lee for their unwavering support and guidance in helping our Kinder students shine in their first school play.
And let's not forget a special thank you to Santa Claus, who journeyed all the way from the South Pole to bring joy, laughter, and a special gift to each student. Even if he playfully announced to the audience that I was on the naughty list, I'm hopeful that Santa will still leave a little treat in my stocking on December 25th.
And also my apologies for the shoddy photography below. I am certainly not a gifted artisan in that regard!
STMs GOT TALENT!
This past Wednesday (11th December) morning, Josephite Hall was alive with excitement as students showcased their incredible talents in the annual STM's Got Talent Show. From stunning dance routines to powerful singing performances, musicianship, plays, and mimes, the event was a beautiful reflection of the creativity and courage of our students. We are immensely proud of every single performer who took to the stage, demonstrating remarkable bravery to perform in front of their peers and teachers. The hours of practice and rehearsal leading up to this event truly paid off, and we thank our students for their dedication to bringing their best to the spotlight. A heartfelt thank you goes to our wonderful parent community for coming along to support the students, adding to the energy and joy of the event.
A huge thank you to our Grade 6 Arts Captains, Evie Hanson and Issy Zegveld, for hosting the event with such poise and enthusiasm. The show’s finale was truly unforgettable, featuring an electrifying staff performance that had the audience roaring with laughter and excitement. The pre-compiled video of teachers performing popular TikTok dances brought the crowd to life, and the encore performance, with staff members singing and dancing to Miley Cyrus, had everyone on their feet! We sincerely thank Mrs. Hayley Chugg for her hard work in organizing the video and adding that extra spark of fun to the event. The laughter, the energy, and the joy were all thanks to her creative touch.
Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to Mrs. Angela Edwards for her outstanding leadership and organisation of the event. The time, effort, and energy she poured into this show were evident in every moment, and the success of the event is a testament to her dedication to her students. Congratulations to Grade 4 student Lachlan Phillips, the winner of STM's Got Talent, for his hilarious solo drama performance miming a day full of car troubles that had the crowd in stitches!
GRADE 3/4 LAUNCESTON LANES EXCURSION
This past Monday, our energetic Grade 3/4 students rolled into Launceston Lanes for an end-of-year celebration that was nothing short of a 'strike' in every sense! As part of our journey through The Resilience Project this year, where we’ve explored the power of Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness, the students took to the lanes with enthusiasm and a healthy dose of friendly competition. While there may have been a few "gutter balls" (all part of the fun!), it was the positive attitude, encouragement, and sportsmanship that truly hit a bullseye. From high fives after each spare to cheers for the big strikes, it was heartwarming to see our students practice empathy in action.
A huge thank you to our brilliant teachers for organising the event, to the parent volunteers for their support (and extra pair of eyes!), and of course, to our students for their impeccable behaviour. They truly exemplified the skills they’ve been developing this year: staying calm, being kind, and looking out for one another. It was a perfect way to wrap up an amazing year of learning and growth, and we couldn’t be more proud of our students’ resilience. Who knew that bowling could be so much more than just a game – it’s a lesson in teamwork, gratitude, and mindfulness rolled into one! Here's to a fantastic finish to the school year!
GRADE 6 STUDENTS VS STAFF - ANNUAL NETBALL GAME
Today, our annual Grade 6 students vs Staff Netball game took place under the bright sun on our school Netball court, and it was an event to remember! The lively atmosphere was filled with music, live commentary, and an enthusiastic crowd cheering on both teams. The friendly rivalry between the students and staff was a great display of sportsmanship, with everyone enjoying a day of fun, laughter, and community spirit. The purpose of this event is to foster a sense of teamwork and to celebrate the bond between our students and staff, reminding us all of the importance of connection, friendly competition, and mutual respect.
A huge thank you to our referees for their skilled officiating, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable game for everyone involved. We also extend our appreciation to the staff members who participated, showing incredible spirit and teamwork. However, it was the Grade 6 students who truly shone today, defending the honour of their peers with tremendous effort and determination. Their gallant performance was a testament to their leadership and pride in representing their school. Well done to all participants – today was a reminder of the power of unity and fun in building a strong school community!
GRADE 5/6 WATER FIGHT
This Thursday afternoon (12th December) on our School Oval, the Grade 5/6 Water Fight brought an abundance of joy, laughter, and camaraderie to our school community. The sun was shining brightly, setting the perfect stage for a fun-filled afternoon of water pistols, hoses, and flying buckets of water. With music blaring in the background, the students and staff—including yours truly—were drenched from head to toe, all in the name of good fun! The event wasn’t about competition, but rather about enjoying a shared experience and creating lasting memories. The sound of laughter and squealing echoed across the oval as everyone joined in the playful chaos.
Though the goal of the day was pure enjoyment, if we had to pick a winner, the Grade 5/6 Staff would take the crown! Despite what the before and after photos might suggest! Mr Rik ensured the hoses were running at full force, and the staff proved they were just as competitive as the students—coming out on top in this splash-tacular event. It was a reminder of the strong bond we share as a school community, where fun and teamwork come together to create moments that we'll all cherish. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this day so memorable!
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 May Dowling-Edwards, Paxton Walker, many students in 3/4S, Lucy Goss, Lekhya Sompalli, Isla Smith, Elliott Hammersley, Toby Rowe, Lachlan Oakley and Maggie Taylor who received 25 St Thomas More's sticker rewards for their positive contributions to our school.
Please note that our office will be closed from 3:30pm on the final day of school, 17th December 2024.
The school office will reopen on 20th January 2025.
