THE ANXIOUS GENERATION

In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt explores the growing epidemic of anxiety among young people today, offering a thought-provoking analysis of how societal changes, particularly in the digital age, have impacted the mental health of a generation. Haidt, a social psychologist, traces the roots of this anxiety to shifts that began in the early 2000s, including the rise of social media, the decline of face-to-face interaction, and the increasing pressures placed on students to achieve perfection.

One of the book's central themes is the shift towards a culture of safetyism—a mindset that prioritises emotional comfort over resilience. Haidt argues that this has led to a generation of young people who are ill-prepared to cope with the normal challenges and adversities of life. He delves into the concept of "helicopter parenting," where well-meaning but overprotective parents shield their children from hardship, ultimately hindering their ability to develop coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.

Haidt also identifies a significant correlation between the rise of social media and the increase in mental health issues. The book highlights how platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, with their focus on image-based validation, have exacerbated feelings of inadequacy and loneliness among adolescents. Haidt’s analysis provides insight into how the constant comparison culture, exacerbated by social media, has contributed to increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among young people.

However, Haidt does not leave parents and educators without hope. He offers practical advice on how to foster resilience in young people. Emphasising the importance of returning to more traditional forms of interaction, Haidt encourages us to focus on promoting face-to-face communication, fostering a growth mindset, and giving students opportunities to learn from failure rather than shield them from discomfort.

As Principal, I find Haidt’s insights invaluable for shaping how we engage with students at St Thomas More’s Catholic School. His book reminds us that building resilience is crucial to the well-being of our students, and that while we must nurture and protect them, we must also provide the tools for them to develop independence and emotional strength.

For parents, Haidt’s key findings offer valuable guidance. First, limit the time children spend on social media and encourage face-to-face interactions, which are vital for developing emotional intelligence and resilience. Teach children that failure is not something to fear but an opportunity for growth. Finally, empower your children to navigate challenges on their own, while offering support when needed. By fostering independence and resilience, you can help your child thrive in an increasingly anxious world.

Mr Casimir Douglas

Sunday 9th March, 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

SALUTATION

Grace to you and peace.

INSIGHT SRC SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS SURVEY FEEDBACK!

At St Thomas More’s Catholic School, we are deeply committed to listening, growing, and ensuring that our students thrive. Last year, in Weeks 8 & 9 of Term 3, 2024, we had the unique opportunity to be one of eight trial schools for Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) to participate in a new parent survey, titled the Insight SRC School Effectiveness Survey. We were also the only school in the Launceston region selected, and we’re excited to share the results with you.

The good news? Parents overwhelmingly expressed high satisfaction with our academic programs, praising our dedicated and passionate teachers, our strong learning environment, and the positive relationships students build with their peers. The survey also highlighted that our students enjoy coming to school, feel supported, and are developing valuable social skills. Additionally, our Catholic identity remains a strong pillar, with parents recognising the school’s efforts in faith formation, compassion, and social justice opportunities.

Of course, every great school is always looking for ways to improve, and your feedback provided us with important insights. Parents noted that while our communication is strong, there is a desire for more opportunities to provide input into school decisions. This is where we strongly encourage you to engage in our Parents & Friends Committee or School Advisory Board. These groups offer direct opportunities to collaborate with the school, ensuring that parent voices play an active role in shaping our future.

Now, here’s where you come in! CET has now made this survey an annual initiative for all Catholic schools across Tasmania. Moving forward, this survey will take place in Term 1, during Weeks 8 & 9 each year. That means we will be asking all parents to complete this year’s survey commencing in Week 8!

Your voice truly matters. In our last survey, one of the biggest pieces of feedback was a desire for increased parent input—well, here is your chance! Keep an eye out for further communication about the 2025 Parent Survey, and when it arrives, we encourage you to take the time to complete it. Your feedback helps us celebrate our strengths, identify opportunities for improvement, and most importantly, continue to make St Thomas More’s the best it can be for our children.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support—we can’t wait to hear from you again!

GOSPEL VALUE AWARDS: DIGNITY

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 March, the school community is focused on the Gospel value of DIGNITY. Our Gospel Values: Head, Heart & Hands Framework, reminds our students that to show the value of dignity is to be myself, do my best, and be proud.

The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Tuesday morning Prayer Assembly (11th March) this week, as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of DIGNITY:

Term 1 - Week 5, 2025
Grace Anderson	Grace thank you for always being a focused learner, I love the way that you always try your best and show pride in your work. You set a great example for your classmates.	Prep More
Charlotte Bellenger	Charlotte acts with dignity when she shows respect and kindness for others. She treats her peers with respect and values others when she listens to them.	Prep Thomas
Blake Stocks	Blake shows the Gospel value of dignity by consistently going out of his way to help around our classroom. He loves helping teachers with their tasks and always volunteers his assistance. Thank you for everything you do, Blake!	Grade 1/2 More
Thomas Bowman	Thomas demonstrated the gospel value of dignity through his valuable assistance during Shrove Tuesday. Your efforts in helping organise pancakes for all classes were greatly appreciated. You should be very proud of yourself!	Grade 1/2 Saint
Ava Johnson	Ava demonstrates the Gospel Value of Dignity everyday through her considerate and respectful actions. Ava recognises the needs of others and quietly works to support all those around her.	Grade 1/2 Thomas
Kip Cruse	Kip is a consistently respectful and polite student in class, always offering assistance to others without needing to be asked. He demonstrates the school values with integrity, treating everyone with kindness and respect in all situations.	Grade 3/4 More
Scout Lunson	For respecting the dignity of others and for embracing her true self.	Grade 3/4 Saint
Huxley Clarke	For his high engagement and strong work ethic in the classroom. Huxley takes pride in his learning and strives to be the best version of himself each day. Keep being you, Huxley!	Grade 3/4 Thomas
Dustin Graham	Dustin exemplifies the value of dignity by consistently treating his peers and younger students with respect and kindness. His unwavering consideration for others sets a positive example for all.	Grade 5/6 More
Minnie Williams	Thank you, Minnie, for always treating staff and students with kindness and respect. Your ability to show dignity in all situations makes you a wonderful role model for our school community. Keep shining!	Grade 5/6 Saint
Finn Turriff	Finn’s integrity is evident in the way he approaches his learning. He consistently pushes himself to extend and improve, especially in maths, where his dedication and hard work are leading to well-earned success. He listens carefully to feedback and uses it to grow, setting a great example for his peers.	Grade 5/6 Thomas

These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (11th March) in the Josephite Hall during the first break at 10:50am with myself and Fr Vinco Muriyadan.

PRINCIPAL'S MORNING TEA

At our Tuesday morning Prayer Assembly this 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 (11th March).

We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, lamingtons and scrolls and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives, including receiving the Gospel value award, going to the shack in Scamander, family, the roof over our heads, friends, Arrow the dog, George the cat, the shack in St Helen's, the sausage dogs Pinky and Pixie, Mum and Dad, and the four guinea pigs - Minnie, Panda, Pepper & Honey!

They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included soccer, cricket, footy, taekwondo, futsal, going to the beach, playing basketball for the Devils, going camping with family in Ulverstone, swimming, dancing lyrical at Melissa Wimmer's School of Dance, horse-riding, the Carlton Blues, spending long weekends at Myrtle Park, athletics, LEGO, bike-riding at St Leonard's, bouncing on the trampoline, and practising cartwheels during gymnastics at PCYC!

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

We are aware that a number of families have changed address since their child/ren commenced at St Thomas More's Catholic School.  Please could you email your change of address to stm@catholic.tas.edu.au

We will be celebrating Harmony Day next Friday, 21 March 2025.  

Students are encouraged to wear something Orange on this day, and will participate in face painting of Orange hearts on hands or cheeks.  If you wish for your child to not participate, please email: simone.ross@catholic.tas.edu.au.

St Thomas More's Catholic School community and students will be marching in the ANZAC Day march and attending the service on Friday, 25 April 2025.

We will gather at Coles car park in Charles Street at 9:30am before heading to Prince's Square at 9:45am to start the march at 10:15am. The service starts at 10:30-10:45am at the Cenotaph. At the conclusion of the service, students can be collected from the Cenotaph in Paterson Street.

Students in K-2 wear sports uniform and students in Years 3-6 wear formal winter green uniform.

Please complete the below google form if your child will be participating in the ANZAC Day march with our school.

Link

Looking for a joyful, educational start for your little one? Our Joeys Playgroup at St Thomas More’s Catholic School is the place to be!

✅ FREE sessions for children aged birth to 4!
✅ Fun, learning & play in a school environment!
✅ Run by experienced, accredited educators
✅ Tuesdays 9:00am - 10:30am during term time!

Come along to Josephite Hall and watch your child’s curiosity and confidence grow! Plus, connect with other local families and share in the joy of learning together!

No bookings required — just turn up & have fun!

St Thomas More’s Catholic School
Every Tuesday (School Term)