HOLDING SPACE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

Parent-teacher evenings came and went this week, but they held a certain timelessness—a moment in which our usually rushed schedules paused long enough for genuine conversation. It was a powerful image: families and teachers not merely scurrying in or out, but intentionally holding space for each other. In these gatherings, real learning takes place, beyond test scores and homework logs. It’s in the exchange of genuine curiosity and shared hopes that we all grow.

In the midst of this reflective atmosphere, I was reminded of a conversation with my seven-year-old daughter, Ruby. Out of nowhere, she declared, “When I think of God, I think of Yoda.” After my initial surprise (and stifled chuckle), I asked her why. She shrugged in that wonderfully casual way that children do and said, “Because God is wise and powerful and tells us to have faith.” It’s easy for a parent to laugh it off and move on, but something about her childlike reverence caught my heart. Out of the mouth of babes indeed.

And you know what? Ruby’s onto something. Yoda, small though he may be, is a vessel of quiet wisdom, a figure who nudges heroes to trust in the Force, or—in the context of faith—to trust in the unseen. The parallels to our understanding of God are more than a little striking: the gentle authority, the encouragement to believe, the invitation to grow beyond our limitations.

As parents, it’s vital that we hold space for these conversations—about God, about life, and about those enchanting comparisons our children make when discovering the spiritual world. Rob Bell, in his book What We Talk About When We Talk About God, encourages us to keep our conversations dynamic and open-ended, reminding us that God is often bigger and more mysterious than we can fathom. So let’s embrace these opportunities at home. Our kids are immersed in Religious Education in the classroom, but those “aha” moments often burst forth at the dinner table or during bedtime chats.

May we lean into Ruby’s simple, mischievous wisdom and hold onto the truths she points us toward: that it’s in the sharing, the questioning, the holding space—even if it’s just a few minutes on a busy evening—that the seeds of faith and understanding truly grow. After all, as Yoda himself might say: much to learn, we still have.

Mr Casimir Douglas

Monday 24th March, 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

SALUTATION

Grace to you and peace.

PARKING ON CAMPBELL ST

It has been brought to the attention of the school that a number of parents/carers are parking illegally at both pick up and drop off times on Campbell St. This includes parking on yellow lines, parking over the entrance to school car park, parking the bus zone, and parking over the pedestrian crossing. These behaviours jeopardise the safety of our students by restricting traffic flow, further narrowing the passage of vehicles on the road, and creating unpredictable road conditions. The safety of our students and families at pick up time is paramount. We all have places to be at the end of the school day; but these needs do not trump the law, road safety or student safety.

GRADE 6 REFLECTION DAY

This week, our Grade 6 students stepped out of the classroom and into the fresh air of Prospect Park for the first of four Reflection Days designed to guide and support their journey as leaders of our school. Led by Mr Luke McCormack - former student, gifted educator, and masterful storyteller - the day launched a year-long exploration inspired by the Hero’s Journey.

Luke began working with this cohort during last year’s Grade 5 Leadership Retreat, by exploring with our students what it means to 'be human'. Through stories, games, quiet meditations, and plenty of laughter, our students were gently challenged to consider the deeper aspects of who they are becoming - not just as learners, but as friends, leaders, and people of compassion and courage.

So our first gathering for 2025 focused on relationships - a chance to pause and take stock of “where we are now” as a group of young people standing at the beginning of their final year of primary school. The students reflected on the importance of connection: to their peers, to themselves, and to the impact they have as leaders within our community. Through storytelling, quiet reflection, movement, and open-hearted conversation, they were encouraged to notice what is steady and strong in their lives (Order), while also preparing for the inevitable changes and challenges (Disorder) that come with growth.

Luke’s approach, grounded in the wisdom of the Hero’s Journey, invites our students to see their year not just as a calendar of events, but as a meaningful adventure—full of highs and lows, lessons and triumphs. He reminded us all that while change can feel unsettling, it is also the path to becoming more fully ourselves.

As the year unfolds, each Reflection Day will build on the last - moving from relationships to challenges, then growth, and finally, celebration. We are incredibly grateful for the way Luke is helping shape this journey, offering our students not just moments of reflection, but the tools and mindset to embrace their transition to high school with courage, clarity, and heart.

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 (25th March).

The students each shared what they are grateful for in their lives, including playing with friends at break time, the whole world, cats, our families for giving us hugs, our siblings, our Mums for taking us to school, and our pet dogs Frankie and Franklin, and two pet dogs named, Rip!

They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included tap dancing and ballet, horse riding, soccer, basketball, triathlons, 'Bums on Seats' cycling races, reading books, cricket, swimming, AusKick, Aussie Hoops, and bouncing on the trampoline!

NIJSSA SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Under a golden autumn sun on Thursday 27th March, the Riverside Swimming Pool once again came alive with the sound of cheers and the splash of determination as our students took to the water for the NIJSSA Swimming Carnival. The weather could not have been more perfect—crisp, clear, and brimming with the kind of energy that only a carnival day can bring.

Our swimmers shone just as brightly as the sunshine, bringing not only skill and effort but a wonderful spirit of sportsmanship and school pride. Their enthusiasm was matched by their encouragement for one another, creating an atmosphere that was as warm as the sun above.

A special congratulations goes to our Grade 4 Boys relay team, who claimed victory in the Division 1 Relay for the second year in a row—an incredible back-to-back achievement after their win last year as Grade 3s. We also celebrate our Grade 3 Girls, who powered to first place in their Division 2 Relay with grit and grace. Both teams gave us moments to cheer and memories to treasure!

Heartfelt thanks go to our dedicated staff for their guidance and support, to the many parents who came along to cheer from the sidelines, and especially to Mr Nick Stacey for his superb organisation and leadership. Days like these are a reminder of what makes our school community so special—teamwork, positivity, and a whole lot of heart.

2025 ARTS CAPTAINS!

Congratulations to Eliza Eldershaw and George Boyle for their appointment to the role of Arts Captains for the 2025 school year!

Whilst this news was shared at Friday afternoon School Assembly and on social media at the end of Week 5 this term, we are pleased to now bring this news to our whole school community!

These two students will be responsible for Arts presentations at School Assemblies, committed to all Arts Activities in the life of the school, write reports for the Newsletter and School Magazine, host the Christmas Carols event, and support younger students in being engaged with the Arts.

MRS EMILIE CARR: ACTING TEAM LEADER - EARLY YEARS

Please join me in celebrating with Mrs Jessica Scharapow as she anticipates taking five weeks of well deserved Long Service Leave in Term 2: Weeks 1-5 (Monday 28th April - Friday 30th May, 2025).

Therefore, following the completion of a recent internal recruitment process, it is my pleasure to announce that Mrs Emilie Carr has been appointed to the role of Acting Team Leader: Early Years during Mrs Scharapow's period of leave.

Mrs Carr brings a wealth of insight, enthusiasm and capability to this position. Her experience and understanding of Early Years education and her collaborative spirit will serve her well in the role. I'm confident she'll be warmly supported by both the Early Years team and the wider school community.

Please note that Mrs Marie Osborne will be teaching Prep Thomas during Mrs Scharapow's Long Service Leave, and Mrs Osborne will also be teaching Prep More on Wednesdays during this period to allow Mrs Carr to attend to her duties as Acting Team Leader: Early Years.

ENROLMENTS FOR YEAR 7 @ ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE

Just a reminder for all parents and carers of Year 6 students that Enrolment Applications for current Year 6 students to attend St Patrick's College in Prospect for Year 7, 2026 close on Thursday 10th April (Term 1 - Week 10).

GRADE 5/6 NORTHERN SCHOOLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT!

This weekend, St Thomas More's Catholic School is set to light up the courts of the Elphin Sports Centre, St Patrick's College, Newstead College, and Launceston College in a sea of STM blue! We’re proudly sending five teams to compete in Basketball Tasmania’s Grade 5/6 Northern Schools Basketball Tournament.

With more than 40 students jumping into the action—nearly half our Grade 5/6 cohort—it’s a massive celebration of teamwork, determination, and school pride. Huge thanks go to Mrs Natalie Zegveld and Mr Julian Davie for their outstanding organisation and leadership. We’re also incredibly grateful to our dedicated volunteer coaches and managers who have poured time and energy into preparing our students for this exciting weekend.

I can’t wait to cheer on our teams across the weekend—your energy is sure to be contagious. As Mr Davie reminded our players this week:

"It’s not just about basketball—it’s about giving your best, having a blast, and proudly representing your school. Let’s go STM!"

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

Reminder, an early payment discount is available for all accounts, paid in full, by 31st March 2025.

$117 per child is the applicable discount, please short pay your account by this amount, if you would like to take advantage of this offer.

On Thursday 27th March, a group of Grade 5/6 students attended an online workshop with Tasmanian author and illustrator Tony Flowers run by UCTV Alive for Kids as part of Tasmania Reads Week.  Tony explained his illustrating process, discussed how he began illustrating and demonstrated his artwork.  It was amazing to see such a talented artist at work and to learn from him.  He talked to students about the importance of practice and told us that he draws at every opportunity and often for up to 10 hours a day!  His lovely dog is his favourite subject to draw.  Tony illustrates picture books, non-fiction and novels and he is currently working on a graphic novel titled Divi and Frey. 

Rebecca Thomas

Librarian

The below items are sitting in the office lost property, if they belong to you can you please let the office know and we can send them home with your child, or you can come in and collect them.

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)