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'SHOES', BY EVA LEWIS
This month, as a school community, we are focusing on the Gospel Value of Empathy — a call to Be Gentle, Learn, and Listen. It’s a value that asks us to walk with others, to understand their joys and their struggles, and to respond with compassion.
With that in mind, I’d like to share a piece of student writing that was recently sent to me by Mrs Jacky Hartley, one of our Grade 5/6 teachers. It’s called SHOES, written by Eva Lewis, and it’s a powerful, poetic reflection on what empathy really looks and feels like. Eva’s words remind us that while the world can sometimes feel overwhelming, it is in the small, human moments — the acts of kindness, understanding, and connection — that we find hope and meaning. Please enjoy!
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Shoes, by Eva Lewis (Grade 5/6)
8,223,054,437 ... and 438 ... and 436 .. .441.. ..442. The number keeps rising, falling, rapidly; births, deaths, new life sprouting simultaneously with lost souls leaving this earthly realm shrouded in darkness one final time.
I am just a mere 'one'. I am only one meek voice against tidal waves of stronger, heavier sounds, voices and feelings! What if you didn't stand alone? When you fall, do you have someone, anyone to fall back on? Anyone out of the 8,223,054,437 grey figures, the ones you see every day. Our friends that fill us with joy, our families that make us hold onto trust, strangers, teachers, even enemies ... I am surrounded by my own greyness, a void that can only be filled by my people.
Cue my teacher, handing me her jacket when I forgot mine in the rush of the morning, knowing I'd be cold. Lilac. My closest friend picks me up from where I lay, dazed with an angry scar forming on my knee. Yellow. My Mum asking me how I'm feeling after failing my test. Pink. My so-called enemy, sending me an apology text, saying in that moment he didn't understand how that made me feel. Aqua. One by one, colours arise, lifting the grey heavy clouds from my mind. The world doesn't look so bleak anymore.
This is a little thing called empathy ... Or maybe not so little.
Out of all the people on this Earth, being empathetic is core to our human needs. Because we are not robots, and we have the strongest emotions in any living being. Ugly fat tear sobbing ones, joyous cartwheel evoking ones, rage filled blood boiling ones. We have all these special feelings because. We.Are. Human.
Picture your world, like mine, the one that you've been living - in your own bubble, the one you've focused on your entire life. It could be at its all-time high, the pinnacle of success, the greatest it has ever been. But you are hyper aware that your shiny spectacular life can be changed in an instant, with the slamming of a door, a harsh word spoken, the fleeting flap of a butterfly's wing. The ebb and flow of reality.
Does anyone care? Or does anyone cheer you on? Does anyone see you, really see you, and wonder if you are going through a whirlwind of emotions and need help or just to be heard? Listening, no judgement, caring, supportive.
And to think, this is just our little bubble. Can you even start to think of empathy on a worldly basis? Are you able to feel sorry for those displaced by political horror and devastation? Can you feel for that young child, alone and hungry, living in filth, probably for the rest of his life? Imagine that poor single mother who just lost her child, an emptiness creating a hollow void in her heart.
In order to have essential human connection, to share emotions with strangers outside our circle and beyond, we need, crave, deserve and desire empathy from others. If we do this, beautiful things will occur- a true understanding of those around us, networking on a deeper level, an openness to other's opinions, despite them perhaps not aligning with our own.
The world is bigger than all of us, but it is also up to us to make greater and more meaningful connections with our fellow humans. As small and fragile as we are, as humble as we may be - EMPATHY is what matters - we must learn to walk in each other's shoes.
_____________________________________________________________________
Eva’s words offer more than just insight — they offer a challenge. A challenge to each of us, no matter our age, to notice the “grey” in those around us and to be the colour that lifts it. In our classrooms, our playgrounds, our staffrooms, and our homes, let’s keep finding ways to be gentle, learn, and listen. Because as Eva reminds us so beautifully: empathy isn’t little at all — it’s what matters most.
Mr Casimir Douglas
Tuesday 27th May, 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025, Bridging Now to Next, invites all Australians to reflect on our shared past, consider our present, and work together towards a more united future. It emphasises the importance of learning from history to guide our collective journey forward.
At St Thomas More’s Catholic School, we observed this significant week with a series of meaningful activities. Students and staff participated in a special Prayer Assembly dedicated to reconciliation, engaged in various educational and art-based activities, and contributed to the creation of an art installation at the entrance to our Office Reception Area. This installation honors and acknowledges our Indigenous brothers and sisters, serving as a symbol of our commitment to reconciliation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Simone Ross for her leadership in organizing these experiences and for her unwavering dedication to promoting the value of diverse cultures, languages, and worldviews within our school community.
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 March, 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, learn, and listen.
The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Monday morning Prayer Assembly this Monday (26th May), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of EMPATHY:
Term 2 - Week 5, 2025 | ||
Srikar Sompalli | For the empathetic and caring way you go about your day. You are polite, you are kind and you look out for your classmates. Thanks for being you, Srikar. | Prep More |
Bonnie Schindler | Bonnie demonstrates the Gospel Value of Empathy through her genuine interest and concern for others. Her patience and use of kind and encouraging words, shows an awareness for the needs of those around her. Bonnie's consideration for others makes a positive difference in Prep T. Well done Bonnie. | Prep Thomas |
Florence Mattern | For consistently being mindful of the feelings of others. Florence shows the Gospel Value of empathy by making sure everyone feels valued. Thank you for being an amazing friend, Florence! | Grade 1/2 More |
Eden Surrall | Eden, your remarkable ability to listen attentively and engage wholeheartedly in your learning journey. Your commitment to embracing feedback and your gentle demeanour towards your teachers and peers exemplify the values of empathy and kindness. | Grade 1/2 Saint |
Hamish McGoran | Hamish is a kind and considerate member of our class displaying empathy through his respect for teachers and classmates alike. | Grade 1/2 Thomas |
Angus Viney | In recognition of your outstanding empathy, kindness, and care for others. Your thoughtful actions and willingness to support your classmates create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Thank you for always looking out for your peers and leading with compassion. | Grade 3/4 More |
Elliott Hammersley | For showing kindness and understanding towards his classmates, by listening, supporting, and helping others., | Grade 3/4 Saint |
Imogen Dilger | For always striving to make others feel included and valued. Imogen is always showing exceptional kindness by understanding and caring about others’ feelings. Keep shining your light, Imogen. |
Grade 3/4 Thomas |
Zander Smith | Zander shows compassion, kindness, and a heartfelt concern for others. His ability to understand and empathises with those around him is a special gift, and we encourage him to continue nurturing and sharing this with his community. | Grade 5/6 More |
Willow Simpson-Kitt | Willow is a shining example of empathy in our classroom and school community. She consistently shows care, kindness, and understanding towards others. Whether it's offering a listening ear, including someone who feels left out, or simply showing compassion in her everyday actions. Thank you, Willow. | Grade 5/6 Saint |
Elina Pedder | Ellie embodies empathy. She intuitively senses the emotions of those around her and responds with quiet, genuine kindness. Though soft-spoken, she thoughtfully considers everyone’s feelings and shows steady courage in standing up for what is right. Her calm presence brings a sense of understanding and reassurance to the class. | Grade 5/6 Thomas |
These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (27th May) in 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 Morning Tea in Josephite Hall this Tuesday (27th May).
We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, scrolls, and muffins and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives, including playing with our cousins because they are kind to us, Mum and Dad cooking for us, a kitten named Pip, our warm houses in winter, our families for supporting us, Mums for driving us around to netball and dancing, the trees for the air they provide, getting a puppy for my birthday, and the doges named Milo and Holly!
They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included tennis, soccer, basketball with Devils and Japara, netball with Amazons and Esk, swimming lessons at the Acquatic Centre, doing the long jump at Little Athletics in Longford, Minecraft, hugging our dogs, dancing at DanceFit, horse-riding at Junction Farm, and modelling!
TAS FUTSAL GLORY FOR STM!
This Tuesday (27th May) and Wednesday (28th May) provided two unforgettable days of competition, courage, and celebration at the Tas Futsal Launceston Primary Schools Tournament!
Grade 3 Boys – Their very first tournament and they delivered BIG, winning the U9 Boys Final 7-0 vs St Anthony’s!
Grade 4 Boys – Fought hard and claimed the U10 Boys Final 5-3 against Riverside Primary!
Grade 5 Girls – Determined and disciplined all day long – taking out the U10/U11 Girls Final 2-0 vs St Anthony’s!
Grade 3 Girls & Boys – Special mention to our youngest teams – for many it was their first ever tournament and they were AMAZING!
Grade 5 Boys were absolutely dominant, going undefeated all day and finishing in style with a commanding 9–3 win over Riverside Primary in the Grand Final. A brilliant team effort from start to finish!
Grade 6 Boys showed resilience and composure in a nail-biting final, edging out Riverside Primary 3–2 in a thrilling encounter. This victory marks an extraordinary achievement — the team has now won the tournament every single year since Grade 3. Four years. Four titles. A remarkable legacy.
Our Grade 6 Girls also did us proud, progressing strongly through the tournament and representing STM with heart, sportsmanship, and skill. Their journey to the finals showcased their grit and teamwork.
Both the Grade 5 and Grade 6 Boys teams will now advance to the State Finals in September, where we know they’ll continue to make us proud.
A huge thank you to our volunteer coaches, dedicated staff, and supportive families who made the day possible. With twelve teams and nearly 100 students, St Thomas More’s was once again the most represented school at the tournament; a true testament to the strength of our community and the spirit of our students.
A huge thank you to Mr Nick Stacey for his leadership and organisation of our school's engagement in the tournament, but also for his love of football and Futsal which is infectious in the life of the school - so we will forgive him for being a Seagulls fan!








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
Awarded by |
To |
For |
Mr Davie |
Amber Padda |
Amber is a hardworking student who consistently applies herself to all learning tasks. She produces work of a high standard and always gives her best effort. Amber is a keen contributor to class discussions, adding thoughtful and valuable insights. |
Mr Davie |
May Gill |
May is a friendly and hardworking student who approaches all tasks with a positive attitude. She can focus for extended periods, showing determination and persistence. May is a quality contributor to group tasks and supports her peers. |
Mrs Chugg |
May Dowling-Edwards |
For stepping outside her comfort zone, showing true courage, strength and resilience to participate in the Cross Country. Keep believing in yourself and always remember that you can do hard things! So proud of you, May. |
Mrs Chugg |
Ash McPherson |
For his hard work and effort to stay focused in class, as well as his dedication and commitment to all school sporting events and carnivals. Your sportsmanship is admired! Keep working hard, Ash! |
Mrs Chugg |
Iva Praciak |
For working on building positive strategies to strengthen her resilience in challenging times. You got this, Iva! |
Mrs Ballard |
Paxton Walker |
For being a respectful student who always engages fully with the task at hand. He gladly offers to help others who may need support and does not mind being the last in line. |
Mrs Ballard |
Lekhya Sompalli |
For being full of wonderful ideas and applying them to her work. She is a hard-working student and a deep thinker who cares greatly for others. |
Mrs Ballard |
Zoe Newton |
For being kind, considerate, and patient in all daily activities. She is always happy to share with others and shows great respect for the people around her. |
Miss McLauchlan |
Lewis Gleeson |
For his enthusiasm and engagement in our class discussions around our class novel- Fish in a Tree |
Miss McLauchlan |
Poppy Kerrison |
For showing curiosity and empathy during discussions about Sorry Day. Your respectful and thoughtful contributions truly made our classroom richer. |
Miss McLauchlan |
Rubi Butwell |
For her hard work and determination when working on division in maths |
Miss McLauchlan |
Millie Van Namen |
For the resilience and perseverance shown during the cross country. Well done Millie! |
Miss Shepherd |
Annika Johns |
For showing a welcoming spirit to everyone in our class, and for your consistent effort and engagement in every task. Your positive attitude and dedication make our classroom a better place. |
Mrs Hartley |
Amelia Birtwistle |
For her consistently kind and gentle presence, and the focused effort she brings to every lesson—thank you for making our classroom a caring, calm, and hardworking place. |
Mrs Hartley |
Payton Massey |
For the thoughtful way she shares her ideas, her consistent focus and commitment to learning, and the attentive way she listens to feedback. |
Mrs Hartley |
George Boyle |
For the creativity he brings to every lesson—seeing things from fresh angles and, most recently, delighting us with his spectacular illustrations for the picture book he is creating. |
Mrs Wheeler |
Eve Crosswell |
For giving school life a positive outlook and always with a smile, inspiring her peers and brightening our school community. |
Mrs Wheeler |
Hugo Artis |
For his exceptional enthusiasm and eagerness towards school and 1/2S. His positive attitude and energy contribute greatly to our classroom environment. |
Mrs Wheeler |
Eleanor Viney |
For her ability to stay focused in small groups with Miss Callander! Your positive influence helps create a great learning environment for everyone. |
Mrs Carr |
Kobie Blackwell |
For your hard work and focus during learning time. Kobie you always try your best and are making awesome progress across all learning areas. I am proud of you Kobie. |
Mrs Carr |
Ellis Winch |
For the calm and focused way you engage with all learning tasks. Ellis, it is a pleasure teaching someone who is so eager to learn. Our class is lucky to have you. |
Mrs Hodgetts |
Nina Rooney |
For her positive attitude and eagerness to complete and have a go with all tasks. |
Mrs Hodgetts |
Ella French |
For her eagerness to respond and participate in all lessons and class discussions. Her confidence in recalling information and sharing this within our explicit English lessons shows her understanding and focus on the subject matter. |
Mrs Hodgetts |
Maxwell Cooney |
For the quiet and diligent way he completes all his tasks. |
Mrs Wahl |
Lincoln Jones |
For taking pride in the presentation of his work. |
Mrs Wahl |
William Coppleman |
For showing a positive attitude and never giving up, even when things are challenging. |
Mrs Wahl |
Ruby Murfet |
For showing a positive attitude and never giving up, even when things are challenging. |
Student Free Day & Public Holiday
Reminder that Friday 6th June 2025 (Week 6) is a Student Free day and Monday 9th June 2025 is a Public Holiday for the King's birthday. Enjoy the break!
On Tuesday, we will be celebrating our Pentecost Mass as a whole school community.
All are welcome to share in our Mass.
This is a reminder to please update your contact details on Compass or email stm@catholic.tas.edu.au if they have changed recently. We need to ensure we have correct phone numbers and postal/residential addresses for all parents/families.
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)
Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
|
P&F Meeting
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
|
Foundation Band & Strings Workshop 1 - St Ailbes
All day |
|
Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
|
Term 2 concludes for Staff and Students
All day |
|
Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
|
Term 3 commences for Students
All day |