WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

I’ve always loved reading We’re Going on a Bear Hunt with my children. The rhythm, repetition, and the sense of adventure never fail to capture their imagination—and mine too. But over time, I’ve come to see that this story is far more than just a delightful picture book. Beneath the surface of swishy grass, squelchy mud, and swirling snowstorms lies a rich message about resilience, determination, and the development of character.

Each time the family in the story encounters an obstacle, they respond the same way:

“We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh no!
We’ve got to go through it.”

There’s no shortcut. No easy way out. And notably, no adult swoops in to clear the path. Instead, the family supports each other as they navigate the challenge, pushing forward together. What a powerful metaphor for life, and for learning. As parents and educators, we often face the temptation to remove difficulties for our children. But growth lies not in the avoiding, but in the enduring. As Albus Dumbledore wisely put it:

“We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.”

The very goal of the journey in the story is to find the bear—to step into the unknown, to face fear, to be ambitious and brave. Yes, it’s scary. And yes, they end up running back home! But they went. They tried. They pushed themselves out of their comfort zone. And that matters deeply.

As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is not the absence of struggle, but the confidence and support to work through it. When your child encounters difficulty in their learning—be it a tricky maths problem, a challenging friendship, or a moment of self-doubt—resist the urge to “go over” or “go under.” Stand beside them, encourage their thinking, and walk with them through it.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt might be written for children, but its wisdom applies to us all. In education and in life, the most meaningful journeys are often the ones that challenge us the most. After all, as Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nothing worth doing is ever easy.” 

Mr Casimir Douglas

Sunday 27th July, 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

SALUTATION

Grace to you and peace.

GRADE 7, 2026 - SPC TRANSITION VISIT

This week, our Grade 6 students took an important step on their journey towards secondary school. On Tuesday (29th July), we were delighted to welcome from St Patrick's College, Mrs Anna Davie, Director of Curriculm. Mrs Davie met with our students to speak with them about their upcoming transition to Year 7 in 2026; and the air was filled with curiosity, excitement, and just a touch of nerves.

Having spent nine years as part of the St Patrick’s Middle School Leadership Team myself, visiting Catholic primary schools across Launceston, I know firsthand just how pivotal these conversations are. I’ve seen the questions bubble up, spoken and unspoken, from students, parents, and teachers alike. And now, seeing it all unfold here at St Thomas More’s, I understand these feelings all the more deeply. It’s a big step, one filled with emotion and possibility.

Mrs Davie spent time answering the students’ many questions; everything from lockers to lunchtimes, from classrooms to co-curriculars. She painted a vivid picture of life at SPC and, perhaps most importantly, she listened. Mrs Davie also met with our teachers, speaking with care and detail about each and every child. Her focus was clear: to ensure that every student is not only prepared for the next stage of their education, but known and loved throughout the journey.

The transition to high school is not just a logistical shift; it is a formative, identity-shaping time in a young person’s life. That’s why this process matters so deeply. It’s not simply about changing schools; it’s about growing into the next version of themselves, with the right support, encouragement, and care.

The next key stage in this transition process is the Grade 7 Orientation Day at St Patrick’s College on Tuesday 2nd December (Week 8, Term 4). This day is designed to help students find their feet, meet new friends, and begin to feel a sense of belonging before Day 1 of Year 7 even arrives.

We thank Mrs Davie for her visit and her commitment to walking alongside our students as they prepare for this exciting new chapter. After all, she is feeling nervous and excited too! I served as Head of Middle School for five of my nine years on the Middle School Leadership Team; and every new year of welcoming students into the College is a whirlwind adventure!

GOSPEL VALUE AWARDS: RESPECT

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 June, the school community is focused on the Gospel value of RESPECT. Our Gospel Values: Head, Heart & Hands Framework, reminds our students that to show the value of JUSTICE is to be kind, be thankful, and be positive.

The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Prayer Assembly this Monday (28th July), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of RESPECT:

Term 3 - Week 1, 2025
Angus Carey	For the caring, positive and respectful way you go about your day. Thank you for always being kind to others. We are so lucky to have you in our Prep M classroom Angus.	Prep More
Reuben Foskett	Reuben has shown the Gospel Value of Respect through his kind and caring ways of treating others and active listening in class.	Prep Thomas
Emmett McInerney	For being an attentive and respectful listener in class. Emmett demonstrates the Gospel value of respect through his positive attitude towards learning and his kindness to those around him. Keep up the amazing work, Emmett!	Grade 1/2 More
Zoe Viney	Zoe demonstrates the gospel value of respect every day. She shows this by being kind to those around her, being thankful for what she has and following school expectations and values.	Grade 1/2 Saint
William Coppleman	William consistently demonstrates the Gospel Value of Respect through the way he greets, treats, and speaks to everyone around him. His calm, positive, and thoughtful manner is both admirable and inspiring to others.	Grade 1/2 Thomas
Frankie Crumpton	Frankie shows the Gospel Value of Respoect by always doing what is right and being polite to all.	Grade 3/4 More
Mitchell Watchorn	Mitchell demonstrates respect in all his interactions with others.	Grade 3/4 Saint
Ava Baker	For demonstrating respect through kind words, active listening, and thoughtful actions towards others. Keep shining your light, Ava	Grade 3/4 Thomas
William Finlay	William demonstrates the gospel value of respect in his words and actions. Whether it’s helping with classroom jobs, supporting others in the school community, or volunteering his time at Breakfast Club, William is always willing to lend a hand. He shows a strong sense of responsibility and care for those around him.	Grade 5/6 More
Zac Murray	Zac consistently shows the Gospel value of Respect in all that he does. He is a kind and thoughtful student who treats teachers and classmates with courtesy and care. Zac listens attentively, uses manners, and values the opinions and feelings of others. His respectful attitude helps make our classroom a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to live like Jesus each day. Well done, Zac!	Grade 5/6 Saint
Chace Bryan	Chace treats everyone with genuine respect and kindness. His calm presence, thoughtful actions, and strong work ethic make him someone others naturally admire and follow. Chace shows great potential as a future leader.	Grade 5/6 Thomas

These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (29th July) 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 RESPECT. These students attended a special Principal’s Morning Tea in Josephite Hall this Tuesday (29th July).

We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, scones, cakes, and banana bread and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives; our homes for shelter and warmth, the food we have to share, our families for helping us, our Mums and Dads for loving us and dropping us at school every day, and all the soccer pitches in Launceston so we can play our favourite sport everywhere we go!

They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included jumping on the trampoline; playing with friends; playing basketball for Japara, Saints, and Devils; swimming at the Aquatic Centre; playing soccer for Launceston City and Launceston United, going to the family shack in Musselroe Bay; playing with the LEGO Thanos Glove; and riding a Star Wars bike!

PREP CELEBRATION - 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL!

Last week our Prep students celebrated 100 Days of School, a joyful milestone marking 100 days of learning, growing, and shining together!

The day began with crowns, colourful outfits, and fairy bread topped with 100’s and 1000’s, as students explored the number 100 through playful and creative activities. But the true highlight came later that day, as our Prep students took to the stage at their very first whole-school Assembly, performing in front of more than 100 proud family members.

Together, they led the school in a beautiful rendition of Rainbow by Andrew Chinn, filling Josephite Hall with colour and joy. Prep More then shared their heartfelt reflections about God; where they see God, how they understand God’s love, and what God means to them. Prep Thomas followed, recounting their Once Around the Block excursion, describing what they saw, heard, and learned as they explored their local environment with curiosity and wonder.

It was a powerful reminder that in just 100 days, our youngest learners have already found their voice; and they have so much to say.

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

Within the next few weeks we will hold an unannounced emergency practice with staff and students to test our response to a potential lockdown, like fire evacuations, we recognise the worth in testing these processes. We have plans in place to make these practices as least disruptive as possible. If you have queries please contact our Safety Officer, Kirsten Seymour on kirsten.seymour@catholic.tas.edu.au.

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)