THE GIFT OF READING A BOOK

This week, we celebrate Book Week; a national invitation to “Book an Adventure!” But beyond the costumes and colourful parades, this celebration is about something far more enduring: the sheer joy, wonder, and boundless possibility that reading brings into our lives.

Many of you know I’m a committed reader; not just of books on theology, leadership, and education, but also of high fantasy. I’ve long been captivated by stories that immerse me in worlds of magic, wonder, chaos, politics, heroism, mystery, betrayal, and redemption. Few authors do this better than Brandon Sanderson, whose Stormlight Archive series has given me more joy than any other books I’ve ever read.

Sanderson’s world-building is a masterclass in imagination: from the sweeping scope of the Cosmere, to the meticulous laws of each unique world, right down to the flawed, evolving, and deeply human characters who fight their demons - both literal and metaphorical. When the fifth book in the series, Wind and Truth, was released late last year, it brought to a close the first epic arc of this extraordinary tale. I’ve spent countless hours in phone calls and pub chats with family and friends debating, unpacking, analysing, and revering every corner of the narrative; from the major arcs to the hidden power in a single carefully chosen word.

That’s the magic of reading. It inspires curiosity, deep thinking, connection, and joy. It builds both worlds and relationships. And for our children, it is a gift beyond measure. Reading isn’t just something we do when our children are little and we’re trying to get them to sleep. It’s a lifelong adventure. Just like the experience we shared at our Readers Picnic on Monday, the simple act of reading with your child, whether they’re five or fifteen, lays the foundation for imagination, empathy, resilience, and lifelong learning.

So this Book Week, may we all continue to “Book an Adventure”, and may our children never stop wanting us to turn the page.

Mr Casimir Douglas

Tuesday 19th August

Dear Parents and Carers,

SALUTATION

Grace to you and peace.

BOOK WEEK @ STM!

What a marvellous Monday it was at St Thomas More’s as we kicked off CBCA Book Week 2025 with our annual Readers’ Picnic and Art Show! Beneath bursts of sunshine and the hum of happy chatter, students, families, and staff came together to celebrate stories, creativity, and the joy of shared reading.

With picnic rugs rolled out across the lawn and favourite books in hand, students read aloud with parents, grandparents, buddies, and friends – or simply curled up in the shade of a classmate’s shoulder. For those whose grown-ups couldn’t make it, there were no lonely lunches – just extra reading buddies and plenty of literary love to go around.

Classroom windows became vibrant galleries, proudly displaying artwork inspired by the CBCA shortlisted titles. From whimsical creatures to bold landscapes and dreamlike adventures, each piece reflected a deep connection to this year’s theme: Book an Adventure!

I also had the opportunity to visit our Grade 1/2 classes to share one of my favourite Julia Donaldson books: The Gruffalo! And visit Grade 5/6 More to share an old classic with them, The Lorax by Dr Suess, which is as rich and challenging thematically as it is linguistically!

Of course, none of this would have been possible without Ms Rebecca Thomas. Her tireless energy, creative flair, and deep love for literacy brought Book Week to life in every corner of the school. From coordinating the art show to championing the 3D reading adventures in the library, Ms Thomas once again proved herself to be our resident literary wizard. We are beyond lucky to have her leading the charge in nurturing a love of reading in every child.

Book Week was celebrated throughout the week with quizzes, crafts, and classroom visits – all in celebration of reading as the greatest adventure of all.

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 RESPECT is to be kind, be thankful, and be positive.

The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Prayer Assembly this Monday (18th August), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of RESPECT:

Term 3 - Week 5, 2025
Archie Zuj	For the positive way you have tackled every task with your broken arm. Archie, I am so proud of the resilience you have shown even when things are tricky.	Prep More
Jack Newton	for the way he shows the Gospel Value of Respect through the kind and caring ways he treats others, and his respectful listening in class.	Prep Thomas
Bastian Krushka	Bastian demonstrates the Gospel value of Respect in all that he does. He treats others with kindness and consideration, always speaking politely to teachers and classmates. His thoughtful words and actions show that he values those around him. In the classroom, Bastian tries his very best to do the right thing, setting a wonderful example for others to follow.	Grade 1/2 Saint
Ava Johnson	Ava demonstrates the Gospel value of Respect every day. Ava shows kindness and consideration towards her peers and teachers, always offering help and waiting patiently. Her actions reflect a deep understanding of the value of respect in both word and deed.	Grade 1/2 Thomas
Louie Crumpton	Louie shows the Gospel value of respect by consistently treating others the way he would like to be treated. He is an incredibly kind and caring member of our class. Thank you for everything you do, Louie!	Grade 1/2 More
Eloise Wahl	For consistently showing respect in all interactions with others by listening attentively, speaking kindly, and treating everyone with fairness and understanding.	Grade 3/4 Saint
Sage Garwood	For consistently showing respect towards others, and for bringing kindness and positivity to our classroom every day. Proud of you, Sage!	Grade 3/4 Thomas
Toby Matthews	In recognition of your consistent respectful behaviour towards your peers, your learning, and the school community. You are a dependable role model who makes thoughtful choices and actively engages in your education. Keep up the amazing effort Toby!	Grade 3/4 More
Ella Smith	Ella consistently demonstrates respect in all areas of school life. She treats her teachers, classmates, and the school environment with care and consideration. Ella listens attentively to others, values their ideas, and leads by example with her kind and thoughtful actions. Her positive attitude and commitment to making everyone feel valued make her a wonderful role model for respect at St Thomas More’s.	Grade 5/6 Saint
Payton Massey	Awarded to Payton for consistently showing respect to her peers through kindness and consideration, and for respecting herself as a learner by always trying her best. Payton makes our class warmer and brighter with her kindness and enthusiasm for learning.	Grade 5/6 Thomas
Samuel Mannion	Samuel follows the message of St Mary MacKillop- never see a need without doing something about it. When Samuel sees a need he can always be relied upon to do something about it, often taking initiative and doing it because it is the right thing to do.	Grade 5/6 More

These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (19th August) 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 (19th August).

We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, cake, savoury muffins, and sausage rolls, and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives; our families and friends for always being there for us, driving us to sport, and helping us through the day; our teachers for helping us learn; our homes that keep us warm; the gift of education (because without it, “we wouldn’t be as smart as we are today!”); the joy of sport that keeps us fit and healthy; and even our motorbikes and the coaches who cheer us on (shoutout to Coach Marshall!).

They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included: motocross racing with bike #14 (and even competing at Marvel Stadium!), taekwondo with a blue belt and two green stripes, football, basketball, and athletics (especially 1,500m and high jump), cheerleading (with a Grand Championship win!), and a whole lot of soccer — whether with United, Northern Rangers Crocodiles, Raiders, or just anywhere there’s a pitch! Add in piano, dancing in competitions, gymnastics, swimming, Rocket League, and quality cousin time — and you’ve got one seriously talented bunch!

REHEARSE THE POSITIVE SUPERHEROES!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s our Rehearse the Positive superheroes!

You may have noticed the phrase “Rehearse the Positive” before on the large colourful mural on the basketball court wall in our playground. At St Thomas More’s, we teach our students that greatness is not about doing amazing things once in a while — it’s about consistency. It’s about doing the simple, positive and welcoming actions daily that create our warm, inclusive community.

At our Week 3 School Assembly (Friday 8th August), I introduced three coloured superhero capes: yellow for Tenison, red for Chisholm, and blue for MacKillop. These capes represent our three Houses, and more importantly, they symbolise our commitment to six key positive behaviours. These behaviours — holding the door open, greeting adults properly, giving a high five, inviting someone new to play, five-star listening, and wonderful walking — are the simple daily actions that define Rehearse the Positive.

Every assembly, I lead our students through a call-and-response chant to remind them what Rehearse the Positive means: it’s about repeating the right thing, practising good choices, and knowing that St Thomas More’s people are great people! I explained to our students that over the next two weeks, I would be on the lookout for the superheroes, the champions, the students who live out these behaviours each day. Those spotted living out Rehearse the Positive would be presented with their House superhero cape to wear proudly for the day. The reaction? Pure excitement!

This morning, I was delighted to present our very first Rehearse the Positive superhero capes to three (well, four!) amazing students:

• Chisholm House: Charlotte Turner (Grade 1) – for the way she greets adults in our school community, always pausing to stop and greet her teachers (and Principal!) with perfect manners.

• Tenison House: Ava Carr (Grade 4) – last week Ava was spotted holding the office door open to allow three adults and then five of her peers to enter consecutively, smiling and waiting patiently before moving in herself.

• MacKillop House: Kohan Leggett & Harry Ralph (Grade 6) – at playtime, an Early Years student had climbed too high and was scared to come down. Kohan and Harry both stopped to gently and patiently help the student down with positive encouragement. Kohan wasn’t at assembly to collect his cape, so Harry (even though he is Chisholm House Captain!) proudly wore the blue cape for the day. A great warm-up for him — as when he moves to St Patrick’s College next year, he’ll be in MacKillop House, which is blue!

Please join me in congratulating our amazing Rehearse the Positive superheroes and champions. Their next mission? These three heroes will now be on the lookout for the next shining examples of superhero behaviours, and they will decide who receives the Rehearse the Positive superhero cape in their House next!

GRADE 6 REFLECTION & LEADERSHIP DAY

This Tuesday (19th August), our Grade 6 students fully embraced their third Reflection & Leadership Day for the year. It was a day where they enjoyed the opportunity to all be together and to have some fun with games and small group challenges. Importantly, these days offer our young leaders the chance to share a little about their story and have it really listened to in the supportive and caring environment that St Thomas More’s prides ourselves on. The students love the opportunity to slow down a little too, with the meditation and journalling being popular parts of the experience.

With the ‘Hero’s Journey’ as a thread through their four days off campus this year, the theme of this day was 'All the ways that I have grown this year.’ They were able to identify not only how they have grown and developed, but also who is in their ‘encouragement team’ and who it is they encourage.

This builds on the previous two days which looked at the importance of positive relationships between one another (Term 1) and the challenges they face and how they respond to the challenges (Term 2). Facilitator Luke McCormack visited the school in the lead up to the day to work with a small group of 9 students. These students did an amazing job in leading their ’Trust Groups’ on the day. 

The growth of our students in Grade 6 is so evident, and it was powerful and encouraging to witness them identify many examples. This leads to our final Leadership Day in Term 4, where the idea of how we grow by embracing the challenges in our lives links to their transition from Grade 6 to 7.

MONSTER MASH DISCO!

Get ready to dance! Our Monster Mash Disco! is happening on Friday 29th August from 5:30–8:00pm in Josephite Hall. Students can look forward to music, fun, and plenty of energy on the dance floor, with families invited to come along and share in the excitement of this much-loved community event.

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

CBCA Book Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all things literary and 2025 was no exception.  We kicked off the week with our Readers’ Picnic and Art Show on Monday and it was lovely to see students and families sharing a story and a picnic lunch in the glorious winter sunshine. Our students were very proud to show their fabulous artwork based on this year’s shortlisted books.

During our Library lessons this week, we shared the winning books and discussed the various awards. Students in Grades 1-6 participated in our famous Book Week Quiz - a lively exploration of the shortlisted titles complete with “bookworm” prize packs. Prep and Kinder students each coloured a CBCA bookmark to use on their very own reading adventures.  On Tuesday, Grades 3-5 were also treated to the online launch of You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast with much-loved author Andy Griffiths, courtesy of the State Library of Victoria.  Throughout the week, students also completed 360° video adventures on their devices using QR codes.  

What a wonderful and adventurous celebration of reading!

Rebecca Thomas

Teacher Librarian

Gastroenteritis & Influenza

There is still Gastroenteritis and Influenza within our school community. Both Gastroenteritis and Influenza are highly infectious; therefore it is important that a student with Gastroenteritis stay home, until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

If your child is unwell, please keep them home from school until they are feeling better to return.

Please seek medical advice if you have any concerns.

Please notify the school via email: stm@catholic.tas.edu.au if your child/children will not be returning to St Thomas More's Catholic School in 2026. Please also note that 10 weeks notice of leaving is required under the Terms of Enrolment.  Parents of Grade 6 students do not need to advise.

Navigating AI companions and deepfakes 

AI is changing the way young people connect - and not always for the better. From deepfake technology like photos, videos or sound files that can damage reputations to AI chatbots that are powered by artificial intelligence and mimic real relationships, it’s more important than ever for parents and carers to stay informed and empowered.

Here’s how you can help your child stay safe and resilient:

1. Talk early, talk often– Keep conversations open, calm and judgment-free so your child feels safe coming you.
2. Explain the risks– Help your child understand the risks (whether emotional, legal or psychological). Chat about the difference between real and artificial relationships. 
3. Set boundaries– Use parental controls, app usage limits and guide your child with healthy online habits.
4. Encourage real-life connections– Hobbies, exercise, friendships, and mindfulness matter. 
5. Know where to get help– If something goes wrong, stay calm, help collect evidence (without saving explicit content) and reach out for support. See The eSafety Guide for more information. Reach out to services like Kids Helpline, Headspace, or Lifeline for extra support if needed.
6. Register for an eSafety webinar- for more practical tools to support your child's relationships in the digital world

AI and deepfakes online safety advisory

Free webinar - AI assisted image-based abuse: Navigating the deepfake threat

AI, emojis, and hidden tactics - cyberbullying is changing, and often in ways that is hidden to parents.  

Join eSafety’s expert-led webinar to understand how AI technologies are being used and misused and why understanding their use matters. This session is ideal for parents and carers of children in both primary and secondary school and includes practical steps you can take to increase awareness and support your child. 

 Thursday 21 August, 12:30pm to 1:15pm (AEST)

Register now

Free webinar - Understanding AI Companions: What parents and carers need to know

AI chatbots and companions, designed to simulate personal relationships, are growing in popularity, but they pose some very serious risks – especially to children and young people.

In this 45-minute webinar, we’ll explore the basics of AI companions, their role in online interactions, and concerning behaviours to look out for. You’ll walk away with practical tools to support your child’s relationships in a digital world.

 Thursday 28 August, 12:30pm to 1:15pm (AEST)
 Thursday 11 September, 1:00pm to 1:45pm (AEST)

Find out more

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)