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- Strategic Plan (2025-2030): Fostering Greatness
- Reflection
- Principal's Message
- Spirit of Jesus Awards
- What are you grateful for? The Resilience Project @ STM
- RE News @ STM!
- Notification if NOT returning.
- Early Collection Of Students
- Traffic Safety
- Parents and Friends Thank You & Disco Costume Winners
- 2025 P&F Tea Towels!
- Father's Day Afternoon
- 2026 Term Dates
- Save the Date!
- Setup for Success Program
- Community News
- Parish Bulletin
- Upcoming Events
THE HEART OF THE CONVERSATION
This coming week marks our Parent–Teacher Week, with the key evening of conversations taking place on Tuesday 9th September. By legislation, schools are required to provide two formal opportunities each year for parents and teachers to meet. Yet, to think of this week as a mere compliance exercise is to miss the deeper invitation.
Educational research has long affirmed that a child’s learning flourishes most when home and school are not simply parallel tracks, but woven together. Studies show that parental engagement is one of the strongest predictors of student achievement and wellbeing—not only through helping with homework, but through open, respectful dialogue with teachers about the child’s growth, strengths, and struggles. These interviews are not about ticking boxes or reporting scores. They are sacred moments where the key adults in a child’s life come together to share stories, hopes, and insights in service of that child’s unfolding potential.
In the words of Richard Rohr, transformation comes when we approach life not with control, but with surrender—when we “want to do what we have to do.” So too with these interviews. The invitation is to come with open hearts, to speak honestly, to listen deeply, and to hold vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. For parents, this means resisting the urge to defend or compare, and instead leaning into curiosity: What am I being invited to see about my child? For teachers, it means stepping beyond assessment data to truly honour the child as a whole person: learner, dreamer, struggler, and gift.
If we allow it, these conversations can become more than check-ins on progress; they can be moments of shared humanity. When parents and teachers sit together, they are not two sides of a table, but two allies standing side by side, gazing upon the same child with love, wisdom, and hope. That, in the end, is the true purpose of the Parent–Teacher Interview.
Thank you to all parents and teachers for carving out time for the heart of the conversation this week.
Mr Casimir Douglas
Thursday 4th September, 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
2026 TRANSITION
In addition to supporting our Year 6 students with their transition to St Patrick's College in 2026, our teaching staff have already commenced the process of preparing and supporting all our students to make the step up to their next year of learning.
Therefore, in order to aid this process for 2026, if parents/guardians have any significant concerns that need to be communicated to the school to support their child/ren transitioning into new learning environments, please email this information directly to the Principal, Mr Casimir Douglas, by the final day of Term 3 (Friday 26th September).
STM TV: TEACHER AIDE APPRECIATION WEEK!
This week we joined schools across Australia in celebrating Teacher Aide Appreciation Week. It is a special time to recognise and thank the incredible people who support our classrooms each and every day. Our Teacher Assistants make an immeasurable difference in the lives of our students, parents, and staff, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication, care, and skill.
As part of the celebrations, every class contributed to a special bound collection of student messages and drawings, highlighting the many ways our Teacher Assistants inspire, encourage, and support learning. On Wednesday, staff gathered for a morning tea to affirm and honour our TAs, enjoying food and fellowship in recognition of all that they do.
We are also delighted to share this week’s episode of STM TV, dedicated entirely to Teacher Assistant Appreciation Week. In this special feature, our students have been interviewed to share their gratitude and reflections on what their Teacher Assistants mean to them. Their words and smiles capture the spirit of appreciation far better than anything we could write.
A huge thank you to Mrs Hayley Chugg for putting together another brilliant episode of STM TV, and to all who helped ensure our Teacher Assistants felt celebrated this week.
STM TV: MONSTER MASH DISCO SPECIAL!
Last Friday evening, our school community was treated to a night of colour, fun, and plenty of monster mischief at the Monster Mash Disco! Thanks to the tireless efforts of our incredible Parents & Friends’ Association, the Josephite Hall was transformed into a spooky-yet-sparkling monster lair, complete with glowing lights, music, and decorations that had students wide-eyed with excitement. Their creativity and hard work turned an ordinary Friday night into something truly extraordinary, and we cannot thank them enough for the gift of joy they gave to our children.
The dance floor was buzzing all night, and a highlight for many was the Monster Mash Flash Mob, led with confidence and flair by our Grade 5/6 students Rubi Butwell, London Trotter, and Rosie Fankhauser. Their leadership, energy, and courage set the tone for an unforgettable night, showing that our students can light up the room as much as the glow sticks did.
To capture the spirit of the evening, our latest episode of STM TV features all the monster magic, student voices, and community spirit that made the disco such a success. A special thank you to Mrs Hayley Chugg for putting together another brilliant episode that allows us to relive the laughter, dancing, and vibrant atmosphere of the night.
Events like these remind us that when families, students, and staff come together, the result is far greater than the sum of its parts. Once again, our P&F are the heroes of this story – turning their vision, planning, and generosity into an experience that our children will remember long after the music has faded.
SINGFEST!
On Wednesday evening, I had the privilege of sitting front row at the Launceston Conference Centre to experience our students lifting their voices in song at Singfest 2025. It was an incredible celebration of music and community, and our School Choir represented St Thomas More’s with energy, joy, and great pride.
One of the standout moments of the evening was our students’ moving performance of Yellow by Coldplay. Sung with heart and harmony, it was a truly special rendition that had the audience captivated and left us all feeling immensely proud of their talent and spirit.
The atmosphere was electric as choirs from across Northern Tasmania came together in harmony, and our students more than held their own on the big stage. To see them performing with such confidence and unity was truly inspiring – a reminder of how music can bring people together and give young people the chance to shine.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs Natalie Zegveld, not only for her tireless work with our School Choir, but also for her crucial role in organising the Singfest event – a huge undertaking that was delivered with professionalism and passion. Special thanks also to Mrs Therese Wahl for her support and supervision of our students during their rehearsals and performances, ensuring they were ready and confident for the big night.
Congratulations to all of our students who took part; you made us proud, and we celebrate not just your wonderful singing, but also the courage and teamwork you showed in sharing your gifts with the wider community.
GOSPEL VALUE AWARDS
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 (1st September), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of RESPECT:
| Term 3 - Week 7, 2025 | ||
| Marlee Cocker | For the respectful and caring way you show up every day. Marlee, you treat everyone with kindness and compassion and we are so lucky to have you in our class! | Prep More |
| Charlie George | Charlie has shown the Gospel Value of Respect through his kind and caring ways of treating others and active listening in class. | Prep Thomas |
| Hamish Moore | Hamish consistently demonstrates respect in our classroom. He greets teachers and classmates with a warm smile and a friendly hello, setting a positive tone for the day. Hamish has lovely manners and is polite, which makes him an asset to our class. | Grade 1/2 Saint |
| Alby Little | For consistently demonstrating the Gospel value of Respect in his daily actions. Alby shows kindness and thoughtfulness in his interactions with others, always treating peers and adults with courtesy. He sets a quiet example by waiting patiently and respectfully, showing care and consideration for those around him. | Grade 1/2 Thomas |
| Charlotte Richards | Charlotte shows the Gospel value of respect by being kind, thankful, and positive in her interactions with others. She demonstrates beautiful manners when speaking with adults. Keep up the great work, Charlotte! | Grade 1/2 More |
| Nina Rooney | For being respectful towards her peers and adults in all situations. Keep up the great work! | Grade 3/4 Saint |
| Scarlett de Virieux | Scarlett consistently demonstrates respect towards teachers, classmates, and the classroom environment. She listens carefully, speaks kindly and treats everyone with kindness. Keep shining your light, Scarlett. | Grade 3/4 Thomas |
| Lachlan Oakley | Lachlan, you consistently show respect by being polite and attentive when listening to others in class. You're always well-prepared for your learning and apply yourself fully to every task. Keep up the fantastic effort! | Grade 3/4 More |
| Isla Spiteri | Isla for the wonderful way she consistently shows respect within our school community. Isla listens carefully to her teachers and classmates, uses kind words, and treats others with dignity. She is thoughtful in her actions, follows our school expectations, and is a positive role model to others. Thank you, Isla, for living out the Gospel value of Respect each day at St Thomas More’s. | Grade 5/6 Saint |
| Hamish Chugg | For the kind and considerate way he treats others, Hamish shows respect by getting along and working well with everyone, building caring and positive relationships with his classmates and teachers. As he grows in confidence and shares his wonderful ideas more openly, it is becoming evident the respect his peers have for him in return. | Grade 5/6 Thomas |
| Ruby Rednianko | Ruby follows St Mary MacKillop’s message by showing kindness and helping whenever she sees a need. She can always be trusted to take action and do the right thing. | Grade 5/6 More |
These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (2nd September) 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 (2nd September).
We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, muffins, cookies, and scones, and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives: from family who help us and do things for us, to Mums who pack our lunches and give the best cuddles, brothers who are always up for a game of down ball, and pets — especially cuddly cats and dogs like Zali and Maverick — who are always there to cheer us up. We also heard gratitude for Edie (who always finds a way to make you smile), warm lunches, and even money… because how else are you going to buy stuff?
They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included: dancing in jazz and tap at Dance Point, Tapestry and Classique; soccer stars in the making with Launceston City and United; basketballers repping the Devils and the Saints; swimming (with double tumble turns!); jujitsu with Sensei Phillip; and flipping through gymnastics at PCYC. Some students are performing in Peter and Wendy at Queechy Drama Club, diving into book series like Warrior Cats and Wings of Fire, completing diamond art with sticky paper gems, competing in 400m races at Little Athletics, and of course — enjoying the simple joys of swinging at home and playing with their dogs.
REHEARSE THE POSITIVE SUPERHEROES!
Our Rehearse the Positive superhero capes continue to make a big impact across the school! Each week, these capes are passed on to new students who are living out the simple daily actions that make St Thomas More’s such a welcoming, positive community.
At our Prayer Assembly on Monday, we celebrated three more wonderful students who have been shining examples of kindness, respect, and care in action:
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Freya McArthur (Grade 6, Chisholm House) – for giving up her playtime to help in the Kinder classroom, showing kindness, care, and perfect manners.
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Zoe Newton (Grade 2, Tenison House) – for being inclusive and always welcoming others into play, and for consistently being a true WEST person.
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Mason Pooley (Prep, MacKillop House) – for the positive and respectful way he interacts with his peers in the playground, and especially during Gaga Ball, making sure everyone gets a turn.
Congratulations to Freya, Zoe, and Mason! Each wore their cape proudly for the day as champions of Rehearse the Positive, and as a reminder to all of us that greatness is built through consistent positive actions.
INTERSCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT
On Monday (1st September), our St Thomas More’s students walked to Punchbowl Primary School to take part in the Interschool Chess Tournament. Running from 9:30 am until 2:00 pm, the day brought together keen players from across the region to test their focus, patience, and strategy.
Our students wore their green uniforms with pride and represented our school wonderfully. They were competitive throughout the matches, showed terrific sportsmanship, and most importantly, enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie of the day. It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm not only during the games but also on the walk to and from the venue, sharing strategies, laughs, and encouragement.
Thank you very much to Ms Rebecca Thomas for coordinating our students' participation in the event, and to Mrs Angela Edwards for the support and supervision of our students at the tournament. We are proud of the way our students carried themselves and can’t wait to see them return to the board for the next tournament!
FATHER'S DAY AFTERNOON
Next Monday, 8th September, we invite all dads and father-like figures in our community to join us for a special Father’s Day Afternoon from 2:00 – 3:00 PM in classrooms and on the playground.
This will be a wonderful opportunity for students to share time with their dads, celebrating the love, strength, and guidance they provide in our lives. We look forward to welcoming our fathers for an afternoon of fun, connection, and appreciation.
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
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Awarded by |
To |
For |
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Mrs Wahl |
Georgie Hodgetts |
For trying hard in writing and making great progress. Your dedication, focus, and improvement are something to be proud of. |
|
Mrs Wahl |
Harvey Claxton |
For trying hard and showing great effort in spelling. Your dedication, persistence, and positive attitude are truly admirable. |
|
Mrs Scharapow Mrs Foot |
Charlotte Bellenger |
For your focus and effort in class. Your commitment to doing your best in all tasks and making positive choices at school is excellent. |
|
Mrs Scharapow Mrs Foot |
Harriet Wilson |
for consistently demonstrating great focus and effort in class. Your commitment to doing your best in all tasks and making positive choices at school is wonderful to see. |
|
Mrs Carr |
Ellis Winch |
For the way you live out our Gospel Values everyday. Ellis you are always the first to lend a helping hand and show so much care and compassion towards your friends. Thank you for being you Ellis. |
|
Mrs Carr |
Hazel Donahoo |
For your incredible work during paired reading. It is amazing to see how confidently and fluently you are reading. You are such a great help to your reading buddy. You should feel very proud of the progress you are making Hazel. |
|
Mr Davie |
Mikayla Bardenhagen |
Mikayla is a diligent and conscientious student who consistently strives to excel. She has a positive attitude and works well with others, showing great teamwork skills. Mikayla is a joy to have in our class this year. |
|
Mr Davie |
Amelia French |
Amelia is a kind and caring student who is an excellent role model to her peers and younger members of our school community. She consistently produces quality work and approaches all tasks with a positive attitude. |
|
Mrs Hartley |
Lucy Claxton |
Lucy, your wonderful maths thinking shines through because of your perseverance and improved self-belief. The effort you put in and the way you keep going, even when it’s tricky, is something to be really proud of. |
|
Mrs Hartley |
Elijah Sullivan |
Elijah, you are showing great focus and perseverance by starting your work independently and seeing it through to completion. I’m very proud of the care you put into presenting your work. |
|
Miss McLauchlan |
Lincoln Kirschbaum |
For his positive and determined attitude to finding equivalent fractions and simplifying fractions |
|
Miss McLauchlan |
Samuel Mannion |
For showing kindness, empathy, and support towards classmates, helping to make our classroom a positive and respectful place. |
|
Miss McLauchlan |
Orlando Massey |
For showing exceptional leadership, patience and maturity at the recent interschool chess tournament. Your effort, focus, and positive example made us proud! |
|
Mrs Chugg |
Hugo McGoran |
For his dedication to completing his term assessments with focus and care, and taking pride in his progress across all support groups. |
|
Mrs Chugg |
Owen Roney |
For consistently showing determination, effort, and a positive attitude towards learning, always trying your best |
|
Ms Nichols |
Jack Eadie |
For his hard work with reading. You should be so proud of your progress, Jack! |
|
Ms Nichols |
Blake Stocks |
For always noticing when something needs to be packed away and doing it without being asked. Thank you for being so responsible, Blake |
|
Mrs Wheeler |
Eamon Rae |
For making responsible choices in the classroom. Your responsible decisions are paying off; you are showing others the power of making helpful choices and the success that comes from them. Keep up the fantastic effort! |
|
Mrs Wheeler |
Cooper Springer |
For always bringing a smile to our classroom. Your positivity lights up our day, and your contributions make our class community happier and more connected. We love having you as part of our class. Never stop shining your bright and cheerful spirit! |
|
Mrs Osborne |
Mitchell Watchorn |
For challenging yourself to independently solve mathematical problems. Well done, Mitchell! |
|
Ms Flynn |
Airlie Dolting |
For being a kind and welcoming student in the playground and offering care to those in need. Keep up the amazing work Airle |
|
Ms Flynn |
Kip Cruse |
For being a positive role model and seeking justice for others in times of need. Keep up the great work Kip |
|
Ms Flynn |
Vibes Sompali |
For being a kind and thoughtful member in our class and applying yourself to your learning. Keep being amazing Vibes! |
A Splash of Blue – Fundraiser for Mary MacKillop Today - Monday 15th September.
We're excited to be holding "A Splash of Blue" day to support the amazing work of Mary MacKillop Today in Timor-Leste! By wearing something blue and making a gold coin donation, we’re helping children and families in one of our closest neighbouring countries.
In Timor-Leste, many children don’t have the same opportunities we do. The money we raise will go towards important education programs, helping children learn to read and write, training teachers, and supporting families to build brighter futures. Mary MacKillop Today continues the legacy of Saint Mary MacKillop by reaching out to those most in need – and now, we can be a part of that too!
Let’s come together, wear blue, and make a difference – one coin at a time!
As a treat we will also be selling zooper doopers at FIRST BREAK and SECOND BREAK on Monday 15th September. All money raised will also be going to Timor-Leste through the Mary MacKillop Today organisation.
If your child/children will not be returning to St Thomas More's Catholic School in 2026, could you please notify the school via email: stm@catholic.tas.edu.au. Please also note that 10 weeks notice is required under the Terms of Enrolment. Parents of Grade 6 students do not need to advise.
If your child needs to be collected during the school day, please advise the class teacher and front office via email.
Students are unable to be collected during first and second break, as they are unable to hear the PA announcement. Please arrange for collection prior to or after the breaks. Break times are as follows:
1st break: 10:50am to 11:25am
2nd break: 1:25pm to 2pm
If your child needs to be collected on a Friday, it is not possible to collect them during assembly time, they would need to be collected at 2pm.
Thank you for your assistance.
Don't miss out on St Thomas More's 2025 Tea Towels! The tea towel designs feature self-portraits drawn by all school students and staff, screen printed onto 100% cotton tea towels with navy print. The tea towel is a lasting memento to remember classmates and their very special time at school. A meaningful gift for family and friends, they are easy to post and make a fabulous reminder of your child's primary school years.
Orders can be placed by clicking here
Thank you to our Parents & Friends committee for organising this initiative.
We’re excited to invite you to our Father’s Day Afternoon, a chance to celebrate the dads and fatherly figures in our lives.
There will be a variety of fun and relaxed activities to enjoy together — from outdoor games and crafts to a photo booth and music. Take a moment to check out what’s planned and choose how you’d like to spend your time.
We look forward to sharing a meaningful and memorable afternoon with you all!
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)
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Father's Day Community Event
All day |
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Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
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STM Band Soiree - 5.30pm
All day |
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Champions Futsal
All day |
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Deloraine Drama Festival
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Recurring event |
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Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
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Deloraine Drama Festival
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Recurring event |
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Deloraine Drama Festival
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Recurring event |
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Deloraine Drama Festival
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Recurring event |
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Board meeting
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
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Athletic Carnival - St Leonards
All day |
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Buddies
2:20 PM - 3:00 PM |
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Assembly
2:20 PM - 3:00 PM Recurring event |
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Deloraine Drama Festival
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Recurring event |
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Set up for Success/Joeys
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Recurring event |
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Whole School Mass @ 9:30 am
All day |
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P&F Meeting
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
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Strings Soiree
All day |
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Term 3 concludes for Staff and Students
All day |
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