STANDING ON STRONG GROUND

Over the holidays, I read Brené Brown’s new book, Strong Ground, a powerful exploration of what it means to lead, live, and belong in times of change. One of the ideas that struck me most was borrowed from another author, James March, who described great leadership as a balance between plumbing and poetry.

The plumbing is the everyday work that keeps things running: the systems, routines, and careful decisions that make a school function. The poetry is the heart and meaning behind it: the story of who we are, why we do what we do, and the values that connect us.

At St Thomas More’s, I think our strength comes from holding both. The plumbing is solid: the routines are strong, the teaching is consistent, and the care for every child is deliberate. But there’s also poetry in our halls: in the way our students greet each other, the joy in classrooms, and the shared sense that this is a community that truly sees its people.

That balance shows up in our data too. This year, 91 % of our Year 5 students achieved in the strong bands for Reading, a result nearly twenty points above the national average. That’s plumbing - a reflection of great teaching, planning, and structure. But the poetry is what sits beneath it: students who love to learn, who feel encouraged, and who know their teachers care deeply for them.

It’s also seen in wellbeing. In our recent National Youth Resilience Survey, 90 % of students said they feel safe at school, compared with 86 % nationally. And in our School Effectiveness Parent Survey, families rated teacher morale at 85, one of the highest results in the country. That kind of feedback isn’t just a number, it’s a reflection of a staff that is energised, hopeful, and committed to each other and to your children.

In our School Effectiveness Survey, parents rated STM at 82 for School Improvement Focus; among the highest in the country. It’s an incredible affirmation that our community believes in the direction we’re heading and the values guiding our decisions.

Brené Brown also talks about what she calls symphonic thinking; the idea that great organisations sound like orchestras, not solo performances. Each person has a part to play: different instruments, different rhythms, one shared song.

That’s how I see St Thomas More’s. Every teacher, every student, every parent; all contributing their sound to a single melody: Fostering Greatness. A melody that reminds every child, “I matter.”

Mr Casimir Douglas

Monday 20th October, 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

SALUTATION

Grace to you and peace.

KINDER ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Our 2025 Kinder Athletics Carnival, held on Monday 20 October, was an absolute delight. Despite a touch of drizzle, the school oval was alive with excitement as families turned out in force to cheer on our youngest athletes. There were sack races, vortex throws, and the much-loved “teddy and pillow” race, where children collected their bedtime essentials before lying down for a pretend nap at the finish line. The sprint races were helped along by a strong tailwind, adding a little extra pace and plenty of smiles from start to finish.

And then came the grand finale, the annual Parent Egg and Spoon Race. Competitive spirits were high, balance was optional, and rule interpretations were, shall we say, flexible. It was all good fun and a fitting way to close out a morning that captured the true spirit of our community. A huge thank you to our wonderful Kinder team (Mrs Edwards, Mrs Lee, Mrs Wood and Mrs Walker) for guiding our little champions, to our outstanding Grade 5/6 helpers for their encouragement and support, and to all our families for joining us to share in the laughter, teamwork and joy that make this event so special.

THE NUTCRACKER!

Written by Lisa Amerikanos

Six St Thomas More’s students wowed both school and general audiences last week in Bakker Productions' innovative adaptation of The Nutcracker, held at the Earl Arts Centre from October 16-18. Performing five shows across the three days, the production brought a fresh, contemporary twist to this beloved literary and ballet classic. With sassy characters and a vibrant soundtrack featuring Michael Jackson, and Coolio's "Gangster’s Paradise," this was a reimagined Nutcracker for a modern audience. All performers delivered exceptional work, and our six STM students truly shone in their respective roles: Ada Amerikanos as the sassy Sugar Plum Fairy, Ava Carr and Lillian Carey as edgy Rat Gangsters, and Nina Carey, Olive Hartley, and Chloe Ralph as cute but commanding Candy Kids!

Beyond their individual talent, what stood out was their collegiality and genuine kindness toward one another and their cast mates, both on and off stage, despite a demanding schedule. Their supportive attitudes and collaborative spirit exemplified STM's two key characteristics of greatness: kindness and tenaciousness. Ada, Ava, Lily, Nina, Olive, and Chloe demonstrated that excellence in performance goes together with excellence in character. Congratulations to all six students on this wonderful achievement.

WE CONQUERED THE CLIMB!

Despite the wind, cold, and classic Launnie drizzle, our STM Staff Team braved the 25% incline of the St Giles Burn — not once, but multiple times! 

Wearing our STM polos with pride, we stepped up (and up) to support an event that means so much to us. As a school, we’ve seen firsthand the positive difference that St Giles makes in the lives of our students and families — especially in learning, development, and wellbeing.

The St Giles Burn is more than a fitness challenge — it raises funds for services not funded by the NDIS, including therapy tools, assistive technology, and family support. It’s all about walking (or running!) for inclusion, empowerment, and community spirit.

So, when you show up in your STM polo and walk that 400m hill, you’re doing far more than just clocking steps — you’re helping create a more inclusive, supported, and empowered Tasmania.

Huge thanks to our amazing staff who showed up with grit, laughter, and soaked socks; and to everyone who cheered us on along the way!

ANDREW CHINN VISITS STM!

Today (Friday 24th October), we were thrilled to be visited by the one-and-only Andrew Chinn! Students, staff, and parents alike were treated to a day filled with joy, laughter, and song as one of Australia’s most loved Catholic musicians brought his warmth and energy to our school.

Throughout the day, Andrew led workshops with each grade, filling classrooms and the church with music that celebrated faith, friendship, and fun. The highlight of the day was the whole school concert, where every class came together to sing some of Andrew’s much-loved songs — a true celebration of community and spirit.

What impressed everyone most wasn’t just the music or the entertainment, but the man himself; kind, warm, well-humoured, and blessed with an incredible memory for names and connections! His genuine care and joy made the day one to remember for all involved.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Belinda Taylor for organising this wonderful opportunity for our students, and to all the parents who came along to join in the fun. We already can’t wait until Andrew’s next visit. And yes, I’ll be humming those tunes all weekend!

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

Please note, if your child/ren will be absent from school for a period longer than two weeks (10 days) you will need to complete a Request for Student Absence form. This can also be found on the school website under the 'Our School' and 'Forms' tabs. You will need to forward this to the office, the Principal can then approve the leave. 

Also as a reminder, if your child/ren will be absent from school you are able to complete this absence on your Compass app under 'Attendance'.

The Top Blokes 10-Week Mentoring Pilot Program was launched to support the personal and social development of male students within our school community. Designed to build confidence, character, and leadership, the program connected boys with positive role models who guided them through weekly sessions focused on respect, responsibility, goal setting, communication, and emotional well-being.

Throughout the ten weeks, students participated in engaging discussions, team activities, and reflection exercises that encouraged self-awareness and positive decision-making. The program created a safe space for boys to share experiences, develop strong peer relationships, and discover their potential.

The success of this pilot program highlighted the impact of consistent mentorship and meaningful connection in helping young men thrive both in school and beyond. 

Mrs Simone Ross

School Chaplain 

Please be aware that there are no lunch orders available for next Friday, 31st October, as the BallyGriffin Cafe at St. Patrick's College is celebrating their Year 12's and are closed for orders.

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)