Principal's Message
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
