St Thomas More's Catholic School Newstead eNewsletter

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

SALUTATION

Grace to you and peace.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: NIJSSA CROSS COUNTRY CAPTAINS

We are pleased to share that on Thursday afternoon in our Grade 5/6 classes this week, we announced the Captains of our NIJSSA Cross Country Carnival team that will represent our school at the event at Windsor Park in Riverside next week:

NIJSSA Cross Country Girls Captain: Tess Allie

NIJSSA Cross Country Boys Captain: Max Bertram

These Grade 6 students were appointed to the role following consideration of their sportmanship, skill level and attitude, as well as their modelling of respectful behaviour, and living out the values of our school. Congratulations to Tess and Max!

GOSPEL VALUE AWARDS: JUSTICE

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 JUSTICE. Our Gospel Values: Head, Heart & Hands Framework, reminds our students that to show the value of JUSTICE is to be helpful, be fair, and be be caring.

The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Prayer Assembly this Tuesday (10th June), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of JUSTICE:

Term 2 - Week 7, 2025
Poppy Cole	Poppy, you are a helpful, fair and caring friend. We are all so lucky to have you in our Prep M family. Thank you for being you!	Prep More
Adeline Brumby	Adeline, you show the Gospel Value of Justice when you treat others fairly and with respect. You accept others for who they are and treat everyone the same.	Prep Thomas
Jack Eadie	Jack shows the Gospel value of justice by consistently looking out for others, often being the first to offer assistance to those who need help in our class. Keep up the great work, Jack!	Grade 1/2 More
Flynn Goodwin	For consistently following school rules and encouraging others to do the same, understanding that these rules are in place to create a safe and equitable environment for everyone. Your commitment to justice enriches our school community and sets a positive example for others.	Grade 1/2 Saint
Connor Wrankmore	Connor, your courage, compassion, and dedication to doing what is right stands as an example to others.	Grade 1/2 Thomas
Magnolia Johns	For consistently demonstrating a strong sense of justice in the classroom. Magnolia shows fairness and kindness to others, stands up for what is right, and always applies herself to her learning with dedication and integrity. Your actions help create a classroom where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. Amazing work Magnolia!	Grade 3/4 More
Tom Speirs	Tom consistently demonstrates fairness and compassion, standing up for what is right and showing kindness to all.	Grade 3/4 Saint
Hugh Anderson	For leading by example and doing what is right and fair. His actions reflect an understanding of fairness by ensuring that others feel seen, heard and valued. Thank you for helping to create a respectful classroom environment, Hugh!	Grade 3/4 Thomas
Lincoln Kirschbaum	Lincoln demonstrates the value of justice through his kind and respectful interactions with others. He consistently shows patience and fairness in the way he treats his classmates, teachers, and students across the school.	Grade 5/6 More
Amelia French	For consistently demonstrating a strong sense of fairness and respect for others. Amelia speaks up for what is right, includes those who may feel left out, and treats all school community members with kindness. She leads by example, stands up for justice in words and actions, and is a positive role model for her peers.	Grade 5/6 Saint
Cooper Smith	Cooper quietly lives out the Gospel value of justice through his empathy, loyalty, and integrity. He treats others with fairness and kindness, standing by his friends with unwavering support. Though he never seeks recognition, his actions reflect a sense of what is right and just.	Grade 5/6 Thomas

These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (10th June) in Josephite Hall during the first break at 10:50am.

GRADE 6 REFLECTION DAY - TERM 2

This past Tuesday (10th June), our Grade 6 students participated in their second Reflection Day of the year, once again guided by the ever-inspiring Mr Luke McCormack at Prospect Park. With the sun peeking through the clouds and a sense of calm in the air, the day provided space for students to reflect on the theme of challenges, the second step in their year-long Hero’s Journey.

Using a powerful mix of games, group work, storytelling, open discussion, and meditation, Luke helped the students reflect on what it means to be present, to face difficulties with courage, and to embrace their role as leaders in our school. The day began with the reminder that each day is a gift, and that our mindset each morning shapes what follows. “Choose a positive attitude,” Luke encouraged, “and meet the day with open hands.”

Students explored what it means to step bravely into challenge, drawing on inspiration from athletes like Ariarne Titmus: “I’m choosing to walk through the lion’s door onto the pool deck, not the pussy cat’s door.” This imagery brought to life the idea that we’ve all faced challenges before and with strength, support, and faith, we can do it again.

A central message of the day was that leadership is not reserved for the loudest voice or the boldest action, it’s often found in small, quiet moments of kindness and responsibility. As leaders of our school, our Grade 6 students have a unique influence, and Luke reminded them that even a simple act can have a powerful ripple effect in someone’s day, week, or life.

The final reflection celebrated the beauty of our imperfections and the lifelong journey of uncovering the buried treasure within us all; our God-given gifts and talents. Students were encouraged to see themselves as works in progress, with so much yet to discover and offer.

This Reflection Day was another meaningful step on the road to high school, and we are so grateful for the wisdom, warmth, and wonder that Luke continues to bring to this journey.

PRINCIPAL'S MORNING TEA

At our Prayer Assembly this week, there were a number of students who received a Gospel Value Award for demonstrating the value of JUSTICE. These students attended a special Principal’s Morning Tea in Josephite Hall this Tuesday (10th June).

We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, scrolls, and cake and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives; coming to school to be with our friends and teachers, our kind Principal, life and all its opportunities, receiving a talking unicorn as a birthday present, getting a dirt bike from Devonport, and our loving families for giving us a home, making us delicious food, and for loving us!

They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included; playing Pac-Man, trampolining, gymnastics, soccer for Juventus, basketball for Saints, drawing plants to capture the patterns on their leaves, footy for Bombers, the Devonport Cup, swimming for South Esk, and attending Rock Club every Thursday!

NIJSSA CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL

This past Wednesday (11th June), our Cross Country Team laced up their runners and took to the trails at Windsor Park for the annual NIJSSA Cross Country Carnival. Competing against students from Catholic and Independent schools across Launceston, our athletes ran with grit and determination, securing a strong overall 4th place finish for St Thomas More’s.

A huge congratulations to every student who represented our school—not only for their individual efforts and selection in the team, but also for the spirit and sportsmanship they displayed throughout the day. A number of our runners delivered standout performances to finish in the Top 20 of their event:

Grade 3 Girls – Scout Lunson (8th)

Grade 3 Boys – Ash McPherson (1st), Archer Coombe (9th) & Huxley Clarke (15th)

Grade 4 Girls – Stella Bye (4th)

Grade 4 Boys – Kip Cruse (3rd), Kade Hodgetts (5th), Riley Pearce (7th) & Tom Speirs (10th)

Grade 5 Girls – Gemma Richardson (2nd), London Trotter (8th), Frankie Lunson (10th), Grace Stephens (11th) & Lucy Claxton (18th)

Grade 5 Boys – Chace Bryan (5th)

Grade 6 Girls – Stella Rowe (20th)

Grade 6 Boys – Logan Graham (2nd), Flynn Moore (13th) & Max Bertram (15th)

A big thank you to Mr Nick Stacey for coordinating the day and supporting our team so capably, and to the many staff, parents and volunteers who came along to cheer from the sidelines. Your presence and encouragement made all the difference!

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