LIVING THE LEGACY OF ST THOMAS MORE

This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast Day of St Thomas More, our school’s namesake and spiritual patron. On Monday, we come together as a whole school community to honour him in a very STM way—through faith, festivity, food, fun, and friendly House rivalry. While the events of the day will fill hearts and bellies alike, the deeper purpose of our celebration is to remember and re-centre ourselves in the life and mission of the man who gives our school its name.

St Thomas More was a man of conscience, courage, intellect, and deep faith. He was a champion of justice and truth—willing to stand for what was right even when it cost him everything. As a lawyer, statesman, scholar, and martyr, More reminds us that greatness is not found in popularity or power, but in living with integrity, purpose, and humility. His witness speaks powerfully to our school’s Strategic Plan and to the kind of greatness we aim to foster in every child.

In our Strategic Plan (2025–2030): Fostering Greatness, we define greatness not by what a child achieves but by who they are becoming. We speak of greatness as kindness, tenaciousness, and stillness. These three descriptors are not only educational aims; they are echoes of the very life of St Thomas More.

Kindness: More was known for his wit and warmth, even in the face of persecution. His ability to see the dignity in others, even those who opposed him, reflects the compassion we hope to nurture in our students. Our learning environments, pastoral care structures, and student leadership programs aim to teach our students to be compassionate and inclusive, always acting with empathy and fairness—just as St Thomas More did.

Tenaciousness: More stood firm in his beliefs even under immense pressure. His quiet strength and moral courage inspire us to teach resilience, responsibility, and brave leadership. Whether it’s through our wellbeing initiatives, the Feast Day Cup, or the Way of St Thomas More Behaviour Curriculum, we teach our students that true strength is found in sticking to what’s right and looking out for others.

Stillness: In the final moments of his life, More’s peace and prayerfulness were unshakeable. He teaches us that faith and reflection are not luxuries, but essentials for a grounded and meaningful life. Our commitment to Christian Meditation, student-led prayer, rich Religious Education, and faith formation is our way of keeping this legacy alive.

On Monday, as we celebrate our Feast Day with song, story, shared meals, and spirited games, we’re not just throwing a party. We are participating in a living tradition—one that connects our school’s strategic direction with a 16th-century saint whose life still lights our path. May we continue to be a school community that is known, not just by our words or plans, but by the way we live out the faith, hope, and courage of St Thomas More.

Mr Casimir Douglas

Tuesday 17th June, 2025