ST THOMAS MORE'S FEAST DAY CELEBRATIONS!

On Monday 23rd June, our school community gathered to celebrate the Feast Day of St Thomas More—a day that honours our patron saint and reflects the heart of who we are as a Catholic school. It was a vibrant and joy-filled occasion, rich with faith, fellowship, and fun.

The day began with a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr Leonard and thoughtfully organised by Mrs Belinda Taylor. We were blessed by the musical talents of Mrs Wahl, Olivia on piano, and vocalists Millie-Mae and Eloise, who led us in song with reverence and grace.

Throughout the day, students engaged in classroom activities exploring the life, faith, and legacy of St Thomas More. These moments of learning helped bring our Vision Statement to life: “Inspired by Christ, we are a community of lifelong learners becoming the people God created us to be.”

In true St Thomas More’s tradition, the school then came together for a shared Feast on the oval, enjoyed in Pastoral Care groups. Our wonderful Parents & Friends team cooked up a delicious sausage sizzle, and celebrated with specially made Feast Day cakes.

The afternoon was filled with lively games and activities as students competed for the Feast Day Cup. Congratulations to MacKillop House on being crowned champions once again—two years in a row! 

Our 2025 Feast Day was a powerful and visible expression of our school culture—one grounded in our Josephite charism, enlivened by community spirit, and centred on the dignity and joy of every learner. From start to finish, it was a day where our students smiled arriving at school, and smiled even wider as they left.

Thank you to all staff, volunteers, and students who made the day such a meaningful and memorable celebration.

Happy St Thomas More’s Feast Day!

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 Feast Day Mass this Monday (23rd June), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of JUSTICE:

Term 2 - Week 9, 2025
Aaron Soegianto	Aaron you are always looking out for your friends and you show lots of care about their wellbeing. You are quick to help out others and are very compassionate. We are lucky to have you in our class Aaron.	Prep More
Parker Springer	Parker, you have consistently shown a deep sense of justice for others, through your kind words and actions, you stand up for what is right and treat everyone with compassion.	Prep Thomas
Yuvi Padda	Yuvi shows the Gospel value of justice by being welcoming to others in our class and in the playground. Yuvi is also happy to help out teachers without complaint. Keep up the great work, Yuvi!	Grade 1/2 More
Isabelle Coombe	Isabelle is not just a friendly face; she demonstrates fairness and compassion in our school community. Always ready to lend a hand, she understands what it means to care for others. Her commitment to helping those around her inspires us all to be fair and kind. Thank you, Isabelle, for being a shining example of our Gospel Value of justice!	Grade 1/2 Saint
Ivy Notman	Ivy displays justice by treating everyone fairly, standing up for classmates when something is wrong, and making sure everyone has a chance to share and be heard.	Grade 1/2 Thomas
Elliot Strochnetter-Keefe	For demonstrating Justice by being a responsible learner and bravely speaking up when something doesn’t seem right. Well done, Elliot, your sense of fairness and integrity helps create a respectful and safe classroom for everyone.	Grade 3/4 More
Benji Rak	For showing respect for everyone and a passion for fairness.	Grade 3/4 Saint
Adeline Moore	For standing up for what is right and making thoughtful choices that support the wellbeing of others. Amazing, Adeline!	Grade 3/4 Thomas
Freya McArthur	Freya consistently shows the Gospel value of justice through her fair and respectful treatment of others. Freya stands up for what is right, includes others, and helps create a welcoming and supportive environment within our school community.	Grade 5/6 More
Morrison Harmey	Thank you, Morrison, for consistently demonstrating the value of Justice in our school community. Morrison has a strong sense of fairness and is always willing to speak up for what is right. He ensures everyone has a voice and is included. Morrison shows integrity and encourages others to do the same, whether on the playground or in the classroom. Well done, Morrison.	Grade 5/6 Saint
Eva Lewis	Eva consistently lives out the Gospel value of justice. Articulate and assured in who she is, she readily speaks up for what is right and offers unwavering support to anyone in need. With a keen global awareness and a sensitive eye on our school community, she notices injustices large and small, bringing thoughtful, creative solutions to every challenge.	Grade 5/6 Thomas

These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (24th June) in Josephite Hall during the first break at 10:50am.

TERM 2, 2025 - HOUSE CUP WINNERS!

All of Term 2, students have been receiving tokens from staff members for showing our positive behaviour expectations: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be a Learner. The House that receives the most tokens by the end of Week 9 each term wins the House Cup. 

The winning House each term attends a special afternoon of activities with Mr Douglas and Ms Cornish on the Tuesday afternoon of Week 10, where they will also be presented with the House Cup.

The House Captains have tallied the tokens, and the final count for Term 2 is:

In third place, with 3,305 tokens is Tenison House.

In second place, with 3,448 tokens is MacKillop House.

And in first place, and the winning House for Term 2, with 3,525 tokens is CHISHOLM House!

VICTORIAN STATE BALLET'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Last Friday evening, Launceston’s Princess Theatre was transformed into a fairytale wonderland as the Victorian State Ballet presented their breathtaking production of Beauty and the Beast to a sold-out audience. Among the cast of internationally renowned dancers and talented locals were two of our very own—Mikaela Bardenhagen and London Trotter—who took to the stage with poise, presence, and professionalism.

Mikaela and London were selected through an arduous and highly competitive audition process, standing out from a field of outstanding young dancers across the region. They were among eight students from St Thomas More’s Catholic School who auditioned, each showing remarkable courage, maturity, and grace in the process. While only two secured roles on stage, others showed their strength of character by cheering their classmates on from the audience and even greeting them backstage after the curtain fell.

For Mikaela and London, it was more than a performance—it was a powerful moment of personal growth and a lasting memory shared with their families, peers, and the wider community. Their commitment and success reflect the very heart of our Strategic Vision: fostering greatness.

We are so proud of all eight students who dared to dream, auditioned bravely, and supported each other so generously. Bravo, Mikaela and London—and bravo to our incredible dance community here at STM! 

At our Feast Day Mass 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 (24th June).

We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, lamingtons and cake and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives; a roof over our heads during Tassie winters, our kind and caring families and friends (including shoutouts to Louie and Ziggy), loving mums, the gift of education and our school community, the support of Mrs Hartley, and even gratitude for God - for creating us in the first place!

They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included starring on stage in Beauty and the Beast with Encore Theatre and the LYTE program, scoring goals for Launceston United, netball for Generation, dancing ballet at Dance Point Academy, making a splash at Just Swim and LAC, footy, cricket, and basketball, flipping through gymnastics every Thursday at PCYC, and visiting the ultimate adventure spot - the Bluff Playground in Devonport!

Our Grade 3–6 students spent time with Mr Davie reflecting on how we can live out the Spirit of Jesus in our everyday lives. The session focused on the life and character of Neale Daniher, a former AFL player and coach, Australian of the Year, and now a national inspiration.

Neale Daniher is best known not for his sporting achievements, but for the strength and selflessness he has shown since being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Through his leadership of the "Fight MND" campaign, Neale has become a symbol of resilience, courage, and compassion—values that closely reflect the life and teachings of Jesus.

Students were encouraged to identify the “hero qualities” they see in themselves and others—kindness, determination, empathy, and bravery. They reflected on the idea that living like Jesus means standing up for what is right, helping others in need, and using our talents to serve our community. They were reminded that although we may not all be famous like Neale Daniher, we each have the power to make a difference. We are unique, special, and capable of showing the Spirit of Jesus through our actions.

Live Jesus in our Hearts 

- FOREVER - 

FINAL GREETING