St Thomas More's Catholic School Newstead eNewsletter

Launceston Speech and Drama Competitions 2025

At St Thomas Mores, we do drama to express emotions, tell stories, and explore the depth of human experience in a creative and powerful way. Drama allows us to step into different characters’ lives, understand their struggles, and communicate messages that words alone might not fully capture. It helps build empathy, confidence, and communication skills while also entertaining and educating audiences. Drama brings people together, sparks imagination, and provides a safe space to explore real-life issues and emotions.

I have felt so many emotions watching our students perform over the past week, but the biggest of all was pride. Proud in the hard work that they put in, as a class, or at home with their families, or in their lunch breaks with their friends. Proud of how brave they are to get up on a stage. Proud of them for taking risks. Proud of them for baring their emotions in front of a captive audience. Proud of how they supported each other, encouraged their competitors, accepted the wins gracefully and disappointments with poise.

Last night was the trophy presentations, below are the trophies that were won by St Thomas Mores.

ADJUDICATOR’S CHOICE AWARDS

AGGREGATE AWARDS

IMPROMPTU READING - School gaining the highest aggregate.

Louise Peters Perpetual - PrimarySTM

AWARDS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE ADJUDICATOR

MOST PROMISING COMPETITOR

D. Armstrong Memorial - Primary Lachlan Phillips

MOST OUTSTANDING ITEM (Solo or Group)

Cliff Taylor Perpetual - Primary George Boyle

MOST CREATIVE ITEM (Solo or Group)

Alice Colman Perpetual - PrimaryGeorge Boyle

VERSE SPEAKING CHOIR

Farm Machinery Perpetual Shield - Champion Primary Group Speaking STM

SECTION AWARDS

CREATIVE DANCE

Montile Perpetual - Primary STM

CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMME

Launceston Church Grammar School Perpetual - Primary George Boyle

Launceston City Council Artistic Excellence:

George Boyle

VERSE SPEAKING

Rio Tinto Alcan Perpetual Shield - Group Speaking STM Grade 3/4 Saint

Modern Cars Mazda Perpetual Shield - Group Speaking Infant School Prep More

Arthur ride Memorial Trophy (highest aggregate)

Grade 3: Nina Rooney

Grade 4: Millie Mae O’Mahoney

Grade 6: Eva Lewis

Arthur ride aggregate overall winner

Millie Mae O’Mahoney (tied 3 others)

"First of all, I would just like to say, ever since Grade Two—when I performed my nursery rhyme Hey Diddle Diddle—I knew that the Launceston Competitions were my favourite time of the year. I loved how I could be myself on the stage, and no one would judge me if I messed up!

I would also like to say a huge thank you to my drama teacher, Mrs Edwards, for teaching me how to be brave and courageous. Another thank you goes to my amazing family, especially my mum. She was the person who encouraged me to enter the competitions in the first place!

There are so many incredible people in my life who have helped me believe in myself and reach for my goals. Even though my time in the Primary section of the competitions is over, it doesn’t mean the support ends. People who encouraged me shouldn’t be forgotten!

So, Mrs Edwards, you made me feel like a star and helped others shine just as brightly. And to all my teachers and friends who came to watch and support me—make sure you continue to cheer on everyone who believes they are stars too."

By Eva Lewis

Grade 6