Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
GRADE 7, 2026 - SPC TRANSITION VISIT
This week, our Grade 6 students took an important step on their journey towards secondary school. On Tuesday (29th July), we were delighted to welcome from St Patrick's College, Mrs Anna Davie, Director of Curriculm. Mrs Davie met with our students to speak with them about their upcoming transition to Year 7 in 2026; and the air was filled with curiosity, excitement, and just a touch of nerves.
Having spent nine years as part of the St Patrick’s Middle School Leadership Team myself, visiting Catholic primary schools across Launceston, I know firsthand just how pivotal these conversations are. I’ve seen the questions bubble up, spoken and unspoken, from students, parents, and teachers alike. And now, seeing it all unfold here at St Thomas More’s, I understand these feelings all the more deeply. It’s a big step, one filled with emotion and possibility.
Mrs Davie spent time answering the students’ many questions; everything from lockers to lunchtimes, from classrooms to co-curriculars. She painted a vivid picture of life at SPC and, perhaps most importantly, she listened. Mrs Davie also met with our teachers, speaking with care and detail about each and every child. Her focus was clear: to ensure that every student is not only prepared for the next stage of their education, but known and loved throughout the journey.
The transition to high school is not just a logistical shift; it is a formative, identity-shaping time in a young person’s life. That’s why this process matters so deeply. It’s not simply about changing schools; it’s about growing into the next version of themselves, with the right support, encouragement, and care.
The next key stage in this transition process is the Grade 7 Orientation Day at St Patrick’s College on Tuesday 2nd December (Week 8, Term 4). This day is designed to help students find their feet, meet new friends, and begin to feel a sense of belonging before Day 1 of Year 7 even arrives.
We thank Mrs Davie for her visit and her commitment to walking alongside our students as they prepare for this exciting new chapter. After all, she is feeling nervous and excited too! I served as Head of Middle School for five of my nine years on the Middle School Leadership Team; and every new year of welcoming students into the College is a whirlwind adventure!
GOSPEL VALUE AWARDS: RESPECT
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 RESPECT. Our Gospel Values: Head, Heart & Hands Framework, reminds our students that to show the value of JUSTICE is to be kind, be thankful, and be positive.
The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Prayer Assembly this Monday (28th July), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of RESPECT:
| Term 3 - Week 1, 2025 | ||
| Angus Carey | For the caring, positive and respectful way you go about your day. Thank you for always being kind to others. We are so lucky to have you in our Prep M classroom Angus. | Prep More |
| Reuben Foskett | Reuben has shown the Gospel Value of Respect through his kind and caring ways of treating others and active listening in class. | Prep Thomas |
| Emmett McInerney | For being an attentive and respectful listener in class. Emmett demonstrates the Gospel value of respect through his positive attitude towards learning and his kindness to those around him. Keep up the amazing work, Emmett! | Grade 1/2 More |
| Zoe Viney | Zoe demonstrates the gospel value of respect every day. She shows this by being kind to those around her, being thankful for what she has and following school expectations and values. | Grade 1/2 Saint |
| William Coppleman | William consistently demonstrates the Gospel Value of Respect through the way he greets, treats, and speaks to everyone around him. His calm, positive, and thoughtful manner is both admirable and inspiring to others. | Grade 1/2 Thomas |
| Frankie Crumpton | Frankie shows the Gospel Value of Respoect by always doing what is right and being polite to all. | Grade 3/4 More |
| Mitchell Watchorn | Mitchell demonstrates respect in all his interactions with others. | Grade 3/4 Saint |
| Ava Baker | For demonstrating respect through kind words, active listening, and thoughtful actions towards others. Keep shining your light, Ava | Grade 3/4 Thomas |
| William Finlay | William demonstrates the gospel value of respect in his words and actions. Whether it’s helping with classroom jobs, supporting others in the school community, or volunteering his time at Breakfast Club, William is always willing to lend a hand. He shows a strong sense of responsibility and care for those around him. | Grade 5/6 More |
| Zac Murray | Zac consistently shows the Gospel value of Respect in all that he does. He is a kind and thoughtful student who treats teachers and classmates with courtesy and care. Zac listens attentively, uses manners, and values the opinions and feelings of others. His respectful attitude helps make our classroom a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to live like Jesus each day. Well done, Zac! |
Grade 5/6 Saint |
| Chace Bryan | Chace treats everyone with genuine respect and kindness. His calm presence, thoughtful actions, and strong work ethic make him someone others naturally admire and follow. Chace shows great potential as a future leader. | Grade 5/6 Thomas |
These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (29th July) 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 RESPECT. These students attended a special Principal’s Morning Tea in Josephite Hall this Tuesday (29th July).
We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, scones, cakes, and banana bread and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives; our homes for shelter and warmth, the food we have to share, our families for helping us, our Mums and Dads for loving us and dropping us at school every day, and all the soccer pitches in Launceston so we can play our favourite sport everywhere we go!
They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included jumping on the trampoline; playing with friends; playing basketball for Japara, Saints, and Devils; swimming at the Aquatic Centre; playing soccer for Launceston City and Launceston United, going to the family shack in Musselroe Bay; playing with the LEGO Thanos Glove; and riding a Star Wars bike!
PREP CELEBRATION - 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL!
Last week our Prep students celebrated 100 Days of School, a joyful milestone marking 100 days of learning, growing, and shining together!
The day began with crowns, colourful outfits, and fairy bread topped with 100’s and 1000’s, as students explored the number 100 through playful and creative activities. But the true highlight came later that day, as our Prep students took to the stage at their very first whole-school Assembly, performing in front of more than 100 proud family members.
Together, they led the school in a beautiful rendition of Rainbow by Andrew Chinn, filling Josephite Hall with colour and joy. Prep More then shared their heartfelt reflections about God; where they see God, how they understand God’s love, and what God means to them. Prep Thomas followed, recounting their Once Around the Block excursion, describing what they saw, heard, and learned as they explored their local environment with curiosity and wonder.
It was a powerful reminder that in just 100 days, our youngest learners have already found their voice; and they have so much to say.
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
