Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
SALUTATION
Grace to you and peace.
HOSTING CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK MASS & AWARDS
On Wednesday (6th August), we had the great privilege of hosting the Catholic Education Week Mass at Sacred Heart Church. Students, staff, and clergy from across the Northern Region joined us in a beautiful celebration of our shared faith and commitment to Catholic education. His Grace, Archbishop Julian Porteous, presided over the Mass, supported by the priests of the Launceston Parish, and joined by members of the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office, including Executive Director, Dr Gerard Gaskin.
During the liturgy, I was honoured to receive, on behalf of our school, a certificate acknowledging and affirming our response to the Archbishop’s Charter. More than a formal recognition, the certificate symbolises the collective spirit, values, and mission that guide the daily life of our school community. I was also grateful for the opportunity to offer the Vote of Thanks at the conclusion of the Mass, on behalf of all those gathered.
After the celebration, visiting students enjoyed a shared BBQ and playtime, while invited guests gathered in Josephite Hall for a special luncheon—a chance to connect, reflect, and share in the joy of the occasion.
Later that afternoon, Josephite Hall was once again abuzz as we hosted the Catholic Education Commission Tasmania’s annual Recognition Awards. These awards honour the dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends of Catholic Education who have given 25 years of service or made an outstanding contribution to their school communities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Catholic Education Tasmania for their careful planning and tireless work in making these meaningful celebrations possible.
KINDER ENROLMENTS 2026
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of meeting with more than 120 families who are hoping to enrol their child in Kindergarten at St Thomas More’s Catholic School in 2026. Every meeting, every conversation, and every encounter has been a gift. It is humbling to hear how deeply families value what our school stands for.
It breaks my heart that we cannot offer a place to every child. While I don’t hold a growth agenda for our school, I do hold an inclusion agenda. My dream is simple: that any family who wishes to choose a Catholic education at St Thomas More’s for their child is able to do so. But with more than four times the number of applicants than available places, that dream is not yet a reality.
This overwhelming demand is not a reflection of any one person. The credit belongs to our staff, whose dedication shapes a nurturing and inspiring environment every day. It belongs to our parents, whose generous words and advocacy speak volumes in the community. And most of all, it belongs to our students, the heroes of this story, who live out our Gospel values with joy, integrity, and kindness.
CBCA BOOM WEEK - BOOK AN ADVENTURE!
CBCA Book Week (Week 6 of this term) is fast approaching, and this year’s theme – Book an Adventure – invites us to open a book and journey far beyond the classroom. It is a nationwide celebration of literature, imagination, and the joy of reading.
Here at St Thomas More’s, Book Week is always a special time, and our calendar is full of joyful events to mark the occasion. We’ll be hosting our Readers’ Picnic and Art Show on Monday 18 August from 1.25–2.00pm – a relaxed and colourful celebration for families and students alike. Bring a picnic rug, a favourite book, and settle in on the lawn (or under cover if the weather demands it!) to enjoy a shared story and a bite to eat. For those whose families are unable to attend, students will buddy up with a friend or older student so that everyone gets to take part in the fun.
At the same time, families can explore our Book Week Art Show, with each class displaying artwork inspired by one of this year’s shortlisted titles. Wander the windows and enjoy the creative ways our students have responded to the stories they’ve been reading and loving.
Throughout the week, students will also take part in a range of activities, including our Book Week Quiz, craft activities for our youngest learners, a vote for favourite books, and even a 3D reading adventure using QR codes in the library.
None of this would be possible without the passion and dedication of Ms Rebecca Thomas, our librarian and literary champion. Rebecca’s enthusiasm for reading is contagious, and her leadership of Book Week is a gift to our entire community. From hand-selecting the shortlisted titles, to dreaming up book-themed activities, to personally engaging every student in the joy of story – she is, quite simply, the beating heart of Book Week at STM. We are lucky beyond words to have her.
Oh, and before I forget – myself and Ms Cornish will be popping into classrooms throughout the week to share a story or two. Costumes may or may not be involved (but let’s just say you haven’t lived until you’ve seen me attempt a Scottish accent while dressed as a dragon).
Adventure awaits. Let’s book it!
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
