WITNESSING A HISTORIC MOMENT IN THE CHURCH OF TASMANIA

This past Tuesday, 12 August, I had the privilege of representing St Thomas More’s Catholic School at the Installation Ceremony of Archbishop Anthony (Tony) Ireland at St Mary’s Cathedral, Hobart. I was joined by our proud student representative, Samuel Mannion (Grade 5), as we took part in a truly historic moment for the Catholic Church in Tasmania.

The Cathedral was filled to capacity, with every Catholic school in the state represented by its Principal and a student. The sense of unity, faith, and shared purpose was palpable as our Catholic education community gathered to witness Archbishop Tony formally begin his ministry as shepherd of the Archdiocese of Hobart.

It was also personally moving for me to share the occasion with my son, James Douglas (Grade 6), who was selected by Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School to attend on their behalf. To stand together in the Cathedral for such a significant milestone in our faith journey is a memory I will treasure.

Archbishop Tony’s humility, gentleness, and evident depth of thought were clear throughout the ceremony. His reputation as a man of service was matched by his long-standing commitment to Catholic education. As a tenured and active member of the National Catholic Education Commission, he brings with him a deep investment in the mission of our schools and the formation of our students. This day was not simply a formal beginning, but a powerful reminder of the faith, mission, and ministry that unite our schools and parishes. We look forward to welcoming him to St Thomas More’s in the years ahead as he continues to inspire and guide our community.

PREPS AT THE TOWN LIBRARY!

This past Monday, 11 August, our Prep students set off on an exciting city adventure, visiting some of Launceston’s most iconic spaces. Their first stop was the Town Library, where they were warmly welcomed by the Librarian, enjoyed a guided introduction to the library, and listened to a special story. Students were then given time to explore the children’s section and discover the many resources available to them.

With the weather on our side, the Preps ventured into Civic Square, taking time to sketch the surrounding buildings and public spaces, capturing the unique shapes and colours of the cityscape. The exploration continued with a walk to City Park, where students delighted in the gardens, open spaces, and the chance to connect with nature in the heart of the city.

The excursion was more than just a fun day out; it was an opportunity for our youngest learners to engage with their community, practise observation skills, and experience the joy of exploring new environments.

A big thank you to the parent helpers and staff who accompanied the students, making this memorable day possible. Our Preps returned to school tired, happy, and with sketchbooks full of creativity.

KINDER IN THE DARK - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Kinder in the Dark is back! In the many Kinder tours that I have led in the past four years with new and prospective families, we are joined by two current Grade 6 students who provide the student perspective, and are the real leaders of those tours.

When we come to the coupe de grace – the Kinder classroom – at the end of the tour, I always ask our Grade 6 students to share with the family their favourite memory of Kinder. And the most popular answer, by far, is Kinder in the Dark!

This week, our Kinder classrooms were transformed into a place of wonder and quiet enchantment as we welcomed families for Kinder in the Dark – on Tuesday 11th August for Kinder Thomas and Wednesday 12th August for Kinder More. In the soft glow of torches and the comfort of pyjamas, the familiar rooms became something altogether different – an adventure waiting to happen. And it wasn’t just the children who came dressed for bedtime… parents also arrived in pyjamas, proving once and for all that comfort beats fashion every time – although there was some fierce competition for “Best Slippers”.

Children led their parents through treasure hunts to find their visual diaries, proudly turning the pages of a year’s worth of drawings and creations. They showed off their favourite corners of the classroom, shared in simple craft activities, and played gentle games in the twilight of the Kinder garden. Later, everyone gathered on the floor for a slideshow of Kinder moments, a bedtime story, and a quiet night-time prayer – the perfect ending to an evening brimming with connection, curiosity, and the kind of joy that only comes when you see the world through a child’s eyes.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our wonderful Kinder teachers, Mrs Wood and Mrs Edwards, whose creativity and care turn this annual tradition into something truly unforgettable.

I was fortunate to attend part of the Kinder More evening, and it is easy to see why our Grade 6 students, without hesitation, name Kinder in the Dark as their most special, precious, and cherished memory from Kinder. Some moments stay with you forever – and this is one of them.