In addition to supporting our Year 6 students with their transition to St Patrick's College in 2026, our teaching staff have already commenced the process of preparing and supporting all our students to make the step up to their next year of learning.

Therefore, in order to aid this process for 2026, if parents/guardians have any significant concerns that need to be communicated to the school to support their child/ren transitioning into new learning environments, please email this information directly to the Principal, Mr Casimir Douglas, by the final day of Term 3 (Friday 26th September).

STM TV: TEACHER AIDE APPRECIATION WEEK!

This week we joined schools across Australia in celebrating Teacher Aide Appreciation Week. It is a special time to recognise and thank the incredible people who support our classrooms each and every day. Our Teacher Assistants make an immeasurable difference in the lives of our students, parents, and staff, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication, care, and skill.

As part of the celebrations, every class contributed to a special bound collection of student messages and drawings, highlighting the many ways our Teacher Assistants inspire, encourage, and support learning. On Wednesday, staff gathered for a morning tea to affirm and honour our TAs, enjoying food and fellowship in recognition of all that they do.

We are also delighted to share this week’s episode of STM TV, dedicated entirely to Teacher Assistant Appreciation Week. In this special feature, our students have been interviewed to share their gratitude and reflections on what their Teacher Assistants mean to them. Their words and smiles capture the spirit of appreciation far better than anything we could write.

A huge thank you to Mrs Hayley Chugg for putting together another brilliant episode of STM TV, and to all who helped ensure our Teacher Assistants felt celebrated this week.

STM TV: MONSTER MASH DISCO SPECIAL!

Last Friday evening, our school community was treated to a night of colour, fun, and plenty of monster mischief at the Monster Mash Disco! Thanks to the tireless efforts of our incredible Parents & Friends’ Association, the Josephite Hall was transformed into a spooky-yet-sparkling monster lair, complete with glowing lights, music, and decorations that had students wide-eyed with excitement. Their creativity and hard work turned an ordinary Friday night into something truly extraordinary, and we cannot thank them enough for the gift of joy they gave to our children.

The dance floor was buzzing all night, and a highlight for many was the Monster Mash Flash Mob, led with confidence and flair by our Grade 5/6 students Rubi Butwell, London Trotter, and Rosie Fankhauser. Their leadership, energy, and courage set the tone for an unforgettable night, showing that our students can light up the room as much as the glow sticks did.

To capture the spirit of the evening, our latest episode of STM TV features all the monster magic, student voices, and community spirit that made the disco such a success. A special thank you to Mrs Hayley Chugg for putting together another brilliant episode that allows us to relive the laughter, dancing, and vibrant atmosphere of the night.

Events like these remind us that when families, students, and staff come together, the result is far greater than the sum of its parts. Once again, our P&F are the heroes of this story – turning their vision, planning, and generosity into an experience that our children will remember long after the music has faded.

SINGFEST!

On Wednesday evening, I had the privilege of sitting front row at the Launceston Conference Centre to experience our students lifting their voices in song at Singfest 2025. It was an incredible celebration of music and community, and our School Choir represented St Thomas More’s with energy, joy, and great pride.

One of the standout moments of the evening was our students’ moving performance of Yellow by Coldplay. Sung with heart and harmony, it was a truly special rendition that had the audience captivated and left us all feeling immensely proud of their talent and spirit.

The atmosphere was electric as choirs from across Northern Tasmania came together in harmony, and our students more than held their own on the big stage. To see them performing with such confidence and unity was truly inspiring – a reminder of how music can bring people together and give young people the chance to shine.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs Natalie Zegveld, not only for her tireless work with our School Choir, but also for her crucial role in organising the Singfest event – a huge undertaking that was delivered with professionalism and passion. Special thanks also to Mrs Therese Wahl for her support and supervision of our students during their rehearsals and performances, ensuring they were ready and confident for the big night.

Congratulations to all of our students who took part; you made us proud, and we celebrate not just your wonderful singing, but also the courage and teamwork you showed in sharing your gifts with the wider community.

GOSPEL VALUE AWARDS

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 RESPECT is to be kind, be thankful, and be positive.

The following students received a Gospel Value Award at our Prayer Assembly this Monday (1st September), as nominated by their class teacher for exemplifying the Gospel value of RESPECT:

These students also attended the Principal’s Morning Tea on Tuesday (2nd September) 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 (2nd September).

We were treated to a smorgasbord of fruits, muffins, cookies, and scones, and we each shared what we are grateful for in our lives: from family who help us and do things for us, to Mums who pack our lunches and give the best cuddles, brothers who are always up for a game of down ball, and pets — especially cuddly cats and dogs like Zali and Maverick — who are always there to cheer us up. We also heard gratitude for Edie (who always finds a way to make you smile), warm lunches, and even money… because how else are you going to buy stuff?

They also shared about their hobbies, interests and dreams which included: dancing in jazz and tap at Dance Point, Tapestry and Classique; soccer stars in the making with Launceston City and United; basketballers repping the Devils and the Saints; swimming (with double tumble turns!); jujitsu with Sensei Phillip; and flipping through gymnastics at PCYC. Some students are performing in Peter and Wendy at Queechy Drama Club, diving into book series like Warrior Cats and Wings of Fire, completing diamond art with sticky paper gems, competing in 400m races at Little Athletics, and of course — enjoying the simple joys of swinging at home and playing with their dogs.

REHEARSE THE POSITIVE SUPERHEROES!

INTERSCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT

On Monday (1st September), our St Thomas More’s students walked to Punchbowl Primary School to take part in the Interschool Chess Tournament. Running from 9:30 am until 2:00 pm, the day brought together keen players from across the region to test their focus, patience, and strategy.

FATHER'S DAY AFTERNOON