KINDER ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Our 2025 Kinder Athletics Carnival, held on Monday 20 October, was an absolute delight. Despite a touch of drizzle, the school oval was alive with excitement as families turned out in force to cheer on our youngest athletes. There were sack races, vortex throws, and the much-loved “teddy and pillow” race, where children collected their bedtime essentials before lying down for a pretend nap at the finish line. The sprint races were helped along by a strong tailwind, adding a little extra pace and plenty of smiles from start to finish.

And then came the grand finale, the annual Parent Egg and Spoon Race. Competitive spirits were high, balance was optional, and rule interpretations were, shall we say, flexible. It was all good fun and a fitting way to close out a morning that captured the true spirit of our community. A huge thank you to our wonderful Kinder team (Mrs Edwards, Mrs Lee, Mrs Wood and Mrs Walker) for guiding our little champions, to our outstanding Grade 5/6 helpers for their encouragement and support, and to all our families for joining us to share in the laughter, teamwork and joy that make this event so special.

THE NUTCRACKER!

Written by Lisa Amerikanos

Six St Thomas More’s students wowed both school and general audiences last week in Bakker Productions' innovative adaptation of The Nutcracker, held at the Earl Arts Centre from October 16-18. Performing five shows across the three days, the production brought a fresh, contemporary twist to this beloved literary and ballet classic. With sassy characters and a vibrant soundtrack featuring Michael Jackson, and Coolio's "Gangster’s Paradise," this was a reimagined Nutcracker for a modern audience. All performers delivered exceptional work, and our six STM students truly shone in their respective roles: Ada Amerikanos as the sassy Sugar Plum Fairy, Ava Carr and Lillian Carey as edgy Rat Gangsters, and Nina Carey, Olive Hartley, and Chloe Ralph as cute but commanding Candy Kids!

Beyond their individual talent, what stood out was their collegiality and genuine kindness toward one another and their cast mates, both on and off stage, despite a demanding schedule. Their supportive attitudes and collaborative spirit exemplified STM's two key characteristics of greatness: kindness and tenaciousness. Ada, Ava, Lily, Nina, Olive, and Chloe demonstrated that excellence in performance goes together with excellence in character. Congratulations to all six students on this wonderful achievement.

WE CONQUERED THE CLIMB!

Despite the wind, cold, and classic Launnie drizzle, our STM Staff Team braved the 25% incline of the St Giles Burn — not once, but multiple times! 

Wearing our STM polos with pride, we stepped up (and up) to support an event that means so much to us. As a school, we’ve seen firsthand the positive difference that St Giles makes in the lives of our students and families — especially in learning, development, and wellbeing.

The St Giles Burn is more than a fitness challenge — it raises funds for services not funded by the NDIS, including therapy tools, assistive technology, and family support. It’s all about walking (or running!) for inclusion, empowerment, and community spirit.

So, when you show up in your STM polo and walk that 400m hill, you’re doing far more than just clocking steps — you’re helping create a more inclusive, supported, and empowered Tasmania.

Huge thanks to our amazing staff who showed up with grit, laughter, and soaked socks; and to everyone who cheered us on along the way!