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Dear Families,
The last two weeks have been significant for Thomas More College, partly to the time of year, but specifically in that they mark key transition points for different elements of our communities. It is also fitting that last week we have rounded the half-way mark of Term 3. As with all schools, there is a lot going on at Thomas More College at the moment, and I thank all our key staff through these different levels of involvement. A snapshot of these events is below.
We’ve had the full range of JET-SET-GO meetings with our Middle, Senior and Graduating Students. Each stage of these Transition Interviews is focussed on student reflections of their progress, growth and learning around our Learner Behaviours, which describe the capabilities for success for all our students; we also call this student efficacy. It was great to be present with Middle School Pedagogy and Innovation Leader, Sally Glasson, who presented our JET journey to a recent gathering of Catholic Secondary School Principals.
Connected to these events, we have also completed our first round of Senior School subject selections for our current Senior School students.
This week we have experienced another ‘sold out' (for lack of a better term) Principal's Tour. I always love helping people experience our school through fresh eyes. It is worth noting we are approaching capacity for 2024 (having already interviewed for many of these positions) and will soon turn our attention to 2025. Please contact our Enrolments Registrar, Jane Siviour, with any questions about enrolments.
Our new sign has gone up across the road at #42 Amsterdam Crescent. I love that we have our first ‘second campus’ of Thomas More College.
I was so pleased to have hosted our Past Staff/Old Scholars evening last Friday. It was hard to describe the variety of feelings in the room; I mentioned on the night I felt like I was welcoming them into my home, but that I had also realised that this home actually belonged to all of us. What a special time to be involved at our school; it was a rare chance to stop and reflect to appreciate how great it is to be a part of this 40+ year history. See Photo Gallery 2022 TMC Old Scholar & Past Staff Reunion
Across the 120+ people in attendance were:
- Groups of people coming from all six decades (70s- 2020s) of our school’s existence.
- Six students from our school’s first year, (‘79- what a great year!), including two current staff members
- Four of the School’s Principals.
- Old Scholars from the full breadth of years from 1979 to 2021.
Perhaps it is quite fitting that the last group to reluctantly leave the night (nudging towards 11pm) were some of the old scholars from our first year! I wish to thank all our current staff who attended too.
Take care,
Corey Tavella
Principal
Feast of the Assumption of Mary
On Tuesday 16 August the College community celebrated the Assumption of Mary, mother of Jesus into heaven. As it is believed in Catholic tradition that the immaculate Mother of God, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heaven. Mary was the mother of Jesus and one of the most famous female figures, not only in the bible, but history. We know Mary to be nurturing, pious, gentle and kind, but through her story she has shown strength, courage and faithfulness. When Mary agreed to bear a child, the son of God, she knew it wasn’t going to be an easy path, but her devotion to and trust in God outweighed any fear and doubt. This is something we can look to during the testing times of our life. That our faith can be a source of comfort and strength during challenging times.
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission
As part of the Year 7 Italian course, students from Ms Cavuoto’s and Ms Moyle’s Italian classes learnt how to use adjectives to describe animals in Italian. Students created a children’s book using the Italian language to describe animals in various environments. Students then read their ‘Animali’ story to their peers in class Students from both classes enjoyed speaking to each other in Italian and enjoyed various Italian sweets and treats. Bravi!
Italian Teacher
Music - Visit to St Augustine's
On Friday 26 August the Music Department took a bus load of students to perform a concert for Years 3 to 6 at St Augustine’s Primary School.
Many of our student performers attended SAPS in their junior years and were very excited to perform for, and catch up with, their ex-teachers.
The ‘Gigs’ as we call them, are a way to showcase the musical talents of students from Years 7 to 12 in our Ensemble Program. They are educational in that we emphasise to our young audiences the concept and importance of learning, growing and playing together.
Term 4 brings the joy of warm weather and performing Christmas Carols! Very excited!
Linda Vernillo
Music & Performance Key Teacher
The Year 9/10 Girls Soccer team played on Monday 15 August, versing Banksia Park (8-0 Loss) and Nuriootpa (2-2 draw, win on penalties). Sadly, we don't go through to the next round but the girls battled hard
Soccer Coach
Briony Forster
Director of Learning Pathways
On Friday Week 5, the Year 11 Tourism classes went to The Barossa Goldfields and Para Wirra Conservation Park to investigate how historical landmarks and national parks are used to attract tourists. They considered the different types of tourists that would enjoy the wide variety of areas in Para Wirra and enjoyed a day out with some great weather.
Tourism Teacher