News

June 11, 2026

STM NEWS | Term 2, Week 7, 2026

Contact St Thomas More School, Elizabeth Park

08 7285 1500 or info@sttmore.catholic.edu.au

Class Update | Special Person's Day Reflection from 1/2C

On Wednesday the 20th of May, we celebrated Special Friends Day and Catholic Education Week. We certainly shone that day by showing how creative we can be are when using bark, leaves and twigs we collected from the school grounds. It was so much fun deciding what we would create with our special person and then work together to create our masterpiece. Here’s what our students had to say:

Elizabeth Yates

On Wednesday the 20th of May at 9am it was special persons day but I was on my own but I was not sad I was still happy. First we did prayer. Next we made a picture with sticks, leaves and bark. I made me and my mum. Then we went to the Library and then had healthy snack.

Heydar Kazimi

On the 20th of May my mum and brother came to my classroom at 9.50. We made a cat with sticks and bark and my mum was proud of me.

Tobias Guest

On special persons day I made a rocket with Grandma and Leon.

Ryder Gregory

Yesterday at 9am my mum came to Special Person’s Day at St Thomas More. First we had community prayer. Next the parents came. Then we made something for our special people. After we went to the Hub.

Thomas Bettinelli

On Wednesday the 20th of May at 9am the whole school brang a special person. When everybody was here we started to make a picture with sticks, and leaves. Next our parents went to morning tea at St Thomas More. I felt happy and good.

A Guide For Parents and Families | Helping your child when they worry

When your child is upset, it feels completely natural to say ‘no one was looking at you‘ or ‘they weren’t talking about you, I promise‘. This is a kind and caring response. However, there is a simple reason why this approach, called over-reassurance, can accidentally make your child’s worry grow stronger over time.

Why reassurance can backfire – the itch analaogy

Reassurance works like scratching an itch. It feels wonderful in the moment – instant relief. But scratching actually makes the itch come back faster and stronger. Over time, your child’s brain learns: “the only way I feel better is if Mum or Dad tells me it’s okay.”

So the worry doesn’t go away – it grows, because your child now needs reassurance to cope and will seek it more and more.

What we want the brain to learn instead

Every time we reassure, we accidentally send the message that the worry was worth worrying about – that it needed fixing.
What we actually want the brain to learn is: “I can handle this feeling, it passes on its own, and I don’t need someone else to make it go away.“
The goal is to build your child’s confidence in their own ability to cope – not their confidence in your reassurance.

What to say instead?

✅ Try this

”That sounds uncomfortable – I wonder what else could be going on for that person?”

“It’s okay to feel that way. What do you think you could do?”

“Most people are really busy thinking about their own stuff – just like you!”

“That thought sounds really big right now. Let’s take a breath.”

❌ Instead of this

“They definitely weren’t talking about you.” Confirms their fear needed fixing.

“You’re fine, stop worrying.” Dismisses the feeling without building skill.

“No one is looking at you, I promise.” You can’t actually know this, and they know it too.

“Why do you always think this?” Sounds like criticism; shuts them down.

Acknowledge the feeling – not the fear

It is always okay to say ‘I can see that felt really yucky’. Feelings are always valid. It is the thought behind the feeling that we gently want to question – not dismiss, just question. Brief, warm, and then move on.

This is hard – and that is completely normal!

This goes against every parenting instinct you have. Even knowing all of this, it takes practice and you won’t always get it right- and that is completely okay. The most important thing is warmth and consistency over time, not perfection in every moment.

If you have any questions about this information, or would like to find out more, you can request to contact our school counsellor Tess Boyd via our Front Office.

Reminder | Pupil Free Day!

Please note that there is a Pupil Free Day scheduled for Friday, 26 June. Staff will be involved in training and development on this day. OSHC will be available and if you require this service, please use the usual processes for booking.

Finance | Keep an eye out for Fee Statements

Our Business Manager would like to remind families that Fee Statements will be distributed shortly. Please check your junk or spam folder if you do not see the email in your inbox.

Families who have not yet submitted a payment plan for 2026 school fees will be contacted shortly. If you have not already provided your payment plan to the school, please do so as soon as possible to avoid further follow-up.

If you require any information or clarification, please contact our Business Manager on 7285 1500 or via email at accounts@sttmore.catholic.edu.au.

Payment Plan Request Forms and Direct Debit Request Forms are available from the Front Office or can be accessed via the school’s website.

Friendly Reminders

Toys and Learning Tools - What students can bring to school?

Students are discouraged from bringing toys to school because they distract from learning, can lead to social conflicts, and are easily lost or damaged. Toys also make it harder for students to transition into a focused, classroom‑ready mindset.

How we distinguish between toys and learning tools…

Toys are for entertainment, while items such as fidgets, wobble cushions, or chewable sensory tools are designed to support focus and emotional regulation. A fidget is only a tool when it helps a child stay calm and attentive; if it becomes a distraction, it no longer serves its purpose.

If you believe your child may benefit from a learning tool, please speak with their teacher before sending anything from home. They can help determine whether the item is appropriate, suggest alternatives, and ensure it is used in a way that genuinely supports your child’s learning.

Thank you for helping us maintain a focused and supportive classroom environment.

Supporting Positive and Respectful Communication

We kindly remind all parents and caregivers that if you have concerns about an incident or situation at school, your first point of contact should be your child’s classroom teacher. This allows staff to clarify information and work collaboratively toward a resolution.

Matters requiring further attention will be referred to the Leadership Team, who will ensure appropriate follow‑up actions are taken.

For the wellbeing and safety of all students, we ask that parents and caregivers do not approach or question students directly on school grounds regarding issues between children. All concerns should be directed to school staff, who are best placed to manage these situations appropriately.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in maintaining a positive and respectful school environment.

Preloved Uniforms ❤️

We have a have a pre-loved uniform collection in our Front Office. We offer these items to our families, so come by and have a look if you’re after something extra for your child. We also encourage families who to keep bringing in donations where possible.

Pack a Healthy Snack!

As you’re getting your child ready for school each morning, don’t forget to pack them a healthy snack into their bag!

Children’s brains and bodies work hard throughout the school day. A nutritious mid-morning or afternoon snack helps maintain their energy levels, supports concentration, and keeps hunger from becoming a distraction in the classroom, and can also help them focus better, retain information, and stay in a positive mood.

👋 Goodbye Szapp! | A reminder on how to stay connected

St Thomas More School will be officially moving away from Schoolzine (and Szapp) at the end of this term.

We already have other systems in place to replace this app, but here is a recap:

Email | School communications go straight to your inbox! Please make sure your correct email address is on file with us so you don’t miss anything important!
Seesaw | Class Communications and Reminders
Qkr! | Payments and Orders for Canteen, Uniform, Excursions etc.
School Calendar | Here on our website ! 💡Tip: You can save the calendar to your home screen for quick access by tapping the Share button, (⬆), choose “Add to Home Screen“, and it’ll be right there whenever you need it.
Reporting Student Absences | Please let us know before 9am either by phone call to 7285 1500, email to info@sttmore.catholic.edu.au, or completing our online form on our website. If you’ve been using SZapp for this, please switch to one of these options from now on.

Please contact our Front Office if you have any feedback, comments, or require support.

Faith in Action

You may have noticed in each newsletter that we have been including a Gospel reading and short reflection. We do this as a reminder to keep Jesus at the heart of our school community.

Gospel Reflection

Gospel Reflection – Matthew 9:36-10:8

In this Gospel passage, we see the deep compassion of Jesus. He notices that people are struggling and feel lost, “like sheep without a shepherd.” Rather than turning away, Jesus responds with care and concern. He tells his disciples that there is important work to be done, sharing God’s love, but there are not enough people to do it.

Jesus then calls his twelve disciples by name and sends them out with a mission. He gives them the authority to heal, help others, and bring hope. Their task is simple but powerful: to share the message that God’s kingdom is close, and to give freely to others just as they have received.

This reading reminds us that we are all called to notice the needs of others, to act with compassion, and to share kindness and love in our everyday lives.

Wondering Questions for Families

I wonder when you have seen someone who needed help or care, like the people Jesus noticed… what did you do or what could you do?
I wonder what it means for us today to “freely give” to others… what are some ways we can do this at home or in our community?
I wonder how each of us might be called to be a “worker in the harvest” and share kindness, hope, and love with others this week?

Upcoming Mass

Year 5/6MT, 4/5GB and 3/4 MA will be attending Mass on Tuesday June 16 at 12noon in the Hub with Fr Santosh. Our theme is ‘Love Like Jesus’ and students from these classes will help lead this celebration. All are welcome to join us.

Living Mercy at STM

At St. Thomas More we aim to “live” hospitality by making sure everyone feels welcome, included, and cared for—whether we’re in the classroom or out in the yard. Students greet each other kindly, invite others into games, and look out for anyone who might be feeling left out. In our classrooms, we show hospitality by listening respectfully, sharing materials, and helping classmates when they need support. Every day, these small actions help create a warm, safe, and joyful community where everyone belongs.

Sacrament Program 2026

This coming weekend the students will take the next step in their Sacramental journey as they gather for their third session, focusing on the Sacrament of Eucharist. Through stories, discussion, and hands‑on activities, the children explored the symbols of Eucharist and learned how this special sacrament nourishes us and our relationship with Jesus. It was a joyful beginning to their preparation journey, filled with curiosity, reverence, and a growing sense of belonging.

Please click on the link below to access the parish bulletin to find out about events happening within the Elizabeth Catholic Parish: Bulletin – Elizabeth Catholic Parish

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