STM NEWS | Term 4, Week 4, 2026

On Tuesday, 3 November, a group of our students proudly graduated from the Children’s University Program at a special ceremony held at the University of Adelaide City Campus.

The students worked diligently throughout the year to achieve this wonderful milestone, participating in a range of learning experiences and activities beyond the classroom. Their commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication to learning were recognised during the graduation ceremony, where they were presented with certificates celebrating their achievements.

Dressed in graduation gowns and caps, the students enjoyed the memorable occasion alongside their families and teachers. It was a proud moment as they crossed the stage to receive their awards and celebrate the hard work they had invested in their learning journey.

We congratulate all of our Children’s University graduates on this outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing them continue to embrace new learning opportunities in the future. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and success.

Congratulations to our 2026 Graduates

• Bronze Award for 30 hours – Amber, Jewel, Phoenix, Bryiesha, Poppy
• Silver Award for 65 hours – Nevaeh, Jarrahd
• Gold Award for 100 hours – Zion, Absolom, Deliliah
• Bronze Certificate for 130 hours – Ethan, Sulaiman
• Gold Diploma for 300 hours – Cruz

This weekend many of our families will be celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, one of the most significant celebrations in the Hindu calendar.

Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil, and hope over despair. Throughout the celebration, families will gather with loved ones to share special meals, exchange gifts, decorate their homes with colourful rangoli patterns, and light lamps and candles to welcome prosperity and joy. Fireworks and festive gatherings also bring communities together in celebration.

As a school, we value the rich cultural diversity within our community and enjoy learning about the traditions that make each family unique. Recognising events such as Diwali provides wonderful opportunities for our students to develop an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, beliefs, and customs.

We wish all of the families who will be celebrating Diwali a joyful and prosperous year ahead.

We celebrated World Teachers’ Day last week, recognising the dedication, passion, and hard work of our incredible teachers and support staff.

The day provided an opportunity to acknowledge the important role our educators play in supporting students’ learning, wellbeing, and growth. Staff were celebrated for their ongoing commitment to creating engaging learning experiences and fostering positive relationships with students. World Teachers’ Day was a chance to reflect on the difference our teachers make every day through their care, expertise, and encouragement. Their dedication helps create a positive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our teachers and support staff for the valuable contribution they make to our school each day.

Our students took the time to create a special moment for some of their teachers, you can see the video here.

Our school uniform is an important part of who we are.

Wearing the correct uniform each day helps students feel a sense of belonging, promotes equality, and reflects pride in our school community. We ask all students to wear the approved school uniform, including the correct coloured socks and appropriate school shoes. To support safety and maintain a neat appearance, shoulder-length or longer hair should be tied back. Students should also avoid wearing nail polish, stick-on nails, or other cosmetic accessories while at school.

By wearing the correct uniform and presenting themselves neatly, students demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, and our school. Thank you to families for your ongoing support in helping us maintain high standards and a positive school culture. Together, we help our students look their best, feel confident, and be ready to learn every day.

This term in Auslan, students at St Thomas More are exploring the rich history and culture of Deaf people in Australia.

Through stories, discussions and activities, students are learning about important people and events that have shaped the Australian Deaf community. Recently, students spent a week learning about Betty Steel, who is recognised as one of the earliest known Deaf Europeans in Australia and is often referred to as the first Deaf female convict transported to Australia. Betty lived in London in the late 1700s and was convicted of stealing a silver watch. In 1787, she was sentenced to seven years’ transportation and was sent to Australia aboard the Lady Juliana, arriving in Sydney in 1790.

Students were fascinated to learn about the challenges Betty faced as a Deaf person during a time when there was very little understanding, support or access to sign language education. Historical records show that the courts recognised Betty as deaf during her trial, making her story an important part of both Australian and Deaf history.

As part of our learning, students discussed how communication has changed over time, explored the importance of Auslan, and reflected on the resilience and achievements of Deaf individuals throughout Australia’s history. It has been wonderful to see students engaging with Deaf culture and developing a deeper understanding of the experiences and contributions of Deaf Australians. We look forward to continuing our exploration of Deaf history throughout Term 4.

Richard Symons
Auslan Teacher

From the School Counsellor

Every morning, at drop-off, many of us see a child clinging to a parent’s leg, tears rolling, and a parent who is hurting just as much. If this is you, please know that it comes from love. Wanting to comfort your child is a good instinct.But there is something that surprises many parents: a long goodbye usually makes the distress last longer, not shorter.

Why lingering makes it harder

When a child is anxious about separating, they are looking to us for a signal about whether they are safe. If we hover, hesitate, come back for another hug or go on reassuring, children can read that as “Mum is worried too, so maybe there is something to be worried about.” Each extra cuddle, return trip or “just five more minutes” also stretches out the emotional peak and teaches the child’s brain that the goodbye is something big and difficult.

Child psychologists and anxiety researchers describe this as a cycle. The child feels anxious, the parent stays or reassures, the child feels relief, and the anxiety is reinforced, so it is stronger the next day. Children learn they can cope with separation by doing it, and every short, calm goodbye builds that confidence.

The good news is that most children settle surprisingly quickly once the parent has gone, often within minutes. Teachers regularly report that a child who sobbed at the gate is happily playing by the time the bell rings.

What helps

• Keep it short and predictable. Create a goodbye routine, such as a hug, a special phrase or a high five, and use it every day.
• Stay calm and warm. Your child takes their cue from your face and voice. A smile and a confident tone say, “I know you can do this.”
• Say you’ll be back. “I’ll see you at pick-up after lunch play” gives your child something concrete to hold on to.
• Hand over to a trusted adult. Our teachers and support staff are experienced at helping children settle. Let them take it from there.
• Don’t sneak away. Always say goodbye, as disappearing can damage trust and increase worry.
• Leave when you say you will. Walk away, even if your child is upset. We will look after them.
• Debrief later. Talk about the good parts of the day at pick-up, not the tears at drop-off.

For parents, walking away from a crying child is one of the hardest things a parent does. You may feel guilty, and you may spend the morning wondering how they are. That is normal. Feel free to call or email the office or your child’s teacher if you’d like a quick check-in, and we are always happy to let you know how the day went.

If your child’s distress is ongoing, intense or lasting beyond the first few weeks, please get in touch. We can work out a plan together to support both you and your child. You are not leaving your child upset. You are teaching them they are capable and that you trust them, and we will be here to help.

Tess Boyd
School Counsellor

A note on evidence: The advice above reflects well-established guidance on child anxiety and separation from sources like Raising Children Network (Australian Government-backed), Be You (Beyond Blue’s education program), the Child Mind Institute and the research on cognitive behavioural approaches to child anxiety.

At the end of this week, we farewelled co-educators Tegan Chainey and Yana Kanelopoulos and thanked them for their dedication, care and valued contributions to our school community.

Through their work with the children, they have made a positive and lasting impact on the growth, learning and wellbeing of our students. Yana will be moving into a new field of work, and we thank her for the commitment and support she has shown throughout her time with us. We wish her every success and happiness as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.

Tegan has recently completed her teaching degree and will now pursue her career in education. We congratulate her on this wonderful achievement and thank her for the enthusiasm and dedication she has brought to our school. We know she will be an outstanding teacher and wish her every success in her future endeavours.

In Library lesson with Ms Swann we explored how different illustrators created their dinosaurs and looked at how in many different books they have been illustrated in different ways. We practiced shading our sky with pencils, cutting our dinosaurs out carefully and creating tree leaves with nature.

CONNECTING WITH THE SUNDAY GOSPEL READING: (Matthew 5:1–12a (The Beatitudes)

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus shares the Beatitudes, teaching us what it means to live as people of God. Rather than focusing on success, wealth or power, Jesus blesses those who are humble, kind, merciful, peacemakers and those who persevere through difficulties. These teachings remind us that God’s kingdom is built on love, compassion and justice. The Beatitudes challenge us to look beyond ourselves and consider how we can bring hope, peace and kindness to others in our families, school and wider community. As we reflect on Jesus’ words, we are invited to think about how we can live these values each day and be signs of God’s love in the world.

Wonderings

• I wonder which Beatitude I find the easiest to live out in my daily life
• I wonder who has shown me mercy, kindness or peace when I needed it most
• I wonder how our family can be peacemakers in our home, school and community

Family Challenge for the Week

As a family, you might like to choose one Beatitude to focus on this week. Talk about what it means and find one simple way to put it into action together, such as showing kindness to a neighbour, forgiving someone, helping a person in need, or praying for peace in our world. Take time at the end of the week to share how living this Beatitude made a difference to your family and to others.

All SAINTS DAY AND ALL SOULS DAY

Each year on 1 November, the Church celebrates All Saints’ Day, a special feast honouring the saints who have lived lives of faith, courage and service to God. The following day, All Souls’ Day, is a time to remember and pray for all those who have died, especially our loved ones. Together, these important days remind us that we are part of a faith-filled community that extends across generations. At school, students have been reflecting on the examples set by the saints and taking time to remember those who hold a special place in their hearts, giving thanks for the love, guidance and memories they leave behind.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

As a school community, we will mark Remembrance Day, next Wednesday November 11, through prayer and reflection, taking time to remember the men and women who have served and sacrificed in times of war and conflict. Through our prayers, we give thanks for their courage and dedication, while also praying for peace in our world today. Remembrance Day provides an important opportunity for students to reflect on the values of respect, gratitude and compassion, and to honour the legacy of those who worked to secure the freedoms we enjoy. Together, we will pause to remember and pray for a future shaped by peace, justice and hope.

JOINING US FOR PRAYER, LITURGY AND THE CELEBRATION OF MASS

Prayer, liturgy and the celebration of Mass are at the heart of life in a Catholic school, nurturing the spiritual growth of our students and strengthening our community in faith. Through daily prayer and shared liturgical experiences, students are invited to develop a personal relationship with God, reflect on Gospel values, and grow in compassion, gratitude and service. The celebration of Mass brings us together as one body in Christ, reminding us of the presence of Jesus in our lives and guiding us to live out our faith in meaningful ways.

This term our liturgical celebrations occur:

• Week 5 | R-2 Prayer gathering in the Hub, Tuesday, 10 November at 9am – ‘Getting our Hearts Ready for Jesus’
• Week 6 | Year 3-6 Mass, Tuesday, 17 November at 12 noon in the Hub
• Week 8 | End of Year Whole School Mass, Tuesday, 1 December at 12noon in the Hall

END OF YEAR SCHOOL MASS

As we approach the end of another wonderful school year, we warmly invite all families to join us for our Whole School Thanksgiving Mass, December 1 at 12noon in the Jubilee Hall. This special celebration is an opportunity for our school community to come together in prayer and gratitude, giving thanks for the many blessings, achievements and experiences we have shared throughout the year. We look forward to celebrating with students, families and staff as we reflect on our journey together and mark the conclusion of a successful year at St Thomas. We hope you can join us for this meaningful occasion.

LIVING MERCY AT STM

This term we focus on the Mercy Value of Compassion. We are encouraging students to recognise the needs of others and respond with kindness, empathy and understanding. Compassion is more than simply feeling concern for someone; it is taking action to support, encourage and uplift those around us. In our classrooms, students live out compassion by listening respectfully, showing patience, including others, and offering support to classmates who may be experiencing challenges. In the schoolyard, compassion is seen when students invite others to join in play, notice when someone is feeling lonely, offer a helping hand, or use kind and encouraging words. By modelling and practising compassion each day, we continue to build a school community where everyone feels valued, safe, included and loved.

COLOUR FUN RUN

We are pleased to let families know that all Colour Fun Run prize orders have now been distributed to students. Thank you for your wonderful support of this year’s fundraiser. Your enthusiasm and generosity helped make the event a great success, and we hope the students enjoy their prizes.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2027

The Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist form the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. If your child is 8 years of age (or older) and you would like them to be involved in the program for 2027 please contact Melissa Musolino or Edna Dumbrell at the Elizabeth Catholic Parish.

ELIZABETH CATHOLIC PARISH | Please click on the link to access the parish bulletin to find out about events happening within the Bulletin – Elizabeth Catholic Parish

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) | Elizabeth Catholic Parish is pleased to announce that the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) programme will commence on 11 October 2026.

The programme is for:

• Adults who are interested in becoming Catholic; and
• Baptised Catholics aged 14 and above who have not yet received the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation.

If you, a family member, a staff member, or someone you know may be interested in participating, please contact the Parish Office at reception@elizabethcatholicparish.com.au.

We know that Term 4 is traditionally a busy term and often flies by. Please be aware of the dates of events below (or in our school calendar) that may be of importance to you and your family. For many this may require to you book time off work if you would like to attend.

Week 6

• Tuesday, 17 November | New Reception Transition Visit 1 – for families and children | 9.15am – 10.45am
• Friday, 20 November | Christmas Carols Evening from 5pm

Week 7

• Monday, 23 November – Friday, 27 November | Swimming Week R-2
  Volunteers Required – to volunteer please email info@sttmore.catholic.edu.au or call 7285 1500

Week 8

• Tuesday, 1 December | End of Year Mass 12pm
  Please join us, all families are welcome.
• Thursday, 3 December | Year 6 Graduation Dinner 6pm at the Midway Tavern
• Friday, 4 December | End of Year Assembly 9am

Week 9

• Monday, 7 December | Year 6 Graduation Liturgy and Ceremony 6pm
• Monday, 7 December | Last Day for Year 6’s
• Monday, 7 December | Student Reports sent home
• Tuesday, 8 December | Meet the Teacher (R-5)
• Wednesday, 9 December | Last Day of School for all Students (R-5)
• Thursday, 10 December | Pupil Free Day (OSHC available – bookings necessary)
• Friday, 11 December | Pupil Free Day (OSHC is not available)

Further information will be corresponded to you before these events.