STM NEWS | Term 4, Week 9, 2025

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported our recent Christmas Carols Performances. The students delivered truly outstanding performances, showcasing their talent, dedication, and festive spirit. Their hard work and enthusiasm shone through every song and presentation, making the event a memorable highlight of our school calendar. The Christmas tree backdrop, along with the festive displays, created a beautiful and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complemented the performances.

Last Friday we celebrated Volunteers Day, giving thanks to our wonderful volunteers for their generous time and care to our school community. Whether helping in classrooms, assisting in the library, supporting with excursions, or lending a hand in the canteen, their time and energy make a tremendous difference. Every hour you give, every task you take on, and every smile you share contributes to the vibrant spirit of our school. Thank you.

Sadly, this week we farewell Rowan Grist and Craig Drendel. Their departures mark the end of a valued chapter in our school community, and we are incredibly grateful for the impact each has made during their time with us.

Rowan and Craig have contributed with unwavering commitment, professionalism, and genuine care for our students, staff, and families. Their willingness to go above and beyond whether through their daily responsibilities, involvement in school events, or support of colleagues has left a lasting impression. We have greatly appreciated the unique strengths, gifts, passions, and perspectives they brought to their roles, enriching the learning environment and strengthening our community spirit.

As they embark on their very different and individual future pathways, we wish Rowan and Craig every success. We hope the next chapters of their journeys bring fulfillment, growth, and exciting new opportunities. They leave with our heartfelt thanks and the warmest of wishes for the future.

To all the children and parents leaving St Thomas More School to go to new schools, thank you for your contribution to our school and community. We wish you much joy, peace and continued success in your future endeavours.

We welcome new staff members to the St Thomas More School Community in 2026 and welcome current staff members into other roles in the school.

We welcome Monique McGlynn who will be working in the role of curriculum co-educator. Leanne Lazaridis will continue working in the front office for two days and will work two days in classrooms also in the role of curriculum co-educator. We welcome Alex Merritt back to the front office as she returns from parenting leave. Carly Morrison will be returning to classroom teaching four days and will be working with Samia Rafi who will work the other day in the classroom. This term we also welcomed Tim Bullen to the role of Work Health Safety Coordinator.

We trust that their time with us is an enjoyable and fruitful experience.

On Tuesday students met with their teachers and peer group for 2026. This was a time to interact and begin to build connections and relationships.

Below are the class structures for 2026 and staffing:

• Reception: Brittney Hills
• Reception: Marie D’occhio
• Year 1/2: Connie Carter
• Year 1/2: Carly Morrison and Samia Rafi
• Year 1/2: Jasmine Fischer
• Year 1/2: Megan Mawhinney
• Year 3/4: Michael Arthur
• Year 3/4: Stav Haros
• Year 3/4: Katelyn Jessop
• Year 4/5: Georgie Bush
• Year 5/6: Malama Theodosi and Melissa Musolino
• Year 5/6: Rosealyse Trimboli
• Principal: Belinda Bennett
• Head of School: Vicki Rubino
• APRIM: Melissa Musolino
• Leader of Learning Curriculum: Michael Clifford
• Leader of Learning Wellbeing: Matt McGinty
• School Counsellor: Tess Boyd
• Performing Arts and Choir: Rosemarie Villano
• Physical Education: Cristian Morgado
• Auslan: Richard Symons

Last Monday 8 December we farewelled our Year 6 graduating students and their families.

We ask that you remember them in your prayers, and we ask God to bless them as they take the light of Christ to others on their life journey. We thank them for their inspiring enthusiasm and commitment in their leadership to make a difference within the school. May they always remember this school community and keep our Mercy Values, their experiences here and the friendships that they have made, in their hearts and minds.

” Zavia respects me for who I am”

” Zavia cares for everyone and is a good listener”

Well done, Zavia!

What a Year of Faith and Community!

This year has been truly remarkable, filled with beautiful celebrations, Masses, and Liturgies. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many families and friends who joined us throughout the year—your presence made these moments even more meaningful for our students.

We look forward to welcoming you again in the coming year as we continue to celebrate together.

End of Year Highights

Last week, we concluded our school year with a joyful End of Year Mass, celebrated by Fr Santosh. It was a wonderful occasion to give thanks for a year of learning, growth, and community spirit.

Celebrating Our Year 6 Graduates

On Monday evening, we gathered to celebrate the educational journey of our Year 6 students as they reached this important milestone. This occasion also marked a time to farewell many families who have been part of our school community for many years; we thank you for your support and partnership.

To our graduating Year 6 students, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes for the exciting adventures that lie ahead. As you begin your next chapter in high school, know that you go with our blessings and prayers for continued growth, success, and joy.

End of Year and Christmas Blessing

Loving God,
As we come to the close of this school year, we pause to give thanks for the many blessings we have received—the gift of learning, the joy of friendships, and the support of our families and community.
We thank You for guiding us through challenges and for the moments of growth and grace along the way.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus, fill our hearts with hope, peace, joy, and love.
May this Christmas be a time of joy and renewal for all families.
Bless our students, staff, and families as they enjoy the holidays.
Keep them safe and close to You and may the light of Christ shine brightly in their lives now and always.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sacrament Program 2026

Please be aware that you can now enrol for the 2026 Elizabeth Catholic Parish Sacrament Program.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 2026, 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 Elizabeth Catholic Parish. Bulletin – Elizabeth Catholic Parish

You will have noticed more action around our building site over this last week. The final stage of our building works including a well awaited playground is now underway. Works will continue during the holiday break with our new areas being close to being complete when we return.

If you need to purchase additional uniform for 2026, please pop this date in your calendar!