Dear Families,

As we reach the end of Semester 1, we conclude an important assessment cycle for both students and staff. This week, our Year 10 and 11 students have been completing their exams, while students in other year levels have been busy finalising assignments, tests, and various learning tasks. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts in supporting our students throughout the first half of the year and for their commitment to finalising grades for the upcoming reports.

A reminder that Monday, 23 June is a student-free day. Staff will use this time to complete the marking of Semester 1 assessments and prepare for the commencement of Semester 2 on Tuesday.

We also take this opportunity to wish TMC Principal, Mr Corey Tavella, all the best as he embarks on a period of renewal leave. Mr Tavella will be undertaking a Study Tour Pilgrimage through the UK, proudly representing Thomas More College.

It was a pleasure to see so many members of our community - students, parents, and staff - at the opening of the Visual Art Exhibition on Friday, 13 June at the Playford Civic Centre. The talent of our students continues to amaze us, with a diverse range of artworks on display. We are fortunate to have access to such a public space to showcase the creativity and skill of our students. A special thank you to our Food & Hospitality classes, who catered the evening with their impressive culinary talents.

Yesterday, our Year 7 and Year 12 students gathered in the gym for a Eucharistic Celebration led by Fr. Roderick, in honour of the Feast of St Thomas More. While only two year levels could attend in person, other students engaged with the significance of the feast day through activities in their wellbeing classes.

We also wish a restful and well-deserved break to the following staff taking Long Service Leave in Semester 2:

• Tim Nykke (Week 10, Term 2)
• Louise Eldridge and Siva Pillay (all of Term 3)

Several other staff members will also be taking Long Service Leave at various points throughout the remainder of the year. These roles have been covered internally to ensure continuity for our students.

Finally, we warmly welcome Mr Ethan Crook to TMC for Semester 2. Mr Crook will be teaching English and HaSS, covering staff on long service leave.

With Thanks,

Shannon Bertram
Acting Principal

In Week 6, our Year 12 students embarked with open minds on a journey of the heart to Victor Harbor. Students engaged meaningfully in moments of reflection and connection as they considered their relationship with God, with each other and with the world around them. Students were given an opportunity to reflect on their journey so far that has brought them to this point, considering the great successes as well as the challenges along the way.

The weather was good to us and allowed us to spend time immersing ourselves in nature. A particular highlight was exploring Granite Island and reflecting on the beauty in God's creation.

Alex Hewson
Religious Education & Mission

As part of the Year 11 Food and Hospitality program, three classes worked tirelessly to create contemporary, industry standard catering events for our Educational Support Officers (ESO) staff in gratitude for all they do for us.

The first pop-up restaurant was on the balcony of the Faulkner building and showcased a Korean and Italian fusion.

The second pop-up restaurant, Déliccieuse transported our guests to a Parisian fine dining experience.

The appreciation of the staff who were able to attend is clear from the following comments:

• I just wanted to commend the students on a fantastic lunch, from the greeting when we walked in, to the table setting and décor around the room, everything was well thought out and executed. Ms Cini
• The quality of food preparation, presentation of the food, space and all the materials, menus, place setting etc, for the event were of the highest standard. Mr Bertram
• You achieved all you were aiming for and to see the smiles and hard work of the students was wonderful. Ms Benda
• Not only was the food amazing but the effort that went into the service, the table setting, the wall decorations and even the background music was outstanding. Ms Edwards
• Overall, it was a great experience; I would go back to Déliccieuse! Ms Romeo

Dianne Dearden

On Tuesday 17 June Thomas More College was honoured to host the Blessed Carlo Acutis Relic Exhibition, offering staff and students a unique opportunity to engage with the life and legacy of this soon-to-be canonized saint. The exhibition features a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo and showcases the International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles, which he created to inspire deeper faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Carlo, a modern teenager known for his love of technology and deep devotion to the Eucharist, used his talents to document and share these miracles with the world. His story is a powerful reminder of how holiness can thrive in everyday life, even in the digital age. The exhibition invites reflection, prayer, and a renewed appreciation for the Eucharist. It is a moment of grace for the college community to encounter the faith of a young man who lived with extraordinary love and purpose.

Earlier this term, seven of our Year 8 students (Kim Do, Thuy Nguyen, Rowena Abejo, Hayley Williams-Chisari, Alana Werfel, Abileigh Scott and Alyssa Burns) proudly represented our school in the Da Vinci Decathlon. Throughout the day, they demonstrated outstanding team spirit and a positive, determined attitude as they tackled a wide range of challenging problems. Their commitment and collaboration were truly commendable.

In addition, I am thrilled to announce that four of our Year 10 students (Thien-An Dang, Hayley Frank, Jacinta Atterton and Hong-Phuc Nguyen) have advanced to the SA State Final of the Brain Bee Challenge. They will soon be competing for the title of SA State Champion, with the winner progressing to the 2025 Australia–New Zealand Brain Bee National Final. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their hard work and dedication.

This term Ms Swan’s Year 9 Business class went to the Adelaide Central Markets to learn more about globalisation.

Prior to the excursion each group had to pick a recipe, and record the different ingredients needed for it. Some recipes included Apple Strudel, Ceaser Salad Wrap, and Potato and Bacon Fritters. After a short train ride the class walked together from Adelaide Railway Station to the markets where they split up into their groups to find where each of their ingredients could be found, and recording the origin of the product. We also had to complete a scavenger hunt whilst there. Some students were even lucky enough to spot the South Australian Premier.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Mondays:  2:00pm - 4:00pm
Thursdays: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Fridays: 8:00am - 10:00am

Change of Hours: The Uniform Shop will be closed on Monday 23 June.

Year 10 Outdoor Education had their first camp of 2025. They embarked on an adventurous 3-day bushwalking basecamp at Mount Crawford. Mr Cooke’s class went at the end of week 5 and Mr Tilley’s class went at the start of week 6.

The camp featured exciting activities like orienteering and bushwalking. One of the highlights was summiting Little Mount Crawford, where students were rewarded with great views at the top. Despite the cold weather over the three days, the campfire kept everyone warm and morals high.

The experience was both challenging and rewarding, offering students a chance to connect with nature and develop their outdoor skills. GO TMC OE!

On Tuesday 10 June, two Year 11 Child Studies classes visited St Augustine’s Parish School to engage with Year 1 students in a series of Nature Play activities. As part of their assessment, our students planned and delivered experiences designed to foster cognitive development, motor skills, and resilience in young children. During this morning visit, TMC students became the teachers helping primary school students connect to nature through a wide range of exciting activities such as art, nature vases, small worlds and dream catchers.

The excursion was a great success, with students gaining valuable hands-on experience - and plenty of fun was had by all!

Playing for the Playford City Patriots has been an incredible journey that fuels my passion for soccer every day. Being part of both the U17s and the first team has pushed me to grow as a player and as a person. The club's rich history, dating back to 1956, and its commitment to developing talent across all levels make it the perfect environment for me to chase my dreams

My ultimate goal is to become a professional soccer player, recognised globally and earning a substantial income from the sport I love. I understand that achieving this requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. With the foundation I'm building at Playford City Patriots, I'm confident that I'm on the right path to turning my dream into reality.

Helena Kormah
9 Red

This year’s 7–12 Visual Art Exhibition opened on Friday, 13 June at the Playford Civic Centre. The Visual Art Learning Area was thrilled to once again showcase a record number of outstanding artworks. With over three hundred student exhibitors, 2025 continues our proud tradition of celebrating student creativity across Visual Art, Design, and Photography.

The opening night was a vibrant celebration of expression and imagination, with an amazing turnout of families, friends, staff, and community members. Guests were treated to a dynamic range of media - from emotive painting and drawing to bold digital works, thoughtful photography, and polished design projects.

We were honoured to have Dr Siddons, Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, open the evening with an address to patrons. In her speech, she thoughtfully aligned the school’s 2025 theme - Transforming Perspectives, Expanding Futures - with the power of artmaking, noting how students’ creative processes help shape new ways of seeing and engaging with the world.

We extend our warmest thanks to John Fulbrook MP for attending and assisting with the presentation of awards. His continued support of young artists and education is sincerely appreciated.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Eckersley’s Art and Craft, we proudly recognised the following outstanding student achievements:

Award Recipients 2025
Senior Visual Art Award: Mahi Patel
Senior Design Award: Diana Challis
Senior Digital Art and Photography Award: Allessandra Caceres
Middle School Visual Art Award: Samadarshi Lingampally
Middle School Design Award: Paige Walding
Middle School Digital Art and Photography Award: Meklet Asefa
Eckersley’s Encouragement Award (Middle School): Shirley Davies, Adelyn Tu and Aleisha Le
Eckersley’s Encouragement Award (Senior School): Shyla Caruana, Michelle Frank and Aaliyah Nicholson
People’s Choice Award: Kayleb Hoskin
Service to the Visual Arts Award: Sophia Icay
Principal’s Commission: Amelia Ruediger
Arts Event Promotional Design Award: Mahi Patel

We also extend heartfelt thanks to Ms Dianne Dearden and the Year 12 Food and Hospitality students, who catered the event with professionalism and flair. Their delicious contributions were enjoyed by all.

Congratulations to every student whose work featured in the exhibition. Your creativity, effort, and courage to share your ideas continue to inspire us all.

A special thank you to our passionate and hardworking Visual Art staff: Mrs Darlene McDonald, Ms Lisa Hatch, Mrs Caitlin Zabanias, and Ms Annie Welden for their unwavering support of students and for making this event such a success.