Dear Families,

As Term 2 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the many highlights that made it such a memorable and successful time at TMC. 

Sporting Spirit and Team Pride
It has been a joy to watch our students proudly represent TMC in various interschool sports competitions. Whether on the pitch, court, or field, our students wore our college colours with pride and demonstrated not only skill but also sportsmanship. Sport continues to be a powerful way for students to connect with their peers and build a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

Growth in Debating
This term also saw a significant increase in student participation and success in debating. Each week, students and dedicated staff travelled to compete in interschool debates, representing TMC with confidence and integrity. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and the support of our committed staff.

Celebrating the Arts
Our students’ artistic talents were on full display this term. The Visual Art Expo, currently showcased at the Playford Civic Centre, features a diverse and impressive array of student work, open to the wider community. In Week 8, we also hosted our Winter Music Show on campus—a wonderful evening where students shared the results of their dedication and rehearsal with families and staff.

Living Our 2025 Theme
Our 2025 theme encourages students to transform their perspectives to expand their futures. This vision has been brought to life through events such as the Year 12 Retreat, Reconciliation Week, Refugee Week, Breakfast Club, Knockout Sports, and Outdoor Education camps. These experiences have provided students with opportunities to explore their identity, deepen their connection to TMC and the wider world, and grow as leaders for the future God desires.

Staff Updates
As we begin Term 3, we look forward to welcoming back Mr Corey Tavella from his renewal leave. We also extend our best wishes to Mr Siva Pillay and Ms Louise Eldridge as they take well-earned Long Service Leave.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead
I want to thank the staff of TMC for their unwavering commitment to walking alongside our students and families on their educational journey. I also thank our students for their contributions to our vibrant community throughout the term.

Term 2 has truly been a celebration of learning—academic, personal, and communal. I am incredibly proud of our students, deeply grateful to our staff, and appreciative of the ongoing support from our families.

It has been a term to be proud of, and we look forward to the remainder of 2025 with optimism and enthusiasm. I wish everyone a safe and well-deserved break in the upcoming holidays.

Warm regards,

Shannon Bertram
Acting Principal

On Thursday 19 June, we came together as a community to celebrate the Feast Day of our Patron Saint, St Thomas More.

St Thomas More continues to inspire us to embrace our inner purpose and faith, just as he did. His commitment to integrity and learning more reminds us that true worth comes from within ourselves. Like him, we are all fearlessly and wonderfully made, each with unique talents to make a positive impact in our world.

On Tuesday 17 June, Mrs Daniel’s Year 12 Chemistry class participated in Phase 1 of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s National Titration Competition in our Chemistry lab. The students were provided with samples of an acid and they had to determine the accurate concentration of the acid through titrations over a 3 hour time period. They were in teams of 3, with the most accurate team possibly chosen to go to the State Final later in the year at the University of SA’s Chemistry lab in the city. Regardless of whether they make it to the final or not, all students enjoyed the experience of practising their titration skills while also demonstrating collaboration, patience and persistence. Thanks to Mr Stokes for helping with supervision.

Students in Ms Sergi's Year 7 Design & Tech class completed their second project, Metal Pencil Tin.

Students were required to complete research in their folio, following this they were taught how to draw their design to scale, working in millimetres and ruling the lines ready to make their paper version first before the final metal sheet was marked, cut and folded. Students used tools such as the scriber, spring divider, tin snips, mallet, drill and Pan Break.

Thank you to Mr Eberhard for assisting students, demonstrating how to operate other machines and tools within the workspace for assisting students with pop rivets to complete their metal pencil tin base.

Last Wednesday evening, the TMC Music Ensembles performed a wonderful concert for family and friends in the Music Winter Showcase. Events like this allow for our Ensemble Students, at all levels, to showcase what they have learnt together; performing songs from Mozart to, Yellow by Coldplay, Music from Wicked and Shoshone Love Song. Whilst it is a wonderfully busy event, it’s a great way to celebrate the accomplishments of our TMC Ensemble Students, who give up their lunches and time afterschool for rehearsals. From the TMC Music Team, thank you to the families, staff and especially the students who attended and were involved in the evening, it means the world!

The Year 12 Outdoor Ed students completed a 4-day canoe expedition in Chowilla (Murray River). The purpose of the expedition was to progress their canoeing skills in preparation for their final Self-Reliant camp in term 3. During this expedition, students also gained evidence for their External Assignment. This assignment required students to select an issue that is connected to them and then they could collect primary data about this issue while on camp.

Early in the week, the weather was quite windy, which led us to alter the route to ensure everyone's safety. Spirits were still high, with students keen to get on the water. The cold persisted throughout the week, with early morning temperatures dropping to freezing levels. Despite the chill, we gathered around a campfire each night, which provided much-needed warmth and a cozy atmosphere for the group. Great job 12 Outdoor Ed students! GO TMC OE!

What if the greatest superpower wasn’t strength or speed, but community?

This year’s Refugee Week theme Finding Freedom: Community is a Superpower reminds us that community is more than just a place. It’s a source of strength, belonging, and hope.

At TMC, we honour the journeys of refugees who seek freedom, and we recognise the power of community to transform lives. Our diversity is a strength we celebrate.

On Friday of Week 8, our Year 8 students wrapped up the semester with a vibrant and engaging Wellbeing Day! We were thrilled to kick off the day with a dazzling performance by Andy from The Circus Challenge, who brought energy, laughter, and awe to the room.

After a shared recess, students rotated through a series of wellbeing-focused activities. One session unpacked the nature of stress, and explored the coping strategies we can use to manage it effectively. Another challenged students to apply their growth mindsets as they worked together to solve clues and beat the clock in an exciting escape room experience.

In the final session, we reunited with Andy to learn the secrets behind his circus tricks. This hands-on workshop encouraged everyone to step outside their comfort zones, embrace the challenge of learning something new, and celebrate the process of growth. It was inspiring to see students embrace being a beginner, persist through difficulties and demonstrate resilience and a willingness to try - key elements of a growth mindset. This should serve as a wonderful reminder when approaching any new topic throughout Semester 2.

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

On Friday of Week 9, the Year 12 cohort came together to participate in a Year Level Connection Activity in the Gym. The theme of the activity was Disco Party and it was wonderful to see the students embrace the afternoon positively and openly. The afternoon began with a shared lunch and awards and progressed into an opportunity to have their faces painted and photos taken in a photo booth. The Connection Activity marks a significant point in their Year 12 journey. Moving forward into Term 3, students will be preparing for their final exams and assessments and ultimately, planning their transition into post school life. Thank you to the SRC, Year 12 Wellbeing Mentors, Ms Cannon and everyone who made the afternoon possible.

In Scientific Studies, the Year 12 students are undertaking a collaborative inquiry project in partnership with the owner of the Springton Bush Block. The aim of this project is to work collaboratively with the landowner to support land regeneration efforts. As part of their investigation, the class designed a practical experiment to examine how location affects soil health, focusing specifically on pH levels and water retention. Students were divided into smaller groups to conduct fieldwork at the bush block, and upon returning, they shared and discussed their findings. They are now in the process of writing a scientific report, which will contribute 20% of their final grade.

A big thank you to the coaches who braved the freezing weather to attend Debate on Monday 23 June.

Year 7
Unfortunately, did not come away with a win, but it was their best debate so far! Joel has really improved and the teamwork is amazing!

Year 8
We continue to improve with each debate. Unfortunately, not a win, but very close. Still plenty of good stuff to build on.

Year 9
Lost by only 1.38!! So close! Rimmi won speaker of the night with 93.

Year 10
Came away with the win. Hong Phuc was speaker of the night with over 6 minutes worth of rebuttal as the third speaker. Insane!

Thanks so much to the amazing coaches, your commitment is unwavering.

Congratulations to all!

Sally Glasson
Leader of Middle School Pedagogy & Innovation

On Thursday and Friday of Week 9, our Year 7 students ventured out to the Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club for their Wellbeing Days - an exciting new twist this year, as it marked the first time this cohort experienced the program offsite. This change brought a fresh and engaging atmosphere to the event!

The day began with a focus on Resilience, exploring its key pillars and how they contribute to building personal strength. Students engaged in thoughtful discussions, analysed resilience in film contexts, and reflected on how these pillars apply to their own lives. In table groups, they constructed a “Tower of Resilience” using their personal strengths, connections, and coping strategies - demonstrating how these elements form a solid foundation for a resilient mindset.

Next, students split into two activity groups. One tackled the “Nature’s Delivery Service” Challenge, which encouraged creative problem-solving and perseverance through trial and error. The other group participated in a Scavenger Hunt, fostering peer connections and teamwork while enjoying the outdoors.

After a shared lunch and some fun on the fantastic playground facilities, the day concluded with a mindful colouring session. This reflective activity invited students to think about past challenges and the strategies that helped them overcome them. Their artwork will be displayed in the Year 7 Wellbeing space as a tribute to their resilience and a reminder of the power of storytelling and shared growth within our “Garden of Resilience.”

A fantastic effort from the Open Girl’s Netball Team today with two wins in their first draw. The first game’s whistle saw a final score of 38-6 against Charles Campbell and the second game, 52-21 against Craigmore. The girls took no time to warm-up with Caitlin Hopkinson and Evaline Yugg combining brilliantly in defence. Their challenge was to collect every rebound, which they almost met! In the centre court Chloe Datson ran like the wind in C, with Marli Glass, Maddison Mortimer, Mya Storm and Patience Mori supporting her beautifully in rotating WA and WD positions. Our two great shooters Charli Etherton and Sienna Ta went from strength to strength with more goals scored in the second game, against a stronger and taller Craigmore cohort.

My thanks to Erin Vanyai for team managing and Mya Storm who, although was a late call-up, unleashed a tornado of talent against the opposition in WD and WA.

Best Players: Sienna Ta and Chloe Datson.

We now progress through to the next round.

Tania Watters

In Week 10, some of our senior school students ventured to Flinders University to gain insight into what it would be like to study Law, Education, and International Relations. The students participated in activities that gave them the opportunity to think like a lawyer, discuss critical issues in education, and act as a diplomat. They were able to act and build upon their critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills throughout the workshops.

Keep an eye out, you may see one of these students working for the UN one day.

Students and families are reminded to be wary of approaches from strangers, especially when they are unaccompanied or travelling to and from school. If they are approached students should not respond and should not accept offers of rides or gifts.

Students should seek the assistance of other nearby adults if they feel unsafe and should report the event to a trusted adult (parent or school staff member) as soon as possible.

SA Police advises that taking out a mobile phone and calling police can deter the offender and they recommend the student making a formal report to their closest police station.

For guidance on what to teach your child about strategies for saying safe, view this link: SAPOL Personal Safety | Safety for Young People

On the 7th and 8th of June I travelled to Queensland, and competed in the Australian Judo Nationals at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre in Carrara. I competed in three categories, Cadets (14-17 years old), Junior Women and Kyu grades. I won bronze in Cadets and came 5th in Kyu grades. Overall I had seven extremely tough fights with some people I hadn't fought before.

Since last years Nationals, I have won enough medals in the National Competitions and qualified to be selected to travel with the Australian team to Hong Kong and Macau. I will be competing in a competition in each City and will participate in a training camp in Hong Kong.

Kayla Simes
10 Aqua

At Thomas More College, we are committed to preparing your child not only for success at school, but for a fulfilling life beyond it.

Our Pathways Expo is a fantastic opportunity for families and students to explore what the future might hold.

Speak with Universities, TAFEs, RTOs and trade-based providers
Connect with Subject Teachers to discuss learning options
Discover the many study and career pathways available

+ Sausage Sizzle Available for purchase on the day!

Whether your child is just beginning to explore their options or is ready to make their next big step, this event offers something for everyone.

All families and students are warmly invited, across all year levels.

We look forward to seeing you there!

From the VET Team, Leaders of Learning & Marketing