Dear Families,

It’s great to be back at TeamTMC this Term! 

Renewal Leave

As you might recall, I was on Renewal Leave for the last four weeks of Term 2.  During this time, I was fortunate enough to join other leaders in schools and across CESA for a study tour of the UK, where I attended an international Catholic Education Conference, toured high-performing Academy Schools, and followed many of the birthplaces of Catholic Education through a religious pilgrimage in Ireland.  This correlated with the 180^th birthday of the provision of Catholic Education in South Australia

It was great to have had the opportunity to experience what I did over the last three weeks of the term.  It is also great to be back; I have enjoyed reconnecting with staff and students over the last two weeks.  Thank you also to families whom I’ve seen at events this week and who have also welcomed me back. 

I shared with staff on Day 1 some key reflections of my journey.  Although too much to explore here, a reflection for me was the sheer religious, spiritual, historical, and physical beauty of what I was fortunate to visit.  A key highlight for me was visiting the birthplace of Edmund Rice, the patron saint of my own high school, Christian Brothers College.  Like so many of his contemporaries in Ireland, Edmund responded to the need of what he saw at the time: young people who’s salvation was seen through a Catholic Education.  While we are not an Edmund Rice school, the contemporary Mission of our school is the same: to leverage a strong Catholic Education to challenge and support our students to be the best they can be to have the Courage to Thrive, the Wisdom to Seek, and the Power to Change.  This Pilgrimage has truly left a mark on me that I will continue to hold with me as a leader in Catholic Education.

Term 3

As most of us know, Term 3 has its unique characteristics: staffing, leadership roles, Production, Intercol with St Columba (#goTeamTMC!), RUOK week, the More Festival, and more.  Year 12s also move into a pivotal time with coursework, External Investigations, and in some cases, Exam Revision. 

Term 3 also sees some key staff changes in the Executive Leadership Team:

• Mr Shannon Betram is spending Term 3 as Head of Campus at Mt Carmel College.  We wish him all the best for this Term.

• Ms Ruth Taylor is acting Deputy Principal this Term. Congratulations, Ms Taylor! 

  

• We welcome Ms Nicole Russell, who joins us from Xavier College - Two Wells, for Term 3 as our acting Assistant Principal, Religious Identity & Mission. Ms Russell has connected beautifully to our TMC Community.

  

While staff movements can be challenging, it’s great to work in a culture where our leaders are in demand for acting roles, and where leaders from other schools want to connect with us.


Take care,

Corey Tavella
Principal

The Year 9 Camp at Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, was more than just a getaway—it was a transformative experience that brought out the best in our students and staff. With the theme of challenge, resilience, and connection, this camp pushed boundaries, built character, and fostered unforgettable bonds.

Despite the freezing weather, students embraced every moment with determination and enthusiasm. The most demanding part of the camp, the expedition phase, saw students packing their rucksacks to be self-sufficient for 24 hours, hiking through the Kupito Forest, setting up camp, and preparing their own meals. From pasta and rice dishes to damper and desserts, the creativity and teamwork on display ensured no one went hungry.

Beyond the expedition, students tackled rock and rope climbing and participated in team-building exercises that encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones. Critical thinking and problem-solving tasks challenged them to collaborate, think creatively, and overcome obstacles together.

But the true magic of the camp was revealed in the reflections shared by students. Their insights were honest and deeply inspiring:

“I learnt that I am stronger and more independent than I thought.”

“Even without my parents, I can learn new things like setting up tents and preparing meals.”

“I appreciated the chance to connect with others without my phone.”

“I learnt to be grateful for the comforts of home—especially my bed!”

“I did things I never thought I would achieve.”

These reflections highlight the personal growth and resilience that emerged from the experience. Students discovered new strengths, built lasting friendships, and developed a deeper appreciation for the everyday comforts they often take for granted.

The Year 9 Camp was a resounding success, thanks to the unwavering support and inspiration of our dedicated staff and the incredible spirit of our students. It was a celebration of courage, connection, and the power of stepping into the unknown.

Here’s to the memories made, the lessons learned, and the strength discovered. Well done, Year 9!


Lisa Majetic
Year 9 Leader

Kate Onofrio
Wellbeing Innovation Leader

On Tuesday, 29 July 2025, Thomas More College came alive with energy and possibility as students, staff, and external providers gathered for the highly anticipated Pathways Expo. This biannual event, designed to illuminate future learning and career opportunities, proved once again to be a transformative experience for students exploring their next steps.

The Expo offered students a unique opportunity to engage directly with a wide range of learning areas, vocational pathways, and industry representatives, all under one roof. From STEM and humanities to creative arts and trades, each learning area was showcased by passionate teaching staff who collaborated to create interactive displays and engaging presentations. This cross-curricular approach not only highlighted the diversity of subjects available at the College but also demonstrated how different disciplines connect and support real-world careers.

One of the standout features of the event was the presence of external providers, including universities, TAFEs, apprenticeship networks, and local businesses. These organisations set up vibrant booths, offering students personalised advice, resources, and insights into post-school options. Whether students were interested in further education, training, or entering the workforce, the Expo provided a wealth of information to help them make informed decisions.

Benefits to Students:

• Informed Decision-Making: Students gained clarity on subject selections and career pathways, helping them align their interests and strengths with future goals.

• Real-World Connections: Direct interaction with industry professionals gave students a glimpse into the expectations and opportunities beyond school.

• Confidence and Motivation: Seeing the support from both staff and external providers empowered students to take ownership of their learning journey.

The collaborative spirit of the Expo was evident in the way teaching staff worked together to create a cohesive and inspiring experience. Their dedication to student success was matched by the enthusiasm of external providers, all united in the goal of preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

As one student remarked, “It was amazing to see how many options are out there. I feel more confident about what I want to do and how to get there.”

The Pathways Expo at Thomas More College continues to be a cornerstone event in the school calendar, fostering aspiration, awareness, and action among students. With such strong community and educational partnerships, the future looks bright for every learner who walked through the Expo doors.

Lynda Stewart
Vet Leader

Created by the 2025 Year 10 SRCs, the TMC Community Cookbook is ready for purchase! A celebration of culture, connection, and compassion.

This cookbook features 72 recipes shared by our students, staff, and families, each one reflecting the rich cultural diversity that makes our community so special. From traditional family favourites to vibrant global flavours, every dish tells a story.

Whether you're looking to try something new or reconnect with a comforting classic, this cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes, it’s a beautiful symbol of unity and heritage.

Purchase your copy for $20 from the Finance Office.
All proceeds will go to Caritas.

Don’t miss your chance to cook with purpose. Grab your copy today!


Lauren Swan and Year 10 SRC Team

A wonderful comeback from the Open Girl’s Netball Team today with one loss and then a great win in their second draw. The first game’s whistle saw a loss of 44-29 against a skilled Mitcham Girls High School team and the second game, was a convincing win of 34-28 against Woodville High. Caitlin Hopkinson, Akoi Garang and Evaline Yugg combined brilliantly in defence. In the centre court Chloe Datson played C for 80 minutes back to back, with an injured, but fierce Maddison Mortimer and Mya Storm supporting stunningly in rotating WA and WD positions. Charli Etherton and Sienna Ta outscored Mitcham in the third quarter of the first game, doubling their score, but this momentum was tricky to maintain against a stronger and taller cohort. 

Whilst we will not go through to the next round, we are looking forward to the Intercol competition against St Columba. My thanks to Erin Vanyai for team managing and Akoi Garang who, although was a late call-up, was superb in GK.

Best Players: Evaline Yugg and Chloe Datson.

Tania Watters

At Thomas More College, we are committed to raising awareness, encouraging dialogue, and supporting those affected by domestic and family violence.

Wednesday 30 July, we unveiled our Purple Bench, a powerful symbol of our united stand with victims and survivors. This initiative, part of the Purple Bench Project, a global movement dedicated to victims of domestic and family violence. More than that though, the benches are aimed to Raise Awareness; Educating communities about the prevalence and impact of domestic violence, Show Support; Demonstrating solidarity with victims and survivors, and most importantly Encourage Dialogue; Providing a space for conversations about prevention and resources.

Led passionately by our College Captain, Grace Leonello, the event brought together students, staff, and local leaders to highlight the need for change. With support from our Student Representative Council and our amazing TMC Community, we proudly raised over $900 for the Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre, an organisation we’ve built strong connections with over recent years.

We were honoured to be joined by John Fulbrook MP, representatives from Centacare, the Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre, and Salisbury Parish Priest Father Charles, who shared their wisdom and solidarity.

This bench is more than a seat. It is a powerful reminder that change begins with courage, compassion, and a community that stands up for change.

Emma Cannon
Executive, Mission & Wellbeing and Support Officer

Congratulations to our Open Boys Basketball team, who delivered a series of strong performances in the recent round of Knockout Sports.

The team secured impressive wins against Faith Lutheran College (55–25), Golden Grove High School (67–44), and Gleeson College (44–37). Their skill, teamwork, and determination were on full display throughout the day.

These wins mean the boys will now progress to the next round of the competition.

We wish them all the best as they continue their campaign.

Go Team TMC!

Jarrod Dutschke
Year 11 Leader

In an extraordinary display of talent and determination, Year 8 student Ruby Chapman (8 Orange) recently travelled to Croatia to compete in the FIM Youth Women's Gold Trophy riding a 250cc Speedway Bike on the world stage.

Ruby proudly represented Australia as the only Australian competitor in her category, going head-to-head with riders from across Europe, including England, Germany, and the Netherlands. Despite the fierce international competition, Ruby rode with confidence and composure, securing an outstanding second place in the world.

Her remarkable achievement not only highlights her incredible skill and dedication to the sport but also marks a proud moment for our school community. Congratulations, Ruby, on this well-earned success!

As part of our Tourism class, we had the opportunity to visit Monarto Safari Park to learn more about animal conservation, sustainability, and how the zoo operates behind the scenes.

We explored the 1,000-hectare open-range zoo through a bus tour and walking trail, and it was incredible to see how Monarto uses eco-friendly strategies in everything they do. We learned about the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social – and how the park incorporates all three into its daily practices.

The experience really opened my eyes to how tourism can have a positive impact when it’s done responsibly. It was a fun and educational day that helped us see the real-world connection to what we’ve been learning in class.

 Fatema, Year 11 Student 

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