Dear Families,


Thomas More College is proudly a school of breadth, depth, diversity and excellence.

This week, amongst so many examples of us being excellent in different ways, I have seen a couple of amazing expressions of this.

Firstly, we’ve had an exciting visual arts initiative, where students are working with artist Ella Simpson to design a mural around the elevator outside MacKillop.  Our previous partnership with Ella, along with the Department of Transport and Infrastructure, is currently on display at the Parafield Railway Station through the mural and environmental Rejuvenation Project.  It was great to be present in one of the workshops this week to see our students plan, prototype, share, adjust, and enjoy learning.

Secondly, it's great to see the 2025 TMC Production of the Addams Family come to fruition this week.  This process started late last year, and it is quite the journey, and I want to thank all staff involved in supporting and challenging our students; they work hard for student enjoyment and for this version of 'learning on display' at our school.  Most importantly, our students have been amazing, and I hope you’ve been able to book tickets to one of the shows.  As I write, there may still be a few tickets available for the Friday night show; please check the College Website for details.

It’s so good to see so many different versions of excellence from our students and staff.

On top of these items, this week we launched our annual Intercollegiate competition with St Columba, ready to go in Week 6.  TMC took the win last time, and as great as this was, the sense of camaraderie, college pride, and outstanding participation are the real winners.  I’m already looking forward to it.


Take care,

Corey Tavella
Principal

Last week, our school community gathered to recognise and celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our Middle and Senior School students. This special assembly honoured two key awards, the Exceptional Attitude Awards and the Academic Excellence Awards, which highlight both dedication to learning and consistently high achievement.

The ceremony acknowledged students who have shown remarkable perseverance, positive engagement, and a genuine love of learning, as well as those who have achieved outstanding academic results across their subjects. These awards reflect not only the students’ hard work but also the encouragement and guidance provided by teachers, peers, and families.

We are incredibly proud of all our students and everything they have accomplished so far this year. Their success is an inspiration to our entire school community.

#GoTeamTMC

Project-Based Learning (PBL) gives students the chance to explore real-world problems, learn new concepts in interactive workshop-style mini lessons, and then apply their knowledge to a collaborative project.

This term, our Year 7 cohort tackled the question: “Have you ever seen the park across the road and thought it could be bigger and better?” Students were challenged to design a park, fit for the Salisbury community, taking into account the needs of all stakeholders. Their designs had to be presented clearly and engagingly, showcasing both creativity and problem-solving skills.

On Thursday, 31 July, the entire Year 7 group presented their work in a vibrant PBL Showcase. Displays featured maps, sketches, models, images, and even Minecraft virtual recreations of their park designs. The room was buzzing with excitement as students proudly explained their ideas and shared the journey of their learning.

We extend our thanks to the many parents and friends who attended and supported the event. It was wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate the creativity and hard work of our students.

Sally Glasson 
Leader of Middle School Pedagogy & Innovation

In Week 2, our Year 11/12 Boys Volleyball team claimed 1st place at the Zone Volleyball Carnival, proudly bringing home the winning plaque.

Our Year 11/12 Girls team also had an outstanding performance, securing 3rd place out of an impressive field of 18 teams.

It was a fantastic day for TMC volleyball, a celebration of skill, teamwork, and determination. Congratulations to all players and coaches on this outstanding achievement!

David Mazzarelli
Year 10 Leader

Our Year 11 Outdoor Ed students recently returned from a 3-day bushwalking camp at Mount Crawford. Over Days 1 and 2, students tackled a challenging bushwalk, finishing off with the summit of Mount Crawford. The highlight for many was the stunning view from the fire lookout tower on day 1. On the final day of camp, students took part in a self-directed walk around Warren Reservoir, where they demonstrated impressive leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills.

Students were able to see a variety of wildlife over the 3 days, which we were very grateful for. Sheep, cows, emus, possum, and kangaroos, just to name a few. A huge well done to the Year 11 Outdoor Ed class for their effort, and a big thank you to the staff who supported the camp. GO TMC OE!

Jack Cooke
Key Teacher - Outdoor Education

On Wednesday of Week 3, our Semester 2 Year 10 Law in Australia students visited Parliament House to deepen their understanding of how Australian politics operates. Guided by our local MP, John Fulbrook, students explored both the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council. They learned about the legislative process and how laws are made in our state.

 A highlight of the visit was a role-play debate in the House of Assembly, where students stepped into the shoes of politicians to discuss and vote on proposed laws. This hands-on experience brought their classroom learning to life and gave them a real-world perspective on parliamentary procedures.

The excursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage with the workings of government and develop a deeper understanding of how laws shape our society.

Grace Jaensch
Leader of Learning Hass (Literacy)

MOD Exhibition Tour & Weaving Workshop Excursion

On Wednesday, as part of Science Week, 7 Year 11 budding scientists were fortunate enough to attend a free tour of the Museum of Discovery (MOD)’s ‘Forever’ exhibition in the city. This was followed by a hands-on weaving workshop with First Nations artist Sonya Rankine. 

The exhibition focused on the concept of time and explored it in new ways. We discovered how memories can be evoked through scent, the changes that mark our aging, and the ways different cultures view consciousness, death, and our place in infinity. We even had AI interviews, exploring future possibilities beyond death, such as uploading our memories and cryogenics.  

The weaving was frustrating at times, but also enjoyable and relaxing. We will continue to work on our pieces during lunchtimes until they’re finished. 

MOD is free to the public and is very close to the Adelaide train station – the exhibition is well worth a visit to the city! 

Erin Daniels
Leader of Learning Science

The TMC Open Girls’ Basketball team put on an outstanding performance against Playford International College, taking out both games with skill, determination, and great teamwork. Their hard work on and off the court has paid off, and they now advance to the next round of the competition. Congratulations to all the players and coaches on an impressive effort!



Jarrod Dutshke 
Year 11 Learning Leader

On Thursday, 7 August, the Year 10 students participated in the MFS Road Safety Program, where MFS Firefighter Josh Byerlee delivered a powerful presentation focused on fostering positive attitudes, smart decision-making, and safe behaviours on the road. He highlighted the dangers of speeding, distractions, and driving under the influence, while also highlighting the importance of being a responsible passenger, pedestrian, and future driver.

The session included powerful first-hand accounts of trauma from road crashes, both fatal and non-fatal. Road crash survivor Daniel Woolley shared his moving story of recovery from a near-fatal accident that left him unable to walk or speak for months, leaving a lasting impression on the cohort about the importance of being safe and responsible road users. 

The core message of risk-taking vs responsible driving was at the heart of the key takeaways for not only the students in the room, but also the staff as a reminder of the immense responsibility that we have when we sit behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Kate Onofrio
Wellbeing Innovation Leader

Four of our Year 10 students recently had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Brain Bee competition at the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building in the city. Competing against 40 other students from across the state in the Round 2 test, we were thrilled to see three of our students place in the top 10.

The girls also thrived in a collaborative team challenge and enjoyed an engaging presentation from a PhD student. A particularly fascinating demonstration involved a plastic hand and a brush, where students experienced firsthand how the brain can be tricked into recognising the plastic hand as their own.

Anika Harvey
Gifted & Talented Leader

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

Northern Districts Athletics Club is kicking off the 2025/26 Summer Season with two FREE Come & Try Days at the Bridgestone Athletics Centre, Salisbury.

This is a great chance for children and families to experience a variety of fun Athletics events from running and jumping to throwing, In a friendly, welcoming environment.

No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm!

Dates & Times:

Saturday 16 August – 1:30 pm

Friday 5 September – 5:30 pm
Location: Bridgestone Athletics Centre, Salisbury


If your child enjoys trying new sports, making friends, and having fun outdoors, come along and see what Little Athletics is all about.