Dear families,

The end of Term is here, and what a fantastic way to celebrate with our More Festival Day! As Principal, I am so proud of what we have achieved together this term. I thank every student and staff member for the way they have worked with one another. Today is a wonderful way to finish, and a reminder of the positive experiences our students enjoy at TMC.

It is worth celebrating the huge and successful Term it has been across the board, with highlights including.

• JET/SET Interviews (including senior school subject counselling and recounselling).
• A variety of knockout sports (including significant achievements from Volleyball, Soccer, and E-Sports Teams).
• College Production of the Addams Family.
• TMC Pathways Expo
• Purple Bench unveiling to raise awareness for domestic violence.
• Year 7 Project-Based Learning Showcase.
• Year 10 Parliament House Tour with local MP John Fulbrook.
• Social Justice initiatives at the Men's Shelter, retirement homes, and for the Winter Sleepout.
• Intercol- we won again! #GoTeamTMC
• Food for Others social justice initiative.
• Year 7 Family Induction Evening.

 Our students are truly remarkable, and our dedicated, caring staff work tirelessly to provide them with these opportunities. I also wish to thank our entire community, especially you, our families, for making these and many more opportunities possible for our students. TMC is, without a doubt, a fantastic community.

Local Parking

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, and neighbours, I would like to remind all members of our school community to follow the marked parking signs on and around Amsterdam Crescent, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.

 It is important that we are mindful of our neighbours and respectful of the Council’s regulations and road rules. Parking in restricted areas, over driveways, or stopping where signs clearly indicate otherwise, not only creates safety concerns but also impacts those living nearby.

I would like to ask for your continued cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and considerate environment for everyone. By following the council’s signs and road rules, we can ensure safer conditions for our students and a positive relationship with our surrounding community.

We understand some of the challenges of drop-off and pick-up in a growing school, and we are continuing to work with the local Council to explore alternative options for families.

Thanks & Farewell

I wish to say both thank you and farewell to two key staff members who have been with us, filling important acting Roles this term:

• Julie Dangerfield, who has acted as my Executive Assistant this Term. Julie has connected to our school seamlessly and has kept me organised this term- thanks, Julie!
• Nicole Russell, who has been acting as Assistant Principal- Religious Identity and Mission (APRIM) this Term. Nicole has been an important addition to our Executive Leadership Team this Term, and we wish her all the best as she returns to her role at Xavier College.

Term 4

In Term 4, our focus is on supporting our Year 12s to finish well and achieve their fullest potential. We are working with students in a variety of ways to give them the best chance of success, and for some, this means extra support with final assessment tasks, while for others it involves workshops on exam revision and targeted content. This focus reflects our 2025 College Theme, Transforming Perspectives, Expanding Futures. By aiming high and trying different approaches to learning, we can make a real difference in shaping brighter futures for our students. Already, this work has resulted in a 6% increase in A grades among our Year 12s, and we expect this trend to continue. Our students deserve to truly experience a fullness of life, as is the mantra of our Catholic ethos.

I wish all students all the best for a two-week break, and wish our Year 12s well as they approach the next two weeks with the perspective of finishing well.

Take care,

Corey Tavella
Principal

Congratulations to our Open Boys Soccer team, who won the Division 2 State Championship title for the second year in a row!

The final was a close match right down to the wire, with the game being decided on penalty kicks.

Well done to everyone involved.

David Altramura 
Sports Operations and Relations Leader

The Year 7 Margaret More Centre students have been actively participating in weekly Touch Football sessions throughout terms two and three, as part of the All-Abilities program. The program, facilitated by Touch Football South Australia (TFSA), is designed to promote inclusivity, physical activity, and social engagement, and has become a highlight of the school week, offering students of all abilities the opportunity to develop skills, build confidence, and foster a sense of community through sport.

The All-Abilities program is tailored to ensure that every student, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, can engage meaningfully in the game. TFSA’s experienced facilitators have worked closely with school staff to design sessions that emphasise teamwork, communication, and enjoyment, creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

Throughout the program, students have shown remarkable growth, not only in their understanding of the game but also in their interpersonal skills. The inclusive nature of the program has encouraged peer support and collaboration, with students often seen cheering each other on, offering guidance, and celebrating successes, along with high levels of engagement and motivation.

Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive.

“You can team up with people you don’t usually play with.”

“It’s fun, it’s good and we try to throw the ball and do lots of running with our mates.”

“I like to play red rover and run to get my stamina up.”

“It’s been good because we always go out and have fresh air and we spend time learning more about Touch Footy.  We are practicing before we play a game”.

“Thank you to the teachers who teach us the skills for Touch football. I love catching the ball and people in red rover”.

“Playing with the coaches. Throwing and running backwards and forwards”.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with TFSA, creating experiences and opportunities for every student to thrive.

 

Megan Dunn
Director Of Middle School

Recently, our College Captains, Antony and Grace, had the privilege of representing Thomas More College at the Government House Reception for Secondary School Representatives.

They had the special honour of meeting Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson, exploring Government House, enjoying delicious food, and connecting with student leaders from schools across South Australia, some of whom had travelled from nearly three hours away.

We are so proud of our Captains for always representing TMC with pride and excellence.

Our students have had the valuable opportunity to take part in multiple Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses this year, gaining skills and experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

Recent programs included a Working at Heights course, where students developed the knowledge and confidence to work safely in practical environments. One student reflected that “it was good and informative as well as being a positive learning environment, and I enjoyed how we were able to relax and learn at the same time.”

Ms Sergi, who accompanied the group and also completed the course, shared that the course was highly engaging: “Our trainer Jess was fantastic, and the entire group worked hard and enjoyed the practical component at the end of the day.”

Another student added, “The height training program has helped me feel more confident about working at heights in a safe and manageable way.”

These courses not only provide nationally recognised qualifications but also give our students a real sense of independence and readiness for the workplace. It’s fantastic to see them embrace these opportunities and build skills that will support their future pathways.

 

Lynda Stewart
VET Leader

Term 3 saw the development of an entertaining lunchtime activity: “Tuesday Trivia!” Held weekly in F108, this event brought together students from across year levels to test their knowledge, teamwork, and quick thinking in a fun and inclusive environment.

Each Tuesday, teams of enthusiastic students gathered to tackle a wide range of trivia questions covering topics as diverse as Geography, Video Games, Musicals, Flags, Sports, Disney, and Australia—with a few surprise categories thrown in to keep everyone on their toes. Whether it was identifying obscure national flags, recalling classic Disney characters, or naming iconic video game soundtracks, there was something for everyone.

The trivia sessions were designed to encourage collaboration and celebrate different strengths. Some students shone in pop culture, while others impressed with their knowledge of world capitals or sporting legends. The format allowed for lively discussion, laughter, and plenty of “aha!” moments as teams raced to submit their answers.

Beyond the fun and games, Tuesday Trivia helped foster a sense of community and belonging. It was a space where students could connect over shared interests, build friendships, and enjoy a break from the usual school routine. Staff also joined in the fun, adding to the friendly atmosphere and cheering on the teams (Thank you Dr Siddons and Mr Boden!).

Congratulations to all participants for making Tuesday Trivia a highlight of Term 3! Whether you were a trivia champion or just came along for the laughs, your energy and enthusiasm made it a fantastic success. We look forward to seeing even more students join in next time!

Briony Forster
Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning 

Anika Harvey
Gifted & Talented Education Leader

Last week, our Year 12 Outdoor Education students completed their final camp for the year, the Self-Reliant Canoeing Expedition. This experience challenged students to demonstrate independence, resilience, and responsibility as they navigated the River Murray with no direct supervision from their teacher.

 The group created their own route plan, managed their gear, and completed the journey with four daily check-ins to ensure safety and progress. The students rose to the challenge well, showing maturity and teamwork throughout the expedition. While the weather wasn’t perfect, with a bit of rain on Tuesday night, students adapted well and kept spirits high. To celebrate their achievements, students spent the final afternoon at the Renmark Big 4 Riverfront Water Park, a well-deserved reward after a big year.

A massive well done to all our Year 12 OE students for the effort, growth, and commitment they’ve shown throughout 2025. You should be proud of what you’ve achieved. GO TMC OE!!

Jack Cooke
Key Teacher - Outdoor Education

On Wednesday evening, Week 9, the TMC Performing Arts Team hosted our Instrumental Night, a concert for students taking Private Instrumental Lessons. This concert saw 21 students across all year levels performing solo pieces on piano, drums, clarinet, guitar, trumpet, trombone, and voice. It was an amazing opportunity for these students to perform and show what they have learnt to their families and student peers alike. 

The Performing Arts Team would like to thank the families for their continued support, the instrumental tutors for their guidance, and the staff who make this concert possible. Lastly, thank you to all the students who performed or prepared for this concert. It was a pleasure to witness your learning on display and the courage you demonstrated by stepping onto the stage. 

TMC Performing Arts Team

Last week, our students engaged in a powerful and moving incursion with the Adelaide Holocaust Museum. The visit was made especially meaningful by guest speaker Andrew Steiner, a Holocaust survivor, who shared his personal story and reflections. Hearing his experiences firsthand offered students a rare and deeply human perspective of the Holocaust, one that inspired empathy, compassion, and meaningful discussion.

We also extend our gratitude to Tomas, the main speaker, as well as to volunteers Peter, Dana, and Jeffrey, for generously sharing their time, knowledge, and experiences with our students. Their work plays an important role in ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.

The session explored the stories of several survivors and highlighted the courage of those who chose to stand against injustice, demonstrating kindness and bravery in the face of great adversity.

This valuable learning experience supports our HASS curriculum by connecting historical understanding with real-world values, encouraging students to reflect on the importance of humanity, resilience, and moral courage.

Grace Jaensch
Leader of Learning HASS (Literacy)

Our Year 10 Outdoor Ed students recently returned from their 3-day fishing camp at Lake Bonney, after a change in location due to the algal bloom affecting the coast. Despite the shift, the camp was a memorable one!

Students spent time at various spots around Lake Bonney, practicing their fishing techniques. Fishing proved to be a bit of a challenge this year, we didn’t have the best luck with catches. But rather than getting discouraged, students became even more driven and motivated, showing great persistence as they worked hard to land something on the line.

Students also got the opportunity to participate in a canoeing session. Students learnt key paddling techniques and took part in a short journey around Lake Bonney. This was great for students to build confidence on the water and enjoy the natural surroundings from a different perspective.

Big shoutout to all the students and staff involved in this camp. GO TMC OE!!

Jack Cooke
Key Teacher - Outdoor Education

Josh Boden
Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing 

On Friday, 19^th September, five of our Thomas More College students joined around 120 students from Catholic schools across the state for Rise Up Tree Planting, a meaningful initiative that is now in its third year. Coordinated by COYYA Adelaide (Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults), the event saw the group plant 2,900 native plants, bringing the total planted through Rise Up over the three years to more than 6,000 trees and shrubs.

The event was more than just digging in the dirt. For many, it was an opportunity to connect with nature, reflect, and take action on our shared responsibility for the earth. Working side by side with students from other schools, our students contributed to restoring habitat, improving biodiversity, and helping reduce erosion. For our students, input at Rise Up stirred up thoughts about ecological justice, stewardship, and faith in action.

We are proud of our students who took part; their hard work, enthusiasm, and the attitudes they brought reflect the values we hold at Thomas More College. We look forward to growing our involvement in Rise Up in the years ahead, continuing to help the land, and helping each other. 

Nicole Russell 
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

On Sunday of week 9, we paused to reflect on the importance of peace in our world, our communities, and our hearts. World Peace Day reminds us that even small acts of kindness and understanding can help build a more just and hopeful future.
 
On Friday, the Rotary Club of Mawson Lakes held their annual World Peace Day ceremony, exploring this year’s theme of Cultivating a Culture of Peace. College Captain Grace spoke of TMC’s belief that peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of compassion, respect, and understanding. Peace begins with small acts of kindness, respect, and compassion. We also heard from Patrick Trimboli, of Rotary Mawson Lakes, Tony Zappia MP, Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM and College captains of Endeavour College, who all echoed the importance of peace in our world and how it starts with us.
 
At Thomas More College, we are proud to be “gardeners of peace,” shaping a future where unity is stronger than conflict and love outweighs division.

Emma Cannon
Executive, Mission & Wellbeing Support Officer 

The Year 12 Food and Hospitality class completed their final task for the course on Friday, 19 September by catering for a Gratitude Dinner for a combination of family members and staff. The menu included native foods in each course. A “restaurant” was created in what is usually a kitchen and was decorated with gum leaves, native plant-inspired fabrics, candles, and fairy lights, which made the perfect setting for the guests to enjoy the three-course dinner.

After almost a year of working individually to create different dishes and foods based on a variety of topics, it was special for the class to work together to say thank you to the people in their worlds who have helped them in many ways, not least of which is to get near the end of Year 12.

The groups worked well together to produce the menu below:

All of the dishes were well received by the guests, and the students learnt many useful skills from greeting guests, meeting their needs, serving food and drinks, coordinating the preparation of the many elements of the dishes, presentation, and of course collaboration.

This was a mammoth task that the students handled well.

Dianne Dearden
Leader of Learning - Technologies (Food and Fabrics)

This term, Ms Jaensch’s Year 10 Law in Australia class had the opportunity to visit the Magistrates Court. The excursion gave students a valuable chance to see firsthand how the law is applied in real-world situations. They observed the different people who work within the courts and gained insight into the vital roles they play in ensuring the law protects and serves the community.

Back in the classroom, students consolidated their learning through an engaging mock trial. By taking on the roles of judge, lawyers, and witnesses, they were able to actively participate in a courtroom scenario, thereby deepening their understanding of the South Australian legal system and the process of administering justice.

This hands-on experience not only brought their studies to life but also encouraged students to reflect on the importance of fairness, responsibility, and the rule of law in our society.

Grace Jaensch
Leader of Learning - HASS (Literacy)

Congratulations to Angus Salmon on recently being awarded the AIOH – TMC Certificate II in Cookery: Leadership, Initiative & Engagement Award. 

Angus has displayed outstanding passion and commitment throughout his training with AIOH, consistently demonstrating initiative, leadership, and a genuine dedication to fostering a positive learning environment.

This well-deserved achievement embodies the learner behaviours we value at Thomas More College: driven, disciplined, collaborative, and connected – and celebrates the power of vocational education in shaping confident, skilled, and future-ready young professionals.

Congratulations once again, Angus. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and excited to see all that you will accomplish in the future!

Congratulations to Max Daniels on an outstanding weekend of football, where he was recognised across multiple competitions for his talent, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Max’s achievements include:

Runner-Up Best and Fairest for B Grade at Gumeracha Football Club

Best and Fairest for U15.5 at Eastern Park Football Club

SANFL Association Medal – Best and Fairest for U15.5 SANFL Juniors

We are incredibly proud of Max for representing himself and TMC with excellence and commitment in his sporting pursuits outside of school, and we look forward to seeing his continued success both on and off the field.

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

Salisbury MasterChefs

A hands-on culinary workshop where participants will create vibrant grazing boards and a delicious dessert. Prizes will be awarded for standout creations, and a pizza lunch will be provided.

• Date: Wednesday, 1 October

• Time: 10:30am – 2:00pm

• Location: Twelve25 Youth Centre, 17 Wiltshire Street, Salisbury

• Cost: $5 per person

• Eligibility: Ages 12–18 years

 

How to Get Gigs – Music Industry Panel

An informative session for aspiring musicians featuring guest speakers Crafty Music Man, Emerauld, and Bella Veith (Runt Records). The panel will explore topics such as live performance, securing gigs, and navigating the music industry.

• Date: Wednesday, 8 October

• Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm

• Location: Twelve25 Youth Centre, 17 Wiltshire Street, Salisbury

• Cost: $5 per person

• Eligibility: Ages 12–25 years

 

Twelve25 Clothes Swap

Encouraging sustainable fashion, this event invites young people to exchange up to five clean, good-condition clothing items. Light refreshments will be provided.

• Dates: Wednesdays – 15 October, 12 November, 10 December

• Time: 3:30pm – 5:30pm

• Location: Twelve25 Youth Centre, 17 Wiltshire Street, Salisbury

• Cost: Free of charge

• Eligibility: Ages 12–25 years

 

Bookings are essential, and places are limited. For further information or to register, please contact Twelve25 Youth Centre at twelve25@salisbury.sa.gov.au

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