The College's Religious Education program is a cornerstone of its identity as a Catholic school, with religion taught across all year levels. In Years 7-10, students follow the Religion syllabus outlined by Brisbane Catholic Education. For Years 11 and 12, students can choose between Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) governed subjects: Religion & Ethics and Study of Religion. The curriculum is diverse, covering Catholicism and other faiths such as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
The school encourages critical thinking and hermeneutical skills by examining religious texts from various faiths in dialogue with the Bible and Church documents. Generally, the College follows a reverse hermeneutic approach to religious education, where for instance, a contemporary social justice issue might be explored first, followed by reflection and their linking to scripture.
Students at STMC are taught to approach scripture critically using the 'Three Worlds of the Text' framework, which guides them in textual interpretation. The framework aims to lead students towards symbolic understandings of the text, Post-Critical Belief, and a Dialogical understanding of faith.
Liturgical Events & Key Rituals
Mass Celebrations
Masses are a significant part of the school experience at St Thomas More College. The College makes special efforts to teach and practice Mass responses and songs in a way that is fun, engaging, educative and inclusive for all. The College hold whole-College Mass celebrations in the Presentation Centre for the following occasions:
- Opening Mass
- Junnebei Masses honouring each of the four significant Catholic Junnebei patrons (Assisi, MacKillop, Nagle, Romero) – this is usually held during the weeks of the respective patron's feast day
- An Anzac Mass with particular attention paid to the life and sacrifice of William Turton, a local man who lost his life at Gallipoli – this is always held in the week of Anzac Day
- St Thomas More Day Mass
- Graduation Mass
Additionally, Mass is held fortnightly Thursday morning in The Chapel of St Thomas More which is open to all staff, students, parents and community members (this is also promoted in the OLOL Parish Newsletter).
Grace Bell Ritual
The Grace Bell Ritual is a meaningful tradition at the College, created to warmly welcome each Year 7 student into the school community. During the ceremony, students receive a memento that tells the story of St Thomas More, the College’s patron, and their respective Junnebei patron, symbolising their connection to the College’s spiritual and cultural heritage and highlighting the values of faith, courage, and wisdom. A key part of the ritual is the chance to ring ‘Grace', the College Bell, a symbol of unity, tradition, and new beginnings.
By ringing the bell, students are formally recognised as members of the College family, marking their official transition into secondary school and connecting them to the broader history of the school, instilling a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. The Grace Bell Ritual fosters community, belonging, and solidarity, providing each student with a warm and inclusive welcome, strengthening the bond between students, staff, and the College’s values, and setting the tone for their journey ahead, grounding them in community, tradition, and the enduring legacy of their Junnebei patrons.
The Presentation of the St Thomas More Medal
The Presentation of the St Thomas More Medal is a highlight of St Thomas More Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the College's founder. This prestigious medal is awarded to individuals who embody the College's core values and exemplify its motto, "Do More, Be More." The medal is presented to four members of the community: a Middle Years student, a Senior Years student, a staff member, and a parent. Recipients are selected for their ability to model, in their daily lives, the qualities that St Thomas More demonstrated throughout his remarkable life. These individuals inspire the community by living out the values of courage, integrity, service, and justice, qualities that are central to the College's mission.
The citation on the accompanying certificate reflects the spirit of the award:
In his life, St Thomas More displayed, among others, qualities such as:
Courage ~ Integrity ~ Service ~ Justice
The St Thomas More Medal acknowledges these qualities in service of the St Thomas More College community.
Harmony Week
Harmony Week, initiated by STMC Student Leaders in 2024, was created to celebrate the College's diversity and promote inclusivity. Recognising the importance of cultural heritage and cross-cultural understanding, the students proposed a week of activities focused on fostering a sense of belonging among all members of the school community. These activities include cultural dance performances, workshops, presentations, and collaborative projects designed to empower students to embrace their own cultural identities while appreciating the rich diversity around them.
By dedicating a week to celebrating diversity, Harmony Week helps create a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive school environment. It promotes positive school culture, reduces instances of bullying and exclusion, and strengthens community bonds. Through cross-cultural learning, students gain empathy and appreciation for different perspectives, ultimately fostering unity and a sense of belonging within the school community.
Retreat Program
The College's Retreat Programs offer students opportunities to reflect on themselves, their relationships, and the world around them, fostering spiritual and emotional growth at every stage of their journey.
The Year 8 Reflection Day, led by Michael Fitzpatrick, introduces students to the concept of sacramentality, encouraging them to recognise the sacred in all aspects of life—within themselves, others, community, and nature. This day helps students begin to see the world through a spiritual lens, realizing that the divine is present in every moment and encounter. It invites them to explore the deeper significance of their actions and relationships.
For Year 9 students, The Rite Journey is implemented as a structured rite of passage program, designed to support their transition from childhood to young adulthood. The program focuses on personal development, promoting healthy relationships, identity, authenticity, and the importance of being true to oneself. Through guided activities and reflections, students are challenged to examine their values, character, and relationships, allowing them to step into adolescence with confidence and self-awareness.
In Year 10, students participate in a two-night, three-day experience at Luther Heights, Coolum, as part of Project Hatch. This experience is designed to help students overcome fears, recognize their personal strengths, and reflect on the significant people in their lives. Through team-building activities and personal reflection, students discuss themes like the different "masks" they wear in daily life and the fears that hold them back. A key component of this experience is affirmation writing, where students reflect on their positive qualities and those of their peers, reinforcing a sense of belonging and self-worth.
The Year 12 Kairos Retreat, with its theme "Called to Be More," invites students to reflect on their own potential and the sacredness of their existence. This retreat emphasises the importance of flourishing by following one's dreams and embracing the inherent dignity of life. A central message is that to understand the sacredness of one's own life, it is equally important to recognize the sacredness in others. The retreat helps students explore who they truly are, deepening their self-awareness and their understanding of their place in the world. A significant aspect of Kairos is the Parent/Loved-One Letter Ritual on the final night, during which students receive heartfelt, surprise letters from their loved ones. This creates a sacred and emotional space for students and their families, highlighting the importance of love, support, and connection as they prepare to graduate and move forward in life.
Each of these experiences is carefully designed to promote personal growth, spiritual development, and a deeper sense of connection to others, shaping students into thoughtful, self-aware, and compassionate individuals.
© BCE/St Thomas More College/2025.