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). A Mass is also held on the second night of Year 12 Retreat which incorporates the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
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.
Experience the joy of Harmony Week at STMC here!
Legacy Wall Ritual
The artwork, titled Our Future, Our Success, is a striking mural located in the College’s Presentation Centre. It originated in 2023 as a visionary idea from student leader Charlotte Ryan and her CRC team. With the support of the student leadership body, Charlotte submitted an impressive 2000-word proposal, advocating for the College to commission a mural that would incorporate elements of First Nations design, the College’s history, the theme of "legacy," and the colours of each Junnebei house. Central to her vision was a unique feature: a space for all current and future Year 12 graduates to leave their thumbprints, symbolizing the dignity and individuality of each student.
In a powerful act of reconciliation, the College commissioned First Nations artist and Gungurri Elder, Aunty Peggy Tidyman, to bring this vision to life. The resulting 5 x 2.5-meter mural is now a centrepiece of the Presentation Centre. Aunty Peggy’s design beautifully intertwines the academic journey of the students with the values that have shaped their experience at the College. White "songlines" represent the students’ final steps and serve as a metaphor for the diverse paths they have walked. The ribbons, described as "gracefully dancing in the wind," symbolize the spirit of each student’s chosen journey, representing the endless possibilities and aspirations they carry with them. Through her art, Aunty Peggy masterfully weaves together themes of dedication, respect, and the pursuit of success.
After the Graduation Mass, each Year 12 graduate adds their thumbprint to the mural, a ritual that will continue with future graduating classes. This thumbprint tradition further embeds the students’ personal legacy into the artwork, integrating their individual stories into the songlines and ensuring their unique presence remains a part of the College's ongoing story.
Watch the timlapse video of the mural being created in our Presentation Centre
here! © BCE/St Thomas More College/2025.