​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.​

 © BCE/St Thomas More College/2025.​​