School Renewal Action Plan - St Thomas More College

Principal’s Address 2012
In the spirit of the national goal of reconciliation, I acknowledge
Australia’s indigenous peoples and in particular, the Jugera people
on whose land we gather this evening. I also acknowledge those
who have led us in prayer to open our awards evening.
Distinguished guests, staff, friends, students and families of St
Thomas More College, it gives me great pleasure to present the
school report for 2012. This report brings together what has been
another strong year of growth for our College. For your benefit there will be a written report available on
the College website in the coming days.
From the outset I would like to acknowledge those students who have distinguished themselves in many
areas of school life this year. Tonight we will present awards to those who have excelled in academic
achievement; those have proven themselves to be outstanding role models and those who have shown
persistence and determination in the face of challenges. I thank all students, for contributng to a successful
2012 and I recognise that there have been many contributions made that we will not formally recognise
tonight. I also make special mention of our Year 12 students this evening who are joining us for the last
awards night. I especially recognise our student leadership team for their work in 2012. To our College
Captains Amarna, Jessica, Jayden and Harrison – as the year ticks down you should all feel very proud of
how you have led our student body in 2012.
In recognising our successes in 2012 I must acknowledge the dedication and involvement of many people.
Firstly, I am indebted to the College Leadership Team: Deputy Principal, Mr John Thomas, Assistant
Principal Miss Veronica Wasiak, (Acting APRE) Mrs Kathleen Ashton and Mr Tony Baker College Business
Manager – I appreciate the many hours of dedication and your wise counsel. I also thank Sharne Davies for
her ongoing commitment to the College and support of me. In the June of this year, Mrs Denise Bryant
retired as APRE after 5 years at the College and a long career with BCE – a career which began next door at
Our Lady’s College in 1973. I thank Mrs Bryant for her leadership and her commitment to St Thomas More
and to the wider BCE community.
I thank the parents who have shown their support the College in so many ways – I especially thank those
who have assisted with co-curricular sport and performing arts, with uniform shop, tuck shop, the P & F and
the College Board. In particular I thank Amanda Fitzpatrick as president of the P & F, Selina Kadell as chair
of the College Board and Marie Hillcoat as uniform shop convenor. All three have had long associations
with the College and still continue to volunteer their time.
I also thank those in the wider community who contribute to our College. I thank Mrs Bettina Lumsden and
Mrs Vick Maguire from Bendigo Bank at Acacia Ridge for your ongoing financial support and more
importantly your genuine interest in our students. I also recognise this evening, Colleagues from Brisbane
Catholic Education. I thank the principals at our local Catholic Primary schools who join us tonight. Mrs
20