On Friday, June 19, our grade 12 Knights were honoured and celebrated by their families, friends, and STMC community at the Graduation Convocation Ceremony.

Looking back at their time at STMC, this graduating class embraced the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice — Presence, Compassion, and Liberation.

And as they prepared to take their first steps into the world as young adults, my message to them was a simple reminder of these three characteristics of Edmund Rice’s charism:

Be Present. Graduates, you’ve been shaped by presence — by those who stood beside you and believed in you. Presence calls us to stand with others, especially those on the margins, rooted in respect, trust, and accountability — the kind Jesus modeled, and the kind Bro. Bassett shows daily in the hallways. As you leave STMC, I remind you to be present.

Be Compassionate. Through advocacy, service trips, and solidarity with the poor and displaced, STMC awakened in you a spirit of compassion. Compassion is not a feeling but a force — one meant to disturb comfort, compel action, and shape your future.

Be Liberators. Edmund Rice believed presence and compassion must lead to action — that Catholic education liberates as well as educates, challenging injustice and building a just, peaceful society. The world needs leaders of conscience. It needs you.

Our graduates are the hope for the future. As Blessed Edmund Rice said, “Have courage, the good seed will grow up in the children’s hearts later on.” They were encouraged that although the fruits of their efforts may not be seen immediately, the seeds will have been sown and will definitely grow in time.

Congratulations once again to the graduating Knights, with many blessings for the road ahead.

“Live, Jesus, in Our Hearts… Forever!”

Funeral Mass for Br. Bassett

The STMC community gathered on Saturday, June 6th, to celebrate the life of Brother Ted Bassett, who had passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22. The funeral Mass was held at St. Peter’s Church in New Westminster, followed by a reception at STMC, as family, friends, staff, students, and alumni came together to honour Brother Bassett.

For over sixty years, Brother Bassett was the heart of our community, and generations of students, families, staff, and alumni were shaped by his unwavering faith, quiet wisdom, joyful spirit, and steadfast commitment to serving STMC and the Christian Brothers. He possessed the rare gift of making each person feel known, valued, seen, and loved. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he transformed, the hearts he inspired, and the faith he strengthened. Our community continues to grieve the loss of a beloved Brother, colleague, mentor, and friend.

In Memory of Mrs. Rose Astorino

It is with profound sadness and deep faith in the Resurrection that we share the passing of our beloved Rose Astorino-Salzano.

For many years, Rose gave generously of herself to the St. Thomas More Collegiate community as an exceptional educator whose kindness, compassion, and warmth touched countless students, colleagues, and families. Even through great suffering, her greatest joy was her family.

We entrust Rose to God’s loving mercy, confident that death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life. Please keep Rose, her husband Dave, and children Luca, Vanessa, and Valentina in your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto Rose, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Thank you to Maria Cirillo for her significant contribution in writing this memorial message for Rose.

Obituary: kearneyfs.com/obituaries/rosina-astorino-salzano

Graduation

STMC celebrated the presentation of the 63rd Graduating Class on Friday, June 19th at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster. Family, friends, and staff gathered to honour the Class of 2026 as they received their diplomas and marked the completion of their high school journey.

The evening opened with a land acknowledgement, opening prayer, and scripture reading, followed by the conferring of diplomas. Numerous scholarships and awards of distinction were presented, recognizing graduates for academic excellence, athletics, fine arts, community involvement, and character. Valedictorian James Roy Canil addressed his classmates, Mr. Spanjers and Mr. Bouwman shared a few words to say as they round out their last school year, moving onto retirement, and Principal Joe Adams shared closing words of encouragement for the graduates to end the beautiful evening.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and best wishes as they begin their next chapter!

Communication for Grads of 2027

Grad of 2027 Parents!

Please join the Grad 2027 WhatsApp group to stay updated on graduation information.

This group will be used to share timely updates on graduation-related events, deadlines, and important information throughout the year — making sure you never miss a key date or announcement.

To be added to the group, please email your WhatsApp phone number along with your Grade 12 child’s name to .

We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you and your family!

Good Shepherd Outreach

Our final Good Shepherd outreach of the 2025–26 school year was held on June 1st. We met many people who welcomed us with gratitude and were pleased to receive the freezies and candy bags that we distributed. Many people look forward to the prayer cards included in the bags, as they offer comfort, hope, and inspiration during difficult times.

We had an excellent turnout this year, with many students willing to walk alongside those who needed us most. Through their presence, kindness, and willingness to serve, they helped bring dignity and companionship to members of our community.

I am especially grateful to the students of St. Thomas More Collegiate (STMC), who gave generously of themselves throughout the year and consistently demonstrated compassion, mercy, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Their actions reflected the true spirit of the Good Shepherd and served as a powerful reminder of the difference that small acts of kindness can make in the lives of others.

Music

Music Banquet

Congratulations to all of our Music Knights on a year full of learning, friendship, and music-making! We enjoyed celebrating at our Music Department Banquet on June 4.

STMC Chamber Singers, Grade 8 Choir, Junior Concert Choir Provincial Festival Results

Three choirs from St. Thomas More Collegiate were nominated to represent Vancouver Kiwanis at Provincials representing the grade 8 and under, grade 10 and under, and grade 12 and under categories.

Both the STMC Chamber Singers and Junior Concert Choir placed first in their divisions and the Grade 8 Concert Choir received an honourable mention. All three choirs will move on to compete at the Canada West Festival.

This is the second straight year the STMC Chamber Singers have placed first at provincials and eighth time overall.

Good luck to our choirs at the Canada West Music Festival.

Track & Field

The Track & Field season came to a successful close at the BC School Sports Provincial Championships at McLeod Stadium in Langley. After winning both the Burnaby/New Westminster Championship and the Fraser North Zone Championship earlier this spring, the Knights qualified one of the largest provincial teams in school history, with more than 65 athletes earning the chance to compete against British Columbia’s best.

The weekend was filled with outstanding performances, personal bests, and memorable moments as our athletes proudly represented STMC on the provincial stage.

Leading the way was Makaio Maver, who captured the Senior Boys Pole Vault provincial championship, while his younger sister Lexa Maver enjoyed an excellent Grade 8 championship of her own. Lexa won gold medals in both the High Jump and Javelin, and added a 4th-place finish in the 80m Hurdles, capping off one of the most impressive individual performances of the meet.
STMC athletes were well represented in the finals across a variety of events.

Connor Lascu earned a bronze medal in the Junior Boys High Jump, while Remo Giovannao placed 5th in the Senior Boys 400m Hurdles. Luca Morello finished 8th in the Long Jump, Liam Soriano placed 7th in the Javelin, and Evan Woo earned a 7th-place finish in the Discus. Jada Waite finished 4th in the 100m and 5th in the 200m, while Evelyn Ashford-Livingstone placed 5th in the 100m and 6th in the 200m. Having two STMC athletes qualify for both sprint finals was a remarkable accomplishment.

In the hurdles, Chris Freire ran to a 4th-place finish in the 300m Hurdles, while Nicola Rogalski added a 9th-place finish in the Triple Jump.

The relay teams once again proved to be among the strongest in the province. The Senior Girls 4 × 100m relay of Kyla Limon, Mia Belliveau, Betty Golding, and Shira Metzak reached the provincial final and finished 7th overall. The Senior Men’s team of Milano Peloso, Liam Golding, Remo Giovanazzo and Makaio Maver placed 9th.

One of the most memorable moments of the championships came from the Junior Girls 4 × 100m relay. Jada Waite, Evelyn Ashford-Livingstone, Nicola Rogalski, and Lola Beliveau set a new BC Championship record during the preliminary heats. Unfortunately, the team was later disqualified, but their incredible performance and record-setting run demonstrated the talent and potential of this exceptional group of athletes.

The Junior Girls 4 × 400m relay had an amazing race and won the bronze medal. Team members Alicia Barts, Betty Golding, Jada Waite, Evelyn Ashford-Livingstone, Jorlene Tsang, and Nicola Rogalski all contributed throughout the championship competition.

In the field events, Jorlene Tsang had an outstanding meet, capturing the bronze medal in the High Jump while also placing 5th in the Triple Jump, showcasing her versatility and consistency.

The team placed Brother Bassett’s name on their Jersey as a reminder of his legacy.

Congratulations to every member of the STMC Track & Field team on an outstanding season. We are proud of all that you accomplished and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented group of Knights.
Go Knights!

Summer Basketball Camp

The STMC Summer Basketball Camp is a 5-day camp designed to introduce players to the fundamentals of basketball in a fun and competitive atmosphere. It is open to boys and girls entering grades 3-8.

When: August 17th to 21th
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: St. Thomas More Collegiate Gym (StanJean Centre)
Who: Boys and girls currently in grades 3-7

Cost: $225 per camper.

Includes 15 hours of instruction, Camp T-Shirt, games and prizes

Coaches: Mr. Dominic Zimmermann Mr. Aaron Mitchell

Summer Volleyball Camp

The STMC Girls’ Volleyball Camp is a 5-day camp designed to introduce girls to the sport of volleyball. It is open to girls entering Grade 5-8 and will be coached by Mrs. Dawn Borthistle

Dates: Aug 17-21
Time: 1pm-4pm

GKO Golf Tournament

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 26th Annual STMC Family & Friends Greater Knight Open, proudly presented by AllWest Electric.

Held at the Surrey Golf Club, this year’s tournament brought together alumni, parents, friends, and supporters for a fantastic day of golf, community, and giving back.

We are especially grateful to our sponsors:
Title Sponsor: AllWest Electric
Gold Sponsor: Brandon Gee-Moore, RE/MAX Crest Realty
Bronze Sponsor: Sage Construction
Putting Green Sponsor: ZLC Employee Benefit Solutions & Dan Eisner
Lunch Sponsor: Cioffi’s Meat Market & Deli
… And to all our incredible hole sponsors!

Proceeds from the GKO support STMC Alumni Association Bursaries, helping families in financial need continue their journey with us.

Thank you to our golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters for making this year’s Greater Knight Open another tremendous success. We can’t wait to see you again next year!

Strategic Plan Survey

Update

The survey will remain open to collect as much data as possible. We encourage candid and honest feedback. Your input will play a direct role in shaping our path forward as we build this strategic plan to carry us through the next five years.

Link: Google Form Survey

We’re getting ready to take an important next step in shaping the future of our school.

Over the coming months, we will be developing a new Strategic Plan that will guide STMC for the next five years and we want to include the voices and experiences of our entire community: students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the school.

We’ll be taking a close look at everything from our Catholic and Edmund Rice identity, to academics, student life, wellbeing, and how we prepare our students for the future.

Next week, we’ll be sharing some more details about the process and what you can expect.

Shortly after, we will be inviting all members of our community to participate in a survey. This will be a key opportunity to share honest feedback, highlight what we’re doing well, and identify where we need to grow.

If you’re part of the STMC community, your voice matters in this process. Keep an eye out, we’ll be asking you to be part of it very soon!

Kate Stewart-Barnett

STMC alumna Kate Stewart-Barnett, Class of ’21, continues to build her legacy. After winning provincial and national competitions in the steeplechase during her high school years, Kate took her talents to Michigan State University where she continued to shine. On the track, she became: a three-time Big Ten Champion, a two-time NCAA All-American, and holder of the MSU school record in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9:33.21!

Her talents extend beyond the track. On top of her high level athletics, she is also keeping up with her academics, pairing a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology with a Master’s degree in Financial Planning and Wealth Management. This earned her a spot on the 2025–26 CSC Academic All-District Women’s team. She is also a finalist for the prestigious Academic All-American title, which will be announced mid-July.

Next up for the STMC alumnus? The world stage. After a second-place finish at the 2026 Canadian Championships, Kate is heading to Glasgow to represent Canada at the Commonwealth Games!