Sister Carmela turns the page on 40 years of service at St Thomas’ School

18/08/2025

​Sister Carmela Zammit reading a book with St Thomas' School, Camp Hill students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Thomas' School, Camp Hill (2025).

​As colourful costumes, favourite stories, and literary adventures fill the classrooms for Book Week (Saturday 16 to Saturday 23 August), one figure stands out not for the character she dresses as, but for the character she brings to the school community every day.

Sister Carmela Zammit has dedicated 40 years to St Thomas’ School, Camp Hill, helping children learn to read.

Although no longer a full-time teaching staff member, Sister Carmela continues to volunteer at the school, generously offering her time and wisdom. 

Each Week, she takes small groups and individual students for focused reading and writing support, helping them build confidence, strengthen their skills, and discover a genuine love for language. 

Sister Carmela’s connection to literacy is deeply personal. Having arrived in Australia from Malta at the age of 13 in 1949, she experienced the challenge of learning English as a second language. 
 
“I understand my students deeply because I’ve been in their shoes,” Sister Carmela said. 

“I know what it feels like to struggle to learn a language.”  

When we first moved to Australia from Malta, I remember thinking how incredible it would be if I could open my mouth and speak English.” 

 

“That memory stays with me, and it’s what fuels my mission today, to give my students the tools and confidence I longed for at their age.” 

St Thomas’ School Principal Liam Beatty said this Book Week, as students celebrate their love of reading by dressing as their favourite characters and taking part in a variety of creative activities, many will also take a moment to celebrate the woman who has quietly brought the magic of stories to generations. 

“From her early days as a teacher to her ongoing volunteer work in the classroom, she has left an indelible mark on our school community and the hearts of countless students,” he said. 

 

“Many of her former students now enrol their own children at our school, hoping they too will sit beside Sister Carmela and discover their love of literature.” 

Sister Carmela’s lifelong dedication has not gone unnoticed by the St Thomas’ School community, having been nominated for a Spirit of Catholic Education Award in 2025.  

St Thomas’ School Assistant Principal Religious Education Vivienne Thompson said Sister Carmela deserved to be recognised for her “tireless service and unwavering belief in the potential of every child”. 

“She is a living storybook of love, faith, and wisdom,” she said. 

“Sister Carmel reminds us that every child’s story matters, and that the gift of reading can change the ending of every story.” 

Liam adds, “Sister Carmela is so loved and respected by our school community, Yellow House at St Thomas’ is proudly named Zammit in her honour, a lasting tribute to her decades of service”. 

“This year, as we celebrate the Year of Compassion at St Thomas’, we are reminded of our Good Samaritan charism, a value that Sister Carmela has quietly and faithfully lived out every day of her life,” he said. 

“The compassion she shows to all our students, staff, and parents sets an example for the future generations of our school.” 

For more information about St Thomas’ School, Camp Hill, or to enrol click here. 
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