Standing Tall: A Term of Pride and Possibility
STANDING TALL
Welcome back to Term 4! I hope the holidays provided a chance for families to rest, reconnect, and enjoy time together. It has been wonderful to see students return with fresh energy and a renewed sense of purpose. The start of Term 4 always carries a special kind of buzz 鈥 one filled with excitement, reflection, and a little disbelief at how quickly the year has flown.
On my morning walks before classes begin, I鈥檝e loved hearing from our young people about their holiday adventures and what they鈥檙e most looking forward to this term. There鈥檚 a real sense of energy and excitement around the school, and as always, plenty of smiles and questions from our hugely engaging students.
Of course, learning and opportunity never stop at All Saints. During the holidays, three Duke of Edinburgh expeditions ventured out, while other students explored New Caledonia and Japan through cultural exchanges and represented the school in netball in Fiji. These experiences remind us that All Saints is a place where learning happens everywhere 鈥 through adventure, service, connection, and the courage to step into new environments. My thanks to the dedicated staff who guided these adventures. Your energy makes these experiences possible. I never take for granted the commitment and care you bring to making these moments happen.
If Term 3 was about growth and momentum, then Term 4 is about standing tall 鈥 taking pride in the strengths, friendships, and passions that have taken root throughout the year. For our students, this term is a time to look back on how far they鈥檝e come and step confidently into what comes next.
OUR YEAR 12s: COURAGE AND COMPLETION
Our Year 12 students are entering their final weeks of formal classes before turning their attention to study and external exams. This is an emotional milestone, not only for them but for their families and teachers who have walked beside them. For our teachers, this is a bittersweet time. They have poured so much time, energy, and emotion into their students and will work right until the end to ensure they have every chance of success. For parents, too, especially those who have been part of our community for many years, this is a moment filled with pride and reflection. We hold all of our Year 12 families in our thoughts and prayers as they complete this final chapter and begin their transition into further study, training, or the world of work.
SEASONS OF TRANSITION
As the term unfolds, there will be a special focus on transition for many. Our youngest students begin to prepare for their move from Prep to Year 1, our Year 6s step towards Middle School, and our Year 9s look ahead to Senior School. Each step is a moment of growth, courage, and belonging. Our staff are deeply committed to making these transitions smooth and supportive, ensuring every child feels confident and known. Families can help by talking with their children about the excitement and possibilities that come with change.
REFLECTIONS FROM AHISA: WALKING BACKWARDS INTO THE FUTURE
During the holidays, I had the privilege of attending the AHISA (Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia) Conference. Its theme, Ka Mua Ka Muri 鈥 a M膩ori proverb meaning 鈥walking backwards into the future鈥 鈥 reminds us that the past, present, and future are inseparably connected. We walk into the future with the wisdom and traditions of those who came before us, our eyes on what we value most.
That sentiment has resonated deeply with me as I enter the last few weeks of my first year as Principal at our special school. This first year has been about understanding the history, people, and heart of All Saints 鈥 and carrying that forward with intention. As we continue developing our Blueprint 2026+, your voices have affirmed a clear message: our values and culture remain our compass, even as we look to innovate and evolve. The current visioning and missioning exercise has reminded me how important it is to anchor our future in the relationships and traditions that have always defined this school. That message speaks not only to leadership, but to all of us as a community 鈥 how we honour what has shaped us while imagining what鈥檚 next.
THE ANCHOR AND THE HORIZON
At All Saints, our values of Truth, Faith, and Compassion remain the anchors that hold us steady as we set our sights on the horizon. The weeks ahead will bring many opportunities to celebrate 鈥 from Speech Day and Valedictory events to Foundation Day. These moments remind us of who we are as a community and the spirit that defines us. I look forward to celebrating these occasions with you all.
As we move through this final term, may we all stand tall 鈥 proud of our growth, grateful for our blessings, and excited for what lies ahead.
Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. It remains a great privilege to lead our remarkable school.
Matt Corbett
Principal