黑料不打烊

A FAIR FOR THE AGES 
A member of my own family attended their first All Saints Fair this year and declared it, on the spot, the best day of the year. Christmas came in a close second.

That says something. There are occasions in the life of a school that carry more meaning than the event itself, and the Fair is one of those. When children go home at the end of it convinced they have just had the best day of the year, the day has done exactly what it is meant to do. Our children are the reason we come together in the first place. Everything else grows out of that, the families meeting for the first time, the parents catching up with people they have not seen since last year, the staff and families side by side on a stall.

What has stayed with me since is everything that sat behind it. Months of planning, an enormous amount of goodwill and around 680 people volunteering their time. Parents, staff, students, alumni and friends of the school filled rosters, ran stalls, served food, supervised activities, helped with set-up and pack-down and stepped in wherever they were needed. Alongside that was the generosity of everyone who donated goods, prizes and services, including a Cent Auction prize pool valued at over $45,000.

Our post-Fair survey told the same story. People loved the rides, the entertainment, the fireworks and the traditional favourites, but what came through most strongly was the sense of connection, the school spirit and the memories made together.

At a time when many volunteer groups are under pressure and large events increasingly rely on professional delivery, that is not something we can take for granted. In a world where communities have dwindled, All Saints remains a place where community is held and valued. Our school was built on foundations of community volunteers and service, and it shall remain so. The Fair is not an event delivered for our community, it is one created by our community.

I am enormously grateful to our P&F, to our Fair Convenors Kat and David Pearson, to the Fair Committee and to every person who contributed. This year marks Kat and David's final Fair as Convenors, and their contribution to this much loved tradition has been immeasurable.

Which brings me to an invitation. Few things you can give your time to will put more joy into more children's lives in a single day. The Convenor role is the clearest example of that, and we would love to hear from anyone willing to consider it, or to become more involved in leading the Fair. It is a big job, and there is a strong committee and a wider community ready to stand alongside whoever takes it on. Have a think about it. Then come and talk to us.

Standing on the oval that day, watching what our community had built, I felt enormously proud and full of gratitude.

WAYMAKER 
Under the direction of our own energiser bunny Mr Todd Harm, the student led global debut of our very own Waymaker was a huge success. Around 150 Middle School students featured, and the show illustrated once again the talent and passion for performing arts that runs through our student body. It was funny, the dancing was electric, the acting and singing were superb and the audience had an absolute blast. Congratulations to our cast and crew, and to Mr Harm and his wonderful team of leaders for giving us such an entertaining ride.

Long may the arts thrive at our school. Keep an eye out for our Senior Musical announcement in the next week or so.

HEAD OF SWIMMING ANNOUNCEMENT 
As I communicated in May, our much loved colleague and swimming program pioneer Ken Sabotic has announced his intention to retire. Ken built swimming at All Saints from the ground up.

Following a recruitment process that attracted applicants from across Australia and overseas, I am pleased to announce that Raelene Ryan has been appointed as our Head of Swimming. Raelene begins with us at the start of Term 4, when she will take a squad, and Ken will remain with his swimmers until the end of the term.

Raelene brings more than 25 years of experience across learn to swim, club, state, national and international programs. She began as a learn to swim teacher in 1997 and became Head Coach at Miami Swimming Club, leading a program of more than 300 swimmers and developing athletes to national and international level. Most recently she was Paralympic Pathway Manager with Swimming Australia, supporting high performance outcomes alongside a commitment to athlete wellbeing and inclusion. She holds a Master of Sports Coaching, a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) and ASCTA Gold Licence accreditation.

Keep a look out for squad sign up opportunities in the coming weeks. Raelene will also lead us into a new chapter for All Saints Swimming more broadly. We are in early stage planning to develop our own Learn to Swim program, alongside plans to install heating, some cover and wind protection at our Junior School pool. There is no timeline on that yet, and I will share more as the work progresses.

GOLD COAST EISTEDDFOD
An outstanding season for Performing Arts. Across the past five weeks our students took 34 entries to the Gold Coast Eisteddfod and came away with 10 first places, 8 second places, 6 third places and 4 Highly Commended awards, spanning strings orchestras, small ensembles, concert bands, jazz bands and choirs. Particular congratulations to our Year 5 Super Band, Senior Six and Milestones Jazz Band, who each took first place with a Platinum ranking.

More than 550 students attended Eisteddfods over those five weeks. Getting that many young people to the right venue at the right time, warmed up and ready to perform, does not happen without our ensemble directors, conductors, accompanists and the staff behind the scenes. The results belong to the students. The conditions that made them possible belong to the adults around them.

Our private Speech and Drama students begin competing from 31 August. Chookas to every one of you.

SPORTING SUCCESS 
Our students have shown a good deal more than sporting talent over the past fortnight, and the results have followed.

AFLQ Streetsmarts Schools Cup. Our Junior Girls (Years 7 and 8) and Youth Male (Years 9 and 10) teams both won their quarter finals and now progress to the semi finals.

UHLSport Football. Our Open Girls (Years 11 and 12) have progressed to the semi finals.

APS Athletics. Our Junior School team finished first overall and first on percentage. Our Middle and Senior School team finished third overall.

APS records fell to the U11 Boys 4x100m relay team, the Open Boys 4x100m relay team, Ellie E in both the 400m and 800m and Alex F in the 400m. Eddie L T equalled the record in the Open Boys Triple Jump.

Congratulations to everyone involved, including the teams whose campaigns ended in the quarter finals, and best wishes to those heading to regionals and semi finals. My thanks to our teachers and coaches for the way they foster teamwork, celebrate courage and build capability.

Matt Corbett
Principal

I am now into my sixth week at All Saints, although I am not entirely sure where the time has gone. I have loved getting to know our school, meeting more members of our community and, most importantly, spending time in classrooms across our three sub-schools and meeting students. I now regularly have students knocking on my window and calling, 鈥淗ello, Mr Solomons!鈥� as they pass, with some even popping in to say 鈥淗i!鈥�, which makes my day.

I joined All Saints to help bring aspects of Blueprint 2026+ to life, particularly those connected to teaching, learning and the professional growth of our teachers. The Blueprint calls this pillar, Learning That Matters.

Each week, I visit classrooms from Pre Prep through to Year 12. It has been a real privilege to see the breadth of learning that happens across our school and the thought, skill and care behind it. I have watched our students grapple with complex ideas, explain their thinking, practise new skills, create, question and surprise themselves with what they can do.

I have been sharing some of these moments with staff through a brief weekly newsletter called Teaching and Learning Treats. The idea is simple: excellent practice exists throughout All Saints, so let us notice it, celebrate it and help it travel from one classroom to another.

I have also had the pleasure of bringing together a Learning Team made up of Mrs Amanda Worlley, Director of Information and Digital Literacy; Mr Jason Wainwright, Director of Learning Culture; Mr Andrew Cowan, Assistant Head of Junior School - Learning; Mrs Marnie Wainwright, Assistant Head of Middle School - Learning; and Ms Julie Klein, Assistant Head of Senior School - Learning. Our focus is on how learning happens at All Saints and how we can support excellent teaching from Pre Prep to Year 12.

Investing in teachers is one of the most powerful ways a school can improve outcomes for its students. When a teacher develops their practice, the benefit extends beyond one lesson or one class. It reaches every student they teach, now and throughout the rest of their career.

With this in mind, we have begun a series of whole-school professional learning sessions exploring what research tells us about how learning happens. Our first session focused on building a shared language and understanding of learning across our school.

We explored how teachers capture students鈥� attention, activate their thinking and help new knowledge find a lasting place in memory. Sometimes this involves substantial decisions about how learning is sequenced and connected. Sometimes it is as simple as breaking instructions into manageable steps or removing unnecessary words from a slide or an explanation so students can concentrate on what matters most.

What has been particularly encouraging is seeing these ideas already in action across our school. The aim is not to impose a single way of teaching in every classroom. A Prep classroom should not look like a Year 12 classroom. Instead, it is to develop a shared understanding of how students learn, then use that knowledge skilfully with learners of different ages, needs and subjects.

There will always be room for growth, but we have made a strong start. Six weeks in, I am still learning every day and look forward to continuing this work alongside our staff and students.

Mark Solomons
Director of Teaching and Learning

Congratulations to our students who participated in the 45th LTQ Speech Contest held at Griffith University, Gold Coast, on 16 August 2026. This prestigious event, which featured more than 1,300 speeches across seven languages, brought together some of the region's most talented language students from Years 4-12 in a celebration of languages and intercultural understanding.

We are incredibly proud of all our students who accepted the challenge of stepping outside their comfort zones to compete against the very best language learners from across the Gold Coast. Their impressive results, including 18 medals across French and Japanese, 12 Highly Commended awards, and 1 German Background Speaker medal, are a testament to their hard work, dedication, determination, and nerves of steel on the day. Many competitors have studied the same language throughout primary school or in immersion programs, whereas our students typically begin in Year 6, making these achievements all the more significant.

These achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our language staff and, in particular, Ms Kazuko Otaka-Vaughn and Ms Louise Cabon, who worked closely with students in writing and refining speeches, rehearsing presentations, and preparing thoughtful responses to possible questions. The confidence and success demonstrated by our students reflect the many hours of preparation and encouragement provided by their teachers and language assistants.

Congratulations to all our participants on their exceptional achievements. We celebrate the persistence, patience, courage, curiosity, and commitment they displayed in embracing the challenge of speaking before strangers in a foreign language.

Felicitations! 
Mme Spinella & Mme Forsythe Mason Sensei

Omedetou gozaimasu
Yeh Sensei & O鈥橠ea Sensei

FRENCH RESULTS
Middle School
Year 7

• 3rd: Naya S
• HC: Amelia G
• HC: Emma B

Year 8

• HC: Avril W
  

Year 9

• 1st: Ethan R
• 3rd: Chloe Z
  

JAPANESE RESULTS
Middle School

Year 7 Sakura

• HC: Ella N
  
• HC: Lillyana 
  

Year 7 Kiku

• 2nd: Sia K
• HC: Harry J
  

Year 7 Fuji

• 4th: Sunshine H
• HC: Meliss R
  

Year 8 Sakura

• 2nd: Sarah Y
• HC: Michelle L
• HC: Eliana R
• HC: Gracie R

Year 8 Kiku

• 2nd: Matilda M
• 5th: Sasha O

Year 9 Sakura

• 5th: Liam S
  

Year 9 Kiku

• 2nd: Sophie M
• HC: Joanna Y

Year 9 Fuji

• 4th: Dylan B
  

Miscellaneous Entry
Year 7 German Background Speaker

• 1st: Anton B
  

FRENCH RESULTS 
Senior School
Year 10

• 1st: Maddie B
• 2nd: Elizabeth M
• 3rd: Coop M
• HC: Lana M
  

Year 11

• 1st: Ella P
• 2nd: Briana L

JAPANESE RESULTS
Senior School

Year 10 Background Speaker

• 1st: Torana M
  

Year 10 Kiku

• 3rd: Amelie G

We know that dogs are much-loved members of many families, and we understand the enjoyment they bring. However, we would like to remind families that dogs should not be brought onto school grounds unless they are registered service animals.

While many dogs are friendly and well-behaved, a school environment presents unique challenges. With hundreds of children moving through our campus each day, often excited, busy, and sometimes unpredictable in their movements, even the calmest dog can become overwhelmed.

Our priority is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and visitors. We therefore ask that, unless your dog is a registered service animal, they remain off campus during drop-off, pick-up, and school events.

We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone in our community.

Bec Pearson
Head of Junior School

From 1 September, the All Saints Friends Association (P&F) will introduce two refreshed Friends groups, creating broader opportunities for families to connect, contribute and support areas of School life they are passionate about.

Friends of Sport

Our existing Netball, Rugby and Basketball supporter groups will come together as Friends of Sport, a single group supporting sport across All Saints.

Friends of Sport has been established to strengthen connection among families across all School sports and provide an inclusive way for parents, grandparents and guardians to get involved.

The group will work alongside the School to support priorities across sport, including approved equipment, resources, events and student experiences such as sport clinics and tours. It will also help promote participation, recognise student achievement and create opportunities for families to volunteer and connect through sport.

Importantly, the new structure will provide all sports with the opportunity to seek support and benefit from approved fundraising and initiatives.

The first Friends of Sport meeting will be held on Thursday 15 October at 3.30pm.

Interested in getting involved? Contact Friends of Sport President Krystle Holmes at krystle@holmesgroupinvestments.com.

Friends of the Environment

Our Friends of Sustainability and Friends of Gardening groups will also come together from 1 September as Friends of the Environment, aligning with the School鈥檚 Environment student leadership stream.

The group will support environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives across the School, including the Farm Garden, environmental education, student experiences and School-approved projects.

It will also provide opportunities for families to connect through environmental initiatives, support student volunteering and help recognise student participation and achievement in environmental stewardship.

The first Friends of the Environment meeting will be announced via FIDO next week.

To express your interest or find out more, contact Friends of the Environment President Eloise Harrison at eloisekharrison@gmail.com.

Both groups will meet approximately once each term and welcome parents, grandparents and guardians who would like to contribute, whether regularly or simply when time allows.

If sport or sustainability is an area you care about, we would love to have you involved.

One of the favourite parts of my week is spending time in classrooms. Watching and listening. During a Year 4 art class last week, students were working in groups to build a life-size motorbike out of cardboard. It鈥檚 been an ongoing project since the start of term and was nearing completion. The room had a great energy to it: groups working hard but carefully, everyone invested in getting it right. While cutting a delicate part of the wheel design, one student's tool slipped and he cut too far, effectively ruining that section of the model.

For a second, the group went quiet. It was the kind of mistake that's hard to fix and easy to be annoyed about. Hours of work, undone in one slip. Rather than reacting with frustration, one of his group members leaned over and said, "Ah, don鈥檛 worry about. It was an accident." Another quietly started looking at how they could rebuild the wheel section using the leftover scraps, and the group got back to work without singling him out or making him feel worse than he already did. No one dismissed the mistake or pretended it didn't matter; they just didn't let it become a bigger moment than it needed to be.

That's empathy in action: not just feeling for someone, but taking a moment to feel with them, and then doing something about it.

WHAT EMPATHY LOOKS LIKE IN JUNIOR SCHOOL
Empathy is often confused with kindness, but it's a step before it. Kindness is the action; empathy is the noticing that makes the action meaningful. For young children, empathy looks like pausing when a friend is upset instead of walking past, asking "are you okay?" and actually waiting for the answer, or recognising that someone else might feel differently about something than they do. It's a skill, not a personality trait and like any skill, it needs modelling and practice.

WHY IT MATTERS
Empathy is one of the strongest predictors of how well children navigate friendships, resolve conflict, and collaborate later in life. Children who can accurately read and respond to others' emotions tend to have fewer behavioural difficulties and stronger peer relationships. It's also the foundation of good citizenship. Understanding a perspective different from your own is the first step toward fairness and inclusion.

WHAT WE'RE DOING AT SCHOOL
At All Saints, empathy sits at the heart of our Good Humans pillar. We want our students to be not only capable learners, but also people of character who notice, care about, and respond to the needs of others. Through daily interactions, classroom discussions, buddy programs, service opportunities, and restorative conversations, we intentionally help students develop the skills to understand different perspectives, show compassion, and contribute positively to their community.

The Year 4 classroom moment described above is a wonderful example of this in action. No lesson was planned around empathy that day, yet the students demonstrated exactly what it means to be a Good Human: recognising that someone was feeling disappointed, responding with understanding rather than blame, and working together to find a solution. These everyday moments matter. They reveal the culture we are striving to build and the kind of young people we hope will leave our gates.

WHAT YOU CAN TRY AT HOME

• When reading together, pause and ask: "How do you think that character feels right now?". It builds the habit of perspective-taking in a low-stakes way.
  
• When your child is upset with someone, gently ask: "Why do you think they did that?" before jumping to a resolution. it opens the door to considering intent, not just impact.
  
• Name your own feelings out loud sometimes ("I'm a bit tired today, so I might need a quiet moment"). It shows children that emotions are normal to notice and talk about, in themselves and others.
  
• Empathy doesn't mean children always get it right, even adults struggle here. But every time a child pauses to consider how someone else might be feeling, they're building a muscle they'll use for the rest of their lives.

Empathy doesn't mean children always get it right, even adults struggle here. But every time a child pauses to consider how someone else might be feeling, they're building a muscle they'll use for the rest of their lives.

Bec Pearson
Head of Junior School

What does fairness look like in action. In our classrooms, on the playground, and in the small everyday moments, fairness is seen in the choices our students make to include others, listen with respect, and treat everyone with care. We are proud to celebrate these moments through our Fairness Value Award.

At our school, we are committed to nurturing not only capable learners, but also good humans who live out our values each day. This commitment is reflected in our school blueprint and the guiding pillars of the Spirit of Us and the Good Human. These pillars call us to build connections and act with integrity, show respect, and care deeply for one another in all aspects of school life.

The Fairness Value Award is a very special recognition. Each recipient is either voted by their peers or selected by their class teacher as someone who consistently demonstrates fairness in all that they do. These students show fairness through their actions. They include others, listen carefully, take turns, follow rules, and consider the feelings and needs of those around them. They help create classrooms where everyone feels valued and respected.

The value of fairness is deeply connected to our faith. In the Gospel of Luke, we are reminded. 鈥淒o to others as you would have them do to you.鈥� Luke 6:31. This simple and powerful teaching encourages us to treat others with kindness, justice, and fairness in every situation.

Our Fairness Value Award recipients truly embody the Spirit of Us. They understand that we belong to one another and that our actions matter. They also reflect the Good Human pillar by showing kindness, integrity, and respect in their daily interactions.

We are proud to celebrate the students from Year 1 to Year 6 who have received this award. Their example helps shape a positive and inclusive culture across our school.

Congratulations to all our Fairness Value Award recipients. You show us what it means to show love and fairness each day.

YEAR 1 

• Olive U
• Lucinda W
• Cooper D

YEAR 2 

• Floyd A
• India M
• Chloe Bl

YEAR 3 

• Riley M
• Daisy W, 
• Austin W

YEAR 4 

• Mia B 
• Zaviya B
• Luke V B
• Sloane P

YEAR 5 

• Scarlett F
• Sebastian M
• Terri A
• Lorenzo P M

YEAR 6 

• Summer S
• Patrick L
• Aria K
• Hudson S

Milissa Gustafson
Junior School Teacher

We are delighted to recognise the outstanding contribution of our much-loved Junior School Sports Coordinator and HPE teacher, Georgia Liussi, who has made the decision to leave our school to follow new pursuits.

Georgia has made an extraordinary impact on our community through her boundless positivity, passion for teaching and genuine care for every student. Her deep and authentic connection with children enabled her to recognise the potential in each individual, inspiring them to grow and flourish both on and off the field.

Through her dedication to APS Sport, Georgia created a lasting legacy of achievement, teamwork and belonging. She understood that sport is about much more than competition; it is an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen relationships and help every child feel valued as part of a team.

Georgia also championed sustainability, thoughtfully incorporating environmentally friendly practices into our sports programs. Her efforts have helped make our school community greener, while encouraging students to consider the positive difference they can make.

We thank Georgia for her commitment, energy and the many ways she has enriched the lives of our students and staff. She will be greatly missed at All Saints, and we wish her every success and happiness in the next chapter of her journey.

Bec Pearson
Head of Junior School

Our Junior School students enjoyed outstanding success at the recent Chess Tournament held at Clover Hill State School. Competing against students from across the region, our players demonstrated impressive strategic thinking, concentration, and resilience throughout the day.

Beyond the excellent results achieved, we were particularly proud of the way our students represented All Saints. They approached every match with confidence, sportsmanship, and respect, embodying the qualities of both strong learners and good humans. Congratulations to all involved on a fantastic achievement.

Bec Pearson
Head of Junior School

In Year One this term, we have been learning about Physics in Science. 

We have been investigating forces, including pushes, pulls, gravity, and friction. Over the last couple of weeks, students have designed, built, and tested cannons, catapults, and pulleys, as well as drawn and labelled scientific diagrams. We also created a friction runway to investigate which surfaces slowed our toy cars down the most. Through these hands-on activities, students explored how different forces affect the movement of objects and developed their scientific observation skills.

Bridget Golder
Junior School Teacher

This week, three students across Years 4-6 competed in the St Stephen鈥檚 Spelling Bee. All three represented All Saints with great pride and produced some wonderful results. 

Our students were incredibly composed in what was a rather nerve-wracking environment, well done! 

• First Place: Cleo M (Year 4)
• First Place: Reyan B (Year 5)
• Runner Up: Arthur M-G (Year 6)

Andrew Cowan
Assistant Head of Junior School - Learning 

Happy birthday and thank you to the following students in this week鈥檚 Saints Alive.

• Alexander 鈥� Pre Prep 
• Isabella - 1
• Eliza 鈥� 1
• Harvey 鈥� 1
• Elodie 鈥� 2
• Lachlan 鈥� 4
• Elijah 鈥� 4
• Daniel - 4
• Tinsley - 6
• Vincent 鈥� 6
• Sebastian 鈥� 6
• Archer 鈥� 6

We wish all our students a very Happy Birthday, and thank you! 

The Junior Library Team

A Warm Retreat from the Winter Chill
It's been wonderful to see so many Junior School students coming in from the cold to enjoy the warm, inviting space provided by the Art Club at lunchtime. Students have been dropping in to draw and create in their own way, embracing the creative freedom and inclusive social space our Art Club offers. This term, students have had two new break-out tents with drawing boards to explore, and they have proven a huge hit 鈥� students are loving tucking themselves away to work inside them. If your stduent may be interested in working on a personal project at break time, encourage them to come on in!

Archbishop's Christmas Card Competition
Our students have taken up the invitation to create a design for the Archbishop's Christmas Card Competition, with more than 200 entries from our Junior cohort alone. It's a fantastic example of the joy that comes from getting involved, and high levels of participation is certainly something our Junior students demonstrate every time an opportunity like this comes along. Prize winners will be announced very soon, and we can't wait to send our shortlist off to the Office of the Archbishop to see whether any of our students' works are selected to feature on his official Christmas Card for 2026. Wouldn;t that be an incredible honor?

Collaboration in Action: The Book Week Mural
Art is not just about individual expression. it's also an important way to build the life skill of collaboration and team work. Our Pre-Prep to Year 2 students have spent this week working together on a large-scale Book Week mural, and every student who has contributed should be very proud of their unique contribution. I don't want to give it away, but you might see flying books, some hungry caterpillars, and quite a musical composition! It is coming together beautifully, and students are excited to see the finished piece revealed at the Book Week Parade next Tuesday 鈥� we hope you can make it too!

Farewell to our 'Box City'
After weeks of hard work and building, it's time to say goodbye to our beloved 'Box City' installation. Our Pre-Prep and Prep students have loved painting and constructing the cardboard towers you can see in our photos this week, lighting them up with fairy lights and imagination. They've been bringing in their toys to play amongst the bridges and buildings, taking some time to enjoy their creation contemplate the incredible results of all their effort. We suspect none of them will ever look at a cardboard box, and its hidden potential, in quite the same way again, and isn't that wonderful.

Don't forget, the Gold Coast Show is coming up soon now... our students' incredible artwork will be on display in the Pavilion. See you there!

Cathy Hunt
Junior School Art Teacher

National Science Week brought energy, creativity and curiosity to the Middle School, with a range of activities centred around this year's theme, "Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All." Students were encouraged to explore how scientific understanding begins with simple questions and grows through investigation, collaboration and discovery.

Throughout the week, students enjoyed a variety of engaging lunchtime activities organised by our Science Department and STEM Ambassadors. From science-themed short films and a STILE Escape Room challenge to the ever-popular Brain Break 2026 Science Trivia Competition, there were plenty of opportunities for students to test their thinking, work collaboratively and celebrate scientific inquiry.

A special thank you must go to all of our Middle School Science teachers, whose commitment and enthusiasm continue to make science visible, accessible and exciting for our students. Whether through classroom learning, enrichment opportunities, competitions, laboratory preparation or extracurricular activities, their collective efforts help foster a genuine culture of curiosity throughout the school.

Particular recognition should be given to Ms Meredith Siegmann, whose leadership and passion were central to this year's celebrations. Meredith coordinated Science Week activities, worked closely with our STEM Ambassadors, promoted national science initiatives and created opportunities for students to engage with science beyond the classroom. Her outstanding Science Week launch presentation, featuring the inspiring story of Old Saint Jude and his team's international rocket design success, provided a memorable and motivating start to the week. Meredith's dedication, much of which occurs behind the scenes, continues to inspire both students and colleagues alike.

Thank you also to Ms Cat McCann, who enthusiastically supported the week's activities and expertly presented the Science Week launch in Meredith's absence.

Science Week once again demonstrated that when curiosity is nurtured, exciting discoveries can follow. We are grateful to our Science Department for helping our students grow the seeds of scientific thinking each and every day.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

On Friday 7 August, the Year 10 cohort lit up HOTA for their Dinner Dance. The room, service and meals were excellent, and the Year 10s certainly made the most of the evening, dancing the night away. Every student finished the night on the dance floor, a sight to behold. The Year 10s were very well presented, and all seemed to enjoy the evening immensely. They took to the formal dancing part of the evening with optimism and gusto and enjoyed speeches and reflections from their peers. My thanks to the speakers on the evening who did a great job with both funny and heartfelt reflections on the Class of 2028. Well done to Annie B, Raph B, Olive F, Abigail G, Jaden G, Ava G, Anzu K and Eagleton L for their preparation and wonderful words. A big thank you to all of the staff who gave up their Friday night to supervise our students but especially to Mr Craig Pascoe who does all of the planning and preparation and goes above and beyond to provide these opportunities for our young people to grow and have wonderful experiences outside of the classroom. A special thanks to Mrs Katie Ashcroft and Mrs Jade Chivers who also do so much of the behind the scenes organisation.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School 

Last Tuesday, Year 11 enjoyed a catered lunch and enjoyable afternoon exploring respect in their relationships with two great guest speakers. The afternoon is designed for students to see the good in themselves and others, to be confident in who they are, to realise that everyone has anxieties and to build respect for themselves and others. 

The male staff and students worked in the Nairn Theatre with Tommy Herschell from 鈥楩ind Ya Feet鈥�. Tommy is an excellent presenter and facilitator who has been working with our young men for a number of years. He breaks down the myth that men and boys can鈥檛 talk about their feelings and problems. He asks men to seek help and be a support to others. 

The Year 11 girls engaged with presenter Emma Tabacaru, founder of 鈥楶ippin Girl鈥�, to dive into what defines their inherent worth and value as a human being, to discuss values, body confidence, social media fallacies and making healthy, safe and rewarding choices around their behaviour, relationships and sexuality.

A panel discussion was facilitated with some of the exceptional women and role-models on staff, who surround and empower our Senior School girls every day. My thanks to all staff involved but especially Mr Craig Pascoe for organising these events. They can be transformational for our young people.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School 

On Thursday 13 August, I had the pleasure of accompanying eleven Year 11 girls to St Hilda鈥檚 School for the 2026 She Leads Possera Summit. The day offered an inspiring opportunity to hear from accomplished female leaders, engage with contemporary issues, and explore what it means to lead in a rapidly changing world. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and meaningful discussions, students were encouraged to reflect on their own leadership potential and future impact.

Below are reflections from six of the students who attended. Their experiences highlight the value of diverse perspectives, meaningful connections, and conversations around leadership, innovation, equality, and emerging technologies. The summit left students feeling inspired, empowered, and motivated to lead with confidence and purpose.

The She Leads Possera Summit was an incredible experience, and I took so much away from the day. I loved hearing from so many inspiring female leaders and learning about the positive impact they have made within our community. One of my favourite moments was discovering how dance can provide an outlet in such a technology driven world, and I especially enjoyed getting up on stage and dancing to Michael Jackson! It was also wonderful to meet girls from a variety of schools, including some who had travelled all the way from Canberra. Overall, I had an amazing time and left feeling far more knowledgeable than before. Thanks so much, All Saints, for giving me the opportunity to attend!
Milla A

I personally loved listening to the lady from the UN who works with women in Afghanistan. I thought the issues she was tackling were so important, and it was incredible what she was doing.
Charlotte A

Eleven Year 11 students including myself attended the She Leads Possera summit, an annual student-led female leadership event centred on the theme 鈥楬uman in the Loop鈥�. Highlights included opening remarks from Tom Tate, followed by guest speakers like Grace O鈥橞rein co-founder of Pink Chip, who encouraged us to live spontaneously, allowing yourself to drift at times and Alexandra Khmelevskaya, who shared the unique leadership superpowers AI could never replicate. A highlight of the day was Jo鈥檚 Mojo dance session learning Afrobeat and Michael Jackson鈥檚 Beat It, which proved that AI cannot match human emotion and vulnerability through dance. It was a real eye-opening day of growth, connecting with inspiring young women from as far as Canberra, and learning how to lead alongside the ever-evolving technology.
Mia R

I was one of the very fortunate Year 11 students to be selected to represent All Saints at the She Leads Possera Summit at St Hildas, and it was a great experience that taught me very valuable lessons. The event was not just about empowering young women, but it also celebrated innovation and allowed for all students to confront challenges that were very prevalent in today's society, specifically AI. It was very motivating to be in a room with such confident and inspiring women, both around me at the tables and on stage speaking about their personal experiences. I had many valuable conversations with girls from other schools that were seated at my randomised table and around the room that I had never spoken to before, and it was reassuring to know that our future was in the hands of such bright and ambitious people. Overall, it was very meaningful to be a part of an event led by young women for young women, and I'm incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity.
Charlotte L D

Attending the She Leads Possera Summit was an inspiring and enjoyable experience, particularly because I had the opportunity to hear from so many accomplished and knowledgeable women. My favourite part was participating in the Mojo Dance performance, where we quickly learned the routines, had lots of fun and created an energetic atmosphere. I was especially inspired by Susan Ferguson鈥檚 speech from UN Women Afghanistan, which taught me more about women鈥檚 empowerment and equality and the importance of supporting vulnerable women and girls. I also enjoyed meeting and socialising with students from different schools, which made the experience even more welcoming and memorable.
Bernadette K

She Leads Possera Summit was a great opportunity that opened my eyes to many different perspectives on relevant topics and prevalent challenges that we may face 鈥� from girls my age as well as experienced women in their specialised fields. It was also very nice to connect and bond with girls whom, without this summit, I would have never had the chance to meet.
Rainbow L

The Possera summit was a day a really enjoyed, largely due to the friendly nature of other year 11 girls. I found it particularly interesting to learn the opinions of my peers and found the reasoning they put forth to be very well communicated and intellectual. I also very much enjoyed the dancing. 
Anna J

For me a key takeaway would be how naturally close-minded we are as humans, I found myself both hearing and accepting new point of views for the first time, such as, Dr. Sheila Gough Kenyon who had never actually studied astronomy but rather studied Psychology finding herself in an astronomy field was honestly very inspiring-I have grown up believing you had to know what you wanted to do and you had to study to do it, however the 'Space Bound' talk segment really opened up my eyes and left me with a final though of how the best thing you can do for your life is to follow what you enjoy.

Moreover, a memorable moment was definitely receiving the amazing opportunity to speak on the panel. I truly feel so lucky to have been able to share my thoughts with a room of such intelligent young women while being able to hear the thoughts of others.
Charlotte L 

Katie Hobbins
Senior School Teacher 

A group of Year 12 All Saints students recently participated in an Economics Student Experience Day held at the University of Queensland's St Lucia campus.

This provided us with the opportunity to attend a lecture and engage in interactive workshops and activities throughout the day. These were related to topics such as climate change and Prisoner's Dilemma theory. We also had the opportunity to meet UQ staff and Economics students and ask questions about degree pathways and what a career in Economics could look like.

The event was attended by 350 students from across Queensland. Over the course of the day, students competed in a team challenge that required them to apply economic thinking and microeconomic concepts at various locations across the UQ campus. An All Saints team consisting of Zach T, Jonathan B and William M was announced as the overall winner and was presented with a range of UQ merchandise in recognition of its success.

In recent years, a number of All Saints students have gained admission to Economics degree programs at UQ. The Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (BAFE) course, with an ATAR entry requirement of 99.5, has been a particularly attractive option. Hamish S (Class of 2024 and Dux) and Zach A (2024 School Vice-Captain) both gained admission and are currently on exchange at the London School of Economics. Last year, three All Saints students were admitted to this prestigious program.

William M
Year 12 Economics student

2026 has been a break-out year for Ian K of Year 11. In Term 1, he was invited to compete in the Australian Mathematical Olympiad (AMO) Summer Exam where he achieved a Silver Award.

More recently Ian produced another Silver Award-winning performance in the AMO Winter Exam which has qualified him for the AMO Finals 鈥� 8 questions over 8 hours over 2 days!

Also, in late-breaking news, Ian has overcome all his rivals to place 1st in Queensland in the UQ/QAMT Problem Solving Competition, a competition previously won by many of All Saints past Maths legends.

We wish Ian all the best for the AMO Finals and the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) as he strives to be the next Mathematics student to have their name etched on the Maths Honour Board (reserved for success in National and International competitions).

Adrian Gaterell 
Head of Mathematics

On Wednesday 5 August, our Year 11 and Year 12 Hospitality students had the wonderful opportunity to put their hospitality skills into practice by serving at our Christmas in Winter dinner.

The event also provided an opportunity to support the Giveathon Appeal, with approximately 60 members of the All Saints community attending and contributing to the evening.

Guests were welcomed with warm mulled wine and a festive winter atmosphere before enjoying an exceptional three-course meal prepared by our Year 12 Hospitality students. The evening was filled with Christmas games, jokes and plenty of laughter, with a special visit from Santa, who was given an early release from his Christmas preparations to join us for the occasion.

Our Hospitality students conducted themselves with an exceptionally high level of professionalism, enthusiasm and courtesy throughout the evening. Every student should feel extremely proud of their contribution.

A special thank you goes to Mother Ann, Mrs Thorpe and her team of dedicated volunteers for their invaluable assistance with the event setup and organisation. We would also like to sincerely acknowledge Mrs Sayers for the considerable time, expertise and effort invested in working with our students before and during the event to create such a wonderful winter feast.

The evening was a great success and provided our Hospitality students with a valuable opportunity to develop their practical skills while contributing to the wider All Saints community and supporting the Giveathon Appeal. It was wonderful to see their hard work, teamwork and professionalism come together to create such a memorable evening for our guests.

Simon Wells
Hospitality Coordinator

After attending the National Youth Science Forum earlier this year, Mariana N (Year 12) was selected to participate in the London International Youth Science Forum at Imperial College in London. Her research on the ethics and equity of animal dissection in secondary education progressed through three competitive stages, culminating in a TED-style presentation on stage. As one of the youngest participants, this was an outstanding international achievement.

Each year, a number of our senior students undertake school-based traineeships and apprenticeships, gaining valuable hands-on experience in industries they are considering for their future careers. These opportunities allow students to explore potential career pathways while developing practical skills, industry knowledge and the employability skills valued by employers. 

We congratulate the following students who have successfully completed all requirements of their traineeship. 

This is a fantastic achievement and reflects their commitment to balancing their school studies with workplace training and the completion of a nationally recognised qualification.

Olivia D - Sport & Recreation

Zarah F - Sport & Recreation

Holly S - Sport & Recreation

Mariana N - Science Assistant

Jake S - Theatre Technician

Oskar S - Screen & Media

Two of our students have already commenced trade apprenticeships and will convert to full time apprentices after school.

Lachie B - Carpentry

Harry W - Marine Mechanical

Congratulations everyone!

Alison Weeks
Director of Student Futures

Each year, some of our students take the opportunity to complete a university subject while still at school, extending themselves academically and gaining first-hand experience of university study. These programs provide a valuable insight into university life and help students explore their interests and make more informed decisions about the courses and study pathways they may pursue after school. 

We congratulate the following students for successfully completing their subjects in addition to their school timetable:

Aden A - Bond University - Literature and Philosophy for Global Challenges

Juliette C - Southern Cross University Scholars Program - Language and Learning

Oliver H - Bond University - Literature and Philosophy for Global Challenges

Jack O - University of Southern Queensland - Geographic Information Systems

Alison Weeks
Director of Student Futures

Last week, we were excited to host a visiting vocational education group from Paju City, South Korea, a place well known for its proximity to the North Korean border and DMZ.

Beside undertaking English language studies, the group had a wonderful experience undertaking a cooking class at our Heaven鈥檚 Above kitchen facility, under the instruction of talented chef and trainer 鈥� Erin Sayers. This experience was particularly requested by the group to better understand how vocational education is delivered in the Queensland School environment.

The group was accompanied by their Superintendent of Education, who was surprised by the professional standard of both our hospitably teaching environment and level of instruction.

Michael Bartlett
Director of International Education

Support one of our 2026 Giveathon charities, the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation on Saturday 19 September, 2:30-3:30pm at the Robina Community Centre.

Tickets available through the link below: 

The 鈥淚n the Right Spirit鈥� medal is awarded to athletes from each APS school who embody not only excellence in performance, but also the values that define APS sport. This award recognises students who compete with integrity, determination, and a genuine commitment to their team and school.

Recipients may be athletes who demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, achieve outstanding results, show remarkable improvement, or rise to the occasion when their team needs them most. It also celebrates those who lead through encouragement, positivity, and their ability to inspire others to achieve their best.

This year, we presented one medal to a Middle School student, and one to a Senior School student.

Congratulations to Maddalena S (Year 8) and Ronan W (Year 10).

Belinda Eckstein 
Director of Sport and Activities 

Due to outstanding performances at the APS Athletics Championships, we have had a number of students selected in the Hinterland District Team to compete at the South Coast Regional Championships on the 25 to 27 August. 

Congratulations, and best of luck to the following students:

• Lily A
• Seth A
• Ada A
• Wynter B
• Isla B
• Elkie B
• Poppy C
• Fox C
• Tyson C
• Zane D
• Frieda D
• Finley D
• Ellie E
• Blake E
• Alba E
• Alex F
• Isaac G
• Elspeth H
• Nathan I
• Finn K
• Alexander L
• Eddie L
• Jack L
• Lily M
• Arthur M
• Lucas P
• Alexandra P
• Keanu P
• Lily P
• Ashley P
• Archie P
• Ethan R
• Mathilda S
• Eva S
• Hamish S
• Maddalena S
• Skye S
• Lexi S
• Archer S
• Sofia T
• Lomani T
• Xavier W

Belinda Eckstein
Director of Sport and Activities

AFL

Congratulations to Lily A (Year 8), who represented Queensland in the U14 Girls AFL Team at the National Championships in Melbourne. Competing against strong teams from across Australia, the Queensland girls enjoyed a fantastic tournament and narrowly missed a medal, finishing an impressive 4th overall. A wonderful achievement!

HOCKEY

Last weekend Elle M (Year 6), Annabelle S and Phillipa S (Year 7) and Zoe P (Year 8) represented South Coast at the State Hockey Championships. They all had a great tournament. Zoe was fortunate to be selected in the Queensland team to compete in the National Championships later this year.

SWIMMING

Congratulations to Ivy S (Year 7), who achieved outstanding results at the Swimming Queensland Short Course Championships, winning silver in the 50m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m breaststroke in the 12-year-old category. A fantastic achievement!

TOUCH FOOTBALL

Congratulations to Lily A (Year 8), who represented South Coast in the U15 Girls team at the Queensland Representative School Sport Touch Football State Championships in Brisbane. The team remained undefeated throughout the tournament and claimed the gold medal with a victory over a strong Capricornia side in the final.

On August 5, All Saints Anglican School students embraced a true Double Whammy Wednesday, participating in two meaningful service experiences, showcasing, 鈥淭he Spirit of Us鈥� and 鈥淕ood Humans Ready for the World鈥�.

A group of students from Years 7 -11 spent the day at People First Stadium, Carrara, volunteering with 鈥淐onnect 2 Home鈥� and gaining valuable insight into some of the many challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. Through hands-on service and delivery of donations, they learned the importance of dignity, connection and support for vulnerable members of our community.

That evening, All Saints鈥� Heaven's Above Restaurant was transformed for a special 鈥淐hristmas in Winter Play it Forward鈥� Giveathon event, aimed at supporting our 2026 selected charities. Guests from The Leukaemia Foundation, The Gold Coast Hospital Foundation and Team Sports 4 All and our school community joined the festivities, hosted by the Service and Faith Committees and expertly catered by our Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students. With festive fun, community spirit and even a special visit from Santa, the event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate charitable partnerships that make a difference in the lives of others.

From serving those experiencing homelessness to supporting our Giveathon charities, our students demonstrated that small acts of service can create a lasting impact. We thank all staff, students and our supportive community involved for representing All Saints Anglican School with such generosity, enthusiasm and heart.

Louise Thorpe
Service Learning Coordinator