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Welcome back to Term 2! It鈥檚 been a bit of an on-again, off-again start with public holidays, but hopefully the softer launch has left us all feeling refreshed and ready for a term full of learning, connection, and memory-making.

What a start it鈥檚 been already! Week 1 saw a fabulous Cross Country event鈥攖he decision to postpone certainly paid off, with perfect conditions and a great atmosphere on the day. Across the break and these first three weeks, our students have been involved in an extraordinary range of experiences: the French Immersion Exchange, early morning beach sessions for Cross Country training, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, Year 9 and Year 10 camps, multiple sports tournaments, four year-level Eucharists, and some spirited debating competitions鈥攋ust to name a few.

And the momentum continues. Led by the wonderful Chantelle Flint and team, the cast and crew of our school production of Newsies are ready to wow audiences beginning Thursday night this week. A huge thank you to our incredible parent volunteers and a loud and proud Chookas! to all of our performers and backstage team. I can鈥檛 wait to see it come to life.

The rhythm of school life is well and truly alive, and I look forward to everything this term has in store.

And finally, I want to take a moment to honour the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our community. Thank you for all that you do, every day. You are the pillars of our beautiful community. We see and appreciate the thousand unseen moments: remembering the sport uniform, packing the lunches, checking FIDO, coordinating the sports practices. It鈥檚 the mental load鈥攓uietly carried, rarely acknowledged, and utterly vital to keeping family life and community humming. Happy Mother's Day.

Matt Corbett
Principal

Over the coming months, we鈥檒l be developing the next strategic plan for All Saints鈥攐ne that builds on the strong foundations already in place and charts a clear, community-informed path for the future.

While the word 鈥渟trategy鈥� often brings to mind boardrooms and battle plans, our intention is something far more meaningful and community focused.

We will develop a blueprint for All Saints: a living, breathing plan that reflects the hopes, beliefs, and aspirations of our students, families, staff, and alumni.

Next Monday 12 May, we will launch the first stage of this process: the 2025 Community Survey. Parents will be invited to complete the survey online, while students and staff will also have the opportunity to contribute in the weeks ahead.

This is not a rebranding exercise or about reinventing ourselves. We know who we are鈥攁nd we鈥檙e proud of it. This survey is a chance to affirm that identity, to understand our strengths from your perspective, and to listen as we continue to evolve. Our values, our history, and our culture are sacrosanct; they will not only remain intact, but they will guide every step of our future direction.

The survey itself is thorough鈥攁bout 30 minutes of your time鈥攕o we ask you to pause, clear a little time, and share what matters to you. We鈥檝e chosen depth over convenience because your feedback is important, and it will be foundational to our thinking.

We鈥檝e partnered with MMG Education, an independent firm that works with over 150 schools across Australia. Your responses will be confidential and professionally analysed to ensure balance, insight, and clarity. Parents with multiple children will be asked to complete the survey for the child whose birthday is next but can request additional links if they鈥檇 like to reflect on more than one experience.

This isn鈥檛 just about satisfaction. It鈥檚 about perspective鈥攕eeing the school through your eyes. It鈥檚 easy for any organisation to write its own review, but far more valuable to receive a 360-degree view from those who know us best. Your feedback will help us celebrate what鈥檚 working and identify the areas in which we can grow.

Later today, you鈥檒l receive a detailed communication with instructions and next steps.

Once the survey is complete and results are in, I鈥檒l be sharing key findings in Saints Alive and hosting a series of Principal Coffee Mornings in Term 3 to invite deeper conversation. 

Let鈥檚 shape a future worthy of our past鈥攁nd inspired by all we鈥檙e yet to become.

Matt Corbett
Principal

Newsies hit the boards last night with a bang-up first show at a sell-out gala, and lemme tell ya, it was the bee鈥檚 knees! The crowd went wild 鈥� folks were gobsmacked by the razzle-dazzle talent and high-kickin鈥� hustle packed into this must-see musical smash.

Ain鈥檛 got your ducat yet? Word on the street is there鈥檚 still a few floatin鈥� around 鈥� so hop to it, pal! Snag one before they鈥檙e gone faster than a paper in a lunch rush.

And don鈥檛 fret about where you鈥檙e sittin鈥� 鈥� at the Nairn Theatre, every seat鈥檚 a front-row view to the action.

Seize the day and don鈥檛 delay!

Bringing together passionate foodies, taste your way through All Saints farm garden and local delicious flavours at the 2025 Celebration of Sustainability Paddock to Plate Luncheon.

Date: Wednesday 28 May, 12pm - 2pm
Location: Heavens Above Restaurant, 逗逼直播
Tickets: $50 and include a complimentary mocktail on arrival, 3-course meal, plus tea and coffee. Book your tickets .

What to expect: 

• Be delighted by sustainable surprises from some very generous local businesses.
• Discover some great sustainable practices for you and your family in the kitchen, and see demonstrations take place
• Pick up fresh, seasonal produce from our Farm Garden stall
• Win lucky door prizes and go in the running to win some great raffle prizes with all funds going to Giveathon

The event will be hosted by the All Saints Social Justice and Sustainability Captains and should conclude by 2pm. Guests will be seated at tables of 10.

PLUS:

Our special guest of the day will be the remarkable Nicole Evans from Connectedle.

Connection, love, and compassion are at the heart of everything Nicole Evans does. As a Connection Consultant, Medical Educator, and Keynote Speaker, Nicole brings over 25 years of experience to her mission: helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Through ConnectedLE, she delivers science-backed, storytelling-rich wellbeing education that鈥檚 practical, engaging, and deeply human. Nicole runs workshops on stress, burnout, communication, and connection, and teaches future healthcare professionals the power of compassion, mindfulness, and emotional awareness. Her upcoming book, Love Lessons, offers real, relatable insights for navigating love, grief, and overwhelm 鈥� with heart and hope.

This event is part of All Saints' Celebration of Sustainability hosted by student groups the Social Justice and Sustainability Committee (Senior School), SASSAFRAS (Middle School) and the Sustainable Saints (Junior School). During this week our sustainability ambassadors all come together to encourage the All Saints community to improve our personal and collective sustainable practices and raise awareness of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

We love learning at All Saints proudly embrace a true Dr. Seuss philosophy; Think and wonder, wonder and think.

We want our young people to be scratching their heads, stroking their chins, furrowing their brows and stretching their brains to ask questions, lots of questions. In fact, the challenge is to ask questions, connected to their learning, that their teachers can鈥檛 answer!

Irving Segl devoted his life to the importance of asking questions. He believed, correctly, that our brains respond to questions that develop and strengthen our social, emotional and cognitive growth. Questions create challenges in our brains that help us learn. The essence of Segl鈥檚 research is founded in the theory that questioning fosters alternative and more complex representations of stories, events and circumstances which assist our brains to make increasingly more complex connections between neurons. More connections lead to more learning being stored efficiently in our working and long term memories.

BLESSED ARE THE CURIOUS FOR THEY SHALL HAVE ADVENTURES

• This week Year 6 students delved into some fascinating hands-on classroom adventures. They were exploring some pretty complex number algorithms as part of a Maths investigation into perimeter and also investigated circuits in Science.
• Year 5 explored our fabulous Nairn Theatre, top to bottom, as part of their Term 2 Drama unit and I have been truly impressed by their knowledge and understanding of the workings of the theatre. This rare opportunity saw the students venture into far reaches of the theatre not typically seen by audiences. Led by Mrs Tucker they braved the heights of the fly bridge to view the stage from above getting a birds eye view not only of the stage but the mechanics behind the stage prop movement and curtains.
  The students spent time learning how the lights and special effects are used to enhance performances and heard about some rather unique theatre traditions. The students also met Mr Dean and Mr Curtis, our resident Theatre Technicians, who play pivotal roles in all theatre productions. Students learned about the history of the Nairn Theatre and some of the architectural nuances dreamed of and created especially for us by the Mr Burling who designed and built this jewel. Thank you to Rosie Tucker who organised this fantastic learning incursion for our future leaders each year.
  
• Our newest afterschool extra-curricular activity has been a delicious success. The Kids Cooking Academy has been inspiring our future Master Chefs and they have been cooking up a storm in the Senior School Home Ec space.
  
• Thanks to Mrs Chipps and Mr Holt who coordinate our weekly Skipping Club. It鈥檚 no ordinary skipping session, though, with pairs and teams perfecting some pretty complex manoeuvres. I am so looking forward to their next assembly performance!

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

Our littlest learners also finished last term in true All Saints style with their annual Easter Hat Parade. 

And this year was another showstopper!

Each hat, hand made with care, was unique and spectacular. Our littlies paraded for the admiring audience and then sang and danced for us all. Special guests were challenged to perform the Chicken Dance and, although not quite as energetic as the Pre Prep to Year 2 students, they did a pretty good job.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

One of the most memorable and enjoyable Junior School programs is our Year 5/6 Pen Pal initiative. The brainchild of Mrs Cassie Carpenter, All Saints鈥� original Coordinator of Service Learning鈥攚ho has since handed this beautiful baton to Mrs Louise Thorpe鈥攖his fantastic project was first introduced in 2011 and sees our Year 5 students begin writing to a pen pal from one of several local retirement villages.

Throughout the year, they exchange letters, sharing stories from their lives and asking questions relevant to the History and Social Science (HaSS) unit being explored. Their correspondence continues into Year 6 and, once again, is closely linked to their HaSS curriculum. Of course, the benefits for pen pals鈥攜oung and not-so-young鈥攅xtend well beyond a simple curriculum project.

Our retired friends visit the school, where Year 5 students, as All Saints ambassadors, show them around and share a delicious morning tea. Then, in Year 6, our students visit their writing buddies in their homes. The excitement and animated conversation is heartwarming, as photos, artwork and even gifts are exchanged.

This week, Year 6 students visited their pen pals, taking the opportunity to share what they鈥檝e been learning at school and to learn more about the early lives of their retired friends. The pen pals shared their experiences of growing up in Australia or migrating here, providing a rich background for the History unit our students have been exploring.

It is a truly inspiring moment when our pen pals come together.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

One of the highlights of our first week back was our ANZAC Service. Prep to Year 6 students came together in our beautiful Chapel to share in a very special time of recognition and remembrance. The service was infused with moments of solemnity, gratitude and hope in equal measure. Superbly selected musical interludes helped us all to reflect upon the ageless ANZAC message and give thanks for those who sacrificed so much. Our service concluded with representatives from each class laying floral tributes at the base of our All Saints Lone Pine in a very moving few minutes of quiet contemplation.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.
Maya Angelou

At All Saints we care about not merely our student鈥檚 academic growth, but also their social and emotional development, and providing them with a caring and nurturing community. The Little Mates mentoring program that kicked off this term directly supports these valuable ideals within the life of our school.

This wonderful initiative, led by our Service Learning Coordinator, Mrs Louise Thorpe, sees a small group of Year 3 Students (Little Mates) spend time with a Year 12 Student (Big Mates). They play games, read together and even work on their homework but, most importantly a special friendship is formed. Our hope, and plan, is that the creation of this big brother or sister bond also helps build a sense of social and emotional confidence in our Little Mates.

Stacey Ward, Director of Pastoral Care in the Senior School beautifully describes the aims and benefits that student to student mentoring can achieve.

鈥榃ith the program I am hoping that the little ones get quality time with someone who is fun as well as being a great role model. The more quality 鈥榦lder鈥� people in their lives other than their parents and siblings definitely makes a difference. With the senior students, it helps with their empathy development, sense of self, self-confidence, and organisational skills. It also gives them time out from their stressful lives and reinforces what is important in life 鈥� human relationships.鈥�

And relationship building was most evident when mentors met mentees again this week. There was giggling, sharing, drawing, stories and much more. It was amazing to see the beautiful connections being forged between some of our youngest students and our school leaders. This is why we all love this place so much.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

A huge shout out to our 2025 Kidslit teams who competed against a barrage of other teams, primary and secondary, in the recent regional competition. The Kids鈥� Lit Quiz is an annual literature quiz for student鈥檚 aged 10-13 years. Teams of four students are asked to answer 100 questions on children鈥檚 literature divided into ten categories, which vary each year.

Each team is provided with a set of blank answer sheets and are asked to write the name of their school at the top of each of the ten sheets.

One student acts as the scribe, and after consultation with the rest of the team writes the answer to the questions on the printed sheets provided for each round. At the end of each round, the sheets are gathered up and checked against the answer sheets by a team of markers. Examples of categories set previously include poetry, authors, titles, settings, characters, and nursery rhymes.

Our teams worked hard well ahead of the final event demonstrating great teamwork, diligence and critical thinking and received a 2nd and 3rd place. To have placed so well they had to demonstrate an excellent understanding, literal and inferential, of each of the five books read in previous weeks.

Congratulations our two teams and Coach Reardon for their long term commitment to this incredibly valuable competition.

Team 1: 2nd Place

• Nicholas Wilson
• Kanav Thakur
• Justice Harris
• Philippa Spencer
  

Team 2: 3rd Place

• Emma Brandon
• Amelia Beldham
• Melissa Ren
• Tania Li

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

Abraham Lincoln said, 鈥淎ll that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.鈥�

Our Pre Prep students spent some very special time with their mums, grandmums and special friends in the lead up to Mother鈥檚 Day. What a beautiful time to spoil them with flowers, gifts, words and hugs.

I felt honoured to be able to spoil those extra-special mums in the Junior School who have a graduating Year 12 student this year at our recent P&F Mothers鈥� Day Lunch. What a truly amazing table of ladies.

Mums are amazing. It鈥檚 as simple as that. I hope all of our beautiful mums are thoroughly spoiled this Sunday.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

Thank you to the following students for their birthday book donations this week. We hope you have a wonderful birthday.

• Isabelle - Pre Prep Blue
• Sophia - Prep S
• Eloise - Prep Z
• Harrison - 1G
• James- 1G
• Wren - 1G
• Nate - 1H
• Billie - 1L
• Cooper - 2B
• Harvey - 2B
• Jack - 2W
• Freddie - 2W
• Sienna - 2W
• Olivia - 3C
• Selina - 3V
• Penelope - 4A
• Sonny - 4H
• Harvey - 4H
• Milly - 5C
• Harriet - 5G

Information on how to be part of the Birthday Book Club can also be found on 

The Junior School Library Team 

Following on from our induction of Year 9 Middle School Leaders in Term 1, last week we appointed the Year 7 and Year 8 Leaders for Term 2. Congratulations to the following students:

• 7A: Maven Irwin, Tyler Teng 
• 7C:鈥疕arry Plane, Olivia Zong 
• 7D: Maddalena Slaven, Allan Stirling
• 7E: Zoe Poric, Gavin Topakas
• 7K: Dylan Andriano, Emily Stevenson
• 7R: Hannah Glass, Munleen Singh
• 7W: Sienna Archer, Leon Wang
  
• 8B: Alana Harrison, Darcy Laing
• 8颁:鈥�Enzo Morgan, Lennox Black 
• 8D: Lili Cao, Oscar Webber
• 8G: Coco Cao, Felix Zhang 
• 8L: Joanna Ye, Benjamin Zannakis
• 8P: Darcy Arthur, Annabel Moffatt
• 8S: Kirralee Jones, Jasper Nguyen

The certificate they received along with their badges of office contained the following Statement of Intent: 

鈥淎s Middle School Leaders, we will strive to inspire even greater levels of connection and involvement within our classes, our Houses and within and across all three year levels. We will also endeavour to model the sort of selfless, empathetic servant leader described in Galatians 6:2: 鈥淐arry each other鈥檚 burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.鈥�

This statement was generated by our Year 9 Middle School Leaders, constituting their vision for Middle School throughout 2025.

A reminder that, by way of providing an opportunity for more students to experience leadership, we will repeat the same selection process at the end of each term and subsequently appoint new year-level leaders. Thus, six students in each Year 7 and Year 8 class will be able to take on this all-important role throughout the year.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

In Week 1 of Term, our entire Year 9 cohort travelled away to QCCC in Mapleton for three brilliant days of action.

If you haven't already, I very much encourage families to head to the Year 9 Parent Communication page on to check out the  in the news section!

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

An earnest thank you to all the families able to attend Tuesday evening鈥檚 Year 9 Eucharist and last weeks Year 7 Eucharist. 

Both cohorts presented beautifully, sang lustily, prayed respectfully and ate heartily! 

This opportunity for the entire cohort and their families to come together each year is so important in continuing to strengthen the ties that bind our community together.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Monday of Week 2 marked the inaugural meeting of the Middle School Science Explorers, a fantastic new initiative for our Year 8 and 9 Scientific Saints. These young scientists gathered in the Senior School labs, where they were warmly welcomed and mentored by our enthusiastic Year 11 Science Ambassadors.

The first meeting was a great opportunity for students from different year levels to get to know each other and explore the senior school laboratory facilities.

Looking ahead to Week 3, the program will dive into practical experiences led by our Year 11 mentors.

As Ms Leslie eloquently put it, a group of Year 8 and 9 students have been "naturally selected" to participate, and our Senior School Science Ambassadors are "buzzing like bees" with excitement to work with them this term, aiming to "ignite their passion for science like a Bunsen burner".

This initiative promises to be an amazing opportunity for mentorship and to spark scientific curiosity among our students.

Andrew Hawtin
Middle School Teacher

Last week, our Houses have completed the first round of our annual Tinball competition. 

This cross between Dodgeball and Ten Pin Bowling pits all 70+ members of one House against another and is just the sort of high-energy, chaotic, one-in-all-in fun that Middle School adores. 

The next round of round robin games will be next week (Week 4). A reminder that students are to wear House uniform on both Monday and Wednesday.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Our Middlers have registered some extraordinary individual and team achievements of late 鈥� representing their school and their state. 

Please do check out the Sport section of Saints Alive to hear about Little Athletics Nationals, Futsal Championships, Basketball tournaments, and host of other representative achievements!

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Chookas! to the entire Newsies company as they commence their two-week production run on Thursday 8 May. Middlers have worked so very hard alongside their Senior School cast- and crew-mates over many months, and we hope the (99%) sold out audiences love the show as much as they do. (There are still a handful of tickets left 鈥� 鈥渟o do yourself a favour鈥� as the iconic music critic Molly Meldrum used to say).

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Wishing a very happy Mother鈥檚 Day on Sunday week to all the wonderful mums, step-mums, grand-mums and guardians out there. 

Here鈥檚 hoping that life doesn鈥檛 get in the way of you being spoilt by your nearest and dearest over that weekend!

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

While the parents were enjoying a lovely lunch, our Hospitality students were learning valuable real-life skills working with the team from The Star. 

Under the guidance of Mr Simon Wells and Ms Erin Sayers, the students did the Hospitality department at All Saints proud through their high standard of service. Our students were an absolute a credit to themselves and the School. They worked with a positive attitude and a smile on their faces, exhibiting exemplary customer service. 

Many thanks also to the Performing Arts staff and students who travelled over to The Star to showcase a musical number from Newsies and the amazing mothers that organised this huge undertaking of friend raising for our community.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

A large and intrepid group of students have successfully returned from the two adventurous journeys that took place over the school holidays

The Bronze Level students hiked through Yuraygir National Park, while the Gold Level students swapped shoes for paddles as they canoed the Noosa River for five days. They had a brilliant time leading their adventure. Despite some damp weather, the students loved the experience and are close to the outstanding achievement of completing this Award. 

These expeditions could not happen without the amazing, dedicated staff who supervised these expeditions; Ms Stacey Ward, Ms Nyree Hill, Ms Kirsty Branch, Mr Paul Adams, Ms Lee Murphy, Ms Lizzie Wood and Mr Alec Brand who organised and oversaw these adventurous journeys.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Last week saw perfect weather and conditions for Year 10 Camp. In the beautiful hinterland setting, the staff and professional instructors provided a range of physical, social and communication challenges for 200 Year 10 students over the three-day camp at Maranatha, Yandina.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and enjoyed speaking with students and hearing stories of new friends made, skills learnt, and challenges overcome. 

It was also pleasing to see for myself, just how well behaved and enthusiastic the cohort was while on camp. They did themselves and us proud. It was a fabulous few days but of course, this would not be the case without the expert supervision and instruction of our outdoor education facilitators at Maranatha, our camp coordinators, Mr Brendan Callaghan and Ms Stacey Ward and the dedicated staff who put their own home lives on hold to provide this valuable experience for our students.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

The postponed Inter-House Cross Country Carnival was finally rewarded with perfect running weather and a one day break in the rain.

It was also wonderful to have all three sub-schools running and supporting each other throughout the afternoon. I must congratulate the students on their outstanding effort. It is one of those school days that truly recognises and rewards teamwork and individual effort. 

My congratulations go to McIntosh House who took home the Senior School Trophy, ahead of Day and Burling. Day combined with Middle School students to take home the Overall Championship Trophy. 

A big thank you to Mr Fergus Leslie, Ms Georgia Liussi, Mr Michael Mathews, Mr Steve Jones and the Grounds staff who again prepared an excellent carnival.

Full results and photos will be in the next edition of Saints Alive - Week 5.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Year 11 student, Zoe Hunt, has had a keen interest in marine biology.

Zoe heard about the Maria Island Marine Biology Experience which is held in Tasmania in April each year. A pre-requisite for this program is to undertake a UTAS subject, A Primer of Marine and Antarctic Science, which Zoe completed earlier this year. Zoe was one of 23 students in Years 11 and 12 selected from over 500 applicants Australia-wide. Congratulations Zoe!

Zoe has shared her experience here: 

"I was one of 23 students selected from over 500 applicants from around Australia for a weeklong hands-on marine biology course at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS) in Tasmania. In the first week of term, I flew in to join the other students and although we were strangers at first, we quickly became close, and I know I鈥檝e made some life-long friends. On day two we took a ferry out to Maria Island where we spent five days collecting data on marine species and habitats and investigating the impact of ocean warming. Our fieldwork included snorkelling, microscope analysis, and sampling fish, zooplankton, infauna, and intertidal organisms. Each night we attended lectures from experts in the field while compiling field journals based on our experiences and data. In addition to this we collaborated in groups to create 30-minute presentations analysing this year鈥檚 data and comparing it to previous years. This experience was amazing not only because of the friendships formed but because it is one of the only opportunities as a high school student to experience what its like as a marine biologist. Although the week was intense it was one of the best experiences of my life and I hope I can return to IMAS professionally into the future." 

Alison Weeks
Director of Futures

We congratulate our students who have recently commenced school-based apprenticeships and traineeships and are now on their way to become tradespeople and learning more about their chosen industry.

• Lachlan Bryan, Year 11 - commenced a school-based apprenticeship in carpentry with Typical Constructions.
• Joe James, Year 10 - commenced a school-based apprenticeship in carpentry with Firestone Construction.
• Deni Hopkins, Year 11 - commenced a school-based traineeship in Business with Sunny Skye's Aquatics and Wellness Hub.
• Ava O'Connor, Year 10 - commenced a school-based traineeship in Early Childhood Education and Care with A Headstart Children's Centre.

Alison Weeks
Director of Futures

Congratulations to Lily Pearson (Year 12 Burchill) and Saxon Miller (Year 11 Reeves) who have been awarded the John Franklin Memorial Fellowships for 2025. 

The John Franklin Fellowship was established in memory of Councillor John Franklin who passed away in 1993. 

The objectives of The Fellowship are to enable a young person (under 21) to undertake study and research, obtain relevant experience or pursue a project in a field of academic, cultural, vocational or sporting endeavours.

It is well deserved recognition for Lily and Saxon. They receive financial support towards their future studies and the Fellowship Medal, a wonderful achievement.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

The 2025 school musical, Newsies, is in full swing and is already receiving rave reviews. 

The Gala Night on Thursday was a fabulous success. At last Thursday鈥檚 assembly, all Senior School students were treated to a sneak peek selection of songs. It was amazing. The staff, students and parent volunteers have given up so much of their time and every person involved in this production should be so proud of what they have already achieved. 

We wish you all the best for the upcoming performances and thank you for your talent, skill and dedication.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

On Wednesday 30 April, All Saints Netball was invited to participate in a gala day hosted by Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, fielding both Junior and Senior teams for the event.

Our Junior team, made up of the Vicki Wilson Cup squad, had their first opportunity to come together in a match play environment. With students from Years 7, 8 and 9, the team trialled combinations and refined their positional play while building valuable connections on and off the court. They performed admirably, securing two wins from three matches. Congratulations to Annie Bell, who was named Best and Fairest for the Junior team.

The Open A team also took to the court, delivering a strong performance despite being short in defence due to Year 10 camp. Several players stepped into unfamiliar positions to support their teammates, showing great versatility and commitment. Coaches were pleased with the team鈥檚 skill, adaptability and teamwork throughout the day. The gala provided valuable insight for both players and coaches ahead of the Vicki Wilson Cup series later this term. Ava Brewster was named Best and Fairest for the Senior team.

Special thanks to Mrs Belinda Eckstein for her ongoing leadership and coaching of the Junior squad as they continue their preparations for the Vicki Wilson Cup in July. We look forward to seeing both teams grow and develop in the lead-up to this prestigious competition.

The FQ School Futsal Championships is a statewide premier futsal competition for secondary schools, featuring high-quality, school-based futsal competitions to support the development of futsal programs within Queensland schools.

This week we took four Middle School teams to the SEQ school Futsal championships.

Jack Moon
Middle School PE Teacher

The postponed Inter-House Cross Country Carnival finally took place in Week 1 and it was a fabulous event, with great weather, showcasing great spirit and determination from all students. 

Full results and photos will be featured in the next edition of Saints Alive (Week 5), following the presentation of the Senior School Age Champion awards and the completion of the APS carnival next week.

AFL
Congratulations to Harry Cloke (Year 9) who has been selected to represent South Coast at the 13-15 years Boys AFL State Championships.

Congratulations to Kai White (Year 8), Finlay Stephenson (Year 9), Hunter Weatherley (Year 9), Charlie Growcott (Year 9) and Max Jacobson (Year 9) were selected to represent Hinterland District for AFL.

ATHLETICS 
Congratulations Oliver Cooke (Year 8) representing Queensland at the Australian Little Athletics Championships won a Bronze in the 200m hurdles and in the 4 X 100m relay.

Congratulations Tyson Croucher (Year 8) competing in the South Coast Regional Championships taking home Gold High Jump and Bronze in Triple Jump. Also competing at Queensland Athletics State Championships taking home Bronze in High Jump.

Congratulations to Ellie Eckstein (Year 8) representing Queensland at the National Little Athletics Championships, winning Gold in both the 800m and 1500m events, setting a new record in the 800m. Ellie also secured Silver  in the 400m.

FOOTBALL
Congratulations Mace Fowler (Year 9) who represented South Coast at the Queensland School Football Championships in Cairns . His u15s South Coast team were undefeated throughout the tournament winning the grand final 3-1.

GOLF
Congratulations to Jay Topakas (Year 10) for being selected in the South Coast Golf team to play at the State Championships.

NETBALL
Congratulations to Lomani Terepo (Year 5) who was selected to represent Hinterland District in the 11 Years Netball.

Congratulations to Lucia Dore (Year 10) who was selected to represent South Coast at the 13 鈥� 15 Years Netball State Championships.

SWIMMING
Congratulations Julia Remington (Year 12) who represented South Coast at the State Swimming Championships and was selected to represent Queensland at the National Swimming Championships.

Congratulations Will Sutcliffe (Year 12)  who represented South Coast And captained the South Coast Team at the State Swimming Championships. He came away with 2 Gold and 2 Silver and was selected to represented Queensland at the National Swimming Championships.

Congratulations to following students who have been selected as South Coast Swimming Representatives;

10-12 Years

• Krue o鈥橠wyer
• Eliana Rankin
  
• Marlie Scarce
• Sofia Twayer
• Finn Kollrep
  

13-19 Years

• Will Sutcliffe
• Julia Remmington
• Zarah Farrington
• Olivia Lush
• Cade McKissack

WATER POLO
Congratulations to Kirralee Jones (Year 8) who competed at the State and Australian Youth Water Polo Championships and gained the following results:

Queensland State Championships
U/14 girls - Silver
U/16 girls - Bronze

Australian Youth Championships
U/14 Girls - 4th
U/16 girls - 4th

Congratulations to Kealan and Cade McKissack - Kealan (Year 12) has made captain of the South Coast Waterpolo Team playing alongside his younger brother Cade (Year 11) at the Queensland All Schools tournament over the next 4 days.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
All Saints students achieve great things all the time and we鈥檙e always keen to acknowledge them in Saints Alive.

Please email your relevant sub-school with details and photos.

• Junior School - juniorreception@asas.qld.edu.au
• Middle School -middlereception@asas.qld.edu.au
• Senior School - seniorreception@asas.qld.edu.au

Parents and families were treated to a delightful evening of funny, moving, and lively performances by 39 enthusiastic Junior School students who learn Speech and Drama under the guidance of Mrs Naomi Middlebrook.

As the coordinator of Private Speech and Drama lessons across the school, Mrs Middlebrook expertly prepared the students to present solo poems, duologues, and small group pieces. The confidence and poise displayed by the young performers were truly inspiring, and the joy and support from families in the audience were clearly felt.

Congratulations to all students involved鈥攁n outstanding effort and a job well done!

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

Singers from All Saints Voices and Year 11 trumpeter Archie Mourad proudly represented our school at the Robina Community Centre's ANZAC Day ceremony. Performing to a packed auditorium and a broader audience via live stream, our students contributed meaningfully to the solemn occasion. Their professionalism and heartfelt performances were warmly received, earning praise from veterans, community members, and dignitaries in attendance.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

As our Year 3 and Year 5 students take on the exciting challenge of learning a new musical instrument, many families are discovering that encouraging regular practice can be easier said than done. 

This helpful article from ABC Classic offers practical, research-backed tips for parents (and students of all ages) to stay motivated and make music practice a positive part of daily life. Read the full article here.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

Save the Date!
As you plan for the term ahead, be sure to pencil in these exciting upcoming events:

🎶 Newsies Performances

🎶 Twilight Concerts

🎶 Junior School Instrumental Program concerts

These are highlights of the term you won鈥檛 want to miss. Full dates for Performing Arts .

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

Our new school principal is settling particularly well into his role as our fearless leader. Mr Matt Corbett understands our need to hold on to the unique and enviable culture that defines 逗逼直播 and underpins every activity that takes place at our remarkable school. He has declared our school鈥檚 theme for this year to be Community. A great choice, Mr Corbett!

I write this still basking in the afterglow of our Family Services, three of which have already been held this term. From the exuberant singing and dancing of our Years 3 & 4 all the way through to the increasingly self-conscious, but still enthusiastic Year 9s, who, I suspect, wish they could be just as enthusiastic (but now we鈥檙e in Year 9 and navigating the transition into adulthood is soooo confusing).

Gathering as community is an incredibly important part of our treasured school culture. Where many schools, particularly in the public sector are choosing to hold less and less intentional community evenings, we try to offer as many opportunities as possible for our parent-body to mingle with our staff and students, all of which help to nurture this community spirit.

There is something special about our worship services where I am always conscious of the spaces from which people come, and how they impact the individual experience which is not entirely lost in wholeness of the gathered community. The hurts that are being held, sometimes in lonely desperation, and the grief which assails us through the natural passage of our lives. Burdens related to work, relationship, personal identity, finances, and the plethora of minutia which make up our every day. These are often juxtaposed with celebrations of new births, new homes, success at work, pride in the accomplishment of a beloved child, a challenge met and won, and all the normal ups and downs of daily life. A veritable fruit salad of the sweet and sour moments which make up the fullness of our lives.

The value of gathering in a sacred space has often surprised me, which of course it should not! It is here in the rarified air of our Chapel which has borne witness to so much of the depth of despair and heights of wildly joyous celebration, that the entrance has become something of a portal into a liminal space. It is here, that we bring the authenticity of who we are, often raw and vulnerable, tired and disinterested, paled by the relentlessness of life, to find ourselves assuaged by the Presence of the One who understands us most, and who us loves beyond compare. (This year鈥檚 Anzac Day services was a sharp reminder of this.)

On the other hand, when our hearts are filled with the delights which life offers to us, stepping through this same portal reminds us that we have been promised a life of abundance, and this is our opportunity to give thanks with these same full hearts, and the Great Spirit of Love is there too.

This morning, while awaiting the most sumptuously prepared breakfast delivered to our tables by our amazing Hospitality students, supported by the Senior Health students advocating awareness for those who are homeless, and who may also be desperateIy in need of a good meal. I prayed the grace to bless the food, and give thanks for the meal we were about to share. The prayer rose up from a space of incredulity that there are so many people right in our Gold Coast community who are facing real hardship, even to extend of needing a nourishing meal. What a complex world we inhabit.

From the warm Chapels, to Heavens Above, our community gathers, food (sacred or otherwise) is shared, conversations build connections, and our community becomes stronger, wiser, and more authentic.

Thank you, each All Saints heart, for making time in your busy diaries to help us build our Community in these special ways. For those who were not able to make time, please know that we understand, but we did miss you, and look forward to seeing you next time around.

鈥� and Newsies begins this week too!

God bless you all,

Mother Ann McGuinness
School Chaplain

Bookings for the All Saints P&F Masquerade Ball close next week, and we鈥檇 love to see you there!

This special event only comes around every two years. Whether you鈥檙e new to the school or a familiar face, it鈥檚 a wonderful chance to dress up, connect and enjoy a night out.

If you don鈥檛 have a full table, don鈥檛 worry 鈥� you鈥檙e warmly encouraged to book individually or in small groups. We鈥檒l make sure you鈥檙e seated with other parents from similar year levels so you feel right at home.

This year鈥檚 theme 鈥� Masquerade 鈥� promises an enchanting evening where glamour meets celebration.

🎭 Saturday 7 June
🕖 7.00pm 鈥� 12.00am
📍 JW Marriott, Surfers Paradise

Tickets
$189 per person (including booking fee)

Your ticket includes:
鈥� A drink on arrival
鈥� Shared dips and breads
鈥� Two-course alternate drop dinner
鈥� Live entertainment
鈥� Lucky door prizes

Online Raffle 鈥� Win Your Ball Night Stay!
Go in the draw to win 1 x night of accommodation on the night of the ball in a Hinterland View King Room, including breakfast for two at the award-winning Citrique Restaurant and complimentary self-parking. Valued at $802.

Raffle tickets are 1 for $10, 3 for $24 or 10 for $80, and can be purchased alongside your Ball tickets on the same booking page.

Can鈥檛 stay on the night? Booking date can be deferred 鈥� T&Cs apply (see booking page for details).

For full event details and to book your tickets, go to: 

Our Mother鈥檚 Day Luncheon in Week 1 brought together a joyful room filled with friendship, laughter and connection as we celebrated the incredible women in our All Saints community.

Guests were treated to a special preview performance from our school production of Newsies, along with a stunning aerial display by Aerial Angels that had the room captivated. It was also a pleasure to welcome our new Principal, Mr Matt Corbett, and his wife (and All Saints mum!) Helen, to this special event for the first time.

With fabulous prizes won, heartfelt conversations shared, and beautifully styled tables, the event was a true celebration鈥攏ot just of Mother鈥檚 Day, but of the bonds that tie our school community together.

A heartfelt thank you to our P&F, event organisers Krystle and Nidhi, and the wonderful team at Dreamweavers for the incredible work behind the scenes in bringing this event to life. From concept to execution, your dedication and attention to detail were truly appreciated.

A special mention also goes to our Hospitality students, who served at the event while gaining valuable real-world experience alongside the team from The Star. In true All Saints spirit, many of these students also took to the stage in the Newsies preview performance before a quick costume change into their hospitality attire鈥攁 true act of dedication both on and off the stage!

Wishing all mothers, grandmothers and mother figures a very Happy Mother鈥檚 Day this weekend. We hope you feel loved and celebrated.