• …out there.
• …a beautiful thing.
• …stranger than fiction.
• …marching on.
• …only hearsay.
• …rarely pure and never simple (Oscar Wilde).
• …a beautiful and terrible thing and should be treated with great caution (Albus Dumbledore).
• …putting on its shoes while a lie can travel halfway around the world. (Ironically, the truth of this quote’s authorship is disputed).
• …our School Theme for 2023.

We are quickly discovering that the ‘truth’ is in fact ‘all of the above.’

Truth, Faith and Compassion are the key values which keep our All Saints culture strong and vibrantly life-giving; the tenets by which we live out our school experience. This year our focus is on Truth. Our classrooms have pondered and wondered what it might mean. Our Chapels have resounded with interpretations, possibilities and invitations to reflect on what Truth holds for us as a community, and as individuals.

If truth is the absence of falsehood, is it ever okay to tell a lie? (Now think about that one carefully when your excited loved one asks you to comment on their new tattoo.) Is ‘truth’ synonymous with ‘fact’? Where does the truth really lie? These are some of the questions raised as we grapple with this interesting concept which is both complex and paradoxical.

“Mr Wallas, I might have been unkind to her, but I was telling the truth! She does have bad breath and if she brushed her teeth more often she would be more healthy. I was trying to be a good friend. I didn’t want to embarrass her by telling the teacher - she would never have forgiven me. I just told her the truth.”

Quandaries like this are not unusual in our daily lives. Truth is subjective, always holding within it an element of mystery for the simple reason that we cannot entirely own it. Facts are facts. ‘Evidence-based’ has become a buzzword of our contemporary world, and anything which is not supported by science is summarily dismissed as being untrue, lacking in integrity, unworthy, false. (Which makes us wonder about the plethora of conflicting weight-loss plans bombarding social media, all of which claim to be evidence-based.) Where is the truth to be found?

Truth is subjective, holding within it a world of possibilities, only part of which are evidence-based fact. It does, however, insist on the integrity of honesty, and an hilarious Chapel earlier today bore witness to this statement.

Senior School Lay Chaplain Mr Brendan Callaghan asked our students, "be honest, stand up if...

• ...you brushed your teeth this morning."
• ...you have ever sung into an object pretending it was a microphone."
• ...you have ever lied to your parents about where you are going."
• ...you think you are good looking."
• ...you think the person sitting beside you just told a lie."

Our students entered into this sensitively presented Chapel with gusto, much laughter and, we hope, some significant introspection.

My truth might differ from yours, because I hold a different perspective or narrative or opinion or pattern of behaviour. But it is, nevertheless, my honest belief – for now. Because truth is never quite static. Paradoxically, it evolves and grows along with our own maturity.

In my young adult life, I never considered using the phrase "oh my God." What heresy! It was my truth. But that has changed. I have now grown to love the phrase, not simply as some weird form of punctuation, but rather because I actually believe that the Divine Presence is everywhere, and that by uttering the words it somehow brings that Love into my everyday encounters. I prayed a blessing over the cast of Legally Blonde before their first performance and it seemed most appropriate to begin the prayer with "Oh my God!" (Which is the title of the first song in the musical.) They whole-heartedly joined in, and I had the distinct sense that God might have done so too.

Truth is what it is. That which we believe, live by and hold dear. At All Saints, it is collectively embraced in love, kindness, honesty, inclusivity, fullness of life, curiosity and wonder, and course, compassion and faith.

To sum truth up in a commonly known paradox: The second sentence is false. The first sentence is true. (That should keep your brain in the playground for a minute or two.)

And a truth to which I should have paid more attention: Less is more.

Mr Wallas will be back next week, thank God!

Blessings,

Mother Ann McGuinness
School Chaplain

On April 26, All Saints Anglican School was privileged to host the national book launch of The Last Daughter. The event was attended by more than 140 guests who had the opportunity to listen to Aunty Brenda Matthews, the book's author (and director of the film of the same name), share her life experience in a touching yarning session with cultural advisor to All Saints Lalania Tusa.

Aunty Brenda Matthews has been closely associated with our school for some years and her story and wisdom have been a source of inspiration to our students and staff. In her story she shares her memories of growing up in a loving white foster family, before being taken away and returned to her Aboriginal family, leaving her feeling disconnected from both halves of her life. Brenda's journey to unearth the truth about her past and reconcile the two sides of her family is a remarkable story of reconciliation and truth-telling, told through love and a desire to help heal Australia.

Families are able to purchase copies of The Last Daughter from the All Saints Middle/Senior library (EFTPOS available). 

We also recommend viewing The Last Daughter film when it is released nationally on June 15.

Mark Stevens
Indigenous Engagement Coordinator

YEAR 1 SCIENCE 

Year 1 have been experimenting with chocolate this week. Yes, that’s right, chocolate. Their Science unit saw them investigating chemical and physical changes in particular foods and they have been asking some really big questions before setting about finding the answers.

• How could we change it?
• Could we try heating it?
• How could we heat it?
• Is it reversible or irreversible? 
• How could we reverse a change?
• Does any type of chocolate melt faster than another?
• And of course, there was a little taste testing along the way!

YEAR 6 INDIGENOUS EDUCATION VISIT
Year 6 students were involved in a fascinating, insightful and incredibly rich didgeridoo session last week. Mark, Mel and Taz were simply wonderful in the way they shared messages of country and sense of self and place. It was very moving and feedback from the students confirmed that they had found the privilege an opportunity to connect with the land and Traditional Owners.

JUNIOR SCHOOL CONCERT AUDITIONS
Although Term 2 is only just underway, plans are afoot for another exciting Junior School event in Term 3, The Junior School Concert.

Auditions were held this week for this not-to-be-missed showcase of Junior School talent and, if the stream of amazing kids flowing in and out of the music room are any indication, this year’s concert is destined to be bigger, better and brighter than ever. Every audition - whether individual or group, beginner or advanced - takes courage and I commend every dancer, singer and performer who had a go. The judges certainly have a tough job in determining who will represent the Junior School in this year's extravaganza. Stay tuned and watch this space for continuing updates.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

One of the most memorable and enjoyable Junior School programs is our Year 5/6 Pen Pals initiative.

The brainchild of Mrs Cassie Carpenter, carried on by Mrs Lyn Barker (both former Coordinators of Service Learning), was first introduced in in 2011 and sees our Year 5 students begin writing to a Pen Pal from one of a number of local retirement villages. The beautiful baton of running the initiative has since been passed to current Service Learning Coordinator Mrs Louise Thorpe. Throughout the year, our students communicate with their pen pals, exchange information about their lives and ask questions relevant to the History and Social Science (HaSS) unit being explored in classrooms. Their writing to one another continues as the students progress into Year 6 and, once again, the communication is closely linked to HaSS curriculum work. Of course, the benefits for Pen pals (both young and not so young) are far, far more wide reaching than a simple curriculum project. 

Our retired friends visit us at All Saints where the Year 5 students, as All Saints Ambassadors, show them around the school and share a delicious morning tea. Then in Year 6, our students visit writing buddies in their homes. Unfortunately, these visits have not been possible in the last couple of years but this week we were able to share in the magic of bringing young and not-so-young pen pals together in person. The excitement and animated conversation was absolutely beautiful as photos, artworks and even some gifts were shared.

This week Year 6 students visited their Pen Pals, taking the opportunity to share what they have been learning at school and learn more about the earlier lives of their retired friends. The Pen Pals share their experiences growing up in Australia or migrating to Australia and this provides a rich background for the History Unit that our students have been exploring.

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

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

We would like to wish the below students a very happy birthday and thank them for their wonderful Birthday Book donations to the Junior School Library.

• Selina Cole - 1G
• Indi Schultz - 1L
• Carter Bradshaw - 2T
• Harvey Robertson - 2T
• Charles Davis - 2C
• Milly Hannant - 3W
• Quinn Schultz - 3T

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

The Junior School Library Team 

MOTHER’S DAY
Wishing a very happy Mother’s Day on Sunday-week to all the wonderful mums, step-mums, grand-mums and guardians out there. It was wonderful to join more than 400 of you at the Parents & Friends Association Mother’s Day Morning Tea last Friday and celebrate the phenomenal contribution that mothers everywhere make to the wellbeing of their children and the wider community. Here’s hoping that life doesn’t get in the way of you being spoilt by your nearest and dearest!

#PROJECTRASE
This week you received an email inviting you to attend a Parent Information Evening regarding our Term 2 Pastoral Care Program, #ProjectRASE. We would very much welcome your company on the evening of Wednesday 10 May from 7.00pm in the Middle School Lecture Theatre.

YEAR 7 CAMP
All Year 7 parents will also have received an email regarding the upcoming Year 7 Camp to Mt Tambourine (Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 May). Please complete the associated consent forms as soon as possible.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

Two five-day wilderness expeditions have successfully returned from the adventurous journeys that have taken place over the past two weeks. 

The Silver Level students carried all of their food, belongings and accommodation as they traversed the ‘Double Peaks’ through the Scenic Rim and climbed Mt Maroon and Mt Barney. Blessed with beautiful weather, these campers remained positive and returned satisfied and proud of themselves and their achievements. 

The Gold Level students swapped shoes for paddles as they canoed throughout Wivenhoe Dam for five days. They had a brilliant time leading their adventure. The students loved the experience and are close to the outstanding achievement of completing this award.  

These expeditions could not happen without the amazing and dedicated staff lead by Mrs Stacey Ward, Ms Louise Lynch, Mr Michael Potts and their team.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

While the parents were enjoying a lovely meal at the Mother's Day Morning Tea, our Hospitality students were learning valuable real-life skills working with the team from The Star Gold Coast. Under the guidance of Ms Charro Moore 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 Legally Blonde and the amazing mothers that organised this huge undertaking of 'friend raising' for our community.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Legally Blonde: The Musical is in full swing at All Saints and is already receiving rave reviews. The Gala Night on Thursday was a fabulous success. At last Wednesday’s 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, All Saints hosted the APS Cross Country Championships.

It was a huge effort from Mr Fergus Leslie and our Grounds and Logistics Team. I thank them on behalf of all APS schools for a brilliant event.

To our runners, we are so very proud of you. Special thanks to our reserves, some of whom came along to many training sessions but did not get the opportunity to run on Wednesday. This is true teamwork. 

We finished second overall, 71 points behind King's Christian College and 93 points in front of Somerset College who were third. The students gave everything on the day and prepared so well. Despite their busy schedules and other commitments, these students are an inspiration. They represent All Saints with pride and were prepared to work hard and support others for the betterment of the team.

To the staff who supervised the training and supported the students, especially Mr Craig Pascoe and Mrs Belinda Eckstein, to Mr Fergus Leslie for his superb organisation and to our inspiring Cross Country Captains Bali Kohring and Ollie Woodward (who set such a wonderful tone) - well done team!

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Middle/Senior APS Cross Country Results

We had a magnificent day on Wednesday this week when we hosted the APS Cross Country Championships on our beautiful ovals. 

Our senior team gave an outstanding effort, finishing 2nd Overall, behind King’s Christian College.

Overall Placings

1st: King’s Christian College
2nd: All Saints Anglican School
3rd: Somerset College
4th: Emmanuel College
5th: Trinity Lutheran College
6th: AB Paterson College
7th: Coomera Anglican College
8th: Saint Stephen’s College 

We had two Age Champions, one runner up and three 3rd place medalists.

• Zarah Farrington – Age Champion 14 Years Girls
• Bill Franklin – Age Champion Open Boys
• Analiese Murphy – Silver Medalist 16 Years Girls
• Lily Penwarn – Bronze Medalist 13 Years Girls
• Ashley Plane – Bronze Medalist 15 Years Girls
• Keira Woodman - Bronze Medalist 16 Years Girls

All Saints won the 13 Years Girls and 16 Years Girls age groups, finished 2nd in the 14 Years Girls, Open Girls, 15 Years Boys and Open Boys and third in the 15 Years Girls, Open Girls and 16 Year Boys age groups.

Congratulations to all our fantastic athletes.

Fergus Leslie
Director of Sport & Activities

This week’s magnificent win at the APS Cross Country carnival was the result of a champion team working together, training with absolute commitment and an unbeatable network of supporters. This victory marks our 27th consecutive win, an impressive record not only in the school sport arena but in a much wider athletic field (perhaps even a world record – watch this space!).

The complete results, including Age Champions, can be found in this week’s Junior School Sports report but it was the incredible depth of skill and heart from our entire team that allowed us to bring home both the Aggregate and Percentage Shields once again. Our runners gave everything they had and this, in addition to their commitment to training and plain old hard work, clearly demonstrated that a champion team trumps a team of champions every time.

In accepting the 2023 Champions Shield, our team captains Natalia Ramirez and Jake Black paid tribute to Mr Ross Kingsley whose special brand of tough love, energetic encouragement and focused skill development continues to bring out the very best in our young runners. Mr Kingsley sets the bar incredibly high for himself and our young athletes who, with his support, pursue exciting running goals and work hard to achieve personal bests. Thank you, Ross.

We also proudly recognised and acknowledged the support of Mrs Liussi and parents who are always working diligently behind the scenes, coordinating programs and training. What an amazing team.

Junior School APS Cross Country Results

GYMNASTICS
Congratulations to Sienna Hepburn (Year 12) who was selected to represent Queensland at the Australian National Championships.

SHOWJUMPING
Congratulations to Sophie Shaffer (Year 8) who placed in the top 3 in every class and finished Overall Champion in Secondary Showjumping 1.10m.

SWIMMING
Congratulations to Christoper Tomkinson (Year 11) who placed 4th while competing for the South Coast Region at the Queensland Schools Championships.

TRACK CYCLING 
Congratulations to Alex Hewes (Year 11) who was selected in the U17 Australian Team to race in Malaysia.

Congratulations to Amelie Sanders (Year 10) who was selected in the U17 Australian Team to race in Malaysia. 

WATERPOLO
Congratulations to Kealan McKissack (Year 10) who placed 4th competing for the South Coast Region at the Queensland Schools Championships 

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
All Saints students achieve great things all the time and we’re always keen to acknowledge them in these pages. 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

Chookas to the Legally Blonde cast, orchestra, crew and supporters! 

Best wishes for a sparkling opening night and a brilliant run of the amazing 2023 School Musical!

Chantelle Flint and Owen Clarke
Performing Arts 

I am so proud of our students who represented the school supporting community commemorations on Anzac Day. They performed beautifully and showed respect and sincerity for the occasion through their behaviour and demeanour.

For the first time we had the honour of providing a choir at the Currumbin Dawn Service, which was shown live on Channel 7's Sunrise. Middle School choir the Melba Girls Chorus, conducted by Mr Lange, were up at 2.00am preparing, and were on the beach by 3.30am. It was a long, chilly and windy morning, but the girls really did us proud. You can view a clip of their performance below.

Head of Middle School Mr Todd Harm offered the following congratulations:

Not only did our auditioned female vocal group, the Britten Girls Ensemble, do a brilliant job of performing at all three sub school services last week, but our huge, non-auditioned group, the Melba Girls Ensemble sang the Australian and New Zealand national anthems at the Currumbin Dawn Service. The event was screened nationally and the girls were phenomenal ambassadors for our School throughout.

Senior musicians in All Saints Voices, bugler Mia Traill and drummer Nick Taylor participated magnificently in the Robina Service also. All Saints Voices were incredible in their performance, Mia played the Last Post, as she had in our school service the day prior, and Nick had the responsibility of drumming in the Catafalque Guard from the Enoggera Army Base.

Prior to ANZAC Day a number of music students participated in our school services, including All Saints Voices, Britten Girls Chorus and Year 9 chapel musicians. I want to congratulate them all and, in particular, our trumpeters who played the Last Post and Reveille; Mia Traill (Year 11), Archie Mourad (Year 9) and Ashton Smith (Year 6).

Head of Junior School Mrs Shelley Travers added the following reflection from the Junior School service:

One of the highlights last week 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.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

What do fountains, baking bread, lilting music and candles have in common?

They are all components of our annual Celtic Baptism Service which will be held in the All Saints Anglican School Chapel on the evening of 17 May 2023 at 7.00pm.

We have already had a good response to this opportunity for baptism, so this serves as a last call for anyone who would like to join in. Please send me an email if you are seeking Baptism, and we will send you the relevant application forms, or answer any questions you may have.

All Saints students will provide the music for the evening.

An email with further information went out to all families recently, but if you need further information, please contact me at amcguinness@asas.qld.edu.au.

Whether you are being baptised or not, everyone is welcome to join us for this memorable evening where we get to press our pause buttons, relax and recharge in the heart of Divine Love.

Blessings,

Mother Ann McGuinness
School Chaplain

Following a very successful inaugural event last year, the P&F Comedy Night is back in 2023 with headline act Arj Barker!

• When: Saturday 29 July
• Where: All Saints Nairn Theatre 
• Who: Parents and friends of All Saints (adults only)
• Tickets: $60 (plus booking fee) per person
• What: Three fantastic acts including headline act Arj Barker PLUS food trucks, drinks and time to mingle with other parents in the Kearney Forecourt from 6.00pm and during intermission.

Set your alarm! Tickets will go on sale Saturday 20 May at 9.00am. The link to purchase tickets will be published in the next edition of Saints Alive and will also be available on FIDO.

Laughter is best shared with friends! If booking multiple tickets, please make sure you organise your group before the ticket sale date. 

All proceeds from the event will raise funds for the Parents & Friends Association who in turn support and sponsor many events and activities for our students and school community.

All Saints Parents & Friends Association

One of the most popular events on the All Saints calendar, the P&F Mother's Day Morning Tea was held at The Star last week.

We would like to thank the dedicated crew of mums and P&F volunteers that rallied to make this event possible.

A big thank you to also goes to the Performing Arts team and students for their fabulous preview performances of Legally Blonde: The Musical, our hospitality students for their wonderful front of house service, Aunty Brenda Matthews for her impactful talk on reconciliation, and all the wonderful businesses who donated goods and services for the infamous Mother's Day Morning Tea raffle!

The Mother's Day Morning Tea truly is another wonderful display of our community in action and we hope everyone in attendance enjoyed this special event.

Time for us parents to have a little fun together, celebrate the end of our first term and meet some new friends! 

When: Tuesday 16 May
Time: 6.00pm
Where: Saffron Indian Gourmet (Broadbeach) Sierra Grand Building Corner of Margaret Avenue and Gold Coast Highway, Shop 8 - 22 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, QLD, Australia 4218
Cost: $50 per person 

Further details can be found on Facebook.

If you have any queries, please contact Heidi on 0405 374 483 or Nidhi on 0411 506 181.

We are really looking forward to seeing you there, sharing a few drinks and seeing some new faces.

Heidi and Nidhi 
Year 7 Parent Coordinators