The Year is Well Underway!
It has been a fantastic start to the 2025 school year, and as we move through these first weeks, the energy across the school is palpable. I have to ice my cheeks every night from smiling so much—such is the joy of this place!
Last week, I wrote to staff summarising how I have been spending my time, and I wanted to share some of that with you.
I firmly believe that the overwhelming majority of my time for the first few months needs to be spent with students, staff and parents—both building relationships and gathering information. I cannot begin to think about and plan for the next chapter without having an in-depth understanding of All Saints, and even more importantly, 'feeling and seeing' All Saints in action.
I have spent much of my time immersed in the life of the school—walking through classrooms, sitting with students at lunch, playing handball and other games at breaktime, getting lost on campus and being helped by students, watching our athletes train, our performers rehearse, and meeting with staff across all areas of the school. These informal moments have been some of the most rewarding and have reaffirmed the exceptional culture that exists at All Saints.
One of my favourite questions to ask students is, 'How has your day been out of 10?', I can confidently say that our students’ cups are full, thanks to the care, support and exceptional teaching they receive every day. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and it is clear that All Saints is a place where students feel a deep sense of belonging.
Mother Ann reminded me at my Commissioning that now that I have said, 'I do' and made my pledge, there is no escaping—I really feel part of the school now!
What Makes All Saints So Special?
This is an adapted piece from my recent staff email.
I have been reflecting on the ingredients that make All Saints such an extraordinary school. Why is our culture so strong? Why are our students so confident, self-assured, and engaged? Here are just a few things I’ve experienced so far:
- Chapels – Our Year 11 and 12 Chapel last week was a masterclass in creating a space where students feel seen, heard, and connected. Seeing our senior students singing, performing actions, showing vulnerability, and engaging in respectful reflection speaks volumes about our authenticity and our confidence in our identity as a school.
- Swim Carnivals – The resilience and support shown by our students were incredible. Whether they were elite swimmers or those stepping up with courage despite not being confident in the water, everyone had their moment to shine.
- Parent Information Evenings – A strong home-school partnership is crucial, and I was buoyed by the number of parents who attended—not just attended but engaged. The Junior School mingles afterward were a great illustration of this partnership, and the Year 7 evening was a particular highlight, starting with singing and dancing to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off! Moments like these reinforce the warmth and vibrancy of our school community.
- Parents and Friends Committee – Attending my first P&F meeting was incredibly uplifting. Having such a full room of energetic and passionate advocates and volunteers for our school was truly inspiring. A big thank you to Kat Pearson for her leadership.
- High Standards – Whether it’s uniform expectations, behaviour or academic rigour, our staff consistently reinforce the values that shape our culture. A huge thank you to our parents for supporting us at home in upholding these standards—it makes all the difference. As a parent myself, I am also thoroughly enjoying the rigor (and enjoyment!) of homework time! The attention to detail in these areas is a key part of what makes All Saints stand apart.
- A Passion for Teaching – The joy and enthusiasm with which our staff approach their roles is evident. This is a school where people love coming to work, and that passion directly impacts our students.
There is not one thing that makes up our culture and identity—it is many small but significant experiences, events, and moments that define us.
Building Connections in the Gold Coast Education Landscape
As part of my early days in the role, I have been visiting other principals and schools on the Gold Coast. These connections ensure that our school has a strong voice in the broader Gold Coast education landscape and provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.
This week, I will also be attending a retreat with the Principals of other Queensland Anglican Schools—an opportunity to understand the educational landscape, collaborate, explore opportunities, and further build the reputation of All Saints. I will report back in my next newsletter.
Looking Ahead
As we continue through the term, I look forward to meeting more of our families. Please do not hesitate to stop me when you see me around campus—I would love to hear your story (and I apologise in advance if I ask your name again!).
I am also excited to invite parents to our Principal Coffee Mornings, where I will share some thoughts on education and the journey ahead. These gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity to connect over coffee and conversation.
☕ Year Level Parent Coordinators Coffee Morning
- Date: Friday 28 February
- Time: 8.30am – 9.30am
- Venue: Heart + Soul Café
(See further information about this event in the P&F section below)
☕ Principal’s Coffee Morning
- Date: Friday 14 March
- Time: 8.30 am – 9.30am
- Venue: Heart + Soul Café
I hope to see many of you there.
Here’s to another wonderful fortnight ahead at All Saints—one filled with learning, growth, and plenty of moments that make this school so special.
Warm regards,
Matt Corbett
Principal