We talk at length about the importance of partnerships at All Saints, and this is no idle rhetoric. As a school, we certainly do not suffer from the illusion that we can care for your children in isolation. Changes of behaviour at home might well be the result of something that has happened at school, and if a child starts playing up in class, there is every chance that the source of their frustration originates beyond the classroom walls. Our success in resolving issues where children seem temporarily out of sorts depends upon the strength of the partnerships that operate within our community. Parents need to trust the School, confident that whatever may have been reported on the home front, the School and its staff have acted in what they believe to be the best interests of their child. In turn, the School needs to accept that we do not always get it right, despite our best intentions, and that we must therefore rely on the parents to provide any additional information or particular circumstances that might help us to better care for their children.

By working together - parents, teachers and students - there are very few issues, however painful they might seem to be at the time, that cannot be resolved. We must trust each other and keep our focus on the best possible outcome for the child. This might not always be what our child wants, but hopefully it will prove to be what he or she needs. We all know that our children need the different outlets of the formality and routine of school life and the relatively relaxed regime that operates at home. How often do we stare open-mouthed at the teacher who tells us our little treasure, who has been an absolute nightmare at home, is a model student in every way? Of course, the corollary can be true too – a child might be an angel at home whilst running their teachers ragged at school.

All of us carry insecurities and frustrations that make us behave in particular ways at particular times. The challenge for teachers and parents is to provide a safe, secure and loving environment for our students and children that is designed to bring out the best in them. They will still let us down at times, and it is then that we must pool our resources to help them get back on track.

The open door policy that operates at All Saints, characterised by our three-way conferences, our parent-teacher evenings and the strength of the relationships that we build here, is an invitation to our parent body to get fully involved in the schooling of their children. We will continue to work on refining and improving the channels of communication between the School and the home, and we ask that parents also do their best to keep us informed of any changes or concerns that are becoming apparent at home.

Working together, we can reassure our students that they have the support they need at crucial moments of anxiety or emotional upheaval to see them through to the brightest possible future. So often our children give us a sense of hope and optimism for the future, lifting our spirits with their exuberance and zest for life. It is thus self-evident that the investment we make as parents and as teachers will be paid back handsomely, as we watch them grow into the fine young adults they are destined to become.

Patrick Wallas
Headmaster

All Saints Anglican School is proud to launch its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2023.

The official All Saints RAP launch event took place in the student free week at the start of the year and was attended by all staff, as well as local Indigenous and student representatives.

At the event, the School unveiled the stunning RAP artwork completed by local Aboriginal artist Goompi Ugerabah. The painting depicts All Saints within the landscape of wetlands and includes various motifs representing the school's 12 houses, community and three sub-schools.

The RAP is the product of months of work completed by Indigenous Engagement Coordinator Mr Mark Stevens, supported by an All Saints RAP working group comprised of several appointed staff members, local Indigenous representatives and students.

Visit the First Nations Australians page on our website to read the RAP and to discover more about All Saints' commitment to reconciliation.

If you have any questions or would simply like to have a yarn about any of our initiatives, our Indigenous Engagement Coordinator Mr Mark Stevens would love to hear from you: 07 5587 0389, mstevens@asas.qld.edu.au

Each year, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 take part in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, or NAPLAN, as it is commonly known.

Please note that these tests will take place in Term 1 this year as opposed to Term 2, as per usual, on Wednesday 15, Thursday 16, Friday 17 and Monday 20 March.

Skills that will be tested include reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation and numeracy. These tests are done here at school and are considered just another part of the curriculum. It is important for families to know that NAPLAN is not a pass/fail test. It simply looks at what level students are achieving in literacy and numeracy against national standards and compared with student peers throughout Australia.

NAPLAN cannot be studied for, and students are not expected to do so. The best way you can help your student prepare for NAPLAN is to let them know that it is just a routine part of their school program and to urge them to do the best they can on the day. All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to participate in NAPLAN testing. Later in the year we will send parents an individual student NAPLAN report that you can use to view and monitor how your student is progressing. More information is available on the NAPLAN website.

If you have any concerns, please contact the below representatives via their respective sub-school administration office:

• Middle School: Assistant Head of Middle School (Curriculum) Mrs Marnie Wainwright 
• Junior School: Assistant Head of Junior School (Leading Learning) Mrs Bec Pearson

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

The cast and crew of Legally Blonde are 'bending and snapping' their way to a fabulous production!

However, they are still seeking one last main character to join them.

BRUISER WOODS 

If you have a trained Chihuahua that could assist, or you might know of one, we would love to hear from you ASAP!

Please contact Director Chantelle Flint at cflint@asas.qld.edu.au.

ADVENTURES IN YEAR 1
Our Year 1 students have been busy diving into books and writing exciting recounts. They recently held a Book Club event with our Year 5 students which felt more like a reading party. There were mystery books to unwrap and explore together, and all spent precious time enjoying picture books with new friends.

The students then visited the Wonder Room (via the slide, of course) and were mesmerised by Mr Wainwright’s retelling of Mulga Bill’s Bicycle. Books are a gateway into new worlds and exciting adventures, but they also help our children build their vocabulary, listening skills and comprehension. Children who love books, read - and as we know, reading is the most powerful learning tool we have. As Mrs Reardon always says, "reading rocks!"

Year 1 also spent time in the Senior School library learning about the reconciliation artwork created especially for All Saints by local First Nations artist, Goompi. Mrs Siegmann from the Middle School and Mr Stevens, our Indigeneous Engagement Coordinator, spoke to students about the artwork and its importance in both commemorating our history and guiding our future as a school.

JUNIOR SCHOOL JUMPING FOR JOY (AND FITNESS)!
Jump Rope for Heart is the Heart Foundation’s ready-made fundraising and skipping program that helps school students move more and have fun, whilst raising vital funds for heart research, patient support and programs that help save lives. In 2023, All Saints has decided that the Heart Foundation will be one of our Giveathon charities.

Over the last 38 years more than 10 million Aussie kids have skipped their way to a healthier heart and this year, under the watchful eye of our skipping 'skipper' Mrs Chipps, we challenged our students to make the leap.

Nearly 50 very keen skippers began jumping their way to better health using ropes donated by The Heart Foundation. There were a few tricky moves attempted and lots of laughter while overcoming tangles. Thank you to the ever energetic and bouncy Mrs Chipps for leading this wonderful initiative in the Junior School.

CHESS TOURNAMENT 
Congratulations to our chess teams who competed in the first tournament for 2023 this week. They represented All Saints so responsibly throughout a day filled with complicated challenges. These tournament days are big and brain draining, but our little champions demonstrated their developing skills and sportsmanship at every turn. 

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

It has often been said that "a champion team will always beat a team of champions" and our resounding win at the 2023 APS Swimming Carnival last week is testament to this. Rather than victory coming on the back of a few spectacular individual successes (although there were a few of these), it was the combined depth and commitment of every team member that allowed us to proudly bring home both the Percentage and Aggregate trophies this year. Personal bests were repeatedly smashed as each athlete dug deep and swam with courage and heart.

Our team trained hard, inspired and supported each other and had been, once again, encouraged and challenged by a first-class teaching team. Thank you to Mrs Liussi, Mr Kingsley and Mr and Mrs Sabotic for their behind-the-scenes dedication to our team.

Congratulations to our champion team. More details of the day's events will be found in the Junior School Sports section.

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

What makes things change, and what affects how fast they change? What changes are reversible and why? 

These are some of the questions Year 6 students are investigating in their current Science unit, Change Detectives. The answers to these questions and more are being discovered through practical investigations involving dissolving, melting, burning, evaporating and observing how substances react with one another. Students also develop their skills in communication and collaboration as they work with one another in teams.

Year 6 Teachers

A total of 25 Year 6 student leaders were fortunate to attend the exciting Halogen National Young Leaders Day conference in Brisbane this week. Within a sea of hundreds of young leaders from other schools, they listened to the inspiring experiences shared by four outstanding guest speakers: Anthony 'Harries' Carroll of Bondi Rescue, Ninja Warrior Bryson Klein, author Hilary Rogers (writer of the Zac Power, Dragon Girls, Billie B Brown books), and Australian Netball Superstar (and All Saints Class of 2010 Alumni) Gretel Bueta.

Each speaker shared their own advice on what it means to be a leader, using their own experience to motivate and engage with the audience. The resonating theme for the day among all the speakers was to have resilience when chasing your dreams.

Each speaker had a powerful and pertinent message for our young leaders.

• Bryson Klein spoke of overcoming significant physical and emotional challenges.
• Hilary Rogers assured us that the perfect book exists for everyone, and that reading can make your brain more powerful and open to new experiences.
• Gretel Bueta encouraged every individual to identify and chase your dreams with a mixture of determination, courage and kindness.
• Harries spoke about the importance of seeking advice, guidance and support from those around you.

One All Saints student leader shared with me her recollections of the day:

Leadership Day was one of the best experiences of my life. This day was full of dancing, singing and inspirational messages. As we first arrived there seemed like there were thousands of kids from other schools. The music was pumping and all of the All Saints students were smiling. 

Shelley Travers
Head of Junior School

It’s no secret that we are incredibly proud of our very own marathon man Mr Kingsley and the inspirational goals he sets for himself as well as our students. His dedication and passion for running and developing our young runners has seen as reign as APS Cross Country champs for over a quarter-century.

Ross recently set himself a new challenge, competing in New Zealand’s grueling Tarawera Ultramarathon. This is New Zealand's largest trail running event and most prestigious ultramarathon. Runners can choose to complete in the 21km, 50km, 102km events, or the famed 100-mile endurance run. There are seven lakes, forests, waterfalls and the most stunning scenery imaginable to run through and around. The spectacular course runs through places of cultural significance to local Māori people.

And which of these beautiful yet incredibly difficult courses did our Mr Kingsley tackle? You guessed it! The biggest, toughest one of them all. In just under 36 hours, Mr Kingsley completed the 100-mile endurance run and successfully ticked that off his 2023 goal list. Mr Kinsgley spoke to our students before and after this incredible achievement about the challenges we all face and the strategies he uses to overcome obstacles and setbacks in his life. He is a champion runner but also a champion teacher who changes lives through his dedication to mentoring young athletes and helping them flourish.

Congratulations Ross.

Our Pre Prep learners have been focusing on building their emotional vocabulary during their first few weeks at school. These are vital skills that support and nourish their developing social skills and self-belief.

“Discriminating among affective states such as anger, sadness, frustration and happiness requires a vocabulary of feeling words. Like other forms of literacy, the richer the vocabulary, the more rewarding the experience.” - Joseph, G. & Strain, P. (2003).

Through authentic and meaningful ways, our educators strive to embed opportunities where they can support and develop students' social and emotional skills into our program. This week our teaching teams have been creating ‘emotion spaces' using natural materials, photos and pictures to build our little learners’ understanding and vocabulary around facial expressions and emotions. The children were invited to explore these spaces and developed their fine motor skills as they manipulated materials to create faces displaying various emotions. This encourages the development of their emotional literacy; a significant pathway towards self-regulation and social-emotional resilience. The students were able to investigate and think about many different feelings and what they look like on the faces of people around us.

This experience allowed our teachers to support the students' developing self-awareness of their emotions and connect these understandings with their social competence and interactions with peers. To further extend on this learning experience and the students' understanding of emotions, the team encouraged conversations and read various stories about emotions such as sadness, anger and frustration, what these emotions feel like in our body (promoting self-awareness) and talked about strategies the students could implement to self-manage these emotions. They also provided ongoing learning initiations and provocations to support the students' social awareness in recognising emotions in others and learning how to express their emotions appropriately to others through pragmatic language. 

When thinking about social and emotional learning for children, there are five central social and emotional competencies to consider; self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, positive relationship skills and decision-making skills. These are the key components of the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) SEL framework. 

Interested in learning more? Here’s the link to the CASEL website and framework.

What Is the CASEL Framework? - CASEL

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.

• Arabella Kyle - Prep G
• Kai Bretherton - Prep G
• Terri Astras - 2B
• Asahi Kato - 2C
• Giana McDougall - 3D
• Avana Benson - 4C
• Charlotte Parker - 6S

More information on how to donate a Birthday Book can be found on FIDO. 

The Junior School Library Team

THAT 'NEW CAR' SMELL…
You might remember those exhilarating early days with a brand-new car? No dings or blemishes on the upholstery or paint work; that new-car smell; the almost reverential way that everyone moves in, out and around the car to ensure that its new car ‘magic’ doesn’t fade? But then, at some unexpected point in time the magic does fade. The dings appear, the freshness dissipates and suddenly it’s okay to throw muddy football boots or a rottweiler onto the back seat.

Well, we’ve reached the end of Week 5 of the school year, the back-to-school magic is trickling away and, predictably, a few little boundaries are being tested here and there. Please help us hold the line regarding things like students treating each other with compassion and respect, dress codes (particularly jewelry), goal setting and the completion of homework. It’s when we remain on the same page in this regard that we can maintain a positive, productive tone inside and outside the classrooms.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERS
Voting for the first round of 2023 Middle School Leaders will take place next week and the first round of appointments will be finalised in Week 7. The families of the Year 9 students who are appointed will receive an invitation to attend our Middle School Assembly at 9.20am on Friday 10 March, Week 7.

YEAR 9 INDOOR SOCCER
This week saw the commencement of the inaugural Year 9 Indoor Soccer lunchtime tournament. Organised by Mr Jack Moon, the first round of fixtures saw four games played in the JFC on Monday, with lots of skill, camaraderie and perspiration on show. Teachers FC (a band of decrepit adults thrown into the mix) certainly put on a fine show and may very well be the team to beat!

JUNIOR SCHOOL UNDER COVER CAR PARK
If you do not have any Junior School students, please do not pick your Middle and/or Senior School students up in the Junior School under cover car park. This zone is always extremely busy and is meant to accommodate student being picked up soon after the 3.00pm Junior School finishing time. Recent experiences have shown that any delayed pickups in this area can quickly lead to prolonged traffic congestion.

AUTO-GENERATED SMS: STUDENT ABSENCES
Each morning, soon after roll call, our student database generates a list of ‘unexplained absences’ and automatically sends out a phone text to relevant parents alerting them of their child’s absence. This system is vulnerable to human error, and while Vivianne and Michelle in the office do their very best to double check with teachers that the list of absentees is accurate, there are occasions where a parent’s letter or email is not registered in the system by the anointed hour. If a parent does receive such a text, and they have followed the appropriate protocols, we do very much apologise for the inconvenience. You are welcome to contact the Middle School Office to let them know of the error so that we can correct our data base and contact the staff member involved to clarify with them the expectations of this system.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

On Monday 13 February, the entire Year 9 cohort and staff travelled to the Alexandra Park Conference Centre at Alexandra Headlands on the Sunshine Coast. This three-day camp focused on the themes of servant leadership, followership and ownership by way of preparing Year 9s to vote for Middle School leadership positions, but it also included a significant service learning emphasis. The various house groups learned all about the various styles of leadership, spent a morning with First Nations presenters painting and yarning and became involved in a dune care initiative. There was still, however, ample time for relaxation and reflection, and so the cohort was able to realise substantial personal growth during their time away, learning much about themselves and their peers in a range of often challenging contexts.

A huge thank you to Year 9 Coordinator Mr David Terblanche and Service Learning Coordinator Mrs Louise Thorpe for the mountain of admin they undertook to make the camp happen, and to all Year 9 Core teachers for mentoring and caring for the students while they were away.

Some photos are included below and the full gallery can be found on FIDO.

Todd Harm
Head of Middle School

On Tuesday 21 February Year 9 Visual Art Elective students headed up to Brisbane to view the Air exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art. This collection showcases a range of 2D, 3D and 4D artworks from many well-known Australian and International artists based on the concept of air.

Journey through the invisible, ethereal and vital element of air. Presented across the entire ground floor of GOMA, the exhibition is a journey through this invisible, ethereal and vital element, reflecting on awareness of our shared atmosphere as life-giving, potentially dangerous and rapidly warming. - GOMA

Air has been cleverly curated to draw attention to five important aspects (atmosphere, shared, burn, invisible and change). Year 9 loved being immersed in contemporary art and will gather inspiration from these artists when developing individual artworks.

The art exhibition ‘Air’ was absolutely extraordinary, extremely informative and interesting, and it showed me how many interpretations can be made over one single subject. It really made me think about the state of our environment.  - Saxon Miller

I found the experience at Goma very fun and enjoyable as I learnt many new things about the topic ‘Air’. The exhibition has made me think deeper into the topic as it can mean many things such as, climate change (which was from the artwork ‘Hotspot’), how humans use air (which is from ‘In Bed’) and many other topics it addressed. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and the information that I learnt from it. - Jessica Sutcliffe

I thought that the ‘Air’ exhibition at GOMA was very educational and helped open my mind to possibilities for my project. The artist statement and descriptions were very interesting to see what message the artist was trying to portray to the audience.  - Johannah Weekes

Rachel Luhan
Middle School Visual Art 

Last Wednesday evening we officially commissioned the Class of 2023 to take on the mantle of leadership for the year. 

This formal occasion, the first for our Year 12 cohort, finds its echo in the final formal occasion for the Senior School year, our Valedictory Service. As one event looks forward to a year that promises so much, the other celebrates and remembers a significant journey. Both events acknowledge our belief and trust in the loving guidance of a God upon whose help we can always depend. The two events provide a sacred bookend symmetry for the year, and to a certain extent defines all that happens in between.  

During the evening, the Year 12 students were asked whether they were, "ready and willing to accept the responsibility placed in you by the School Authorities and to carry out your duties with dignity and respect, showing loyalty and support to your fellow students, the Headmaster and the staff." 

The students replied, "We will, with God’s help, value the gifts we receive here at All Saints and use them to enrich this School for the benefit of ourselves and others and for the honour and glory of God." 

It is quite a commitment which should not be undertaken lightly. The Class of 2023 will receive many gifts at All Saints – friendship, learning, a sense of belonging, fun, opportunity, love and support - all of which, when properly valued, will indeed enrich our community and honour God who provides our foundation. 

The year will fly past, as it always does, but this Year 12 cohort has made a brilliant start to the year, so I hope they achieve the success they deserve.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Congratulations to our Senior School APS Swimming team and coaching staff on a magnificent performance at the APS Swimming Championships at the Somerset College pool last Wednesday. 

The team spirit on display was outstanding and everything within our control was first class. Mr Leslie and his team could not speak more highly of the commitment and manners of our team. Every staff member I spoke to at the pool sang the praises of all our swimmers. A very close third place was a wonderful achievement behind a strong Emmanuel College team.  

Swimming Captains Ryley Harland and Emma Steele led the team brilliantly and were outstanding role models throughout the preparation and the day. Congratulations to Adelaide Hooper who was awarded the 'In the Right Spirit' APS Medal at our Senior School Assembly for her selfless contribution to the team.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Congratulations to Allegra Jaffar (Year 11) who has been elected to the Executive Committee for the 2023 Gold Coast Junior Council. 

This is a tremendous honour and a credit to Allegra's leadership skills and genuine passion for giving back to the community.

I also congratulate Amelie Owen (Year 11) and Annabella Zhang (Year 10) for their membership on the Gold Coast Junior Council. I look forward to a wonderful year with these students as they work towards a better future for young people on the Gold Coast.

Christine Miro
Senior School Teacher

Parents and students of Year 10 are invited to join us for the annual Year 10 Family Eucharist which will take place on Tuesday 7 March at 7.00pm in the All Saints Chapel. 

This service is the first formal occasion for Year 10 students in the Senior School and to mark its importance, Headmaster Mr Patrick Wallas presents a gift from the School to every student. 

For that reason, it is important that should a student be unable to attend, their parents must advise their Tutor in advance. 

Dress is formal school uniform (ties, trousers, blue stockings and blazers) and we extend an invitation to you all to join us for light refreshments afterwards. 

We look forward to your participation, fellowship and support on this important occasion and would ask you to be seated by 6.50pm. As this is a formal occasion, please come appropriately attired. It is smart casual for parents.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Year 11 student, Georgia Normile, delivered a brilliant presentation at the Lions Youth of the Year Burleigh Heads club event.  

The judges commended her public speaking performance and she showed impressive general knowledge and empathy.

Georgia now moves on to the District stage of this event where she will continue to be an outstanding representative of this School. We wish her the best of luck. 

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Despite our constant reminders in the Senior School, there is still a small number of students finding it difficult to unhook themselves from their mobile phones. 

As a school, we are committed to a focus on learning, healthy choices and making sure that students are conversing, interacting and engaging in class and other activities.

It is an expectation that is very simple to follow; all mobile phones should be in or at lockers at all times, including lunch and sport. Disappointingly, we are still seeing students at Saturday detentions due to their unwillingness to follow these basic expectations.  

Any student that forgets their key card or lunch can always borrow money from Senior School Administration. There is never a need for their phone to be away from their locker. 

The use of social media can have the same addictive effect on the teenage brain as drinking, smoking or gambling. It is designed to be addictive. The same chemical, dopamine, is released in us when we hear the ping of social media. TikTok algorithms are designed to deliver information that feeds our areas of interest. They are short for a reason - they change focus quickly for a reason - but there is the potential that this is depriving this generation of the ability to hold focus for periods of time, to read extended works and to maintain positive conversation and interactions. 

We are committed to creating a healthy balance in each student’s life. We would ask that you reinforce this at home and perhaps put the following five guardrails in place:

1. Establish clear boundaries
Why not construct mutual boundaries for both adults and students to maintain? It could be a boundary on hours spent on social media, or times when it’s okay to use it. Then there can be less arguments at study or bed times when the rules have been calmly and clearly established prior.

2. Think substitutes
Why not create a list of items that could be used as a substitute for social media? Smokers often chew gum — why not substitute reading, exercise or board games for Instagram or Snapchat? It will require creativity, but it’s the best way to beat a habit.

3. Teach moderation
When people reach adulthood, they’re allowed to legally drink. So we often say, “There’s nothing wrong with alcohol, the problem is too much alcohol.” It is the same with phones. What if you established a limit on hours or locations for social media?

4. Equip them for face-to-face relationships
Addictive habits can diminish essential skills we need. Dependence on one muscle can cause others to atrophy. Spend time on intentional training for interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. Continue to initiate meaningful conversations. Do your children pick up a phone when they are in conversation? Do we?

5. Enable them to discover purpose
Finally, the best way to overcome a bad habit is to acquire a strong sense of purpose. Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, 'he who has a why to live can bear almost any how'. What if we fostered conversation with students on their sense of mission in life? Social media can cause a student to experience the best day or the worst day, depending on the message on their phone. We must lead them out of this emotional roller coaster and into emotional stability.

Bryn Evans
Head of Senior School

Congratulations to All Saints' Junior School swimming team for taking out the two top team accolades (among several individual achievements) at the APS Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 14 February. 

By lunch, we were unexpectedly in the lead, but only just. Six points! During the break, some wise words from coach Ken Sabotic lit the flame in our young team and we powered through the backstroke, winning ribbon after ribbon. Then came the relays, each worth double points, where almost all our teams finished in the top three.

The highlight of the day was the All Saints team forming a guard of honour for the All Age Relay team as they headed to the blocks for the final race of the day.  The 9 and 10 Years divisions set the pace, and we were in close second to AB Paterson. Tensions were high as Monty Cole dived in and swam the race of his life to overtake the leader. Then it was up to our brilliant leaders, Jack Ludbrook and Eden Mulley, to finish the race off at least 20 metres in front of the competition. 

The presentations were a nail-biting affair, as we had no idea if we had in fact scored enough points to take it out. Elspeth Hooper was awarded 3rd Age Champion in the 11 Years Girls division and Jack Ludbrook achieved 1st Age Champion in the 12 Years Boys. The team sat, nervously waiting, as other schools seemed to be winning all the Age Champion medals.

Then came the team ribbons, All Saints finished in the top three within eight out of a total 10 age groups, winning first overall in the Girls Division and second overall in the Boys Division. Then... silence fell upon the audience, who was going to be the champion team?

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL!

1st in Percentage, and 1st in the Aggregate! A true team effort, where every swimmer made the difference.

Thank you to all the support staff for getting our APS Swimming team ready, and to the parents for their unwavering support and restraint from purchasing too many snow cones on the day! We are so fortunate to have the All Saints community cheering us on. Thank you to our Junior School Swimming Captains Jack Ludbrook, Aria Coetser, Eden Mulley, Kirralee Jones and Lachlan Von Bibra for leading the team by example.

Final congratulations to the recipients of 'In the Right Spirit' awards, Eden Mulley and Monty Cole for their extraordinary efforts and steadfast commitment to the All Saints team.

Georgia Liussi
Junior School Teacher (Sports Coordinator)

A fabulous effort from all our Swimmers at the Senior APS Championships.

• 1st– Emmanuel
• 2nd – Somerset
• 3rd - All Saints

We had 4 Age Champion medalists

• Daisy Vincent (13yrs Girls – Gold). Also set a new APS record in the 50m Free.
• Jesse Fydler (13 yrs Boys) – Bronze
• Keanu Paunde-Shaffer (14 Boys – Bronze)
• Will Sutcliffe (16 Boys – Bronze)

All Saints placed 1st in the 16 boys age group and also won overall boys aggregate.

Fergus Leslie
Director of Sport & Activities

Fergus Leslie
Director of Sport & Activities

AFL
Congratulations to Max Jacobson (Year 7) who was selected to attend the Gold Coas Suns Academy.

Congratulations to Zac Jacobson (Year 10) who was selected to attend the Gold Coas Suns Academy.

BASEBALL
Congratulations to Jake Scott (Year 11) for his recent success at the Baseball Championships.

Represented Queensland at the U18 National Baseball Championships

Placed 1st with Queensland at the National Championships

CRICKET
Congratulations to Daniel MacDonald (Year 7) who was selected in the South Coast Regional 10-12 years team.

DANCE
Congratulations to Abigail Glass (Year 7) who placed 1st at the National Championships in Song and Dance. 

FOOTBALL
Congratulations Phoenix Rogers (Year11) for her recent success in Football. 

• Won the Moreton Bay pre-season Championship with Gold Coast Utd U17s, scoring a hat trick in the final.
• Selected in the South Coast Region U19 team.

GOLF
Congratulations to Jay Topakas (Year 8) who placed 2nd overall at the Cameron Smith Junior Classic at Wantima Golf Club. 

OZTAG
Congratulations to Zara Doblo (Year 11) who finished 1st at the U16 Queensland State titles with her club Miami Raptors. 

Congratulations to Jaden Freeman (Year 7) who finished 1st at the U16 Queensland State titles with his club Miami Raptors. 

SPEED CUBING 
Congratulations to Oscar Wang (Year 11) on his recent success in Speed Cubing. 

• Won 2 events at the Melbourne Summer Speed Cubing event.
• Finished in the top 3 in 4 other events.

SWIMMING 
Congratulations to Isaac Wang (Year 9) for his recent success at the Miami Summer Meet.

• Placed 2nd in 100m Breaststroke
• Placed 3rd in the 100m Freestyle

TENNIS
Congratulations to Rylee Buchanan (Year 10) who placed 1st at the Inter School Tennis Tournament in Secondary Doubles.

Congratulations to Giorgio Aquino (Year 10) who placed 1st at the Inter School Tennis Tournament in Secondary Doubles. 

TRACK CYLCING 
Congratulations to Alex Hewes (Year 11) who placed 1st in the Madison event at the Junior Queensland Championships.

Congratulations to Amelie Sanders (Year 10) for her recent success in Track Cycling.

• Placed 2nd in the U17 Madison at the National Championships
• Placed 2nd in the U17 Omnium at the National Championships
• Placed 4th in the U17 Australian Junior Track Series

TRIATHLON
Congratulations to Zarah Farrington (Year 9) for her recent achievements in Triathlon Championships. 

• Finished 4th at the Queensland State triathlon Championships
• Selected to represent the State at the National Championships in Tasmania

WATER POLO
Congratulations to Anneliese Sparks (Year 11) who was selected in the South Coast Regional 13-19 years team.

Fergus Leslie
Director of Sport & Activities

The photos accompanying this article were all taken in the Holloway Music Centre this past Thursday between 7.15am to 8.15am, and 3.30pm to 5.15pm. They show the thriving atmosphere that the Holloway hosts before and after school when sometimes up to 150 students at once converge for ensemble rehearsals. Most of the School’s 33 ensembles rehearse during these time slots, while the smaller groups find moments during one lunchtime per week to rehearse.

That morning as I wandered and snapped, I spied the Year 4 students of Delius Strings delightedly adjusting their posture and bow position with Mrs Ramirez, while just steps away in the PSA Band room Mr Mason ran a tight rehearsal with our senior jazz ensemble the Milestones Big Band. In the afternoon, Mr Bardlsey and Ms Morgan collaborated by bringing singers and the school’s advanced string students in Camerata together in the first combined rehearsal preparing for their Easter Service performances. Meanwhile, I was spending time with 55 enthusiastic Year 8 and 9 students of the Grainger Wind Ensemble and together we grappled some challenging music in preparation for our first concerts of the year.

Having younger children mix with, and experience the music of, older students and seeing Senior and Middle School musicians mentoring and interacting with beginners is one of the joys of my role. I often remind our Music Captains, and ask them to pass onto others, that their actions and commitment to music, attention in rehearsals and positive demeanour is picked up by the younger students, even if they interact with them for only a few moments after rehearsals.

All our groups are well on their way to preparing for their performances at the upcoming Twilight concerts. Well done to all involved in our music program. Your efforts do not go unnoticed by staff and students alike. Keep it up!

MUSIC HONOURS BOARD UPDATED
I am delighted to share that our Honours Boards in the Holloway have been updated with our 2023 Music Captains Zac Marcos and Georgia Ogge, as well as those students who gained their music diplomas in 2022. The names below have joined the illustrious list in 2023 and we are very proud of their achievements:

• Eason You (Year 8) – LMus, Piano
• Sarah Butcher (Class of 2022) – AMus, Flute
• James Shin (Year 11) – AMus, Violin
• Crystal Chen (Year 10) - AMus, Piano

YEAR 3 STRING AND YEAR 5 BAND PROGRAMS IN FULL SWING
A total of 180 Year 3 and 5 students have been participating in two of All Saints' signature instrumental music initiatives, the Year 3 String and Year 5 Band Programs. Students have been learning an instrument for a semester, gaining insight into music and the different instruments of the orchestra. Here are some tips to assist with students' learning:

• 5, 10 or 15-minute practice sessions at least four times a week.
• Be patient with the sound produced. It will develop!
• The success, progress and interest of your child is greatly enhanced by parents' ongoing encouragement, as well as their involvement in helping set routines and practice times. 

CAMERATA STRINGS PERFORM EASTER SERVICES
Our advanced string ensemble will perform with selected vocalists at Easter Services in our School Chapel and at St Peter's Anglican Church in Southport on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 April. They will perform the Stabat Mater by Pergolesi. This will be a beautiful performance of this sacred work as part of the service, and is a special event staged by Mr Bardsley, Ms Morgan, the Music students and Mother Ann this year. More details to come, but these events are open to everyone.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

Our Term 1 Twilight Concerts are in Week 7 and 8 and are listed below. Parents and students have received an email with details about these concerts and all students are required to participate in their ensemble. 

Band and String Concerts will be in the Nairn Theatre and the Choral Concerts in the Chapel. Please note that there are two choral concerts happening on the same evening, as the Junior event will be held separately from the Middle and Senior event.

• Band Twilight Concert – Thursday 9 March, Nairn Theatre at 6.00pm
• String Twilight Concert – Tuesday 14 March, Nairn Theatre at 6.00pm
• Choral Twilight Concerts – Thursday 16 March, All Saints Chapel at 5.30pm for Junior School and 6.30pm for Middle and Senior School.

Everyone is welcome to these concerts and no tickets are required.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

The Conservatorium of Music will offer advanced ensemble training for students in Years 5 to 12 in the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) over two weekends this year. SHEP is a standard and experience-based program, rather than age or year level. The weekend of June 2 to 4 is for musicians who are AMEB Grades 2 to 4 (or equivalent) or have moderate choral experience for vocalists. The weekend of July 6 to 9 is for musicians in AMEB Grades 4 to 6, or vocalists with an intermediate level of choral experience. We usually have around 10 students attending each of these programs per year. The cost is $280.

Click here for more information or make contact with me. Nominations must be submitted to me by Thursday 2 March as all nominations must come through the School.

Owen Clarke
Director of Performing Arts

Happening is something I will never forget. Happening was like nothing I have ever experienced before, it seriously is so amazing. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself, I got to meet so many incredible people. I am so grateful for the chance to experience this weekend. If you are skeptical or unsure about going, do it, you won’t regret it.

Happening is an experience unlike any other. It is a warm, open and unconditionally supportive environment that I have never experienced anywhere else before. If you had asked me before Happening if could have felt as open, and confident, and loved by a group of people after only a weekend, I would have quickly said no, and I am overjoyed and utterly delighted to be proved wrong. Happening is indescribable, and not just because we don't say what happens!

Happening to me was a sort of an eye-opener to a whole new perspective on life! Overall, it is currently in place as my best experience in school. I have made so many new friends and they are all such nice people, and it was so good to just finally be able to be myself without all the judgement or any negative feelings. Happening is incredible!

Happening for me has not been a one-and-done deal. It has started when I first joined in Year 10 and hasn’t stopped since.
Through this journey I have seen many friends grow as a person as well as myself, just like the symbol of the butterfly that we proudly wear on our blazer. Not only that, but the sense of community that has grown through happening has been magical and very dear to my heart, closer than what I could ever attempt to achieve alone.

Through Happening, I was able to become a friend with a lot of new people that I knew but haven't talked to before. I love how something always happened unexpectedly and we could get away from using our phones during the camp. I enjoyed worshiping and praying altogether and talking about how important praying is. It was one of the best new experiences I had ever in my life! I'm so excited for the next Happening.  

Happening was a truly amazing experience for me. I went into it a little bit anxious, but tried to keep an open mind and it really paid off. I learned so many new things about myself, faith, and the other people that I got to share the experience with. Although the secrecy of it creates some apprehensiveness surrounding Happening, I think it made it a lot more meaningful to just go with the flow. I’m really glad that I attended and would definitely recommend it to others!

Happening explored a faith that disregarded all stigmas about God and brought a sense of spirituality to a soul. A connection that says, you are not alone. It connected me with people and I now have bonds that are unbreakable. 

Happening is magical experience that can build friendships to last a life time. It provides a feeling of pure joy and love for everyone who happens and is an experience I'll never forget!

I’ve said it many times and I will continue to say that Happening changed my life. Not only did I first experience and find my faith but it saved me from going down a dark road. The catharsis I experienced over the weekend allowed me to grieve and then forgive my past mistakes and failures. It made me realise we all deserve love, but it starts from loving ourselves first, no matter who we are, what we are or what we have done in the past. If God can forgive us and love us unconditionally, we can do the same for ourselves and the people around us. Ultimately it has made me a better, kinder person who views life from a different perspective. 

I didn’t know what to expect when taking the opportunity to attend Happening. But after the first day I knew it was an experience I would never forget. I am so grateful to have met so many incredible like-minded people that I instantly felt comfortable and emotionally safe to be my real, authentic self. It truly was a one-of-a-kind experience, and I am so thankful for the chance to attend Happening.

The above student voices express what Happening means to our students. I can hardly believe that this was Happening #10. It seems like a only a short while ago that I was trying to convince a few brave students, mostly from the Chapel Committee to take on this strange new idea, and I thank God for their trust which has brought us to this remarkable place.

I would particularly like to thank Mr Wallas for his incredible understanding and encouragement at times when it began to seem impossible to continue, and to the sterling team of Mr and Mrs Callaghan who have been ardent supporters from the start. Their wisdom, faith and care mean more than they can know. More recently, Mr Harm has hopped aboard, and has also brought his tireless energy and deep faith to the crew. Teachers like the Mr Mark Stevens and his lovely wife, Jenny, as well as the incredible Mrs Lou Lynch have supported a number of weekends. For all these people, others whom I have not mentioned here, and my remarkable husband Frank, I am entirely grateful.

The students who become Happening staff have also made a significant impact on the weekend, and this time around the kudos go to Christine Morgan and Lucas Harm who led the student staff team admirably. The comments above bear testimony to this.

Ultimately though, our gratitude must go to that divine, guiding presence which we know rather poorly as God, but without whom our lives simply would not be. To God the provider, Christ the companion, and the Spirit which bears their wisdom must go the ultimate glory.

Blessings,

Mother Ann McGuinness
School Chaplain

The most exciting place to be on Ash Wednesday is the Junior School!

The Imposition of Ashes onto the forehead or wrist of Christians has long been a ritual marking the beginning of Lent. Lent is a reflective period of the 40 days (excluding Sundays) which precede Easter. Adherents are invited to spend time auditing their own lives in relation to the needs of others. Most often it is expressed in fasting from a meal, a luxury item or time spent in front of the television in order to offer compassionate service to those among us facing difficult challenges in their lives.

Mrs Milissa Gustafson presented meaningful Chapels to the Junior School children earlier in the week to explain this symbolic ritual, which resulted in a wonderful response from children and staff on Wednesday during lunch break. I was surprised to see the long queue of students lined up and waiting to receive this remarkably simple mark. What a pleasure to be regaled with stories of what was about to be given up, ranging from "time on my iPad" to "lollies". Concerning the needs of others, "Taking my Nan’s dog for a walk" and "helping mum with chores" were also on the cards.

The children received the ashes with much delight. "Please can I have a big, thick cross Mother Ann?" brought a smile to my face.

The willingness of young children to embark on this pilgrimage journey of 40 days, even if it is not fully understood, stands in stark contrast to the reserve of Senior School students. Having said this, the knock on my door at lunch time with a hesitant "Can I still receive the ashes Mother Ann, I missed out this morning," from Senior School students certainly warmed this Chaplain’s heart.

May you all make a good Lent.

Blessings.

Mother Ann McGuinness
School Chaplain

Set your alarm! Tickets for the 2023 Mother’s Day Morning Tea will go on sale next Friday 3 March at 9am.

Wear your best millinery and join is for this wonderful event which will once again be held in the Marquee at The Star, this time on a Friday!

Event date: Friday 28 April
Time: 8.45am – 12.00noon
Location: Marquee at The Star
Theme: Hats and High Tea – Wear your best fascinator or hat!

The P&F are proud to welcome guest speaker and All Saints friend, Aunty Brenda Matthews, to this event. Brenda will share a very personal story that will inspire and motivate the room as she launches her highly anticipated book The Last Daughter.

The morning will also feature a live preview of All Saints’ Legally Blonde production, roaming entertainment and a Lisa Brown fashion parade and pop-up stall. All guests will receive a complimentary beauty gift generously donated by The Lash Spa.

IMPORTANT TICKET SALE INFORMATION

Please read carefully:

• Tickets will go on sale this Friday 3 March at 9.00am.
• Last year's event sold out so we do recommend you set your alarm for the sale release.
• Tickets are available on year level specific tables (limit of 2 per person) or as tables of 10
• The person booking tickets MUST include the name, email and dietaries of each guest in their group. To help streamline the booking process, the information will be requested after your payment to secure the table. Please make sure you have your table list organised before Friday and enter the details when prompted.
• Tickets are $75 + $2.38 booking fee per person
• Please only book for All Saints mums. Due to high demand, we're unable to accommodate grandmothers and friends so that All Saints parents and guardians don't miss out.
• Year level tables are strictly reserved for mums of that year level. They are designed to help foster friendships among mothers with children in the same year level. Please  ensure you book the correct year level.
• Book your tickets at events.humanitix.com/all-saints-mdmt

MOTHER’S DAY RAFFLE
Our renowned Mother’s Day Morning Tea raffle will once again see lucky ticket holders go home with fabulous prizes! Purchase your raffle tickets online at events.humanitix.com/all-saints-mdmt with your morning tea ticket or guests can purchase them separately:

• 8 tickets for $10
• 25 tickets for $25
• 60 tickets for $50
• 130 tickets for $100

Pre-purchased raffle tickets will be ready and waiting for you at your table.

We can't wait to celebrate this special day with you all. We hope this event will help create and strengthen friendships among our community and have fun. We thank you for your understanding of the above requirements so we can ensure fair access to tickets for all mums.

If you have any questions or would like to donate to our raffle on the day, please email Krystle and Nidhi at asasmdmt@gmail.com.

Krystle Holmes and Nidhi Jogia
P&F Committee

The success of the annual Mother's Day Morning Tea is largely due to the generous raffle donations we receive from our school community and local businesses. Some ideas for donations include vouchers, gift baskets, champagne, beauty products, homewares - really anything you think our wonderful mums would appreciate!

If you’d like the opportunity to promote your business to our community at this sell-out event, please contact Krystle and Nidhi via email to asasmdmt@gmail.com.

Krystle Holmes and Nidhi Jogia
P&F Committee

Now things are starting to find their natural, crazy rythm with new school, new teachers, new friends etc, we thought it would be nice to have a casual catch up.

Where: Counter Cafe, Gooding Drive, Merrimac

When: Friday 10 March 

Time: Any time after drop off

Come along to meet some new friends, catch up with old friends, just pop in for a quick casual tea/coffee or stay for some yummy breakfast, whatever suits you. All welcome.

Details can also be found on Facebook. 

Heidi Jacobson
Year 7 Parent Coordinator