Newsletter

Dear Parents and Caregivers 

I am delighted to add to Mrs O’Kane’s welcome to you from last week and extend my welcome to our new and returning families at the commencement of our 2024 school year. 

Following an exciting start to the new school year, I am delighted to provide you with the first of my fortnightly updates regarding the rich variety of student experiences and community opportunities that occur throughout the school and to provide some insights into the work of the Education Leadership Team. I am hopeful you will enjoy reading about the strategies we employ to prepare our students to be the leaders and change-makers of the future, grounded in an appreciation for our Mercy values. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those who have warmly welcomed me back following my long service leave at the end of last year. It was wonderful to have time to rest and rejuvenate, and I am enthusiastic to be back, welcoming new faces and families to our beloved AHS community. 

Last Thursday’s Inaugural Mass was a wonderful opportunity for our school community to gather, celebrate, and reflect. The tradition of clapping in and welcoming our new students to the AHSisterhood is always a special way to begin our school year, and the joy within the room was both uplifting and infectious!

We were blessed that so many community members could join us at this special event, including members of the Sisters of Mercy Congregation Leadership Team, Sisters of Mercy, representatives from Mercy Partners, our School Board and Foundation Board, past Principals and numerous parents and caregivers. We are also very grateful to Fr Peter Dillon, who celebrated Mass with us and shared his family’s association with All Hallows’ School and the Sisters of Mercy. 

This event would not have been possible without the hard work of many, including Dean of Mission, Mrs Claire Easton, Head of Mercy Charism, Ms Ashley Prisk, Head of Culture, Ms Cathie Neil, our Community Relations and Development Team, IT and Facilities Teams, Operations Manager, Ms Louise Hiscox, and the Operations Team. We thank all those who made it possible for our school community to celebrate the beginning of the 2024 school year. 

Our Inaugural Mass was also an opportunity to honour four very special educators celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. 

Ms Anne Weaver, Head of Library and Information Services and Ms Barbara Wasley from our Mathematics Department are both celebrating 20 years of dedicated service. 

We were also delighted to acknowledge the service of Miss Rosa Parella, Italian and French language teacher and Ms Marie Vallely, previously a Home Economics Teacher and now Mathematics Teacher, for reaching the remarkable achievement of 40 years with our community. 

We are truly blessed at All Hallows’ to benefit from such an exceptional staff dedicated to the education of our students and the enthusiastic applause and recognition of these four staff members was very moving.  

As we embrace the routine of the new school year, I encourage all parents and caregivers to participate in the upcoming Parent Information Evenings, allowing you to engage and meet with key members of our teaching staff responsible for leading your daughters through their schooling this year. Led by our Heads of Year, these sessions provide a valuable opportunity for us to share our approach to Student Care and Teaching and Learning and to provide specific information related to each particular year level.   

Our Year 11 Parent Information evening took place last night and was an overwhelming success.  I thank the numerous parents and caregivers who came along to meet with us.  I am especially grateful to our Head of Years 11 and 12, Ms Sue Havers, who designed the innovative format for the evening and coordinated the presentations. 

Different evenings are scheduled over the coming weeks; specific dates can be found in our School calendar. For parents and caregivers unable to join us in person, a recording of the session will be available on Moodle within 24 hours of each event.

One of the defining features of our wonderful All Hallows’ community is the service so generously provided by our community members. These volunteers kindly share their skills, expertise, and time to benefit our students, school, and broader community. 

Being involved in any of our nine Parent Support Groups is also a cherished opportunity to make new friendships, which will endure long after your daughter graduates. Whether you join our dynamic Parents and Friends Association, Mothers’ Network, lend your time and talents to a sporting, cultural or Mercy Action support group, or become active in our Past Pupils’ Association, your participation will be as personally rewarding as it is helpful. 

It is a sentiment shared by many parents in their final weeks at All Hallows’, that the bonds formed within our many parent associations and groups, whether backstage or on the BBQ, around a meeting table or on a sideline, are highlights of their time at our school.

One of the first opportunities for our community to come together is our Mothers’ Network Meeting and Welcome Morning Tea, which will be held in the Potter Room this Friday at 9am.

This year, our fabulous Mothers’ Network is very generously donating $100,000 towards several projects that directly benefit our students. We are so appreciative of their hard work to raise these funds, which have been utilised in the following ways:

• Artwork on each level of the newly renovated McAuley Building; the artwork includes:
  • (Level 1) Timeline of Catherine McAuley’s life;
  • (Level 2) The spiritual works of Mercy;
  • (Level 3) The corporal works of Mercy;
  • (Level 4) A teacup and Catherine McAuley quote.
• Play equipment for the refurbished St Gertrude’s that will be undertaken from Easter 2024 – September 2024.
• Furnishings for the Student Wellbeing Centre. Construction is due to start in November 2024.
• Generous contributions through the provision of cupcakes on special days, trio sets for the Catherine Awards at Celebration of Excellence and catering for so many special events throughout the year.
• The purchase of artwork hanging in the Principal’s reception area, in honour of long-serving staff member and Executive Assistant to the Principal, Mrs Irene Sloan, who passed away on 5 October 2022.
• Support for our newest and extremely popular wellbeing initiative, Teddy, our School’s wellbeing dog.   

Finally, we wish all our Year 12 students and their parents and caregivers a most enjoyable Pre-Formal and Formal this Saturday evening. Anticipation and excitement for this milestone event has been building all week, and we look forward to sharing an update and images in the coming weeks. 

May God bless you and your family in the week ahead.

Ms Carolyn Liddy (Deputy Principal).

Our second RAP was officially blessed and launched at last week's Inaugural Mass. A Reconciliation Action Plan outlines an organisation's commitment to the Reconciliation process in Australia. It provides clear directions and goals for an organisation and sets out specific actions that will be implemented to further progress Reconciliation initiatives.

At Thursday's Mass, we heard words written by Uncle David Miller and presented by his granddaughter, Miah Miller Forrest, which point to the nature of a process of Reconciliation. 

Miah said:

 It is a time for healing. 

It is a time for acceptance. 

It is a time for story-telling and educating all Australians 

about our rich history and culture. 

It is a time to speak up and have a voice.

It is a time for recognising and acknowledging the valuable 

contribution that we have made to the life of this country.

It is a time to address past wrong-doings and injustices 

suffered by many of our peoples. 

It is time to address racism and prejudice in our society.

And, it is a time to act.

If we are true to our commitment to act with integrity this year, then we must reflect our values of justice and respect, which lie at the core of this document.

I share with you sections of the blessing of the RAP from Thursday Mass as an indication of why this RAP is so important to the Mission of the School. 

Catherine O'Kane said:

 … let us draw inspiration from Jesus' teachings of inclusivity. May this blessing guide us to walk in the path of righteousness, fostering unity and understanding in our community.    

 …We resolve that by the grace of God we shall strive to rectify our actions and live in a manner that reflects positive change so that our Aboriginal brothers and sisters, the descendants of the First Peoples, can rightfully and equitably share in the abundant blessings of this, their sacred land.

We pray that your Spirit will show each one of us how we can support the process of Reconciliation outlined in the All Hallows' School Reconciliation Action Plan. Bless this document as a sign of our unwavering commitment to reconciliation, recognising both individually and collectively that we have the power to make a meaningful difference.

 The All Hallows' RAP contains 24 Actions and has identified 93 deliverables that can be implemented over the 3-year life of the document. We look forward to sharing our RAP successes in the coming months. You can access a copy of the new RAP on the school's website here.

Thank you to the Reconciliation Committee - comprised of staff, students, parents, and community members for their extraordinary efforts in creating this important document.

This year, Pope Francis has designated a focus on prayer. At All Hallows', staff and students enjoy a rich and varied prayer and liturgical life. Each day begins with prayer, and we are blessed to gather as a community for whole school celebrations such as the Inaugural Mass and the AHS Mercy Day Mass in September.

Each Wednesday morning at 8am, the community is invited to share in various liturgical experiences in either the Sophia Centre or the All Hallows' Chapel. RE classes prepare class liturgies to which all are invited, and during the year, each year level shares a liturgy, and each House has a Mass in the Chapel. Parents are very welcome to attend these liturgical experiences.

Please note that while the weekly AHS calendar is always very full, should there be a class between liturgy and another co-curricular activity, it is the expectation that students attend their liturgical commitments. Coaches and ensemble directors know the importance of a rich prayer life and will understand if students need to leave a session early to attend liturgy.

I look forward to seeing as many staff, students and parents at the upcoming gatherings including:

• 31/1 Mrs Easton's 12RE class
• 7/2 Loretto House Mass
• 14/2 Ash Wednesday House Liturgies during Home Group
• 21/2 Mercy Action Commissioning Liturgy
• 28/2 Whitty House Mass
• 6/3 Year 10 Liturgy

The Mercy Action program begins next week for most Mercy Action activities. Students can access rosters via Moodle and are reminded to communicate absences from any off-site activities to Ms Hayes and contact the reserve.

Please note that all students on the Mercy Action rosters are invited to their commissioning liturgy on Wednesday, 21 February, at 8am in the Chapel. Parents are also welcome to attend.

If you have any queries regarding the Mercy Action program, please contact the Mercy Action Coordinator, Ms Jodi Hayes MercyAction@ahs.qld.edu.au 

In keeping with our commitment to sustainability and, as part of a project with the Brisbane City Council's Green Hearts Program, All Hallows' has recently purchased 2 native stingless bee hives, which will hopefully arrive towards the end of summer. Our new residents are of the species Tetragonula hockingsi, which are small stingless bees native to Queensland. 

These sugarbag bees do not have a stinger and are considered harmless to humans. They are generalist species and visit various plants, particularly fruiting plants and flowers and make a sweet, uniquely Australian-flavoured honey. 

The bees are quite small, measuring between 3-5mm (slightly smaller than a small mozzie) and can travel about 100m from their hive in their daily travels. The hives will be located close to our Australian native gardens. The bees will help boost native Australian insect species on site and pollinate our beautiful gardens, helping us meet our goal of increasing Native Australian flora and fauna onsite.

Mrs. Claire Easton (Dean of Mission).

Liturgy will be celebrated in the Sophia Centre tomorrow morning at 8:00am. The prayer will be led by Mrs Easton’s Y12 RE class, focusing on the theme Mercy is an Action Word. All are welcome.

The All Hallows’ community extends its sympathy and support to Emily Love (Y11 GO2) on the death of her maternal grandmother and Ines Annan-Schmidt (Y11 GO4) on the death of her paternal grandfather.

May God’s love comfort them and their families at this sad time.

Friday 2 February

Mothers’ Network Welcome Morning Tea

https://forms.office.com/r/tvB8Wn1nSv

Saturday 3 February

Year 12 2024 Formal Night Parents/Caregivers 2024 Drinks

Registration for this event has closed.

Sunday 4 February

Year 5 Welcome Event

Year 5 - 2024 Welcome BBQ (e-newsletter.com.au)

Friday 9 February

Year 7 Welcome Event

https://allhallows.e-newsletter.com.au/Year7ParentCaregiversWelcomeEvening 

Hosted by the All Hallows' Past Pupils' Association

Join us for an inspiring breakfast on Friday, March 8.

To learn more and purchase tickets, please follow link below.

All Hallows' School Online Community (ahs.qld.edu.au)

Hey AHS! 

We won’t lie, the transition between holidays and the school term hit hard last week. 8 weeks is a long time, yet it always seems to come and go too quickly! 

Alas, all good things must come to an end. After all, if it were always holidays, we would probably not value them as much. That’s what everyone says, anyway! So, although we might all have felt some post-holiday blues (which is totally okay!), there are so many exciting things to look forward to in Term 1. 

Last week proved to be as busy as expected. As Year 12’s, we had an exciting start meeting our new buddies on Monday (albeit hot!) and helping them get used to the school. I think the air-con of those checkpoint rooms was a highlight for many during the treasure quest! 

Tuesday saw the welcoming back of all our current students and settling into new timetables. There is a buzz when people reconnect after a long break, get new classes, and settle into a routine. 

Wednesday seemed like the only normal day in the crazy times that were Week 1 before we finished the week off with our Inaugural Mass. 

Having the whole All Hallows community together (which doesn’t happen very often) is always very special. I’m sure the Mass would have brought on many memories for anyone out there who is a Past Pupil. As Year 12’s, it makes you sentimental looking back on all the inaugural masses you’ve been to and realising it’s your last one.  We also had the privilege to celebrate staff that have devoted an outstanding amount of service to the school, with a collective 120 years of teaching. Congratulations to Ms Wasley, Ms Perella, Ms Weaver and Ms Vallely! 

As the first week back at school has come to a close and the next one begins, we are so excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to make the most out of it! 

All the best for Week 2! 

Bridget and Cristina xx 

Sue Pearn (Theatresports Coordinator)

Are you new to AHS and the delights of Theatresports? 

This fun improvisation team-based activity is offered to students in Years 7 - 12. No experience is necessary, but a willingness to get up, be a bit silly and say “yes” as they work to tell a story within time constraints is. 

We train on Monday lunchtimes but begin the year with a Training Day to be held on Sunday, 4th February, from 10am - 12pm in Claver Theatre. 

Students in Years 8 - 12 who would like to be considered for a competition team will stay and trial from 12:30pm – 2pm.

The Interschool Theatre Sports Competition runs from April to August, and students in those teams will have an extra training session each week and the general training on Monday. All students who train on Mondays can perform in our Showcase evening later in the year. 

To register for Sunday's Training Day please visit the Performing Arts Moodle page. 

Ms. Cathie Neil (Head of Culture).

Congratulations to Lulu Horton (Y09 ME5), who represented the school in the Met East team at the School State Championships.  They won the tournament for the gold medal, and Lulu was the top goal scorer in the tournament.

Lulu was also selected to represent Queensland at the National Futsal Championships, which will take place on the Gold Coast this year.  She was selected to play an age group up (U15), a great achievement.

Close 30 January at 7pm

Age 10 – 12 Yrs

Lytton (District) – Met East (Regional) – Qld (State) – Australia (Nationals)

Age 13 – 19 Yrs 

Composite (District – Met East (Regional) – Qld (State) – Australia (Nationals)

How do I nominate?

1.      All Hallows’ School nominations are limited by the district’s offices to 4 -6 students.

2.     Nominations via Moodle Representative Sport Page or the School App 

3.     Nominations close on 30 January 2024 7.00pm

What do I do if I am successful?

1.     Notification and documentation of trials are sent to the successful students via email.

2.     If SUCCESSFUL, all documents must be completed. 

3.     A Medical Consent Form with signed Principal Consent must be taken to trials.

4.     Notification of Absence from school is the responsibility of Parents (to Students Services)

NOTE:  When large numbers of students nominate, selections to attend a trial will be based on the current AHS team and/or division they are currently playing in, along with previous experience.  Generally, qualifying standards are set by the district for individual sports.

5.    No late nominations will be accepted.

Sign on here

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=2zzmADdsvEmw8sR0YQKPz8BNmAn55LBDq_ZuBb2Vs0pUNjlTWkRRS1hUUVpXREFKMFFGWlZSTllTMC4u

All our Indoor Hockey players are invited to the AHS Indoor Hockey 2023/2024 End of Season Presentation and Breakfast! The Indoor Hockey 2023/2024 End of Season Presentation and Breakfast is scheduled in the Piazza on Tuesday, 27 February 2024. 

Please check the AHS School App for all information!

Well done to all selectors and coaches involved in our trials over the school holidays. Seeing many of our returning and new players present and putting in their best efforts at these trials was great.

The next significant event for Netball is our AHS Twilight Grading Carnival on 2nd March, commencing at 2:30 pm. Ensure you mark this date on your calendars, as we anticipate the presence of all players.

The link to pay the fees for Netball 2024 has been shared on the School App. An instruction manual is also available for those needing guidance on the payment process. 

Please note that two separate payments are required—one through the Payment Portal and the second through the Netball Connect Payment. These levies are due by 1st March. 

If you encounter any difficulties or have questions not addressed on the School APP, please don't hesitate to contact netball@ahs.qld.edu.au

Your cooperation ensures a smooth and successful Netball season! 

Inviting all students in Year 8 to Year 12 (2024) to join us for our Rowing Information Evening! 

Join us to learn about our AHS Rowing Program, the expectations of our rowers, key dates and costs. 

Please check the AHS School App for all information. 

The information slides will be available on the AHS School App if you cannot attend the session.

Well done to all players, and a big thank you to our selectors and coaches for their diligence throughout the Touch Football trial process. Touch Football training commences the week starting 29 January 2024, with all information relating to training and venues available in our AHS Touch Football Season 1, 2024 Handbook.

Every AHS Touch Football team requires one volunteer for the Team Manager position. A nomination form and the provisional team lists were posted on the AHS School App. Our Touch Football PSG has developed an information booklet to assist new and returning Team Managers in fulfilling their positions. Please consider volunteering to support our students and the AHS Touch Football program.

In 2024, BMTA Season 1 Levies will be processed across two separate platforms. The AHS Touch Football Levy and the BMTA Levy are both due on Friday, 1 March 2024. 

Students cannot take the field post-grading if both levies are not complete. Please check the AHS School App for more information.

Congratulations to all players who competed in the Australian Youth Championships over the school holidays. We proudly had 11 teams competing across both divisions, spanning from U12 to U18. 

A sincere thank you extends to the dedicated coaches, managers, and parents who invested substantial time and effort in attending all the training and games held throughout Brisbane. 

A special shoutout is in order for our U12 Blue team, securing an outstanding 2nd place in the county—a truly remarkable achievement for these talented students! 

The EOI for State Titles has been released on the School App. These teams will be selected through a trial process. 

Stay tuned for more details, which will be shared on the School App in the upcoming weeks. 

Your continued support and enthusiasm are crucial in fostering the growth and success of our aspiring athletes. Nominations will close on February 7th at 5pm.

We are actively seeking parents/caregivers who have a few days each term to volunteer at Café 547/Food Service Area. 

Please complete the volunteer form on Moodle Section: Cafe 547 | Parent Information | AHS or email FoodService@ahs.qld.edu.au

Ms Katie Castle (Food Service Manager).

We love a good welcome, so this is just a quick reminder about the three Mothers’ Network events happening over the next 10 days.  Don’t miss out! Register now!

Welcome Meeting and Morning Tea 

Friday 2nd January 9.00am

All parents are welcome to come along to our meetings throughout the year, but this first one involves a bit of an introduction to what we are all about and not to mention a tasty spread for morning tea. 

For more details and to register, please click https://forms.office.com/r/tvB8Wn1nSv.

Year 5 Family Welcome at AHS 

Sunday 4th February 4.00pm

The AHS Mothers' Network invites our Year 5 Families to a Welcome Event to be held on Sunday 4th, February 2024.  

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the other Year 5 families in a relaxed environment. Siblings are also welcome to attend. 

The Mother's Network welcomes you and hopes to see many of our Year 5 families at this special event.  If you require any further information, please contact the Event Organiser, Cassandra Dahlheimer cassdahl@hotmail.com or 0409 807 758.

Please register for catering purposes via the link below.

Year 5 – 2024 Welcome BBQ

Year 7 Parent and Caregiver Welcome function at The Warehouse 

Friday 9th February 7.00pm

The Mothers’ Network is delighted to host this cocktail event for all of our new and returning ‘Class of 2029’ parents and caregivers. 

This is an opportunity to commence, or for families with a couple of AHS years already under their belt, to continue forming connections with the people who will journey beside you during the next 6 years of your daughters’ All Hallows’ education.  

This is always a very popular function and has been the catalyst for many enduring friendships over the years. 

Tickets are $45 per person and include substantial canapes. A dedicated bar is available for drink purchases. For those who choose to drive to the function, the All Hallows’ Dodge Lane Carpark will be available for parking until 11.00pm and is an easy walking distance to the venue.

Please follow the link below to register and pay for this event by 2/2/2024.

https://allhallows.e-newsletter.com.au/Year7ParentCaregiversWelcomeEvening 

Plus..

We also wish the young ladies in Year 12 an amazing night at their AHS Formal this Saturday and are pleased to host the Year 12 Parent and Caregiver Function occurring concurrently at the Charming Squire – a pleasant way to ‘pass the time’ whilst our daughters’ are no doubt dancing up a storm!

Ms Deb Hall (MNET President).  

MNET Care Concern Program

Ms Linda Beckmann (MNET Care and Concern Coordinator). 

linda_beckmann@hotmail.com

Friday, March 8 from 7.00am. 

Tickets are now on sale!

International Women’s Day Breakfast 2024

In 2022, an unexpected ‘weather event’ necessitated the cancellation of the IWD Breakfast. Two fabulous past pupils, Eugenie Buckley and Jamei-Lee Lewis, missed out on their opportunity to share their stories and journeys.

The good news is that Eugenie and Jamie-Lee have agreed to return as our guest speakers/panellists as they unpack the theme of #inspireinclusion with journalist and TODAY show reporter Aislin Kriukelis (Class of 2002).

About Eugenie

Eugénie Buckley, Class of 1988, is a strategic thinker, natural rebel and unashamed game changer who is driven to make a difference.

She has held CEO roles at Suiko Consulting, Swimming Australia, Brisbane Roar FC, ICC Women’s World Cup 2009 and the Australian Professional Footballers’ Association. 

Eugénie’s background is as a sports lawyer, and she has held General Manager of Legal & Business Affairs roles for the International Cricket Council and Football Federation Australia and was Head of Legal & Commercial, Rugby World Cup 2003.  

Eugénie is an inaugural member of the World Aquatics Integrity Unit and the National Sports Tribunal, an Asian Football Confederation Club Licensing Consultant and Match Commissioner and was a member of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (2000 – 2008) and a Senior Fellow of the University of Melbourne. She is the author of SportsLaw: Name & Image.

Eugénie believes sport is the best platform to engage with government, business and the community. Sport can drive social change, increase participation in recreation and physical activity and provide an avenue for broader development in areas such as empowerment of girls and women, inclusion and equality, leadership and social cohesion.

About Jamie-Lee

Jamie-Lee Lewis, Class of 2008, is a poster girl for inclusion. Jamie-Lee was born deaf and received a cochlear implant at 4 years of age. Her mother, Jackie Lewis, Jamie’s own source of inspiration, encouraged her to ‘never let deafness get in the way’ of anything she wanted to do or achieve.

A born athlete, at school Jamie-Lee played representative-level netball, volleyball and touch and went on to become the first deaf person to represent Australia in a hearing sport (water polo). 

Having recently retired from representative rugby league, Jamie-Lee continues to challenge stereotypes and push boundaries. She is (literally) building a future in the construction industry while also focusing on being a positive role model by giving back to the community and advocating for a greater understanding of mental health and for those with disabilities.

About the breakfast

Please join us for what will be a fast and fabulous 2 hours from 7.00am to 9.00am, after which time you can get to work, or whatever your day holds next. 

The morning format will include an inspiring, encouraging, heartwarming conversation about ‘levelling the playing field’ so all women are valued, empowered and included. The room has express breakfast with shared platters and long table seating. This means you can come with a group or a friend or just come along and join in the collective spirit of the All Hallows’ sisterhood – whether you are a past pupil or not. All are welcome.

Book now

International Women’s Day Breakfast 2024

For any further information, please email: pps@ahs.qld.edu.au or call 07 3230 9424

PPA Meeting 

Tuesday, February 6, 6.30pm.

AHS Twilight Open Day. 

Tuesday, March 5 from 4 pm.

IWD Breakfast. 

Friday, March 8 from 7am – 9am.

The Rose Room, Cloudland. 

Come Back, we miss you, the 2023 Grad Get-together 

Sunday, March 24 from 4pm - 6 pm. 

The Terrace, All Hallows’ School.

“Sisters in the Spotlight”

Mentoring, networking and careers in the arts

Tuesday, April 30 from 5.30pm.

AHS Claver Theatre and Piazza. 

PPA Meeting 

Monday, May 13, 6.30pm.

Mothers’ Network May Morning Tea

Friday, May 17 from 9.30am. 

RNA Convention Centre.

PPA Meeting 

Monday, July 29, 6.30pm.

“Sisters in Scrubs”

Mentoring, networking and careers in medicine and health

Tuesday, July 30 from 5.30pm.

AHS Claver Theatre and Piazza.

PPA Meeting 

Tuesday, October 15, 6.30 pm.

Reunion Day 2024 

Saturday, November 2 from 9.30am.

Annual General Meeting and Christmas Celebration

Monday, November 25.

Ms. Maree Nugent (Past Pupils’ Liaison).