As we settle into the rhythm of the school year and our students take advantage of the extensive opportunities available in all aspects of our holistic program of learning, we also take the time to commemorate significant days that honour our Mercy traditions, such as the Feast of St Brigid, which occurred last Thursday 1 February.
St Brigid, one of the two patron Saints of Ireland, was known for her acts of kindness and charity. Revered for her hospitality and care of the sick and poor, she was a symbol of hope and light for the world. We give thanks for the life and faith of St Brigid and for the works of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, who followed in her footsteps as women of compassion and service and who are guiding lights for all that we do here at All Hallows’ School.
Year 12 Spirit Theme launch and Formal
Week 2 was a special week for our Class of 2024 with the launch of their spirit theme, “24 Like Never Before”, and the joyful celebration of the Year 12 Formal last Saturday night.
These important rites of passage are significant events in the senior year, and our Class of 2024 are embracing their leadership with great enthusiasm, compassion and respect.
Events as significant as the Year 12 Formal are only possible due to the tireless work of our staff and I would like to thank Ms Havers (Head of Years - 11 and 12), Mrs Liyanagedera (Administration Assistant Academic Care), our Heads of House, the Leadership Team and all staff who attended to ensure that a safe and enjoyable night was had by all.
I also extend my gratitude to our Mothers’ Network Year 12 Coordinators who organised and hosted the Year 12 Formal parent and caregiver event, with attendees remarking how much they enjoyed an evening together to celebrate and reflect on their daughters’ All Hallows’ journey.
Year 5 Welcome BBQ and P&F Meeting
It was a busy weekend for our Mothers’ Network volunteers as they also hosted the Year 5 Welcome BBQ on the Terrace on Sunday afternoon. The casual afternoon was another wonderful opportunity for our newest families to meet new friends and to spend time on our campus.
These early weeks of the year abound with opportunities for parents and caregivers to be involved across the wide range of parent and caregiver groups, a very special feature of our All Hallows’ community.
Tonight, Tuesday, 6 February, is the first P&F Association meeting for the year, and the P&F is trialling a new format where the meeting will end with the opportunity for hospitality and the opportunity to meet and learn more about the inspiring work of the P&F Association. I look forward to seeing you there!
Anniversary of National Apology
Next Tuesday, 13 February, we will commemorate the 16th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, who suffered as a result of past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.
This significant date in our nation’s history reminds us about the importance of righting past wrongs and the role of compassion, understanding and deep listening as we strive to heal as a society.
This year, as we work to achieve the goals set out in our new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we acknowledge the historical injustices faced by our First Nations peoples and aim to contribute meaningfully to the national journey of reconciliation and inspire positive change within our community and beyond.
Summative Review – Ms. Carolyn Liddy, Deputy Principal
At All Hallows’, we are committed to identifying and making ongoing improvements to our school. This includes our annual Enhancing Teacher Performance process for all teachers and the cyclical review process for staff members in middle and senior leadership positions. As part of this cyclical review process, I invite parents and caregivers to provide feedback on Ms. Carolyn Liddy, Deputy Principal, and her performance over the past five years.
A copy of the Deputy Principal Duty Statement is available here and feedback is invited through a survey form that is available here. The survey will remain open until Monday, February 19.
The review process is based on the Appraisal Principles detailed in the 2023 - 2026 Catholic Employers Single Enterprise Collective Agreement Religious Institute Schools of Queensland. As per Section 7.2.8 of the Agreement, any feedback provided and the identity of the person providing the feedback may be made known to Ms. Liddy as part of this review process.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to provide this important feedback, and I will provide further information regarding Ms. Liddy’s review at the conclusion of the review process early in Term 2.
Blessing Prayer
I will finish this week with a blessing prayer inspired by St Brigid that reflects Catherine McAuley’s words that “We should be shining lamps giving light to all around us”.
St Brigid, guide our hands in yours,
Remind us how to kindle the hearth.
To keep it bright, to preserve the flame.
Your hands upon ours,
Our hands within yours,
To kindle the light,
Both day and night.
Wishing you and your family every blessing for the week ahead.
Mrs. Catherine O’Kane (Principal).
Dean of Mission
2024 Whole School Project - Pathways of Possibility
At last week's assembly, the Social Justice Captains officially launched the 2024 whole school project. The school community will again support the Romero Centre's programs this year.
All monies raised this year will contribute to The Romero Centre's Gateways to Employment program.
This program addresses the challenges faced by over 400 individuals seeking asylum annually. It aims to overcome barriers such as limited English language skills, lack of access to tutoring, absence of social and cultural capital, and a dearth of employment-related experience in the Australian context.
It includes free ESL learning, innovative peer mentoring by bicultural tutors, opportunities for vocational competencies and certificates, and connections to real-world employers. It aims to assist 17 individuals, facilitating their journey to becoming job-ready and contributing to financial security.
By assisting asylum seekers in accessing employment, it aims to bring about positive societal changes and foster a sense of belonging.
To kick off the fundraising program for the year, we begin with Galentine’s Day on Tuesday, 13 February.
There are two ways to support Project POP with this event:
Students can buy chocolate and attach a personalised message of friendship and appreciation to their friends or staff. The chocolates and compliments will be delivered to students during Home Group on Tuesday, 13 February. Chocolates and compliments must be pre-purchased this week, on Thursday and Friday, to be packaged and ready for delivery. Each one will cost $1. Tables will be set up in Aquinas Mall, outside Student Services and in Kirinari Place at lunchtime this Thursday and Friday so students are encouraged to find some loose change ready to purchase some treats for their friends.
To add to the fun of Galentine’s Day, on Tuesday, 13th February, students can dress up in all things pink and red for the cost of a gold coin. Money will be collected in Home Group for anyone who wears anything red or pink. Students must travel to and from school in full school uniform and change at school.
Sustainability and Donations for Project POP
Initial funds for the "Pathways of Possibility" project - or Project POP - have already started coming in. Our wonderful Facilities staff, keen to support our sustainability program, have recycled scrap metal around the school, including old lockers. Not only is the metal being recycled, but we also received $834.70 from the recycling yard. These are the first funds for the project. What a great way to start!
Mercy is a Doing Word
Pope Francis has declared 2024 as the Year of Prayer. Our weekly liturgy program began last week with a timely reminder that Mercy isn't a passive concept - it can be a verb signifying action. We were reminded of Pope Francis' words, when he referred to mercy, "that spurs us to action in this world. Even more, it is a mercy that is 'ever greater', a mercy that grows and expands, passing from good to better and from less to more. For the model that Jesus sets before us is that of a God, who is ever greater and whose infinite mercy in some sense constantly 'grows'".
The Year 12 students leading the prayer focused on the works of Mercy as outlined in Matthew's Gospel and exemplified by Catherine McAuley. The prayer moved from the Sophia Centre to Catherine Court when we pondered the elements of the statue of Catherine McAuley, which reminded us that we all have the capacity to bring mercy to our world.
Year 7 Retreat
Ms. Ashley Prisk (Head of Mercy Charism)
The past two weeks have been exciting and transformative as our Year 7 students have transitioned into their roles as high school students. The pinnacle of this period was the Year 7 Retreat that took place on Friday, February 2nd.
The theme for the retreat, "Stepping Up: Embracing New Beginnings, Belonging to a Circle of Friends," encapsulated the essence of All Hallows' welcoming community.
Students were divided into house groups and went off-site to forge new connections and be encouraged to step out of their comfort zones. The day highlighted the centrality of a community where every individual belongs, a concept deeply rooted in our Mercy tradition. Guided by the theme, students delved into gospel passages, exploring the profound message of who is welcomed into the Kingdom of God. They recognised and celebrated their unique gifts and talents, understanding how they contribute to our school community's diversity.
The retreat concluded back at school with a liturgy that united the grade as one. This collective experience aimed to equip our Year 7s to step confidently into their new routine and community. Students demonstrated the expression of their identities and a strong sense of belonging by crafting symbolic representations that reflected who they are and where they belong. They then brought these representations into the centre of our liturgical circle, showing their readiness to embrace change and participate in the circle of mercy that they have stepped into. It was heartwarming to hear students sing various songs together, both on the bus rides there and back, and during the liturgy. This collective effort showed their willingness to work together as one group with passion and enthusiasm.
Catherine McAuley's joy in witnessing the growth of young women continues to be a powerful source of inspiration for us all. At All Hallows' we take pride in acknowledging the diverse gifts and talents within our community and strive to celebrate these in the everyday routines of the school year. As a community, we are committed to keeping gospel values at the heart of our everyday interactions, fostering an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere where kindness is a virtue and a way of life.
Grade 7, here's to a year of unity, growth, friendship, and celebration at All Hallows'!
Mercy Pilgrimage to Ireland and Italy 2025
All Hallows’ School will offer students currently in Years 9-11, the opportunity to participate in a Mercy Pilgrimage to Ireland and Italy in the Easter break of 2025.
Details
Depart 5 April 2025
Return 20 April 2025
This transformative odyssey seeks to unravel the rich tapestry of the Mercy story and explore the intricate corridors of church history. In Dublin, students will explore the origins of the Mercy story and learn about Catherine’s Dublin.
Rome, a living testament to centuries of Christianity, becomes the next destination where students will delve into the historical layers of their faith.
Finally, Assisi, the birthplace of St. Clare and St. Francis, becomes the final destination where the foundational ideals of compassion and service will be embraced. This pilgrimage of the heart transcends geography, fostering a profound understanding of the past to illuminate the path towards a compassionate and purposeful future.
Costs
Depending on numbers, the Mercy Pilgrimage is expected to cost approximately $10 000 plus $285- $570 for travel insurance. Please see the attached booklet for further information.
Provide a 200-word application explaining why you would like to attend this Mercy Pilgrimage, what you hope to learn from the experience and what you will do with these learnings on your return. Please also outline your Mercy Action involvement and any other strengths you would bring to this pilgrimage experience.
Applications must be uploaded by Monday, 12 February 2024.
If you have any questions about this pilgrimage, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Claire Easton DeanofMission@ahs.qld.edu.au.
