Newsletter

All Hallows’ Student Formation Framework

I am very pleased to share an important document with you today – our All Hallows’ School Student Formation Framework.  

The Education Leadership Team has developed this framework: Mr Scott Adamson; Ms Christine Beckmann; Ms Claire Easton; Ms Carolyn Liddy and Ms Victoria McDonald, Mr John Pembroke, Mr Stephen Crapnell and Mr Simon Corvan, in collaboration with our teaching middle leaders.  

At All Hallows’ School, our commitment to education extends beyond academic achievement to fostering the holistic development of every learner. In an ever-evolving world, the skills and dispositions students require to thrive extend far beyond technical knowledge.  A quick Google search of future skills and graduate attributes provides a plethora of capabilities that are considered essential for navigating the complexities of the future workplace and society.

Our All Hallows’ Student Formation Framework emphasises the interconnected domains of Faith and Mercy, Wellbeing, and Learning, and aims to cultivate students who are Connected, Critical and Creative Thinkers, Curious, Empowered, Reflective, and Resilient.

Student Formation Framework 062025

Grounded in contemporary research, this framework reflects our understanding that success in the future demands a blend of cognitive intelligence and emotional resilience, founded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our Catholic Mercy ethos. At the heart of the framework is the belief that nurturing character and fostering interpersonal skills are as vital as academic rigour. As our students engage in daily learning activities as well as the many activities we offer through Mercy Action, Culture, Sport, year-level retreats, camps, and ExtraOrdinary days, they are growing in their capacity to demonstrate these attributes. 

By embedding these attributes into our formation processes, we ensure that each All Hallows’ graduate is prepared not just for academic success, but for meaningful and impactful participation in the global community.

I am excited to share further examples of practice in future weeks as we work to bring our Student Formation Framework to life.

International Coalition of Girls' Schools

All Hallows’ continues to play a leading role in ICGS initiatives, particularly through our strong participation in the Global Action Research Collaborative on Girls’ Education (GARC), a two-year international program advancing teacher-led research into the unique needs of girls as learners. To date, five All Hallows’ educators have been selected as GARC Fellows, with Ms Karen Lewis holding a lead role as a program mentor, and Ms Kelli Crawford and Ms Tina Huang currently engaged in their research projects. Ms Crawford will be presenting her project at the Philadelphia conference, whilst Ms Huang will be meeting with her fellow GARC researchers in person for the first time at the conference. These global partnerships and programs provide our staff with cutting-edge, research-informed strategies, helping ensure that every AHSister benefits from an educational approach that is responsive, future-focused, and deeply grounded in what best supports girls to thrive.

Giving Day — 2025 The Promise 

Tonight, we are excited to be launching our annual All Hallows’ Giving Day. This year’s Giving Day theme, The Promise, reminds us that the dreams of two young women are within reach, ready to flourish and grow, with the right support. 

Just as Catherine McAuley could never have envisaged the ripple effect of using her inheritance for the benefit of others, impacting millions of women and children across the world, let us imagine the ripple effect if every member of our community gave just $5, $10 or even $2, and the monumental difference we could make for someone else. 

Our goal this year is to raise $215,800 for the Catherine McAuley Bursary Fund, which supports students’ access to an All Hallows’ education. 

We are very grateful to the many caring individuals within our community who have already contributed, including those volunteering in our Volunteer Hub on Thursday, 12 June, and our social media ambassadors who are raising awareness of this worthwhile cause. 

Thank you to each member of our generous community for supporting All Hallows’ Giving Day. We promise – you will make a difference. 

More information is available in the Giving Day section of this newsletter issue and via our Giving Day website https://givingday.ahs.qld.edu.au.

https://givingday.ahs.qld.edu.au/ 

Next Thursday, 12 June, we’ll come together as a community for our fourth annual All Hallows’ School Giving Day. The countdown is officially on!

Our theme is “The Promise” this year, and we’re keeping them! We are promising to keep Catherine McAuley’s legacy and vision alive. We aim to raise $215,800 to provide two life-changing bursaries through the Catherine McAuley Bursary Fund.

Please watch as Year 5 student, Josie, shares her heartfelt promise to Catherine McAuley here.

Thanks to the generosity of our match donors, every dollar you give will be doubled, amplifying your impact and extending the reach of your generosity.

We invite every member of our community to get involved. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference and helps us to reach our goal. Whether you choose to give, share our messages, or simply cheer us on, you are part of this promise.

Let’s come together and show what’s possible when the All Hallows’ spirit leads the way. We promise – you will make a difference!

Ms Jo Lovett (Director of Community Relations and Development)

Giving Day is happening on Thursday, 12 June, and we’d love you to be part of it!

We’re inviting our All Hallows' community to join us in the Giving Day Hub to help make the day extra special. Whether you can spare an hour or a few, it’s a great way to get involved, meet other people, and be part of something that makes a real difference.

We’ll have phones to answer, donations to celebrate, and plenty of laughs and snacks along the way. Most importantly, you’ll be helping bring the Promise to life for two future students.

Pop the date in your diary, and if you’d like to volunteer or learn more, please follow the link below or get in touch with the Foundation team.

https://givingday.ahs.qld.edu.au/GDVolunteers 

We’d love to have you with us!

foundation@ahs.qld.edu.au 

Next week, Café 547 will be serving up special Giving Day cupcakes in support of The Promise.

From Monday 9 June to Thursday 12 June, these sweet treats will be available for $4.50 each, with all proceeds going directly to Giving Day, thanks to the generous support of Café 547.

It’s a small way to make a big difference and a very sweet one, too.

Our community joined together in a variety of ways to mark National Reconciliation Week. In keeping with the Mercy imperative of walking with our First Nations sisters and brothers and advocating for justice, this important cultural week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year's theme, Bridging Now to Next, is a hope-filled theme which calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

Our week began with individual reflection and group discussion in home group as students wrote reflections and messages on hands which would later form our temporary Reconciliation installation. The installation, a Sea of Hands, formed in the shape of a heart to reflect our 2025 school theme, Ignite Hope with Compassionate Hearts. Reconciliation is a process of hope - hope that past hurt can be understood and new ways forward established. This is exactly the "bridging" that is necessary for justice to be achieved.

Students also came together for the National Reconciliation Week liturgy, organised by Ms Green's 12RML class and to close out our celebrations this week, students were invited to walk past the smoking ceremony after assembly by West Kuku Yalangi man Marlon Riley. The ancient ceremony reflects the belief that as the smoke rises, it carries with the stories of the ancestors – stories of, strength, survival and deep connection to Country.  As the smoke gently cleanses the spirit, clears the path ahead and softens the space. It invites us to listen with our hearts. It’s a blessing for our journey. A quiet protection and a soft embrace.

Thank you to all who helped mark this important week in Australia's cultural calendar.

As one semester draws to a close, we prepare for another semester of Mercy Action. Sign-on for the next round of rosters will take place in Week 8 and is open from June 9th to 13th. Students must nominate which activities they wish to be involved in during Semester 2. To do this, students must access the option in the Student Café. The following programs Eddies Van, Jimmies Van, Villa Maria and Brisbane Central Tutoring require an extra step with parent permission, given via the Parent Lounge.

Year 12 students will only be assigned to activities in Term 3. 

To learn more about the Mercy Action options, please consult the Mercy Action Handbook here: 

2025-mercyaction-handbookv2.pdf

Students in Years 9-11 are invited to submit expressions of interest to be part of the inaugural "Hero's Journey" English/History/Mission tour to the UK and Ireland in the June holidays of 2026. This trip aims to take participants into the stories of fiction, and those stranger than fiction, as we explore some of the real and fictional heroes of our time.

The tour will be taking in sites and stories in London, Bath, Stratford-Upon-Avon and then we will conclude with time in Dublin learning more about our very own hero, Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy. If you missed the information session yesterday, you can access a recording here.

Expressions of interest are due by Monday 9 June and can be made by completing the Form here.

AHS English Hist UK Jun26 Tour Summary

Mrs. Claire Easton (Dean of Mission)

The All Hallows’ community extends its sympathy and support to Milly Bell (Y10 G07), Matt Bell (Foundation Board Director), Benita Bell (Class of 1994), on the death of Carmel Bell, beloved Grandmother, Mother and Mother-in-law.

Our community also extends its sympathy and support to Karlena Tessarolo (Y9 T6) on the death of her maternal Grandmother.

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

Wednesday 11 June

Liturgy will be celebrated in the Chapel at 8:00am. 

The prayer will be led by Tracey McKinnon’s Year 10 Religion class and will focus on the theme “Lighting the Way”. 

All are welcome.

Please note there is no onsite parking.

Wednesday 18 June

Mercedes House Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel at 8:00am.

The Mass will focus on the theme “Finding Hope in God’s Generous Love”. 

All are welcome. 

Please note there is no onsite parking.

Parents can again contribute to our fundraising efforts while satisfying their coffee cravings! We are opening our portal for orders of 1kg coffee bean bags from Merlo Coffee. 

Each bag costs $38, and $10 from each bag goes toward our whole school project, Project THREADS. 

Please place your orders here.

Over the course of Term 2 in their Fit4Life lessons, our Head of Careers and Vocational Education, Ms Ronel Bothma, has been working with our Year 10 students as they explore their career clusters of interest and potential subjects that may make up their senior program of study. A suite of lunchtime forums this and next term will address general subject selection questions, the determination of QCE eligible and ATAR eligible courses, and the QTAC published ATAR report. 

Other forums with Year 10 students will address the nature of specific pathways, including medicine, education, performance, and audition requirements, as well as courses that may include Certificate II, III, IV, or Diploma-level studies. These forums will be held in the coming weeks and will be communicated via daily notices and emails directed to our Year 10 students. 

The following date claimers capture the key junctures in the Year 10 into Year 11 and 12 subject selection process.

Year 10 Student Senior Subject, University and TAFE Exposition

Tuesday 29 July - Period 5 & 6 Mini Expo with Heads of Department and Classroom Teachers, University and TAFE representatives held across Mary Place, the Piazza and Loretto Hall

Year 10 Parent Information Evening

Tuesday 29 July, 6pm - 6.45 pm, Loretto Hall

Term 3 Week 4 Subject Selection Interviews

Monday 4 August – Friday 8 August

Publication of the Year 11 and 12 Curriculum Guide 

A key supporting document published for our Year 10s is the Year 11–12 Curriculum Guide (2026 – 2027 cohort).  This is available to Parents and Students via our Curriculum Guides Moodle course. All Year 10 students and families will refer to this guide when considering their options for their senior programs and I encourage you to engage with this during the program selection process. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about each of our senior subjects.

As you may be aware, our curriculum is designed around a seven-line timetable, offering students the flexibility to select a program that is suitable for them, including up to six general syllabus subjects along with a tutorial line, or an additional applied syllabus subject. This structure not only supports students in optimising their ATAR results but also allows them to balance their academic pursuits with their personal interests and vocational pathways. (This differs from many other schools.) 

As always, our students are advised to consider the following questions when selecting subjects for Year 11 and 12: 

Do I find the subject interesting and/or do I like the subject? 

Do I understand clearly what the subject involves? 

Is the subject a prerequisite or recommended for a university course that I wish to enrol in? 

Is the subject appropriately challenging?

We reiterate that students should choose subjects that best align with their skills, interests, abilities and life goals. 

Should your students have any questions that need clarification, please do not hesitate to direct them to me. Thank you for your support of your Year 10 students as they begin this journey.

Isabella Kendall (Y11 WH7), Belle Gundrum (Y12 GO1), Jo Jo Handy (Y11 CO1), Elizabeth Douglas (Y11 MC7), Ciara O’Sullivan (Y11 AD5) and Sarah Trigg (Y11 MC4) are 6 of 342 Year 11 and 12 students selected from Queensland and northern New South Wales to attend the 2025 QUT Future You Summit.

As Brisbane looks towards the 2032 Olympics, the Future You Summit is positioned to inspire and equip students with the skills and insights needed for the future workforce. From interactive activities to discipline-based experiences drawn from the relevant undergraduate degrees, participants gain exposure to cutting-edge innovations and academic leaders, fostering a mindset of creativity, critical thinking, and ambition. During the four-day summit, our students will have the opportunity to:

• Immerse themselves in hands-on experiences inspired by QUT's undergraduate programs,
• Network with like-minded students, industry leaders, and QUT academics,
• Participate in interactive workshops and small group discussions to explore emerging career pathways.

The final day of the summit will feature an innovation and entrepreneurship workshop, where all students will collaborate to develop a concept and pitch their ideas at the Entrepreneurship Challenge—a unique opportunity to present to industry investors and family members.

QUT High School Student Engagement manager Simone Long said, “The summit gives students a glimpse into university life, where they can explore potential career paths and discover their passions through hands-on, real-world experiences.” “It’s a week filled with interactive learning, inspiring conversations, and practical insights that bring their future ambitions to life. From collaborating with leading academics to connecting with accomplished alumni, students walk away with a clearer vision of what’s possible—and the confidence to pursue it.”

How badly do you want to achieve your goals? How much are you willing to sacrifice in the short term to gain in the long term? How do you remain motivated enough to keep pushing when the going gets tough? If you find yourself feeling a little tired, perhaps a little unmotivated or feeling that you do not have enough time to achieve all that you wish you can draw upon strategies to remain motivated to realise your long term goals and to achieve your very best. 

Whether you are in Year 12 studying for a final piece of External Assessment, in Year 11 preparing your current formative assessment tasks or perhaps your Learner Driver examination or in Year 6 preparing an ensemble piece for an end of year concert, here are some strategies to help you find that inner drive that you may just need. 

Eliminate procrastination 

If you want to stay motivated and achieve your dreams, you have to eliminate procrastination from your life. Simply agree that you’ll do whatever task for at least 15 minutes and set a timer. After 15 minutes, you’ll likely find yourself continuing to follow through as the difficulty is simply in getting started. 

Cut out distractions 

Staying motivated involves your ability to limit distractions. If you’re serious about your goals, then you have to get serious about just how you use the time that you do have. Create blocks of time where you decide to turn everything off. 

Do some exercise 

A short burst of exercise can get the blood flowing and take us from a sedentary state to one that’s primed and ready for action. If running isn’t your thing, doing yoga can help you get motivated. Motion creates emotion, and powerful emotions can arise from strenuous activity - along with the release of positive endorphins - enough to help you get and stay motivated to follow through with whatever you need to do. 

Set goals with milestones and revisit the reasons for your goals 

A major source of motivation stems from setting goals that include milestones - short-term markers on the road to achieving our goals. If you’re feeling your motivation wane, get back to setting clear and specific goals that are measurable.

Mr. Scott Adamson (Dean of Teaching and Learning)

School uniforms represent more than mere functionality—they embody tradition, pride, and unity. 

At All Hallows' School, we are committed to maintaining the high standard of our uniform, a symbol of equality and respect that has been integral to our identity for generations. In these evolving times, challenges such as trends in earrings, fake tans, and makeup have made this task more demanding. However, we remain steadfast in upholding these standards and ask our families to join us in ensuring that they are preserved for the benefit of our students and school community.

There has been a noticeable rise in the wearing of incorrect earrings and an increase in piercings, particularly in the helix region. Similarly, the use of fake tans and excessive makeup has become more prevalent among students. The uniform at All Hallows' School has always been a reflection of pride and equality, values we are determined to uphold. Therefore, we invite families to actively monitor their daughters' adherence to the uniform standards each morning before leaving for school. By working together, we can ensure that students understand and meet these expectations.

Our Heads of House have already communicated these expectations to students, specifically regarding the wearing of earrings and concerns about the uniform. They have advised students that any inappropriate earrings will be collected and returned at the end of the term. This process is being carried out in a respectful and organised manner to ensure students can retrieve their belongings at the end of the term.

We believe that maintaining uniform standards is a shared responsibility and a vital component of fostering respect and unity within our school. By aligning as partners in this effort, we can ensure that the values and traditions of All Hallows’ School remain unwavering.

Ms. Victoria McDonald (Dean of Student Wellbeing)

This term has had it all - Musicals, Arts Festival, but also a lot of Sport. We’ve had our rowers doing their ergo trials, our runners WINNING Cross Country, Athletics is underway this week and of course…Origin (which we don’t talk about just yet).

Last week, something Katherine said about Culture really stuck with me. She talked about how Culture is about celebrating others and being part of something bigger than yourself, and that idea doesn’t just apply to the Arts. It applies to sport too. 

Sport is culture. It opens doors for people who might not have many; it brings people together. 

And I think we sometimes underestimate just how much sport means to a community. For some of our Olympic Heroes or rising stars, stepping onto the field or into the pool isn’t just a personal win; it’s a moment their whole community stands behind. They represent something bigger – a family, a school, a hometown – and inspire others through it. They are role models, not just because they are talented but because they pushed forward through adversity and brought others with them. 

Whether you’re playing sport, cheering from the sidelines or cheering your friends on, know that you're part of something bigger. And that it matters.

So, see you all at the athletics carnival, love Bella 😉💃🏃‍♀️‍➡️🧡

Song choice of the week – Dancing In The Dark (Bruce Springsteen) 

Katherine Dunn & Isabella Ikin (School Captains)

Recently, many studies have been published documenting the increase in students’ use of screens and the decline in time spent reading. This is not entirely a dichotomy as students can use digital devices to read or listen to ebooks and audiobooks. However, these studies show that students need more support to manage their use of screen devices to increase time spent reading for pleasure. One advantage of reading books in print format is that there can be reduced chance of distractions. Many studies have shown that reading print books at night can assist students to wind down at the end of their often busy days, and this can assist with sleeping patterns. Families play an integral role in supporting their children to develop good reading habits. 

Research shows that students who read at least 20 minutes on most days through their schooling years are more academically successful. Year 11 and 12 can be like marathons, where students need to have trained over many years to develop the stamina and endurance needed to complete the extensive reading requirements of their senior years of schooling.

Scholastic has tracked 6–17 year olds’ reading habits since 2010. In that time, the number of children who read frequently (5–7 days a week) has declined from 37% to 28% with a marked decline in reading as children get older. This year’s study Kids & Family Reading Report  found that parents and role models have a significant role to play in how much reading is done by children. As an added bonus, 90% of parents reported that books help create opportunities for conversation with their children. 

Research by the National Literacy Trust Reading For Pleasure Research | National Literacy Trust revealed that children and young people’s enjoyment of reading has fallen to the lowest level in almost two decades. They said that it is vital to encourage children to choose whatever they are most excited about reading - whether that is a book, a magazine, or a comic... Giving students agency can be crucial in helping them take charge of their own reading journey." 

"If your child is a reluctant reader and finds a story they love, let them love it without judgement, whether it's a graphic novel or something that might be viewed as silly - if a child loves it, let them read it so that they can find the joy in reading. " They also promoted the value of reading via audiobooks. 

Children need to see adults (both their personal circles and public figures) reading for pleasure, not just telling them about it." You can’t be what you can’t see. "Read in front of them, pack books for your holiday, listen to books in the car."

The report points to three action points to help children enjoy reading: 
- having a wide choice of reading materials with access to a broad range of books, and well-stocked school libraries
- giving children free choice of reading materials
- regular and frequent reading time including where children are read to for enjoyment.

Please find book suggestions by clicking the Reading tab at All Hallows' School Library – #AHStimes20 . Also see lists of most borrowed books by AHS students in 2025 by Year level at Home - Reading - LibGuides at All Hallows' School which may assist students with finding books to read.

Reading for pleasure is heavily promoted in the AHS Library and curriculum but the support of families is crucial, and greatly appreciated, in ensuring that students read regularly most days and for at least 20 minutes. 

Ms. Anne Weaver (Head of Library and Information Services)

In addition to their practical lessons, our HPE students have been working hard in the classroom this term, learning about a range of important Health Topics. Please see below for a summary of all the learning that has been occurring in our classrooms! HPE Teachers have really enjoyed teaching these units and have commented on the great engagement of students. 

While HPE is not assessed on an A-E Scale, by the end of this week, all students will have received a comment from their classroom teacher reflecting on their learning engagement, task completion, organisation and conduct. These are available through Track One for both students and parents to read and reflect on. We encourage you to engage with your child about their understanding of these key Health concepts, as well as the feedback provided by their classroom teacher. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their classroom teacher.

7HPE

Our Year 7 students have completed two Cybersafety lessons in their HPE classes this term. Discussions include the many ways to stay safe online while showing maturity and a sense of responsibility when interacting with others. A variety of activities were completed, including research tasks, role playing and online safety campaign designs. Below are some great reminders and pieces of advice from our young online citizens:

8HPE

Our Year 8s have been engaging in an Identities and Self-Worth unit where they have learnt about gender, identity, stereotypes, body image, self-worth and their sense of belonging. Our students have consistently demonstrated respect and maturity throughout their lessons, and have been thoughtful in their contributions to class discussions. They were particularly keen to identify stereotypes, those that they perceived were being challenged as society changes and those that didn’t align with their own values.

9HPE

Interacting with others has been the focus for our Year 9HPE students during theory this term. They have explored Respectful Relationships, including appropriate boundaries and communication styles. They have extended their previous learning around consent and learnt about gender-based violence, discrimination and bullying. The focus of this unit is on how to speak up for themselves and advocate for others if they identify that they are in an unhealthy relationship.

10HPE

Our eldest HPE students have thrown themselves into a very “hands-on” First Aid unit. This tech-free unit has seen our students work through a First Aid booklet as they learnt about key injuries and illnesses and how to treat these. Our students then put this theory into practice by using our training CPR manikins, Defib Machines, Bandages and EpiPens to give them the skills required to assist in a First Aid scenario should they choose to. Students loved responding to scenarios and were proud of themselves when they completed their end-of-unit quiz.

We are looking forward to continuing our HPE lessons in Semester 2!

Ms. Emma Jackson (Head of Department – Health and Physical Education)

Caring for Our Statue of Catherine McAuley “The Offering”

Walking through Catherine Court recently, it was impossible not to notice the woman perched on a stool, taking a blow torch to the bronze statue of Catherine McAuley. While initially surprising, it turns out this was all part of routine maintenance being carried out by sculptor Meliesa Judge who was commissioned in 2011 to create “The Offering” for the of All Hallows’ 150th anniversary. This careful conservation process beautifully illustrates the intersection of science and art.

Carried out every 8-10 years, the process involved two key steps: heating the bronze with a blow torch and then applying a protective coat of microcrystalline wax. But why these steps and what do they achieve?

Bronze is susceptible to the effects of weather and pollution. Over time, exposure to air and moisture can lead to a buildup of corrosion, commonly seen as a greenish patina. While some patina can be desirable, especially for historic character, uncontrolled corrosion can damage the statue’s surface. Heating the bronze removes any remaining moisture and opens the surface at the microscopic level. This prepares the metal to bond more effectively with the wax ensuring a smooth, even application and better adherence.

Once heated, the statue is coated with microcrystalline wax; a special type of wax that offers both protection and aesthetic enhancement. Unlike more brittle waxes (e.g. beeswax), microcrystalline wax is softer, more flexible, and less likely to crack over time. It creates a barrier that shields the bronze from moisture, air pollutants, and ultraviolet light, all of which can accelerate deterioration.

Microcrystalline waxes are made from petroleum. They are created by taking oil out of a thick, jelly-like substance called petrolatum during the refining process. They have shorter, more branched and curved molecules than more brittle waxes, which have long, straight molecules. 

With their finer crystals, higher melting points and more complex structure, microcrystalline waxes form a durable coating that doesn’t yellow or flake making them particularly suited to conservation. But these waxes have many other applications too. They are used to improve glide on skis and snowboards, to smooth the texture of lip balms creams and lotions, to moisture proof cardboard and food wrappers, and as a glossy coating on fruits. The wax has given our Catherine McAuley statue a gentle sheen, restoring its original warmth and depth of colour.

This simple but effective treatment is a perfect example of how science meets art. It ensures that works of art — especially those exposed to the elements — are preserved not just for us to enjoy today, but for future generations of students, staff, and families. Next time you pass the statue, take a moment to admire not just its artistry, but the quiet science that keeps it standing strong.

Ms. Kerry McGregor (Head of Department – Science)

Ms. Lucy Russell (Head of House – Loretto)

The Careers Moodle Page: Course: Careers (ahs.qld.edu.au) provides information and resources, as it becomes available, for students and their families.

Options Careers Information website provides detailed information on pathways,  https://optionscareers.com.au/welcome/AHS and sign in using the password AHS.

Study Work Grow provides weekly careers news and the latest careers info and resources for students and parents. Access here, and our School Code is: AHS2019 

Please click here to peruse the latest Career Bulletins for more detailed information, which provides students and parents with up-to-date careers, tertiary and training information. 

Key points in the Careers Bulletin #3:
School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships: P8
ADF: Want to become a pilot: P10
Career Explorations: P12
Competitions: P14
Employment, Job and Labour Market: P16
Financial Assistance & Scholarships: P19
First Nations People: P20
Holiday Programs & Short Courses: P21
Interstate and International: P23
Private Provider Update; Qantas Group Pilot Academy: P42
QTAC & Tertiary Entry: P43
TAFE & Universities: P47
Upcoming Events: P58

Mater Education

Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance applications for 2026 are now open.

Mater Education’s Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program gives you the opportunity to study on-site at Mater where you will learn about a range of roles in this dynamic industry and gain real-world experience working alongside qualified healthcare professionals in acute hospital settings. For interest to current year 10’s and 11’s. Please contact Ms Bothma to register your interest.

School Holiday Workshops: Years 9 - 12

TAFE Queensland is hosting its annual School Holiday Workshops, a series of full and half day workshops to give high school students a taste of what TAFE Queensland has to offer. If you have any other questions, please reach out to events.brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au. 

Dates: Tues 1 - Fri 11 July 2025
Time: 8.45am - 4pm
Where: Various Brisbane campuses

QTAC Presentation Year 12’s on 23 July P3 & 4

QTAC Presenter, Lara Bellino (past AHS Student) understands the value of sharing key information about QTAC, ATAR, Applications, and Insights to all year 12’s. The information to be covered is designed to be useful, engaging, and educational.

Elevate Program: Applicant Information Session

Organisation: Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
Location: Online
Date: June 16, 2025

Applications are open for the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering’s Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM program. The Elevate program aims to address gender inequities in STEM 

Anyone interested in learning more about the program and applying for the 2026 intake is invited to join ATSE for a public online information session. Find out more | Register here.

Scholarships

Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship
Organisation: University of Melbourne
Location: Australia
Value: Up to $32,500 AUD
Open Date: 28 July 2025
Close Date: 13 January 2026 Find out more

AIQS Donald Napier Scholarship
Organisation: Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors
Location: Australia
Value: $5,000 AUD
Open Date: 1 May 2025
Close Date: 1 October 2025 Find out more

UNSW: Year 12 Info Evening: Your Journey to UNSW
Organisation: University of New South Wales
Date: 10 June 2025, Online
Covering the following key areas:
Choosing your dream degree at UNSW & UAC preferencing 101
Pathways to UNSW
Scholarships & Co-Op Program Find out more and register

Ms. Ronél Bothma (Head of Department – Careers and Vocational Education)

Emmitt Hanley (Debating Coordinator)

AHS emerged victorious in the Years 8, 9 and Senior divisions. Well done to the following students on their success!

A special congratulations to Matilda Vella (Year 8) and Lily Platt (Senior) for winning the Best Speaker award for their division as well.

Every debater in the Grand Final should be incredibly proud of all that they have achieved. And thank you to all the AHS Supporters who came along.

Emily Love & Aaliyah Radice (AFL Captains)

AHS recently attended the AFL Queensland Senior Schools Cup. The team started with a strong 20-2 win over Ferny Grove State High School and ended with a tightly contested game against Kedron State High School, going down narrowly 15-2. 

Big thank you to Coach Damien for his guidance and teaching throughout the lead up training and competition. 

Isabelle Cameron & Sophie Darle (Cross Country Captains)

Over the last few weeks our Cross Country Team have been busy training and competing at lead up meets, Districts, Regionals, All Schools, and the CaSSSA Cup Championships. 

We are excited to announce that All Hallows’ came 2nd overall in 13-19 years girl’s category at the Queensland All Schools Cross Country Championships. The 11 years team, made up of Aria Nixon (Y5.5), Bianca Taylor (Y5.2) and Elizabeth Dwyer (Y5.3), finished 3rd. The 13 years team, made up of Indi Wright (Y8 AD1), Keshi Butler (Y7 GO5) and Liana Johnson (Y7 GO5), finished 3rd. The 14 teams, made up of Arabella Hope (Y9 MC8), Grace Copland (Y8 LO6) & Alice Copland (Y8 LO8) and Zara Nitschke (Y9 WH2), Caitlin Copland (Y8 LO3) & Amelia Coory (Y9 MC6), achieving 2nd and 5th respectively in the team events. 

Congratulations to the students who qualified through to compete at Met East Cross Country last Tuesday. A special mention to the 7 students, Bianca Taylor (Y5.2), Madeliene Wowor (Y6.3), Esther McKeering (Y7 GO6), Liana Johnson (Y7 GO5), Indi Wright (Y8 AD1), Evie Wright (Y9 AD6) & Rosario Patterson (Y12 CO8), who have been selected to represent Met East at the Queensland School Sport Cross Country Championships. 

Last Friday, our CaSSSA Cup Cross Country team braved the wet weather to defend our CaSSSA Cup Cross Country Title. Captains Isabelle Cameron (Y12 LO8) & Sophie Darley (Y12 LO6) led with enthusiasm and courage, inspiring our team to perform at their best and showcase their many moths of hard work. A special shoutout goes to our Year 5, 13 Years & 14 Years age groups who won their age group pennants. In the end, with two schools tied on points heading into the final race, it was up to our All Age Relay Team to secure the win. Congratulations Esther McKeering (Y7 GO6), Liana Johnson (Y7 GO5), Zara Nitschke (Y9 WH2), Evie Wright (Y9 AD6), Abbie Hegarty (Y10 ME3) and Elizabeth Zwart (Y11 MC3) who put on a dominant performance to win the All Age Relay and secure AHS the title of CaSSSA Cup Champions for 2025! 

Ayaan Daveson & Sarah Hill (Netball Captains)

The past couple of weeks have been full of excitement in the Netball community, with teams proudly representing AHS in the QC Cup and Vicki Wilson competitions. We had 10 teams participate in the QC Cup over two action-packed days—primary teams competed on Day 1, followed by secondary teams on Day 2. A special congratulations to AHS 42, who placed 2nd in Division 1, and AHS 43, who placed 1st place in Division 2! 

In preparation for the Vicki Wilson competition, our teams have been actively involved in the Athlete Performance Program, participating in both strength and conditioning sessions as well as on-court Netball training delivered by our high-level coaches. We had four teams compete across the Championship and Development divisions, demonstrating outstanding effort and commitment throughout the day. We are incredibly proud of their performances and the sportsmanship they displayed. 

Isla Dennell & Sophie Tew (Volleyball Captains)

Over the weekend, AHS attended the Volleyball Queensland Intermediate Schools Cup on the Gold Coast. 

After a series of intense and exciting matches, our students won a bronze medal demonstrating their hard work during their lead in training and their commitment on and off the court. 

Congratulations to all our students as well to coach Griff on this fantastic achievement. 

Past Pupil’s signature 100th anniversary event - click here to purchase tickets.

Can you help in the Giving Day Hub or spread the word on socials?

Giving Day is the one day of the year when our whole community, past, present and future, joins together with the common goal of raising funds so we can continue the promise Catherine McAuley made to provide the opportunity of a Mercy values-based education to as many young women as possible.

To do that, we need your help.

Firstly, we are looking for people to join us on the day in the Giving Day Hub, the heart of Giving Day in the heartland of All Hallows’, the Convent.

If you have a spare hour or two, please consider signing up here: https://givingday.ahs.qld.edu.au/GDVolunteers 

The other way you can help is by signing up to be a Social Media Ambassador.

We provide you with all the tools you need and simply ask that you share posts, messages, and updates on your social media networks and Class of groups. 

If you are a member of an All Hallows’ Year Group, interest group (e.g. sport, culture etc) or a Class of reunion group, it could be as easy as sharing on those pages with those networks!

It’s a task you can do anywhere, anytime that suits you (on the bus or train, in the pick-up line, waiting for a coffee, when the kids are all in bed!), but it could make a big difference to us achieving our goal of 2 bursaries or $215,800!

Please email ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au and we will be in touch with all the details soon.

Applications and Nominations are open now!

Many of our past pupils are actively engaged in improving the lives of others in our local and global community in many different ways, and the Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM Award is designed to encourage and financially empower them to continue developing their skills, their capacity to learn and lead in the social justice space, or even potentially consolidate future career directions.

If this sounds like you (or someone you know) and you (or that someone) graduated from AHS between 2015 and 2024, now is the time to apply or nominate for the 2025 Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM Leadership and Service Award. Imagine how $5,000 could make a difference to the difference you want to make!

You will find the application package here.

To nominate someone else you feel is deserving, please send an email to: DeanofMission@ahs.qld.edu.au or ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au 

Closing date
Applications close on Friday June 30, 2025. 

For further information
Contact the Dean of Mission at DeanofMission@ahs.qld.edu.au or call 07 3230 9505 Past Pupils’ Liaison at ppa@ahs.qld.edu.au or call 07 3230 9424.

Mark your diaries for the second in our 2025 series. An amazing panel of past pupils will talk PR, media, journalism, TV, print, strategy and all things comms. Plus, a special address from Maxine McKew, broadcaster, writer and more!

Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Time: 5.30pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Claver Theatre, All Hallows School.

Ms. Maree Nugent (Past Pupils’ Liaison)