Message from Ms. Carolyn Liddy
Mairead is currently an Occupational Therapist and third-year medical student with a strong foundation in evidence-based healthcare and a deep commitment to person-centred, equitable healthcare. Mairead’s project is designed to use the $5,000 Award prize to support a three-stage initiative focused on healthcare leadership and advocacy for individuals with brain injuries. This includes completing a medical elective in neurorehabilitation at Trinity College Dublin to gain international insights, delivering a local brain injury education campaign for healthcare students and professionals, and establishing the Open Minds Project, a community support and advocacy group for brain injury survivors and their families on the Sunshine Coast.
Mairead’s focus on healthcare for individuals with brain injuries reflects our Mercy ethos through its commitment to compassion, service, and advocacy for the most vulnerable in our community, promoting dignity, inclusion, and holistic care.
The Dr Lee Anne Perry AM Leadership and Service Award is generously funded by our Past Pupils’ Association and acknowledges the contributions of our many past pupils who are actively living out our Mercy ethos and improving the lives of others in our local and global community. We thank Ms Tron Fisher, President, and all members of the Past Pupils’ Association Executive for their ongoing and generous support of this award.
Sisters in Communication
On Tuesday August 19, students, parents and caregivers will hear first-hand, inspiring accounts of careers in the communication profession at our Sisters in Communication event.
Proudly presented by the All Hallows’ Past Pupils’ Association, an impressive panel of AHSisters will generously share their stories, advice and experiences in pursuing and developing their varied careers. Chaired by Sarah Greenhalgh (Class of 2007), it promises to be a great evening of pathways and possibilities, networking and developing mentoring opportunities. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Past Pupils’ Association, we are also delighted to present a special address by renowned broadcaster Maxine McKew (Class of 1970).
Sisters in Communication is the latest in a series of inspiring events where our AHSisters provide students and their families with insights into various career pathways, and follows our highly successful Sisters in Business, Sisters in Scrubs, Sisters in STEM and Sisters in the Spotlight sessions.
We extend our thanks to our wonderful Past Pupils’ Association, including President Ms Tron Fisher, our Past Pupils’ Liaison, Ms Maree Nugent, and all members of the Executive, for their generous support of this outstanding event.
CaSSSA Athletics
Our athletes are excitedly preparing for the culmination of the athletics season when our talented squad competes in the Catholic Secondary Schoolgirls’ Sports Association (CaSSSA) Cup Interschool Carnival on Monday 18 August.
All Hallows’ competitors will be rousingly cheered on by our Year 7 students and Spirit Squad and if past Carnivals are any indication, I expect there may be a few hoarse voices the following day!
We thank our committed parents and caregivers for their support of our students’ athletic pursuits, and all our dedicated Athletics coaches, sports staff and Parent Support Groups for their hard work preparing our students for this Carnival which is always an exciting day, and a great demonstration of our school spirit.
Year 12 Journey to Graduation
This week our amazing Class of 2025 came together to celebrate the countdown to graduation, enjoying a beautiful sunrise over the Story Bridge and sharing a BBQ breakfast — thanks to our wonderful parent volunteers.
The “100 days to go” celebration is a meaningful and much-loved tradition, offering students a special opportunity to reflect on their AHS journeys and the exciting road ahead.
A heartfelt thank you to our Head of Years 11 and 12, Ms Havers, for organising the event and for her support and guidance throughout our students’ senior years.
Year 5 Camp
Meanwhile, our youngest AHSisters are enjoying what for some is the highlight of the year, the Year 5 Camp! This year’s venue is Luther Heights Youth Camp at Coolum. The students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities focused on teamwork, collaboration, and communication.
A special thank you to Ms Kate Harvey, Acting Head of Primary, and our dedicated Year 5 teachers who will be accompanying our students. This enriching and enjoyable event is an important part of our Student Formation program, and we appreciate the generous commitment of our staff to supporting our students’ learning and opportunities for growth.
Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
On Friday we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia's first saint and a beloved patron of our Archdiocese. In 1869, Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of Saint Joseph arrived in Brisbane, spending their first two weeks at the All Hallows’ Convent. Her legacy of faith, service, and compassion continues to inspire us and I share this prayer with you for the coming week:
God, through the intercession of Mary MacKillop,
we pray that the fire of your compassion will ignite many hearts.
May Mary’s attentiveness to your dream inspire us.
May her energy to overcome injustice empower us.
May we, like her, make manifest your Presence in our troubled world.
We pray that the beacon of her holiness shine as a blessing for the universal Church and our world.
We make this prayer in Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Adapted from St Mary of the Cross Litany: Monica Brown
Blessings to you and your family.
Ms. Carolyn Liddy (Deputy Principal)
