Newsletter

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This week I have had the privilege of attending the 2025 National Catholic Education Conference in Cairns, where leaders from across the nation gathered to reflect on the mission, challenges, and opportunities of Catholic education in Australia. 

Guided by the National Catholic Education Commission’s strategic priorities of Faith, Excellence, and Access, the conference explored themes such as strengthening Catholic identity, fostering student and staff wellbeing, enhancing teaching and learning, and advocating for equity in access to Catholic education. 

A particular highlight was the keynote address by Professor Dylan Wiliam, who spoke about the importance of responsive and engaging education for all students. His insights, along with many others shared during the conference, provide both inspiration and practical strategies that will enrich our work at All Hallows’. My participation in this important national event ensures that our school remains connected to the wider Catholic education landscape, drawing on national research, innovation, and leadership to strengthen our own community.

2026 School Captains

As we enter the second half of this term, there is so much to celebrate, and I am delighted to announce that Eva Parisi and Sabine Thannhauser have been selected as our 2026 School Captains.

I was so impressed by the confidence, compassion and commitment to servant leadership demonstrated by all of our shortlisted candidates in the School Captain interview process last week, and I warmly congratulate Sabine and Eva on their appointments.

Throughout our extensive Year 11 leadership development program, it has been clear that our Class of 2026 is ready to follow in the leadership footsteps of our current seniors, who continue to bring great spirit and enthusiasm to so many aspects of school life.

We pray for God’s blessings on Sabine, Eva and our entire Class of 2026 as they commence their leadership journey in Week 3 of Term 4.

Queensland Catholic Schools & Colleges Music Festival

Last weekend, our talented performing arts ensembles participated in the Queensland Catholic Schools & Colleges Music Festival (QCMF), the largest festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. This three-day event is a true celebration of music and community, and it continues to be the highlight of our annual Culture Department calendar.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms Neil, Head of Culture, and our ensemble leaders for their countless hours of rehearsal in preparing our students. We also thank the staff, parents, and caregivers who supported our musicians throughout the festival.

Congratulations to our students for the talent, joy and dedication they brought to their performances across the weekend.

(Abby Smith Y12 MC3)

On Tuesday, the 29th of July, eight students attended an Eco Justice Forum focused on sustainability and the urgent issue of fast fashion. The forum provided valuable insights into the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry, emphasising how our clothing choices affect the planet and people. One shocking statistic shared was that Australia is the worst country in the world for discarding clothes after minimal wear — an incredible 600,000 tonnes of textiles are thrown away each year, many of which could be reused or recycled. This highlights the urgent need for change in how we consume and dispose of clothing.

During the afternoon, students participated in workshops that explored the true cost of fast fashion, including the heavy use of water, pollution, and the exploitation of workers in poorly regulated factories. The forum encouraged attendees to think critically about their own shopping habits and the lifecycle of the clothes they wear.

A highlight of the event was the fast fashion swap, where students brought unwanted clothing to exchange with others. This fun and practical activity showed how giving clothes a second life can reduce waste and lessen the environmental burden of the fashion industry.

Students were also encouraged to bring back information and ideas to share with their school community, promoting awareness and inspiring others to make more sustainable choices. The forum was a powerful reminder that small individual actions, like repairing clothes or choosing second-hand options, can contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

This term we are partnering with CommonKind to help provide families, in particular, babies, with warm blankets. In the words of CommonKind, "Help us knit a kinder world, one square at a time!"

CommonKind's Child Advocacy Group want our help to make something warm and wonderful for Aussie babies in need! Together, we’re creating handmade baby blankets for Baby Give Back .

Students are encouraged to join the CommonKind community knitting project to create soft, colourful 10cm x 10cm squares. These will be stitched together into cosy baby blankets for families doing it tough. Every square knitted counts as 1 hour of Mercy Action service! While we are happy to accept squares knitted by others, please only verify squares knitted by the students themselves to receive Mercy Action hours.

What you’ll need:

• 4mm knitting needles
• 8 ply yarn (any colour, wool or acrylic)
• Scissors

How to:

• You are aiming to create a square of 10cm x 10cm.
• This is about 20 stitches wide in knit stitch also known as Garter stitch – the most basic knitting stitch

1. Gather your supplies – 2 knitting needles, 8 ply yarn and scissors
2. Cast on 20 stitches
   • Note: this will not look like it is 10cm wide at this stage! Don’t fear – it will spread to 10cm when you start knitting rows
   • How to cast on video
3. Knit
   • 20 stitches of knit stitch/garter stitch wide – this will be approximately 10cm
   • Knit rows until your square is 10cm long
   • How to knit video
4. Cast off
   • How to cast off video
5. Admire your work!
6. Bonus! If you would like to add a label.
   • Please print this page (ideally on thicker paper or card) and write your FIRST NAME only. You may write your age but, to protect your privacy, please do NOT write your last name.
     • e.g. where it says “Hand-knitted with heart by:” you might write Jane, age 8
   • Feel free to colour it in or add a drawing on the reverse side.

Important Information:

To have the hours contribute towards your Mercy Action tally you must:

• Knit the squares yourself
• Ask a parent to sign a piece of paper to verify that you did the knitting
• Place the squares and the signed message from your parent into a ziplock bag and take it to Student Services. They will pass it on to Mrs Easton.
• Squares must be submitted by Tuesday, 7 October.
   

The Eco-Justice Group has been enthusiastically planning some exciting projects for the rest of this year to stimulate discussion about how we can collectively work to ignite hope for our planet's future. We need help with the following:

Eco-Justice Rummage Sale: 

We will be holding a Rummage Sale to give a second chance to clothing that you no longer want.  Please bring your good-t-wear clothing to your Head of House office in Week 1 of Term 4 ready for the sales in Week 3.

10,000 for 10 Campaign: 

We are running a planting initiative in support of CRA's 10,000 for 10 Campaign, which is designed to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si'. Students are asked to take a photo of themselves planting a tree, shrub or pot plant and submit it to be used in a school social media celebration of our contribution to environmental justice. The campaign will run from 1 September to 1 October as part of the Season of Creation.

Containers for Change Challenge: 

We will have a house competition in Week 3 of Term 4 to see which house can dispose of their recyclable containers correctly.

Keep watch for further information about these initiatives.

In response to this year's school theme, Ignite Hope with Compassionate Hearts, staff enjoyed some of the experiences offered to our students through the Mercy Action program, as part of the annual Staff Retreat. The philosophy behind the day's offering was provided in a keynote address by Br Damien Price, who spoke about how we can each create Mercy Moments through our genuine encounter with others.

This was then all put into action for an extended middle session where staff chose from a range of activities designed to build empathy, foster compassion, and bring hope to so many. 

Staff worked with UnOther to explore some of the challenges experienced by people with disabilities. Others visited the Mu'ooz Eritrean Restaurant in West End to hear about the refugee experience from Queensland Local Hero, Saba Abraham AOM. Some packed birthing kits for women in remote communities to assist them to give birth safely, and others sewed cuddle hearts for the NICU at the Mater Hospital. Other activities replicated the many Mercy Action activities offered to students regularly.

At the end of the day, Br Damien facilitated a powerful liturgy and reflection where staff shared their experiences and their learnings from the day's activities. The liturgy concluded with the singing of the upbeat hymn, "Go Make a Difference," because that's the power of walking with people in their pain and their complexities - empathy inspires us to want to make a difference and bring hope to others.

Wednesday 27 August

Tighe House Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel at 8:00am.
The Mass will focus on the theme “Unity and Empowerment in Christ”.

All are welcome.

Please note there is no onsite parking.

Wednesday 3 September

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

The prayer will be led by Mr. Eastgate's Year 12 RML class. The theme is "Season of Creation", inspired by the Season of Creation 2025 theme: Peace with Creation – Isaiah 32:14-18.

All are welcome.

Please note there is no onsite parking.

Click here to purchase tickets.

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.

Year 5 camp was an unforgettable experience full of fun, friendship, challenge and laughter. Over three days at Luther Heights Coolum, we had the opportunity to try new things, explore the outdoors, and spend time with classmates in exciting and meaningful ways. 

In our activity groups, we rotated through so many great experiences – raft building, flying fox, slingshot making, rogaining, beach games, scavenger hunts, catapult building, Shape Shifter and Koala Climb. Each activity brought something different – whether it was a physical challenge, a team-building task, or just a chance to have a great time together. 

One of the most important things we focused on during camp was challenge by choice. Everyone was encouraged to give things a go and step outside their comfort zone – but only when they felt ready. Whether it was climbing higher than we thought we could, building a raft with our team, or trying something new for the first time, it was clear that everyone was brave in their own way. 

The Flying Fox (zipline) ended up being one of the most popular activities for many students. It was the perfect mix of adrenaline and fun! Some ran and jumped off the platform, while others slid off more slowly, even trying fun moves like spinning, going backwards, or doing a free fall. Students pushed themselves, supported one another, and took great pride in their accomplishments. It was a great example of how trying something new can lead to big smiles and even bigger confidence. 

The beach games were a definite favourite for many. We played Red Rover, built sandcastles, and had heaps of fun with Drip Drip Drop – a beach version of Duck Duck Goose with a splashy twist! There was laughter, teamwork, and plenty of people getting wet (on purpose!). 

Raft building was another standout activity. It took real teamwork to strap the barrels and poles together – and just lifting and moving them into the water was a challenge. Once we launched, some rafts floated perfectly, and others needed a quick fix, but it didn’t matter – we were all in it together, helping one another and laughing through it all. 

The Koala Climb and Shape Shifter activities helped many of us face our fears. Even just putting on the harness and stepping up was a big moment for some. The people on the ground, called the “donkeys,” kept climbers safe and shouted out encouragement, showing that support doesn’t just come from the top – it’s all around you.

One of the highlights was rogaining, where we explored the campsite using a map to find hidden clues. We worked together to navigate, locate the checkpoints and write down the answers. It was a great way to explore the campgrounds and build our map-reading skills at the same time! 

After every activity, we finished with shout-outs – a special moment to recognise each other’s efforts, teamwork, courage, and kindness. These shout-outs were such a highlight. It was so good to see how much we encouraged and supported each other. Hearing people cheer for their friends, celebrate someone’s effort, or thank someone for helping out reminded us just how caring and positive our Year 5 group is. 

We also loved spending time in our cabins. This was where new friendships were formed and memories were made – from chatting in our bunks to playing games and sharing lots of laughs. Some of us met new people and discovered how fun it was to connect with classmates we didn’t usually spend much time with. There may have even been a few people who snored during the night... but we won’t name names! 

And the food… wow! From the delicious chicken burgers at lunch to the pancakes at breakfast, every meal was a hit. We were always well-fed and ready for the next big adventure. 

On the final day, some of the groups wrapped up camp with an epic dance session. We learnt the Nutbush and Macarena and had a high-energy dance battle! Everyone joined in, showed off their moves, and had a fantastic time dancing and celebrating the end of a wonderful few days together. 

Camp gave us more than just activities. It gave us a chance to grow, to connect, and to shine. We returned home with big smiles, full hearts, and a stronger sense of who we are – as individuals and as a Year 5 team. 

On Tuesday Week 6, Charlotte Newman (Y6 MC), Jasmine Lemcke (Y6 TI), Eleanor Hanly (Y5 TI) and Juliette Ross (Y5 AD) participated in the Bright Sparks Maths Competition at Marist College. 

They tackled five engaging sections: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability, Logical Thinking, and a hands-on STEM challenge. 

For the STEM task, students were challenged to build a roller coaster using cardboard tubes, straws, masking tape, and paper plates—a definite crowd favourite! The students stretched their minds (and the tape!) as they collaborated creatively. 

They also enjoyed socialising with peers from other schools during breaks and had a fantastic time overall.

Something I struggle with, is doing something I am terrible at...

I mean, I will literally revert to my three-year-old self and kick a chair or yell at the closest person when I can’t do something perfectly straight away, I become easily triggered and get angrier the more anyone tries to help me. I know the mature thing to do is persevere and keep going, but sometimes when you’re having a bad day or are tired, there really isn’t much you can do in the moment. 

So, I thought I’d share with you a few things that help get me through the days where I’m angry, have no right to be, and don’t want to fix my problems (just yet!): 

• Listen to “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” by Role Model and pretend I am Sally 
• Make cookies, eat half the batter and then feel so ill that I cannot eat a baked cookie (but still do)  
• Adele   
• Watch a really bad (really good) rom-com 
• Re-read the favourite parts of my favourite books 
• Send a message to the person you made upset and say you are sorry 

Now yes, I understand some of you do not get as quick to anger as me. Still, I feel like following this list or making a list of your own about little things you can do when your day is not going as well as you had hoped is so important, because it is in these tough moments that we lose sight of what makes us happy and need to remind ourselves of the things that bring us joy. 

Love Bella xx

Song choice of the week – Make You Feel My Love (Adele) 🥹

Katherine Dunn & Isabella Ikin (School Captains)

We would like to extend an invitation to our AHS Student and Significant Adult Book Club event in Week 7 (next week) at the All Hallows’ School Potter Library. 

Students in Years 5 to 7 and their significant adult (parent/caregiver, grandparent) are welcome to attend this event, where we will be discussing the book ‘The Girl and the Ghost’ by Jacqueline Harvey.

Date: Wednesday 27 August
Time: 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Venue: AHS Potter Library
RSVP: by Monday 25 August

Please RSVP by signing up to this extra-curricular activity through the TASS Parent Lounge.

Instructions to RSVP via TASS

An email confirming your registration for this event will be sent within a few days.

You are also very welcome to email the Library (Library@ahs.qld.edu.au) if you have any questions about this event.

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

The Careers office is located in Potter Library, Level 3.

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

The 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 career news and the latest career information 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 #7:
Announcements: P8
Apprenticeships & Traineeships: P8
ADF: P12
Careers Exploration: P13
Competitions: P16
Disabilities: P16
Employment, Job and Labour Market: P18
Financial Assistance & Scholarships: P21
First Nations People: P26
Gap Year Program News: P24
Interstate and International: P27
Open Days, Expo’s and Career Markets: P31
Private Provider Updates: P41
QTAC, Key Dates & Tertiary Entry: P43
QCAA: P48
Study Skills and Wellbeing: P49
TAFE & Universities and Early Offers: P51
QLD Universities: P42
Upcoming Events: P62

QTAC Student Information Night
QTAC is hosting a free online information session on Wednesday, 17 September 6 pm - 7 pm, for those wanting to study in 2026. This session provides hot tips on a Successful QTAC Application. Click here for more information and to register.

ATAR Portal sign-up V QTAC Application sign-up
ATAR Portal sign-up and the QTAC Application sign-up are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT sign-ups!

ATAR Eligible
You MUST sign-up through the QTAC ATAR Portal. 
By signing up, you are permitting QTAC to share your ATAR with interstate admission centres. ATAR Portal sign-up is free.

QTAC Applications
You must create an account with QTAC in order to apply for courses starting in 2026.
Early Bird sign-up will cost $70 which closes on 30 September 2025.
Paying with a Debit card? - pay before 25 September to be sure that QTAC receives your payment before 30 September.
Application fee from 1 October 2025 is $150.
You have 3 free change sessions included in your application fee. Every change session after that will cost $70.

EducationUSA Webinar Information Session
Tuesday, August 26, 6:45 PM- 8:15 PM AEST
Do your students aim to study at an American university or become student-athletes? Are they curious about the U.S. application process? Click here to register.

Students: Brown, Columbia, Penn and Princeton Information Session
Wednesday September 3, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM AEST
Admissions representatives from the above four Ivy League schools will hold a joint virtual session for students and families about their respective universities and the highly selective college admissions process. Topics will include: academic programs, campus activities, student life, admissions policies, and financial aid. Click here to register for the Student Ivy League Session.

Applications - Fixed Closing Dates

School Leavers Information Kit
Year 12, as you make your next move, the School Leavers Information Kit (SLIK) can help you find out about the education, training and employment options available to you. Click here to find information.

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

Congratulations to everyone involved in the Queensland Catholic Schools’ and Colleges’ Music (QCMF). The 2025 Queensland Catholic Schools & Colleges' Music Festival was the 34th annual edition of the event.

The Queensland Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival (QCMF) is the premier event on Queensland’s Catholic Schools and Colleges annual music calendar and is proudly hosted by Villanova College (Coorparoo).

QCMF showcases the very best in music education, covering a diverse range of genres within the classical and contemporary styles. Villanova College hosts QCMF every year, which is the largest music festival in the Southern Hemisphere for Catholic Schools & Colleges.

QCMF attracts more than 20,000 people annually. Its success is a testament to the selfless dedication of the festival's more than 500 volunteers, innovative management and planning teams and the generosity of its sponsors.

Over 130 Qld Catholic schools participated in performances scheduled from Thursday, August 14, through to Sunday, August 17, this year.

The adjudicators for each section have the task of providing constructive feedback, and awarding every ensemble either a gold, silver or bronze standard based on a set of published criteria.   

AHS entered six choirs, five string ensembles, three concert bands, two jazz ensembles, four percussion ensembles, two guitar ensembles, two brass ensembles, three flute and three clarinet ensembles and the Year 5 strings, Year 5 concert band and Year 5 percussion ensemble. AHS was awarded and outstanding 31 Gold Awards and 2 Silver awards. 

A number of students were also received an award for individual excellence:

Matilda Vella Y8 CO3 (Bass Clarinet - Clarinet Ensemble 1)
Ellen Bassingthwaighte Y10 AD7 (Bass Clarinet - Clarinet Ensemble 1)
Matilda Summers Y6 CO (Bass Clarinet - Clarinet Ensemble 3)
Matilda Vella Y8 CO3 (Clarinet - Clarinet Ensemble 2)
Kelly Tedjosurya Y8 AD3 (Bass Clarinet - Clarinet Ensemble 2)
Macy Tyson Y11 CO4 (Alto Flute - Flute Ensemble 1)
Natalie Wong Y10 AD7 (Bass Flute - Flute Ensemble 1)
Ruth Beckmann Y9 AD3 (Trumpet - Wind Ensemble)
Rachel Espino Y12 ME7 (Vocals - Jazz Ensemble 1)
Sara Tufui Y11 MC5 (Bass Guitar - Guitar Ensemble 1)
Caitlin Nolan Y11 MC8 (Drum kit – Percussion Ensemble 1) 

Thanks to the All Hallows’ ensemble directors, students, families, Performing Arts Admin and in particular, the QCMF team at Villanova, for their contribution to a successful music festival again this year. 

The annual Celebration of Dance performances will take place on Thursday, 28 August and Friday, 29 August 2025 in Claver Theatre. 

The event is a celebration of the depth of talent and artistry within the All Hallows’ Curriculum Dance and the Co-Curricular Dance Ensemble programs. 

There are three performances this year.

• Thursday 28 August 6.00 PM
• Friday 29 August 4.00 PM
• Friday 29 August 6.30 PM

Tickets for the Celebration of Dance can be purchased via the links below. Cost is $10 per person, and all proceeds will go towards the Whole School Project. 

Please limit the purchase of tickets to 4 per family so that everyone has an opportunity to attend. 

Celebration of Dance – Thursday 28 August 2025, 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Celebration of Dance – Friday 29 August 2025, 4:00PM - 5:30PM

Celebration of Dance – Friday 29 August 2025, 6:30PM - 8:00PM

Ms Sue Pearn (Theatresports Coordinator)

The semi-finals are now concluded with all teams playing exceptionally well amidst very even and very talented competitions.  We are so excited to see both senior teams, Ham Sandwich and Saved By the Bell progress to the Grand Final on Sunday 12 October at La Boites’s RoundHouse Theatre at Kelvin Grove. 

Before then, though, all of our students who have trained this year will have an opportunity to perform in front of a supportive audience on Thursday, 18 September, in Claver Theatre at 6pm for our annual Showcase evening; this will conclude general training for the year. 

Parents and friends are welcome to attend this evening from 6pm – 7:30pm.

Click here to purchase tickets.

St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace is excited to announce auditions for their 2026 Senior Production, Jersey Boys: School Edition! 

Click here for more information.

Chloe D’Hage & Ruby Strutton (Athletics Captains)

Congratulations to our 2025 Athletics Team who competed at the CaSSSA Cup on Monday the 18th of August. Congratulations to Bianca Taylor Y5 MC (1500m, Long Jump, 800m) Gigi Wright Y5 AD (Long Jump), Isabelle Dudley Y6 MC (100m) and Madeline Wowor Y6 LO (1500m)  for breaking and setting new CaSSSA records on the day! All Hallows’ School finished the day taking out 3rd place in the Cup! 

Special mention to our Year 5, Year 6 and 14 Years age groups who finished the day in 1st place! Congratulations again to our 2025 Athletics Team! 

Zoe Welshe (Basketball Captain)

This week, AHS took part in the Basketball CBSQ Primary 3x3 competition, with a team of Year 5 & 6 students who competed across two action-packed days. 

The team made an incredible start, winning all five of their games on day 1 to finish undefeated and claim the top spot in their pool. 

Carrying this momentum into the finals, the team continued to play with confidence and heart, earning themselves a place on the podium with a hard-fought Bronze Medal. This is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the commitment and effort shown by all players involved.  

Congratulations to our primary athletes—we are extremely proud of the way you represented AHS both on and off the court! 

Danielle Watt & Gabby Ryan (Rowing Captains)

Our AHS rowers have had a fantastic 2025 season so far, with pre-season completed last term and racing season kicking off at the start of term 3, we are now just two weeks out from the Head of the River.

Across the BSRA program, All Hallows’ crews have been performing strongly, with great results across all age groups. We are currently leading the Aggregate Cup standings – a reflection of the collective efforts of every crew – and the outlook is very promising as we move towards the end of the season.

This year, our shed theme ‘All In All Hallows’ has guided our approach both on and off the water, representing two key ideas: Firstly, putting your all in – giving 100% effort in training and racing, and putting in that extra 1% effort for yourself and your teammates. Secondly, we are all in it together – recognising that every stroke, every effort, and every crew contributed to our overall shared goal of taking back our trophy of the Aggregate Cup.

We have been proud to see this theme come to life throughout the season, with every girl putting her all into training and racing.

As we head into the final stretch the excitement for Head of the River is growing. Over the past few weeks, we have been “baking the cake”, adding ingredients through hard work and preparation at each regatta. Next weekend will be our dress rehearsal, where we will put the cake in the oven, before unveiling it at Head of the River.

The dedication, unity, and spirit of our crews have been outstanding, and we can’t wait to showcase our skills on the 30th of August.

Isla Dennell & Sophie Tew (Volleyball Co-Captains)

Well done to all our players on an outstanding weekend at the Queensland Schools Volleyball Competition held on the Gold Coast!

Our Year 12 team finished 7th in Division One, demonstrating significant improvement thanks to their coaches' dedication and the player's hard work at training.

A massive congratulations to the Year 11 team who earned a well-deserved Bronze Medal. This is an incredible achievement that highlighted their skill and determination throughout the tournament.

Both teams gave their best on the court against some of the state's top schools. The training leading up to the competition really paid off, with noticeable growth in skills and confidence across both teams.

A big thank you to AHS coaches Will Boyce, Tom Boxall & Halle Sheppard for their guidance, support, and commitment throughout the season. Their efforts were crucial in helping the teams perform at their best. We look forward to building on this success in future competitions! 

On Tuesday evening over 180 people – students, staff, parents, past pupils, family, friends (and friends of friends) joined us for Sisters in Communication, the 6th event in the Past Pupils’ Association’s Sisters in…Series which focusses on career pathways, networking and mentoring. 

Featuring an amazing panel of past pupils at various stages of their career journeys in PR, media, journalism, TV, print, podcasting, strategy and all things communication, Sisters in Communication was an extraordinary example of the AHSisterhood at its best – amazing, empowering, supportive women who shared a foundational value system 

Inspiring, articulate, resourceful and adaptable – our past pupil panellists generously shared stories, anecdotes and wisdoms from their life journeys. Their advice to the students and young people in the room to be brave, be inquisitive, be authentic and open to change and opportunity was pragmatic, positive and reassuring.

A feature of the evening was a special Centenary celebration address by trailblazing broadcaster, politician and writer, Maxine McKew AM (Class of 1970) who took us lovingly and often humorously down memory lane to her All Hallows’ of the 60’s and 70’s, and projected us forward to the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

Thank you to Maxine, and to panellists Catherine Donovan (Class of 1996, Emmaline Carroll Southwell (Class of 2000), Bronte Gildea (Class of 2015), Sasha Kratzmann (Class of 2021) Erinn Swan (Class of 2001), Sarah Wills (Class of 1997) and our gracious and accomplished moderator, Sarah Greenhalgh (Class of 2007) 

Registrations and ticketing now open for our final Centenary celebration event!

This is the one day of the year when we throw open those iconic green gates for past pupils of all ages and life stages to reunite and reminisce on campus. 

Reunion Day is for all past pupils – and we cordially invite all members of our past pupil community, including those from the ‘milestone’ Classes of 2015, 2005, 1995, 1985, 1975, 1965, 1955, to join us for this special opportunity to re-connect, remember and celebrate the AHSisterhood, especially as the fabulous 100th anniversary year of the Past Pupils' Association draws to a close.

Annual Past Pupils’ Memorial Mass at 9.30am

Morning Tea at 11.15

In addition to a beautiful 100th Anniversary inspired Mass and Morning Tea, there will be opportunities for official group, family and friendship group photographs, self-guided campus tours, and to visit the new Heritage Centre and to purchase Past Pupils’ merchandise. 

Registration and ticket sales: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/...

Don’t miss this opportunity to add your name to the  Patchwork of Sisterhood quilt — a bespoke legacy piece celebrating the Centenary of the Past Pupils’ Association. 

This unique ‘artwork’ will be gifted to the School and permanently displayed on campus. The quilt, featuring a bookshelf inspired theme, will be custom created by award winning artisans from hundreds of hand embroidered book spines personalised with the name and graduation year of past pupils.

Past pupils who graduated between 1925 and 2025 are invited to purchase a patch here – Patchwork of Sisterhood: Buy Your Book Spine and become part of this enduring tribute. Patch sales will close September 30 unless sold out sooner, so we encourage you to get in early!